#the title means puppet man

[vintageurovision]

Dukkemann, Kirsti Sparboe | Norway, Eurovision Song Contest Grand Prix de la Chanson 1967

[adverbally]

Wind Up Like the Wreck You Hide

Written for the @steddieangstyaugust prompt “Angst With a Happy Ending” | wc: 1,096 | rated: T | cw: hospital, heart attack, parental illness | tags: hurt/comfort, taking care of each other | title from “I’m Still Standing “ by Elton John

———

Eddie runs into the emergency room and directly into Steve’s arms. He can’t catch his breath, having hyperventilated the whole drive back to Hawkins and sprinted from the parking lot, but he’s able to gasp out, “Wayne-?”

“He’s okay,” Steve reassures him, rubbing his hands up and down Eddie’s arms. “He’s gonna be okay, they’re just gonna keep him overnight for observation.”

“He’s okay?” Eddie parrots. What does that mean? The words haven’t sunk in yet. Eddie was in Indianapolis getting ready for tonight’s show when Steve had called him from this very waiting room to explain that Wayne had a heart attack and Eddie needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Two hours later, he’s just… okay?

Steve shifts his grip to Eddie’s shoulders. “He’s okay. We got here fast and they took great care of him. He’s asleep upstairs right now.”

Eddie feels faint with the relief that sweeps through him. Though, as his knees go weak and he stumbles into Steve, it occurs to him that it’s probably just his adrenaline crashing.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Steve catches him under his arms and drags him upright again. “Let’s go sit down while I catch you up.”

Eddie doesn’t know what he needs to know other than ‘Wayne had a heart attack and it didn’t kill him,’ but he lets Steve steer him toward a bank of plastic chairs in the corner. He falls into a seat like a puppet whose strings have been cut.

Steve, angel that he is, pulls a notebook out of his pocket and begins telling Eddie what Wayne’s doctors had said. He had carefully written down phrases that he knew he wouldn’t remember once Eddie got there. Atherosclerosis. Nitroglycerin. Percutaneous coronary intervention. Angioplasty with stent. All the information Eddie would need about his uncle’s care, noted and defined in Steve’s neat handwriting. There are some items with question marks beside them, things that they might need to ask the doctors about.

Eddie’s eyes begin to water. Steve didn’t just do this for him, he did it out of love and concern for Wayne. He spent two hours gathering information and taking notes so he could understand what happened and figure out how to help. The notes on aspirin, the crude diagram of a blocked artery, the bullet point at the bottom of the page that says ‘diet?? medication??’ are all so Steve can take better care of Wayne.

Steve grips Eddie’s hand when he hears his sharp intake of breath. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but it’ll make more sense once we go upstairs and talk to Wayne’s doctor.” His tone is low and soothing.

“Thanks. I’m glad you were here to look out for him.”

“Yeah, of course.” He looks a little embarrassed by Eddie’s gratitude, like it’s a given that anyone would do the same thing. “He’s important to you, so he’s important to me. But he’s also a good man. A good dad,” he adds tentatively.

Eddie barks out a laugh. “You should call him that to his face, he would love it. Finally, a son who will watch sports with him and properly sort the laundry!”

“I don’t expect you to get it since ninety-nine percent of your wardrobe is black, but separating whites and colors really makes a difference!” Steve argues, blushing at Eddie’s teasing.

Eddie squeezes his hand. “Seriously, Wayne loves you. He calls you his son-in-law when he talks about you with his poker buddies. He brags about how all the kids at school love you and you’re the best second grade teacher in the state. Hell, I think he spends more time with you than he does with me.”

“He really does all that?” Steve asks quietly, like a wish that won’t come true if you say it out loud. When Eddie nods, Steve frowns, his lower lip quivering slightly, and looks down at the scuffed linoleum floor. “I didn’t know.”

Oh, shit. Eddie didn’t even think to ask how Steve was doing through all of this. He had called 911 and ridden in the ambulance with Wayne, had almost certainly paced around the nurses’ station waiting for news. Then, instead of going with Wayne, he stayed downstairs until Eddie got there so he could update him about Wayne’s condition as soon as humanly possible.

It was just like Steve to focus on taking care of everyone else, so natural that Eddie didn’t even think twice about accepting Steve’s comfort while offering nothing in return. And now that the immediate crisis is over, now that Steve has had a chance to breathe and start processing, Eddie thinks Steve might be on the verge of a meltdown.

Wordlessly, Eddie loops an arm under one of Steve’s and tugs him to his feet, herding him in the direction of the single-stall bathroom around the corner. By the time they’re inside, Steve’s whole body is shaking; by the time Eddie flips the lock on the door, fat tears are rolling down his cheeks.

“Sorry, I don’t know why…” Steve gestures at his face a little helplessly.

Eddie still doesn’t say anything, just pulls Steve into a tight embrace. His shirt grows damp where Steve has buried his face in his shoulder, and he feels Steve’s back shudder as he tries to stifle his sobs.

“I was really scared,” he confesses between gasps. “I just kept thinking how horrible it would be if I had to tell you—“

“It’s okay, baby,” Eddie murmurs into his hair. “You did great, he’s okay.”

Steve sniffles loudly. “I know, I’m just being stupid.”

“It’s not stupid.” It comes out more forcefully than Eddie had planned. He hates when Steve does that, puts himself down and invalidates his feelings. “That was a medical emergency. Just because it turned out fine doesn’t mean it wasn’t stressful.”

“I guess.” Steve pulls away long enough to grab a paper towel so he can mop up his face. He goes easily when Eddie guides him into another hug.

Swaying them both gently, he tells Steve, “You know, you don’t always have to put on a brave face. Let me take care of you once in a while.”

“I know,” Steve croaks. “I’m working on it.”

They stand there for another minute, both drawing strength from the other’s presence, before Steve clears his throat and releases Eddie. “I think I’m good. We should go upstairs now, Wayne’ll want to see you.”

“He’ll want to see you, too,” Eddie reminds him.

Steve’s smile is small but radiant. “Okay, let’s go.”

[sh1-n0bu]

𝔫𝔬𝔟𝔲’𝔰 𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔨𝔱𝔬𝔟𝔢𝔯 𝔬𝔣 2023!

day 11: hate/angry sex with scaramouche from genshin impact

warnings: rough sex, degrading, choking, cockstepping, cock-strap traditions, bondage, hair pulling, belly bulging

notes: i mean scaramouche guys not wanderer!!!! scaramouche when he was a fatui harbinger!!!!

“f-fuck! you think… you can just appear out of nowhere so suddenly — guhhg! and take the seat of the eighth?” the short puppet tries to muffle his groans and whines, bucking his hips up into your feet the more you step down on his crotch.

how did it get here again? right. scaramouche and his mouth running all over the place, saying how you were a nobody who appeared out of nowhere and took the seat of the eighth harbinger with nothing to prove. at first, you just ignored him. he was known to be crude and loves to run his mouth all over the place after all. but over time, the constant jabs and threats to your title became a little bit too annoying.

which lead to here. his hands tied up behind his back, kneeling in front of you on the rug covered floor of your office as you step on his tiny cock all the while reading some work papers like it was nothing. of course, someone must teach the puppet some manners, yes?

paying no mind to his hissing and venom covered words, you only continue to keep your foot in place on his crotch. how much time had passed by now? who knows.

you were just skimming through some much needed paperwork while using the sixth’s cock as a makeshift footrest. he had already came in his shorts already and the sheer embarrassment of coming untouched was eating scaramouche up inside.

after finishing up the stacks of documents in your hand, you finally decided to pay some attention to the poor whining thing kneeling before you. cheeks flushed red, slight drool slipping down his chin mixed with his own blood as he bites down on his lip. there was a cute growing stain in his dark shorts.

what an amusing sight. perhaps this newfound pet of yours could be given a reward.

reaching a hand down, you pat his head gently. that snapped him out of his momentary daze as he looks up at you, confused yet also slightly relieved. but his relief doesn’t last long when your hand fists at his purple hair, pulling him up before bending him over your desk. this new position had balladeer’s mind reeling with all sorts of imaginations.

he had always wanted you to just bend him over your desk, taking him in any way or form you desired as he cries in your hands about how big you were. or how you were fucking him so good. or how your assistant could hear you two. call it whatever you will, but balladeer wasn’t as sharp and strong as his tongue.

he wanted to be used by you. and this new position you thrown him into was making him reel with excitement.

