#we had three of them here and it was great for the flora

[happyheidi]

[carionto]

How to beat Deathworlders

I don't know what I want to write and it's a little frustrating. So, to fix that, I'm just gonna throw this at me - Giant Ant Planet

The first call to arms Humanity has declared. They mobilize with unseen speed and precision seven of their mightiest Dreadnoughts, hundreds of transports, and amass fifty thousand soldiers, fully armed and trained on the target.

They are headed to a world Humans scouted as having great potential for life to flourish. How correct they were.

In orbit above the planet Chromathium-2-4, the station Truncated Crescent Ellipses was tasked with conducting experiments to test the viability of Human-digestible flora and fauna living on Chromatoff (as the scientists began to call it for short).

When the fleet arrived, the final message from the station turned out to be true - it had crash landed on the surface. From the chaos of the recordings they received, there was a containment breach and the systems were under attack by some unknown electronic waves and incomprehensible code. A hostile act, but by who?

This was two weeks ago. Whoever it was, they would know the wrath of Humanity. Once we find your traces, there will be no hiding for long.

Preliminary scans show the station was dead and only local creatures and plants appeared, in greater density than elsewhere, but no matter. Just some animals.

The first unmanned craft landed and began exploring the wreckage. All of the digital systems were fried, not a hint of power remained anywhere. Attempts to manually power anything up proved fruitless - the data had been replaced with pure garbage code. Then, the drone vanished underground and went silent. Connection failure.

Orbital sights showed nothing, all frequencies were monitored and were free of unaccounted signals. The next group of drones descended and shortly after touchdown they too were seemingly devoured by the ground, all power and electronic signals cut.

A deep scan showed the same dense biological activity, but looking closer at the data it was like a carpet just below the actual surface layer. And for whatever reason the pulse couldn't penetrate below a few meters. Scanning areas further from the crash revealed a much more detailed and sparsely populated map going down the expected three kilometers.

For the third attempt they kept several drones above the landed ones at different altitudes. The moment the drones on the ground were vanished again, a sudden signal struck the ones floating up to seventy meters above and cut them off as well, but didn't seem to reach any beyond that. The visual was not as detailed as they'd like, but it was enough - the tips of large pincers and antennae and beady eyes. Ants.

The fleet maintained a perimeter around the entire system just in case, and spent half a day consulting professionals and former colleagues of the deceased scientists to get a better understanding of the current situation.

Two experiments the team had worked on before and supposedly continued when relocated to the new station stood out - metabolic acceleration, and unassisted neural interfacing via modified brain waves. Far from the wildest here, such as the self-relocating giant sequoia, but ones that offered a plausible explanation.

Ants serve a variety of critical functions in the maintenance of an ecosystem, so naturally they are a part of most late stage terraforming efforts.

Here, however, something went wrong and they evolved alongside technology at an intimate level. Perhaps deliberately made to do so.

They are spreading fast too. Twelve hours ago the "carpet" of underground ants was roughly two square kilometers. Now it was close to three and a half. In mere weeks they may spread across the entire continent, perhaps make it across (or below?) the seas somehow and ravenously consume all life on this planet before succumbing to extinction themselves.

This world is bountiful. Also, we're here already. Hmm...

Eh, may as well. Plenty of us have seen Starship Troopers and only joined to hopefully one day shoot at alien bugs. Guess these are more like home grown critters, but whatever.

With that brazen attitude (and a quick orbital bombardment) the troop ships landed, well, were forced to crash land the final few meters, but whatever electromagnetic warfare these ants were throwing our way didn't account for reinforced alloy armor and hand-held rail guns. Their sharp pincers, acid throwers, and thick carapaces did however.

Actually, fucking hell, they move real fast underground. Uhh...

This isn't looking so good in retrospect. Did they add cockroach DNA in these bastards too? Some of them literally don't care about losing their head, what the fuck!?

Okay, holy shit, abort mission! Good thing we still install regular ignition engines as an added redundancy to the military ships. Not very fast or efficient, but screw you, burn beneath the thrusters. BURN!

*deep breath*

Okay. So. We lost 831 soldiers, and 4625 are injured. And the ant casualties don't matter cuz they're ants. Super mutant ants. Who are going to take over the world if we don't nuke them. Which might not work anyway because HUMAN scientists made them.

Hoisted by our own petard or something.

Right, let's just chalk it up as a... military exercise gone wrong and quarantine the planet. Wait, make that the whole system.

...so this is what it must've felt like to lose the Emu War...

[windsweptinred]

Metamorphosis

(Part Five)

Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4

(This was meant to be the final part. But once again the story got away from me and merrily frolicked off in its own direction. So one last part six to come! There's no bold text in this part. As everyone's an anthropomorphic personification and it would get absolutely ridiculous 😅)

Upon the highest peak of the Dreaming, curled in the arms and wings of Death. Dream of the Endless, white in both appearance and attire, painted in the iridescent light of her wings…Opened his eyes. Destiny turned his page. And omniverse let out a great breath. 

As with all those taking their first, bleary look at life, his first sight was the loving smile of Death. Warm and wide and an immediate comfort. She swept an errant curl from his eye, gazing tenderly down at him. "Hey there." 

Dream looked at her  ponderously, his head a chaotic jumble of memories, all fighting for prominence. Gradually, like scattered jigsaw pieces, they slowly slotted into place. This was..? Heavy burden yet light of heart. This was arms always open, to embrace, to advise, to guide. This was kind smiles and strong reprimands. This was… Death… This was…  

"Sister?" 

Her eyes crinkled. "That's right baby brother." 

He sat up, wincing as his arms protested at the act, making to stand. That was, until he noticed the fading, pearlescent tracks, marring his sister's cheeks. He brought pale fingers to her face and swept them away delicately. 

"You have been crying?" 

Death smiled endearingly at him. Capturing his hands in her own. "It is nothing, my brother. I am happy, very happy. I promise."

Slightly doubtful but having no reason to question the truth in his sister's words, he began to rise again, shocked when the movement caused every joint to sing with pain. His legs trembled unsteadily as he rose, threatening to buckle under his weight. And he would have tumbled if not for Death's strong hands reaching out to  steady him. "Take it slowly. You've been through a lot."

Had he? He creased his brow in thought. Three memories flashed and overlapped. One a child, flaxen hair and beating mortal heart, scared and cradled in the arms of his protector. The smell of blood and the lick of flame. The other, a doomed man, clutching desperately at his lover, pelting rain and an overwhelming sense of despair. The third, a youth, barely aware of his surroundings. Body contorting with unbearable agony. Held securely by two sets of arms and…

Worry surged in his chest as he anxiously  looked around them. "Where is Hob? Where is…" 

"Do not panic, sweetest Dream, we are here." 

Dream's and Death's heads snapped simultaneously towards a couple, stood but a few metres away, smiling serenely at them. 

At first glance, they looked no different than they always had. Night decked in his usual black attire, his long coat once again hung about his sleek shoulders. Time, in a cream tee, slightly worn from regular use, green shirt that sat somewhat haphazardly and blue jeans frayed at the hems. As if he'd simply strolled by on his way to the weekly grocery shop. But that they were no longer as they had once been, that was unquestionable. 

Below Time's feet, flora, fauna and all manner of herb and shrub sprouted, bloomed, then withered before beginning the process anew. His hair and skin shone vibrant and sun-kissed, then pale as if touched by winter's chill. A continually shifting of the seasons in a rudimentary display of what would one day become the phases of boy, man and elder. Past, present and future. Night's hair, still wild and untamed, hung longer now. Flowing and sweeping with a perpetual motion all its own. Minute stars twinkling their way down each lock, forming their own tiny cosmos. About his neck and wrists where his pale skin could be seen, galaxies occasionally flared then vanished in sparkling, teasing bursts. 

Death's face lit like a second sun. "Oh brother!" She all but ran at  Night, flinging herself without care into his arms. They embraced tightly, whispering soft words of reassurance to each other. Pulling apart, she then turned to Time, who opened his arms with an easy grin, but was met with a harsh smack to the chest in reply.  "Hob! You utter… Urgh!" She punched him half heartedly in the shoulder, eliciting an amused chuckle from Time, before leaping into his embrace, both laughing jubilantly while Night beamed at them. 

Dream stood where Death had left him. Smiling sweetly at their antics but unsure of his welcome in them. That was until Time, shining with elation, turned his full attention to him. Throwing an arm toward him in an open gesture of invitation. 

Hands playing nervously with the long hems of his tunic, Dream walked timidly to meet them, greeting them with a demure smile. Time reached out, placing  a fatherly hand on his shoulder. 

"Dream! It's wonderful to see you up on your feet. We weren't half worried for you."

Dream dipped his head lightly in deference at the statement. "Thank you…" 

He faltered, at a loss at how to properly address the being before him. He drew forth memories of a man, bright smiles and attentive eyes. Hob Gadling. Simultaneously was the recollection of a distant, imposing figure. Commanding obedience, dismissive of his children's distress and sorrows. Like the unfeeling turn of clock hands….Time.

… "Sir."

Time grimaced, "Don't go calling me sir. Even my students don't do that."

Dream's eyes flickered down, he'd misstepped already. "Then, how should I address you?" He asked tentatively. 

A welcoming beam lit up Time's face and below Dream's feet, flowers blossomed lustrously "However you please! This one always did." He nodded towards Night. "Still does! I woke up this morning, gazed adoringly into his eyes and do you know what he called me? A sloth! A sloth of all things! Just as hairy, twice as clingy with the same big, perpetually satisfied grin he says. That's a fine welcome to the morning for your new husband isn't it?!"

Dream giggled despite himself at Time's rambling. An obvious attempt to ease his nerves. But a show of kindness he was most grateful for. From Time he hesitantly moved his gaze to the being, affectionately rolling his eyes at his side. 

Night. The once Dream. He was him, knew every step he had taken, every choice he had made. Yet, he was not him. He was Daniel, once human, his own, with his own thoughts and fears. It was a singular feeling. To be the same and yet different, bound yet independent. Like a newborn, still attached to its mother by the umbilical cord. 

Night looked at him, smile soft, eyes kind. Somewhere within Dream, the child Daniel, hurt and unsure, cried out desperately for his mother's reassuring love. Dream felt himself sway instinctively towards Night's tender essence, but  stopped short immediately. Berating himself with an unspoken reproach. 

"Dream?" He felt two hands gently grasp his arms. "Are you well?" 

Dream straightened, though his body screamed in protest at the act. "I am." 

The hands on his arms gave a gentle affirming squeeze and Dream tried, and failed to hold back the reactive flinch it caused. He watched as Night's mouth twitched downwards, eyes flicking about his form assessing, and he slumped his weight into his hold, bravado abandoned. "I feel a little weak." He admitted shly. "And I ache… somewhat."

Night's eyes dimmed a little, bright moons clouding in a dark haze of blues. "Your transformation was far cruller than it should have been." Night looked out towards the horizon in contemplation, before taking Dream's hand, tugging him encouragingly to follow. "Come." They walked the short distance together through Time's greenery that now flourished atop of the cliff. Night bringing them to a halt at the edge of the precipice. Tangled vines and flora tumbled forth from below their feet, trailing down the steep incline below like a verdant waterfall. 

The Dreaming lay before them, rolling swathes of vivid colour intermingled with brutal slashes of scorched earth. Night turned to him, "Do you remember how to call dreams back to you?" 

Dream nodded unsurley, looking at the ravaged landscape below. With such ruthless devastation ravaged upon the land, he had no wish for his first act as its monarch to be one of further, self-serving destruction. 

Night gave him an understanding smile, hand raising from his grasp to rub  reassuringly at his elbow. "To begin to heal your realm, you must first heal. But do not fret." 

Turning his attention once again to the  realm, Night took  Dream's arm, gently guiding it to reach out before them, his hand laying supportively atop of his. 

"We crafted a dream together, the night just past, when all was flux and flow. You and I, both Dream and both not Dream. You recall it?" 

Dream nodded and Night pressed to his side, whispering, "Call it to you." 

Dream reached out, following the siren song of times past and transformation. By his side, he felt Night's presence, wrapped about him like a great cloak. And then, there was the White Horse, or the remnants of it, half covered as it was with root and foliage. About it, a youthful meadow had sprouted and was already  rooting itself deeply in the Dreaming.

He called out to it, requesting its aid. And heard the voices of thousands of revellers old and new toast his health from within. Slowly, bricks and wood turned once more to grain, and drew into the air towards him. The meadow remained, blossoming white poppies in its wake. Dream pictured a great horse of swirling sands, rearing proudly, then galloping at speed towards its master, plunging headlong into his chest.

Inhaling deeply, already feeling the replenishing energy of nourishment, hearth and good company surge through him, he gave Night a wide, unabashed smile, who returned it benevolently. "There now. Last and first born." Night said, "That is better, is it not?" 

Almost drunk with vitality, Dream flung himself forward impulsively. Wrapping his arms about Night and snuggling into his breast bone. He heard a surprised, slight intake of breath, before two arms wove about him, pulling him in further. Dream was surrounded by the smell of an August's eve. Of air thick with heat and cooling sun-kissed soil the slight wisp of refreshing darkness. A chin rested atop of his head and he sighed contentedly. Child, safe and soothed in the beautiful universe that was his mothers arms. 

They stayed that way for a while, breeze blowing gently against them, mingling locks of blackest night and whitest starlight. Merging them into an ethereal sliver halo. Until they heard an eager voice call out, "Duck, I think we have some guests waiting at the castle." 

………..  

They made their way casually towards the heart of the Dreaming. Death and Time chatting animatedly while Night trailed behind, fondly caressing each soaring tree, each stone carving, as if bidding a silent farewell to something dear and precious. Dream followed in his footsteps, re- acquainting and greeting in turn. The denizens of the Dreaming cried out with rapture at the sight of them. There was no proclivity for either. Old and new masters had been safely delivered back to them. And they drew to them like flowers, turning towards the sun's life giving rays. 

"Boss!"

Both Night and Dream looked instantly to the skies at the call, watching as Matthew swooped, coming to an easy perch on Night's shoulder, nuzzling fiercely into his cheek. "You're alright! We thought you were a total goner there for a second!" 

Night pet the raven's head tenderly, smoothing errant feathers that stood in disarray with distress. "I am fine Matthew. More than in fact." 

Matthew's panic, now seemingly mollified, gave way to evident mortification at his actions. He cleared his throat, ruffled his wings and put some distance between himself and Night's head. Attempting a more distinguished pose on the extremity of his shoulder. Only then did he appear to take in the changes to his master. Little head twitching too and fro in curiosity. 

"What's with the glow up?" 

"I am now the embodiment of Night and Space my raven." Night answered calmly. 

Matthew cocked his head, considering for a pause before giving what was most definitely an avian version of a shrug. "You know, I'm not even surprised anymore." Finally, he turned his attention towards Dream. "Who's the kid?" 

Night gave the raven a questioning look, before taking him on wrist. Moving him out, presenting him to the young man. "I think you know truly Matthew. But allow me to introduce you to your new charge. This is the Prince of Stories, King of Nightmares, Lord of Dreams, the Oneiromancer, Master of the Sleeping Marches. Monarch of the Dreaming. Dream of the Endless."

Matthew swung his head in abject confusion from Night to Dream. Night noticed Dream's lithe fingers twitching in barely concealed eagerness to reach out to the raven. But he maintained his composure admirably. 

"Dream, I am sure  you remember Matthew, he is hard to forget." 

Dream smiled brightly before bowing his head politely to Matthew. "It is a pleasure to remeet you Matthew." 

If Matthew found the wording odd, he did not show it. He looked once more at Dream, before turning on his claws to face Night. "So… Let me get this right. You're your mum and he's you."

Night inclined his head. "In a manner, yes that is correct." 

He heard Matthew mumble something under his breath that sounded very much like 'Targaryen level shit' and chose to ignore it. 

The raven turned reluctantly once more to peer at Dream. Night felt his talons tighten about his forearm. 

Dream, who's sunny demeanour was now wilting a little, a touch of dejection in green eyes, reached into the pocket of his tunic. From it, he pulled what appeared to be a chocolate covered peanut. Offering it to Matthew hopefully. Matthew considered for a moment before edging forward, taking it carefully from his grasp before devouring it enthusiastically. After the third helping, he opened his wings and flew the short distance to Dream's forearm. Allowing a clearly delighted Dream to stroke down his back. 

" Got any fries kid?" 

"Matthew!" Night reprimanded. Matthew gave an unconcerned shake of his feathers. Acting in complete ignorance of Night's words, looking still to Dream expectantly. 

"You must not overindulgence him." Night warned Dream, "He is impertinent at the best of times. Do not encourage him further." 

Dream gave a sombre nod in understanding. Before reaching into his pocket and drawing forth a soggy excuse for a fry, drowned in salt. Offering it to Matthew who wolfed it down with abandon. 

Night looked to the skies despairingly." Go extend your greetings to the new Time you troublesome little creature."

Matthew looked from Night to the man walking just ahead. "Hob's what now?!" 

……. 

As they crossed the great bridge that lay before the castle gates, Night took a moment to savour the sight. Home, his home. He placed a hand on the stonework, desperately wishing to feel the thrumming pulse of his once realm against his palm. But the bridge was just a bridge, as malleable to him as any dreamer.. But no longer a part of him. Home no longer. He felt Time embrace him from behind and leant into his warm support. "It's alright sweetheart." Time whispered. "I have built you a home once before with my own hands. I will build you another. Anywhere, anyway you desire it." Night placed a hand atop of Time's where it held his waist. How did I exist so long without you by my side? He wondered. 

He watched as Dream approached the formidable gates. The great stone guardians bowing in unison at his presence. For a moment he dithered, looking to Night questioningly. Night broke from Time's arms with a fleeting kiss before joining him at his side. 

"Go ahead." He prompted, "They will not let us enter without your permission." And oh the bittersweet irony in that. 

Dream looked unsure for a moment, before he placed a palm against the vast doors and pushed. They let out a great creak before swinging forth at their masters command. And there, waiting for them in the great entrance hall, was Lucienne. 

She made an immediate start toward Night, joy and relief flooding her features, before her sense of  proprietary reasserted itself. Halting subtlety and walking instead towards Dream, a courteous expression on her face as she bowed respectfully. 

"My Lord. It is an honour to welcome you home."

Dream smiled graciously, before turning to look briefly at Night, then back to his Librarian. He gave her a compassionate smile, before gracefully stepping aside, "It is alright Lucienne, I understand."

Lucienne's face shone with gratitude, "Thank you sir." She said with palpable warmth, nodding her head once more in deference, before striding quickly towards Night. 

Night reached out to her, their hands immediately joining as they smiled with open affection at each other. "Oh sir, we were all so worried! We thought…" Tears formed at her eyes and Night rubbed at her hands soothingly. "Dry your eyes Lucienne." He said softly. "All is well now." 

Pulling her hands from his grip, she dabbed gentiley at her eyes. Then returned her attention to him, a look of immense pride and wonderment on her face. 

"You are resplendent sir" 

It was Night now, who felt the well of tears in his eyes. He smiled, a great love and  gratefulness bursting within him.  "Lucienne." He whispered reverently. What shall I do without you? 

"Lucienne" a soft voice parroted. And they watched as Dream approached them indecisively. Eyes cast down, before they rose in stark determination. 

"I…If it is your wish to stay by Night's side. You may do so with my blessing. Though…I admit, I shall miss you."

