MSPA Fanfiction V: We're Going to Need More Wands

[lantadyme]

Dave Strider/Dave Strider
Nail Polish

:| Darn it. I'm going to have to write this aren't I?

/ZOOMS IN ON THE BRO / KARKAT SEX ED ONE

I AM CALLING THAT SHIT GUYS

I AM CALLING IT RIGHT THE FUCK NOW

/SITS ON THAT PROMPT

Yesssssssss

[lucidSeraph]

... dammit. I'm not sure if I can post this fic here :|a I mean. ... it's nothing we don't see in canon, but Karkat DOES make a kind of weird threat to Bro that if Bro doesn't explain how human reproduction works Dave is going to shack up with Terezi. Like, nothing actually HAPPENS, but sex is mentioned? Not in detail but...?

I DON'T KNOW MAN.

[Graven_Image]

Just run it by an admins. The admins know best.

[mutecebu]

Dermonster: Yesss

LS: Run it by an Admin. If it gets shut down, you best pass around a signup sheet to mass mail that bad boy, cuz you can't keep good writing down.

Or, pop it up on AO3 discretely. EDIT: I thought you had one? Maybe not? Whatever.

[lucidSeraph]

Dermonster: Yesss

LS: Run it by an Admin. If it gets shut down, you best pass around a signup sheet to mass mail that bad boy, cuz you can't keep good writing down.

Or, pop it up on AO3 discretely. EDIT: I thought you had one? Maybe not? Whatever.

I do. Violetesence is on there. I just don't have a separate link for it as I ran out of room in my sig.

[SeptimusMagistos]

Still writing mine. In the meantime there are some that I don't feel like writing but sound interesting.

Spades Slick / Vriska Serket
Thanks

Dave Strider / Nepeta Leijon
Truth Or Dare

Rose Lalonde / Rose Lalonde
Bitter

And also this one because if I have to live with having read it, so do the rest of you:

Nannasprite / Davesprite
Sex Ed

[SkaianRedeemer]

Okay, um... hrm. My Chapter 14b is no longer on the forums. I originally posted it right after the other, like, immediately. Instinct says to put it back up and that the forums deleted it, but as it was already self-censored I have to run the caution that it was cleared by a mod. Even if you're not a reader, my curiosity begs to know: did anyone catch sight of it before it went pouf?

(In a related question, did anyone care to catch sight of it? If you're all reading the uncensored version on A03 it might be better if I just post links to censored chapters from now on.)

[penguinbound]

Blood Runs Deep
Chapter 1: Whispers

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There's whisperings of rebellion in the streets.

There has been signs, though, kind of obvious ones. Recent news declarations by the Empress that Trolls cannot speak with anyone out of their blood class. No one may leave their hives after curfew, and the worst of all was that official patrols were placed on the street to monitor the activity. And then, of course, there were people spouting stuff, slandering the Empress, the Empire itself, and saying everyone should rise up. Of course, the rumors always been around, that there's going to be royal blood shed, for the sake of a non-Hemospectrum based ruling. But they were just that, rumors. They never came true, and everyone thought things would stay the same.

But then the street became stained with the blood of innocents. Five young Trolls were protesting in the streets, and were killed right there on the spot, by one of the patrols. Normally, this would not be anything big. But the flickerings of rebellion were ignited into a full flame by this spark. So, a quick call to arms from both sides was issued, with red, orange, green, and even some blue bloods joined the side of the rebellion, calling for an end to the Hemospectrum. The other blood colors raised their army, and responded with a chance to survive if they surrendered. However, caught in the middle of this war would be twelve certain Trolls who would be split apart in the fight for freedom.
-
Karkat peeked around the corner of a building from an alley. Patrols were located at both ends of the street, so they could potentially kill one or two, and get the other two in a fight, or they could hopefully each take one down, but he didn't trust most of them to hit the broad side of a hive. He turned back, to face the other three with him. "Alright, we've got two of 'em at each end of the street. How do you wanna take them out?" The other three, all green bloods, whispered to each other, considering.

Karkat didn't know anyone in his group, considering he'd only had orange and red bloods to talk to. He looked at the grey symbol on his shirt, and frowned, wishing he wasn't the only one with an unconfirmed blood color. But he only wished for a minute. He had a job to do. "We can each take one, right?" A female Troll stepped forward, raising her hand slightly. Karkat had seen her fighting skills, before. They were decent. He glanced at the other two, new recruits, he thought.

"What about you two, could you each take one?" One of them, a male, shook his head as soon as Karkat stopped talking. The other followed suit, causing Karkat to frown. Shit, now he had to figure out what to do with the other two.

"Maybe they could both take one, I'll take one, and you take one. We can get to the last one fast, and finish him off." The female suggested. Karkat mulled it over, and decided that it was the best plan available, besides just the two of them going out and taking two on, which might end up with them dead, which of course could still happen anyway. But this was optimal to get out of a situation like that.

"Alright, girl, you take the one on the left, way down there at the end of the street. You two, take the other one on her side. I'll go up the street, and get one there. You three move your asses down the street after that. If I don't kill the other one fast enough, then he'll call back up. We'll get out of that if we work together," Karkat said quickly, glancing at the four Patrol guards again. "Got it?" He looked back.

Everyone nodded, and Karkat quickly turned his back on the others, dashing to the next alley as softly as he possibly could. No extra sounds, that'd attract attention. That's what he'd been taught in training. That was the least fun part of this, he'd thought. But now, he had been given his own squad to command. This was his show. And he was going to make sure it was going to end perfectly. He bit his lip, but not hard enough to draw blood. He had to make sure this was perfect, or he'd end up killing everyone.

He slipped his sickle out, admiring the curve of the blade. He had always wanted to be a Threshecutioner, for the army. Now he was fighting against Threshecutioners, at least, he knew they had been spotted fighting a few groups of the rebellion. It almost made him want to laugh, something he rarely did, lately. He looked back up, and saw how close he was. Excellent.

He slipped behind something to hide. He looked back, and saw the others in positions close to their designated patrolsmen. Karkat then returned his attention back to the one he was going to attack, when he noticed that shadow that he was in. He looked up, and met eyes with the patrolsmen, a bulky Troll, with cracked sunglasses, and gnarled teeth. His frown was clearly visible. "Shit." Karkat muttered, jumping back from his hiding position.

