Storytelling - Blog Posts

Creative writing inspired by this painting ^^ __________________________________

The creature was beautiful. The way it flew around the mountain tops was more majestic than anything the explorer had ever seen It’s pearl white scales seemed to shimmer in the moon light, and the stars were reflected clearly in its violet eyes, a feat that was visible even from the ground. The sight was mesmerising. The creature flew around the mountain tops looking like it hadn’t a care in the world, so unlike the people back at his home village. If it wasn’t for those people, the traveller wouldn’t have found this marvellous thing. Before, there had been no knowledge of this beast, but then one day, when the traveller was about ten years of age, a rumour spread about this beast with sapphire eyes, massive claws that could rip you to shreds in one blow, and a beast that could breathe blue fire. Those rumours spread quickly, but the traveller knew that the description was false, and so he set his life to find this creature, and now that he had, he knew that the rumours were false, and that this beast was one of cruelty and not one of cruelty. Oh, how he wished to go back and tell them how wrong they had been. But now, as he stood at the bottom of one of the mountains, the beast clashed eyes with him, and he knew he was ready to go to the next life. Maybe there will be more adventures awaiting me there, he thought as he laid down and floated into oblivion, content with how his life had turned out.

I always like seeing what other Artists process is, so I thought I would share mine in case it would interest anyone (◍^ᴗ^◍) ♡ Sooooo this my crazy process lol: When I come up with story ideas I usually draw some really ruff thumbnails of expressions to try and remember what I'm going for. While I do this I usually have a vague idea for dialogue and I try to capture the visual moments I want to show. Often times this goes through multiple stages of revisions as I realise what "Not to show". Figuring out "What not to show" is always really fascinating to me. Pacing is such a big part of storytelling too and too much is not always better. The above drawing is an example of that. When I first thought up the idea I thought I would start with Marinette reading the magazine. Her eyes would go wide as she sees Adriens add (insert add) and she would get pissed off and have her dialogue from there. But after reviewing the pacing, I realized that I didn't need the whole beginning and I could start directly in the angry mood ♥

Please let me know if you find this interesting and I will post more process breakdown WIP's (˶ᵔᵕᵔ˶)♡

My Version of the Hamato Family

Hi everyone! Thank you for reading and liking part one. It made my day!

So, this is where I shine in writing. I love creating characters and their backstory; it’s so fun. I think it is more important to focus on characters than the plot since a character can create the storyline- well at least for me.

I’m excited to share! Hope you enjoy!

Comment your thoughts! It would be cool to read them! 😁

……………………..

 Leonardo:

We’re starting with the usual leader-in-blue!

Although I adore Leo, his “perfect” personality can get a little boring. His versions usually have flaws, though they are the kind that makes you sympathize with him rather than feeling indifferent like with Raph’s anger issues.

Season 1 Leo would be a toned-down Rise Leo. He can be cocky when he succeeds over his brothers and would jokingly comment how he is Splinter’s favorite. However, it doesn’t come without hard work. Leo trains the most out of his brothers and spends most of his time studying fighting techniques. He is not naturally talented in ninjitsu like the past incarnations. Also, Leo’s motivations for training very hard and wanting to be leader is more for himself than anything.

Compared to his brothers, Leo was relatively average. Donnie was extremely smart, Mikey had his kind and joyful soul, and Raph was naturally a great fighter. Leo felt left out and decided that training to be a hero would be his way of standing out. He also believed that being special like his brothers was the only way to get Splinter’s attention; and it kind of worked. With all the progress Leo made, Splinter praised him, and they had a way to connect.

Around the beginning of S1(maybe ep. 5), Leo became the leader though how was different. Instead of Splinter deciding, the brothers did; the explanation was the turtles were a team and should make a consensus as one. This news made Leo ecstatic; he was finally living his dreams. Even so, he didn’t realize the baggage and responsibility a leader had to shoulder. Over the course of the story Leo grows as a great leader and fighter.

The Karai/Leo subplot will follow the 2003 version. He is convinced that Karai is a good person and tries to have her switch sides. There will be romantic feelings but its not the main motivation for both of their actions. I can’t say too much since this plot revolves around Karai more.

   Donatello:

Donnie is a blend of 2003/12 versions. He is intelligent with an extremely high IQ and was a gifted child. However, his intelligence came with a cost; making connections with his brothers and father was really tough for him because of their different interests. This left him withdrawing from everyone and focusing on his inventions. His social skills evolve once the turtles visit the city and meet April. The increasing danger of the Kraang further builds his relationships since communication is important in teamwork, and Donnie’s talent in inventing grew more in the spotlight.

Because of her fascination with Donnie’s smarts and inventions, April and Donnie become good friends as the story continues. Donnie also gets close with April’s best friend, Irma since they are science lovers. At first, Casey irritates him as they have clearly different personality; Casey’s impulsive and extroverted attitude conflicting with Donnie’s plan-based mindset.

Donnie’s love for his family is showcased after witnessing a terrifying, apocalyptic future where his family suffers. Paranoia sets in. His work to calculate the cause of this terrible, and its solution leads Donnie to rarely take care of his needs. He has to learn to trust in others instead of doing things alone.

 Raphael:

Unlike Leo, Raph is instantly gifted in fighting. He has more physical strength than his brothers and would constantly beat them in practice. Since childhood, Raph was Splinter’s “favorite” in the dojo and that definitely got into the red-banded turtle’s head. He would brag to his brothers and jokingly poke fun at their techniques. It wouldn’t affect anyone. Except for Leo.

Raphael’s ego started taking hits once Leo caught up to him and beating him in practice once in a while. It turned into anger after noticing Master Splinter praising Leo more. The tension soured their brotherhood. Unlike most versions, Raph’s anger is fueled by insecurity. He believes that fighting is the only thing he is good at and will get territorial if his spotlight is threatened.

Throughout the story, he learns to move on from his demons and realize his worth.

Family is important to Raph. He can be hard on his brothers yet will do anything to keep them safe, especially Mikey- his positivity must be protected. Casey and Raph become best friends for their similarities and love for fighting- they are impulsive bros.

 Michelangelo:

Mikey’s role is to be the positive and glue of the team. He loves to make people happy and would always do something goofy or kind to do that. His family have nothing bad to say about their youngest member and are very protective of him. The youngest brother doesn’t take ninjitsu as seriously as skateboarding, dancing, or just general fun. Though, he will be serious when the situation calls for it, such as the fate of his family and the world.

Although being an open ear to anyone, Mikey is not open to expressing his negative emotions due to his fear of damaging the family dynamic. It is noticeable when he is upset because he jokes more often and not focus. A lesson he must learn is to accept the good and the bad. Mikey can be reckless, mostly when his brothers rarely let him participate in missions. He wants to prove to his family that he is strong enough to protect himself and others. Reading people is his best skill and takes great pride in it, usually taking on the role of a therapist.

 Splinter/Hamato Yoshi:

I really wanted to take Splinter’s role in the Shredder’s descent to evil in the grayer area. He is usually the victim/innocent party of the story, which can get boring after a while.

Hamato Yoshi was born as the heir to Hamato Clan and childhood best friend of Oroku Saki. The Hamato and Foot clan were allies for centuries and would usually fight by each other’s side. Matters changed when the Foot’s beliefs grew more sinister. This left the Hamato Clan to eradicate their former ally. Splinter saved Saki before he could be killed, though, it came with consequences. Oroku Saki vowed to exact revenge for his fallen home. Growing up, Splinter became one of the strongest martial artists in Japan and married a woman named Tang Shen, later becoming a father to a girl. His world ended once he saw his clan destroyed and his family killed by the renewed Foot Clan.

Yoshi decided to move to New York and forget his old life. Years later, the martial artist noticed strange people caging defenseless animals. He would fight them long enough to protect four humanoid turtles, deciding to keep them after a moment of compassion. Splinter would continuously fight the strange men until a strange liquid turned him into a rat. This turning point banished Splinter and the turtles to the sewers for protection.

Splinter equally loves his sons. He would always make sure to give them equal amounts of love to avoid lasting issues. Though, he has made some mistakes. Emotions were rarely discussed because of Splinter’s unintentionally withdrawn attitude. The rat master wouldn’t instantly notice problems between his sons, and usually didn’t know how to resolve them. No matter what, Splinter is proud of his children and would do anything to keep them safe; sometimes not realizing that it could hurt them.

Hamato Yoshi’s guilt and trauma over the terrible moments in his life would be the main focus of his development.

