Pit of Self Indulgence

Well, the jury's still out on whether or not being a 'protected species' allows for being legally considered something of a pet.. but in other news, the ship Jax was on got some kind of authorization to stick around Earth to do some repeat research, primarily with the few people who were picked up the first time. The last time you were here, you had the experience of meeting one of the other people working on this ship. You don't quite remember her name, but what you do remember is the experience of getting a physical done by tentacles. No comment on how you feel about that experience…

This time, you'd been told to bring some kind of media with you for their records. So, you brought yourself a flash drive with a bunch of your favorite music, a couple movies, and even a few full series you'd managed to acquire online. Heading out to the same remote enough location you'd been dropped off the first time, you waited to be picked up.. and it only took a while before you felt the familiar sensation of the ship's transmat beaming you in, along with a bit of a bright light that you had to shield your eyes for. After the feeling subsides, you unshield your eyes and see the equally familiar 'exam room' you'd been put into the past several times, though this time there were some proper chairs in the room, alongside something that was probably a computer that you only just realized might not facilitate a USB Drive.

Just like the last two times, you hear a familiar hiss as the door to the room opens up, and you'd be lying if you said you didn't perk up a little at the sight of the familiarly lanky form stalking through the door.

Jax, for his part, had his usual sharp-tooth grin on his face, and you think you see his ears raise slightly when he sees you. "Oh hey! If it isn't the human who likes getting eaten. I figured you'd been scared off when I didn't see ya last time we came 'round."

"You're not getting rid of me that easily, I just got someone else last time.. didn't get her name, though. She was real polite the whole time, though."

His expression shifts a bit before chuckling slightly. "Ahh you got to meet Rags, glad she didn't scare you off neither. So.. you remember what's on the agenda this time?"

"Yeah, I remembered.. although I kinda didn't think far enough ahead when I brought this…" You sheepishly hold up the flash drive, Jax looking at it with a slight head tilt.

"Guessing that's a portable storage drive, yeah? Hang on, I think Kinger's got something for that. Gimme a sec will ya?"

He then exits the room, leaving you waiting for what could've either been a few minutes or a few dozen, before coming back with something that--despite the tech difference--is very clearly an adapter dongle, one side having a USB port on it.

"For once I'm glad that I had to dig through tons of tech stuff.. I was actually getting kinda curious about what stuff you people watch down there."

After taking a moment to bring the chairs over to the computer and hooking in the flash drive, Jax pulls up the files that you may have spent too much time organizing. "Wow, you really thought this one through eh? So, got any recommendations on where to start?"

You start off with some cartoons that were already a little old when you were a kid, but still had a place in your heart.. and maybe you did some infodumping the whole time about whatever factoids and trivia you remembered. For Jax's part, despite having a somewhat vacant expression, he seemed to enjoy them, primarily a lot of the more slapstick comedy. Pretty quickly you started to lose track of time, being absorbed in the screen and the occasional slight break in focus to explain something you remembered.

After quite a while--no telling exactly how long it'd been since you started--you finally noticed.. some kind of sensation on your arm. Looking over, you see Jax holding your arm and.. is he chewing on me? Despite his dangerously pointed teeth, it doesn't hurt.. but that doesn't remove the bit of shock that goes through you at the sight. Clearly, you must've been staring for too long, because he glances over to you and stops when he meets your gaze.

His eyes dart down to your arm, still in his hands and mouth, before he pulls it out enough to speak. "What? I get restless whenever I'm sitting still, chewing on stuff keeps me focused."

You just exhale amusedly, shaking your head slightly. "I didn't say anything, honestly I was just a bit surprised is all. Just- try not to leave bruises if you can help it, yeah?"

He chuckles a bit, rolling his eyes slightly. "Looks like you're even more of a weirdo than I figured. First ya don't fight me when I literally eat you whole, and now you don't mind getting gnawed on? You as much of a doormat as ribbon or are you secretly into all this?"

"That answer is for me to know and for you to determine on yourself. If I'd have known you liked this I would've brought you a bone to gnaw on, or something."

The silence between you two speaks volumes, and you can't help the smug grin that crosses your face. "Wait, do you actually– I was joking!"

"No comment. Just keep watching, weirdo."

And with that the relative silence returned.. and Jax went right back to gently chewing on your arm like the beast he looks like. Eventually, of course, he got hungry enough that you wound up on another trip down esophagus lane, leaving the hare to browse the media on his own while you were snugly tucked away.

so yea alien Jax likes chewing on stuff

Kinger

a tree-like species, and he's got a crown-like pattern around his head

that's where the nickname came from

one of the higher ranked on the ship

mostly does tech support/engineering

Queenie is fine in this AU also, she's just stationed a few systems over

so there's still longing but it's less tragic this time

she's also a Legally Distinct Tree Species™ with her own crown pattern

speaking of Queenie she has her own mini-ecosystem in her bark

Kinger normally hates bugs around him. but well she's softened him to them

hasn't really interacted with Reader all that much

but he would probably love to see the kind of coding languages we have

Ragatha

more of a cephalopod species, instead of yarn hair it's tentacles

ey! get your mind away from that gutter!

imagine like a much more alien version of an Inkling-Octoling

but with prehensile tentacle hair.. very useful (no I'm not jealous)

she definitely uses them as extra limbs for grasping stuff

but also is kinda prone to bumping them into stuff and people

super apologetic every time it happens too

works as medical/xenobiology

has a huge fascination with alien creatures used for work (like oh idk.. horses)

maybe a little overbearing when it comes to sapient xenobiology

and when she's assigned to do a more thorough (still non-invasive) exam on one of the new Terrans?

hope you're not squeamish around tentacles.. she lwk does her best work w them

Gangle

researches alien cultures and such, especially the arts

her species are kinda like feather stars but with like much longer feathers/feelers

they can kinda adapt their "body" to any shape they prefer

their 'true body' is usually in the center of their 'torso' regardless of form

and the 'ribbons' can adjust based on where they are, i.e. their 'hands' are more sensitive feelers than the rest of them

Gangle here still has the two faces, though it's a bit different than in the circus

think more like Good Cop and Bad Cop from The LEGO Movie

her mask/face can spin around and each of her two 'faces' has like a different personality

one of them is incredibly timid while the other is very excitable and eager

her species has that dual personality with their two faces and they can sorta switch

kinda like a mix between Good/Bad Cop and also Celestialsapiens from Ben 10 on that front

she has insane fixations on arts an animations.. definitely still a space weeb lol

if you have any media fixations she will not only listen to you infodump but also ask questions

really excited for when she'll be given the green light to dive into Earth media

Zooble

they kinda just do whatever they're assigned to, a jack of all trades if you will

kinda low-energy on the surface but they do actually try to some degree

their species are like. almost ghost-like but not really? (fuck I'm bad w explaining)

they have a kind of 'core' that's their real body but they can like 'possess' objects to make a proper body shape

each individual has their own body preferences. some of them just use full mannequins while others kinda mix-n-match

Zooble is the former.. but they're also having a ton of trouble finding an assortment that they feel fits them

they do carry a few limbs for more practical use, though those are about the only parts they use on a consistent basis

special arms for longer reach, special a-grav legs for difficult terrain or similar, etc.