Night looked upon him adoringly, Oh, sweet child. Before meeting Lucienne's gaze, sharing a knowing look. She pulled from his grasp, giving Dream her full attention. Admiration for the new Prince of stories clearly evident. 

"My lord, I am the Librarian of the Dreaming and the very first Raven of Dream of the Endless. It has been my right, duty and pleasure to serve as his protector, companion and sometimes, to my great honour, council. I have never shirked from that, nor do I ever intend to. My place is now, and will forever be by your side."

Dream blossomed in relief as apprehension fell from him like a shroud. A beautiful smile gracing his face, slight wetness at his eyes making them shine exquisitely. 

"I would ask," Night interjected," For permission to visit from time to time." He looked from Lucienne to Matthew, still perched loyally on Dream's arm. "There are many I will miss dearly."

Dream shook his head emphatically. "You need never ask permission. This is your realm!"

Night smiled fondly at his words. "It is imperative I ask your permission." He pressed, before standing to full height, demeanour, kindly yet serious. "For this is your realm now Dream of the Endless."

Dream nodded soberly at the significance of his words. Then with an expression warm and earnest, said "You will always be welcome in the Dreaming, Night."

………. 

"Dream!" 

A vexed shout rang through the air and Night felt the all too familiar presence of his once masterpiece, marching his way towards them. Pulsating ominously with fury and intent. He spun on his heel, ready to confront whatever vicious tantrum the nightmare was readying to unleash. He was however, left watching, highly  bemused, as the Corinthian stomped straight past him, casting a cursory, defiant look his way. Before striding purposefully up to Dream, declaring with vehemence, "I snapped that trickster's neck!" 

Dream smiled sweetly, as if he had just been presented with a neatly bowed gift of posies. "You need not have." 

Night noticed Time send him a discreet smirk from behind them and rolled his eyes in fond exasperation. The weighty knowledge of existence immemorial had done little to quell his lover's bawdy humour it seemed. He cast a smouldering leer back Time's way. Heartened with the wink and the shift of Times locks to a flaming shade red it prompted. 

"I'll snap it every night hence. I'll hunt him dusk till dawn so he dares not close his eyes in rest. I'll drag every organ from him as he screams and begs and lay them at your feet in offering. He'll have no respite in waking or dreaming from his torments!"

Dream looked utterly charmed. "You need not. Your defence of me is most admirable, my Corinthian and I cherish it." A hint of something dark and spectral washed over Dream, then was gone. "But I am more than capable of enacting my own retribution now. Though perhaps …" He sent the nightmare a coy look. "You might join me?" 

Night smirked to himself. There you are, little Nightmare. The Corinthian grinned at his master. Smirk sharp as knives, practically pulsating with bloodlust. His teeth gnashing eagerly at the promise of a shared hunt. 

Night considered the pair. The Corinthian's quick dismissal of him in favour of his successor had, he could admit, stung somewhat. But as he watched them, he understood. He took note of Dream's instant attentiveness to the Corinthian's attempts to please. The ease with which Dream's composure softened as he leaned into the nightmares solid support. There was a trust between them that had long been absent in the relationship between maker and creation. Their shared adventures had already forged a new bond it seemed. Good. 

And yet, as Dream shifted his focus briefly to address Matthew, Night noticed  the Corinthian turn, body angled slightly towards him. The nightmare sent him a devilish grin, before giving a lazy, two fingered salute in his direction. Then he spun back, fully preoccupied once again with his young Lord. Night grinned to himself. Goodbye my nightmare. Be good for your master. He pondered for a moment before amending, Be the least bad you can be. 

He looked upon them one last time. New Dream, radiant and hopeful, Matthew perched on his arm, loyal and brave. Lucienne, wise and steadfast to his right. The Corinthian, zealous and diligent to his left. 

He need not worry. He was leaving the Dreaming in the best of hands. 

"Guys?" 

All turned to Death, who stood half way up a grand staircase to their right, leaning casually against the ornate railings. She nodded her head encouragingly towards an open doorway above, soft firelight and the mumble of conversation spilling out. 

" …They're waiting."

Art by the absolutely amazing @ibrithir-was-here of Night!Morpheus and Dream!Daniel

(Next up we meet the Endless. And I'm finally finished! Huzzah!!)

[failed-inspection]

Rain Wold: Notos, an OC lore dump post

Hii hi, so remember that OC ref post I made? Well! Here's all* the information and lore and stuff related to those goobers and the world they reside in, fair warning though, it's gonna be... Extremely long, and the summaries were made as profile summaries in mind, so there's gonna be some repeated info and/or sentences in some character parts, I did my best to make it as easy to read as I could so I hope you enjoy either way!

*Minus Clump because Clump already has their own dedicated post, and is not a part of the Notos universe to begin with and is entirely disconnected from the rest of my Rain World ocs

Starting off, we have the general information!

See, all the Notosverse characters are located in the southern hemisphere equivalent of the world, hence the name, Notos, referring to the south wind (for added context, I imagine the main game/canon takes place around the northern hemisphere) as a result, there are a few differences:

I imagine the south had a little less of an ancient population then the north, meaning less iterators were built there ( for every 3-4 iterators in the north, 1 iterator was built in the south), so the main local group is TINY, consisting of only three iterators, Fewer iterators means that the environment is less caustic, there are longer rain intervals/cycles as a result of less iterator density, allowing more time for some creatures and flora to adapt, so there are areas with much taller and larger plant life adapted to withstand the rain and such (think the outer expansion slug tree type deal but, slightly smaller and more numerous), alongside beaches and tidepools, creating some environments that feel more akin to a subtropical area (thicker/larger flora that almost make up small rainforests, generally warmer) than anything you would see in the north.

Alongside that, I imagine there's also different species! Of course, while there are some familar faces like lantern mice and some lizard variants, there's also creatures like gliding lizards, essentially rain world analogous to real world gliding lizards that hunt from the canopies, and 'whales', massive aquatic opportunistic omnivores that actually evolved from rain deer! (Or at least, creatures similar to rain deer)!

With that out of the way, Here's the cast! Starting off with the iterators, I'll be going in order of iterator > slugcat > not slugcat > ancient

ARRAY OF PASSERINES

Array of Passerines is... A troubled iterator to say the least. To those who don't know him well, or aren't his local group members, he's aloof and cold at best, and irritable and grumpy at worst, at a glance, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think he just has an attitude problem!

From the moment of his creation, if not even before that, he was put on a pedestal by his citizens, worshipped, even, they'd sing their praises about how he's their holy creation, a testament to how much they can accomplish... Despite that, you'd rarely find AoP having any nice things to say about them, one must wonder, why would he be so annoyed towards his ancients if they viewed him so highly and treated him like a god? His name and puppet's design were made to invoke the imagery of the mighty Miros Vulture, which his colony had considered a sacred symbol, a creature above all, so powerful and foreboding, built only to serve the hands that had built it... Just like the iterator.

Underneath the facade of praise and worship, Array of Passerines' citizens really saw him more as something to brag about, a symbol of their own greatness, their own religious and scientific marvels given form! He was their creation first and foremost, a great iterator that towered above all, tall and foreboding, built only to serve the hands that built it.He was never allowed to stray once from their heavily idealized version of himself, voice an opinion they disagreed with? No. Not like their countless, yet ultimately shallow offerings that are usually given in hopes of having something in return? Nope. never. Oh! How they'd turn their noses up whenever he couldn't do every single little request they wanted, no matter how mundane it was, or how rude they were!The incident with Interpolated Assemblies did not help either, how the moment it was convenient, the citizens of a local group member, his friend, turned on her and hurt her both severely and permanently... To Array of Passerines, this only further proved to him that the ancients are selfish, only caring about the iterators when they were useful to them, how could you dare to say you see us as divine when you're so willing to discard of us the moment we're an inconvenience to you?

Later down the line, His lead creator, Grandmaster, and father figure, Feathered Crests Atop Ivory Wings, echoed in a botched attempt to ascend, forever trapping him apon AoP's city, much to AoP's dismay, he's still able to communicate, more often than not bothering him with the same nonsense he always had, Array of Passerines has made it a goal to find a way to undo being echoed as a result.

Unfortunately, it seems like he can't catch much of a break, many cycles later down the line, a strange little slugcat had found it's way into his structure, and saw his neurons as a tasty treat, while a single slugcat running amok and eating whatever neurons it can get its sluggy little hands on isn't nearly enough to cause any major, or even significant, damage to an iterator, it is still very irritating to feel one scamper around your insides, probably.

Aloof as he could be, AoP does really care for his fellow iterators, especially those in his local group, immensely, even if he does struggle to express it. He isn't quite used to being shown genuine affection, or interest in himself as a person, rather than a larger than life godly figure, but he does truly appreciate such things.

INTERPOLATED ASSEMBLIES

Soft-spoken and gentle, but highly neurotic these days, Interpolated Assemblies is known to be the mediator type, both for her local group and her fellow citizens, she'd do whatever she could to be there for someone, wether it be a shoulder to cry on, or someone to seek advice from, while this may sound great at first, her desire to help everyone often took on the form of a lack of boundaries.

however, back when the ancients were around, a crisis would strike, unknown to everyone at the time, shifting fault lines underneath IA's superstructure had caused the groundwater to shift away from her pipes, while there was still just about enough groundwater to keep her functioning normally without the risk of slag build up or dehydration, it was still the absolute bare minimum, there was very little to be spared for the citizens that lived atop her city. Interpolated Assemblies unfortunately, had no control or say over the matter, if she were to lower her water intake any further, she'd be at major risk of slag buildup, during this time, her two grandmasters, Cumulonimbus Clouds, Hung Overhead, and Thirteen Branches Among Creeping Vines, would come down to her chamber to discuss solutions, only to leave disappointed when she had no answers.

As the cycles passed, and the situation grew more dire, so did the tensity between the two grandmasters. Vines inisted they continued allocating as much water as possible to IA's processes despite the shortage they're facing, as they believed neglecting the needs of the iterator would be akin to biting the hand that fed them.

Nimbus, extremely frustrated with how Vines' seemed to prioritize the well being of a machine over their own people, had decided to take matters in her own hands, with several devoted followers lead by her, she formed a riot, they stormed into the structure of Interpolated Assemblies, and began wrecking her from the inside, damaging several important components of the superstructure in the process. Nimbus had hoped for this to serve as both a wake-up call and reminder as to where, in her perception, the priorities should be, and as a way to hopefully reduce the water intake required by the iterator to allow some to be allocated to the city.

Unfortunately, the components damaged were mainly her Synthesis Modules, the components required to produce purposed organisms within the iterator's structures, such as inspectors, and most other biological iterator components.

Shortly after the aftermath, the cause of the water shortage had been discovered and repairs began, alongside attempts at repairing the components damaged, while they were restored enough to be operational, they were still badly damaged, and have never been able to be fully repaired before the Global Ascension of the ancients. This means Interpolated Assemblies' biological iterator components tend to come out... pretty badly formed, to say the least, which has left her riddled with constant discomfort, general pain, an inability to purpose creatures (at least without them coming out horrifically malformed), and much less control over what happens in her own structure due to inspectors and other critters not being able to do their job and send out their signals as efficiently.

Her physical health wasn't the only thing to be affected by the incident, while Assemblies had always been quite meek, she had ended up becoming a lot more anxious and nervous as a result.

These days, she prefers to sit on the floor of her chamber, rather than float around. Occasionally picking and tearing at her sleeve fabric as a result of a habit she formed. To this day she blames herself for what had transpired during the water shortage, believing that had she been able to be better at mediating the tensions between her two Grandmasters, none of this would have happened.unknown to her, a certain little adventurer had recently taken an interest to her can, and the strange hydras that lurk inside it... (By the way, I actually made a mod that adds her malformed inspectors into the game! Feel free to check it out!)

PIERCING DEPTHS

Surprisingly light-hearted for an iterator, to say Piercing Depths is an extrovert would be an understatement, no doubt about it, you'd you'de more often than not find them inside numerous group chats back when broadcasts were functioning, it'd make you winder, how did they ever spare time to work on The Great Problem?

To answer that question, they didn't, specifically, Piercing Depths didn't really care to work on The Great Problem, as they never saw the appeal of ascension to begin with, if you were to ask them about the matter, they'd have this to say:

"I never understood it, I know it's meant to be in my nature to find a solution, but I can't say I have any desire to. Ascension means to disappear from the physical plane, by doing so means giving up feeling, experiencing, learning, moving, all the joys that come with *existing*, and what good would that be? seems like a terrible trade, giving up everything I know and love just to ascend and be nothing, what's the point in that?"

Of course, that sentiment obviously isn't one shared with everyone, and they did get the occasional "stop lounging in the broadcasts and get back to work" talk from their peers.

When the broadcasts decayed, Piercing Depths began to feel horribly isolated, they began to write journal notes on pearls in an effort to pass the time, eventually, however, they came up with an idea, why not purpose their own companion?

This led to the creation of Wavering Droplets (Aka The Companion); a friendly hybrid between a blue and orange lizard that in all honesty, is essentially a reptilian golden retriever, they were even given the mark of communication!

Wavering Droplets would become Piercing Depths' best friend, every cycle, being allowed out of the can to hunt and explore but always returning to their chamber at the cycle's end.One cycle, however, they failed to return, and Piercing Depths began to get deathly worried, fearing the worst had happened, did they get killed? Eaten? Did they fall off the structure!?

Sending an overseer to patrol the area, they eventually discovered Companion alive and well, hanging out with a slugcat, once they had confirmed their beloved friend's safety... They still could not help but worry, fearing they would eventually forget about them and never return. To Pierce, Droplets was precious and irreplaceable, they couldn't bear to think of that possiblity.

THE LUMINAL

"An abnormality long dormant has awoken deep within, and your presence casts light upon every surface it graces, however, with such a high energy output, your body demands an equally high intake, make haste, and consume all that illuminates"

A strange little slugcat that constantly glows, requiring a steady high energy intake, one could only imagine that Luminal had been created by a fellow iterator for one reason or another.

That isn't the case, at least not entirely. No one had created them, they were just born that way to a colony of wild slugcats. Rather, it was their ancestors who had been purposed, the original line of lantern slugcats had existed even back during ancient times, created by splicing lantern mouse genes into slugcats to bring light in dark mining facilities, once mass ascension had taken place, they'd managed to find their way into the wild, and mixed with the feral slugcat population, eventually breeding out their ability to glow and leaving only a few vestigial spots and the occasional ear pattern, it seems like this is a strange case of an Atavism!

Alongside their natural glow, Luminal has the ability to flashbang enemies as a means of self defense, sacrificing a great deal of energy in doing so. Unfortunately, slugcat bodies were never equipped to output so much energy in the first place, they need to eat as much energy as they lose, typically in the form of eating light sources.

At one point, they had managed to find their way into Array of Passerines' can, and while it has no idea about the fact it had wandered into something that is alive, with all the brilliantly glowing neuron flies swarming around, they essentially found themselves an all you can eat buffet, a single slugcat running amok and eating whatever neurons it can get its sluggy little hands on isn't nearly enough to cause any major, or even significant, damage to an iterator, it is still very irritating to feel one scamper around your insides, and that's not even mentioning how wreckless it can be, from frequently agitating his inspectors to even tearing off and wearing a coral neuron, much to AoP's dismay... He wants that beast to get out.

Mechanics

Honestly their stats are all over the place, a little lighter weight than the average scug, abysmal stealth stats (since they do glow all the time), probably slightly speedier

Pips: •••••••|•••, survivor diet for the most part (save for being able to eat lantern mice), but the amount of food they get from an object entirely depends on how luminescent it is

- Blue fruit + most other none glowing foodstuff gives 1/4 a pip

- Popcorn plants give 1/2 a pip

- mushrooms, centipedes (due to their electricity), Karma flowers, and lilypucks give 1 pip

- Neuron flies, glow weed, and slime mold give two pips

- Lantern mice give 5 pips

- Lanterns and flarebombs can be eaten, and give 10 whole pips

By pressing Jump + up, you can release a flashbang, which not only temporarily blinds enemies, but has a small knockback effect, doing so drains three food pips, so use wisely

THE PIONEER

"A curious beast who finds joy in uncovering the wonders of your world, will you get one step closer to understanding the true nature of what lies above, or will everything you thought you knew about the Monoliths fall apart?"

A slugcat who, true to their name, is a natural born explorer, they frequently leave their colony for cycles at a time, and comes back with plenty of stories to share! Unfortunately, the world view of a slugcat is quite limited, they are an animal, after all, so not everything they think they know is necessarily the truth.

At one point, far before the events of their campaign, they had been grabbed by a vulture, luckily, a characteristic shared by their subspecies, known as ridgeback slugcats, is their waxy tail skirt, while this tail skirt is primarily used to navigate rocky tidal areas more easily, it doubles as a means of defence, allowing one to more easily escape predators, the resulting fall resulted in them damaging the cartilage of one of their ears, leaving it permanently lopsided, though they made a full recovery other than that.

Shortly Before the events of their campaign, they had managed to sneak their way into the can of Interpolated Assemblies during one of their adventures, and what a sight to behold it was, strange long creatures floated around, turning aggressive the moment they spotted them, they needed to get out fast!

Upon returning to their colony, Pioneer excitedly told their fellow slugcats about their newest discovery, they had found the source of the rain! Massive flying serpents, sometimes with multiple heads, that lived in a huge den above the clouds, those serpents must be responsible for the rain!

Their campaign is them going on a journey to return to that strange structure in an effort to learn more about what exactly is going on, perhaps they'll find out more than they'd ever thought possible.

(Pioneer had never met Interpolated Assemblies' puppet before their campaign story, so they have no idea that the structure they're wandering in is in fact alive, and those 'serpents' are simply the white blood cells for a much larger creature... At least for now!)

Mechanics

- generally has similar base stats to survivor, albeit a slightly longer breath timer

- Pip count: ••••|•••, survivor diet

- Waxy Tailskirt makes it easier to escape creature grasps, press jump to escape a creature bite, however, the wax does wear down each time you're caught, so this ability can only be used a finite amount of times per cycle, the first time requires you to press jump three times, the second time requires you to press jump 6 times, and the third time will require you to press 10 times, with added exhaustion for three seconds, afterwards, you will not be able to get out of creature grasps for the rest of the cycle, so be careful, alongside that, your chances of being killed to a bite are lower on those three chances (though the chances do increase until they reach the usual chances with each time you escape)

- the wax also makes it so that your slides and slide pounces are able to cover more distance

- your map has different graphics that look more akin to something hand drawn, you also have some region maps already covered for you as well, woohoo!

THE POET

"An unusually secluded member of your kind, you find companionship in what would normally consider you as prey, perhaps the bonds you forge will pave a path towards something you never could have imagined."

Poet is quite the critter, it's not uncommon to see them hanging around, feeding, or even playing with lizards, they appear to have an unusual affinity with them, seeing them much more as friends than foe, despite what their friendly title and behavior towards lizards would suggest, they aren't a complete pacifist, in fact, they have gained quite the negative reputation between squidcadas and other creatures, the reason? They have no issue hunting them down to feed their scaly friends.

One cycle, they had encountered a strange, but badly injured lizard, rushing to action, Poet took them to the nearest shelter, and began nursing them back to health, the two would become inseparable ever since, and so begins a journey together, as something beckons their newfound friend home...