Imagine you finally have the equipment to scale this huge cave wall and find out what the scribbles on the top mean. You and your crew set up the equipment and you and your fellow researcher make your way up inch by inch. You spend a good few hours climbing and by the time you get to the top, you are exhausted. Your fellow researcher whips out his translation book while you shine a light on the writing. It takes only a few moments for the researcher to correctly translate these words. You hear him curse. "What is it?" You ask. He looks you dead in the eye and says something that will haunt you for days. "It just says 'This is very high up'."

I love how humans have literally not changed throughout history like the graffiti from Pompeii has people from hundreds of years ago writing stuff like “Marcus is gay” “I fucked a girl here” “Julius your mum wishes she was with me” and leonardo da vinci’s assistants drew dicks in their notebooks just for the banter and mozart created a piece called “kiss my ass” so when people wish for ‘today’s generation’ to be like ‘how people used to’ then we’re already there buddy we’ve always been

Me and my friends have been saying how much we want to know more about splatbands and the inkpedia has barely anything other than what they play and what they look like. It's so frustrating. There are so many things that I would love to learn about in the everyday life of these inklish man.

I heard about how in Bancala Walker there was a short story about Marina and Acht and their time in the domes. And I'm gonna be 100% honest with you. It kinda makes me mad, and it really highlights a massive problem with Splatoon as a whole, and that's how it treats its stories.

(Yep I'm rambling about Splatoon's storytelling for the 500th time, welcome to my blog.)

Since Splatoon 2, the series has had a weird relationship with its storytelling, the main stories of each campaign are very simplistic and are very video game like plots. "Go get the Great Zapfish back and save Captain Cuttlefish. Go get the Great Zapfish again and find Callie. Find the thangs and get out. GO GET THE ZAPFISH AGAIN AND SAVE CAPTAIN CUTTLEFISH AGAIN!!! Climb up the tower." Splatoon 1 got away with this because it's clearly the most "tutorial" mode out of any of the single player campaigns and it doesn't really try to say any deeper messages or express a character arc.

Now, obviously video game stories must have goals for the player to work towards, I'm not complaining about that, you gotta have that stuff in games to motivate the player, however, what really drives me up a wall is when they decide to add depth and interesting things relating to the characters and world, yet they intentionally throw away that same depth and chuck it to the side. Hell they sometimes retcon the optional hard to find lore or make it more confusing just because!! If you're gonna add depth and something else to these stories, you HAVE to actually explore it and expand upon it WITHIN THE STORY! You cannot add it as "extra lore" when it's stuff that should have been in the main storyline to begin with. It's like not adding seasoning to chicken and that you boiled the fucking chicken and wrapped it in lettuce and mayonnaise.

I could obviously talk about the elephant in the room... you know... this little goober right here. This freak.

And I'm going to.

From the concept art we were given, we know that Callie was originally gonna have more exploration into her troubling mental health issues as seen by her being in the shadows and being comforted by Octarians. It's a significantly different tone compared to the final product.

However in the final game, they tossed MOST of this shit away and say in the game as well as in official media, "naw she was kidnapped and brainwashed forcefully because she's a dumb clutz lmao." They tried to backtrack with an obscure relationship chart, the sunken scrolls and Squid Sisters web prequel series, but then they backtracked AGAIN with the Splatoon 3 artbook that states that she was "brainwashed." It's an incredibly simplified and frankly insulting version of events that are TECHNICALLY canon but Nintendo and others don't treat it as such and i don't know why. I dont know why they treat Callie like this. Is it because she's silly?

Wouldn't it be more interesting and more powerful as a story if they made Callie had more control and awareness of her actions? That she was truly acting upon her mental illness and isolation? Putting DJ Octavio, the fucking funny octopus guy on the same level as Talon from Overwatch and Hydra from Marvel, the literal nazis who damaged Bucky Barnes' brain and removed all of his memories, making him into the Winter Solider, is fucking psychotic and actually insane of Nintendo to do.

There is also Acht and how they were shown between Octo Expansion and Side Order.

Some of the most powerful stories in media have strong character arcs and characters overcoming their struggles and pain. It is inspirating and incredibly real to see a loved one reach out to a person that they care about who have lost their way, either from mental illness or drugs. Trying to bring them back and help them go through their pain together. When someone is under distress and mental health troubles, they can act like a completely different person and the fact that Nintendo half assed serious topics like this and made shit WAY WORSE boils my blood to no end.

In Octo Expansion, we were told that they went under Sanitization willingly in order to remove doubts in their mind and put their all into music. Now due to the unknowns of Sanitization at the time, this made for a really interesting character and brought up a lot of interesting questions as to why they would do this and who they are.

However, in Side Order when they explained Sanitization further and told us that Acht lost all of their free will and were FORCED to make music for Tartar, it kinda damaged their story a little bit. Like sure, Acht still probably wanted to go under Sanitization to clear their doubts and remove emotion, but the added information kinda goes against the interesting story they were trying to tell with Acht. Acht doesn't even mention why they went under Sanitization in Side Order and their reasoning is only found IN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST BACK IN 2018!!! THEY DON'T RESTATE IT AT ALL WHEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPORTANT TO DO SO! They kinda tell us via their letters, but guess when you get those, IN THE POST GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This leads me to another big talking point, most of the lore is hidden and hard to find. You have to go out of your way to find most of the shit Splatoon has to offer. Sunken Scrolls are hidden collectables and most people don't wanna go through the effort of finding them all in the stages, the chat logs in Octo Expansion are completely optional due to entries being tied to specific stations and you can choose to easily skip them, the dev diaries are locked behind lockers and some people may complete Side Order in a manner where they can get to the final boss and be done with the main campaign before seeing most of the entries. Now I'm not saying that there cannot be extra lore tidbits for players to find, hell no, i love extra stuff like that, i think Splatoon 1 and 3's hero modes did a really job of that. BUT WHEN YOU HIDE AWAY IMPORTANT DETAILS LIKE CALLIE'S MOTIVATION IN SPLATOON 2 AND MARINA'S AND PEARL'S BACKSTORIES!?!? YEAH I GOT A FUCKING PROBLEM RIGHT THERE!

In other games, these would be cutscenes or a bunch of mandatory dialogue, BUT NOPE! THEY ARE IN HARD TO FIND SPOTS!

Some of the other lore details are found on social media posts and some of them are YEARS old or on Splatoon's dead Tumblr account. Most people would rather go to Inkipedia and even they can sometimes make vital mistakes or have wording that gives people the wrong idea on what happened in particular events, which heavily impacts the community and discussion. When i talk about my perspective on what happened to Callie in Splatoon 2, I've seen people say to me "wait really? Huh?! I didn't know that." The amount of research you gotta do to go into these characters is an absolute nightmare, AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE SPLATBANDS!!! Their lore is literally locked behind Japanese exclusive expensive artbooks!!! WHY?!?!

I really do wanna stress again, is it cool to get cool lore outside of the games and as collectables?! ABSOLUTELY! You know how awesome it was to read the Alterna logs for the first time? The smile on my face seeing Pearl and Marina back in the Final Fest in Side Order. But when the main stories suffer because of important information being tossed to the side and not applied to the main games... I dont know man, it just becomes incredibly frustrating to me personally. Especially with all the misconceptions and other things that occur within the community, the fandom has an information problem and honestly, it's Nintendo's fault. Imagine if Side Order had flashbacks to a younger Marina and Acht, it would have helped with the middle chunk of the story being so... nothing.

One thing I like about Pixar films is how the happy ending isn’t always what you think it’ll be. The toys don’t go with Andy to college, Gusteau’s restaurant gets closed down, Mike and Sully get kicked out of university, Carl never gets Ellie to Paradise Falls. But they find out that what they wanted isn’t necessarily what they needed, and I really like the fact that kids get to learn that life doesn’t always turn out the way they dreamed and that’s okay.

I’m considering putting out a trilogy on here born from an idea I put in a journal forever ago covering some gothic tales about witches and their familiars. I still need to finish the stories but expect them to come up soon.

It’s very much a WIP cuz I don’t even have a title yet 😂

Time to do some more witch research and gothic tales research!

Ever heard of the TTRPG called Babes In The Wood by Adam Vass? It’s based off Over the Garden Wall and I’m starting it as my first table top campaign.

I’ve so excited to start and introduce my players to stories inspired by macabre fairy tales I heard as a child.

Also I just love spooky stuff in general as well as twists on moral tales.