“such dirty mouth you have, balladeer. no one ever taught you a lesson, huh? but that’s okay. i’ll be sure to teach you a good lesson, you filthy slut” you hiss in a low voice, making quick work of his shorts as the fabrics pool down to his ankles. the warmth of the fireplace providing heat into the office still doesn’t stop the short man from shivering. excitement? probably. but also mixed with a hint of eagerness and enthusiasm as his hips twitch back to you.

“h-hah?! what did you just call me? i’m your superior, eighth. you’re nothing but just a replacement. if anyone should be taught a lesson, it’s you!” scaramouche yells, trying to keep up the facade of the ever-angry harbinger lord. yet the slight quiver in his voice sways from his words.

he was excited. more so when he hears your belt unbuckle and pants unzip as the wet sounds of lube follows. he could feel your hand spreading his asscheeks apart before your tip presses against his puckering hole. fuck, just put it in already. he even prepped himself for you just so he can be used, so hurry it up!

almost as if sensing his inner thoughts, you let out a chuckle. his hope was already prepped as the remains of the lube he used still glistening around his pink rim.

“such a filthy slut” with that, you bottom out inside him in one thrust, making scaramouche choke on his scream of pleasure.

ah, you felt so good inside him! so big and girthy, mushroom tip kissing his stomach and causing a belly bulge in his tiny form. you easily grazed against his prostate and he was so sure that you were fucking him full of your fat cock, rearranging his insides. you felt even better than those stupid small toys he used!

wasting no time and giving him no moment to collect himself, your hand sneaks up behind him, wrapping around his slim throat. putting just enough pressure to remind him of his place to the sides of his neck, you start to move your hips. the wet sounds of skin slapping against skin and scaramouche’s choked up whines and punched out shrill moans fill up the confined space of your office.

briefly, when pulling him up and making him arch his back against your chest, you could see a cute bulge appear and disappear into his stomach. a result of the size of your strap. just seeing that was enough to make you proud. you were fucking his stomach and he loved that feeling.

“you love that? you love having me inside you, balladeer? look down here. my cock is fucking your tummy” you hum softly to his ear, free hand tapping a finger against his smooth skin. just as he was told, scaramouche looks down to where your finger was tapping.

oh archons, have mercy. just as you said, there was a bulge in his stomach. appearing and disappearing whenever your hips would pull back before meeting his own again and again. seeing that, the small puppet lets out a weak mewl as he comes all over your desk, leaving his thighs shaking.

seeing that some of your work papers got dirtied, you tighten your hold around his slim neck, making the puppet whine deliriously as he drools.

“no good. can’t have my slut dirtying my papers. but it’s okay. i’ll make sure to discipline you well until you learn to ask me for permission before you cum” all scaramouche could do was nod over and over. feeling the familiar feeling of orgasm tightening in his core again.

you would have to teach him well.

[coff33notforme]

Fluff headcannons for Wally

A/n: I didn't know what to title this but I wanted to write more for the muppet man and I haven't gotten anymore requests for him so I just made some silly hc's let me know if you guys want more, because I'm kinda obsessed this series right now

Pairing: Wally Darling and Gn Reader (Romantic, fluff)

First things first, Wally is absolutely obsessed with you, in every possible way 

Even before you had become apart of their happy little community, Wally had his sights set on you, you were just a bright warm person, you’d be a wonderful addition to their colorful neighborhood

But when do you actually become a part of the town? Oh boy, Wally is ecstatic though he doesn’t show it, he still shows his bright friendly demeanor he keeps his unhinged excitement on the inside for the most part

When you arrive don’t expect to get to talk anyone else as much as you talk to Wally he’s pretty much your own personal tour guide 

Which you are grateful for, but you couldn't help but feel a little bit isolated with only Wally to talk to, of course if you express this concern Wally would apologize for overstepping any boundaries he might have crossed with you, which made you feel a tad bit guilty, but Wally seemed fine enough so you supposed it was okay

Even with Wally letting you interact with others in the town and explore on your own you still felt yourself talking with Wally the most out of everyone, you felt he also had a soft spot for you, or least that's what it seemed like, but you could just be overthinking

However over time you felt like you and Wally had grown awfully close, even closer than he and Barnabey were and that was saying something

Wally would never be the one to confess to you, I don't know I just see him being too incredibly smug for that, he’d act like he had no idea you felt this way and that he adores you a totally normal amount as well!

Though he’s definitely been hooked on you from day one

No matter how you confess he’ll accept your feelings, I mean obviously

When you're with Wally it seems like he's even more clingy than before, anywhere you want to go? Wally's right there with you!

Loves to show you affection through gifts and touch, especially touch, he’s practically attached at your hip at all times

Loves to kiss you on the nose, but if you do it back? He’s over the moon!

Smothers you in affection, won't stop cooing about how cute you are

When your out on the town Wally will cling to your arm like a scared little kid, he’s perfectly fine he just likes being close to you and was probably like that even when you first got here

Wally loves to bake you things, pastries and sweets are his speciality, he loves to make pies especially 

Whenever its cold Wally will snuggle closer to you and hold onto you like a koala

He’ll make you little things like friendship bracelets for you to wear, so now you have a surplus collection of them 

Though Wally seems to be his charming, nonchalant, friendly self when he's around you and the others, he’ll never show you the dark thoughts that swarm his mind

He just needs you to see him as the sweet, charismatic puppet everyone does

This ones for the boys with the boomin' systems

[vimbry]

*if you've heard a couple songs but don't really know much about them, or haven't listened in a long while, you can play!

update: the highest votes went to gudetama. but was it correct? here are the full titles and albums.

❌ "put your hand inside the puppet head" - they might be giants

the opening verse makes reference to leaving one's job and how "it's sad to say, you will romanticise all the things you've known before. it was not, not, not so great". according to flansburgh, "the lyric revolves around the idea that looking back on anything colors it in sentimentality".

❌ "I'll sink manhattan" - they'll need a crane (ep)/miscellaneous T

this is a flansburgh song, but linnell explained its meaning in a 1989 interview with NME as "a song about a guy who somehow figures out how to sink the island of manhattan just to kill his ex-lover, so it's his apology to the other people he's gonna kill in between. he's just gotta do it!"

❌ "meet james ensor" - john henry

it's about james ensor (belgium's famous painter).

❌ "wicked little critta" - mink car

from the tmbg unlimited collection: "forged in the crucible of an eastern massachusetts junior high, this song expresses the dreams, fears and hopes of a new england young adult" the lyrics seem to suggest said young adult fantasising about being a sports star alongside bobby orr and john havlicek while goofing off outside.

❌ "working undercover for the man" - mink car

from flansburgh: "it's more a meditation on the "mod squad" [a 1968 crime series about cool undercover detectives] than anything else. the idea of the narc just seems... like, those episodes of "dragnet" where they have the young undercover dress in a hippie suit."

✔️ "talent is an asset" - kimono my house

the lyrics illustrate an overly-cautious family shielding their very gifted child from others, to keep him studious and soak in all the glory, and is heavily implied to be little albert einstein through puns on relatives and relativity. it's not by them, tho. it's by the band sparks. it came 2nd, so I think many of you recognised it (or really wanted to see the results!)

❌ "bee of the bird of the moth" - the else

"this is a song about a creature called a hummingbird moth, which imitates another creature, which imitates yet another creature. it's completely fucked up, and can only be explained in song!" so they did.

❌ "2082" - join us

thewrap's review of the album describes this song as, "a science-fiction short story (...) a protagonist who travels into the future, finds himself hobbled but still unhappily alive all the way into the next millennium, and travels back to the title year to smother himself with a pillow in a mercy killing". fun!

❌ "call you mom" - nanobots

referred to by linnell as an "oedipus pan" song, the lyrics follow an unfortunate young man beginning a relationship with a woman, getting dumped due to his behaviour of treating her like a mother figure, then infantilising a possibly younger woman in a different relationship and in turn leaving her, who goes on to experience the same issues. fun! (altho, the final chorus actually still refers to her Mom leaving, not her dad, I got the details wrong there in the poll).

❌ "gudetama's busy days" - dial-a-song / my murdered remains

yes, that's a real song. quote flansburgh: "(...) it is really just about feeling isolated from the world, even if you are in a crowded place and manically trying to keep up with your life. the character of gudetama appealed to me because he is such a mopey sad sack."

❌ "marty beller mask" - album raises new and troubling questions

this is real, too! it's just about how marty beller was actually an alter ego of whitney houston the whole time. he's not, but wouldn't that be interesting. the song name-checks multiple of her own in the lyrics. it was temporarily retired out of respect following houston's death (4 months after its release), returning to live performances ten years later in 2022.