Mechanics

- For the most part, they have the base stats of survivor, albeit with a lower jump height

- ••••|•••, survivor diet, but gains half a pip more from eating from plant matter

- extremely high reputation with lizards, but low reputation with every other creature that uses the reputation system.

- For the most part, Poet themselves doesn't have any unique mechanics, their true mechanics come from their tamed lizard friend, The Companion!

- by pressing grab, you're able to ride the companion, doing so essentially gives you safari mode control over them (arrows to move, jump to use toungue, throw to hiss, and pickup to bite), pressing grab + throw let's you get off of them, thanks to their blue lizard genes, they're able to climb walls, which is especially useful given Poet's limited jump height, alongside having a blue lizard tongue, when you're not riding them, they will follow you and attempt to protect you from threats

- unfortunately, The Companion has some drawbacks as well, you will be unable to grab items while riding them, and similarly to slugpups, they have their own food bar ••|•, and must be fed every cycle, alongside that, they have the same health as a blue lizard (albeit this health is regenerated every cycle), due to their yellow lizard genetics, being near yellow lizard packs can cause them to turn on you, as they struggle to resist their signals, so care must be taken.

THE COMPANION (AKA WAVERING DROPLETS)

As would be suggested by their title, The Companion, or their true name, Wavering Droplets, was well... Created for the sake of companionship! Made by Piercing Depths, They're essentially a golden retriever in lizard form, bearing both the genetics of blue and yellow lizards, blue for their relatively less dangerous natures and ability to climb walls, and yellows for their intelligence and fantastic location memory.

Each cycle, Piercing Depths would allow them to leave their structure, after all, a lizard does need to hunt and run, at the end of each cycle, they would return to Pierce's can, typically sleeping next to and enjoying being pet by them.

One cycle, however, disaster struck, during one of their hunting sessions, Companion had fallen off the lower ends of one of the structure's legs, while they thankfully fell at a survivable height, or at least something had managed to cushion their fall. They still had gotten severely injured, to the point of being unable to properly move, had they been left in that state, it would have been likely that either a predator would have considered them an easy meal, or the rain could have drowned them.

Thankfully, neither would be the case, as a certain lizard loving slugcat would find them in just the nick of time. They would take them to shelter, and nurse to them back to health, from feeding them to tending to their injuries, the two would become inseparable ever since.

Unfortunately, being a hybrid has its drawbacks, Companion doesn't have much health, being only a little stronger than a yellow lizard, alongside that, the two 'ears" that they bear are in fact, small, but still semi functional antennae, As a result of their Orange lizard genetics, The Companion struggles to resist signals sent out by Orange lizards to alert members of their packs.

Piercing Depths began to get deathly worried, fearing the worst had happened to their beloved scaly friend, and sent an overseer to patrol the area, they eventually discovered Companion alive and well, hanging out with The Poet, once they had confirmed their safety... They still could not help but worry, fearing they would eventually forget about them and never return. To Pierce, Droplets was precious and irreplaceable, they couldn't bear to think of that possiblity.

FEATHERED CRESTS ATOP IVORY WINGS

"What have we here?

A clueless beast, so simple and frail, wandering atop the roof of my Legacy.

Tell me, little mouse, would your soul fill with awe if I were to tell you that the metal you tread on is breathing? would you think that the hands that had built this god are in fact, mighter than their own creation?

And yet, he has the audacity to disrespect those who had given him this gift of giving.

Fool! It is a creation's birthright to serve its creators!"

While there is no doubt that Feathered Crests Atop Ivory Wings has a brilliant mind, Being both the lead creator of the Array of Passerines iterator project, and the grandmaster of his city prior to becoming an echo, a brilliant mind unfortunately does not necessarily mean a humble soul, his accomplishments had always been fuel for his ego, being one to boast about his greatness, afterall, he's the one to have been behind the creation of an iterator! He's the one to rule a city! How could he not!?

This pompousness, however, would soon get the better of him, in a botched attempt to ascend using a void fluid bath, Crests would become an echo, permanently trapped inside Array of Passerines' city, despite this, he'd still be capable of communicating and making his presence known to the Iterator, much to Array of Passerines' dismay, leading to AoP trying to figure out a way to undo the echoing process, to have Crests truly be able to ascend... To finally get rid of him.

See, Array of Passerines had never been fond of his father figure, Crests had always used his existence and creation as a way to boast about himself, but had also expected Passerines to agree with him on everything without question or doubt, or immediately do any task requested of him, no matter how mundane or time wasting, with Crests quickly becoming angry whenever he'd fail to do so, scolding him for 'being ungrateful to his creators.'

CUMULONIMBUS CLOUDS, HUNG OVERHEAD

"our true kin are suffering for the sake of this construct."

Blunt, yet noble and determined, there is a lot to say about Nimbus.

Having grown up her whole life on the city atop Interpolated Assemblies, the iterator was simply seen as a part of life to most, from visiting her puppet since she was little, to more often than not, catching glimpses of her overseers around.

In all honesty, She always felt it a bit unnerved by their watchful eyes. She must admit, her faith in the iterators had always been a little skewed, something about how people would be so quick to place their faith in them felt off, and she often found herself asking many questions in her mind; is there a reason why we must treat our tools as holy? As an equal or even above us? Why must we devote ourselves to it so blindly?

she'd begin to study politics In her formative years, and later, had ended up becoming one of the Grandmasters of cabinet, alongside Thirteen Branches Among Creeping Vines, now a leader, she hoped to ensure the best future she could for her people.

Eventually however, a crisis struck, unbeknownst to everyone at the time, shifting fault lines underneath IA's superstructure had caused the groundwater to shift away from her pipes, while there was still just about enough groundwater to keep Interpolated Assemblies functioning normally without the risk of slag build up or dehydration, it was still the absolute bare minimum, there was very little to be spared for the citizens that lived atop her city.

Despite that, Vines inisted that they continued allocating as much water as possible to IA's processes despite the shortage they're facing, as they believed neglecting the needs of the iterator would be akin to biting the hand that fed them.

Frustrated with how Vines' seemed to prioritize the well being of a machine over their own people, Nimbus had decided to take matters in her own hands, with several devoted followers lead by her, she formed a riot, they stormed into the structure of Interpolated Assemblies, and began wrecking her from the inside, damaging several important components of the superstructure in the process. Nimbus had hoped for this to serve as both a wake-up call and reminder as to where, in her perception, the priorities should be, and as a way to hopefully reduce the water intake required by the iterator to allow some to be allocated to the city.

In the aftermath of her protest, Nimbus' actions had been declared sacrilegious and deplorable, she had been stripped of her title, and exiled to the lands below. After all, why should you have the privilege to live atop our iterator if you're so willing to break her apart!?

What became of her fate afterwards however, remains unknown, whether she lived out the rest of her life as a nomad among the rain, or had become an echo, a victim of the fith karmic urge, is anyone's guess, but one thing is for certain, the aftermath of her legacy continues to haunt Interpolated Assemblies' depths to this day.

THIRTEEN BRANCHES AMONG CREEPING VINES

"Do not let your arrogance blind you to the realities of our dependence!"

Devoted and levelheaded, Thirteen Branches among Creeping Vines was a Monk-turned Grandmaster who lived atop the city of Interpolated Assemblies, working alongside Cumulonimbus Clouds, Hung Overhead.

With a sense of faith as unfaltering as their decisions, and more often than not, the former affecting the latter, while they weren't particularly aggressive in their reign, for better or for worse, they are not one to be so swayed easily.

Vines was always devoted to spirituality, having originally been a monk since they were a young adult, before being elected to become a Grandmaster Of Cabinet, even after this drastic shift in position, Vines did their best to remain humble, and continued working toward their path to enlightenment.

Eventually however, a crisis struck, unbeknownst to everyone at the time, shifting fault lines underneath IA's superstructure had caused the groundwater to shift away from her pipes, while there was still just about enough groundwater to keep Interpolated Assemblies functioning normally without the risk of slag build up or dehydration, it was still the absolute bare minimum, there was very little to be spared for the citizens that lived atop her city.

Despite that, Vines inisted that they continued allocating as much water as possible to IA's processes despite the shortage they're facing, as they believed neglecting the needs of the iterator would be akin to biting the hand that fed them.

Vines' stubbornness on the matter led Nimbus to take matters into her own hands, with several devoted followers lead by her, she formed a riot, they stormed into the structure of Interpolated Assemblies, and began wrecking her from the inside, damaging several important components of the superstructure in the process.

In the aftermath of her protest, Nimbus' actions had been declared sacrilegious and deplorable, she had been stripped of her title, and exiled to the lands below. After Nimbus' exilement, Vines became the sole grandmaster of Interpolated Assemblies' city, being the one to order and overlook her repairs up until The Great Ascension. What became of them after the fact however, remains unclear, though it is likely that they did manage to successfully ascend.

[bornetoblood]

Okay fuck it, Gehrman, Maria and the Doll Post.

Buckle in bucko cus I have lots of thoughts. This isn’t really evidenced or a lore post, it’s just a compelation of assorted Rat (tm) opinions on these three’s relationship and how it intersects with some of those delicious themes in my brain.

Gehrman, Maria and the Doll are, basically, about legacy to me- particularly Gehrman’s failure to secure the continuation of his hunters through Maria.

We know Maria as Gehrman’s apprentice, possibly one of a few but that is left vague, that he had a “curious mania” in regards to her that she was unaware of. This “mania” to me is Gehrman’s desire to keep his legacy going, his methods of hunting and the workshop (kinda like a parental figure trying to make their child a little them). This is reflected in Maria’s desire to gain strength through practice and her dexterity, not innate abilities.

They have a pretty wholesome dynamic of ‘mentor you trust enough to kinda consider your dad’ thing going if you ignore all the murder. Maria being separated from her Cainhurst family as she deliberately distances herself from them and Gehrman (who is very very family oriented to me) likes looking after people.

Maria’s acceptance of the First Hunter 2.0 role, however, runs up to the Fishing Hamlet Massacre, and then crashes.

The Hamlet and the events there forced Maria to realise the violence such a role entails. Additionally, I can see her putting two and two together about what exactly the beasts are here also. Unlike Gehrman, she doesn’t see the murder of these people as an act of mercy, and forgos her status as a hunter, throwing away the Rakuyo. This creates a divide between them and they aren’t as close ever again.

When the Healing Church gets going, they both participate. Gehrman does his whole ‘hunting from the shadows’ deal while Maria works in the research hall. They get into arguments sometimes about their different views of the hunt and its validity, and Maria’s depression progressively worsens as the Research Hall gets more violent and her crush gets slugs put in her brain. She is complicit in the Research Hall out of a desire to ease the pain of the patients and this compounds the guilt she’s still feeling from the Hamlet. This guilt, eventually, leads to her death.

Gehrman doesn’t take this very well. As a result, he gives up hunting and isolates himself; having failed in his mission to create a lineage of hunters, help Maria with what she was going through, and simply be an alright dad to her. He misconstrues Maria’s more masc presentation, her headstrong and dynamic personality, as an extension of the hunt and thus strips those qualities of her in his attempt to memorialise her.

Gehrman, foolishly, thinks that he alone is to blame for Maria’s disillusionment. He thinks that Maria would’ve been the most comfortable as a traditional feminine figure (he.... doesn’t know many women, only what he’s read in books). So this is what the Doll is- Gehrman’s attempt to atone for making Maria’s life miserable.

This is complicated when Flora brings the Doll to life to accompany Gehrman in the Dream; the Doll is nothing like Maria because they have been stripped of everything that made Maria who she was. Gehrman just avoids them as a result, effectively abandoning his wooden child without them having a clue why.

The Doll is not Maria. Although it’s implied they share some memories (or the feelings those memories evoke) and the Doll is put at ease when Maria is put to rest in the Nightmare, I see this more as Great One shenanigans than them being the same person. Flora animating the Doll with Gehrman’s memory of Maria is the most interesting take to me- he’s forgotten a lot about her and what’s left is someone unrecognisable with the same voice. 

And that’s where it stays. The Doll is an animated product of grief who unintentionally freaks Gehrman out and makes him feel sick and they have 0 idea what they’re doing wrong.

[cleolinda]

Varney the Vampire: Chapter 6

Chapter 5: Please, be responsible with your vampires.

Chapter 6: Originally posted on Livejournal on December 14, 2010. The original one was a bit short, so this has been expanded.

Previously on:

"Be of better cheer, Henry -- be of better cheer," said Marchdale; "there is one circumstance which we ought to consider, it is that, from all we have seen, there seems to be some things which would favour an opinion, Henry, that your ancestor, whose portrait hangs in the chamber which was occupied by Flora, is a vampyre."

Also:

Henry related to George what had taken place outside the house, and the two brothers held a long and interesting conversation for some hours upon that subject, as well as upon others of great importance to their welfare. It was not until the sun's early rays came glaring in at the casement that they both rose, and thought of awakening Flora, who had now slept soundly for so many hours.

I am stunned that this fascinating conversation was not given three chapters of its own. The printer must have put his foot down and said, "I can pay you by the line, not the ton."

CHAPTER VI.

A GLANCE AT THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY. -- THE PROBABLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE MYSTERIOUS APPARITION'S APPEARANCE.

Rymer trusts that it would not be unideal to acquaint us further with the Beaumont Bannerworth family. Short version: previous heads of the Bannerworth family were a bunch of hell-raisin' runnagate gamblers, and thus noble Henry and his family are now quietly penniless. We are told that his father, Marmaduke Bannerworth, Oh Why Not the Second, was "found lying dead" (of what: not specified. sus? absolutely) in the garden, with only an unfinished message written in pencil:

"The money is -- -- " And then there was a long scrawl of the pencil, which seemed to have been occasioned by his sudden decease.

Of course there was. To ramp up the foreshadowing that James Malcolm Rymer might never, ever follow up on, we're also told,

He had, but a few hours before he was found lying dead, made the following singular speech to Henry, -- "Do not regret, Henry, that the old house which has been in our family so long is about to be parted with. Be assured that, if it is but for the first time in my life, I have good and substantial reasons now for what I am about to do. We shall be able to go to some other country, and there live like princes of the land." Where the means were to come from to live like a prince, unless Mr. Bannerworth had some of the German princes in his eye, no one knew but himself, and his sudden death buried with him that most important secret.

Henry, of course, never gets to find out wtf this means. Not entirely sure what the drive-by snark at German princes is about, either. (At this point, the German Confederation was still a few short years away from the Revolutions of 1848. A Regent's Council was ruling Austria for Ferdinand I, who served as a de facto president of the Confederation; the whole thing was decentralized, "weak and ineffective," and so I'm guessing individual princes had a good bit of money and power? I have no idea what this has to do with Marmaduke II's plans.)

So the current Bannerworths, they are broke. And then, suddenly, Random J. Solicitor, Esq., from London writes them to say, "Look, I have this client. I can't tell you who it is, but he'll pay you a shitload of money for the Hall." The Bannerworths want to hold onto the ancestral hall, mortgages and debts and all. "No, seriously. Anything you want." Even the Bannerworths' own lawyer is like, SERIOUSLY, WHY WON'T YOU TAKE THE MONEY? Well, because it's their ancestral family home, and also… there's this guy who likes Flora, and they want to make sure he can drop in on them someday. Because, if they move, they have no way of letting him know.

Now, in 2010, I wrote rather dryly, "I don't know how we survived before Facebook, you guys." The subtext here was, I already hated Facebook and used it, like, twice in my whole life, mostly as a mobile game login. Obviously, this statement hits different in 2023; I'm not sure we'll survive anyway, but this is the gag I wrote 12-13 years ago, and I stand by it:

Flora Bannerworth thinks that Italy is beautiful this time of year

Flora Bannerworth is GOING OVER A CLIFF O NOES!!2!

Charles Holland is saving some random girl he's never met before from certain death-----

Henry Bannerworth likes this-----

George Bannerworth likes this-----

Mrs. Bannerworth likes this

Henry Bannerworth has invited Charles Holland to join The Quietly Penniless Bannerworth Family

And thus, 620 words later, we are introduced to Charles Holland, Artist by Profession, Traveling for Instruction and Amusement, Loved by Everyone (But Especially Flora). Literally, he saved her from a terrific stormy abyss, into which she nearly damseled into off a cliff, and surely would have perished thereunto. Charles Holland then had Somewhere Else to Be for two years—but when he gets done with Something, at Someplace with No Address, he will absolutely come back and look Flora up at Bannerworth Hall! So we definitely cannot move, y'all.

With one exception this was the state of affairs at the hall, and that exception relates to Mr. Marchdale.

Ah: Mrs. Bannerworth's childhood sweetheart, failed suitor, and "distant relative"—shoulda been her cousin, Marchdale, you would've had a far better chance. While we're here, I should tell you my theory about why so many heroines in nineteenth century literature end up marrying their cousins. (An unparalleled example: Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins and its sequel Rose in Bloom, in which the Campbell family waits breathlessly to see which of a HERD of male cousins young heiress Rose will marry. She chooses the nerd.) I think it's because cousins were allowed to interact like siblings—that is, like friends—whereas mere acquaintances were held apart from young women by a certain degree of convention and propriety. Courtship was often ridiculously formal, particularly as the century wore on. So, for a writer, it would be really appealing to have a male character in place that your heroine can even just be around, someone the reader can witness her having an emotional relationship with—not just a superficial introduction, then a perfunctory proposal. So it's far more narratively satisfying to go with "the cousin we've known for the entire book" instead of "cousin's random friend we saw three times." Even Charles Holland rapidly gets promoted to—well, we'll get to that.

Instead, Mrs. Bannerworth "had, as is generally the case among several admirers, chosen the very worst: that is, the man who had treated her with the most indifference and who paid her the least attention." Not to mention, a dissipated gambler. Good to see that, even back in the day, the Bad Boy Fallacy was already in effect.

So, after the Very Worst turned up dead in the garden, Marchdale renewed his attentions to his old flame and distant relative, the Widow Bannerworth:

It might have been some slight tenderness towards him which had never left her, or it might be the pleasure merely of seeing one whom she had known intimately in early life, but, be that as it may, she certainly gave him a kindly welcome; and he, after consenting to remain for some time as a visitor at the hall, won the esteem of the whole family by his frank demeanour and cultivated intellect.

Marchdale (we are told) is well-traveled, courteous, spins a good yarn on a dull 1840s night, and has "a small [financial] independence of his own," so he's actually better off than the family hosting him, and finds ways to support them. This is the Bannerworth household, all told, and they're making it work. Sometimes a family is a widow, her three adult children, her cousin-suitor, and his crowbar.

Such then may be considered by our readers as a brief outline of the state of affairs among the Bannerworths -- a state which was pregnant with changes, and which changes were now likely to be rapid and conclusive. How far the feelings of the family towards the ancient house of their race would be altered by the appearance at it of so fearful a visitor as a vampyre, we will not stop to inquire, inasmuch as such feelings will develop themselves as we proceed.

Well—wait. What? "Altered by the appearance at it of"? What the hell is this? God, it's like the literary equivalent of a speed bump. Anyway: all the servants promptly quit. Sorry—the feelings of the domestics inasmuch as the domestics could afford to have feelings were inevitably altered towards the desirability of the wages paid thereunto by the appearance of a fucking vampire. Ugh. Nobody wants to work these days.

(Chapter 7 will go up Friday, March 31.)