I might share some of my unique Hallows as they call your different towns/locations in this game after the campaign. One of my players follows me on here so no spoilers for you 😆

I’ve gone so in-depth with this I’ve been making whole playlists and even drawings of some vital NPCs. Creating a world for others to explore really is just awesome in general. I feel like I’m getting a great chance to express myself.

Also as a first time DM, would appreciate any tips

If you're looking for stories about adults acting responsibly and with measured calm to world-ending events and who will somehow stop the children who want to fight crime... You should probably go write that book. There's definitely an audience for it.

The rest of us are here to read stories about child heroes facing seemingly insurmountable odds and winning, even if at great cost. We're here for the drama and the crash outs and the moments of peace and the friendships forged from circumstances that none of us will likely ever understand.

They're all stories. Each character is important and exists and it's the way they are so that the story gets told. Each character is moldable and can be changed completely depending on the storyteller, because the story is the important part.

*Trigger Warnings: Descriptions of harassment, panic attacks, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, threats of physical violence. Mentions of trauma, abuse, bipolar depression, PTSD, anxiety, coping, self deprecating thoughts, dark humor.* Sunday, May 28th, 2023

12:06pm

This is the letter that I wrote to my older (half) sister, before the texts in Part 1 the next day.

Here’s what I said to her:

“Hey Angel… I think it’s time we talk about the distance that we both have experiencing. Honestly, I don’t even know how the distance started, but it’s something that I fell into and followed. I would like to talk when you’re ready because it’s necessary that we do. That we talk about everything for as long as we both need, and that we come into this conversation ready and willing to hear each other out. Just let me know.”

“I was in such a dark place when this all started. I think after looking back on it, that I never took the time to properly explain what happened, what’s been happening…

As you know, I’ve had such an extensive amount of trauma, especially from my supposed father-figures. It was September… I was on a shuttle, trying to get to my rehearsal for dance on a Sunday afternoon. I stepped onto the shuttle, wearing my headphones, listening to the same playlist that I do before I dance. It’s my… ritual, the thing that grounds me, calms me, but also, psyches me up to go. And, that’s the paradoxical thing about having anxiety as well as bipolar depression; you have to calm yourself down in order to build yourself up to feel excited.

In that process, I missed the driver telling everyone to not get on if they were not going to the next stop, which would unfold in our confrontation. 

I got on the bus, and when we arrived at the next stop, I didn’t get off the bus, which was odd, but not too unusual… until I noticed the yelling. I took out my earbuds to hear the driver yelling, and it took me a second to realize that he was yelling at me. He was trying to force me off the bus because I apparently wasn’t supposed to be on otherwise.

I was confused, and shocked, and frightened, but I found the courage to ask why. I didn’t know at the time that he had said that he would swing back around to get the people going to main campus. I got frustrated with how he was acting, because we would get there eventually ‘cause the route is continuous, as all bus routes are, but he kept getting more aggressive as he was trying to force me off. His reasoning was, “because he said so”, instead of any semblance of reason. It reached the point where other students were getting on to return home, and that spurred him to park the bus, say that he wasn’t moving until I got off, and threatened to call the police or physically removing me himself. I was panicked, so I did what my mind told me to do in the moment. I made my way off, asked for his name, which was like pulling teeth, and tried to call the office to make a complaint. He drove away, I was officially late to rehearsal, and then, I realized that I had no idea where I was.

My anxiety was building exponentially as I called the transportation office 3 times with no response before I realized there wasn’t going to be, because they are closed on the weekends. I then tried calling all my friends, with cars, to see if they could pick me up to no avail. Then, I had my first panic attack on the curb of a parking lot in an unfamiliar place, while people walked by with odd stares and no concern for me.  Then, I tried calling all and any family I could, my mom, you, Camille, and Auntie Roz and Auntie Julie, but no one answered.

Cue my second panic attack.

A friend called me back, I explained the situation, but they couldn’t come get me. So, I made the decision to call an Uber with the last $11 I had. On the drive, my mom called to see what was going on. She responded to the story by saying “Get over it”. Not understanding how triggering it was for me, or caring for how upset or shaken I was. I got out of the Uber, had my third panic attack in 40 minutes, and after, I noticed the time.

Rehearsal was over, and I cried.

I called my professor to apologize and after I explained what happened, he Venmo’d me for the Uber, but that’s where the resolution of the incident stopped. I did end up filing a complaint, and they took my side, but didn’t act on any of the solutions I asked for. After that, well, I spiraled.

Part 1 -- Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

I present to you: my children, Collie and Colin

Collie is the human, he's Welsh and lives in the Rhondda valleys, he's quite quiet and shy, but very friendly

He's 21 and is a Zoology graduate, and plans to do a PhD in herpetology, studying newts. He chose newts because of a small pond near where he grew up, where he'd go to find newts before putting them back. (This is based on a pond near my grandparents where I'd go to find newts)

Colin is the dog, she's also quite shy and standoffish, tends to bark at strangers but cowers the moment they approach

She loves going with Collie to the pond, and gets incredibly muddy

I'm writing a story about them and the pond, and I'm quite excited about it :) if you read this, thank you, I appreciate you listening to me ramble about my characters

One of the characters in our D&D party is an orc named Brick.  We’ve established that orcs get their names through tests of strength and that his name is Brick because it’s the strongest thing he was able to break with his bare hands.

By profession, Brick is a therapist.  His ultimate ambition is to one day do therapy so good that he can change his name to Depression.

Hey guys! I tried my hand at making an animatic/animation for the larger story I have been brewing in my head for the past three years. I hope to animate it fully one day, but while it festers in my brain for now I hope to make shorter animations/animatics about it.

Song used is Runaway by Aurora, it fit really well for the main character of my story.

Οιοπολος - Oiopolos, Sheep-Tending/Shepherd The shepherd plucked the lamb away from the den of wolves, walking away whilst the lamb bleated in fear, for it would be leaving the familiar coldness and lupine threats. "Where are you taking me, shepherd?" The lamb asked. "I'm taking you home." The shepherd replied, "I'm taking you away from that saddening situation." "But what if I get lost?" The lamb asked, hesitation pulling at its downy wool. "You were always lost, but it's alright." The young man smiled, as gentle as the breeze, "Now, you are found. That place wasn't home. It was only a house, see. There's a difference. You belong somewhere else. Not amongst snapping jaws and razor claws." The lamb followed close, basking in his warmth. It's strange. Though the fear of the unknown lingers in its heart, the thrill of freedom is undeniable. "Come with me, and have no worries." He held his hand out, a guide to an aimless wanderer, "Let me show you what it's like to go home, little lost lamb."

I don't know what those '90s sci Fi TV writers were putting in their shows but I wish they'd start doing it again

Quality Time

Behold! The drawing that almost gave me a heart attack ❤️ despite the problems, it finished fine and I loved the result 🤙🏽

In case you don’t recognize, the boy is Seth, from In My Hands (Ashes AU, idk if this name is good, help), and the doctors are Sylris and Kenyan. Mostly, Sylris does all the stuff, and Kenyan is there as a support for them.

Seth has his hashtag now, if you want to check it out.

Martra’s Astronomy

Geez, that was me from the past trying to understand day’s duration in Martra (my fictional planet). What did I do here???? 😦

Before trying to explain, here are the “Moons” that work in Martra:

Marsulon (Big Moon): shines faintly, like a sunset or sunrise.

Divulon (Mid Moon): TOO shiny, scorching, very harmful for health

Nixulon (Minor Moon): like a black hole, total darkness no matter if there are fire or lanterns

So, APPARENTLY, the day has 21 hours. In this meantime, it goes like:

Marsulon: 10 hours

Divulon: 24 minutes

Marsulon: 10 hours

Nixulon: 12 minutes

Divulon: 24 minutes

In the first image there’s the ordinary routine for a Martran, but it may change depending on profession and species.

Now, you don’t ask me how I came up with this timing, cuz I won’t know how to explain it ☠️ I even searched a planet rotation simulator to understand it lol.

Here, thinking about Kenyan’s state in the main story.

I need to decide if she’ll be still fighting or if she gave up already, cuz it’ll change A LOT of the story.

If she’s fighting:

She has no idea Ethan is in Martra.

Ethan will see her for the first time in an execution and she’ll look away

She’ll fight Sylris to know wth Ethan is doing there

She won’t know how to react if Ethan tries to talk to her personally

She won’t tell him the whole truth, afraid of burdening him with the problems she has been protecting him from.