The other patrolman went to call for back up, but Karkat's target stopped him. "I can handle this." He heard the thud of bodies from behind him, but dared not look. He hoped those were the other Trolls on patrol. "So, lowblood. You think you can commit these acts and get away with it? That's entirely laughable."

"I've done it before." Karkat replied, trying to keep an emotionless face. Truth was, he was almost petrified. This Troll would kick his ass before his team got to him. The patrolman clenched his fists, and took his sunglasses off. There was a scar under his right eye, that almost reached the bridge of his nose.

"Alright, then, scum. Try it now. Try to kill me," he smiled, showing off those broken teeth that made Karkat uncomfortable. The gray symboled Troll readied to fight, his palms covered in a film of sweat. He let out a breath, and met eyes with the blue symboled suit. "Come at me, scum. I dare you."

Karkat let out a gutteral roar, and leapt at the Troll, slashing madly. He was going to win, if he had anything to say about it. But, apparently he didn't. The blue blood grabbed the sickle's edge, and, as if it hadn't phased him, ripped it from Karkat's hand, and placed his other hand on the bottom of the hilt. Karkat stumbled, and ran into a trash can. His eyebrows rose, as he watched the sickle crumple up from the force of the Troll's hands pressing on it.

"...Shit." He repeated, and watched the blue blood toss the ruined sickle to the ground, and walk up to him. The Troll spread his arms out wide, and looked down at Karkat once again.

"Any final words, shit blood?" Karkat blinked, and realized his back was touching the wall. He was trapped. He wanted to look at his team, but didn't. No looking away. Ever. Karkat began to think, and finally, he glanced back into the blue blood's eyes. And then he spit on the Troll's face. There was a pause, and then, without even glancing at the spit, wiped it off, and smashed his hands into Karkat's ears, and everything seemed to blur all at once, and he stumbled around. Oh god, this hurt worse than anything.

The Troll then quickly slammed Karkat's shoulders, and he felt his arms go numb. He just wished he was dead, unconcious, anything but the incredible pain that was surging through his body like an echo of a gong. And then, the blue blood shot a foot into Karkat's chest, and the nubby horned Troll slammed into a wall nearby, and more pain shot through his chest and his back.

And finally, the sweet release of darkness swallowed him.
-
The surface is hard, and uncomfortable, and it makes Karkat's back hurt more. He can hardly hear, the only thing he can really make out is maybe the hum of a machine, that sounds too soft. His arms had feeling again, but were strapped down, and he felt a stinging pain in his wrist. He didn't want to open his eyes, for fear they were messed up too, and the light would make it worse. His breath was ragged, and everything felt irregular. And a second later, something touched his shoulder, and although it was soft, the pain made his entire body twitch.

He opened his eyes, and saw the ones of the green blooded girl in his squad staring back, and she actually looked concerned. His mouth moved, and no sound came out. Well, rather, he didn't hear what came out. He did his best to look confused, to maybe get the point across. She blinked, and then realized what he meant. Her hands reached up, and she slowly peeled something from Karkat's head, that he realized was a pair of headphones, that was protecting his damaged ears.

"You're okay? That's great. We managed to escape, I think that's obvious, though." She said, and her eyes seemed to scan his entire damaged body.

"Where are the other two?"

"They died."

"Well, I'm just a great leader."

"They died getting you out of there. They saved you, really."

"That makes me feel a whole lot better, thanks."

"Oh, sorry," she frowns for a moment. "Anyway, they're assigning us to a new squad. I don't know if you're the leader or not. Um, anyway, your name is Karkat, right?" Karkat nodded, and then realized how much that hurt.

"I'm Nepeta Leijon, nice to meet you," she giggled. "To be honest, I thought you were a good leader. You just got the bad luck of the draw." She commented, and then jumped a bit as the door to the room slid open, letting in light. Karkat flicked his eyes towards the advancing figure. The Troll stopped walking, and Nepeta stepped aside to let the Troll be near the bed.

"Karkat Vantas. Your mission didn't go well, did it?" The male commented, and used his hand to gesture to his injured body. "Well, you, and your green blooded friend over there, are going to be given another chance. Tomorrow, you'll be taken to see the leader, and he'll assign you your task. Rest up, because no doubt you'll be working hard." And with that, the Troll left.

Karkat stared after him, and then let out a big sigh. "Well, this is shit. I can't wait to get bitched at." Nepeta giggled again.

"Oh, Karkitty, don't get so butthurt! It'll be fine!"

"...What the fuck did you just call me?"

A/N:

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so this is an au thing
yay

[Path]

Curiosity

DERMONSTER. You have won my day.

[SeptimusMagistos]

Okay, um... hrm. My Chapter 14b is no longer on the forums. I originally posted it right after the other, like, immediately. Instinct says to put it back up and that the forums deleted it, but as it was already self-censored I have to run the caution that it was cleared by a mod. Even if you're not a reader, my curiosity begs to know: did anyone catch sight of it before it went pouf?

(In a related question, did anyone care to catch sight of it? If you're all reading the uncensored version on A03 it might be better if I just post links to censored chapters from now on.)

I saw it. It was definitely here.

[Brevity]

Dave is off on a search to rescue the Witch.
She has been snatched by a horrible and evil monster.

This happened because Dave made a mistake.

--

Chapter Two; Part One: Time and Forgiveness

--

OPEN PESTERLOG

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CURRENT turntechGodhead [CTG] RIGHT NOW opened private transtimeline board lets make predestination our bitch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT turntechGodhead [CTG] RIGHT NOW opened a memo on board lets make predestination our bitch.