Jax definitely knocks their parts off purely to fuck with them

Ragatha has also accidentally bonked them apart like a lego character by mistake sometimes

lwk considering magnetic clasps to keep their limbs attached so they don't fall apart easily

bc normally once one of their species gets the parts for their True Self they kinda hold together better

sorta like when that one ghost in UT becomes so furious she merges with the Mew Mew doll

they haven't interacted with the Terrans much but they're mostly neutral on us so far

though also wondering if we'll have some ideas that'll get them their ideal body

Pomni

trying to figure out what the hell to make Pomni was a process

do i make her a Space Jester™? do we dive into the uncanny valley?

well thanks to a certain bestie, her species is basically space kitsune

their ears resemble jester hats and they're lil silly fopies

they can also basically do simple illusions. they get Minor Illusion as a Racial Feat

despite writing this au for x reader i still support the funnybunny agenda

Pomni is smol compared to Jax. she can perch on his back without bothering him

they also totally 'hang out' by her just chilling in his tummy. neither admit to it publically ofc

imagine that her race also instinctually likes small and snug spaces. so that's that too

she's basically just an intern on the research ship, doing smaller chores and stuff

oh yeah also her species do age and mature slower than most species

and they grow extra tails when they hit certain age milestones

in Earth Years she's mid-20s and has two tails by now

the tails don't really grant them more power like Kitsune. just a sign of age

hasn't actually interacted with a Terran directly yet.. only been assigned intern stuff

(idk ive only heard a few stories online from interns)

but from what she's picked up she finds us really interesting

definitely gonna be curious when she finds out about our mythology trickster foxes...

Jax

the lanky hare creechurr you're already familiar with

definitely a "showing up for the paycheck" kind of guy

as seen he definitely has a habit of eating people

imagine that his species either has like a weaker digestion

maybe some of them genuinely use it as a sign of closeness sometimes

he kinda does whatever he gets assigned to do kinda like Zooble

jack-rabbit of all trades (i am not sorry)

though he's usually not put on assignment with Zooble. for obvious reasons

although he's recently been assigned more to a particular Terran specimen 👀

he somehow gets a lot of data out of them.. so they put him on the jobs more often

bites as a sensory thing. a bunch of stuff in his room has his teeth marks in it

definitely gnaws on bones like the feral entity he likes to behave as sometimes

likes to tuck himself away into the most cramped and uncomfortable looking places sometimes

secret naps in-between the wall panels type shit

(definitely not projecting this nope not me)

totally has flavor preferences for people he's eaten but would never admit that out loud

once again big thanks to ken for helping with the ideas

brace ya'llselves bc there is in fact more Alien Jax coming :>

Welcome to the Amazing Digital Circus! A digital locale that traps your mind into a digital avatar while a floating set of dentures (accidentally(?)) puts you through a torment nexus every day in the form of random Adventures. Of course, you're not in it alone, you've got a group of misfits who all have their own thoughts about the whole situation.. but at least you're not losing your mind alone! Instead, you've had the misfortune of your digital avatar being small.. not like a midget, no your avatar is tiny, absolutely miniscule, so even clearing the hallway from your room to the rest of the circus is an ordeal. (Thankfully Caine was able to grant you help in the mobility department, but it's a cold comfort, all things considered.)

Among the cast of people you're trapped in here with is Jax, a bunny that seems to be the only one unlucky enough to still get hungry.. and of course he takes any excuse he can to take advantage of your size and gobbling you up like a snack. Not to mention he takes every opportunity he can to mock you for your smaller size. Now, as scary as this whole thing sounds--not to say it isn't scary, you don't think you'll ever get used to getting snatched up by a hungry rabbit--you've started getting used to getting eaten constantly, and it's kind of just become a little routine at this point.

This brings us to today, where you and Jax were just passively chilling in the main area of the circus tent.. not exactly hanging out, but just existing near each other. You don't get eaten by a guy a few dozen times without getting at least a little close. Fortunately, you had gotten familiar enough with Jax to know that he wasn't hungry (yet), so you felt a little bit safe. You were just sitting on a table, doing whatever hobby you'd been able to pick up while in the circus.. when you had a sixth sense moment, feeling a familiar yellow gaze on you.

Looking over towards Jax, you see him staring at you, pupils wider than normal.. you could tell he wasn't hungry, but aside from that you couldn't tell what he was thinking. So you just asked. "What are you scheming this time?"

His perpetual grin turns smug at your words, a look that you and everyone else is far too familiar with. "And what makes you think I'm 'scheming' anything, tiny?"

Your reputation, for one… "The fact that you only ever get that exact look on your face when you're either already up to something or about to do something."

He stands up, over-dramatically putting a hand to his chest. "You wound me, pipsqueak! And here I thought we were making headway together."

You can't help but roll your eyes, a twinge of amusement in your voice. "Just because I know you inside and out--emphasis on the inside--doesn't mean I'm not above calling you out y'know?"

Jax walks over toward you as you talk, and you get the feeling of something about to happen. "Alright alright, ya got me.. but ya can't stop me from doing it!"

He doesn't give you a chance to run before his gloved hand snaps out and yoinks you into his grasp, the sudden movement startling you, while the familiar grip just tight enough around your body that the air gets squeezed out (ignore the fact that none of your bodies have lungs), and you brace for the familiar ride down to the bunny's belly.

"Y'know I been wanting to try this one out for a while… You're a bite-sized pint, so why don't you join me for a bite! Or rather, a few of 'em."

Suddenly his toothy grin is a lot more sharp, and it clicks in your mind what exactly he plans on doing. "Oh no you don't! You rascally—"

And you were quickly cut off by being tossed into the rabbit's maw, and instead of feeling yourself quickly gulped down, you instead felt the sharp and pointy teeth biting into you. Of course, thanks to the nature of the circus, being made into a chew toy doesn't hurt as much as it should.. but you'd be lying if you said it was anywhere near comfortable.

You suddenly feel everything around you vibrate around you as Jax starts talking. "Y'know, this is actually pretty nice.. definitely gonna do this more often."

Through the slight but persistent ringing in your ears and the feeling of being chewed on like a dog toy, all you could do was just endure until Jax either got tired and spat you back out.. or, more likely, until he gets hungry and you become the most convenient snack ever.

so yeah getting chewed on by The Funny One

Slowly stirring to wakefulness, the first thing that you notice is that your bed feels a lot less comfortable than normal. The second thing you notice is what makes you realize that this is not, in fact, your bed: the fact that your arms and legs were snugly secured in some kind of shackles, with your arms being raised up above you. With the revelation that you were not in your bed, and very likely not in your home, the rest of the exhaustion quickly leaves your body, letting you get a look at wherever the hell you are. And the more you look around, the more you're certain that you're either in some kind of elaborate set, or your luck has run so dry that you've been completely abducted by aliens.

'Well.. aliens or not, I've definitely been abducted.'

Unfortunately, the table(?) you're strapped to isn't in the best position to be looking around the room you're in, but the stuff you can see slowly starts to look less face the more you look at it.. but when you hear a hiss that sounds exactly like what you'd hear in a sci-fi, followed by some footsteps in your blindspot. All things considered, sounds coming from your blindspot isn't that had given how you're strapped down. From behind you, out steps something you never could have anticipated. You weren't completely sure what you were expecting, maybe a little gray man, maybe a Xenomorph or Yautja or something. What you didn't expect was a tall, lanky figure that almost looked like some kind of hare, complete with tall ears and a somewhat long head, and.. overalls? Their eyes and teeth were a similar shade of yellow--which you could only tell because their expression looked like a toothy grin--while their fur color was somewhere between lavender and Purple Dye.