Ethan will get mad at her, but will notice something is wrong

Hiélo will be there to explain things to Ethan

Ethan will try to save his mum, etc etc etc… next things are too much spoiler

Now, if she gave up:

She’ll ask Sylris to bring Ethan to Martra, so they can stay in family

She probably won’t be holding executions now that she knows he’s somewhere in Martra ☠️

She’ll look for him hard, and Behati will think Ethan is some kind of wanted criminal

Ethan is taken to the castle and “WOAH, MUM?!” and Kenyan will cry hard while hugging him

Sylris will be the utmost example of a great father, trust him

Kenyan will try to explain everything, but telling a filtered story where things don’t sound as bad as it was

Kenyan and Sylris will fight about whether revealing him as their son or not (Maivtre shouldn’t have a male child)

Sylris finds a way to make it valid and kinda forces Ethan to accept it

Ethan feels overwhelmed, etc etc etc… I don’t know what would happen next lmao

The first idea is in my mind since some time, but the second might be good too cuz it might confuse Ethan more. “What? My mum left me just to stay with my father?! And the reason she didn’t take me with her was ‘because it was too far away and in a strange/dangerous world’????”

THE POOR GUY JUST KNOWS SUFFERING

CW: abuse, gore?, description of burning death

AO3

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Sunburn

“Ah… I wish you had found your new friend.” Sylris smiled and placed his crown on a pillow. “The imaginary intruder should be on the stacks too, don’t you think so? They were very disrespectful at us, my dear.”

Kenyan didn’t bother to answer, as she was busy trying to take off her rings, what at the moment seemed like an impossible task. Her hands wouldn’t stop shaking and her body was burning inside out.

Burning almost as much as she had burned those people.

The difference between them and her was in their innocence. They were people who begged for food. People who ran from a slavish job. People who fought to protect their family. People who denounced an injustice.

And she was a murder wearing a lavish long gown. Pampered by all, adorned with jewelry; an elegant example of holiness and grace to Martra.

Her nail bent over and she hissed. Blood was simmering from there, dripping down on the white skirt, and all she could do was stare at it. Stare at the red blur, at least, as her trembling wouldn’t let her focus on anything.

It was deeply awful. Herself, she meant. She was awful. She should be dead with them. Or better saying, they should be alive, and she should suffer the worst death in this world. That was all she deserved.

“Hurting yourself already?”

Sylris came from behind when she noticed his hand holding hers. His other hand had fell on her waist, keeping her close to him on this embrace.

“You know this won’t change anything, right?” he whispered against her pointy ear. “Hurt yourself or no, they’re still dead. Unmoving, unchangeable, permanent: that’s what death is. That’s what you did, my love.” He took her hand to his lips, and kissed her fingers, one by one.

His voice was nauseating. His words made her skin crawl. His kisses were poison. And his hands? Treacherous, horrendous hands? Always knew where to touch, where to press, where to hold.

He had slid his arm around her belly, and her body faltered slightly over his. She shivered as her unsteady heart went out of control.

What kind of personal betrayal was it? How could her body lean upon the evil she despised the most? How could she feel anything other than hatred for this nasty creature?

But perhaps a monster called for a monster. Her other half would be like her half.

It was only fair.

Even so, she’d rather be alone forever than staying with him.

“Let me go, I’m tired,” she muttered. “I need to rest in my chambers.”

“Why not in mine? You’re shaking so much; it wouldn’t hurt to have someone to hold you, would it, love?” He turned her over, keeping them face to face. “Or are you thinking about staying with your pet at this time of night?” He smirked.

“He’s not my pet,” came the automatic answer. However, her throat tightened at the thought.

After their discussion, Hiélo came to say sorry a thousand times. His ears were flat, his tail dull, and hearing his voice cracking gnawed at her conscience; which led her to accept his apologies. But, honestly? She didn’t want to. For some reason, she only wanted to be mad at him a little longer. She only wanted to have time to organize her feelings and find a proper reason to forgive him.

But since when did she have a choice? How could she be mad at the person who was trying to love her despite her actions?

She swallowed dry. “Hiélo won’t be there, I promise. I won’t call him.” She slowly took his hands off her. “I want to rest alone; is there a problem with it?”

His eyes scrutinized her wholly. It felt like being under a predator gaze, waiting to be devoured at each minute, counting the last seconds of her life— but then he let go of her waist.

“No, there is not. You can go ahead.” His hand lifted her chin softly. “Ask a maid to help you with the rings, okay? I don’t want to see my wife fingerless.” He chuckled and his face approached hers.

The knot on her stomach increased as she knew what was happening. Knowing didn’t make it the slightest better, so she shut her eyes and counted to five for what seemed an eternity. A hot, burning eternity. Hell itself.

Curse her head for getting lighter.

When he broke the kiss with that grin of his, she didn’t stay a second to hear him. Nothing good could come of that mouth, and she kept repeating it for herself as she stormed on the empty halls.

The heat was unbearably clinging to her, suffocating her lungs and expeling the oxygen left on her. And the tricky part of it? She could stop it, if she wanted. Her spiky halo was lightening the environment, and it was the blatant proof that her powers were acting over something, over herself. Warming, heating, burning until her head was spinning, until her gut was churning, until her skin began swelling.

And they had it worse. They didn’t have time to dwell in a little dizziness.

It was pure torture. Flesh tearing apart, splitting, and shearing from the bones; fire crackling and screams breaking through the space; the stench of coal and smoke flying in the sky… until there was nothing left to see—not even their ashes.

That was the power she held. That was the sin she carried.

Her insides unraveled midway her room, throwing up the contents of her stomach on a corner. She gagged and cried as her body fell its temperature, taking advantage of the unease to finally turn her furnace off.

Really, how could someone live like this? How could someone like her still be alive? Just who allowed her existence in this world?!

She should be dead. She should be dead. She. Should. Be. Dead.

But as she wasn’t, she raised from her place and stumbled forward.

(I love the nixies. I wanted to “talk” nixian with them)

AO3

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> Next Chapter

Heated

They weren’t there anymore.

Kenyan searched the garden upside down, the castle, the forest, the city… but nobody saw them. Sure, her description of them wasn’t the greatest, but people had to notice that glowing person. They weren’t someone you glance at only once; they were like a magnet attracting her, and it should have happened with everyone else, too.

So where could they have gone?

She even wondered if they were an image from her mind, but, as far as she knew, hallucinations don’t act like they did:

An intruder broke the castle’s window yesterday, messed up Sylris’s chambers, stole food from the kitchen, cleaned her chambers, and put a big stuffed panda on her bed.

And nobody, not even Hiélo who was in her room, heard or saw anything while it happened. The only witness of the supposed “intruder” was her, Kenyan, when she was high, sleep-deprived, and with loss of blood.

It couldn’t have happened for real. They weren’t real. What she saw wasn’t an intruder. They even claimed the garden their home! What kind of intruder would be this bold at Maivtre? And the guards also searched for them in the garden, asked the Nixies if they noticed something and… nothing.

They had to be a figment of her imagination. A self-relief her brain came up with, that somehow worked.

Last night she fell in a deep slumber while hugging that panda (Hiélo said she threatened to set fire on him if he tried to take it), and that was far the best sleep she had in years. No dreams, no nightmares, no interruptions… just a full eight hours of rest. The migraine and nausea still came when she woke up, but that was common. She couldn’t have asked for anything better! Her mind was useful for once!

But even after being sure that person was something she invented, there she was in the garden, crouched by the flowers and signing to a group of Nixies.

Person. Light. There. Me. ?

And they shook their heads, no. Kenyan frowned slightly and tried again.

Walking. Jumping. Happy. Here. Home. ?

And they shook their heads, no. Also, one flew to Kenyan’s head, touched her forehead and dragged their tiny hands down her face. After staring at her, the nixie flattened their wings.

“You’re getting crazy. You were falling apart. Are you okay?”

She huffed and got up, quickly signing a “fine” for them.

“I told you,” the rough voice sounded behind her. “Nobody saw the intruder.”

“Yes, Élo, thank you for pointing out the obvious,” she replied harsher than expected.

His eyes squinted at her as they walked towards the tree. It was enormous, providing the same shadow she had used yesterday. The same shadow she shared with them. Right there. Where she felt them, their warmth, their excitement, and their happiness for being with her.

Could you imagine it? Even Kenyan herself couldn’t stand her presence, and someone, something, actually liked her!

“Kenyan, do you seriously don’t remember anything about their appearance? Gender? Voice?”

She sighed hard, rolling her eyes before turning at him.