[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

Heartbeat

This header is from this post i havent stopped staring at by @/askmatthias (pls check him out omg omg omg it so good pls you gotta look at it gives me life actively)

In honor of Matthias coming home (in five days) and me begging for his s tier skin -hands you a fic- bby pls come home i need you in need you

Rated Explicit | Warning: vampirism

The clashing of swords drew his attention innocently, when it was quiet he did not know the scene would change to see you putting back on your shirt and the Lord of the Desaulnier manor fixing his hair.

“Your lamb is here.” The man is shirtless and holding a foil-fencing sword in each hand. Matthias never directly interacted with the mysterious noble but almost everyone says he is a cold standoff individual, Aesop though never spoke ill of him.

“At least pretend to be a gracious host, Joseph!” Snapping at him while he puts the foil-fencing swords back on the sword racks. The click of the vampire lord's tongue is loud. He is intimidating, beautiful as a woman but graceful as a man, Matthias stares then stops the second the other notices.

“Be sure to do what we talked about, (Name).” His hand is on your lower back and his lips are on your shoulder as he pulls back your shirt. It is personal, and though you are intimate with most of those who live in this manor, what he sees is some more to it.

From what you told him about vampires by nature are creatures who bend to the whims of desire, a beast that hungers endlessly. Some can control it while others become enslaved by it.

“Yes, monsieur.” You turn your head as he places two more kisses before slipping away. “Good night.” It is strange hearing you speak with a much more gentle tone. You are gentle, especially with Emil, Andrew, and Aesop. You can be kind, you can be firm, and you adjust to the needs of the individual.

“Evening.” Lord Desaulnier says before turning around and heading towards the door the puppeteer stands in front of.

Matthias moves aside not wishing to touch him unintentionally, his eye glancing and catching the cold glance of piercing red eyes. That made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

The door is closed behind him and now you are alone with the vampire fledgling.

“Don't mind him,” Speaking up when alone with the new arrival, “He is the same way with Emil too.” Emil is the man who is always lingering in your shadow. One might say shy but Matthias believes he is cautious. The only man to sleep in your room, and honestly sleep there.

“I see.” His gaze is elsewhere as you finish dressing, “Training this late?”

“Joseph needed to clear his mind for a bit,” You turn around now once more wearing your shirt, “You're up late. Can't sleep?”

Matthias shakes his head, “... I got hungry.” Though he ate a few hours ago, his gut still ached for more.

“Alright,” Taking his hand, “Let's go to your room.”

“Wait, why my room?” He was going to head to the kitchen.

“To feed, unless you want to bite me here?” Titling your head to the side slightly curiously.

“No,” Clearing his throat, “No, I mean… Are you sure?” It has been some time since he fed on you, he still fears he may hurt you.

“Of course. You need a direct source before you can solely use the blood vials and blood wine.”

You learned during your time with Joseph that there are ways to satisfy the beast of hunger. Solid foods like red meats from animals help maintain and hold weight. Bloodwine to calm the body. Blood vials to store and immediately drink if one is not feeding on enough blood— However, blood in storage can clot over time.

Direct blood drinking though has its uses but rarely is anyone willing like you, and rarely do most vampires know how to drink enough without killing anyone.

"Come on, the sooner you feed the less likely you will hurt me.”

The puppet named Louis is in another room locked in a case. This is done by Matthias Czernin's specifications, yet, he still checks the locks on the door. The door is across from his room and sandwiched between Edgar's room and Frederick's room. Both are pure-blood vampires who were given invitations by Joseph.

Matthias rarely sees his neighbors, thankfully. You did that purposely so he does not feel like he must interact with everyone immediately.

You wish he would personalize his room… A bed, a workbench for his puppeteering equipment, and a wardrobe. Nothing more.

“(Name).” Having you sit on the bed with your back to him, “Can you… May you lower your shirt?”

You lower it until it rests on your forearms, and you lean your head to the side exposing your neck. His hands are restless, unsure of what to do. “Hold my shoulders to keep me steady.” He holds you, gentle at first but he grips harder when his fangs latch onto your neck.

The sting from fangs piercing skin is not something you can grow used to, it hurts a tad less but the pain is still there. But the pain never lingers as pain turns to pleasure, your body swaying as he drinks from you. You know your limits and the more he feeds the closer you are to reaching it.

“Matthias,” A groan from him as his arms wrapped around you keeping you in place, “Matthias, enough.” You might have to stop him and your hand reaches behind you to touch his face.

This makes him stop feeding, his mouth off your skin, tongue licking the residue of blood seeping out of the bitemark.

“You did good.” Praising him as you turn around when his arms let go of you, “Feeling better?”

A nod, he looks away, “You should put your shirt back on.” If he can blush then he has enough blood in his system.

“It's just my chest.” Teasing him, “You have seen me naked before.”

Once! By mistake because Naib Subedar and Norton are too daring for their own good!

“Do you not want to look at me?”

“I do.” A desperate tone, “But…”

“But?”

“More.” He tries to find the words, “I would want more.” His hands on his lap gripping the fabric of his pants.

You fully turn and take his hand placing it on your chest, the center where he can feel your steady heartbeat. You push forward against it until you are close enough to smell your blood on his lips.

“(Name).” Do not tease him, please do not be cruel.

“Matthias.”

The bed creaks with movement, the shared uneven breathing, the moans and groans of pleasure. The room for the first time seems more lively than it has in months.

You move your hips, rocking them forward and back, grinding slowly on his lap. There is no rush, you want him to experience this slow and steady for right now. You hold onto his back, his hands holding your thighs from underneath. His mouth meshed with yours, the puppeteer cannot get enough of kissing you.

He is not the best kisser as he has no experience in this but he learns along the way by copying your movements. Everywhere you touch it is like his body cannot help yearning for more, the voices for once are silent, and gazing up at you is like looking upon a god.

You would never take such a compliment, you never believe yourself above others whether physically or mentally. Everyone is an equal and you give only what others give you.

He wishes you would not. Wish you had met him first… Saved him. Though he knows it took a lot to get you to this current gentle state. The violence he heard Aesop was the first, he spoke only once about the large photograph of you in one of the rooms in the manor. The you who knew only blood and steel, a far cry to the person he has in bed with him.

When you both are exhausted, laying on the bed covered in the thin coat of sweat with his cum inside of you and you cum on his all over his now cock. His hand is on his chest, there is no heartbeat but he swears he can feel it racing. His eyes close as you pet his messy hair, his head on your chest with his ear above your racing heart.

You speak to him, asking him if he is okay or if he needs anything.

“You,” Clinging to you, “Can you stay?” Emil is probably going to be in a bad mood tomorrow when he wakes up to you not beside him. For some reason that makes Matthias happy.

“Yes, I can.” Smiling sheepishly, “As long as you want.”

[azandsstuff]

The lonely seat~

Twisted Wonderland X Reader

Angst story

Summary : Both Grim and him try to make you stay after everything you had to endure because of them.

Other story that goes nice with this timeline : [X]

My list :[-]

A hand stops you from going any further. Or you may even say it was the paw that stopped you from going. You never once call him by this title but instead you always call him your 'son'. But today or even the many days that will come later you know something like 'Monster' fits him more than anything.

It's not just him that deserves that title. All of them deserve to be called and are actually a monsters. Before they always push you away. Away from them especially since you are so weak and worth nothing to them. But now they dare to stop you from going any further? How selfish are them to think they simple words can stop you from leaving?!

You know that on the other side of this portal is your home. Your real home. The one that has your real family and friends that always stay by your side no matter what. So why did you stop your feet right now to look back at them?

"Please don't go. Please stay with us. We need you. I need you..."

That monster says with a tear in his eyes. Your heart breaks a bit as you see the tears that are coming out of him. Your heart is too soft. You can't bring yourself to push them away. Not even now where it's your important choice to go. It was only because this place feels a lot more like home than you had before.

"You don't even know if that portal truly leads you to your home. So please stay with us. Stay with me."

That monster begs of you. Beg for you to stay. But do you really want to stay here? In this doomed world that always makes you miserable no matter what? No you should just go back to your world. It's the only right choice among the others.

Besides you no longer want to be a puppet. Or more correctly you no longer want to be marionette to these people. The fact that they think they can use you so easily and to think you won't notice they have been pulling your string non stop.

"[Name]"

Your name has been called. By him. The man who you thought was your lover and the man that would keep you company for your whole life while you stay here was the second mastermind behind all of this. He stole your heart and cast it aside as if it was worth nothing. He doesn't deserve any of those feelings that you have for him anymore. In fact he shouldn't even try to make you stay. Just the thought of him already makes you mad, now the fact that he also tried to stop you from leaving was really so petty of them.