They glance at you with a tilted head, almost looking like a limp neck, barely regarding you otherwise as they fiddled with some device above you, the sounds of various beeps and clicks filling the air alongside some kind of sound that you can only guess to be them muttering.. at least you think they're muttering, their lips are moving slightly but their teeth aren't openi—

"-shouldn't even need to recalibrate this damn thing.. when I figure out who skipped out on it…"

'Oh, so these aliens have translator tech, of course they do.'

His gaze looks down at you head-on, the gaze almost uncanny. "Well looks like they're not completely incompetent.. 'least they got the right language this time."

'Shit did I say that out loud-' You shake your head to clear your thoughts before looking up at him.

"So, normally I'm supposed to do this whole speech about the Intergalactic Union.. real creative name, that one, but the gist is that we're here to check out your species and see if you're considered intelligent enough to be brought into the fold of the Galactic Community (trademark), or if your little system here is gonna be considered a wildlife preserve for a few dozen generations."

You blink, not really knowing what exactly to say.. so you end up just blurting out the first passenger on your train of thought. "So like- you're trying to figure out if we're smart enough to be people yet?"

He tilts his head the other way, not answering for a moment before turning towards a Space Cupboard™ while he speaks. "Yeah, basically. Though, you primates are already smart enough to get protections, but there's one hell of a gap between Tech Levels, so don't hold your breath– There it is!"

He grabs out something that you're about 78% sure is some kind of brain scanner, and you can't help but lean away as much as your bindings will allow. "Calm down, brainwashing tech's banned in like twelve territories, where was I.. oh yeah! Tech Levels."

As he stalks back towards you--despite probably not meaning to, his lanky build makes even just walking normally looks like a hunter stalking its prey--a question pops itself into your head. "What exactly are these tech levels? Something like the Kardashev Scale?"

There's a pause, and he takes a moment to grab some kind of tablet and look at it, probably looking up what the Kardashev Scale even is. With an understanding hum, he walks back over to you and puts on the headgear, still yapping while sticking electrodes on your temples.

"Eh, kinda, but it's a bit more specific than that. Y'see, your planet's just barely in Level 3 with your nuclear stuff.. but ya use it so rarely that people think you're still Level 2. Either way, Level 2 is the point where you go from 'isolation and observation' to 'protected observation', lucky you!"

You feel the brain scanner adjusted and snugged on your head as he finishes up the explanation. "Now then, this is gonna maybe sting a little so don't freak out.. or do! That'll just add to the readings for the labcoats to deal with~"

Before you could even try to protest, you feel a very slight jolt and a faint electric humming that seemed to resonate through your skull. From there, the lagomorph starts to read off a questionnaire that he sounded completely bored with, tested various stimuli--weird images and odd sounds--and did some non-invasive physical examinations, though he did have to feel you up a bit for some of it, and you got up-close and personal with the little claws on his hands. All in all, you've definitely had more uncomfortable checkups, except this time you're actually bound to an examination table and getting groped by an actual alien.

"That's just about everything.. dammit did I finish early? If I go back now then Ah'Bel is gonna make me do busywork…"

'So shitty managers are a universal constant, huh?' Feeling sympathy, you speak up toward him for the first time in a while. "I mean.. nothing says you gotta go back now, yeah? I won't tell if you don't."

He blinks, eyes widening slightly, pupils shrinking a bit as he leans his head in a bit closer.. and after an almost uncomfortable silence, he laughs, his teeth finally parting for the first time, albeit briefly. "Hah! I like you, maybe I could see about keeping you around… For long-term analysis, obviously, right? Anyways.. not that it's gonna matter when we wipe you afterwards, but the name's Jax."

You give him your name, and he does that head tilt that starts to look less crooked the more he does it. He tests the name quietly a few times before looking at you head-on again. Before he could say something again, you heard a rumble that sounded familiar. Jax places a hand over where you assume his stomach is, grumbling softly to himself.. before his expression changes in a way that you can almost see the space-lightbulb over his head.

"I got just the thing for this~"

He steps to the side of the table you're restrained on, pressing a few buttons which unlocks the shackles holding you in place, causing you to fall to the floor. Thankfully, the gravity feels somewhat lighter. When you stand back up, you realize exactly how tall Jax is, because even though he's crouched like some kind of cryptid, your face is only up to his belly.

"What was the saying you used before? 'I won't tell if you don't'? Just don't freak out on me, human."

Before you could question what he meant, though you had some kind of idea, you watched his maw open wide and felt his hands grip you by the shoulders, holding you in place while he pulls your whole head into his mouth. You try and kick your legs, but it doesn't help as he takes his time to taste you.. before you feel him push you in further. With the ease of someone who's done this before, all you can hear is the gulping of his throat around you before you're dropped into a dark, tight chamber.

'Did he just eat me?! ...I should probably be more freaked out about this—'

Your thoughts were interrupted by a burp and a hand supporting you from below. Jax speaks, but his voice sounds muffled through his body. "Damn you Earthlings are heavy.. not that that's a bad thing, you're really filling~ Aaand if I didn't know better I'd say you like this, after all I've never had someone struggle so little before~"

You felt him shuffle over to what must be a chair of some sort, falling into it with a deep sigh. "Like, I know I said to not freak out, but I wasn't expecting this much acceptance, heh. Don't worry, you'll be out before too long.. just until I've had enough of being nice and full~"

Curled up in the stomach of an alien, you relaxed to the gentle sensations around you.. the gentle growling of the stomach around you, the alien heartbeat above you, the sounds of his breathing--and occasional teasing--and the feeling of his hand gently rubbing along your back.

As you felt sleep calling for you, you wondered if the whole 'protected species' status would let you be a pet or something…

i went with Jax having a more hare-like design to lean into the inhuman qualities

and honestly Hare Jax is such a cool design??? it makes him like 66% more scrunkly imho

also size difference because yes please

anyways

Groggily, the Prince of the Dark gradually stirs to wakefulness, shifting under the blankets before slowly sitting up with a stretch. Rubbing the tiredness from their eyes, Fern reaches a hand out for the vines around their bed to pass them their glasses.. but nothing happens. Confused, but still a bit too tired to think properly, they just reach over to the nightstand and grab the glasses themselves, and with the lenses now resting on their snout, they're able to properly register something they'd forgotten in their sleep: This isn't their room. There's a brief wave of panic that overtakes them before they start to recall the events of the prior day, replacing the panic with a small well of sadness. I hope my plants will be okay…

Putting the more sad thoughts aside, Fern gets up out of bed and begins on their morning routine; washing their clothes (as it was the only set they had at the moment), washing up themselves, and finally making their way down to the kitchen area of the palace to cook themselves something to eat, but as they start to get a few ingredients, they have a sudden thought. Wait.. maybe I should make something for Lucifer.. he let me stay here in his palace, after all.

With the new goal in mind, they look over the ingredients they have to choose from, noting that most of it was very different that what they were used to.. but they hoped it would be similar enough that they could make do. Fortunately for the prince, the ingredients they'd picked out were just close enough to make their favorite food: pancakes! If only I had the proper ingredients.. I would love to be able to make my usual recipe. Despite the limitation, they whipped up some batter, and after some proper taste-testing, they made a proper batch for their kind host.