CTG: sup
CTG: so heres the game plan
CTG: concerning the mutability of our timeline
CTG: by now youve probably figured out that the trollian viewport function pertaining to our session is limited to the alpha timeline
PAST twinArmageddons [PTA] 375 HOURS AGO responded to memo.
PTA: don't knock the 2oftware, fucka22.
CTG banned PTA from responding to memo.
PTA unbanned PTA from responding to memo.
PTA: liike ii 2aiid, don't knock the 2oftware, fucka22.
CTG: anyways
CTG: lets pretend that this is a thing that never stopped happening
CTG: all communications from the future or from those with knowledge of the future forces the hand of the alpha timeline
CTG: as we stutter our way through our session like a whore in confessional theres always the option of rewinding back to prevent fuckups and fulfill stable time loops
CTG: what this really means is running my ass ragged trying to save my greasy past behind from getting comprehensively burninated
CTG: another thing is the prevention of paradoxes
CTG: for example
CTG: if any past version of myself were to read this memo
CTG: they would know not to contact their past selves beyond this point
CTG: and since im currently alpha dave
CTG: and i came up with the idea of cutting off all this timefuckery
CTG: you reading this before you think this up yourself is a spontaneous generation of information
CTG: which means you just doomed yourself by reading this
PAST turntechGodhead [PTG] 4:14 HOURS AGO responded to memo.
PTG: oh fuck me
CTG: sorry bro
CTG: maybe i oughta encrypt this huh
PTG: no shit sherlock
CTG banned PTG from responding to memo.
CTG: so all cagey bullshit from future selves is just them being kind and loving motherfuckers and helping us not get our paradox on
CTG: and hopefully none of my future selves decide to fall down all this sanity and contact us in the past
CTG: so far this hasnt happened
CTG: and presumably from this point of singularity never will
CTG: so lets consider that a huge pendulous cockslap to the face of causality
CTG closed memo.

Notes:

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Apologies for the seemingly lack of relevance this has to the Braid-themed storyline I'm aiming for. Please take my word that this is relevant exposition, albeit in a shitty Dave voice. If you enjoy what little this has to offer as of now, I will hopefully have more within the end of the week.

Also, fuck if I understand all this complicated time stuff. I'm probably being a useless piece of shit and falling down all this paradox as we speak.

Further notes:

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(oh god im such a pretentious tool why do i use such big words i hope you guys wont judge me )

(also thanks Graven for giving me this nifty idea from Indystuck, you should keep writing more cool stuff)

(sorry this is a bit on the short side how bout we blame it on my username huh)

By the way, I think some of you may have caught this when it went up the first time. This is fixed somewhat.

Go delete that quote of yours, lucidSeraph! It must never live to see the light of day! D;

[draconicAlgorithm]

Oh jegus that prompt generator.

Bro / Nannasprite
Ice Cubes

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"Anything else, dear?" Nannasprite watched the young man at the table as she spoke. He didn't turn his head, instead staring deep into the glass of Coke he held in gloved hands. His sunglasses obscured his eyes, but his mouth was a hard line.

"Nah," he said finally. "I'm good." His words were nonchalant, even emotionless, but Nanna had been alive far longer than he had. She knew a troubled man when she saw one. And a man like Bro didn't pay a visit without a reason. Regardless, she knew better than to pry. She waited for him to speak to her, instead readying things to make a meal for John when he returned from gallivanting across LOWAS.

Bro just stared into the glass, watching the ice melt, each to their own thoughts.

"What's it like?" He said, finally. Nanna paused from pulling boxes of lasagna noodles out of the cabinet.

"Hmm?" She asked.

"Dying, I mean," he explained. Nanna smiled slightly to herself.

"It's horrible," she said, bluntly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that the man didn't even wince. "Initially, in any case," she added. "The thing that does it—well, my death was hardly painless. But after... It's peaceful. For the first time in my life, I was really able to relax. You'd be surprised how much of a hassle living is, young man." Bro smirked.

"Yeah, I guess," he replied, though his heart obviously wasn't in it. Nanna resumed pulling out boxes of noodles, turning away from him as she did.

"You shouldn't worry about Dave," she said conversationally. "He's a strong boy, with good friends. They'll make it." Bro didn't reply. She didn't expect him to. She went about preparing the meal, leaving the young man to his own devices until there was more he felt he had to say. Ten minutes later, she heard a soft clink. She didn't turn immediately, but when she did, she found what she had been expecting.

Bro was gone. A throwing star was embedded in the table, piercing a slip of paper. On the paper, scrawled haphazardly, was the word "thanks".

All that remained in the glass were ice cubes, slowly melting away.

[A Fan]

Oh hey, feedback! Awesomeness.

It is an honor, sir, to know that I was a part of inspiring this. I can't decide whether I love the ending or the epilogue more.

Any clues on who the other ringbearer alluded to in this story might be?

EDIT: hopy shit, there was a Discworld reference in there and I almost missed it.

The "other ringbearer" thing was the ring detecting Bec Noir. The Queen's Ring kind of qualifies, being a finger-worn ornament of unfathomable power, but it certainly wasn't going to be recognizable to a Lantern Ring beyond that.
And yes, apparently Red Lantern Ring AI is built on Hex architecture.

That was beatiful.

Sober!Gamzee as a red lantern is awesome by itself. The ending just made this one thousands time better. GLORIOUS, indeed.

And I want to see Nepeta with the sword of Thundera

I agree with everything in this post.
Any chance of you writing more, AF?

Firstly, again:
Secondly, I doubt I'll be doing more work in this vein. (Spoiler alert for Rage ahead: )

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Well, I probably will be, but only in the sense that I'll be doing what Doc Scratch has been: namely, thinking up amusing crossovers and seeing what happens when they're implemented. I suppose it could be said the Q* Ball was a rather oblique author avatar here.
*As in omnipotent John deLancie

Thirdly, the Thundertrolls concept is open to anyone who'd like to take it.
Fourthly, links to my other on-MSPAF work are in my signature[/shamelessplug]

@A Fan: Ugh, I was such a GL fan last year. This is just so awesome. Gamzee trashing Atrocitus on the rage scale is sort of hilariously terrifying.

honk. : o)

Moving on, I got the following on that prompt-mo-bob:

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Rose Lalonde / Karkat Vantas

Sex Education

So I made this:
What Would Freud Think?