"Don't even bother. I hate you. I hate all of you. Especially you both."

You said to them as you tears up. You see both of their faces have a pity look to convince you to stay . If it were past you, you were already coming running to them and hugging them tight as you can while comforting them in any way you can. But did you really mean it when you said that?

"I hate both of you and wish that we will never ever meet again! So give it back!"

You say as you shout at them as you hold out your hand. Before that hand would hold both of them dearly but now that hand feels so rough that it may as well resemble a sharp torn if it can.

"I want all the secrets and all of the memories that we have together. You guys never once deserve any of those. You guys don't even resemble a being that I love the most. Right now the monster will always be the correct answer if anyone asks me about you two"

"You don't mean it. [Name]. Please don't mean it..."

That monster plead you. As hard as he can to even cry much harder than before. The fire in his ear that always feels warm, now feels more hot than before and definitely can burn you if they want too. But somehow those things don't burn you.

"Please, mama/papa. Please stay with Grim..."

"Don't even try to call me that! Never once you call me that! And now you want to use that?! Don't make me laugh, you monster!"

You say in an angry tone before kicking that monster away from you. Gosh, right now all you can see is red. Does all of this anger come from all the pain that you have to endure? Is thus the reason why you can't even think straight?

"Please, [Name]. Listen to us! Why do you want to leave?"

"Why do you want me to stay?!"

You say to him as you can't even look properly anymore. That monster already stands up again thanks to him who helped him. But now that monster can't no longer walk properly and yet that monster still tries to walk to you. He holds your leg as the tears begging you to stop. Why are they so desperate to keep you here? What was it that they don't have enough? Why can't they let you go in such a happy state? Why must all be tears up and sad to look at or even anger already in it?

"How many people do you want to meet? How many souls do you want to steal? You should know by now that the portal is never the right answer. If you go to that portal you may as well die if you want all of us to forget about you!"

He shouted at you as he can no longer bare it anymore. Why is he crying? And why does he feel the sadness and anger right now? He doesn't deserve that! So is that monster! So why are both of them crying and holding your body part to make your stay? And why are you crying with them and don't push them away? Why are you here and don't go into that portal already?

"Both of you don't deserve any of these tears. Both of you don't even deserve to touch me. So why do I still let you guys touch me while I shed my tears here?"

You ask them as you cry. Right now somehow all the anger you feel before feels like nothing and vanishes all of the sudden. As if all of those anger mean nothing. But now you're sure of one thing.

Even if the other side of this portal is an endless void that will do nothing but kill you slowly, you will enter it. Even if your memory got reset and you sent it back here.

"So then stay here with us, mama/papa. Stay with us and you will never forget us. And I'm sure and will help you no matter what as you help me here to move"

"Yes,[Name]. Stay with us and we make sure you get all of your happy ending with us"

Happy ending?

A happy ending is never meant for you. You thought that you deserved it once but now and how the story goes, you know that you never deserve it from the start. You push both of them away from you before removing the necklace that you wear.

You always wear that necklace the moment you get it in your hand as it is the only way you get magic. You hold that necklace so tight in your hand before shattering it to the ground before looking and smiling at them.

"Don't worry the next time we meet I'm sure it's always nice to meet with hello"

You say before leaving them alone to join the other side. You don't even let them say anything or to even let them hold you tight anymore you just leave them with nothing to remember you anymore except the shatter magic stone that is once yours.

You don't even say goodbye or even bye to end this tragic story of them and don't even allow them to say one more to say to you. The word you wanting to hear from one of them is...

"I wait and stay here for you for this entire eternity..."

[NAME chose to end this story with tears that no one deserves.]

[End of the story]

[To be continued with a side ending]

[darrowsrising]

Alternative titles for Light Bringer:

Darrow O'Lykos and, yet again, the audacity of this Pixie Bitch.

The Misadventures of the Wayward Chin.

The Reaper of Mars and his himbo collection.

You can take the boy out of the pyramid, but you cannot stop him from becoming a fucking tyrant.

Martian Cookbook: The Reaper Reveals How To Best Kill Annoying Enemies (may contain honey, berserkers and new butchering techniques).

All Quiet on the Martian Front: Virginia Augustus has a Crown.

Hell hath no fury like Victra Julii-Barca.

The Odyssey where they gave Darrow a self-help book, because therapy would have made him overpowered.

Reading for filth: 10 ways you can send your annoying allies into a downward spiral by just telling them the truth in a mean way.

The Archimedes Beginer's Guide: the braincell supply is always scarce.

Don't Drink and Tell Secrets.

How much character growth can a 7 feet tall man even handle?

Lysander au Lune: from bitch to puppet to genocidal maniac.

How to deal with Depression and Hypocrisy by Sevro Barca, Goblin of Mars.

Diomedes au Raa and the Very Bad, Not Good, Fucking Stupid Days.

Atlas au Raa: Fall Skin Collection.

En Vogue: If he cannot be the narrative's favourite, he'll be the most hated.

Darrow O'Lykos: Augustan Traditions Must Live On.

The Spy That Booped My Nose.

Local Lesbian Saves Obsidian Princess.

Reaper Caused Blood on Dancefloor. Again.

[foundationsofdecay]

Okay, I've finally made a list of most of my Sleep Token lore and analysis posts! Divided by categories under the cut, with improvised titles and brief descriptions for each.

Posts are listed in reverse-chronological order per category, except for crossovers.

The catch-all hashtag for these is #aqua's offerings, in case you prefer to look through them that way.

Longer Form Posts:

Duck Into Deep Blue Safety - Comparing the composition of Drag Me Under, Atlantic, and Fall For Me as to how solos are used to describe physical isolation, separation, and the spectrum bridging spiritual wholeness and estrangement.

Show Me What Wounds You've Got - On begging, emotional vulnerability, and our agency as audience and character.

If a Man Falls, and Nobody's There to Hear Him... - An addition-by-reblog to this post by @melit0n about Fall For Me, continuing the exploration of silence and vocals and the implications of Vessel's isolation and actions in the song.

So He Gets To Die A Saint - Martyrdom and the desire to save and be saved, but the uncertainty of who is saving who, and to what end.

Something Was Between You and I My Dear - Musings on the theory posited by @a-s-levynn that separates Vessel as his masked self and as his unmasked self into two separate characters, and what that means for a potential reading of the events of the trilogy, particularly its ending.

I Would Turn Into A Stranger In An Instant if I Could - A deep dive into DYWTYLM with themes of identity loss and the effects of a long-term yet one-sided relationship.

Flood Me Like Atlantic - An examination of the metaphor of being dragged into and under someone's love throughout the course of the discography, and how it reflects in the shifting characterization of both Vessel and the character being sung about.

Would You Invite Me In Again? - A look at cycles of union and disconnect, of love as a melding of body and soul in addition to a rending of body and soul, and the cyclical nature of this dichotomy, primarily through the lens of Drag Me Under and Blood Sport.

So Let's Play - A look into how the language of games and winners and losers is used and evolves throughout their discography.

With My Love as Your Garden - Exploring the lyrics regarding flowers and gardens, of upkeep and of fire, and how it relates to the relationship between Vessel and his lover, described here as Sleep.

Welcome Me In, Deep Into You - Side-by-side examination of Vore and Drag Me Under and their language as it pertains to consumption and consummation, and the respective tones those carry.

Drag Me Under AGAAAAAIN - An addendum to my second Sleep Token x TDH crossover post (linked further below) that brings Drag Me Under into the fold of Atlantic and Telomeres, as requested by @moonchild-in-blue. Elaborates further on the entwining of Vessel and Sleep, of their love and the idea of inevitability.

Duet - Proposing and elaborating on the concept of the song Give being a duet between Vessel and Sleep with alternating POVs.

Other Other Eye - A look at Ascensionism, particularly the lines regarding eyes and attention and conflicting desire. [note: written very early into my posting theory/analysis, somewhat outdated]

Catching a Falling Knife - Using the metaphor of "catching a falling knife" and the general stock market as lens to examine the power dynamics between Vessel and Sleep.

Mini Musings:

Rain Can't Wash Away the Tar on the Inside - Consideration of the lyrics implying Vessel has been trapped by tar and subsumed in it both from the outside and from within.

Keep an Eye on the Road - A quick talk about visuals of crashing cars and mentions of various roadways, and being trapped in untenable situations.

The Vicious Cycle - Cycles and the breaking thereof within the discography.

My Puppet Queen - The dehumanizing language used towards Vessel, specifically as a toy or object.

Glitches in the Code - Considers Vessel as a literal algorithm, and how that reflects in his vocals and degeneration throughout the narrative and what it would say about his relationship with Sleep.