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Lucifer was spending his morning like he spent many a morning before, continuing to work on his newest project! This time he was trying something a little new.. a ghost duck! Well– a duck wearing a sheet ghost costume, but still! He'd already gotten the duck itself made, but he wanted it to be special just like all of his others! He already had one that could shoot fire, but this one.. well, what better unique-ness for a ghost than making it float? It was one hell (no pun intended) of a process to make the effect he wanted, the effect being that the duck looks like it's bobbing upright in water rather than just floating normally, but he was getting closer, he could feel it! All it needed now was one final touc—

Knock knock knock.

Despite the commotion that happened behind the door of Lucifer's room, nobody would be able to prove definitively that the Sin of Pride leapt into the air like a cat at the sudden noise, he definitely wouldn't confirm nor deny such a thing. After a brief panic, wondering who the here is in the palace, he remembers the events of earlier that day. Oh right.. that new arrival who somehow isn't a Sinner.. I forgot I'd let them stay here. Quick as a snap--literally, because he'd rather not be caught in just is pajamas again--he's dressed up in his usual dress, gently opening the door and peeking out. Standing outside his room is indeed his new guest, with– are those pancakes? Indeed, in their hands was a plate of pancakes.

Fern's expression lightens up slightly when his door opens up. "Good morning! I was making something for myself downstairs, and well.. I wanted to make you something as a thank you for letting me stay here."

Good morning? There's no way that whole situation happened last night! I would've… Lucifer cuts off that train of thought because no, he would not in fact have noticed that night had fallen. He reaches out and accepts the breakfast, catching a faint whiff of the still somewhat-warm pancakes. "Thank you, Fern, these look pretty good. Did you.. did you make these yourself? I don't think I had any batter in the kitchen…"

They nod enthusiastically, holding their hands together in front of them. "Mhm! It took a bit of doing because I couldn't really tell what ingredients would work like the ones I'm used to.. but I got it done in the end! I hope you like them."

Without another word, they bow their head before walking away, presumably back down to the kitchen. For his part, Lucifer was still a little surprised at how kind this Fern fellow seems to be. If they were actually a Sinner then I might have some strong words for someone upstairs… Gently setting down the plate, he quickly gets himself a bit tidied up, even changing into something a little more comfortable, before sitting down at his windowsill and starting to eat. Despite them no longer being warm, they were surprisingly good for something that was just about fully improvised.

Looking down into the garden and seeing the fluffy prince start to tend to all the plants, a thought crosses the fallen angel's mind. Maybe things won't be so bad around here.. they're already making for nice company.

It was a usual day in the Prince's castle, another lonely day.. but they were far too used to the solitude for it to bother them one bit. Prince Fern, the lonely ruler of an empty town, normally spending their days tending to their plants--their only companions in the isolated realm--but today was somewhat different. Recently, they had decided to explore the vast library within the walls of their castle, amazed at all the different books there were to read. Never could they have imagined what they'd find! Picking out a stack of various books, they retreat into their room to spend plenty of time reading, starting one with an interesting looking book with a five-point star shape on the cover.

The first thing they noticed was the strange words, it took them a few times to get to the pronunciations to a point they were satisfied with, and as they were doing so they realized the book must be some kind of spell book! Even if they were fine with the little bits of magic they had, they wouldn't turn down the chance to learn something new. Eventually, after fumbling over another string of syllables and reciting it out to themselves.. something happened. Looking up, above their bed, looked to be a hole in the air itself, that same star shape slowly rotating on a background of red before slowly shifting to reveal somewhere new.

Before the Prince could admire the view--a town larger than any they could ever hope to even imagine--the portal suddenly began to pull them into it. Panicked, they tried to reach for the vines around their bed, hoping their magic could give it the strength to anchor them down.. but the pull was too strong and too fast, and before they knew it they were falling, the strange tome reflexively gripped in one arm.

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Y'know, staying inside and making rubber ducks constantly might be considered by some to be a waste of time.. but hey, nobody would be likely to say that to the Lucifer Morningstar! Okay maybe they might if they saw him in his current state: a matching set of duck-themed pajamas, duck slippers, several nights of bedhead, and dark circles that stood out doubly against the fallen angel's pale skin. The result of said dark circles was unfortunately common, the result of his spending several days and nights straight without resting while attempting to perfect his craft. Nothing would be able to distract him from his current masterpiece, not if Heaven itself opened up above the Pentagram, not even at the sound of someone falling past his window and crashing into the garden!

. . . Wait a minute— As soon as his mind caught up, it was like a cord had been cut through; the razor-sharp focus replaced with an anxious curiosity, mentally retracing the sound to the window. Nervously, he makes his way over to said window, and with a squeeze to one of his stress ball ducks, he peers down through the window into the garden and sees what he hoped he wouldn't: a figure, lying in a small crater. Okay, okay, calm down Lucifer.. it's just one Sinner, and they at least looked passed out.. from up here- whatever! You can do this.. just gotta get downstairs and blink them out of the palace grounds with a snap.

Steeling his resolve, he quickly makes his way out of his room.. before realizing how hungry he was, when did he last eat? Taking a very brief detour, he makes a pit stop at the kitchen to eat something.. and to drink some water, because he suddenly felt quite thirsty. Alright, no more stalling! Wait.. when did his hair get like this?! Okay, hair first, then deal with the Sinner. Of course, taming the wild tangle of hair took longer than expected, and when he had realized how long he'd taken he quickly rushed towards the garden, hoping the Sinner outside was still out cold.

Looking through the doorway, the first thing he notices is the way the plants seem.. almost drawn towards them, having slowly grown in their direction while he was distracted; the second thing was the tome they were holding, a tome with a pentagram on the cover. Oh man.. how did they get that? Carefully plucking the book into his hands--being sure to not stir the Sinner awake--he opened it up and quickly began to read, soon coming across a spell that would, "open a gateway into the infernal pits", although with most everything being written in a long-dead Roman dialect there was no way that soul knew what they were getting into.

Lucifer was pulled from his thoughts when he heard something he'd hoped to avoid.. the sounds of the soul waking up. Nope, nope, nope! Abort mission! Quick as a flash--almost literally, as he nearly teleported back inside on reflex--he retreated indoors and watched the Sinner slowly stir awake through the window. Actually looking at them properly, he's able to take in their form, looking goat-like, having white fur and short horns, with a sleeveless green tunic and even a laurel crown.

Slowly they stirred to consciousness, one arm tiredly fumbling around, likely looking for the tome they'd had, and when their mind caught up to their hand and realized it wasn't there, they shot up quickly before wincing and grabbing at their head.

"Ow… First I lose the book, and now.. I think I hit my head pretty bad…"

Lucifer's eyes widen slightly at the green glow that manifests in the hand they held their head with, a soothed look crossing their face along with a sigh.

"Ahh.. that's better. Oh! Hello there!" He almost worried he'd been seen, until he saw the Sinner.. talking to the plants? "Oh you poor things.. you haven't been taken care of properly, have you?"

The ruler then watched as they seemed to use their magic on each of the plants, the garden seeming much more lively one plant at a time as this new soul made their rounds. Without thinking, he moves back over to the door, peering out slightly and seeing that yes, the plants seemed more lively than he remembered them looking. What was this sort of person doing with a tome like this?

Eventually, they made their way around the entire garden, a warm smile on their face, though their demeanor didn't stop Lucifer from flinching when they noticed him. "Oh! Hello there! Um.. s-sorry for intruding, is this garden yours?"

Damn it all, Lucifer! Now they've spotted you! Stay calm, just.. at least try to stay calm. "Y-Yes- well actually- not really- that is to say um-" Great going… "Well.. it was more of something my daughter did before she moved out."