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CG: AND THAT'S HOW TROLL REPRODUCTION WORKS.
CG: WHY DID YOU WANT TO KNOW THIS, ANYWAY?
TT: ...
CG: WOW, HOW CLEVER.
CG: USING THREE STOPMOTES TO CONNOTE STUNNED SILENCE.
CG: NEWS FLASH, FLAGELLUM FONDLER:
CG: THAT DOESN'T WORK WHEN YOU HAVE TO VOLUNTARILY HIT ENTER.
TT: I believe we had agreed to a mutual truce for the length of this discussion.
CG: YEAH, WELL, I ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION.
CG: SEEMS LIKE THE DISCUSSION'S OVER.
TT: Don't get off yet.
CG: WHY NOT?
TT: I have a few confessions to make.
CG: OH HELL NO.
CG: I'VE ALREADY BEEN PUT IN AN AWKWARD POSITION BY THIS SORT OF THING.
TT: I lost a bet with Dave and had to ask you as a result.
TT: Dare I ask what "sort of thing" to which you were referring?
CG: OH. UM...
TT: Hemming and hawing to buy time don't work well in this medium either.
CG: FUCK YOU, LALONDE.
CG: AND IT WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT BUCKETS.
TT: Ah.
CG: SO WHAT WAS THE OTHER THING?
TT: The process you've described is uncannily like that by which most horrorterrors communicate.
-- tentacleTherapist [TT] stopped pestering carcinoGeneticist [CG] --
CG: ...
CG: I KNOW.
CG: D :B

Oh, and as a final note, I hit the prompter one more time, and got the following:

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Sollux Captor/Jack Noir
Scones

So yeah.

[SkaianRedeemer]

@penguinbound: I like to imagine that Nepeta was just waiting for the moment Karkat wasn't definitely her squad leader to say that.

@SeptimusMagistos: Okay, thanks. I'm running it past Lexxy, then.

@A Fan: Oh geeze, poor Karkat.

[lantadyme]

Oh jegus that prompt generator.

Bro / Nannasprite
Ice Cubes

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"Anything else, dear?" Nannasprite watched the young man at the table as she spoke. He didn't turn his head, instead staring deep into the glass of Coke he held in gloved hands. His sunglasses obscured his eyes, but his mouth was a hard line.

"Nah," he said finally. "I'm good." His words were nonchalant, even emotionless, but Nanna had been alive far longer than he had. She knew a troubled man when she saw one. And a man like Bro didn't pay a visit without a reason. Regardless, she knew better than to pry. She waited for him to speak to her, instead readying things to make a meal for John when he returned from gallivanting across LOWAS.

Bro just stared into the glass, watching the ice melt, each to their own thoughts.

"What's it like?" He said, finally. Nanna paused from pulling boxes of lasagna noodles out of the cabinet.

"Hmm?" She asked.

"Dying, I mean," he explained. Nanna smiled slightly to herself.

"It's horrible," she said, bluntly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that the man didn't even wince. "Initially, in any case," she added. "The thing that does it—well, my death was hardly painless. But after... It's peaceful. For the first time in my life, I was really able to relax. You'd be surprised how much of a hassle living is, young man." Bro smirked.

"Yeah, I guess," he replied, though his heart obviously wasn't in it. Nanna resumed pulling out boxes of noodles, turning away from him as she did.

"You shouldn't worry about Dave," she said conversationally. "He's a strong boy, with good friends. They'll make it." Bro didn't reply. She didn't expect him to. She went about preparing the meal, leaving the young man to his own devices until there was more he felt he had to say. Ten minutes later, she heard a soft clink. She didn't turn immediately, but when she did, she found what she had been expecting.

Bro was gone. A throwing star was embedded in the table, piercing a slip of paper. On the paper, scrawled haphazardly, was the word "thanks".

All that remained in the glass were ice cubes, slowly melting away.

Aw, I liked that a lot.

[SeptimusMagistos]

All right, so:

Rose Lalonde / Eridan Ampora

Canldes

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It is difficult to describe who they are to each other. They are not exactly friends; they are not exactly rivals. They certainly don’t fit into any quadrant or really any conception of romance. But they are bound together, in a way that only people who have drawn aside the curtain of reality to see what’s on the other side can be.

They stand in the opposite corners of a room prepared just for this meeting. In his corner, Eridan is brighter than the sun. Clear, crisp, white light rolls off his wand, his clothes, even from behind his eyes; it burns away all traces of shadow and radiates outward.

In the opposite corner, Rose is cloaked in something that cannot even be called darkness. It is more like a kind of dark light, rendering the shadows around her blacker than obsidian at midnight. Only her eyes can be seen, reflecting the distant light of her conversation partner.

The no-man’s land between them is lit by candles. Beginning with one or two near Rose, they multiply until stopping a few feet away from Eridan in a curtain of fire and melting wax. They provide a kind of gradual relief to the stark contrast between the two.

“This had better be important,” Rose’s voice emerges from her corner, clear as a bell, “I had things to do. If there are going to be more of your unwanted advancements, things will get . . . difficult.”

“Okay no, two things. First of all, don’t you threaten me. The whole point of this chamber was that no-one would threaten anyone in here. And second, I am not flirting with you.”

Because somewhere deep down Eridan was ultimately more honest than was good for him, he was forced to add “. . . at least not right at this moment.”

“What is it, then? I don’t really feel like participating in another discussion on whether the power you and I wield is mystical or scientific in nature. Truth be told, I see little distinction.”

“Yah, I guess. Any sufficiently advanced science looks like magic to the idiotic masses.”

The eyes in the void of Rose’s corner moved. They grew just a shade more intimidating. It would be nice to say that Eridan noticed, but he was Eridan, and therefore he did not. But, serendipitously, he changed the subject anyway.

“Have you noticed something? We’ve been alchemizing more and more wands. Some of my have not been white magic, and I know you have done things that weren’t connected with the Horrorterrors.”

“Yes. So? It is only natural to aim for a broad arsenal. It’s not as if we’re short on supplies.”

Rose tried to sound certain, but even she could hear a trickle of doubt.

“It’s not us, Rose. It’s the power. Magic. . . science. . . whatever it is. It helped us, and now it wants something in return. And the thing is, I don’t know if that something is going to be good for us. . . or for others.”

“I don’t believe it would be directly harmful. But I really don’t care to gamble with the lives of those close to me.”

“So what are you going to do about it?”

The two pairs of eyes stared at each other; one stared into a terrible light and the other into impenetrable darkness.

And then, with a shrug of power, the cloaks of magic and visual effects were shed. The excess power spread through the room, catching the candleflames and momentarily turning them into a field of prismatic hues.

The two met in the middle, no longer a white wizard or a black witch, but simply magic-users, for whatever that was worth.

“Don’t get any funny ideas,” the human girl whispered. “We’re just doing what we need to to repay our debt. This isn’t going to be one of your weird romance things.”

“Ha. You fish.”

“Fish?”

“Wish.”

“Let’s just get on with this, please.”