[another-clive-blog]

I know that I already sent an ask earlier but I haven't decided on a request then. I have an request of a fanfic being about Clive and co hanging out at the bookstore. Like maybe Clive and Luke are looking at some puzzle books together as a way to see who could solve the most.

Thank you so much !! That's such a great idea too !!! The siblings ever ;^;

Alright so this one is longer than usual ! It starts with light-hearted fun, then gets a bit angsty, and then a bit fluffy at the very end. Featuring Clive, Luke and Flora having a puzzle competition and talking a bit about emotions !! (Yes Clive does try. He's less mean here than I usually write him ahah)

It takes place at the library in Chinatown. Layton, Clive, Flora and Luke take a break there before heading to the towering pagoda =)

"This has been nice, but we should go back to our investigation now," Big Luke said politely, although these distractions were starting to be quite the bother. Could you blame him ? All of them were wasting precious time with people and activities that didn't matter, unlike his plan- which was exactly why they should focus on the investigation and quit running around in that stupid library.

"Stop being such a partypooper," Little Luke pouted, "you're giving me a bad name."

Big Luke almost choked. A partypooper ? Him ?? "I beg your pardon ?"

"Well, you're me." Little Luke explained, as if this was somehow the concept Big Luke was failing to grasp.

"That's not-"

"Which means," Little Luke added with a smile, "that I know you love libraries. Because I do ! And the professor said that we could stay here for a few more minutes, so we should take a look and have fun !"

Of course the professor had said so. He was probably busy borrowing hundreds of books he would never be able to return.

Apparently, Little Luke had decided to be annoying today. "Well, that's what I'm gonna do anyway. If you want to stop looking so miserable, you can always join me." He didn't wait for an answer, quickly leaving with a wide grin.

"Wh- miserable ?!" Big Luke- scratch that, Clive was offended. He was not miserable : he was just... standing right outside the store. With his arms crossed. And a frown on his face.

Because they were all annoying !! Not because he was a partypooper. And he would prove it to that brat ! "Alright, you asked for it. Hey Little Luke, I have a fun idea !"

Luke's face brightened with joy when he saw his future self join him among the rows of books. "Yeah ? What is it !"

Oh, Clive would absolutely wipe that excited smile off his face. "Let's see if we can find a book about puzzles. Maybe we could have a competition !"

Luke was practically jumping up and down now. "I'll look in this pile of books !!" He said before immediately diving in.

Wow, the kid was... really into puzzles, uh ? And here Clive thought that he was following the professor around solely for the title of apprentice : maybe there was more to it than a kid trying to feel important.

It- eh, it didn't matter. He was absolutely going to beat the brat at his own game.

Big Luke started looking among the books right in front of him. He didn't know any of these books- he didn't even know if there was a book about puzzles here. He had only supervised the city's construction : he had asked for a library, not what was inside. Who had decided on that ? Dimitri ? The books were mostly about science, so Dimitri probably had-

"What are you looking for ?"

Big Luke almost screamed, but he didn't. He was a twenty three-year-old man, a criminal, a gentleman, and most importantly- he was in a library. "Can't you keep your voice down and behave a little ?!"

Flora giggled. "Oh, I'm sorry. It was just too tempting, but you're right. I shouldn't have surprised you like that."

Clive took a deep breath and pushed away the seven first replies that came to mind. "No, it's quite alright. I'm sorry too. What was your question ?" Big Luke asked with a barely strained smile. Why were they all testing his patience today ? They -purposefully ?- made it incredibly hard to keep up the act.

"It's fine !" Flora smiled. "I was wondering what you were doing. Little Luke seemed very excited, and he only ever acts like this when the professor gives him an especially difficult puzzle."

He... did ? "Uh. We were- we were looking for a book about puzzles. To have a puzzle competition." Big Luke stammered like an idiot. Very uncharacteristic, she was definitely about to call out his bluff now.

"Really ?! Can I join you two ?" Flora's voice was maybe a bit loud, but Clive decided to let it go.

Big Luke smiled serenely. "Sure, why not ! But we have to find that book first."

Flora enthusiastically nodded, a delighted smile on her lips. "I'll go look this way !!" And with that, she left a confused Big Luke behind.

Alright, that was... weird. Either these kids loved puzzles to a concerning amount, or... or what ?

Maybe this was a trap. They were trying to get him to slip up, reveal too much by acting so weird around him. Maybe they were glad he gave them a way to figure out if he really was Luke, because there was no way these kids weren't going to beat him- they were basically fed puzzles since birth. He was going to get absolutely destroyed.

Well, it was too late to back down now. All he could do was try his best at the puzzles and not act suspicious : and if this whole thing turned sour, he could always escape and get to the mecha first. He knew this town better than they did, knew all of its secrets.

Alright, alright, get it together. It didn't have to come to that. Maybe they wouldn't find the book before the break was over. Maybe there wasn't even a book to start with-

"I found it !" Luke yelled from the other side of the story and quickly apologized when gently hushed by Layton, busy reading a huge encyclopedia.

Oh, great.

-_-_-_-

"Yes ! Another win for me !!" Flora celebrated, and Luke shot her a nasty look, trying his hardest not to pout. With this victory, Flora and Little Luke were back to a tie.

And Big Luke was one puzzle behind.

It wasn't catastrophic. His opponents had far more experience and the greatest mentor anyone could have asked for, while Clive had none of that. He was doing pretty well, given the context.

But he needed to do better.

"Alright, that was well played," Little Luke finally smiled. Flora's joy was contagious, and he was having fun anyway. This puzzle competition was a great idea !

"Thank you," Flora said before turning to Big Luke with a grin. "Your turn !! Here is your puzzle, Big Luke..."

Clive frowned, staring at the page. It wasn't an easy one- of course it wasn't. They had deliberately chosen the hardest section of the book, these little brats. 'So that we get a bit of a challenge,' according to them.

Clive was already dealing with far too many challenges- for example, him pretending to be Big Luke. That one was going just great. What were they going to think, if he couldn't solve that puzzle ?

Because he couldn't, despite how much he tried. None of his attempts worked, none of the hints helped. He was going to fail. What should he do now ? Maybe-

Little Luke and Flora shared a concerned glance, before Luke suddenly closed the book.

Big Luke startled, looking at him in confusion. "I wasn't done," he pointed out.

Little Luke didn't say anything, only avoiding his gaze, so Flora did. "You're not having fun," she simply explained.

"What ?" Oh, he was done for. Luke loved puzzles, Luke wouldn't stop a puzzle competition because he wasn't having fun. "Of course I am. I-"

Flora held her hands up, interrupting him. "It's fine ! With Luke, we thought that... erm..."

"You're really struggling," Luke finished. "...It's because of the Professor of the future, isn't it ? You don't like puzzles anymore."

Clive just stared.

"It's hard not to notice differences between you and Little Luke," Flora gently explained. "But you seem... less enthusiastic. About puzzles. And... us, too. So we thought..." She got quieter and quieter, before she stopped speaking entirely.

Something finally clicked in Clive's mind. "Oh no- no no no ! It's not- I'm not- It's okay."

"Is it ?" Little Luke asked in a small voice. "You don't look okay."

"Things have been-"

"Are you okay ?"

Clive fell silent. Why were they asking him that ? They truly believed he was Big Luke, which meant that he didn't matter to them. The narrative here was that they were trying to keep this future from worsening and then they would go back to their own time. Big Luke was supposed to disappear, one way or another.

Maybe... maybe that's what scared them. The idea that things would disappear, that change was unavoidable- that familiar and pleasant things would become a source of pain. It was- it was a lot for a child, Clive realized.

He remembered things being a lot as a child.

"You will be," Clive gently told him.

"You didn't answer," Flora pointed out. Now that he really looked for it, Clive noticed that she sounded quite unhappy too.

They really were worried and scared.

Clive didn't know how to handle this. He wasn't really big on emotions and feelings or whatever, and why would he be ? It's not like stupid Dimitri and him would talk about their lives around a nice cup of tea.

But he couldn't just brush them off. "Listen," he sighed, "I don't know. Things are a bit crazy right now, so it's hard to say. We'll know in a few hours, I guess."

The kids still looked sad, but nodded nonetheless. Great, so his job was done. "How are you two doing ?" Clive asked, for some reason, although he had decided he was done.

Probably to make his whole Big Luke lie more believable.

"I'm... a bit scared," Flora admitted. "Well, not scared- I know the professor will fix everything. But things here are still... concerning. And sad."

Clive nodded before staring at Little Luke : the latter kept his head down. "I'm not scared. We're going to fix everything here."

Well, that sure sounded familiar.

He was supposed to answer, wasn't he ? What would someone who wasn't him say ? "It's... okay to be scared. It's a lot to deal with, and no one expects you to fix it all on your own," Clive said. Constance... used to tell him that. Why was he only remembering these words now ? "But whatever happens, you'll be okay. My life kinda sucks, but yours don't have to. Change the things you can change, learn from people's mistakes, talk to others, I don't know. Just don't let it end that way." Well, that part was not Constance's.

Flora laughed. "You're still very bad at comforting people."

"Hey !"

Clive smiled. "Some things never change."

"I'm very good at comforting people !" Little Luke protested. "I can prove it ! Bring me someone who's feeling bad !!"

"I'm good," Flora said, and she sounded genuinely happier.

"Well, Big Luke ?" Little Luke stared at him. "You did say that your life... uh..."

Clive scoffed. "I'm not asking a 13 years old for advice."

"You're just scared I'll be better than you, again," Little Luke smirked.

Clive crossed his arms, mocking his friend. "No, I'm not. And you know what ? Let's redo this puzzle competition. I'm going to beat you this time."

Flora hesitated. "Are you sure ? The professor-"

"The professor is busy," Clive replied. "What, are you two scared of losing ? That's pathetic, truly-"

Little Luke was already opening the book, looking for a new puzzle. "Alright, but you asked for it. If the professor wants to ground someone, I'm not the one who started this thing." He seemed even more excited than the first time.

"This is so much fun !!" Flora clapped her hands, waiting for the first puzzle.

Surprisingly, Clive found himself agreeing with her.

[simplytheevebest]

Farah the Fern AU: It's Official ❤️ Masterlist Included

*off key kazoo*

Here we go! By popular demand I present to you the first chapter of the Farah the Fern AU.

Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who has commented and reblogged and liked my posts about this silly little idea, I'm glad it's bringing such joy in this trying time.

Shamelessly tagging everyone who's interacted with those posts: @somenamewithepineapple @thomasine00 @ghostsunderstoodmysoul @travelingtardis @thebloodpit @setsuna1415 @ferratic @veritaserum07 @captdorkybadass @eves-da-best @alexusonfire @muscatmusic18 @evebestt @faytalepsy @evermoreparadise @astrid-v @abearofverylittlebrain @radley21 @nerd-law @icecream-junkie @quicktypesomethingclever @fuelingobsessions

If I missed you and you wish to be tagged, let me know. If I tagged you and you don't want to be, also let me know. I will be posting chapters on Ao3 but I will also post them here and update this original post with links to the new ones. Almost all "chapters" will be unconnected unless I specify otherwise.

Enjoy!

Part One (you are here). Part Two. @icecream-junkie's excellent contribution. Part Three. Angsty Part Four. Part Five. @ghostsunderstoodmysoul's excellent Farah x Reader contribution. @belligerent-butterfly's Farah the Fern inspired Farah x Reader. @icecream-junkie's second excellent contribution. @arte-mis-t's Farah the Fern inspired Farah x Reader (chapter 2). @icecream-junkie's NSFW Silrah contribution. @astrid-v's amazing fanart.

Chapter One: A New Trick

The cactus, Saul can only assume, is not proving as effective or satisfactory for Farah to express her displeasure anymore. It’d been a short-lived parlor trick anyhow, since he’s learned to look her way before reaching blindly. She’d taken great enjoyment in that first time, when he’d felt for the delicate fronds of the fern, only to find his fingers instead pierced by the spines of a prickly pear, because he’d made a quip about her current state being much easier to manage than her hair.

All jokes aside, it’s an incredible feat of her restored magic that she’s able to change to whatever plant species she pleases, though she defaults to the fern that saved her life, or the “pleopeltis polypodioides,” as Ben had said, “a fascinating epiphytic fern native to climates of-”

And that’s when Saul had stopped listening. Farah’s a fern: that’s all he needs to know. Except now, she’s not just a fern. She’s whatever she wants to be, for whatever reason she chooses. He learns she’s spending too much time with Flora -dedicated to the task of restoring the headmistress to her corporeal form, bless her- because her plant swaps hold meaning now, a language Saul never bothered learning but now has to, so he knows why Farah had chosen to be a petunia for Luna’s latest visit. (Which according to the archaic volume he’d borrowed from the library, could be construed either as peace or resentment, depending on who the recipient is. Saul has no misgivings about which meaning Farah intended for the Solarian royal).

But Saul doesn’t have the time to cross-reference the subtext of every plant Farah chooses to be, which Farah knows all to well, having no choice but to sit on the edge of her own desk and watch him sort through reams and reams of the paperwork meant to be for her perusal. He’s ashamed to admit he’d had no idea she’d taken on such a taxing load of work on her own, though he’s also not surprised, and irritated mostly with himself for believing her when she’d insisted there was “nothing” for him to do as headmaster outside of training the specialists. Farah is evidently equally as unwilling to let him take on even a fraction of the workload, let alone all of it, in her absence, and she expresses her displeasure the best way she knows how, because Saul doesn’t need to look up any sort of secondary meaning to know she intends the cactus to act as visual proof of her disgruntlement.

But that’s all it is: visual. The plants she chooses to masquerade as are limited to the size of the original pot, so he isn’t contending with a forty pound cactus threatening to skewer his writing-hand for daring to do his job. The prickly pear is barely larger than his hand, an adorable manifestation of her ire like a yappy little dog imagining itself a rottweiler. Which he would never, ever say to her face, because on any other day of the week, she is the rottweiler, which he supposes might make him the yappy little dog. On second thought, maybe he’ll tuck that one away for a time when she’s upset with him. It’ll make her smile, even if he’s still destined for the dog house (ha).

But as a plant stuck in a pot, there’s only so much she can do. She can’t extend the spines of the cactus far enough to poke at him, so he’s in no danger of incurring her wrath any worse. She’ll hold onto guilt, but she won’t hold a grudge.

The ghost of a grin twitches at the corners of Saul’s mouth as he catches the change out of the corner of his eye, the frilly fronds of the fern shrinking into the smooth skin of the cactus, barbs prominent and angry. He mark his signature on an inventory sheet with more of a flourish than is obviously necessary, setting it aside with deliberate nonchalance. The cactus grows as large as Farah dares, barbs incapable of reaching him but not afraid of trying.

“Sorry,” Saul remarks cheerfully, “Don’t speak plant. I couldn’t tell you what you want, but I’ve got to get back to this paperwork.”

This time, the cactus shrinks, pityingly small and unassuming. Saul stacks the inventory sheets off to the side, tucked safely in a manila folder to be squirreled away between the rest of the filing cabinets’ neat rows in Farah’s outer office.

“Don’t pout,” he chides, “It’s your own fault really, you shouldn’t have been doing this all on your own anyway. We’re co-heads of school, I’m not your deputy. You can give me the work and I’ll do it.”

He gets no response, not even visual, so Saul considers the matter settled. He carries on with the paperwork without further interruption for at least another half an hour before he becomes consciously aware of the irritation in his nose, a tickling not placated by rubbing or sniffling that grows worse the longer he sits there. He’ll admit, he’s behind in his taking-over of Farah’s weekly clean of her office, but surely it can’t be that dusty? Not even the volumes on her tallest shelves had been caked with dust as he’d expected, their height a natural deterrent to a proper dusting. No, Farah is nothing if not thorough, in all areas of her life. He glances at her pot, out of habit more than anything, and visible starts, jolting back away from the desk and the insidious infernal plant Farah’s chosen to become.

“Oh that’s very mature,” he gripes, tone a mix of congestion and the roughness of a scratchy throat, allergies ravaging his senses as she knows they always do. Ragweed.

“Very mature,” he repeats, doing as she intended and abandoning the paperwork for when she’s done throwing a tantrum.

“I’ll be back when you can act like an adult,” he threatens. “And I’ll put Riven in charge of you, don’t think I won’t.”

He won’t. He’s bluffing, and they both know it.

Insufferable woman.

[polarizefinn]

flora & outset

pairing: tattoo artist hyunjin x flower shop gn!reader

synopsis: the power of sudden fate, the coping, the struggling, the loving.

word count: 8k

NOT proof read. very fast paced and it checks all the fanfiction cliches (leave me alone ok). ive been working on this since june and the end may be a bit lazy, but im so glad its finally out.

tuesday, 4pm.

“have a nice day!” – the bell on the door rings as the door closes shut. you sigh, as you sit down on the chair that was right behind you. you look around the shop, still can’t process the beauty of it all. all shelves are filled with so much life and color- your very own flowers picked out delicately, and provided with care so they don’t die out, lose their spark.

the shelves are like bookshelves, just more slender, open and made out of white antique rustic wood. the moment you enter it, it’s like you entered heaven on earth.

you’ve always loved flowers, even gotten out of the way to study them, their growth and their meaning. you believe each has its own stories, something that would make it snap in an instant, or maybe bloom you the most beautiful figure. it’s the art of simpleness, you treat them right – you get elation. maybe it’s because you’ve been surrounded by the eye-catching structures that sometimes it can be overwhelming. obviously, new combinations of them can be as appealing and exciting to make as it is to buy them, but it can be a bit much at times.  sometimes that feeling is immediately thrown out of the window when new flowers are put on the shelves. they’ve always been a priority that you can’t help but fall in love with over and over, every time.

the outside of the shop cannot be described better than the inside. though, the exotic blooms are resting on the ground, being held safe in one spot with white painted vases. the way to the door is like a gateway to paradise, like when a field pushes away all of the crops to the side and makes way for you. around you are many other flower shops, each caring for their own sets of exquisite herbs and flowers. it’s not a popular area so to say, but it’s definitely not empty- it doesn’t even feel like it. the sun sits right where it needs to be and the clouds don’t interrupt the light, the breeze only coming by like a flash of a greeting.

“turn on some music, your thoughts are incredibly loud.” – a voice that came from next to you startled you, and you turned to it to see felix, your coworker. he’s your age, and honestly you don’t know why he started working here. you did because it was a heritage – from your late mother, you didn’t think a flower shop this small would need two people. nevertheless, he was a great help when busy hours came by, and he was amazing company to have.

“really? then why don’t you turn it on yourself?” – you tell him with raised eyebrows and raised your lips to a small mocking smile. he rolled his eyes intensely and sighed, looking back at you,

“because the radio is literally right next to you.”

oh. now he’s the one with the mocking smile on his face. you blinked twice or three times and turned on the radio. you don’t know how to work this thing at all, you just know the on and off button but whatever channel is on first is what you’re getting. ‘sunflower’ by post malone. this song is still on the radio? still, you weren’t complaining. you heard felix singing along from the backroom, you chuckled and followed with him.

you looked out the window at the sunflowers we had, ironically. felix wasn’t in the room, but you turned to the door so you could exchange the lyrics back to back, so he could hear you better. that is, when you didn’t notice a person stopping right outside, looking around and deciding to come inside. you heard the bell ding, signaling someone came in the shop, your eyes darted from the door, to the person entering and then to the radio, which you suddenly forgot how to turn off. you panicked and started clicking buttons, only adding more bass and turning up the volume. you nervously bit your lip and looked at the person that was now standing Infront of you. you shot your eyes up at him- red hair, tall, dark brown eyes, absolutely no flaws on his face and many minimalistic and distinctive tattoos on his arms. his mouth is curled in a downward smile, the corner of his bottom lip holding a ring piercing. he worriedly looks at you, then the radio.