Mirror Talk - Notes on mirrors and both outer and inner reflections.

Are You Watching Me? - Different ways eyes are described as it relates to prey and predation, and Vessel struggling with human nature and humanity.

A Different Harbor - Musing on the peculiar use and otherwise of language regarding boats, harbors, and anchors.

You Want Someone To Be - Concept post about a more literal take on lovers entwined, to both want to become the other, and the loss of understanding of what it means to be yourself without them.

Crossovers:

TDH x Sleep Token #1 - Love as a crashing wave, questions of fate, choosing love despite the clear doomed nature, using The Dear Hunter's Waves as a frame of reference.

TDH x Sleep Token #2 - Uses The Dear Hunter's Vital Vessels Vindicate as a lens to provide a different perspective through which to examine Vessel, death, and what it means to choke and suffocate underwater.

[earlgarden-archived]

I love your raiden ei!reader! I was wondering what would happen if Jing Yuan met her son (like they had a good relationship and the whole sumeru arc never happened) it would be cool if he’s been traveling around teyvat and he comes to visits his mother only to see that’s she now dating! How would him and Jing Yuan get along.

The meeting of a lifetime

ft. Jing Yuan, Raiden!reader, Scaramouche

synopsis. Jing Yuan has always seen Yanqing as his non-biological son. But what if he meets your son, who just so happens to be a puppet?

warnings. Fem!reader, slightly rushed (?)

this is so wholesome :o also pls ignore the title I could not come up with a good title 😅

Today, you and JING YUAN are having a picnic date in Inazuma. The two of you visited the place in which you watched the firework light show, aka, the day Jing Yuan confessed. The two of you had bought some of the best delicacies from your respective planets, but you mostly brang Inazuman desserts. However, the two of you had not expected to have a visitor coming today. Who's the visitor? Well, it was your son.

As you were trying a Xianzhou dessert, you heard a familiar voice calling your name. You turn to the direction of the voice, and you were met with the pleasant sight of your dear son, Kunikuzushi. Jing Yuan was also looking, but with a more confused expression on his face. Your friend? No, most of your friends died... Your sibling? Maybe, he looked awfully like you.

"your sibling?" Jing Yuan inquired, slightly tilting his head, making you laugh. "No, this is my son." Jing Yuan stilled, this shocked him, if that was your son, does that mean you had a lover before him? But he was filled with relief when he heard what you said next "he's not my actual son, but since he's a puppet I created, I call him my son." He smiles, for some reason, his heart fills with joy knowing that you had created a life. Even if it was only a puppet.

He watches as your son, Kunikuzushi, stops in front of you, only to quickly look at him with widened eyes. Most definitely confused on why his mother was with a man. But your voice is what makes him look back towards you "How have you been, kuni?" You say, as he pouts because of the nickname you gave him. "Mom, I said to not call me that while in public. Especially in front of another person..." He says, now turning towards Jing Yuan, who blankly stares back. You follow Kuni's stare and smile seeing that he has taken interest in Jing Yuan. "Let me introduce you to Jing Yuan. He's the general from the Xianzhou Luofu, he is one of the seven Arbiter-Generals of the Xianzhou Alliance's Cloud Knights, and one of the Six Charioteers of the Xianzhou Luofu." Jing Yuan slightly blushes with how much you're boasting about him to your son, who looks at him impressed. "He's from another planet? How'd you meet him?" Jing Yuan could tell that Kunikuzushi was protective of you, and he doesn't blame him. Considering that you're quite oblivious to a lot of things.

"we met because the Xianzhou had to restock some resources. Your mother was generous enough to provide us with some materials" Jing Yuan says, making you blush, which surprises your son, who looks at you with wide eyes. "Mother! Are you two dating!?" So he finally puts two and two together, "why didn't you tell me?" You lightly chuckled, "Well, you were always traveling so I couldn't get in contact with you." Jing Yuan puts a hand to his chin, "so you're a traveler?" "Yeah." Kunikuzushi says absentmindedly, still trying to process everything.

As your son, Kunikuzushi, processed the revelation that you and Jing Yuan were dating, he seemed both surprised and curious. His eyes darted between the two of you, his protective nature still evident.

Jing Yuan, noticing Kunikuzushi's protective demeanor, decided to address his questions with a warm smile. "Yes, I am from another planet, and your mother and I are indeed together," he confirmed. "We met during the resource restocking mission, and we've grown very close since then."

Kunikuzushi sighs relaxed a bit, his initial concern gradually giving way to a more accepting expression. "Well, if you make my mother happy," he said, looking at you with a soft smile, "then I'm glad you're here." But his expression then turned serious, "but that doesn't mean I'm going to let my guard down around you."

You felt a surge of happiness, knowing that your son was willing to accept Jing Yuan into your lives. It was a heartwarming moment, and you were grateful for the opportunity to introduce the two most important people in your life to each other.

Over the course of the picnic, Kunikuzushi and Jing Yuan engaged in conversation, sharing stories about their respective worlds and experiences. It was a day filled with laughter, bonding, and the joy of togetherness. As the sun began to set over Inazuma, casting a warm, golden glow, you couldn't help but feel immensely grateful for the unexpected turn of events that had brought your family closer together.

[undead-cypress]

More p3r livebloggin/shitpost thoughts. Sorry for the crunchy pictures, literally I'm just too fried to import pics from my PS4.

Because I'm the way that I am, I noticed the paintings hung in the Hierophant/Lovers boss shadow building are real paintings. One on the left is a crop of Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix, and on the right is Le Cyclops by Odilon Redon. IDK why they picked these paintings because. Why would a painting of the French Revolution be in this kind of hotel but I have some theories?

The hotel they're in is pointed out to have a French title and modeled after French design, for some reason. Les Champs de Fleurs is pointed out in the game meaning a field of flowers. Now -

Liberty Leading the People is a painting about the July revolution that overthrew the French monarchy. The boss event is in July but there's more -

Le Cyclops is about the play(s) about Polyphemus (the cyclops from the Odyssey that Odysseus blinds and tricks) and his love of the sea nymph Galatea, and the drama that ensues. There's many versions of the play but in classic fashion most of them don't end well, with Galatea rejecting him in favor of someone else, and Polyphemus killing them both. This painting in particular is basically Polyphemus creeping on Galatea as she sleeps on a hill of flowers.

I THINK these paintings are meant to represent the reverse hierophant and lovers. Overthrowing of the corrupt hierarchy, and rejection of choice. Also French.

There's one more painting but I have NO IDEA what painting it is

So many paintings have winged babies in them I can't go through them all 😭

Oh yeah linguistics bonus - the boss event takes place on 7/7, aka Tanabata. Some might know it as Japanese Valentine's day. Story goes Orihime and Hikoboshi, lovers separated by duty and the milky way, can meet during this festival as a flock of magpies make them a bridge over the milky way. Milky way, in Japanese is Amanogawa 天の川, literally "river of heaven". An older version is also sometimes used, ginka 銀河, derived from Chinese meaning "silver river". And here is where we get the name of Shirakawa Blvd. 白川...... White River Blvd.

I THINK that's why they named the hotel Champs de Fleurs. The classic Greek mythology of heaven is Elysium, basically a field of flowers in the sky. Kinda as the companion to the river in the sky. Not to mention it's a reference to the famous French street Champs Élysées, literally "Elysian Fields"

Imagine me standing in front of a conspiracy wall covered with red string. That's me all the time with p3

Ok back to shitposting

This is the most emotion I've seen the Mc make all game so far 😂 7 meals back to back will do that to ya. Name I picked was Dank Hour, so I guess it kinda fits. Munchies will do that

Those are her hooves!!

OH MY GOD. HOLY SHIT HANG ON

These puppets are massive

Gameplay thoughts -

- I miss the fatigue mechanic ok. Now there's NOTHING stopping me from spending five hours in Tartarus getting massively over leveled. Also miss it thematically and an excuse to go drink Edogawa's potions for courage boosts

- RIP shuffle time. The new one is good with the variety of cards but man make them fly around again that was fun

- Tartarus looks good. I was skeptical of how they're gonna make a randomly generated dungeon look good on current consoles but. It looks really good and plays well. And I love the added bonus bosses.

- I do miss being able to actually stealth around with different weapons and hunting rare shadows with a bow though. The unstable formations in p3p around half and new moons were also something I wish they incorporated, but maybe it'll come up later? Because the new Tartarus environment would be perfect for some stealth mechanics.