“Why would I lie about it?” Her eyebrows raised. “Haven’t I been searching for them as well?!”

“How can I know what’s going on in your mind?” He crossed his arms. “They got you a teddy bear; how can I know if you aren’t keeping them hidden because of it?”

She flinched with the sharp pain on her head.

“Please, Hiélo, I might be a menace, but I am not reckless about this kingdom.” Her face scrunched. “If you think I can’t distinguish between safe and dangerous, you might as well have a problem with your mind.”

His jaw clenched as his tail lashed back and forth. Then, looking away, he pursed his lips. Avoiding talking to her. Avoiding her.

It was dizzying.

“Say it,” she demanded. “Now, while I’m listening.”

“…it’s not relevant.”

“I decide what’s relevant. Say it.”

He looked at her in that same reprimanding way. As if he was her father. As if she was a brat. As if he knew better than her.

“Look, I don’t want to offend you, but all you have been doing are dangerous and reckless things.”

“Ah, is that so? Thank you for pointing out the obvious.” She closed her hands on fists as her chest rose and fell. “I am aware of my dangerous and reckless behavior, General, and despite everything, I am still the Maivtre of this nation. I care about my people. I’ve been doing what I can to bear this burden, and I won’t doom it all over a teddy bear, as you swiftly placed in your statement.”

His eyes softened and her body tensed, shaking in disbelief.

“Kenyan, you know this isn’t what I said…” He reached for her hand, unclenching her fingers carefully. “I’m sorry if it sounded like that, I won’t ask again. Could you sit down and breathe slowly? Your head will get better if you do.”

There it goes. Hiélo, the white knight, and Kenyan, the poor queen.

Kenyan this! Kenyan that! Kenyan should! Kenyan could! Kenyan’s dumb! Kenyan’s wrong!

When will they stop treating her like a fool?

She shoved his hand away and paced back. “Keep guard from the outside. I’ll stay here for longer.”

“But you’re not fine, you should call the doct—“

“Yes, cause of my migraine, I am aware!” She glared at him. “Get out!”

He looked hurt at her, but she was already approaching the tree, finding that comforting spot amidst the roots. When she sat, he was marching at the door, and the place finally got its quietude back.

Her head leaned against the tree, and she breathed in, trying to control her heart. That unending pain was shattering her sanity, and the lack of answers wasn’t helping.

If that person was there, would they help her to calm?

No, but who in the cosmos could they be? A single day they appeared, and everything was messed up that much. A single day, and half the castle hates them. A single day, and they got her obsessed with them.

And they weren’t even real, were they? They came from her fractured soul.

So why couldn’t she summon them when she needed? Why wouldn’t they appear now? Why can’t they hear her crying?

(I got lazy and didn’t make the drawing 🤙🏽 it’s also written in a different format, but enjoy it)

Interview - Sylris

Greetings, citizens of Martra and all surroundings! Today, Odabrani—our king and messenger— provided us a glimpse of his personal life!

“Hello, my friends.” Smiles gently. “You can call me ‘Sylris’ for today. It’s a basic personal information to have: my full name, ‘Sylris Kem Yaneh’, and my age, somewhere in my 40s.”

Oh! Such a beautiful name, Sylris! If you are watching us from Earth, his age is around 26-28 human years! Now shall we start?!

1. Sylris, many would say you’re a master of manipulation. What’s your secret to always staying ahead of everyone else?

“Do they say it?” Chuckles. “Well, it’s not a secret for anyone: patience is the answer. Trying to get ahead of them will make you get ahead of yourself, and this is when you fail. So take it easy, as if this is a walk in the park.” Smiles.

2. You’ve lived through some… questionable situations in your past, yet you seem to have come out on top. Is there any moment you regret, or do you consider everything a necessary step to where you are now?

“Hm… tough question.” Leans back in the couch, leg crossed and hands together. “I wouldn’t call it regret, but there are certain things I could have done better, made a different choice…” sighs. “Entertaining that ugly noble was so boring, so easy… Kenyan is far more interesting to deal with.” Smirks. “But I don’t regret my outcome, and I’m sure my steps were extremely necessary to get me here.”

3. You seem to have a very… unique perspective on relationships, especially with Kenyan. Some might say you’re controlling or manipulative, but do you see it as simply ‘guiding’ her? What is it you want from her, exactly?

A smile slowly creeps on his lips.

“What do I want from my wife? Isn’t it obvious? What more could I wish, but the best for us?”

“You might have the vision I’m manipulating her, but at the end, weren’t they all her choices? Wasn’t she the one who pushed them away? Wasn’t I the one to stay?” Fidgets with his ring. “Not wanting to brag, but I do much better than certain people who ‘swear to love you till the moon and back’,” says in a high pitch and laughs.

4. You have a son, Ethan. Do you care about him? Or is he just another piece in your grand design?

“Ethan Yaneh, my son.” Hums, tapping finger on thigh. “I must admit: I wasn’t a present father in his life, despite my wishes. But what could I do? Kenyan didn’t want me close to him, claiming I would ‘intoxicate the kid with my behavior’.” Snorts. “Such an idiocy, if I must add. He’d be far better living with us, learning important lessons, instead of stay in Earth playing house. And the worst? Kenyan isn’t there to watch him, so who knows how he will appear next?” Frowns up slightly and looks away. “As my son, I expected he’d be at least a bit dignified. I know he was smart at school when he was a kid, but I worry his intelligence go only for academic matters…” sighs.

5. Let’s say things don’t go your way. Let’s say you lose. What then? What happens to you if you’re outplayed?

“It won’t happen.”

…but in a “what-if”. Just in case—

“It won’t happen.”

He stares at the interviewer, straight face.

Okay… could you at least explain?

Lifts an eyebrow. “I made sure of it?” Crosses his arms “No matter what, I am sure I will win. Even if I die, I win. So there’s no reason to delve deeper into this subject… next question.”

6. You hold so much power, so much control. But tell me—when you were younger, powerless, no one—what kept you going?

“As I said, patience first. But it’s desire what run us, no?” Tilts head slightly. “Desire to have something greater, to be someone bigger, to do things better. I desired, so I moved. And look where it took me?” Smirks, glancing at the luxurious room of the castle.

7. You talk about desire like it’s the only force that matters. But do you ever just… want something simple? Something human?

“Hm… greed itself is a very human feeling; saying that my power and desires aren’t ‘human’ for being complex is pretty rude.” Leans back. “But I understand your reasoning. In my case, I lost my parents when I was young, when my place was enslaved. Perhaps it made me miss something to call ‘home’? So having this castle, these people to rule, my wonderful wife, and a cute son?” Smiles “Well, I guess I fulfilled my ‘human’ wishes.”

8. You say you love your wife, your son. But if they ever truly betrayed you—if Kenyan escaped, if Ethan fought against you—what then?

“…I don’t see it happening. I don’t know why they would do such a thing, but…” Fidgets with the sleeve of shirt. “If they ever do, I’ll just have to bring them back?” Smiles softly. “As a father, my role is to keep our family working, right? And I exercise my function with perfection—they wouldn’t stay far for a long time. They would eventually miss it, no? The comfort of being together? Of having a home, just like I did?”

9. You’ve been in control of everything, all this time. But tell me the truth—just once. Are you ever afraid?

“Well, it gets a bit annoying when something goes out of planned. I do have a plan for everything, but changing the strategy in a rush is always a mess.” Sighs and rolls eyes.

Hm, I didn’t ask if you get annoyed; I asked if you get afraid. Fear. Worry. Do you ever feel like that?

Frowns. “Why would I? Nothing out of ordinary will happen, nothing scary as my late mother-in-law destroying my planet.” Looks away, nonchalant voice. “If I was to die; okay, it wouldn’t be bad. If Kenyan was to die; a problem, but I would fix. If Ethan was to die; I told Kenyan he had to be here.”

“So, no, nothing scares me. I’m at my comfort zone, 24/7.”

A random, self-insert story. Idk if I’ll continue it.

Just so you know, the inserted character acts nothing like me (they’re too extrovert), but they act in the way I wanted to act if I met her. Anyway, it’s just a silly and fun story that I wanted to write a lot. AO3

> Next chapter

Ray

It happened in a joyful day.

The garden was livid, full of flowers and colorful Nixies. A breeze flowed through, making the leaves dance on air, bringing a sense of calm in the disturbed mind who walked by.