“hello, uh sorry um, this thing is old, it’s pretty old” you shouted those last words since the volume kept increasing.

he tsked with a chuckle, “can I?” pointing to the radio. you let your hands free from it and nodded your head, with one single click he turned it off. his hands were really pretty and unscarred, his knuckles were rosy, his nails shiny- lacquered with a gel top coat. he noticed you staring and cleared his throat. you turned your attention to him fully now,

“how can I help you?” you say standing up from the chair, placing both your hands on the counter. without breaking eye contact with you, he said “uh I want a simple bouquet of just sunflowers.” he giggled,

“the song was very well timed as well”.

you laughed at his remark while taking a glance at the radio. you looked back at him now, wanting to finish up the order you asked, “is there a specific color you want for the wrapping paper and bow?”

he thought about it for a second, looking around maybe for some colors that would go well with it,

“yeah, both the bow and wrapping paper can be a translucent white.”

you agreed with his choice and went outside to pick the best sunflowers you had that day to arrange the bouquet. you looked around them, finding the ones that hold the brightest yellow color petals, smiling at his choice of flowers and being satisfied with the ones you’re picking out. either it was you, or the weather has gotten way warmer. the streets feel more alive and the trees in the distance move along to a rhythm that the comfortable wind provided. you turn your head to the window, looking inside and noticing that the boy and felix are smiling, engaging in a conversation. his side profile was a fine sight. you looked back at the flowers, studying them if they’re all perfect. confirming it, you went back inside again, going up to the counter to start assembling.

“you don’t even know the first thing about flowers how’d you even get the job?” the man teased felix but he just laughed along, not taking any offense to his friends comment, “oh shut up hyunjin.”

hyunjin, that was his name… a pretty name for such a handsome being. he was such eccentric visuals, you couldn’t imagine him with a different name, it suit him perfectly. felix noticed you while you were arranging the bouquet, but also stealing a few glances their way. he looked down and noticed the flowers,

“who’s this for huh? you got a partner or whaaat?” he said that in a singing tone, clearly teasing him back.

well, you were right next to them, but you didn’t mean for the eavesdropping to make you this curious. you turned to look at hyunjin now, finished with the bouquet. he looked at felix then at you, smiling at that, “nope, actually I’m buying it for a friend. I heard yellow flowers mean companionship, friendship. so why not show my gratitude?” he was proud of his answer, and you were too. you didn’t expect him to know the symbolisms and meanings. he kind of looked the type but it was still surprising.

happily you turned to the counter to grab the bouquet. It was beautiful, the translucent wrapper really made the flowers stand out. you handed it to him with both of your hands, his hand softly brushed against yours when taking it. with his other hand he reached for the wallet in his pocket, and you quickly grabbed his wrist stopping him. he looked at you confused, then you announced,

“actually, the first bouquet for new customers is always free. we hope you come back again!” you let go of his hand, the two of you turning to face felix. he just stood there confused, looking at both of you. you gave him a warning look, widening your eyes signaling him to not say a word. felix gulped and looked back at hyunjin, “yeah that- yeah…”.

hyunjin smiled widely, “I’ll make sure to do that”, he looked back at you and gave you a big ‘thank you’. he waved his goodbyes, taking the breath out of the shop away. it was now silent for a few seconds, the bell ringing for the last time for today.

you stared out of the door, watching him walk away with a grin on his face. it was interrupted by a loud, confused shout. “what the hell was that y/n? for free? since when is it free? have I been scamming new people this whole time then?”

you shushed him, putting a finger on his lips. you winked at him and walked back to the chair behind the counter, sitting down and turning on the radio once more. he stood there, mouth open but no words are coming out. “I can’t believe I just witnessed this. I was like… a third wheel just now, holy god” he muttered his sentences, again going to the backroom and closing the door behind him. you could only think of the smile you put on hyunjins face.

wednesdays and fridays were your days off. on sundays the flower shop is always closed. although felix technically should only work the days when you’re free, he never has any problem coming in extra days, but that’s his choice. it’s never bothersome or too much when he’s around. he knows when it’s his time to help out or when to do minimal stuff like buying your lunch, helping with deliveries etc. you’re extremely grateful to have some company, he’s yet to be taught so much more of the beauty of florets.

it’s now wednesday, 3pm. usually on free days you go to the place that made you look at nature in a different way. it changed your whole perspective of what real beauty looks like. you always thought it would take a human form, and you wouldn’t recognize it at first, but this wasn’t the case at all. it was said it’s a place where love at first sight would commence, a place where your soulmate, the sky, the healing waters and you truly meet.

you sat down on the spread out grass, right in front of you is a waterfall that glazes like stars are trapped, twinkling at every moment. on the sides are hanging vines and flowers that are also contained in the flower shop. the water glistens and forms bubbles when the fall of one body meets the pit of another’s. the grass is greener than ever, and the birds chirp joyful songs, obviously prideful of the fact that this is their home. it’s a place where all your thoughts can be cleared. just like how a waterfall falls down, the depriving energy condenses towards all the atmosphere. the trees taking it all in and growing into a giant model, extending the landscape containing gaps of sunlight further. any steps can be heard by a small branch cracking, or a rock being tossed. its peaceful and perfect sight would not let you lay your head down. you wouldn’t take these moments for granted at all.

you take a deep breath, thinking about the past month and what things you need to change or improve. you’ve grown to love your shop more than yourself. you feel you can never blossom into your own person as well, stuck in a so colorful but also monotone life. you know you love it more when you give away the bouquets than when you were assorting it. it’s always been satisfying, but lately not enjoyable. maybe you want to be gifted some, you want someone to mean something with the flowers they give you. but in a ‘you mean so much more than these bombardingly colorful grown out seeds. let them be something that would inspire the feelings within, not define them.’

you will care for them habitually. a part of a routine requires depending on you and only you to rediscover your worth, and not be sulked up by meanings and definitions. you’ve settled your mind on a new routine. maybe this place really is ‘magical’.

an hour passes by like nothing, the sunny sky has met an overcast now, you can see it even through many of the tree branches. you hear footsteps on dry leaves behind you, you turn off the music from your phone and turn around with only your head, hands resting on your sides. you see… hyunjin? he looks around the place, admiring it from afar. you were laying like you were at a beach getting tanned. if you stood incredibly still you’d look like a part of the scenery, stuck there like an article of virtu. his eyes landed on yours, your bodies felt light, like what he needed to do next was come up to you, it was like the universe was guiding him here next to you. the silence has been broken by his bewitching voice,       

“it’s you.” his cheesy eye smile smile plastered on his face yet again.

“yeah… wait how do you know about this place?” you asked, tapping the free space you made for him to sit down. he flopped down next to you and extended his feet, his elbows supporting his upper body now.

“well, I come here a lot. I found out about it years ago.” he stated, as you nodded and looked down on your lap then back up at towards the waterfall. “I never got your name?” he spoke now much more seriously, now him being interested to find out more.

“y/n. it’s nice to officially meet you hyunjin”. you said his name a bit more open, in a slight sarcastic tone that caused him to chuckle. the silence afterwards wasn’t uncomfortable. he needed this sight as much as you right now and it was rather calm. you would be lying if you said you didn’t like it. you slightly turned your head to look at him, so slowly you didn’t dare interrupt his sightseeing. it’s going to become a habit to stare at his lips first. they were irresistible, a pleasing shade of pink. his cheeks had a slight red tint. his eyes were darted straight, until he felt you starting. he didn’t turn around fully, only quickly side eyeing you. the both of you looked away almost instantly, both looking at opposite sides of each other. you smiled so very quickly, and felt your cheeks heat up. you scattered your eyes literally everywhere but back at him. the silence is now a different type of quiet, you couldn’t really put it in words.

you didn’t really know how to start a conversation, you didn’t know the first thing about him but didn’t know how to approach and find anything out. different questions popped up in your head that didn’t even make sense, and you didn’t want to make the both of you cringe so you instead kept quiet.

you took your phone and started scrolling on pinterest. the small breeze turned into wind. the waterfall lost its tempo, and you thought it was the video you were watching, but turns out the new raindrops that have started falling were in real life.

the drizzle soon became heavy rain. you quickly put your phone in your bag that you tossed around your shoulder. the world around you changed its saturation from warm to cold. looking up, hyunjin was hovering over you, giving you a hand to help you get up. you took his hand and both of you started running with absolutely nothing to cover you. the rain felt ticklish, you could feel it sliding down, sending you shivers on your back. you didn’t notice hyunjin slightly stopping midway, taking off the jacket he’s wearing.

“why’d u stop? hurry!” you yelled at him, but you yourself didn’t know where you were hurrying to. the main street was 5 minutes away and no taxis or people were around. you were basically nowhere and had no way of getting back home quicker. running was now an only option.

he hurried to you, putting his leather jacket over your head and signed at you to hold it. you widened your eyes at the sudden gesture, not even daring to look back at him as you blush at his action. he grabbed your hand and started sprinting,

“we need to find some place to stay… until it stops raining” he spit out, looking back only once at you. you nodded to yourself, knowing if you reply verbally you’ll get exhausted.

seconds felt like decades, the sky started to clear out but above you was still one cloud- it was like it was chasing you, purposefully doing this. your breath was unstable from so much running, yet holding hyunjins hand made it a bit easier.

you were getting closer to the familiar streets, seeing a taxi a bit further. it was free, hyunjin letting you get in first, then him. you were soaking wet and tired, but you felt so relieved you could relax your feet, at least for a little while. the both of you told the driver your addresses, hyunjin telling him to take you home first.

the car ride was silent, you mouthed a thank you to hyunjin while taking his jacket off. when handing it to him he just pushed it back to you, insisting on you to keep it just in case – all while having a small smile on his lips. now turning his focus on the sight outside from the window, you took this moment to memorize his features again. even when his hair was drenched, or when his eyebrows got messy by all the water falling from his hair right on them, he was unreal. not even a flower, hell, a whole field of them couldn’t compete.

you turned your head to the window next to you. skies are completely clear and the road holds traces of the rain, each garden feels refreshed, the grass glistens. the houses are getting more familiar, until you’ve reached your stop. you pay for the ride, waving goodbye and exiting the car. approaching your front door you couldn’t help but think you’ve missed something, yet you shake off the feeling and get inside.

it was hyunjins eyes – he desperately wanted to meet yours again after you looked away. he took that time to analyze your features instead. how your shoulders relaxed around him, and how your pinkies were almost intertwining on the middle seat.

thursday, 7 am.

you woke up feeling energized, positive energy overflowing- maybe because you let out all that overthinking yesterday. you took a moment to go over the attraction you felt towards hyunjin. it was like he’s an actual magnet. you wanted to get to know him more, before it dawned on you that you don’t even have his number, nor his socials. what if you never saw him again? should you go to the waterfalls more since he said he goes often? but would that be too suspicious of you.

no, screw that. it’s not weird, you considered that place your haven. you couldn’t just not go.

your normal thoughts transferred to shower thoughts. you had made a plan to ask felix for his number. since they both seemed close, maybe you could annoy him a bit to even get his socials. you got ready for the day and headed out the door. you started walking to the flower shop. you had the courage to just do it. what’s the worst that can happen?

“I don’t have his number” – felix shrugged and pursed his lips together. you stood there dumbstruck, in shock. they were so casually chatting two days ago. you didn’t imagine a scenario in which this would happen. you had no backup plan.

“so, am I supposed to do it the old fashioned way? do I wait for him to come back?” a hint of disappointment in your voice wasn’t left unnoticed. you didn’t mind of course, but it would take time, and you didn’t want to wait for your spirit to flee.

“wait, do you like him? you only saw him once though?” felix asked.

“twice. and I don’t know, for now it’s an aesthetic attraction I guess? like I want to get to know him more. he seems gentle, sweet and definitely knows his stuff” you say and turn your head towards the sunflowers. you smile slowly thinking about all the conversation you could have with him about flowers. he seems to know a lot. just yesterday, you wanted silence. take him all in first. experience him first, his manners, his stance, his demeanor. just slowly find out more and more. maybe there could be something there.

“that’s nice. I approve of your opinion on him. I guess I could give you his instagram,” he says before asking for your phone. you give it to him awkwardly, thinking you’d have to scout for hyunjin around town, or maybe even wait at the waterfalls just to find him. you watch felix open your insta. he fidgets with his thumbs and wanders with his eyes before he types out his username, it helped with him being the first one to pop up.

“here,” he clicks the follow button, “now stop bothering me about him. you’re actually so desperate I’m starting to feel bad for you.” he gives you back your phone and walks away, checking the orders for bouquets you have for next week.

you look at his posts and read all of the captions, most of them being either emojis or song lyrics. apparently he’s a tattoo artist, some of his work being displayed in many posts and story highlights. colorful tattoos or black and white, he made them stand out, his style is unique and beautiful. you also noticed many changes of his hair color. you liked all of them though. you click the “message” option on his phone, and start thinking of how to start a conversation. many seconds that felt like hours consisting of typing and deleting later, you finally decided on one and without a second doubt sent it.

“hey! its y/n from the flower shop! since it rained on us yesterday, I was wondering if you properly wanted to hang out sometime, maybe?”

you placed your phone down on the counter, continuing your work day assorting the orders you’ve got, and helping people that come in the shop. hours of work later, you were ready to close the shop. felix had already left so you were alone. you sat down on the chair behind the counter yet again and checked your phone, you deleted some notifications you’ve got until you saw one- hyunjins reply. you quickly opened it, it read;

“oh hey, I’m available now if you are?” sent 13 minutes ago. you quickly responded not wanting for him to wait, “yeah! I just finished work, where do you want to meet up?”

meeting up three days in a row was really odd for you, but for some reason you felt relief he wanted it to be now, considering only now you can stomach a kick off to a proper dialogue.

you turned off your phone and put it down, a new notification came by quickly. a reply. that was very, very fast, you thought.

“you can come by my parlor, it’s very close to your shop, I’ll send you the address now.”

a link was attached in chat, telling you where it exactly is on google maps. you tell hyunjin you’re heading there now and start getting ready. you put on the jacket hyunjin lent you, it was kind of big but homely.

you start following the path, at the same time you put on your headphones and turn on some music. the street lights are slightly dim, some of them blinking. the ground is cemented perfectly, your sneakers don’t hit a single bump or hole. the wind is chilly, but not cold. your hair at a length where it tickles your shoulders, a haircut is in check. and strangely enough, the sky gracefully shows millions of almost dying stars – so mesmerizing it compels you to hold your head up for eternity.

something about walking alone at night was never scary to you, on the contrary, it excited you. it made you realize that there’s is so much beauty out there, some we even don’t see. some maybe we will never experience. how a love for life could be kindled in you, with or without entities you’re a fond of. in your case it was very obviously flowers.

time seems to move slow, you check your phone to see if you’re going the right way still or if you got too distracted. it seems you didn’t miss any turn of paths.

you’re now on a path in a park, benches are painted brown and you notice some carvings of initials on some. distracted by one in particular, you didn’t notice a person coming towards you. both of you not paying attention you bumped into the person. you saved yourself from falling and stopped abruptly. you look at the other person and notice its him. you were kind of surprised, thinking you’d find him at the parlor, not the middle of the park.

“oh god I’m sorry, you okay?” he says with eyebrows furrowed upwards and eyes hinting at worry. you smile at him and nod reassuringly. you don’t know how to greet him properly, but thinking fuck it you just go for a hug.

he hugs back calmly, wrapping his arms around your waist. you say over his shoulder, “why are we meeting halfway? I thought I’d find you there?”

he pulls out of the hug first, puts his hands in the pockets of his jacket and starts walking the way he came from, “I kind of didn’t want you to walk alone all the way..” he says looking back at you.

you head up to him and start walking beside him, also hands in your pockets. “it’s beautiful on this side of town, I adore working here. the people are nice and everything. honestly I love the other side as well because of the waterfalls, but they are kind of far… I don’t mind walking there, I love the scenery and I like how I can just.. think about stuff.”

you pause for a while, taking a deep breath and mentally scold yourself for talking a lot all of a sudden, “god I’m sorry I’m rambling so much.” you look down and raise your eyebrows, blinking every two seconds hoping you didn’t just embarrass yourself.

“I don’t mind it, I like your point of view,” hyunjin says and messes up your hair, immediately putting a smile on your face again. how he never fails to do that.

you walk next to each other for a little while in quiet until he turns to look at you and he breaks the silence again, “you’re wearing my jacket.” he turns back again smiling to himself.

you look down and grin, whipping your head to look at him quickly, “yeah, I guess I am,” quiet. “but I can give it back it’s no problem really-“

you were cut off by hyunjins ohs and no’s, “don’t, it looks better on you honestly.” your ears turn a hue of red, and you smile brightly at his comment.

it was a comfortable and short walk. you got to the tattoo parlor and hyunjin started unlocking the door. on the door was a sign that clearly read ‘closed’, and the window had huge glowing lights in a form of text ‘tattoo’. the inside and outside both looked extremely grungy and aesthetic. the brick walls were black and from outside of the shop, on the side, it had some graffiti but it didn’t look messy or in-your-face.

one that stuck out to you was of a cosmos flower meaning order and harmony. pretty.

hyunjin got in and left the keys on the counter, holding out his hand to point you where you’ll sit. you take out your jacket and put it on the hanger, not forgetting to take your phone out of the pocket. you look around the place- it looks exactly like… all the other tattoo parlors. vinyl’s and bookshelves, many posters, big mirrors, wooden tiles, glass counter, a waiting room, the place where you get your tattoos, and a backroom aka where hyunjin is taking you.

it’s exactly like the waiting room at the beginning, just more modern and not so ‘loud’ per se. you sit down on the couch and he sits next to you. you look around while hyunjin looks at you. after a couple of seconds your gaze ends at him, he asks you, “would you like something to drink? we haven’t got much but.. coffee, some soda, water?”

you look at the time on your phone, 6:42pm. “it’s a bit late for coffee, a soda sounds nice!” he gets up from the couch and heads to the small refrigerator in the corner, he pulls out two cans and shows them off to you, closing the fridge with his hip. he walks over and hands one to you, sitting down again, this time a bit closer.

“thank you,” you open the lid and so does he, the both of you share a ‘cheers’ and drink. setting down the soda on the table you rest your hand on the top of the couch and completely turn to hyunjin. your eyes darting from his eyes to his piercing, it didn’t go unnoticed by him.

“so… you’re a tattoo artist? tell me about it,” you ask curiously. hyunjin looks down with a smirk then tilts his head up, ready to answer the inquiry.