The two touched their wands together and disappeared, fleeing far, far from home. Until they could come back; until they’d done what they had to do.

In the room they left behind, the candles slowly burnt out.

[lucidSeraph]

@Brevity: It is done. Also dude you're doing Braid fanfic, of course it's going to have huge pretentious words.

[Redbud-Tree]

I've lurked around long enough without actually signing up or posting anything, I think. So here, have a (link to) my currently only completed fanfic, along with a handful of prompts from that generator that I thought were amusing but beyond my skill/confidence level to take on myself.

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More because I'm still new here and am paranoid than any real reason... I'm linking to its posting on AO3..."Irritating Injuries" at AO3

Okay, now for those prompts from the generator before I go back and hide in my little newbie corner of timidity.

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John Egbert / Gamzee Makara
Funhouse


John Egbert / Dad
After School

Cal / Dave Strider
Secret

Eridan Ampora / Jade Harley
Queer

And now that that's done, I'm just going to go stick my nose in the corner 'til my embarrassment's gone.

[Caprisaurus]

I've lurked around long enough without actually signing up or posting anything, I think. So here, have a (link to) my currently only completed fanfic, along with a handful of prompts from that generator that I thought were amusing but beyond my skill/confidence level to take on myself.

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More because I'm still new here and am paranoid than any real reason... I'm linking to its posting on AO3..."Irritating Injuries" at AO3

Okay, now for those prompts from the generator before I go back and hide in my little newbie corner of timidity.

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John Egbert / Gamzee Makara
Funhouse


John Egbert / Dad
After School

Cal / Dave Strider
Secret

Eridan Ampora / Jade Harley
Queer

And now that that's done, I'm just going to go stick my nose in the corner 'til my embarrassment's gone.

Ohhh You made that fic!!
Loved that on AO3!!

also,
does anyone have all the links for When Jade/Dave are the different genders?
I found the Dave/John one and recently read the Dave/Rose talk but I know there's a Jade/John one. And I want to reread it.
Badly.

[Author]

Had this idea walking back from school. In the rain.

The Forever War

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Kavarian Rainfire, the Crimson Knight and leader of the Empress' armed forces burst into the throne room. He had heard what she had done to the only friend Kavarian had ever known. And Kavarian wasn't well known for his complacency when it came to his friends. The Empress smiled at him, bemused by his rage.
"Kavarian? I had assumed you were still chasing after Orphaner. After all, he is quite a threat, and you agreed to deal with him personally..." The Empress' cool smile threw Kavarian into a fury. He was done being cordial with her. She had no right, no right, to do that to his friend, his best friend.
"Where is he Empress? What did you do to him!? What did you do to Jove!?!"
The Empress smile remained, as if he was merely a fly, and his pestering would soon cease.
"I allowed him to fulfill his purpose. With a bit of help, of course."
Kavarian's eye twitched. he knew what she was referring too. That damn slime they'd been developing. It threw the taster into a fit of rage, and if taken over a prolonged time... it could have permanent effects.
"Let me see him Empress. Let me see Jovalrin."
The Empress pursed her lips, as if she was debating whether or not to grant his request. She finally nodded, and Kavarian stood grimly as he watched her dismiss several soldiers, ordering them to retrieve the 'Great One'. He barely kept himself from snickering as the Empress attempted to make small talk.
"So... How is the search coming?"
"Terribly."
"Oh... I see. Have you..." she paused, searching for the right word to describe what had happened to Kavarian.
"Re...covered from the blow Orphaner dealt to you?"
Kavarian growled at her question, and replied, "You mean when he murdered Evanjele?"
The Empress' flinched at the name of his former matesprit. "Kavarian... You mustn't allow your emotions to control you. You must bring Orphaner back. Alive."
Kavarian snorted. "Fine. Where's Jove?" He turned as he heard the clink of chains outside the door, and the Empress smiled.
"I believe he has arrived."

Kavarian couldn't believe that what was in front of him was his friend. Jovariln Mirthman was the calmest, quietest, and most polite person most trolls ever met. He did not kill, for he felt that it defied his purpose. He preferred to speak, using his words to win over former foes. The... thing in front of him was not Jovalrin. He shivered as the thing spoke, "Hey Kav, my man, what the motherfuck is up?"

Kavarian was horrified. Jovalrin never swore, or at least he preferred not too. Kavarian vividly remembered Jovalrin's admonishing of him after he had rejected Huntress. Jovalrin reminded Kavarian that while such words are useful in times of trouble, you should never use them casually, for you will run out of words to say. He spoke softly, hoping that Jovalrin was still there. "...Jove? Is that you?"

The thing grinned. "Sure man. The Empress is nothin' like you said. She opened my eyes Kav, she showed me my true meanin'."

Kavarian whispered quietly, red tears running down his face, "And... And what is that?"

The thing cackled as it replied, "I gotta kill to survive Kav. I gotta kill 'em all, gotta paint the walls with their blood. That carnival we went to as grubs, Kav, remember it?"

Kavarian did. At three sweeps, their respective lusus had taken them to see the carnival that roamed Alternia. The young trolls had discovered that the Dark Carnival was aptly named, rescuing several of their now greatest friends from the horrific place. Evanjele was one of them, the one who loved life, loved freedom. She always, always preached second chances, redemption, and that love and friendships traverse lifetimes and dimensions. But Kavarian knew that she would have been horrified by what had happened to their friend. He turned in a fit of rage, the red tears flying from his face, and pulled out his sword. The guards prepared themselves, and the Empress stood up.
She looked coldly at him. "You dare to attack me in my own castle Crimson Knight?"

Kavarian shook his head, shaking with rage. "No. But I'm here to make a fucking promise. You see this sword right here?" All heads in the room, apart from the fallen Jovalrin his and the Empress, whose eyes were locked on each other, stared at the blade. It was an old sword, one that Kavarian had been given the day he was made the Crimson Knight. Down the middle of the blade was deep, deep red, and the edges were a sharp silver. Everyone knew of that sword. And those staring at it wondered, "So what?"
The Crimson Knight continued, his voice filled with emotion, "This is my sword."
The Empress smiled, as if she enjoyed his antics. "We all know this Crimson Knight."
Kavarian shook his head, grinning without mirth. "No you don't. This is my fucking sword. This is what ties me and my friends together. This is my fucking symbol, my god damned life. And I'm using it to make a fucking oath to you."