It was impossible to don’t get mesmerized by her flaming hair. Crimson and wild, it seemed like fire itself. Her slim legs paced slowly in the grass, and the Nixies hurried to check out the bloody bandages. These were around her legs, arms and neck, but the woman seemed unbothered.

Instead, her face was hollow. The bags under her eyes told a tale, and her cracked lips continued it. Clouds could be seen in her red irises, simmering over dilated pupils that were focused beyond; far beyond from there.

For a moment, they looked up and noticed the tree over her. Its shadow was solid, protecting her frail skin from the sun.

It was perfect, truly.

Her legs immediately faltered and she fell over the roots. It was quite uncomfortable, but did it matter? She had been in worse conditions and yet, there she was, still alive. So she stayed there, eyes closed, with a pulsing numbness hovering in her body.

She did take more than the normal. She had to. They were so insistent... their voices, pleas and screams. They had crawled under her skin —thus the wounds on her body—, but no longer.

All she could hear were whispers slipping past like sand. The words were feeble, and she couldn’t make out their meanings. She didn’t want to. Didn’t care to.

Some would call it madness.

Peace, she named it.

There was nothing like the pure state of silence and unconsciousness. Fleeting memories would come and leave, no thoughts were required, and the outer world wouldn’t reach her.

For this reason, she frowned at the new stimulus from outside her mind.

“Hellooo,” hummed serene. “Are you fine?”

Goosebumps surged from the stroke on her cheek. So gentle, so sweet, barely touching her. It didn’t felt like Hiélo’s or Sylris’s. It was more… refreshing.

Kenyan opened her eyes and the world around was spinning. Everything was blurred and abstract, except the person in front of her.

“So you are alive!” They smiled and tilted their head. “You got me worried for a sec’, you know?”

Their voice settled in her ears, feeling like a massage in her brain. Soothing, relaxed, warm… she never heard anything like that, did she?

And their face was a sight. Radiant and beautiful, youthful in the tender light. They looked happy. Complete.

When and how did she kill them?

She stared and stared, watching as they accommodated themselves laid in the fresh grass. Their eyes shone at her, as if waiting for something.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered. “I don’t remember you.”

“Of course you don’t, it’s the first time we met.” They giggled and held her hand. “Though I know you, Kenyan. You’re so awesome! I’ve always wanted to talk to you like this.”

She didn’t held their hand back. Not because she didn’t want, but because she didn’t have strength to. Somehow, the person seemed to know it.

“What are you doing here?” they asked.

Running. Escaping. Hiding.

“Resting,” she answered.

“Hmm, your garden is very beautiful, indeed a wonderful place to rest.” They nodded and then gasped. “Can I live here?! I promise to take care of everything while you’re out!”

Live there?

“Why?”

“Because it’s great, and I get to see you!” Their eyes smiled. “Will you come to visit me often?”

She blinked and her finger twitched. Who was that daring person? She didn’t say they could live there, but they’re asking if she’ll visit them. She never saw their face, but they talk as if they were long friends. How so shameless? How so casual? How so nice?

“Okay, I will.”

“Yey!” They cheered and got up in a jump. “You’re the best, Kenyan! See you soon, your love is coming to get you!”

And just like that, they left like they appeared.

…what was it? A spirit, a ghost or hallucination?

She didn’t even ask their name. So rude of her…

They said her love was coming; did they mean Sylris? People trust his words more than rumors, and he said so convincingly that they were deeply in love… yuck.

But for her surprise, the arms who held her weren’t Sylris. Even in her sick state, she knew it was Hiélo. Her love.

How did they know it?

Straining her eyes, she glanced at Hiélo who was visibly worried, carrying her to somewhere. He was rushing. So cute.

“Élo, did you see someone in the garden?…”

His ears twitched. “What did you say?”

“Short…” she mumbled half-awaken, half-asleep, “shiny, shameless, sheepish…” she chuckled. “Why am I ‘sh-ing’ everything?”

“Focus, Kenyan!” He held her slightly tighter. “Was somebody with you?!”

“I don’t know. They said they were gonna live there. It’s their home. Don’t shove them away.”

“Oh great evil...” He frowned and barked at the other guards, saying a lot of orders, but she wasn’t hearing anymore.

Her mind faltered beyond; far beyond from there. To where the person was. To when she was going to see them again.

She couldn’t wait for it.

Yet another backstory!

AO3 / Wattpad

9 Y - 0 M - 4 D

“I want that squirrel.” Ethan pointed at the tree that was triple his height.

His mother took off her sunglasses, searched for the animal between the leaves, and analyzed her little boy.

“You’ll get your clothes dirty.”

“I can wash them later.”

She saw the squirrel far away, really far away, holding a nut and moving its nose. Such an ugly creature…

“Do you want to eat that?”

“It’s not for eating! It is to be my pet!”

“Pet?” She frowned and leaned on. “Is there a special reason for this?”

“Because Tony is small, and it will be cool to chase him there!” Ethan put his hands together. “Please, mum, can I have it?!”

She looked up and down at his new outfit: polo shirt, shorts over his knees, led shoes, and, lastly, his puppy face.

Fragile. And extremely cute.

She sighed. “Yes, you can, but go slowly so you don’t fall.”

“Alright, mum! I love you!” said him, already running at the tree.

He arrived at the base and checked if he was in the same direction as Tony. The squirrel didn’t move at all, so it would be easy to catch him!

Hugging the tree, Ethan put a foot on a bump, and pushed his body up. He gripped the next branch, tested if it held his weight, then pushed up again.

He kept doing it, slowly as his mother told him to, until the largest branches finally arrived. It was the hardest part: to get over there; but Ethan could see Tony just at the edge, and he wouldn’t stop now that he was this close.

Placing his hands in minor areas, he managed to get his torso over. To get his legs up as well, he just had to drag himself on the branch and… ta-dah! He was safely sat!

The squirrel was still with its nut, trying to open it with big teeth. It made Ethan smirk. Tony was kinda similar to Sam in appearance; would they like to meet each other? Ethan was certain they would, so he should hurry.

He moved subtly to not scare Tony, just like his mum did in other times. It would probably work with him, too, if he did the exact same thing.

“Hi, Tony,” he whispered. “Do you wanna go to my house? There’s a lot of food there.”

He showed his hand to the squirrel, who stared for a long time before approaching. His tiny paws let go of the nut and touched Ethan’s hand, as if searching for something.

“Hey, this tickles!” Ethan giggled and squirmed as Tony traveled his arm and shoulders, stopping over his head. “What are you doing there? Is it comfortable?”

Ethan could feel the squirrel pulling his hair, then going still as if he found the perfect spot. After realizing he was ready, the boy put the nut in his pocket.

“Now, we just gotta get down and…” He froze.

When did he get that high?

His body tensed as he looked down for the first time. No way he could jump from this height; he’d turn into a pancake! What could he do?! What could he do?!

He hugged the branch, looking for his mother who was just a minuscule red point on the green.

“Mum!” he called, but she didn’t move. “MOMMYYYY!”

Tony squeaked and left in a rush, jumping on Ethan’s legs and causing more screams.

“NO, TONY! DON’T RUN!” Ethan wanted to catch the squirrel, but his body was locked. “COME BACK, PLEASE!”

Yet the squirrel disappeared in the leaves, totally forgetting about the promises of food and new home. Ughhh, what a traitor!

Ethan looked down again and his heart sank.

His mother wasn’t on the bench anymore. Where did she go?! Did she leave him stuck there?! How could s—

“Ethan, is everything okay?!” Her voice came from below, returning his soul to his body. “Did you get the squirrel?!”

“HE LEFT!” Ethan carefully looked down, but regretted it immediately. Spirits, what a nauseating place to be in… “I’M STUCK, MOMMY! HELP!”

“You climbed up; you figure out how to get down!”

His eyes darted at the horrific distance between him and the ground, and, nuh-uh. Nope. Sov.

“MUM, IT’S TOO HIGH! I LOVE MY LIFE! I WON’T DO IT!”

She chuckled softly. “It’s not hard, son! Just put your feet in the same place you put before, and climb down!”

“BUT I WILL FALL AND DIE!”

“You won’t, I promise you!”

“MUMMMMMMMM!” He shut his eyes and gripped the tree like a koala. “I’M NOT GOING DOWN!”

“And I’m not going to get you!” She sat beside the tree. “If you’re staying there, we can pass the night here. I don’t mind!”

Ethan couldn’t believe it. Was it for real? She really wasn’t coming to save him?? Even if he’s clearly in danger?! She doesn’t mind if he dies?!