“yeah, I’ve liked drawing and stuff since forever and I found my own style and being a tattoo artist was something that always attracted me so, yeah that’s how I found this job and now I’m comfortable and finally happy with what I’m pursuing..” you noticed while talking hyunjin was averting his gaze almost everywhere, finding right words to say and using his hands to emphasize it. “what about you? you know, I’m actually really interested in flowers and their meanings. I would be more than glad to hear about you and how everything started for you!”

hours were spent talking about each other, exchanges of understanding nods and soft smiles and even phone numbers. if you could, you’d continue all night.

sunday, 9:02am

you woke up particularly early, considering today is a day off. usually you’d sleep to later, but yesterday night you did nothing but scroll on your phone, which resulted to you falling asleep earlier than expected.

work was getting tiring. of course, it’s a job, it’s supposed to be like this - but this was different. you just couldn’t figure out what exactly. it wasn’t assorting, it wasn’t the customers, it wasn’t the shop overall.

and an even stranger thing, whenever you thought of the flowers you winced, your head hurt, you didn’t want to think about it. you shook it off, this is your life. this is what you love, pull yourself together.

you got up and washed your face. the reflection on the mirror left you staring for a minute. my hair got longer, you thought. taking a moment to fully wake up, face a new day.

the plan was simple- do nothing throughout the day and then go to a bar at night. no reason, you wanted to have a bit of fun. it was a needed distraction, every second week maybe. you didn’t go to get drunk or high, or to meet someone that’ll forget you in a day. rather; drink a bit, and scroll on your phone. its better there than at home anyways.

you ate lunch, showered. your daily routine of work became exhausting. your hands worked faster than your brain, you didn’t know what was going on. you were so confused and occupied with everything all at once- you couldn’t even let yourself be vulnerable at home.

pushing those thoughts aside, you put on clothes that still suited you and shoes you couldn’t get tired of. pulling the front door open, you take a deep breath. the air is fresh, “earthy” and humid.

you walked to a bar you saw was newly opened, and you were very excited to try new places so you decided to go. it was a 20 minute walk, wasn’t a lot, but it wasn’t that close either.

the entrance looked cool, and the inside looked dark. the lights had a red glow, they were dimly lit.

you walked to the bar, obviously. you could never sit on the tables, always other people thinking they’re free to sit with you, or talk to you. of course, the bar wasn’t very different, but you had more space away from other people and it usually wasn’t that full.

luckily, this bar wasn’t that crowded, it opened up a week ago, which was the weird thing. you’d expect more people, but you’re not complaining.

“what can I get you?” the bartender asks you, while cleaning your side of the bar.

you look up at the chalk board hanging up, basically having all the drinks written on them, along with the prices.

“just a cuba libre, thanks.” you smiled at him, and he started to work on your drink.

you pulled up your phone and started scrolling on Instagram. old friends- staying home, parenting. new friends- clubbing, drinking.

you’ve never had that, whatever they’re going through. genuinely, your life seemed so occupied with all the wrong things at times. you didn’t know what you wanted. you had the freedom to do whatever, but no motivation to pull something. breaking some pattern or pulling some string could help, but you were chained. the shop, the goddamn fucking flowers.

you took a sip out of your served drink. it was fine. satisfying enough for the night.

more scrolling, more thinking, it couldn’t stop.

no matter where you were or who you were with, you felt insecure. and you hated every second of it.

just as you were about to leave, you heard yelling. somewhere behind you.

but don’t be nosy, don’t turn around.

but you did.

it was the bartender, pleading for forgiveness. and hyunjin. dismissing him.

your eyes followed him as he started walking to the exit, the bartender yelled his name again and again, until he was out of sight.

you followed him. you started running to him, you saw the look in his eyes. he was disappointed, sad, angry. It was honestly jarring, and you just wished he was okay.

you saw him make a turn, and you saw how his hand reached to his eyes, hiding away the tears.

you grabbed his hand, he was startled, but calmed himself when he saw it was just you.

“do you want to talk about it?”

9:02pm.

you take a sip out of the canned cocktail and then let it rest to the table next to you.

his lips press cold, the fear of this information being told again hurt his head more than ever. it wasn’t like he didn’t trust you, he just couldn’t bring himself to relive those memories again, but he chose to today.

he backs away, slowly coming back to his earlier position. his legs stiffen, his composure is fixed straight. guessing that eye contact will make it harder for him to explain.

“i’m sorry you had to witness that, i’m assuming I sort of ruined your night out.. you really didn’t have to do this.” he sighed. his head dropped low, shame consuming him, his nails picking the skin on his fingers. you replied by squeezing his almost bloodied hands. his nails released the flesh, he looked up and blinked multiple times. the truth comes next.

“that was.. my ex-boyfriend. lets just say things between us didn’t end well… but..” his voice cracked, you looked at the tears in his eyes, maybe he wasn’t ready to tell me anything, well, he doesn’t know you that personally either.

you hugged him and felt him starting to break down on your shoulder, “you don’t have to tell me anything if you’re not ready, okay? please don’t feel pressured to do so.”

“I want to,” he says, “I trust you, and I need to talk about this.”

“when we were together, at the beginning it was amazing. i’ve never been treated like that with so much love and respect.. until he started-“ he cut off, taking a deep breath once more to finally say it. “until he started nagging me to come out to my parents. i know, it sounds like I was hiding him or something- but it was the total opposite.”

you turn to fully look at him, “me and my parents hadn’t been talking for a while at that point. they hated me, they were wrecks, drunk all the time. I had to move out, I couldn’t bear to look at them. he didn’t understand, his parents were there for him. he said it was better for me, but truthfully he only looked for ways to make me feel shittier.”

he turns to look at you, “I never hid him, you know? I wanted to have a compromise with my parents at that point, but he just told them, without my consent. he actually found a way to contact them.”

he was outed. you were outraged.

“I told him that they had hated me for leaving up until then, but he just gave them a reason to never forgive- no, take me back.”

his eyes met yours, “i’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-“.

you cut him off, “don’t apologize, please. i’m so sorry you had to go through that.” you said, it almost sounding like a whisper.

“he just kept telling me it wasn’t that serious, to forgive and forget. and now I keep going back, trying to somehow forgive. but I still haven’t forgotten.”

“can I hug you hyun?” he could hear your response as you gave him a pained smile. you understood him. you trusted him even more, for telling you something like this.

you got up and reached down for him, he took your hands, got up and wrapped his hands around you.

he was slightly taller than you, so your chin rested on his shoulder, “you’re alright now. you’ve got me… and-“ you chuckled at your next thought, “and alomestrias.”

he let out a brittle laugh, “a flower reference?” he pulled away and looked at you, “very smooth.”

september 9th, 12:54pm.

dull day, work day. again.

its been a few months since hyunjin has opened up. you two have gotten very close. hanging out every week, minimum two times.

at the beginning, you wouldn’t have thought you’d get close this instantly. he was a joy to be around with. he changed his hair color again, blonde does suit him very well.

you glanced at the mirror again. it started to become… painful.

oh.

oh.

the walk to the shop isn’t lively. did they cut the trees? it’ll rain, the clouds are dark. its just dreary now. your walk is fast, too fast. get the job done, so you’ll leave earlier. it’s been a loop for about a month now. and the only thing you wouldn’t want to show up again this week is-

“flowers, from hyun :]”

you see the bouquet on the desk again. 3rd time this month. you crack a smile, again. 3rd time.

‘they’re just so pretty, aren’t they?” you hear felix say behind you. you almost jumped at the sudden comment, turning around to see him taking his dirty gloves off.

“felix! you cant just creep up on people like that, jesus. its irksome.” you turn back to the bouquet, taking a nearby free vase to put them in. shit, maybe that sounded a bit too harsh.

felix scoffed, shaking his head, “who pissed in your cereal? is everything okay with you?”

“im fine. im sorry.” you hug him as a greeting, and apology. youre as tall as him, so hugging him has always been the most comfortable, and always very warm. you never knew how important he is in your world, but its moments like these that really show you. whether its work, or a simple everything okay? question, he knew how to help.

work was easy that day. customers coming in and out, calling, ordering. humming a song with felix, and then it turned into a whole musical performance. you caught a glimpse of hyunjins flowers for you, a downcast smile was mustered. if only they gave the same message to you as he intended them to.

if only you could look at flowers the same again.

november, 8:25pm.

cheering was heard from the other side of the bar. the football match is on, and fans just couldn’t stay at home to watch apparently, so they have to yell in other places, with even louder friends around them.

you poked fun at felix, “you seriously thought it was a good idea to go to a bar when the world cup is happening?”

he rolled his eyes, “i hate football.” he commented as he downed the 2nd shot of the night.

“felix, take it easy man. two shots already? i didn’t know you had it in you.” hyunjin joked, raising his eyebrow with a smirk on his face, taking a sip from his own drink slowly. you chuckled but immediately stopped when felix sent you a death glare. you could feel your cheeks redden, the urge to laugh again was very tempting.

“oh my god shut up, its only two shots. and if you both keep teasing me ill make it so that you have to take me to the hospital.”

you looked at hyunjin, and he turned at the right moment to look at you back. it wasn’t planned, yet your laughs happened at the same time. felix gave up with you two, ordering a normal cocktail to drink for the rest of the night.

you felt at ease, finally the three of you out together. it was like a bond-made-in-heaven.

? ??, ?:??

its a strange thing, to realize that you have started loving a person more than yourself.

you used to love, love, love. its not a hate now, it’s an unaccepting. a complicated argument with yourself.

you have fallen in love with hyunjin.

you have fallen out of love with flowers, something that used to make you feel whole.

a part of your soul was torn away, another was added.

but what you realized is that, the added part wasn’t big enough to restore it. you realized that the loathe you felt for flowers, was truly for you all along.

work.

“hey hyun, i gotta tell you something.”

you gulp, sigh.

“yes?” please stop staring at me like that.

you can just say it, why not? work on yourself later. hes right there.

“nevermind, sorry.”

days.

you took a week off from work. you only hoped felix could handle it, you felt bad.

you felt bad that this is when you experience contempt for oneself. when a person showed you their vulnerability, their confusion, their happiness, you lose your own self and focus on another.

writing it on paper didn’t work, ripped it out in a matter of minutes. you check your phone to see missed calls, “hyun<3”.

so should you call? youre stuck in your own misery, would you want to bring him down with your sinking ship?

but you call, its him. you love him, you need to tell him, right?

“hey hyun, sorry I didn’t answer,” ….. “yeah, yeah im fine. hey uh can you come by the park near my house? .. yeah. see you.”

shit.

it dawned on you you didn’t call him for nothing. you could potentially lose him, a friend you’ve grown close to, and youre doing it at a risky time.

one more look in the mirror, hes not gonna pay attention to your tired face, hopefully?

i need to explain it to him, he deserves to know.

the loud music in your ears seems to be too quiet, pretending to be okay starts to feel lonely.

oh, they cut the trees there.. and the small river has seemed to disappear, it’s a shame.

you see hyunjin sitting on a bench, in the park. you slowly take off your headphones, approaching him. just smile for now? but youre terrified.

as you get closer he looks up at you and smiles, hugging you. maybe for a second you realized he hugged you too tight.

“are you okay? hi, gosh.”

he sits back down and motions for you to sit next to him.

you look around, its quiet now, and the wind isn’t that bothersome. the fresh air calmed you a bit.

“i need to talk”

you turned to face him, he put his phone in his pocket. turning to you aswell, “of course, im here to listen-“

his chat was cut off, “please just, let me finish okay? ill tell you when you can reply I just, I need to tell you everything.”

he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but slowly relaxed, giving you a signal with his hand to take it away.

and so you talk, you didn’t notice your mouth got dry after days of not speaking much, you fumbled, stuttered, stopped. but he listened.

“i think.. im lost hyunjin. i grew up loving flowers I mean, you know this. the shop was my first love and.. i realized I loved something more than that. Its so complicated- my thoughts.. the simplest way I can put it is, the flowers are, basically all my life. and im so sad that my first love is becoming my worst enemy. I hate the way I know so much about them to the point I relate my life to them. and, the only thing that distracted me from that was you.”

you look into his eyes. youre scared for his reaction, you cant deny that.

“i fell in love with you. and,” you look down, avoiding his gaze for just a while. “im so scared to lose you. because i am practically on the verge of losing a part of myself too, i don’t want you to also become something that will break me.”

silence, you knew you shouldn’t say anything. it was a mistake. you finally raise your head, only to see a daffodil in front of you, hyunjin holding it from behind you.

you chuckle, almost immediately figuring it out. “the main symbolism… new beginnings, rebirth.”

you follow hyunjins movement, he sat back down again.

“but hyunjin, it also means unrequited love.” you smile sadly, how you got your answer with a flower.

hyunjin widened his eyes, “seriously? i didn’t know that. i promise I didn’t mean that one.”

“you didn’t? what did you mean then?”

he put the flower on your lap, your hands instantly hold in, observing it closer.

he cleared his throat, almost like a sign to look at him, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do it.

“i want to fix this with you, together. you helped me when I needed someone and, I want to help you too. can you let me be your new beginning? I cherish you and I want to help you grow and love yourself individually.”

he takes the flower from your hands, you look at him, “can we let these just be symbols? they also are their own life. ive also grown to love you, the real you. well discover new ways to embrace your first love again. nothing will be broken, I promise.”

[melancholiania]

Desolate [Part 4]

[Yandere!Ikaris/GN!Reader]

chapters: part one part two part three

Summary: Some truths come out.

[Warning for spoilers. Set after Eternals (2021), although quite a bit of canon is used loosely. Mentions of Mahd Wy’ry.]

Warnings: nightmares, blood, former Ikaris/Sersi, auditory hallucinations, etc.

A/N: slow chapter. sorry for the long wait.

Edited. Replaced picture.

Do NOT interact if you are a minor.

England, somewhere in the 1200s A.D

Ikaris felt the wet crunch of soaked early autumn leaves under his leather shoes, looking down at his glassy reflection in the water of the creek the Eternals had set up camp, nearby a small village, where Ajak pathetic murderer murderer you killed Ajak you are a monster had heard of a possible Deviant location. 13th century England was the last place any of the Eternals had expected to go, with a great many empires and civilisations popping up at every opportunity to protect and guide, but Ajak had insisted on quickly solving this Deviant issue here before moving anywhere else.

After a particularly nasty quarrel with Druig —over, frankly, nothing important in the long run— he had angrily flown out of the Domo to calm himself down. He ended up in the creek nearby, where he was right now, looking at his reflection.

Looking away from the clear water, Ikaris noticed Ajak meditating near the Domo, clearly communicating with Arishem, evident by the clear detachment from her surroundings SHE’S DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD. He saw Thena and Gilgamesh spar, her golden constructs clashing against his golden armour, and noticed Sprite clearly attempt to trick Kingo, their illusion of a wild hound clearly working as Kingo had no clue that she had stolen his pouch of coins.

Lastly, he eyed Sersi though she didn’t seem right nothing felt right about this wake up sitting peacefully on the other side of the same creek, rustling some leaves with her hand, transmuting the dead, dry leaves into gorgeous wild daisies with a flourish of her hand, golden energy flowing through the flora. His heart fluttered in his chest this is a dream wake up wake up this is a dream dream wake up up wake up as he continued staring, and he swiftly lifted himself from the ground, quietly flying towards her.

“Hello, Ikaris,” Sersi chuckled, feeling his presence next to her as he landed next to her and sat down, tucking his head onto her shoulder wake up she hates you you wake up. Ikaris felt at peace, simmering rage slowly subsiding as he watched deft hands pick at the petals of the daisies and release them into the chilly autumn wind.

“You’re not usually the affectionate type, Ikaris,” Sersi remarked as she set down the remaining blooms and stroked his cheek, which he melted into. “What’s bothering you?”

“Nothing, Sersi.”

She you’re dreaming Ikaris wake up and face reality sighed at Ikaris’ attempt to show a brave face, knowing about his squabble with Druig. News traveled fast among the Eternals (it wasn’t hard when there were only ten of them in a concentrated area.). Trying to avoid the topic, Ikaris nuzzled himself into your? Sersi’s shoulder, arms wrapping around her she’s not you waist.

“Sometimes, I wish I could stay by your side forever, Sersi,” Ikaris purred. Her she isn’t real face was unreadable as she tried to take in Ikaris’ words, mind searching for an answer. Ikaris hears a distant, faint hum.

“You should let me go. We aren’t together anymore...you broke it off with me, remember?”

Ikaris freezes, suddenly aware in the oddness of the conversation. He remembered this day. He remembered Sersi acknowledging his words, at least, that was supposed to happen, right up until Sersi’s YOU I want you you not her you who you her her not her response had slapped him in the face like cold water did to a human. The hum grows into a static buzz. Louder. Louder.

“Wait...what do you mean? N–no, this isn’t how it’s supposed to happen.” He spluttered as he let go of Sersi’s WHO ARE YOU waist and stood up abruptly, feeling the wrongness of this entire scenario. “I remember the day. You agreed with me. We’re supposed to be together here...what’s...wha—”

Everything feels too wrong, everything is too loud and Sersi doesn’t want to be with him YOU NOT HER I WANT YOU and what was that noise it’s too loud it reminds him of his guilt and shame reality is reaching him faster and faster the nOISE IS TOO LOUD STOP PLEA—

Ikaris’ eyes flutter open violently and he immediately pushes himself off something soft with an anguished yell, breathing heavy and pained, his face damp with sweat. He heaves loudly, the strange dream still freshly stored in his mind. Stormy blue eyes look around wildly, glancing manically at white walls, a soft tapestry and potted plants here and there, trying to gauge where he is and regain his bearings when he sees you.

You’re sitting on an armchair in the sunlight, clearly startled awake from his sudden outburst, the soft blanket around your shivering shoulders slipping off. He realised, eyes widening, that he was in your bedroom, sleeping on your plush bed, instead of the couch he had been sleeping on for the past two weeks that he had lived in your house. He was still in his clothes from before, dark and inky Deviant blood staining the otherwise pristine bedsheets and blanket.

He was about to reach out to you and speak when he groaned sharply to himself, suddenly feeling waves of pain shock his entire body as he crunched into himself to wait out the agonising sensations, eyeing his bloodstained hands through squinted eyes to ground himself.

You quickly flew from your armchair, anticipating the worst as a blood-curdling scream let out in frustration by Ikaris suddenly froze you in place, unsure and panicking.

Ikaris tried to ignore the way his legs twitched as if they were pierced with pins and needles, his chest aching like it was being stabbed by several of Thena’s golden constructs. His heart also felt like it sank deep, deeper to unreachable depths, realising he needed to offer you some kind of explanation for his harrowing, bloodied appearance and disturbing behaviour from before.

“Ikaris! Please tell me you’re alrig—”

“—how long had I passed out?” He choked out, ignoring your request, pain still flowing through him, gold threads of cosmic energy flickering violently under his pale skin.

“Nine...nineteen hours. It’s like, ten o’clock..in the morning,” you stutter worriedly, still stuck in your spot, eyeing the ticking clock right above your bed. Ikaris groaned once more as he leaned into himself further, trying to ride out the agony he was experiencing.

“R-right. Okay.”

As the pain slowly subsided and the gold threads stopped flashing after an agonising minute or two, Ikaris shivered, slowly returning his broken gaze back to your own skittish one, as you quickly shook yourself out of your frozen stupor and swiftly reached the bed, placing yourself right next to Ikaris as you opened your mouth to speak.

“Ikaris. We...we need to talk.”

He sighed sadly, heart aching and mind turning.

“I know.”

§

Ikaris had to lie.

Well, lying was probably too harsh of a word. Lying to you would feel like stabbing his metaphorical heart over and over again please it hurts to be deceitful to you like this, and you already knew something was up with him. It would be a fruitless endeavour to try otherwise.

So what he confessed was the truth...with a lot of omissions and some half-truths to hide his true involvement. He couldn’t tell you that he—

He couldn’t tell the whole truth. He had already hurt you once in the alleyway. He couldn’t bear to betray your trust in him.