"I see.." They seem to realize something, a shy look appearing on their face soon after. "S-Sorry, I didn't introduce myself.. I'm Fern, it's nice to meet you!"

Lucifer was stunned, did they not know who he was? Is that even possible? "Um.. it's nice to meet you, Fern." He contemplated giving his name, before deciding to do so to test a theory. "I'm Lucifer, Lucifer Morningstar."

"Morningstar.. that's a nice name! It's nice to meet you, Lucifer!"

With a bright smile, they step forward, offering out their hand, making him realize how close they'd gotten. Taking Fern's hand, he feels just how soft their fur is as they shake hands.

"Say, um.. would you happen to know where I am? I was reading this book I'd found, and then this.. hole opened up and pulled me in."

Where is this guy from if he's never heard of Hell? "W-Well uh.. I could explain here, but.. it's gonna be a lot- and I don't think I'm that great at explaining, and-" He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. "Do you um.. wanna come inside maybe?"

With a cheery agreement, the ruler leads the prince inside.. completely forgetting he was still in his jammies until his guest gives a.. very genuine sounding compliment, though that did not stop his embarrassment. Sitting in the living room, Lucifer first asks Fern about themselves, wanting to get to know what lead them to possess the tome.. and he never could have guessed what their answer was. According to Fern, they were a Prince, with nobody to rule over besides a castle's worth of plants they grew all on their own. Speaking of castle, apparently they also lived in some isolated realm that was always dark. So how does he grow anything if there's no kind of sun..? Fern told him they just.. found the book in some vast library within their castle and began reading the spells aloud without knowing what they would do--something he gently lectured them about.

Then came time for Lucifer to explain.. about as best he could, at the very least. Despite it being kind of a scatterbrained and disjointed explanation, Fern listened attentively, though their expression went more neutral as more and more was explained. Eventually, having run out of things he could think of to elaborate on, Lucifer looked over to Fern, seeing them being possibly deep in thought.

"So.. this place is where.. bad people go?"

"Well, that's very simplified.. and not 100% accurate nowadays, but basically."

They nod slightly before looking at him. "And.. you're the ruler down here?"

"S-Something like that, yeah.. though I don't really do much nowadays…"

"I see… Well, I- I don't have anywhere to go.. would- would it be alright if I stayed with you?" Before Lucifer could even respond on reflex, Fern speaks up again quickly. "I-It's fine if not! I just- I figured I could m-maybe help out around here.. I'm used to cleaning up big places, and I could tend to the plants too!"

Their almost timid demeanor made Lucifer actually think about his answer… Sinners are terrible, but.. if they're not lying, then they're technically not a Sinner.. plus, Father knows I won't be able to get myself to clean much of anything. Not to mention.. maybe it won't be so bad to have some company…

"Sure.. I think I've got some spare rooms you can pick from."

With the prince bearing a soft smile, Lucifer lead them through his palace, a small bond already having formed between the two.

have i mentioned how Fern was partly inspired by Pan?

they play pan pipes (made of reeds they grow themselves) and have plenty of plant magic to tend to their gardens ^^

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It had been a while since Jax began to open up the slightest bit to his roomie, though only really in the form of not hiding away their guitar playing whenever he needs to play his emotions out. To give Splyce credit, they never ask him about anything, just listening and letting him get everything out of his system, and on the more rare occasion where Jax feels like playing more recreationally, well.. they're really supportive about it, and honestly? It's almost a relief that he feels so safe to open up around someone new, like a weight he never noticed was lifting off his shoulders.

Early one evening, on a day neither had many classes, Jax was tuning his guitar while Splyce was just scrolling social media on his phone while a copy was playing Minecraft on their laptop. The one on their phone perks up at something, a quick "huh" before they go to scroll past.

Jax looks up from his guitar, head tilted ever so slightly.

"What's up?"

The rabbit looks at the post, which seemed to be some kind of poster to advertise the event; there was a small stage with a stool and mic, along with spotlights pointing at it, and of course the text advertising the contest.

Splyce looks over from their phone, showing him the screen as he talks.

"Zooble retweeted a post from some college bar nearby, apparently there's some 'open act' night, says winner gets a free order every day 'til the rest of the semester."

"So what, some kinda talent show? And why's mix-and-match retweeting that anyways, they plan to enter or somethin'?"

"So what, you planning on doing something, copy/paste?"

Already checking their account, Splyce hums softly.

"Huh, turns out they've been working that bar for a while now. Neat."

"Nah, don't really got any skills I could do on a stage. Though.. you could go up there, if ya wanted."

Jax is a little surprised at the suggestion, turning his head away.

"I don't think I'm anything special.. sure I can play a little, but I don't really do crowds…"

Without looking up from the laptop, the other Splyce speaks up.

"You'd get to brag about winning. Pretty sure Zooble does some music too."

Seeing Jax's confidence puts a soft smile on Splyce's face as they get up and get ready to head out. After a bit, Jax packs up his guitar in its case and the two make the trek to the college bar, Zooble themselves being visibly pretty surprised at Jax coming to sign up for the contest, doubly so when they see his guitar. Splyce for their part made sure to be there for Jax, being one heck of a hype man--both in the crowd and just off to the side of the stage at the same time. When the time actually came for Jax's turn, a few heads were turned, people who recognized his name were curious as to what performance was about to happen.

There's a moment of pause, Jax looking down at his guitar, before looking forward, his usual cocky grin crosses his face.

"Now you're speaking my language, roomie. Lemme get this old girl tuned up and we'll head on out."

With a deep breath, Jax nods before stepping up onto the stage, testing the mic--which thankfully didn't feedback the speakers--and strumming a few strings. There was an unfortunately timed cough from the crowd, and then.. after a moment, Jax starts to play. Not something like he'd do to destress from the day, no, this was one of his personal pieces.. not too personal, of course, but something he'd been working on on-and-off for quite a while. Now, when he started playing proper--not wearing the typical gloves he always wears, his claws making the strumming easier--there were a few expressions of surprise around the bar; so, of course, when he started singing as well, the surprise increased, with a couple people even switching their phone lights on and gently waving them in the air.

Just off the stage, Splyce was there, trying to ground the rabbit.

"You got this, you've got the strings and the chords to at least put on a good show. Get out there and show 'em what you're made of!"

When he finished after a couple minutes, there was silence across the bar.. a tension hanging in the air.. before the applause slowly started up, Splyce giving him a proud look and a thumbs up from the crowd and the stage, a couple people even cheering with a sharp whistle. For his part, Jax was a bit surprised, not exactly used to this kind of attention, but he recovers and takes a bit of a bow before heading off stage, and then over to where Splyce was sitting.

"You did great, Jax! They really liked your song."

The two stayed in the bar, watching a few other singers and some attempted stand-up comics--with varying levels of success, of course--before eventually the night was over and one of the waiters passed out notecards for everyone to vote on their favorite performance for the night, and after everyone's votes were taken and tallied, Zooble went up to the stage to announce the results.

"Yeah, I guess they did… Not really used to the applause though."

His ears drop slightly, but the excitement is still visible on his face a bit.

"Alright, we had some pretty good showings here tonight, so let's give a hand to everyone who came out here tonight."

They pause for everyone to clap and cheer a bit once more for everyone else.

"Now then, in third place we have.. Ming."

In the crowd, a person who looks like a blue art mannequin with a cap waves, with a little applause.

"In second place.. Gummigoo."

The tri-colored gator tips his hat, didgeridoo leaning against his chair.