…no, she must be kidding. She was letting Ethan stay for longer because he broke her bracelet. She said it was fine, but maybe she secretly got angry at him, and now was taking advantage of his situation. That must be it. He just gotta wait until she pities him.

Yeah, she was going to get him soon.

Soon.

At any moment.

At any second.

When she feels like it.

Before it was night.

She would do it.

However, time passed, Ethan didn’t move an inch, and his belly was getting wild. The only thing he had all afternoon was an ice cream, and now his stomach was trying to eat him inside out.

Meanwhile, his mum was there, laid down and resting peacefully on the grass.

“Mummyyyyyy… I’m hungry!”

“Me too.” She didn’t even open her eyes. “A shame you let that squirrel escape.”

“Tony wasn’t food! He was my pet!”

“As you say, dear.”

And she kept silent, not uttering a single word about saving him. The crickets and owls were talking more than her, at this point!

His lips trembled when he talked again. 

“Mum, will you really leave me alone here forever?!”

“Of course no, am I not here?” She smiled. “I won’t leave you alone, Ethan; I am letting you learn something useful.”

“But it’s past the time of learning anything! It’s time for dinner, then fairytale, then bedtime!” 

“I know, it will be such a hassle to fix it when we get home, so can you climb down quickly?”

The boy stared at his mum, measuring once more how hard he could fall. Maybe it wasn’t that far, but…

“It’s dark, I can’t see.”

“Ethan…” She huffed and got up, resting her hand on her hip. “We both know you can see clearly—the moon is full, and your vision is better than mine—, so stop procrastinating and get down!”

Ethan breathed in deeply, gazing from his mum to the tree trunk. He could see everything, as she said, but could he do it?…

“Sweet, hear me,” she continued. “It’s not hard. Drag yourself to the trunk, hold it, then put your foot on the nearest branch. After being sure it won’t fall, repeat the steps until you get here. It’s the same as going up, but in the inverse order. Easy, right?”

“Easy, saying! It’s not you here, mum…” he grumbled and swallowed dry.

However, he knew he had no other way to leave. It was climb down or climb down, so he stretched his hands forward. Slowly, focused and shaking, he moved on the branch towards his goal. 

Without looking down, he got at the trunk and squeezed it with his arms. His heart was about to break his rib cage, but he continued the process: a foot down, blindly looking for a new support, then descending over it.

Sometimes Ethan would misstep on a lump and feel his blood vanishing, but then he’d find a way to stabilize himself, say thanks to the stars, and keep the journey down.

It wasn’t easy at all; it was hard, terrible. He felt like he’d fall at each action, hurt himself while falling, hit the ground, go to the hospital, have a head surgery, then die, leaving his mum crying for him the rest of her life.

And this was exactly what happened.

Disturbed by his own thoughts, he glanced down for a second. A millisecond. A tenth of a millisecond. And that was when gravity pulled him down with all its might.

It was fast. Too fast! Ethan screamed and reached for something to hold, but he only held onto leaves who folded with him. He couldn’t seem to stop! He was going to hit the ground! He was going to die!

“ETHAN!”

He shut his eyes, prepared for the inevitable, for the impact, and—

He rolled like a barrel, in a tight space, muffled noises, and aching body. When he stopped spinning, his brain didn’t. It kept sick, feeling suffocated. His lungs were heavy, and it just was tight. Everything was unbelievably tight.

The voice was what made him realize the cause of that problem.

“Thunder! Begone evil!” His mother cursed behind him, still pressing him against her chest. “Do you want to give me a heart attack, Ethan?!”

He couldn’t tell apart her heartbeats from his, but he knew they both weren’t fine. She was shaking. Or was it him? They were too close. Her arms were entangled around his body and he could feel her uneven breath on his hair.

Ah…

Safe. He was safe. He didn’t die. His mum saved him. She got him before he hit the ground. She saved him.

He held weakly to her hands, and the tears came at once. 

“Ethan…” she called and turned him over. “Ethan? Are you hurt somewhere? Did you hit anything??”

He shook his head, but she checked him whole as he didn’t stop to cry. He couldn’t, and he didn’t understand why. Instead, he jumped into her arms again, hugging her neck and weeping louder.

“Son?…” muttered her.

She didn’t push him away, nor told him to be quiet, nor mocked his ugly face.

She just held him back, pulled him closer, and mumbled softly:

“I am here, Ethan. I am here.”

I decided I’ll add short backstories after each chapter (probably). So now I added one and update some tiny details in the other chapters. (Ugh, it’s so annoying to update things in three apps, cuz I use Docs, then AO3, then Wattpad 😭)

AO3 / Wattpad

9 Y - 11 M - 22 D

“Are you coming later?”

“Uh… I don’t know if my mum will let me go, especially in this weather.” He looked at the sky outside. That storm was about to collapse everything, for certain.

“Jesus, Ethie! Your mum will never let you visit us?!”

The boy smiled sheepishly and fixed the backpack straps. “She’s worried. We never stay away from each other, you know?”

“You are away now.” Sam raised his brows while pushing the door open.

“The teachers are looking,” Ethan said while dodging the loud children. “It’s not the same as going home with you.”

“My mum will be there, why would she be worried about anything?!” He glanced at his friend. “Sometimes I think she’s too protective of you; just saying.”

Ethan grimaced. “I know, but…”

It was his mum. It was normal for her to be worried, right? It meant she loved him a lot. It meant she cared. There was no reason for him to be mad.

Not when she was there at the entrance, with two umbrellas at hand. She always came to get him in time, no matter the situation.

And his mum had the prettiest smile ever.

“Hi, sweetheart.” She kissed his forehead softly before patting his head. “Did you have a good day?”

“Yeah, mum! The teacher tried to make an experiment, but he had the wrong ratio, so I taught him how he could fix it!”

“Nice job, Ethan,” she smiled. “I bet the teacher was deeply impressed by you.”

“More likely depressed…” mumbled Sam.

Ethan heard it and he knew his mother heard as well. It was that brief twitch in her ear that gave her feelings out.

At that moment, Ethan wanted to have telepathic conversations with her, so he could gently say, “MUM, YOU CAN’T ARGUE WITH MY FRIENDS! I WON’T TALK TO YOU ALL DAY IF YOU DO IT!”, but as he didn’t have this power, he just begged internally she’d understand his intentions.

She gazed at him and glared at Sam for a tense, long moment. The boy averted his eyes, retreating a step, and Ethan was ready to snoop in to help his friend.

But then her polite smile came back.

“Hi, Sammy. How is Mrs. Price doing?”

Ethan exhaled and nudged Sam to answer, who frowned and whined lowly before turning to the woman.

“She’s fine, Ms. Yaneh, thanks for asking.” He looked at Ethan and cleaned his throat. “By the way… I asked her earlier, and she said Ethan could come over after school. If you let him. She said she’d get us by car because of the storm.”

“Did she?” Ethan whispered.

“She did.”

“But didn’t you say you’d ask her when s—“

”She did,” Sam scowled at him.

Ethan finally understood and got quiet. Sam was predicting the future, as he liked to describe his lies. He was used to saying things he hoped would happen—and they mostly did—, but Ethan wasn’t in the mood to risk it with his mum. Should he meddle in?

“Oh…” She turned at the view. “Why go by car when you can walk? The weather is nice today.”

The kids looked in the same direction she was looking at. They saw no living beings out there. They heard the rain making holes in the roof. They shivered with the cold wind. It didn't seem it would stop soon.

“Nice weather?...” Ethan tried slowly.

“Yes, it's refreshing and the sun won't bother you. Truly wonderful… Don't you think so?” She sounded genuinely confused. “Ah, is it because you don't like the noise, son? At home, it’s not that loud; you will feel better when we get there. Let me carry your bag.”

Ethan didn't question. It was “mum being mum”, so he just handed her the bag.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Sam interrupted. “You are not thinking of going in that storm, are you?! Why didn't you park your car closer, Ms. Yaneh?!”

“I didn't bring the car, Sammy.” She put the bag on. “Didn't you hear? It's a nice weather to walk.”

“But you're going to get drenched!” He fiercely pointed outside. “It’s raining!”

“...yes, I have noticed, thank you.” She gave an umbrella for Ethan. “Shall we go? I have to cook lunch.”

“Ma'am!” Sam got between her and Ethan, spreading his arms open. “You can't do it! Isn't it better to talk to my mum, so she can take us home by car? I'm sure lunch will be ready!”

“Sam, don't…”

“You can't possibly be okay with it too, right, Ethie?! You will get sick!”