“So...you're telling that you're an Eternal.”

That he was. He nodded, trying to think of an answer to that, as your curious eyes indicated that you clearly wanted to know more.

“We Eternals, we're synthetic beings, created to hunt Deviants, creatures that have roamed this earth and antagonised the human race. I...along with nine others, came to this Earth seven thousand years ago to eradicate them and protect humanity.”

You mulled over his words, clearly trying to process what he told you.

"Does that explain the black stuff on you and the bed? You killed a Deviant?" He nods, confirming your suspicions.

"Several, actually. They've been popping up a lot more frequently." BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU RELEASED THEM FROM THE ICE YOU—

“That also explains how you were able to survive falling from space, I guess,” you try to joke, earning a sombre huff from the bulky man in front of you, who nodded nervously. Your gears were turning, thinking of the statue you saw on TV and how Ikaris had freaked out over it. He seemed to also be connected to that.

“So...you were involved with the gigantic marble statue...thing in the Indian Ocean? What even is that?” You questioned, clearly confused as to how he could be involved with that.

Ikaris froze, trying to quickly spin something in his mind to tell you, pushing away the loud voices yelling at him to stop spilling everything to you, to hide away the events of that cursed day. He couldn’t tell you that he had wanted Tiamut to break through the Earth’s surface, destroying the entire world and you along with it.

(Now that he had met you, his thoughts bubbled with anger at how he could be so foolish to leave you to die along with the rest of humanity. Disembodied voices mock his quickly growing attachment to you.)

“That statue. Th-that’s a corpse of a Celestial.”

You were clearly even more dumbfounded, brows scrunching in complete confusion. Of course you didn’t know what a Celestial was, Ikaris internally screamed at himself. You were never supposed to know. And yet here Ikaris was, telling you about them.

“The Celestials created us. That one, in the ocean, was about to...emerge, but the other Eternals killed it by turning it into marble before it fully surfaced. They’re foolish for what they did...what we did was all for nothing...”

The last sentence was uttered bitterly, with so much poison soaked in those words he spat out that you had to push yourself back from him, clearing some distance between you and Ikaris on the soft bed.

“You talk like what they did was a bad thing!” You suddenly blurted out, shocking Ikaris out of his angered brooding.

“Listen, I might be a little biased as a human, but I think humanity deserves to not be blown up by a huge-ass Celestial growing out the earth's surface, without us being in the know.”

He hung his head, trying not to disagree, if only to placate you before you started arguing. You sighed, noticing Ikaris’ guilty expression. He clearly seemed to regret his resentful words. You reached a shaky hand to his face, stroking his scruffy cheek as a form of comfort. He leaned into it, eyes closed and brows furrowed in pain that seemed to run deeper than a physical injury ever could.

“I’m sorry,” he exclaimed, eyes opening slightly to eye you. “I shouldn’t have been so...callous about my words.” He grabbed your hand that rested on his cheek and lowered it, tightly caressing it as if it was his last tether that connected him to this plane of existence. “I should have considered your feelings about this.”

You eyed him sympathetically, trying to understand his point of view. If what he said was true and he had lived for seven thousand years, possibly more, which was much longer than you had ever existed, seeing humanity for all its good and bad would make him much colder towards you all, you tried to justify in your head. You slowly squirmed your hand out of his surprisingly tight grasp, leaving your hand sore and aching.

“Not just me. Everyone on this planet,” you said with a soft stare. “But...I get it. You’ve probably seen everything about us. All the good, all the bad...I understand if you’re absolutely jaded with us humans.” You massaged your hand to soothe the pain from his tight hold, while Ikaris sighed and nodded, looking rather solemn. You looked back up at him, speaking once more.

“If you’re comfortable later on, you can, you know, tell me about your life here on Earth, tell me about your other Eternal friends, all that. I’d love to talk with you about it. That’s...that’s if you’re ever up for it,” you mumbled quickly, surprising the Eternal, whose eyes lit up slightly, his icy blue gaze melting at your kind words.

“I wouldn’t mind. Thank...thank you for the offer.”

Quiet filled your bedroom as you both sat silently, just enjoying the comfortable silence between you two.

You then suddenly realised—with a mildly disgusted sniff—that there was a rather pungent smell coming from somewhere, and you began sniffing around. Looking back at Ikaris, who was still sitting on the stained bed, you realised he was still covered in blue-black blood from before, the bloodstains absolutely reeking of tar and death. You had to hold back from throwing up as you locked eyes with Ikaris once more.

“Ikaris.”

He hummed in acknowledgement.

“D-do you mind taking a bath? You stink, like real bad.”

§

An hour or so later, you were sitting on your rather uncomfortable couch, flipping through the same four television channels, absolutely bored out of your mind as you continued clicking on your remote controller. You would have loved to use your phone, but after the crash almost three weeks ago, your phone was still busted, and you never had enough time, with you constantly fixing up your parent’s house and dealing with Ikaris, to go get it fixed.

You made a mental note to find a phone repair shop in your hometown as you settled on a children’s cartoon channel. At least you wouldn’t be bored out of your mind with international stock market news on one channel and soap operas on the other two.

While watching the cartoon (A strange movie about the Avengers saving San Francisco from a weird-ass villain who was more of a floating head than an actual body. You wondered whether the Avengers actually authorised this shit to air for kids with how close it was to the actual Avengers’ exploits.), your thoughts wandered and brought you to think about what Ikaris was up to in the bathroom upstairs. Taking a bath shouldn’t take that long...right?

The squeeeaak of the single creaky step on the stairs answered your thoughts. Speak of the devil.

You craned your head from the television to see Ikaris shuffle down the stairs and enter the living room, still drying his damp hair with an old towel you had in the bathroom. He wore one of your old teenage t-shirts, seemingly too small on his bulky torso, wrapping around every bulge and fold of his muscles, along with a pair of your old oversized sweatpants, thankfully looking somewhat normal, if not a little awkward on his frame. He hopped on the couch alongside you, seemingly very close as both your thighs touched, surprising both of you. You both scooted away from each other, you laughing awkwardly while he stared blankly at what just happened.

“A little close there, huh,” you chuckled. He remained silent.

You turned your attention on the screen in front of you both, and a few minutes passed with silence between the both of you, made slightly uncomfortable by the fact that you two seemed to sit a little too close to each other, both pairs of hands awkwardly positioned to deliberately not touch each other.

As the climax of the movie began with the Avengers along with a young girl literally becoming a giant to fight a huge robot, you felt a heavy, oppressive energy breathe close to your neck, giving you the shivers as the hairs on your neck stood to attention. You turned your eyes for the screen to see Ikaris literally breathing down your neck as he grabbed your thigh with a possessive squeeze, the gold energy flashing under his skin as he moved a little closer to you, weirding you out further.

You quickly tapped his shoulder, trying to gently snap him out of his trance with an “Ikaris? You’re...you’re kinda right next to my face.”

That seemed to do the trick, as the gold stopped flashing under his pale skin and icy eyes seemed alive once more. Ikaris quickly scooted away, his hands quickly letting go of your thigh and grabbing his own thigh awkwardly, the whole thing wonderfully accompanied by the grunts and yells of the Avengers characters in the background. You sighed in frustration, grabbing his shoulders.

“Fuck. I’m sorry. I just...I don’t know what’s happening,” Ikaris cursed and looked at you with a worried stare, hands taut with frustration. Your brows furrowed, gently touching his shoulder to soothe his tense words.

“I thought it’d have stopped by now but...no...it can’t be Mahd Wy’ry...” Ikaris whispered to himself, confusing you once more.

“What is Mahd Wy’ry? Some kind of ailment?” You accidentally said out loud as you let go of his shoulders, making Ikaris’ eyes widen slightly as he looked at you once more, realising that he had to explain that too.

“It’s a thing...it’s something that affects the mind. You’re not aware of where you are in time, you remember countless lifetimes before you, you’re lost and you can’t seem to understand that those memories are just that...memories,” he mumbled, clearly worried that he had the same problem.

But it couldn’t be. He knew what Mahd Wy’ry looked like. Images of Thena’s whited-out eyes would haunt him, as he saw her seemingly lost to the memories that existed before she ever came to Earth, the countless lifetimes she had once experienced, ones that she should have never have had in the first place, for her mind couldn’t hold the weight of all those moments lived once and never again.

He knew what Mahd Wy’ry was supposed to be. Did he have it?

He could never be sure. He could never show his face to any of the other Eternals because of what he did, so he would never truly understand what was wrong with him.

All he did remember in those times where he was frozen in a trance was you. Your voice, your face, your scent, your everything.

You.

He longed for his memories of you to be branded into his mind for eternity.

The air was thick with tension between you two, a stark difference from earlier in the day.

§

“Are you sure this would be where the World Forge is?” Makkari signs aggressively, looking at the infinite colours of the universe from the Domo.

Thena shrugs. “This is our only hope to find them. We must try.”

A/N: Thank you for reading. Sporadic updates.

Reblogs appreciated.

[beatrice-otter]

Worldbuilding 2023 Recs

Worldbuilding Exchange was a lot of fun this year, although pretty stressful for me at the end. I received a lovely Pacific Rim fic, Catch the Drift. And there are a lot of other great fics in the collection. Here are my favorites! Catch the Drift (1643 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Pacific Rim (Movies) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Raleigh Becket, Yancy Becket, Original Characters Additional Tags: Worldbuilding, Journalism, News Media, The Drift (Pacific Rim), Drift Compatibility (Pacific Rim) Summary:

A writer for Smithsonian magazine has a rare chance to see beyond the pop culture portrayals of the Drift to the more complicated reality behind the revolutionary technology.

Call of the Five (1011 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Chalion Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Ordol (Chalion Saga), the Father (Chalion), the Mother (Chalion), the Daughter (Chalion), the Son (Chalion), the Bastard (Chalion) Additional Tags: Fictional Religion & Theology, vocation, The Calling of a Divine, Pseudo-academia, In-Universe Meta, no beta we die three times for the house of chalion Summary:

"Some are born to be divines, some take up the call gradually, and some have divines' vows thrust upon them." - an excerpt on vocation from Ordol's Fivefold Path

Design Documents for 61st Annual Hunger Games (1489 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Hunger Games Series - All Media Types Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Gamemakers (Hunger Games), Plutarch Heavensbee Summary:

The year everyone froze to death, beginning to end

the wonder of the universe (3142 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Torchwood Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Ianto Jones, Jack Harkness, Owen Harper, Toshiko Sato Additional Tags: Aliens, Caretaking, Ianto's Duties, Ianto Jones-Centric, Slice of Life, Weird Little Aliens, the care and keeping of Torchwood Three's non-human residents, Alien Flora & Fauna, Telepathy, Partial Mind Control, self-surgery, Ianto is a Secretive little bastard by habit, sentient slimemold, Hijinks & Shenanigans, Comedy of Errors, Canon-Typical Disregard for Personal Safety Summary:

Ianto had meant to keep his head down, not draw any notice to himself at Torchwood Three, but somehow he keeps attracting attention from the strangest sources.

(Despite his best efforts, Ianto adopts a bunch of aliens)

The Aslan Clause (1200 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Original Narnian Character(s) Additional Tags: Museumverse, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Modern Setting, Matters of Succession, Comment thread Summary:

In the modern, democratic age of Narnia, the argument continues over whether the Aslan Clause should be reworked… or altogether retired.

On Witnessing For the Self (6101 words) by Anonymous Fandom: The Goblin Emperor Series - Katherine Addison Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Thara Celehar Summary:

Eventually Thara Celehar gets better at teaching. Sometime much later, this happens.

A Dull Careful Person May Manage (1595 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Dag Benin & Pel Navarr, Dag Benin & Miles Vorkosigan, Dag Benin & Fletchir Giaja Characters: Dag Benin, Pel Navarr Additional Tags: Book: Diplomatic Immunity, POV Dag Benin, Canon-Typical Problematic Things, Cetagandan eugenics and accompanying mindsets, non-graphic mention of Barrayaran practices of taking body parts as trophies, Ambiguous/Open Ending, star creche, Cetagandans, Cetagandan Ghem caste, title is a Dorothy Sayers quote from a Peter Wimsey book Summary:

Dag Benin considers the nameless ba's plot.

Re: Re: Transporter Duplication - Lt JG Bradward Boimler (3285 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Star Trek: Lower Decks (Cartoon) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Brad Boimler, William Boimler, William Riker Additional Tags: Epistolary, Documentation, Transporter Malfunction, Clones, Humor, POV Outsider Summary:

After a transporter accident results in an extra Boimler, Starfleet Personnel is notified so that the situation can be sorted out. There are procedures for this sort of thing.

Listening and Untangling (1536 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Young Wizards - Diane Duane Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Rhiow (Cats of Grand Central), Lone Power (Young Wizards), Urruah (Cats of Grand Central), Original Mouse Character Additional Tags: The Wizards' Oath (Young Wizards), Ordeal (Young Wizards), Worldgates (Young Wizards), Coming of Age Summary:

Surely something that was going to eat her wouldn't speak to her so civilly?

Listening and Untangling (1536 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Young Wizards - Diane Duane Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Rhiow (Cats of Grand Central), Lone Power (Young Wizards), Urruah (Cats of Grand Central), Original Mouse Character Additional Tags: The Wizards' Oath (Young Wizards), Ordeal (Young Wizards), Worldgates (Young Wizards), Coming of Age Summary:

Surely something that was going to eat her wouldn't speak to her so civilly?

These Ink-Stained Hands Are Red (4616 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Hunger Games Series - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Original Male Character(s), Seneca Crane, Coriolanus Snow Additional Tags: Worldbuilding, Hunger Games-Typical Death/Violence, Designing A Hunger Games, 72nd Hunger Games, Angst, Politics, Tragedy, Unlikeable Protagonist, Drama, office politics Summary:

A middling Gamemaker is given the chance of a lifetime. Things do not turn out for the best.

Five Times Abigail Met People From the Demi-Monde, and One Time She Didn't (9157 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Abigail Kamara & Brent Characters: Abigail Kamara, Brent, Melissa Oswald, Original Characters, Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags: 5+1 Things, Podfic Welcome, Don't copy to another site, Demimonde Necessity Has Made Us Allies (5000 words) by Anonymous Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Bail Organa, Original Characters Additional Tags: Rebellion, Recruitment, Action/Adventure, Worldbuilding, Rebel Alliance Factions Summary:

Old wounds from the Clone Wars still fester, and not everyone who wants the Empire gone wants to restore the Republic.

comments Comment? https://ift.tt/8QlmohL

[the-omnipotent-phlowr]

Younger Child

Summary: you’ve been searching for years, twenty fingers and a person powerful enough to host the curse they unlock. a curse so horrible that even the jujutsu society would much rather destroy it’s cursed objects than attempt to find a person to host them all to eliminate it permanently. but that isn’t what you want, is it? well, let’s see what you do instead.

before you read this,, all inspiration goes to @XxIllusionGhostxX on wattpad, for their story Cursed Objects – thank you so much for the permission to tell this story in my own way, paradox!

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three

“Please come in, Mx (L/N).”

Stepping into class 1-3, I surveyed the new group of people I needed to tolerate, scanning over the students and looking for any familiar faces. I locked eyes with a black-haired girl sitting next to the window. Her hair fell past her shoulders, with uneven strands straying from the rest of her hair. The student seemed to shrink in my gaze, quickly making herself busy with the sketchbook in front of her. 

“You can introduce yourself to the class, Mx (L/N),” the teacher brought my attention back to the rest of the class. I smiled at no one in particular, straightening my posture slightly and edging closer to the middle of the classroom. 

“My name is (L/N) (Y/N), but I also go by Kuma; to clear up future confusion.”

A brown-haired boy in the back row interrupted me. “Kuma, as in bear?” 

I studied him for a second, his chipper appearance intriguing me. “No,” I chuckled, “As in Akuma.”

The silence in the class was louder than it was before.

“Oh.”

He didn’t say anything else, so I continued.

“I’m originally from Sapporo, but I moved here due to family reasons,” I explained, “I hope we can all have a great school life together!”

The class teacher, Miss Hoshino, directed me to sit in the spare seat behind Kanno, a boy with bright red glasses. I slipped my school bag off my shoulder and shifted to the desk. Looking at the classmates surrounding me, I noticed the girl I had stared at earlier. I offered her a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes, then unpacked my stationery.

-

The thick stack of papers, stuffed into my hands as I left the classroom, looked no less daunting no matter how I stared at it. I sat on a lonely bench at the back of the school building, staring at the class materials in one pile and the club forms in another. 

The school was quiet back here, it was the end of the day, but most students were still at school, all participating in some after-school activity. The grass was less cared for than it was in the front of the building, but I just blamed that on its close range to the forest.

The forest was thick, wild even. Even though so many humans passed by it with their oppressive modern auras, it still stood strong; flora keeping the fauna safe. Looking around at the rest of this hidden area, I noticed an instrument shed, surprising for a rural high school such as this one. Though, something felt wrong with the shed. The air around it seemed to ripple, and its lock looked as if it were trying to unclasp itself. 

The instrument shed radiated cursed energy; not enough to interest any run-of-the-mill curse or regular sorcerer, but still enough that I could notice it, which wasn’t necessarily a great feat. 

My sensitivity to cursed energy traced back to my earliest memories: I could always notice the slightest anomaly in the atmosphere. As a toddler, I’d shiver at the feeling of a curse several blocks away from me, and as I grew older, I was used to sniff out curses like a police dog for cocaine. Now, seeing a curse was as regular as seeing a bird flying about or a dog roaming the streets. 

I stood up, put aside my problems, and approached the shed. I reached for the lock and studied the keyhole: I needed to break it somehow. I looked around and snagged the first sizeable rock I found. Grasping the rock in my right hand and raising my left, I cracked the lock right open.

“Whatcha doin’?”

I dropped the stone and shifted in front of the lock, turning to face whoever was behind me.

I faced the brunette from earlier. 

“Nothing that interests you,” I chided. The boy seemed to physically retort at my words. It was annoying. “Sorry. That was rude.”

“N-No worries!” he assured, “But anyway, I wanted to ask you if you’d like to join my club. We’re kinda low on members, and I’d hoped you’d  like to check us out!”

I considered him for a moment. If I joined his club, I would have one problem off my back already, but at the same time, I’d have less time to search for the cursed object.

“It’s the Occult Club, by the way.” 

Or not. 

“Let’s go, then.” I walked to the bench and gathered my things. The brunette stood stunned for a moment but quickly followed after me when I started for the door. 

He caught up to me and offered a warm grin, “The name’s Itadori Yuji, by the way.”

“It’s a pleasure, Itadori,” I started, “Oh– and one other thing. I have no idea where your club room is.”

“Follow me this way.”

-

Walking into the club room, I was greeted by two new faces. A short-haired girl sat on a folding chair, her back to a cabinet; she peered up at Itadori and me through her thin glasses. There was another student seated on the opposing side of his counterpart. I surveyed the room. The table the pair were sitting at was actually two school desks jammed against each other, and there was an empty chair pulled up to it, probably meant for my escort. 

“Sasaki, Iguchi!” Itadori shut the door behind us, starting towards the desk. “I brought a new member!”

The girl, Sasaki, gaped at me as if she didn’t believe I was there; then she stood and bowed lower than I’d seen someone go since I was a toddler. Iguchi was quick to follow.