The Empress looked at Kavarian in horror. He wouldn't dare. Kavarian continued, knowing that he was plunging down a path from which there was no return.

"I, Kavarian Rainfire, the Crimson Knight, and representative of the Redbloods at the Court of Alternia, pledge an oath. Until such a time as when Jovalrin Mirthman or his descendants are freed from what you have forced upon them, and are freed from their rage forever, my sword will remain here."

He threw his sword at the Empress, who, of course, dodged it, and then watched in awe as it slammed into her throne, piercing the seat.

"And until such a time, the redbloods will enter a self-imposed exile. We will not associate with those of you who decided to destroy Jovalrin Mirthman." All present blanched in horror, apart from Kavarian and what was formally Jovalrin Mirthman.

The Empress said, her voice cracking in fear, "Are... Are you sure Kavarian? Alternia will survive. But your descendants, and those of your blood's descendants, will be marked as outcasts."

Kavarian's cool glance told her all she needed. She recoiled in horror. The look in his eyes, the look was a declaration of war. A war that would not end until his demands were fulfilled. The Crimson Knight, the troll who swore war on a nation for his friend, Kavarian Rainfire, exited the Empress' Castle, his final words echoing around the castle.

"And so it is done."

Thousands of Sweeps Later.

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-- terminallyCapricious [TC] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG] at 13:22 --

TC: hEy, BeSt FrIeNd.
TC: WhAt ThE mOtHeRfUcK iS uP?

I feel like that was at least half decent. Better than the last thing I wrote. God, that was terrible.

Did what Skaian said. Broke up the paragraphs to be y'know.
Legible.

[Redbud-Tree]

Had this idea walking back from school. In the rain.

The Forever War

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Kavarian Rainfire, the Crimson Knight and leader of the Empress' armed forces burst into the throne room. He had heard what she had done to the only friend Kavarian had ever known. And Kavarian wasn't well known for his complacency when it came to his friends. The Empress smiled at him, bemused by his rage.
"Kavarian? I had assumed you were still chasing after Orphaner. After all, he is quite a threat, and you agreed to deal with him personally..." The Empress' cool smile threw Kavarian into a fury. He was done being cordial with her. She had no right, no right, to do that to his friend, his best friend.
"Where is he Empress? What did you do to him!? What did you do to Jove!?!" The Empress smile remained, as if he was merely a fly, and his pestering would soon cease.
"I allowed him to fulfill his purpose. With a bit of help, of course." Kavarian's eye twitched. he knew what she was referring too. That damn slime they'd been developing. It threw the taster into a fit of rage, and if taken over a prolonged time... it could have permanent effects.
"Let me see him Empress. Let me see Jovalrin." The Empress pursed her lips, as if she was debating whether or not to grant his request. She finally nodded, and Kavarian stood grimly as he watched her dismiss several soldiers, ordering them to retrieve the 'Great One'. He barely kept himself from snickering as the Empress attempted to make small talk.
"So... How is the search coming?"
"Terribly."
"Oh... I see. Have you..." she paused, searching for the right word to describe what had happened to Kavarian.
"Re...covered from the blow Orphaner dealt to you?" Kavarian growled at her question, and replied,
"You mean when he murdered Evanjele?" The Empress' flinched at the name of his former matesprit.
"Kavarian... You mustn't allow your emotions to control you. You must bring Orphaner back. Alive." Kavarian snorted.
"Fine. Where's Jove?" He turned as he heard the clink of chains outside the door, and the Empress smiled.
"I believe he has arrived."

Kavarian couldn't believe that what was in front of him was his friend. Jovariln Mirthman was the calmest, quietest, and most polite person most trolls ever met. He did not kill, for he felt that it defied his purpose. He preferred to speak, using his words to win over former foes. The... thing in front of him was not Jovalrin. He shivered as the thing spoke,
"Hey Kav, my man, what the motherfuck is up?" Kavarian was horrified. Jovalrin never swore, or at least he preferred not too. Kavarian vividly remembered Jovalrin's admonishing of him after he had rejected Huntress. Jovalrin reminded Kavarian that while such words are useful in times of trouble, you should never use them casually, for you will run out of words to say. He spoke softly, hoping that Jovalrin was still there.
"...Jove? Is that you?" The thing grinned.
"Sure man. The Empress is nothin' like you said. She opened my eyes Kav, she showed me my true meanin'." Kav whispered quietly, red tears running down his face,
"And... And what is that?" The thing cackled as it replied,
"I gotta kill to survive Kav. I gotta kill 'em all, gotta paint the walls with their blood. That carnival we went to as grubs, Kav, remember it?" Kavarian did. At three sweeps, their respective lusus had taken them to see the carnival that roamed Alternia. The young trolls had discovered that the Dark Carnival was aptly named, rescuing several of their now greatest friends from the horrific place. Evanjele was one of them, the one who loved life, loved freedom. She always, always preached second chances, redemption, and that love and friendships traverse lifetimes and dimensions. But Kavarian knew that she would have been horrified by what had happened to their friend. He turned in a fit of rage, the red tears flying from his face, and pulled out his sword. The guards prepared themselves, and the Empress stood up. She looked coldly at him. "You dare to attack me in my own castle Crimson Knight?" Kavarian shook his head, shaking with rage.
"No. But I'm here to make a fucking promise. You see this sword right here?" All heads in the room, apart from the fallen Jovalrin his and the Empress, whose eyes were locked on each other, stared at the blade. It was an old sword, one that Kavarian had been given the day he was made the Crimson Knight. Down the middle of the blade was deep, deep red, and the edges were a sharp silver. Everyone knew of that sword. And those staring at it wondered, "So what?" The Crimson Knight continued, his voice filled with emotion,
"This is my sword." The Empress smiled, as if she enjoyed his antics.
"We all know this Crimson Knight." Kavarian shook his head, grinning without mirth.
"No you don't. This is my fucking sword. This is what ties me and my friends together. This is my fucking symbol, my god damned life. And I'm using it to make a fucking oath to you." The Empress looked at Kavarian in horror. He wouldn't dare. Kavarian continued, knowing that he was plunging down a path from which there was no return.
"I, Kavarian Rainfire, the Crimson Knight, and representative of the Redbloods at the Court of Alternia, pledge an oath. Until such a time as when Jovalrin Mirthman or his descendants are freed from what you have forced upon them, and are freed from their rage forever, my sword will remain here." He threw his sword at the Empress, who, of course, dodged it, and then watched in awe as it slammed into her throne, piercing the seat.