- I don't know if this is because I'm p3 Georg and an outlier that should not be counted but I'm playing on merciless and it's SO EASY???? I'm almost to August and I've ONLY died three times. I'm playing with a 3 people party as a debuff because it's too easy otherwise.

- ailments kinda work different than they used to and I still haven't figured out... What they really do yet. Distress used to guarantee criticals, now I'm not sure what it does???

- the theurgies are broken as hell wtf. This is too much power. I was really hoping they'd bring P2/dds style fusion spells back

General thoughts:

- they still haven't invented weather yet lmao rain was invented in 2011 I see

- Pleasantly surprised by the added cutscenes and hangout events in the dorm. They're actually pretty thoughtful and reflects on the character growth throughout the game instead of just ill humored filler (cough p4 cough). They really nailed it this time.

- Aigis trying to talk to plants and bugs and the meaning of lifeeeee 😭

- the club is simultaneous hilarious and terrifying in the way that they didn't animate the dancers. I get why, but it's so funny. It's just a room of statues with blank faces. At least there's more than five people there

- there's two poster of the Foo Fighters in the station outskirts. Why them specifically? Also if the movies at the theatre have hidden meanings I WILL find them.

- Mitsuru just stands like she's posing for the camera all the time and her idle AND angry animation being a hair flip is so funny. Hello. Flips hair. Come to the command room after dinner we have new mission. Flips hair. I'm going to execute Mr Ekoda for his despicable inaction. Flips hair

- Idk where else to put this but that scene on the roof with the watermelon hits different when you know a watermelon that size in Japan is, depending on the season and economy, at least $50. Junpei really splurged there to cheer up Ken 🥺. That entire scene was great. Why DON'T we watch Akihiko punch the melon open, what an inspired suggestion

- speaking of fruit, if you look at the care package Akihiko got from his parents there are mangoes in there. Mangoes that size and color are like $30 each.

- the dorm. Could be modeled better. Idk if it's the lighting or the textures but... It looks unfinished.

- they kept the little overworld icon that travels between locations to not go over the bridge even though it'd be a shorter route. Nice. There is an instance where it does use the bridge, when you first go to the police station and Junpei is following you around. Also very nice touch. Whichever dev is responsible for this detail I see and appreciate your work 🫡

- was not expecting even the NPCs to be fully voice acted. They're all so charming!

- at the beginning of the game it tells you to put your things away in the closet. Highlighted. But we can't open or interact with the closet in any way??? Why was closet highlighted??? Did the game do that just to call us gay??

- and also where's my silly outfit???? Everyone has gotten butler and maid outfits except the mc. Where's my goofy outfit I want one too.... Where's the clown outfit from the dancing game.... Where's the maid outfit.... Once my pc arrives I'll absolutely be installing the emo mod. Let my besties reveal their true 2009 forms

[vic-draws-sometimes]

We've discussed a lot of SoapGaz and PriceGaz, but there is one more. GhostGaz of the OF au.

FUCK. Gaz is immediately is told by Soap that Ghost is subbed. This gets him an idea... I mean, he needs to record this night, but his camera guy, and Soap are gone!! :[

He pretends to be shy and flustered as he asks if Ghost could help him film something... personal.

"I just need someone to hold the camera is all~ I promise I'll do extra laps in the morning if you want-" he doesn't do those extra laps because Ghost REALLY wants to do this and immediately says yes. Now Gaz is actually flustered because oh fuck my Lieutenant is so close, and he's watching every little movement!

Halfway through filming, Ghost just takes over, pulls out whatever silicone bs Gaz is using and puts on a condom[safety first both Gaz and Ghost agree] and with a lot of lube it becomes a POV video. Lord Gaz never felt it so rough, so he's like IN HEAVEN right now. Barely able to process how a humans hips can be so rough, precise AND FAST??? He's babbling nonsense at that point and Ghost has decided that this is not film he can use, putting the video down so he can out Gaz into a mating-press and JUST BLAM BLAM BL- Okay you get it I like rough Ghost.

Maybe there is a few spanks in between and the camera, though placed down randomly, still gets all of it.

Afterwards, Gaz being the freaky man he is, sees the condom about to be tied and tells Ghost, "Don't throw that away. Pour it on my face-"

.... that was the last clip of the video, was Gaz's cum filled face before it all cuts. They have a genuinely nice shower[Ghost incredible aftercare headcanon] and Gaz immediately says, "well I've got to do some editing in this-"

💀"You're actually gonna post that?"

🧢"Duh! I'll be sure to blur your tats so people don't know-"

💀"Why would I want that. Keep it how it is... can you send me the unedited version?"

🧢"Of course ♡"

It's rare for Gaz to post rough content, bit if he ever feels like he needs it, well, He can always just go to Ghost~

💀"Oh, Sergeant what brings you back to me?"

🧢"well... ///"

This man is so easily charmed by Gaz though he would easily bottom for him he wanted. AND THAT HAS BEEN ALSO RECORDED LMAO

'Fucking my L.T!? [Not clickbait] [GONE SEXUAL]' that's not actually the title but it's funny as fuck

Also Imma try to sign my asks now bc I'll probably dump this stuff on you a lot lmaoo

-❌️❌️❌️

You're so right for all of this!!

I hinted at Gaz sending private videos to Ghost as well, and I stand by that.

Before I start rambling here's some drawings of Ghost absolutely destroying Gaz

At first Ghost is hesitant. ''Are you sure you want this?'' he's alright being a regular subscriber, but Gaz is adamant that yes, he trusts him.

And he doesn't regret it one bit. Ghost takes full advantage of Kyle's background as a gymnast. He manhandles him like he's a puppet and folds him as much as he physically can.

Also if you're wondering why Kyle is apologizing to him... He admitted to teasing Ghost for two whole weeks, making his life a living hell by constantly making sure he's on his mind. He sent him pictures in the middle of the day, random messages and looks from across a room. Ghost was starting to get heated under his mask.

[mas-o-kissed]

(FROM THE IMPCO ARCHIVES, IT’S PART 1 OF AN EPISODE OF BRAINDRAIN.

CW: hypnotic intox, dubcon hypno, public humiliation, kidnapping)

It’s the middle of the night, and your television flickers. There’s a static haze, a soft droning. As the picture comes into focus, a jaunty, old fashioned tune plays over the title card:

BRAINDRAIN

with Imp

Camera slowly zooms in on a small, effeminate man, grinning at the camera. A lower third tells you that his name is Imp. The image is hazy, as if it’s an old broadcast, but you could swear he has horns and a devil’s tail. Are those fangs? What is this show?

“Good evening, Impsomniacs! It’s 3 o’clock, and you know what that means. It’s time for your favorite game show: BRAINDRAIN.”

The camera follows as Imp walks across the set.

“Now, I’ve been hosting this show for many years. It’s been so long, we don’t even remember that far back! The before times, the long long ago, it all fades into nothing, like a dark void at the center of my mind, and no matter how hard I try to remember, it’s like we’re filled with this emptiness. It’s frightening, but it’s exciting at the same time. Like, what even is hiding in that dark space? Is it better if we never find out? This guy knows what I’m talking about!”

Imp points lightheartedly at an audience member, who appears to be asleep. AUDIENCE LAUGHS.

“HA! Haha. Yes.” (Stage whisper, into his headset) “Get that guy out of here. He’s too far gone to laugh at any of my jokes.”

The audience member is swiftly carted away.

“We have a very special player on our show tonight. You might recognize him from such places as snooping around Impco at 6am, or the holding room where we keep all of our prisoner— I mean contestants.”

Curtains move aside to reveal a man chained to a podium by his neck and hands. There is a gag in his mouth. He struggles against the binding. The messy scrawl on his name card says: “POSTMAN (ALLEGEDLY)”

“Usually I’m not up so early in the morning, but today I was woken up by a terrible horn-ache, and that’s when I found contestant number one poking around the facility. What do you have to say for yourself, contestant?”

Imp removes the gag from the man’s mouth.

“I was delivering a package, you lunatic!”

“Oh? Really? And what was in this package?”

“That tie! You’re wearing it right now!”

Imp looks down at the tie around his neck.

“HA! Hahaha! Oh darling, I sure wish I believed you. But you see, we’ve already downloaded dozens of fun triggers directly into your brain. It would be such a shame to waste them. Not only that, but our audience is just aching to see what’s going to happen to you. They’re ravenous. Like dogs. Isn’t that right, folks?”

APPLAUSE AND BARKING.

The man continues to struggle.

“Now, I think we all know the rules by now, but because I’m so nice, I’ll explain how the game is played.

I spin the wheel of post-hypnotic suggestions (we’re still coming up with a snappier name for it).