The applause starts again, more cheers accompanying it this time, while the rabbit himself is stunned. Of course, he always figured he might win, but actually winning makes it more real than just the possibility. Sitting across from him, Splyce was incredibly excited, and in just a few moments Jax finds himself hoisted above the crowd by a small stack of aliens, almost cartoonishly so.

"Last but certainly not least, in first place…"

There's a brief and slight surprise that crosses their face, though they hide it before finishing.

"Everybody give it up for Jax!"

The hype dying down, a few rounds bought by some people who enjoyed the song, and one reward voucher later, a pair of tipsy roommates stumble back into their room, chuckling at the copy who'd stayed to game also having gotten tipsy, before Jax goes and sets his guitar down at the foot of his bed.

"Whew! That was one hell of a time! Those folks know how to treat people!"

Splyce, the more drunk of the two (mostly due to their smaller body) chuckled as they flops back into bed, pulling out their phone.

"Y-Yeah.. don't think I- hic -drank that much in a while, heh…"

Meanwhile, the other clone wasn't thrilled with how drunk they'd gotten.

"Do- Do you know how hard it is to- hic -navigate the Nether while getting wasted?"

The other two chuckle a bit, the room going silent for a few moments.. with Jax being the one to speak up next.

"Hey, roomie? Thank you for being there for me like ya did.. I never would'a done that on my own, so again.. thanks for that."

Splyce looks over from his phone, their mind taking a bit to process his words, followed by a crooked yet genuine smile crossed their face.

"No problem, Jax.. 'sides, what are friends for if not hyping each other up, eh?"

With another chuckle, the two slowly wound down before sleeping off that night's drinks. Of course, the following morning's hangover gave them a rough start to their day.

Jax pauses at their words, taking them in fully. They'd been roommates for a while now.. and sure, they were a little more than acquaintances, but.. he'd never thought of them as a friend, at least not actively… The more he thought about it, the more that label felt right to him.

"Yeah.. 'guess so. I'm gonna crash before you start getting more sappy, you should probably sleep that off too, copy/pase."

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as promised, the pic in question that started this all:

i'd originally planned to write this the same night (two days ago by now), but i just Had To grind Marvel Rivals to get the Lore Page at the end of the season pass

(here's hoping i don't have to do that again bc staying up that much sucked)

also-

Zooble working the bar and doing some music stuff was also from the same bestie

Gummigoo playing didgeridoo (that rhymes) was my idea.. couldn't think about anything more Aussie

Ming. I just had the goofy idea of them having the most dry jokes, jokes so unfunny that they loop around into being kinda funny but also ironically funny

anyways here it is!

.

Alright, it's just a new place, a new dorm.. and a new roomie.. no pressure. Brushing through his fur with his claws, Ryder makes his way through the dorm building before eventually finding the room he would soon be sharing. More like the room they're gonna have to share with me.. what with coming in a smidge late, after all. Making sure he's got all of his things together, he starts to make his way into the room, taking a look at the area, seeing about half of it left mostly untouched. With a quick breath to center himself, he gets to work unpacking his things, quickly losing himself in the task. Fortunately for him, he didn't have any classes for a few days, so he didn't have to worry too much about a deadline.

After the day's classes had come and gone, Jax was making his way to his dorm--well, the dorm he'd be sharing soon enough. He'd had a pretty normal day, ran into some bozos he'd probably hex later, the usual fare. Entering the room, he finds the new guy's already there, must've been here a while, given how much stuff's been unpacked. He quietly scans over the new additions to the room: some new sheets, posters, miniature cauldron, a weird-looking walking stick— Wait a minute, a cauldron? Rubbing his eyes to make sure he's seeing right, and he definitely is.. right there is a relatively small cauldron with some unlit coals under it and a bellows poking out.

From behind him, he hears the door opening and turns around to see who he assumes is his new roommate: a wolfman almost as tall as he is, most of his fur being red, with golden yellow running from the lower half of his muzzle and likely running down his front, and light gray at the ends of his hands and paws.

Their ears perk up slightly when they notice him; they were also holding a fast food bag. "Oh, hey.. you must be the roommate, yeah? Nice to meet you, name's Ryder."

He walks out, setting his food on the nightstand next to his bed before holding a hand out, which Jax shakes as he replies. "Jax. Didn't think I'd be sharing a space with my natural predator, what's the world comin' to?"

Ryder chuckles at that, sitting down onto his bed. "Don't worry, I won't bite.. without consent, at least. Anyways, you got some nice stuff here, hope mine doesn't make things too cramped for you."

"Nah, though I didn't expect to be put with another witch. What're the odds of that?"

There's a brief pause that hangs in the air, Ryder tilting his head slightly before realization crosses his face. "Oh! You mean the- no no no-" He starts to laugh slightly, scratching his face with one hand. "I'm not a witch, the cauldron's just for potion making.. so, more of an apothecary than anything. So, you're a witch, then?"

Internally cursing himself for assuming, Jax plays it off. "Yeah, apparently I get it from ma's side, I do a little hex here and there, heheh."

"Pretty cool.. I never was great with magic, only got a few tricks from a friend of mine; that's why I love potions so much, more skill than talent. You ever need a potion for something, I'll see what I can do."

"Really now? I could get a potion for anything?"

Clearly seeing the mischief in the rabbit's eyes, he flicks an ear slightly. "Well, normally I say 'don't ask, don't tell', but don't ask for something too nefarious, yeah? Don't put too much trouble into 'bubble bubble, toil and trouble', yeah?"

Oh yeah, those two will get along pretty well.

and another new sona! that makes... *checks notes* four out of nine (as of this post)

Ryder, technically my first sona, and the one I've had the longest is wolf basic? yeah, but wolves are cool...

he also inherited my obsession of Potion Craft in the form of, well, being a potion maker! and technically he also has magic too but i figured i should dial it down for this

anyways here's the lad:

*realizes i forgot to mention the horns* oh well he's also supposed to have glasses, but the glasses option in heroforge sucked so i didn't use them and the weird stick is supposed to be like. imagine the Nightmare Torch from HK as a staff (that's also why he's got a bright red flame), but again heroforge didn't have anything that good

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Absolute dogshit.. that's what this day's been so far. Of course, dealing with a campus of mostly loud people--which feels statistically improbable, but he'd never been the best with math--can be exhausting.. but even still, this day in particular just sucked. Jax just wanted to get back to his room as soon as he could and crash in his bed, maybe oversleep a bit because he didn't have any early classes tomorrow.

Opening the door and shutting it a bit more forcefully than intended, Jax basically drags himself the final stretch into the room before collapsing into his bed, eyes shut, and just.. allowing the tension to try and slowly leak out. Unfortunately, he no longer had his usual solitude for this, fortunately.. alright, he admits it, his roomie is such a ray of sunshine it's no wonder their plants don't photocopy just by being in his presence.

...that's the right word for it, right? Speak of the devil, Fern was already in the room when he trudged in, something he didn't realize until hearing their voice.

"Um.. Jax, are you okay? W-Well I mean- you're clearly exhausted, but uhm… Do you want to talk about it, maybe?"

If he hadn't seen them almost literally lighting up rooms all over campus, along with picking up on the most positive gossip, he'd definitely believe that there's no way someone can be that nice all the time.

Taking in a deep breath, Jax lets out a sigh--though with how tired he was, it came out more like a groan.

"Just. Too much people today. Wanna sleep. Maybe all day tomorrow."