"And until such a time, the redbloods will enter a self-imposed exile. We will not associate with those of you who decided to destroy Jovalrin Mirthman." All present blanched in horror, apart from Kavarian and what was formally Jovalrin Mirthman. The Empress said, her voice cracking in fear,
"Are... Are you sure Kavarian? Alternia will survive. But your descendants, and those of your blood's descendants, will be marked as outcasts." Kavarian's cool glance told her all she needed. She recoiled in horror. The look in his eyes, the look was a declaration of war. A war that would not end until his demands were fulfilled. The Crimson Knight, the troll who swore war on a nation for his friend, Kavarian Rainfire, exited the Empress' Castle, his final words echoing around the castle.

"And so it is done."

Thousands of Sweeps Later.

Open Pesterlog

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-- terminallyCapricious [TC] began trolling carcinoGeneticist [CG] at 13:22 --

TC: hEy, BeSt FrIeNd.
TC: WhAt ThE mOtHeRfUcK iS uP?

I feel like that was at least half decent. Better than the last thing I wrote. God, that was terrible.

I wouldn't use half-decent to describe it! More like... awesome or amazing, really! I really did like it. It made me kind of sad though, in a way... which is something that most ancestor fics seem to do and I'm not quite sure why.



@Caprisaurus: Yup, that was me. First Homestuck fanfic, too... hence why I'm preeeetty uncertain about the whole thing. Thank you though!

[SkaianRedeemer]

@SeptimusMagistos: You've got a lot of nice visuals in this one but I'm still not entirely sure what's going on between these two in the larger picture by the end of the piece, which is unfortunate because it sounds interesting.

@Redbud-Tree: It was good! I guess you're concerned about the injury and the violence guidelines? Should contact a mod about ti.

@Caprisaurus: All my (unfortunately forgotten) fic link list has about them is a question mark there to remind me to find them later. And after all this time I don't even remember which thread. Unfortunate.

@Author: You've got to break up those paragraphs! A lot of the time, especially before Jove arrived, I had a lot of trouble working out who was speaking each line.

[draconicAlgorithm]

John Egbert / Gamzee Makara
Funhouse

Just calling this. c:

And saying that all these fics are great. You guys are so awesome, seriously. I love this thread. I don't say it enough, but I really do.

[appositeNautilus]

Felt like I ought to write something about my patron troll. Thought the alluded-to scene between Eridan and Nepeta would be worth a punt.

Eridan: Seek relationship guidance.

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caligulasAquarium [CA] began trolling arsenicCatnip [AC]

CA: hey nep
CA: whats up
AC: :33 < *ac cautiously purrowls round the fishy looking newcomer*
CA: hey knock it off
CA: fuckin landdwwellers nickin the fish pun thing
CA: thats our thing
CA: you cant do it
AC: :33 < *ac looks mournful, her ears drooping*
CA: knock that off too
CA: this is serious
AC: :33 < *'it is?' ac says, cocking her head playfully*
CA: yeah
CA: kar put me onto it
CA: seems to knoww wwhere his shits at
CA: for a landdwwellin mutant
AC: :33 < he's not a mewtant! >:((
AC: :33 < he's just a bit fairer than aradia is
CA: wwas
AC: :33 < whatever
AC: :33 < equius is gonna repurr her, you'll s33
AC: :33 < he's the best with robots
AC: :33 < she'll be good as mew
AC: :33 < we're in his workshop now working on it :33
CA: hes not lookin ovver your shoulder is he
AC: :33 < no
CA: good
CA: so youre like the shippin expert or wwhatevver
CA: got your shippin wall all drawwn up for all a the quadrants
AC: :33 < uh, no
AC: :33 < just moirallegiances and matespritships
CA: wwell do you think you could wwork on the others
AC: :33 < i guess, why?
CA: i need your help nep
CA: its been so fuckin hard
CA: this game
CA: the land of wwrath and angels
CA: that fuckin mustardblooded lowwlife gettin his unclammy hands all over fef
CA: im just feelin kind of lonely right noww
CA: i wwanted to knoww wwho you think makes a good partner for me
CA: wwho you ship me wwith
AC: :33 < uh, i dunno eridan
CA: wwhaddya mean
AC: :33 < i dont mewsually share my shipping wall with people
AC: :33 < its purrsonal! :oo
CA: please nep
CA: i savved your life remember
CA: if you kneww howw this feels bein rejected ovver and ovver again youd help me
CA: nep
CA: you there
AC: :33 < yes i'm here
AC: :33 < ok fine i'll help you out this one time
AC: :33 < but don't you dare tattletail!
CA: ok fine
CA: so hit me
CA: wwhat have you got in my quadrants
AC: :33 < well i already said
AC: :33 < i don't k33p auspistice or kismessitude walls
AC: :33 < but i guess after you and feferi split i thought gamz33 would make a good moirail for you
CA: wwhat
CA: that clowwnfish
CA: wwhy him
AC: :33 < you two have surpurrising amounts in common
AC: :33 < you both used to live by the sea
AC: :33 < you both like collecting things
AC: :33 < you're highbloods
AC: :33 < and you both have big plans for the future! :33
CA: waitin round for some gogdamn lunatic mirthful messiahs to appear aint a plan
CA: its just wwishful thinkin
CA: anyway i cant be moirails with gam
AC: :33 < why not? :??
CA: i cant go into it
CA: ok next pick
AC: :33 < what do you m33n?
CA: wwho else do you paleship wwith me
AC: :33 < i don't really
CA: wwhat
CA: thats it
AC: :33 < well, yeah
CA: this is a fuckin outrage
CA: im the most eligible fuckin bachelor in wwhats left a our species
AC: :33 < i guess i didn't think about it like that
CA: wwell you should start
CA: get your shit together
CA: stop pairin me wwith fuckin ridiculous clowwns
CA: anywway wwhat do you havve in the flushed quadrant
AC: :33 < um
AC: :33 < tavros i guess
CA: youre havvin a fuckin laugh
CA: that fudgeblooded cullfodder
CA: i wwouldnt piss in his pail to put it out
AC: :33 < eridan!!
AC: :33 < i've b33n trying to help you even though you didn't ask nicely
AC: :33 < and all you've done is stick your claws in and purrsecute my pairings
AC: :33 < i told you it was purrsonal and you didn't listen!
AC: :33 < and now you're being incredibly rude!! >:((
CA: oh gog
CA: youre right nep
CA: im sorry
CA: im an awwful friend
CA: im just so miserable yknoww
CA: i miss my skyhorse
CA: and fef
CA: its hard
CA: its hard growwin up and noone understands
AC: :33 < *ac approaches the upset ca and pats him with a caring paw*
AC: :33 < *'it's ok' she says*
AC: :33 < *'we all miss our lusii, it's difficult for all of us being so fur from home'
AC: :33 < *'that's why it's impurrtant we don't start scratching and backbiting each other now'*
CA: i guess you're right
CA: *ca takes acs tender, tremblin head in his firm hands an plants a soft but sensual and movvin kiss on one of her mouths*
AC: :33 < *ac wriggles away and pulls a face! >:CC*
AC: :33 < that is not what i meant eridan!!
CA: aww come on nep
CA: i knoww youre not seein anyone like that right now
CA: i could be a fintastic matesprit
AC: :33 < are you trying to win me over with fish puns? oh my gog! > X00
AC: :33 < it doesn't matter who i am or aren't s33ing
AC: :33 < i'm not interested in you like that, ok?
CA: wwhat the fuck is it gonna take
CA: i already savved your dirtscrapin hide
CA: wwhy wwouldnt you be interested
CA: fuckin worked for that fakey fake mage dickhead
AC: :33 < i don't have to explain myself
CA: you knoww for someone so interested in shippin youre kind of a cold fish
AC: :33 < shut up
AC: :33 < leave me alone
CA: i thought wwe had a connection
CA: i thought wwe had something in common nep
CA: wwhy are you shuttin me out
AC: :33 < beclaws i've got something you haven't got
AC: :33 < standards