“Thank you for joining our club! We haven’t had a new member since Yuji’s first day in the school.”

“It’s fine, really. I needed to join a club, and I’m pretty into the occult myself. None of the other clubs interested me, really,” I lied. I didn’t even browse the stack of club forms I was given; I thought it a waste of time. I smiled, anyway, as Iguchi found me another folding chair, and Itadori found his seat. I had my back to the window and a perfect view of the door; I’d preferred to face the outside, but I held my tongue. 

“Well, since we’re all here. Let’s begin,” Sasaki started, “I found an old Kokkuri-san board in an antique store when I went to Sendai yesterday.”

“You went to Sendai yesterday?” Iguchi half-asked half-stated. 

“We’ll talk later,” 

-

“Kokkuri-san, Kokkuri-san. Please tell us the animal that the Student Council President can’t beat in a fight.”

The coin was dragged from one hiragana to another, finally spelling out ‘neolic’. 

The group burst out laughing, giving me a bit of a headache in the process. I could see the curse hovering over us, dragging the chip from letter to letter, but its cursed energy was that of a happy dog: not much. All the activities we participated in so far were juvenile; if this was all the club was, I might’ve made a mistake.

“Hey, Sasaki–”

“OCCULT CLUB!”

The door crashed open, and a male student stood in the doorway. I noticed the red band on his arm and deduced him to be the Student Council President. My peers’ attention was pulled to him. 

He started talking about an athletics club storage room, and the two other boys gathered around Sasaki’s chair, refuting with a story about a spirit on the rugby field. I saw the rugby field’s curse earlier today, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. I tuned in again when the president mentioned the club’s lack of members. Everyone’s gaze fell on me. 

“I didn’t get the opportunity to turn in a club form yet, sorry,” I spoke.

“AND I SIGNED ITADORI UP FOR THE MALE ATHLETICS CLUB!”

I sighed; my headache was getting worse.

- 

After the club-member ordeal, Iguchi and I re-entered the club room, gathering our belongings. I picked up my school bag and stuffed the other club papers into the bin; I wouldn’t be needing those anymore. 

“Um, (L/N).” Iguchi lugged a heavy box off the ground of the club room.

“Yes?”

“Sasaki, Yuji and I are gonna stay back today for a club activity,” he said, “I wanted to know if you’d like to come, we’re supposed to be unwrapping some sort of ancient relic that Yuji found yesterday.”

Relic?

“Oh, sure!” 

Whatever this ‘“relic” is, being at school tonight will give me the chance to finally get another finger. 

I slipped my satchel bag off my shoulder and pulled out my phone, opening the memo app. I spoke again, “What time do we meet for?”

“Six forty-five.” 

Tapping it in, I re-zip my bag and hold it once more. Iguchi starts for the door and I follow him close behind, glancing once more at the club room’s window. 

Then I sensed a conduit of cursed energy. 

A black-haired boy walked under the window.

The sorcerers were here.

[jasminedragonart]

Hmm, any hot takes on old old Disney, something like Sleeping Beauty?

You've stumbled upon a favourite of mine.

Okay, so, I love Sleeping Beauty. I don't understand the criticism around it. OR why they had to try and girlboss it up in that horrible Maleficent thing they did (I stopped watching halfway through). It's just such an interesting movie to me.

First off, the visuals? Beautiful. I love the art style. I love the squares, I love the muted colours. I love how the characters are drawn and Aurora's whole everything. I love how they animated her dancing and her round fringe. She looks great, so well done to those animators.

I feel like we should do this in chronological order so let's start with the old storybook thing at the start. It's great. It's a homage to the fact that this is not an original idea. That Disney is merely retelling it, it's not the one and only and it's a story. It's great. Also, the book detail is so pretty. I was ecstatic when I saw Disney had released a notebook that was the old Sleeping Beauty book. I had to have it.

Moving onto the movie. Aurora. I love that she's named after the goddess of the dawn. It's so interesting because the goddess Aurora also has a tragic life. She falls in love with a mortal who is granted a wish. He wishes for immortality to spend his life with Aurora but he didn't wish for eternal youth, meaning he ages and ages and never dies and it's just so tragic. It's also a story of time passing, which mirrors the story of sleeping beauty. Philip is aging and adventuring while Aurora is frozen in this eternally youthful sleep. Very symbolic. Props to whoever named her Aurora.

Also she was born at dawn, how cute is that for a homage to the goddess Aurora.

Onto her name day (christening?) So, little Philip. His name is very interesting because it means horse loving or fond of horses and he's fond of his horse in this film. like he talks to his horse. He's a horse girl at heart. I like how they show him being a kid. No love at first sight. He sees this baby and is like, yuk, what is that? He's even more horrified at the thought that he might have to marry her someday. This is great because it doesn't set up that they're destined to be together. Like he's literally a kid here and it's good. I liked it. I also like that he's in red, that's his colour, that's how we know it's him. Red= danger, passion, love. All of which he goes through in this film.

Let's push Philip to the side and focus on the fairies. So, the girlies arrive and we have Flora, Fauna and Merriweather. Again, lovely names. Their colours are interesting too. Red, again, for Flora. Then there's green, but it's a very natural green so we associate her with nature. Then there's the blue, again, the colour of the sky, very natural very good. They're all quite nice colours, not too harsh on the eyes. Their gifts are interesting too. They give Aurora grace, joy, a musical voice, beauty and a serene temperament. Basically making her into the perfect girl. They want her to have an easy life so they give her gifts to help her. I like that they're there too. It shows that the royal family hold them in high esteem. Or they hold the fae court in high esteem. They're on good terms, they've been invited to bless the new princess.

Which makes me question Maleficent. What is their relation to her? I think it's interesting that she expected an invite, which she rightfully should have had. She's about the same level of fae as the three fairy godmothers. Maybe even higher. She should have been invited whether she was in the bad fae court or not. The fact that she wasn't just tells me that the royal family was maybe asking for trouble. After all, they're familiar with the fae court, they know not to mess with them. So why would they snub this high up fae? Could there be history (I'm not even thinking about Maleficent, don't even try and bring this up with me) maybe with the other three fae who might have told the royal family not to invite her?

Who knows. Either way, she does kind of have a point when she curses Aurora. I'm not condoning it, but, again, the royal family should have thought this through.

Anyway, we're in the woods and we're back with Philip. It's interesting that it's one of the fairies gifts that attracts Philip. Remember they gave Aurora that lovely voice. They're the reason Philip hears her and wants to speak to her. They're the reason they're discovered. Irony? Yes.

Also can we talk about her name Briar Rose? Love that. Mainly because the reason Philip has such a hard time getting to Aurora is because he has to cut through thorns later in the movie. Thorns that could be from Rose plants.

Poetic.

Also, Philip deserves his happy ending. He didn't marry Aurora because he had to. He met her, not knowing who she was, fell in love with her and married her for who she was. People saying it was too fast. You don't know that. You don't know how much time passed between Aurora waking up and them getting married. It could have been months, a year. We don't know. It's ambiguous.

Either way, Philip goes to hell and back to free Aurora. He fights chaos itself and restores order once more.

Also, if we can circle back to Aurora. The fact she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel? I love it. It's such a mundane tool. It's a tool she, a princess, might never have had to use, and yet her parents feared so much for her life that she was sent away and all the spindles destroyed. Yet the curse still prevailed. The magic created one. Her curse is inevitable. No matter what they did, no matter where she was, that curse would have got her. It just shows that nature, that the faes, are stronger than anything man could do.

It's great.

I just. I love this movie.

[the-himawari]

A3! Citron - Translation [SSR] Childhood Friend’s Caretaker (3/3)

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Citron: … (I followed the St. Flora boys to school this morning, so I’ll go with Azami and Kumon on their way home.) …

???: You there. Do you have a second? You’ve been staring at the school gate for a while now. Are you from another school? Are you waiting for a friend?

Citron: Ah… I am not a shady person…

???: Err, it’s suspicious no matter how you look at it—. Wait, hold on. By any chance, are you…

Izumi: (Huh? That person that police officer is speaking to over there… It’s Citron-kun!?) E-excuse me, officer! That man is actually one of our actors. He’s wearing a school uniform as a part of his role study…!

Fuyuki: Huh, Director-san?

Izumi: Eh? …Ah, Fuyuki-san!

Fuyuki: Ahaha. Yep, I thought so. I had a feeling I’d seen him before, so I thought he might’ve been a member of MANKAI Company. I didn’t expect to bump into you as well though, Director-san!

Izumi: I’m so sorry…

Citron: Sorry. I was lost in my role study.

Fuyuki: It was also my fault for suspecting you. In any case, it’s been noisy around here lately when kids from other schools hang around. I’m trying to call out to them when I spot them. You’re lucky that I’m the one who noticed you this time.

Izumi: Thank you. We’ll be careful next time…

Fuyuki: It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Anyways, I’m going to get back to my patrol. Good luck on your role study.

Citron: I’m sorry. I caused trouble for you too, Director…

Izumi: That’s fine. But you might get questioned like that again if you stay here in that outfit. Shall we head back home?

Citron: …Okay. But there’s one more thing I want to do in this outfit before that. And I definitely need your help for it, Director!

-pause-

Citron: The thing I wanted to do in my school uniform is… Film a TikTak!

Izumi: (He’s already done with his role study and he’s just doing what he wants now…)

Citron: Come on. Lend me a hand, Director~!

Izumi: Um, actually, we didn’t have anything like this back when I was in school, so I don’t think I’ll be of any help…

Citron: Don’t worry. Leave it to me!

Izumi: (Well, if all I have to do is film—)

Citron: What are you doing? Dance with me!

Izumi: Ehh, dance!? ME!?

Citron: Just move like me! It’s simple. You’ll pick it up right away!

Option 1: “It’s pretty difficult”

Izumi: Hold on, I feel like it’s pretty difficult…!

Citron: Really? Okay, we’ll go even simpler then! This dance is so easy, even you’ll be able to do it in 5 seconds. Watch closely now. One, two, three~.

*dances around*

Izumi: … I-if that’s all, then I guess I’ll give it my best shot?

Option 2: “It feels kind of embarrassing”

Izumi: It feels kind of embarrassing to dance. And besides, I’m not used to it…

Citron: Director, think back to the first time you did a street act. People are afraid of things they’re not used to. That’s right. This is a street act! So enjoy it, Director.

Izumi: I-In that case…!

Citron: Great, let’s film then~! Three, two, one, start!

Izumi: (Oh well. Whatever happens, happens…!)

Citron: Sweet shrimp, shrimp, sh-shrimp~ ♪ That’s it. You’re killing it!

-pause-

Izumi: Hah, it’s finally over… I’m beat…

Citron: Many thanks, Director! With this, my role study is complete~!

Izumi: (It looks like Citron-kun had fun and it served as good role study. All’s well that ends well…)

-pause-

Taichi: He looks amazing in it, doesn’t he!

Kazunari: Totes. He doesn’t look out of place at all!

Izumi: (They look like they’re in high spirits. What’s going on?)

Taichi: Ah, Director-sensei. What’s up!

Kazunari: Hey, hey. Have you seen, Director-chan? Ronron in his school uniform!

Izumi: I saw. You mean how he wore a Hana High uniform to prepare for his role, right?

Kazunari: Yep, yep! I saw it on TikTak though~.

Izumi: (Ahh, it must be that video from back then—) …EH!? He actually posted it!?

Taichi: He sure did! Look, the views are totally shooting through the roof!

Izumi: S-show me! (It’ll be yikes all around if I’m also in the video…)

Kazunari: Ronron’s got some sick moves, huh?

Izumi: Ah. Yeah, that’s true. (Thank goodness it’s just Citron-kun… I didn’t realize he filmed himself too.)

-pause-

Citron: Ohh, I’m trending! All according to plan~.

Sakuya: Citron-san, were you able to prepare for your role by spending a day in a school uniform?

Citron: Of course. I’m thankful for everyone who helped me ♪ …I made some precious memories too.

---

previous |

[sudriantraveler]

I know I’m a couple days late but I’d like to hear about “Trams and Trouble”!

That one's actually been on the back-burner for a little while now, but Its basically meant to be a series of stories for my take on the Vicarstown Tramway.

At the moment I have a series of ideas and concepts planned out, and one story half-written.

The tramway is run by three electric trams. Borrowing from the TV series character Flora, they have a similar livery, and are each named after different plants: Speedwell, Sage, and Delphinium.

I keep going back and fourth of if I want to change these names however, and that's actually part of why this project stalled (I need to stop overthinking the details). In any case, I have written some basic character descriptions for each of them:

Speedwell - A kind and friendly tram, Speedwell has great respect for the people along their line. They are always on the lookout for someone in need, although they can be very anxious, and often have a tendency to get in over their head and overwhelm themself.

Sage - A quiet tram, known for his kind heart and observant nature. In fact he often seems to notice things which no one else does. He can however get easily distracted, and has on numerous occasions held up traffic while listening to street performers or watching the activities of the local alley cats.

Delphinium - Delphinium, or Delphi for short, is an energetic tram. She loves straight empty roads, because she can go as fast as her driver will let her. Bumpy track is all the better as she thinks it's great fun to bounce along swaying from side to side, though her passengers usually aren’t happy about the rough ride. While usually very cheerful, she is quick tempered and can act impulsively at times.

The stories take place around 1950-1951ish, and are about the trams as they go about their lives, while trying to deal with a new bus company which threatens their line.

The first story is more of an introduction to the tramway, and is about Bridgett Hatt, when she gets lost in Vicarstown and happens upon the tramway.

Here is a brief passage from what I have written so far:

*****

At that moment, there was a strange rattling sound punctuated by a short but loud clang of a bell, and around the corner came a very odd looking engine.

It was a tall boxy shape, with two levels, the lower of which sat directly atop a set of 4 small wheels packed oddly close together. A long pole jutted out from its top and connected with a wire running above the roadway. With a squealing of brakes the strange engine came to a gentle stop just in front of Bridget.

“Ogmund’s Park everyone, Ogmund’s Park. Next stop will be Baker’s Lane… Oh, hello… You don’t look all that happy, what’s wrong?”

Bridget looked up. The engine was talking to her. “I’m… lost”, she said slowly.

“Lost?” Said the engine, “Well that will never do, especially on a cold day like this. Do you know where you’re trying to get to, or where have you come from?”

“The Big Station” replied Bridget, “Do you know how to get there?”

“I know the place” said the engine, “and you’re in luck, it’s just along my route. Why don’t you climb aboard and I’ll let you know when we get there”.

“Thank you” said Bridget, and stepped aboard.

“I would recommend finding a seat on the top floor,” said the engine, “you'll have a nice view of the city streets”.

As Bridget took her seat, the strange engine rattled away from the park. It wasn’t like the shaking and rattling of the bus; that had been an angry, terrifying sound as the bus had hurled itself along, seemingly ignorant of the fact that it sounded as though something might break or give way at any moment.

This on the other hand was gentle, calming and rhythmic; a familiar “clickety-clack, clickety-clack'' of train wheels on sturdy metal rails.

“What’s your name?” asked Bridget.

“Oh, I’m sorry” said the engine “I haven’t introduced myself. My name's Speedwell”.

“Well, my name’s Bridget”. She paused, then said “I’ve never seen an engine like you before. You don’t make any smoke or steam”.

“That’s because I’m a tram engine. I’m electric!”

“Electric?”

“Yes. Unlike the mainline railway, all of us trams are electric… or at least, all the ones I know are… That’s what the pole on my roof is for, it draws power from the overhead wire”.

Bridget looked, and sure enough there was a long set of wires trailing above and ahead of them, snaking off into the distance.

*****

Yes, this is why Bridget asked "Is it electric?" when she first met Toby not to long after the events of this story.

[piratejenna]

Spoilers for Layton Brothers: Mystery Room

Prompt: fics you read when you need to cry

Title: To Absent Fathers and Broken Sons

Author: @anonymouspuzzler

Fandom: Layton Brothers: Mystery Room

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Word Count: 12940

Summary: It has been exactly seventeen days since his son - his only son, a mere twenty-five years old - had been left on the brink of death.

-----

So I love the Professor Layton series, and Mystery Room is probably my second favorite entry in the series (though it's technically a spin-off). It has it's problems, but I overall I think it's really fun. But one of the aspects that I find the most interesting is the one canon never really addresses, which is the Layton kids.

The PL timeline is honestly a mess (it's always been wonky, and then Lady Layton decided to wreck whatever structure it had), but the idea of seeing Flora, Alfendi, and Kat growing up together is just delightful to me. So of course, I've spent plenty of time looking for fanfic of this exactly. And this fic is my favorite version of that.

You don't really see direct interactions between the three of them, but the fic excellently communicates their dynamic to you. I love that Al and Kat are particularly close, which makes so much sense and delights me.

In general, Al is wonderfully characterized here. What he's like pre-canon is pretty vague, and I don't always like the way people choose to interpret him. But this fic's version of him is great. There's such a good balance of what we do see of Al in the game, and also what you would expect of him given his family. I'll shout out two favorites I like: Al is a really good cook, and he loves doing community theater.

But, as the prompt says, this is a fic I come to when I want to cry, so let's address that.

The focus of the fic is the father son relationship between Layton and Alfendi over the years. It mostly moves chronologically, but you start the fic with the knowledge that we're going to end up in the hospital with Alfendi shot and confessing to a murder. It does a great job building tension over the course of the story. We watch as, initially, the two have a pretty good relationship, but over time it starts to dissolve. They grow apart, and every time you see them drift farther, it hurts that much more because you know where things are going.

I could break this fic down scene by scene, but I'm going to focus on my favorite scene, and the one that really breaks my heart. It's the last scene (chronologically at least) before Al gets shot. It's the scene when drunk Al calls Layton.

This scene is so good, because Al lays into his dad, finally letting loose with all his anger and frustration at Layton and how he failed the kids growing up. And the best part of this fic: he's right.

The fic is clear, from the start, that Layton isn't a perfect parent. He's a single dad with a job that frequently pulls him out of the country, and the fic doesn't shy away from how this affects the kids. So when Al lays it all out, the specifics of how this affected him growing up, Layton just accepts it. Tells Al he's right, apologizes, and makes it clear that Al doesn't have to forgive him.

And this scene, where Layton is open about his own flaws, and Al breaks down because he wanted a fight but Layton isn't fighting him, it freaking guts me. On its own, it already breaks my heart, but it's so much harder because we know that this is it. There will be no time for them to fix their relationship because Al is about to get shot.

The final section of this fic also breaks my heart. The dread that sits in my stomach as the fic moves towards the end, and I know that Alfendi is going to confess to the murder and be a different person. In particular, the part where Al suddenly breaks and starts desperately telling his dad he didn't do it and begging him not to leave, and the narration says that this is their last conversation--

Overall, I think this is the fic I come to because it's not just one scene that makes me cry. The fic as a whole has this tragedy filling it that's so beautifully written and presented. I adore every scene, and this is easily my favorite version of the Layton family. The author tackles the incredible feat of making sense of the timeline and does so expertly while also managing to walk the challenging tightrope of "Layton is an incredibly well-intentioned but ultimately flawed parent".

I would strongly encourage any fans of Mystery Room to check this fic out. It does carry a good bit of tension from your knowledge of the game, but personally I'd say if you are a fan of the Layton series, this is still a great fic. As I said, I think this is a great representation of Layton as a father, and you are missing out to skip it.