People were gathering around, already muttering about a fight that would start.

“It’s Ethan, again.”

“Ohh, he must be destroying that loser!”

“Is that his mother? Won't she stop them?”

Oh no, they were getting it all wrong. Ethan wasn't fighting anyone this time! And can't they see it's Sam? Why would he do such a thing to him?!

However, Ethan realized his mother wouldn't care about fighting a kid or two…

She pushed Sam out of the way a little more intensely than necessary and held Ethan’s hand to pull him close to her.

“I appreciate your concern, Sammy Price,” she replied dryly, “but I know exactly what I am doing. I'd also appreciate it if you cease your insistence, so don't try asking once again if Ethan can go to your home—he will go when he's ready for it. Meanwhile, feel free to visit us with a previous warning.”

Ethan visibly cringed as his mum pulled him away. He should say sorry to Sam, but how could he, if he couldn't even say bye?! She just kept leading him forward, creating more rumors to his scholarly life.

“You saw it?! Even Ethan’s mum is cool!”

“Of course, she is! He had to learn it from someone!”

“I’d be the happiest kid alive if I had a badass mum like her…”

Argh, for the stars! They'd keep saying it the whole week, asking Ethan a thousand questions, and importunating his studies! That was terrible! Horrible! His life ended!

When they were finally alone, Ethan stomped in place, screaming to be heard over the rain.

“MUM, why did you have to do that?!”

“Do what?” She fixed his umbrella over his shoulder. “Stating the obvious for that child?”

“Being rude to Sam! He was suggesting something good for us, not a kidnapping!”

“Is that so? Next time, tell him I only accept useful suggestions.” She held his hand and pulled him to move. “No, to be more exact, tell him not to suggest anything if I haven't asked.”

“MUM, I'M SERIOUS!”

“And so am I, Ethan! I honestly don't understand why you would befriend someone like him, but you still want it, so I’m not trying to stop you…” She sighed and glanced at him. “I just want you to be careful, sweet. You are very special to me, and I get worried about what could happen when I'm not there for you… Can you try to understand my side?”

“I understand, mum! But you also need to understand my side!” He pouted. “I’m almost ten! I'm growing! I can live without you for a few hours, you know?!”

She gripped his hand and looked away.

Ethan stepped inside a puddle.

The rain filled the silence, constant with its sound.

Why was she taking so long to answer back? She'd sometimes lose her words when the subject was her, but it didn't happen when it was his demands. She'd find a way to make him satisfied, then laugh about how stubborn they both were.

Why was she thinking so hard? Was she really scared that Ethan would get hurt by visiting Sam? If so, she must have a reason, right? She wouldn't think this just because.

“...If it's dangerous, I won't ask for it, mommy. I'm sorry.”

“It’s not dangerous, it’s just…” She could barely be heard, as she wasn't even facing him. “You're right, you're growing. I should be the one sorry for not realizing it. I'll let you go to Sammy’s house.” She swallowed and grinned at him. “But could you wait until you're ten? I wanted to stay these last days, you and me, doing our things together. Before you turn full grown-up, right?”

He smiled and lowered his head. “I was kidding, mommy, I won't be a grown-up when I'm ten!”

“You lied to me, you little menace?!” She let go of his hand to pinch his nose. “I was completely worried that I'd need to buy you L sized clothes, and you were kidding?!”

“AHH, I'M SORRY! LEMME GO, MOMMY!”

They laughed and joked all the way back home, ignoring the rain and all the cars who passed by throwing water.

Somehow, they didn't get a drop wet.

Was Kenyan a Bad Mum?

I was thinking about Ethan’s childhood and how chaotic it was. He was spoiled, could do almost everything he wanted, he had everything he asked, he questioned every concept, he was a smart ass at school…

And you ask, “why”? Because Kenyan taught him to be like this, of course. Her idea of motherhood was different from the normal; she raised Ethan as a person, not just a kid. This is why she afforded his desires, wishes, and demands—because she wanted him to live at max capacity while he didn’t have responsibilities and huge consequences to care about.

Then you think, “wow, this is wrong. This kid will grow to be a spoiled adult, thinking life works exactly as he wants; then when things go bad, he will get mad and won’t know how to fix it.”

But if we look through Kenyan’s POV, we can understand why she’d think this is okay.

Let’s check her life stage:

As you can see, Auvies take their time to do things in life; maturity and independence comes around at 40 years old. At the age she got pregnant, she was supposed to start thinking about her future and what she wanted to try (in studies and work). She was a princess, so it was half decided, but she still would need to think about what kind of authority she’d be in the future.

But then she skipped (not by her choice) 100 years of her life, had to run away (she was a sacred figure, pregnancy out of marriage wouldn’t sound good…), started a life from scratch in a strange place, had no support, and all of it with a hyperactive kid. It’s clear she wouldn’t know how to raise a child in this situation.

And her maturity wasn’t that different of a child, so she was deeply empathetic of Ethan. If he asked for something, she’d give it to him because she thought “I also wanted to have things when I was a kid, so it's only fair I give it to him”, or even “he will just have me, so I should be a thousand times better than a normal mother, and to be a better mother, I should do this and that”.

There's also her culture.

Until 12 years old, Auvies have all the right to be curious and innocent, exploring the world and not dealing with consequences. The parents should allow it, only being careful about really dangerous actions; in this case, the parents should be present to instruct, but they still couldn’t forbid the kid from doing what they want.

Ethan was at this stage, so Kenyan just followed what she knew. But, for being on Earth and hearing advice all the time about how to raise him, she started allowing consequences on Ethan’s life, so he’d know what to do and what to avoid. (Example: he can climb the tree, but if he gets afraid of heights or gets stuck, Kenyan wouldn’t save him—she’d teach him how to get down. At the end, he would know it’s not a good idea to climb again because it’s scary, but if he ever need to climb down again, he wouldn’t be powerless)

So, we can conclude that Kenyan did a great job at raising Ethan! She could have done better? Probably. But she did what she could as a solo-teen-Auvie mother raising a child.

Unfortunately, we won’t know how she would raise a teen.

She didn’t stay long enough.

✨SECOND CHAPTER✨

Now it's available in both Wattpad and AO3!!!!!

It was extremely disgusting to write it, it gave me a heart attack when it got deleted, but it's finally ready and posted ❤️

Wattpad

Ashes - 02 - Mad World

Read 02 - Mad World from the story Ashes by MichellyM4 (Michelly My) with 4 reads. deepthoughts, familyproblems, family...

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63364711/chapters/162346738#workskin

Miorak

BEHOLD! THE SONG I MADE FOR MARTRA’S CULTURE! It’s sang in Martrakoji, but someday I’ll made it in English too. Someday.

The translation is below, but lemme tell you a bit about this song! It was sang before wars, so the warriors would be encouraged. It means hope for Martrans, or at least, it meant, before Kenyan turning into Maivtre.

Now, people sing it in silence, only the first part, as a kind of revolt. If one sings it whole, they’re openly declaring they’re against Maivtre, and it often cause them to die. You get it? Their supposed goddess is now their enemy. It’s just how bad things are going on.

Translation:

Longing for a time

That’s no longer here.

At seeing life goes by, you’ll see,

You are no more free.

Ohhhh

The fear never is letting go

You forgot? You are old? It still along.

Soon we’ll notice what’s going to show

Cowardice or bravery to fight

The battle may even scare you,

But don’t let it take over you.

Keep deep in your heart

There are lives to take care in your hands.

Oh the battle will come

Oh what will be done

Oh they gotta fight

To the citadel come back

Sweet Bird - 1

There it goes!

I was thinking about posting the complete comic, but I noticed the images would be too long to read, so let’s go posting by parts.

And I said it in the previous post: this is a backstory! I won’t tell whose is it, but I think it’s not hard to figure it out (especially if I add colors later, but this is a dream for a far future lmao)

If you can reblog, I’d be grateful, but if you can’t, I’m glad you read this <3

And a last comment:

I loved these parts.

That’s all. Thanks for your attention.

Valentine Cards 2

Sylris’s turn!

Valentine Cards

Kenyan’s turn, with her boyfriend, Hiélo:

With her husband, Sylris:

Who do you think is her favorite? It’s so hard to know!🥰🥰🥰 (And, WHOO, she’s really the best. If she killed me I’d say sorry for dirtying her hands 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽)

I thought about what each character would write in their cards, but I’m wondering if I’ll be able to make a drawing for each of them… it’s so exhausting 😩☠️