arsenicCatnip [AC] blocked caligulasAquarium [CA]

Is it terribly OC for Nepeta to show a little backbone in this kind of circumstance? Didn't really feel right Eridan not getting the rollicking he so ripely deserves. Hm.

[Embargo]

So... here's another one.

Aristocratic Outcast: Un
Aristocratic Outcast: Deux

Aristocratic Outcast: Trois
though ivve been made an outcast i am still loyal to those wwho i wwill nevver see again

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For trolls without sopor, sleep would more often than not end up in an absolutely horrifying nightmare. Terrible, horrifying dreams lurked behind every blink of the eye, and should one keep his eyes shut for too long, he'd find that nightmares were all too quick to invade your mind. Nightmares varied from person to person, and often relied upon the dreamer's worst fears to truly take form. Eridan found that his own nightmares would coil themselves around his fragile subconscious while they taunted him; while they haunted him. "No more tentacles..." he'd say over and over in his sleep.

He would often wake up at night feeling more drained than he would've if he had simply stayed awake. One of the reasons why he chose to sleep in the cave was because of the seismic turmoil near the underground lakes that existed far below the surface. The sound of stone grinding itself into dust echoed loudly across the tunnel network, and the noise was enough to keep the nightmares at bay. At least then he could manage a few hours of rest before heading back up to his forest kingdom.

Now, however, he was stuck outside, in a burrow, on the surface, in the middle of the afternoon. The sinister monstrosities of his childhood seem to return to hunt their prey, wrapping their feelers around the edges of his vision. Even now as he tried to stay awake, he could feel fear-mongering creatures poking their way into his subconscious, whispering evils that echoed softly in the back of his head. Demand... blood... sacrifice...

kill

Kill

KILL

KILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILL-

Eridan pressed a webbed digit into one of the wounds he'd recieved from the spine hog to keep himself awake. The voices were far more quiet now, granting him a brief respite. He perspired, sweat mixing with the dirt that caked his tattered clothes and gangly limbs. The quasi-royal wiped his forehead dry and sighed. There was pretty much no way he was going to get any shut-eye tonight.

Cupid seemed to be doing better, though the boy did toss and turn fitfully next to him. Eridan just sighed as he leaned back against his makeshift bed. The leaves he'd used to make it weren't very comfortable at all, though one could imagine there being worse places to sleep than a pile of leaves.

That got Eridan thinking. Why'd the little guy run away from home anyway? A clean bed, three square meals, and a mother who loved you seemed like some pretty sweet digs. It was better than what Eridan had now, at least. The kid was only three sweeps and he was already trying to make it on his own.

Eridan decided then that he wasn't going to allow that. He'd made his own stupid mistakes when he was younger, and he wasn't about to let his... what was it called again? A son? He wasn't going to let his son fall into that same vicious cycle of stupidity. It was impossible to ignore that he did feel a certain sense of responsibility for Cupid. They had only been traveling together for a week and he already felt some sort of connection to the boy. Maybe it was the resemblance. The kid did have his horns, and he probably got that mouth full of shark-like teeth from him. Though Eridan did notice some differences. Cupid's eyes seemed to glow purple when he expressed deep emotion. His speech was flowery and far less blunt than Eridan's. His grace and poise seemed so natural, like a true aristocrat. Now that he'd seen the end-result of his pairing with Rose, it seemed so right. It all made sense.

Though, could it even be called a pairing? The relationship had been far more one-sided than he would've liked, but there was no denying the child's parentage. Eridan guessed that Rose's natural affinity with magic, or science, had caused the attraction during the breeding process to occur. Did that mean that the child had untold powers locked within him? Was he a magintist, or a sci-mage? Did those gills function properly, or had they become superflous as a result of his breeding with a human? This was all too confusing for him. He needed answers.

Eridan hoped to get them when he brought Cupid back home. As if on cue, the boy reached out and took hold of his arm, latching on to it in an instant. Eridan froze, unsure of what he should do. He didn't dare move away, lest he rouse the child from his slumber. Instead, the amphibian snuggled closer to his son. "Shh... only dreams now." He cooed gently. Cupid seemed to relax at that, sighing against his father's arm softly. Maybe, just maybe, this whole thing could work out. Maybe Cupid deserved to have him around. Maybe this was the moment he'd been waiting for; the moment to return from his exile and take his place in the new society they were building.