Fern idly fidgets with their hands before speaking up again.

"I see… Is there anything I could maybe do to help?"

There's a pause before Jax lifts up his head, his eyes already bleary.

"Mmm.. you gonna sing me to sleep or summ?"

"W-Well, I do know a few lullabies.. I- I sometimes sing to my plants before bed…"

Despite the tiredness in his eyes, he can see the verdant blush on their face at the admission.

Flopping his head back, Jax lets out a more sigh-sounding sigh this time.

"Whatever.. knock yourself out… Actually, knock me out first if you could."

He hears them pad over to the side of his bed, and after another moment opens his eyes again, seeing Fern standing there next to him. They shyly reach a hand out towards him, stopping partway.

"U-Uhm, may I…?"

Jax thinks for a moment, one part of him instinctively pulling back from the thought of physical touch.. while the other, more dead-tired part of him didn't care that much.

"Go for it.. don't get used to it, though."

Fern then reaches to the top of his head, their very blunt claws feeling like heaven as they gently scratch through his fur. Internally Jax lets out a sigh bigger than his lung capacity, already feeling himself starting to unwind. Then, Fern starts singing.. he doesn't recognize the melody, but he feels the tension in his body falling away with each lyric, with every ounce of exhaustion being replaced with a more cozy sleepiness…

Jax pretty quickly drifts off, with Fern continuing for a while until they see him relax completely, his now-evened breathing continuing steadily. With a warm smile, Fern moves to go to their own bed and get ready for the night. What they don't expect, however, is for Jax to suddenly--almost cartoonishly, they dare say--pull them into his bed, holding them close and nuzzling into their fur. For their part, Fern is entirely out of their element, but eventually calms down enough to just.. let this moment be. He seems so calm.. I can't take that from him, especially not after the day he's had…

Of course, that night would forever stay between the two of them, especially with Jax having zero memory of dragging his roomie into an impromptu cuddle session, and Fern being such a terrible natural liar that he believed them when he got their side of what happened after he fell asleep. Not to mention, as much as he wouldn't admit it for the longest time.. Jax didn't remember the last time he'd slept as sound as he did that night.

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Like most people, Jax usually has multiple things on his mind, but today there was something in particular he kept thinking of: the fact he would be getting a new roommate at some point soon. Of course, he'd never admit that he was a little nervous about it, wondering what they might be like.. or if they might judge him… Nope, not those thoughts today. He shakes his head to try and clear his thoughts like an etch-a-sketch, soon coming up to the door to his soon-to-be-shared dorm room.

Opening the door and heading inside, he's immediately met by a faint but recognizable plant smell. Are they already here? Walking into the room, he sees that one half has quite a few belongings that weren't there when he'd left, and of course there was the person he presume to be his new roommate. They looked to be some kind of goat, and had set up several potted plants around their side of the room, alongside some other belongings.

Apparently he'd been staring a bit too long, because they turned around and jumped slightly. "O-Oh! Hello there! You must be my new roommate, it's great to meet you."

Hell of a first impression, their personality's bright enough to light up half of campus. "Yeah, I'm guessing you're the one they told me about. Name's Jax.. got a green thumb there, bud?"

That seemed to brighten up their personality even more, a bit of a sparkle appearing in their green eyes. "Mhm! I had a bunch of them back home, but.. I couldn't bring all of them. Thankfully, I had a good friend who was willing to take care of them while I'm away. Of course, I couldn't leave all of them behind…"

Jax watches as they delicately hold one of the plant's leaves, seeming to whisper something to it, before they seemed to had some form of realization, their expression suddenly shifting into an embarrassed expression.

"I'm so sorry– I never introduced myself!" They reached out a hand, some verdant green seemingly staining their otherwise clean, white fur. "My name's Fern, and again, it's nice to meet you, Jax."

After a slightly hesitant moment, Jax reached out and shook their hand. "So, you some kinda 'plant-whisperer' or somethin'?"

"W-Well.. I wouldn't say that exactly… Even though my Magic can control plants a little, I can't really talk with them, I just.. understand them, I guess. I've always been able to."

Jax blinked, his mind still processing the mention of magic. Of course, some people actually had some kind of abilities, but full-blown magic was rare, if not far-fetched. "Plant magic? Ya pulling my leg here?"

They shook their head, ears flopping a bit with the motion. "Nope, it's.. well, something else I've always had. Here, watch!"

He does indeed watch as Fern reaches a hand out towards one of their plants, a light green glow appearing in their hand and slightly emanating from the plant, a vine seeming to grow out towards them. Okay.. that's sorta cool actually.

"I don't really use it much unless something's really wrong, like if I missed some root rot.. though, I still feel bad every time… Oh yeah! I also know a little Healing Magic too!"

Jax chuckled slightly. "Bet'cha save a fortune on band-aids like that.. 's a pretty nifty trick to have."

Maybe this year will be pretty alright.

╚═══════════════╝

for lack of a better descriptor, Fern (they/them) is basically a "Ralsei-Sona" I love them so much they're such a soft and precious bean

╔═══════════════╗

"Man.. what's a guy gotta do to get a good meal in this damn jungle?"

Slithering through the trees was an odd sight to some, a lavender-colored naga, though his upper half wasn't entirely human; instead, he bore the same purple-lavender color as fur, his hands being thicker with yellow scales, yellow eyes and an equally golden smile, but most interestingly were the rabbit ears poking from the top of his head. Jax was the name he'd chosen for himself, as most nagas tend to do, and he was quite the hunter, if he were to brag (something he did often, with or without an audience).

Currently, Jax was quite famished, and unfortunately for him, he wasn't having much luck with finding any prey.. and that was starting to turn 'hungry' into 'hangry' pretty quickly at this point, almost as if all the prey had been scared off by something, like maybe—

"Aw man.. I look away for one second and I lose the entire group?! Just my luck…"

Jax blinks at the sudden voice. A lost tourist would also do that. As he feels another pang of hunger, an idea solidifies in his mind. Carefully slithering through the treetops, making sure to be as silent as possible, the naga heads towards where he heard the voice call out from. Eventually, he finds his target.. though, not in the way he'd expected. Through the brush, he saw their glow before he saw them directly; reaching a nearby tree, Jax looks down and gets a good look at his prey.

Standing on the jungle floor, lost as a puppy, was.. well, the best way to describe the guy was a ghost of some sort: glowing body, glowing blue eyes, and Jax could almost sense a faint chill emanating from their body. They had an outfit that, while not regal in any stretch of the word, still looked a bit fancy for someone taking a tour through a jungle, paired with some boots and--possibly the most interesting part--a crown with a nice big, red, and also glowing gemstone that floated just above their head.

They looked around a bit before deciding on another, likely random, direction to head down towards. Jax suppressed a chuckle as he followed them, practically stalking his prey while he waited for the right moment to make himself known. Damn, these clueless types always make it so easy… It wasn't long before they paused again, taking in their surroundings and probably trying to figure out which direction might maybe just take them back to civilization if they're lucky enough.

Seeing his moment, Jax slowly coils his way down the tree, making sure to only have his upper body visible from behind it, hiding his coils as best he can. With his usual smug grin, he finally makes himself know.

"What's a thing like you doing out here all alone?"

They jumped slightly at the sudden sound of his voice, something that made his grin widen, even moreso as they seem to shyly avoid eye contact.