Whatever it lands on is the trigger I’ll use before I ask you a question.

Will you have to answer a complicated math problem after having your IQ reduced by 30 points? Will I make you into my puppet and then ask you to grab something just out of reach? Will it be a mysterious third thing?

You don’t know! And neither do I! That’s what makes the game so fun. Are you ready to play, Luke?”

“Let me go! M-my name’s not even Luke. It’s Daniel.”

“GREAT! Time to spin the wheel of post-hypnotic suggestions. Ooooooh!”

Imp spins the large, multicolored wheel. In each color is a different image, indicating a different trigger. As the wheel spins, Imp’s eyelids start fluttering. He watches it, half-lidded, a blank look on his face. The wheel has stopped spinning. Five seconds pass. An Imptern in a black t-shirt and headset rushes onto the stage. She snaps her fingers in front of Imp’s face.

“Bwuh.. wha..?”

She hurriedly whispers, “Sir, you know you’re not supposed to look directly at the wheel.”

“It’s my show. I can look wherever I want.”

“You were just zoning out, again!”

“You know I can’t be effected by hypnosis, doll. Now, get off the stage, I’m trying to do a show.”

She rushes off. TEPID AUDIENCE LAUGHTER. Imp gestures to the wheel, which has landed on a drawing of a bottle.

“Oh, a classic! Are you ready for the trigger, darling?”

“P-please don’t, I-I…”

“Hmm, stuttering and slurring like that. Oh dear… How much have you had to drink?”

The contestant’s eyelids flutter. He looks confused. His cheeks flush.

“Whas… happening?”

“You heard me. How much have you had to drink?”

“I’ve haven’t had… anything. I… I feel…”

The contestant giggles, clearly drunk. AUDIENCE LAUGHS.

“Uh oh, I think he’s had a bit too much.”

“I don… nunderstand. I didn’t think it wass real but I ffeel…”

“Didn’t think what was real? Hypnosis? Brainwashing? If that was true, we’d all be out of the job! HA! Ohh, you poor thing, you look like you’re going to be sick. Are you ready for your test, darling?”

“Fffuck.”

“No swearing dear, we’re on LIVE TV! Considering your pitiful state, I’ll keep it simple. Your question is: If one doctor doctors another doctor, does the doctor who doctors the doctor doctor the doctor the way the doctor he is doctoring doctors? Or does he doctor the doctor the way the doctor who doctors doctors?

“I… wh… what?”

“I’m sorry, that’s wrong. I don’t know what the answer is, but I know that that’s definitely not it.”

“Youu asked me a trick queshtion! Ompurpose! How’m I supposed to answer something like… that…? Shit… the room wontstop spinn..ninng…”

“Easy there, tiger. It’s time for a quick commercial break, but don’t you fret. We’ll be back to seal our dear contestant’s fate after this! (BUY IMPCO PRODUCTS!)”

There’s a commercial for Impco brand hypno-goggles. You’re not sure what hypno-goggles are, or what you’re even watching. But that Imp seems so nice. And he said to buy Impco products. So maybe you should…

(Decided to break this up with the commercials since it’s long but part 2 is coming soon! When I post it I will link it here.)

[redtsundere-writes]

hi! try this :) https://pin.it/7yDRk3alf

OOOOOOH I CAN COOK WITH THIS *puts on chef's hat*

Something small. 1367 words. I have no title lol.

“You have to live your life to the fullest, kiddo,” Kusakabe often told her that whenever they went to a mission together. As her mentor, he only wanted good things for her, specially since they worked in the same dangerous job. Even though she thought he was somewhat of a boring man, she really appreciated him.

“You have to come right now!” Utahime called her in the middle of the evening, as she was walking back home from a solo mission she just had.

“To where?” She wondered, maybe her best friend wanted to invite her to a party. It was Halloween after all.

“To Shibuya!”

On this spooky night, Shibuya transforms into a vibrant, pulsating carnival of chaos and color. The narrow streets, usually teeming with shoppers and commuters, are now a sea of people in costumes, each more outrageous and imaginative than the last. Neon lights, loud music and crazy energy. It would be a great night to party.

“Yeah, it would,” she thought disappointed when she arrived to the place to work. She didn't hate her job like most sorcerers do, but sometimes wished she had more time to relax. Hopping from one mission to another could be really stressful.

Apparently, almost every sorcerer was called to help in an emergency in Shibuya. Last time this happened was in Shinjuku, The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons. So, this was about to be big again. She held her sword tightly as she ran to the place she was supposed to meet her mentor.

“Long time no see, kiddo,” Kusakabe greeted.

“I'm 21,” she answered with a quick grin tugging her cheek.

“You are still a kid for me,” he scrambled her hair. “How is the other kid, your little sister?”

She hadn't seen Miwa in a while, due to her living in a different city for sorcery school, but they called and texted every day to make sure she was fine. Once Utahime hung up, she called her little sis to check if she was going as well. Apparently, her and some of her classmates were on their way in a bullet train.

“She is fine, so excited to see Gojo sensei in action,” she joked. “And who is the big fella?” She pointed at the giant panda behind Kusakabe.

“I'm Panda,” the puppet answered.

“No shit.”

Panda and Kusakabe explained that around 7:00 pm a curtain with a four-hundred meter radius is cast around Shibuya. The center of the curtain is at the Tokyo Department Store. It only traps non-sorcerers, making it, so civilians can enter but not exit. There were several teams making sure that no more civilians entered.

“Shoko is here,” Kusakabe said as they were walking around the dome.

Sadly, she had seen Shoko more than your sister, since she constantly got injured at missions. She remembered the good old days when she looked upon Shoko. Always looking cool and hanging out with Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, special grade sorcerers, meanwhile she hanged out with Ino, the guy has been friend-zoning you for the longest time.

“Ino is here as well,” Kusakabe smirked, looking at her to get her reaction.

“So what?” She blushed intensely by thinking about him.

She doesn't remember when she started liking him. There was that day when Ino invited her to watch a movie after class, and he fell asleep on her shoulder. He looked so cute sleeping with this mask falling slowly on his face. She didn't move an inch just to make sure he had a good nap.

She really liked him a lot, but he didn't felt the same. Ino constantly talked about his failed dates, completely oblivious that she was interested in him. That was a clear sign what he wasn't interested in her in that way, but she just stopped caring. She was just happy to be in his life as his friend.

“What do you mean 'so what'? I can see in your cheeks you are excited to see him,” Kusakabe teased her.

“Do you like Ino?” Panda asked her, curious about the topic.

“No.”

“Yes.” Kusakabe and her answered at the same time.

“Ugh! Fine! Yes, alright?” She finally accepted with her tomato face.

“You are very pretty, I bet you have a shot.” Panda gave you a hopeless thumbs up.

“Thanks, Panda.”

Walking around the perimeter, they crossed paths with the Zenin's Team, which whom they had a casual conversation about the plan and continued their way. As they continue their path, Kusakabe smirked when he saw Nanami's Team for afar.

“Look, your boyfriend is coming,” Kusakabe teased her, nudging her on the side.

She gasped softly when she saw his disheveled brown hair, shiny black eyes and jolly smile, and he chatted along with Megumi Fushiguro. Her pounded hard against her chest as they got closer. It was funny how even though they saw each constantly due to work, she felt the same every time her eyes landed on him.

“Kusakabe's team,” Nanami mentioned as he saw the team walking up to them.

Ino whipped his head to lay his eyes on her, stop talking mid-conversation with Megumi. She looked as pretty and professional as always. He gulped as he took a quick look at her luscious hair, big breasts and swaying hips. That's the only thing he could do since he knew he didn't stand a chance with a girl like her.

“Your crush?” Megumi quickly figured from his abrupt change of behavior. Ino shushed him, blushing intensely. “That confirms it,” Megumi didn't care much about his discovery.

“She doesn't know and doesn't have to know. We are just friends,” Ino tried to hide his feelings towards her.

“Whatever you say,” Megumi shrugged.

Everybody greeted each other as they met mid-way. Nanami and Kusakabe, the leaders of their respective teams, exchanged information about the situation. Ino and her exchanged greetings, pretending they were definitely not checking each other out. The situation was painfully obvious to Panda and Megumi.

“How are you doing? I heard from Shoko that you were in a mission earlier,” Ino asked her as smiley as usual.

“I was but finished earlier,” she answered as honest as usual. “Wow, she is so cool!” Ino thought. “How have you been?" she asked back.

"I am fine, doing my best, you know,” he said, staying as humble as he could. “He is so cute goddamnit!” she thought. "I just wished I wasn't working in Halloween night," he pouted.

"Same," she answered, crossing her arms disappointed. Ino started imagining her in many costumes. She would look cute as a cat, sexy as a with and hot as a demon. He shook his head to get rid of his naughty ideas.

"Hey Ino, can I ask you something?" Panda got closer to him, tired of hearing the dumb lovey doveys talk.

"What's up?" Ino asked as Panda pulled him to the side for a private convo.

"Do you like big or small breasts?" Panda asked him curiously, whispering. Ino blushed intensely and gulped hard at the dangerous question.

"Well… I always liked big breasts," Ino said, while peeking at her, she looked confused at the random private meeting.

Ino realized he didn't just like big breasts, he liked HER big breasts. He liked HER more than anything, but he was so afraid that she didn't like him back. It was silly to be afraid of that when they were about to do one of the most dangerous in the world.

“Stop fooling around, we are moving," Nanami scolded both teams. Ino pulled away from Panda to say “see ya later” to her.

"Maybe after this, we could watch a horror movie to celebrate our victory," Ino proposed his idea.

"Sounds good, I haven't gone to the cinema in a long time," she said excited.

"I meant at my house," Ino clarified with a determined look. She smiled.

"Sure."

Both teams continued their ways. Ino and her looked back at each other and smiled embarrassed as they caught themselves checking each other again. After losing each other from their respective sights, they focused back on the dangerous mission ahead of them. "After this, I'll finally confess," they thought.

[rawliverandgoronspice]

hey! do you have any thoughts on demise as a looser/more fluid/symbolic/metaphorical figure in the context of the story of the series- like thoughts on what he represents, and stuff like what his curse could mean thematically rather than the more essentialistic absolutistic "literal satan" interpretation that most of the (at least western) audience seems to take?

i know he may be somewhat contentious as a choice introduced by the writers especially considering from an outside perspective what he kind of did to the majority of fandom analysis and discourse, but i've been thinking about how it's quite possible the writers had a more paganistic approach to what it means to be a deity and how demise doesn't even really have a NAME so much as he is supposed to be some sort of manifestation/personification of the concept of demise, and maybe also of hatred, and also i don't know, like, what the point of that hatred is or why there has to be demise/what implications there could be of this worldbuilding

hope that was coherent enough to make sense of anything i just said but yeah i was just curious if you do!

Heyy sorry never replied, replying now!! Thanks for the ask!

Yeah it's exactly how I'm taking Demise, and I think what you mention connects more to what little I know and understand of shintoism.

In French, Demise has an absurdly long name and is basically called "The Avatar of the Void", which I think is... interesting? It makes me extremely curious as to how Demise is called in original japanese --because to me, "Void" is about the absence of things more than their destruction. It's about the absence, not the inevitability of things crumbling down that comes with Demise. I don't know which of these concepts are the closest to the original vision (if it's Void rather than Demise I think it recontextualizes everything we thought we know about this world and characters, but in my opinion it feels too incoherent with the rest of the world, so my guess is that it was a poorly thought-out translation --but I might be wrong!), but to me it's all in the title: Demise. The curse is that every golden era must end with a reckoning.

I think the curse is extremely compelling in that mythological sense, the way Demeter and Persephone's tale is about the joy and pain of passing seasons; it's the given cause for this world's fate as it is condemned to rise and die continuously; and that their eternal, bright future will always be opposed. To be honest, I'm not even sure it's a *bad* thing. Conflict is not only inevitable, it needs to rise to the surface instead of being suppressed to ensure things do not remain stagnant and shortcomings are being acknowledged and addressed --which is also partially why the suggestion of TotK's golden forever after really doesn't sit right with me, especially since nothing was learned and nothing truly changed in the course of its runtime.

I think the curse sucks when people think it means that Ganondorf is a generic evil demon man without motive of his own. It especially grinds my nerves since I somehow never hear this argument being made for *any* other villain in the franchise. I know they look alike the most (and TotK didn't help matters here), but I never *ever* saw people arguing that Vaati doesn't have motive, for example. Or Majora. Or Zant. Or even literal nothing characters like Bellum, who by all means looks more like a primal demonic evil acting on instinct than anyone else. Somehow, we get to assume they have internal motives that, while obviously wicked and self-serving, are their own! But somehow, Ganondorf, the actual main antagonist of his series with the most amount of games hinting at his backstory and internal moral code, gets flattened as an evil puppet with no internal life whatsoever. It's genuinely bizarre.

Anyway sorry sorry! Thanks again for the ask!

[dragonagecompanions]

Why do you think Varric made the Inquisitor a Comte? Wouldn’t that make them outrank him? Dumar seemed pretty powerless and I always thought that Varric got shoved in the rule to make him in charge of the recovery of Kirkwall but not actually of Kirkwall?

Sweet gentle anon, I know it was not your intention but you have stumbled into one of my favorite conversational topics and I hope you are ready for the fall out.

Welcome, children, to Fereldone talks about Thedas' Geo/Theopolitical bullshit!

(tl:dr at the bottom)

So, very important things to know going in: Kirkwall's political history is weird. Founded by the Tevinter Imperium in -620 Ancient (which is DA equivalent of BC/BCE, or the time before the ages ascribed to history by the chantry), it was a mining city. After a slave tried to kill the Archon the Magisterium decided they needed to start importing- and presumably breaking the will of- slaves farther from the heart of the imperium and thus the City of Chains gained purpose.

I could throw a lot of facts and names at you, but here's the basics-- it housed millions of slaves over hundreds of years, at the end of the ancient age they rebelled and overthrew it. Kirk means black in Alamarri, the stone they mined there was jet black, and so Kirkwall (black walls) becomes a Free city. It suffered during the fourth blight in the Exalted Age (fifth age, for those keeping score at home), was conquered by the Qunari in the Storm Age (seventh age) and was then conquered by the Orlesians. Orlais was on a roll with the whole 'we own everything whoops killed your ancestral leaders', but in the Blessed age (eighth age) the people retaliate and overthrow the empire to regain independence.

For reasons I can only assume are laziness and a desire not to change all the paperwork, the leader of Kirkwall is still referred to by the Orlesian word Viscount/Viscomte. Bear with me, this is important later.

We are now in the early dragon age (9th age, and when Inquisition happens). The first two rulers of free Kirkwall sucked. Basically they blockaded their own port and made people pay a fortune to get in and trade. This didn't sit well with the Chantry, who would much rather do that themselves, and in 9:14 Divine Beatrix II (later saved by Cassandra!) tells the Templars to strong arm him into submission talk some sense into the viscount.

The knight commander is killed in the exchange, and so his second command Meredith Stannard steps up to try her hand at negotiations. It goes poorly, so she arrests and jails the Viscount and essentially takes control of the city with full Chantry approval. Now the Templars are essentially in control of the city, and so they appoint a puppet leader (Dumar) to play act in control. But Meredith is actually in charge, and everyone knows it.

Including Elthina, who named her Knight Commander. This is why the Chantry never actually does anything about templar abuses.

So! If you are still with me, this is where Viscount becomes important. There are some wibbly bits about how you treat Sebastian Vael in DA2, but essentially Kirkwall decides that it's time to be an actual city state and not a poorly run Theocracy. As the only man with a plan (and the money and influence to do it), Varric steps in to help his home town. Ecstatic at not being responsible for that, the nobles (comtes) band together and put him in charge.

So while yes, in Orlais Viscount be beneath comte, Kirkwall has been so broken up and conquered and messed with over the years that names and titles are meaningless. In my personal opinion, Varric ennobles the inquisitor so that they will always have a staunch ally amongst the backbiting Kirkwaller nobles. It's also a nice and generous a decent thing to do, of course, but Varric is very good at making something do a lot of things for him all at once.

(Also, Varric knows exactly what that key does. He just ensured that someone smart enough and invested enough in peace will always be able to either open or close the harbor--making sure that the people who depend on him will be safe no matter what.)

Personally, the Trespasser epilouge is useless. It's the result of not having a head writer to review things, and the sweet but misguided attempt to give us closure if DA4 never happened. Hawke doesn't come back to Kirkwall. They are in Weisshaupt (if not in the Fade), and that plotIine will likely be in the final game. The Inquisition in whatever form it still has will be heading north, possibly with Kirkwall as an operating base, and this way the Inquisitor (who is confirmed to not be playabe in DA4) will have a reason to be there and not in Tevinter.

That's my read, anyway.

tl;dr Kirkwall has weird history that led to odd ways of organizing their nobility, Varric wants friends in places almost as high as him, shit's going down in the north and I think the inquisitor will be in Kirkwall so the writers needed a reason to put them there.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

Mod Fereldone