"U-Um yeah, I'm.. kinda lost– Where did you come from? I didn't hear you walking up to me…"

"Oh, just call it a.. personal trick I've got. Y'know, it's getting awfully dark.. you already stick out, but boy you'd just be a beacon for anything that wants to come and gobble you up~"

That seems to get them a little more nervous, their eyes darting around a bit. Oh, they really are just too easy. Jax knew exactly what to do now.

"Hey now, didn't anyone tell ya it's polite to look someone in the eyes?"

They pause briefly, a faint golden blush dusting their face. "S-Sorry, I'm just.. a-a bit nervous with eye contact…"

Silently, Jax slithers out towards them, his eyes already dancing with colors.. pink, blue, white.. all alternating in a literally hypnotic pattern. "C'mon, just one look? I promise it'll be quick~"

He can see the contemplation in their face, and for just a split second their eyes meet his, and Jax can see how quickly the effect takes. Like a switch being flipped, all the visible anxiety just melts away, their eyes hopelessly fixed to his, a dumb, tired grin slowly crossing his face.

Jax can't help the chuckle that escapes him this time. "Holy shit, you were really easy.. a shame, I was kinda hoping for some struggling."

With practiced movements, his tail comes around and starts to coil around them, though he does flinch slightly at how cold their body is to the touch. Geez, they really are a ghost, huh? Keeping the spirals in his eyes, there's not even a moment of struggle as he gets his prey nice and snug in his coils.

"Well, a cold meal's still a meal.. bottom's up!~"

All it took was a minute before the ghost was no longer visible, swallowed whole and tucked away in the naga's belly. Interestingly, Jax noted that his hypnosis didn't seem even close to wearing off the entire time.. maybe the sucker's just got a loose mind. Carefully making his way back into the treetops with his meal secured, Jax drapes himself across some branches, seeing the person-shaped bulge in his tail.

Despite himself, he couldn't help some of the thoughts floating around his mind as he felt himself start to drift off.

"Hey…" yawn "If you're still in there when I wake up.. maybe I get to toy with you some more~"

Meanwhile, inside his stomach.. the ghost's eyes still faintly reflected the naga's hypnotic spirals, but even still, they heard Jax's words, and though he wouldn't see it, a deeper blush colored their face.

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eheheh.. coils 🤤

hey, i said this was a self-indulgent writing blog, you know what you came here fore

oh yeah also! the sona this time is Coco, my Boo-sona who's also got an anthro form you might recognize him as the character i've got as my pfp for my main blog @/golde-ruby

here is their anthro form for proper reference:

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It had only been a couple weeks since Jax and Splyce had gotten into something of a routine in regards to the former's feeding requirements. Every few days, in the late evening, Splyce would split out a few copies for Jax to feed from before they merged back into themself. Of course, for Splyce, the lightheadedness he was feeling from their duplicates was still a little intense, but they were slowly getting used to it. And if Jax had any thoughts about the arrangement outside of its convenience, then who's to say?

One day, it was a rarer moment where the two were in the same place that wasn't during lunch or in their room. It was a job fair that the college had arranged for everyone. Currently, Jax was just drifting about, not really paying that much attention to anything.. but then he noticed something. There, across the room, Splyce was chatting with someone--no, not just that, another vampire. He could tell, in the way they had a near lack of blood scent from them.

What are they doing talking to them? He couldn't explain the feeling that cropped up in him, but he just watched.. and eventually Splyce seemed to wave them off, before noticing Jax watching and came over to him.

"Heya Jax, how are you doing?"

... He could hold off until later. "Nothin' much, just watching these bozos doing whatever."

And indeed, that night in their room, Jax's mind went back to that moment.. and he'd been scheming all day, especially whenever he remembered the other vampire and he got that odd feeling in his gut.

"Hey roomie, you mind if I top up just a little? Did a bit more moving around today than normal."

Splyce looks over to him from their bed, head slightly tilted. "Oh, sure!"

Just as they're about to split off another clone, Jax holds up a hand. "Nah, I don't think you gotta do that, it'll just be a little bit, promise."

They look a bit surprised at the change from routine, and Jax silently worries if he's being obvious. "Alright then, I already wear high collars anyways so I guess it works out anyways, heh."

Internally, Jax lets out a sigh of relief before stepping over and, just like he'd already done a handful of times now, he bites down and starts feeding. True to his word, he doesn't take that much (partially because he could only take a bit before feeling too full), and when he pulls back, Splyce doesn't seem as out of it.

"Woah.. it's a little different getting the sensations firsthand. You good?"

Subtly, Jax eyes the mark his fangs had left on them, the odd feeling slightly fading. "Yeah, all good.. you mind if I stick a bit close? Just to be sure you're fine."

Splyce blinks, processing for a moment before responding. "Yeah, if you wanna, bunnicula."

He just rolls his eyes at the nickname, sitting behind them and resting his chin on their head. "Yeah yeah, just making sure you're not passing out on me, bloodbag."

They chuckle softly at the returned nickname, the both of them just silently chilling together.

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If you'd told Jax that he'd get turned not even halfway through the semester, he'd have probably just scoffed and made some kind of quip about it. Unfortunately, here he was, refusing to actually bite someone, hoping maybe he can hold off… Of course, it's never that simple, and he could feel the cravings start to become more oppressive in his mind.. not to mention the way his senses were making him start to smell blood even more acutely. Fortunately, he could still eat and drink normally, but it did basically nothing for him aside from maintain normalcy.

He'd considered going to a butcher shop for blood, but he didn't know how well that'd work out.. and he figured he was running out of time before it all became too much and something inside him snaps. Laying in bed, he saw his roommate across the room (and had to force down the instincts begging for "just a taste"), on their phone reading something.. or doomscrolling, he couldn't tell from the angle he had.

Splyce glances over briefly before doing a small double-take. "The glowing eyes are new… Or have I just not noticed?"

Shit, he completely forgot about that part. "Just haven't paid enough attention, I guess…"

"Hmm.. maybe, though–" They roll onto their side to face him properly, switching their phone off and putting it down. "I have noticed you looking more tired lately.. something going on?"

A silence hangs in the air.. and only Jax can feel the tension that followed the simple question. Should he tell them? They've been good so far, but.. this is a completely different situation…

With a sigh, Jax looks over towards his roomie. "Yeah, it's.. it happened a few weeks ago, by now… Some vampire asshole just grabbed me one night.. woke up and now I can suddenly smell colors or whatever."

Thanks to his better night vision, he could pretty easily see Splyce's reaction, a bit of surprise but.. seemingly not an ounce of any fear.

"Oh.. yeah that'd definitely do it, I think… Shit wait, have you fed since then?" They sit up suddenly, their expression and voice shifting to concern. "I dunno how long a vamp can go without it, but you said this was a few weeks ago, dude."

Jax looks back up to the ceiling, a more tired sigh escaping him this time. "… No, I haven't. Call it cliché or whatever, but I don't wanna go around hurting people."

"Yeah but if this goes on long enough you won't have a say in the matter, right? Not if you like.. go feral or something."

There's a pause, and Jax doesn't really know how to respond.. but thankfully for him, he doesn't really have to. "Hey wait a minute… Couldn't we just– I could just make copies for you to feed a bit from. I'm like an infinite food glitch, heh."

That's so stupid, there's no way that could work. . . There's no real reason that shouldn't be able to work, either… Why the hell didn't he think about that? He's been living with the walking talking cloning machine this entire semester!

Sitting up, he looks over to his roomie, who's got a sort of "I'm a genius aren't I?" look on their face. "Fuck it, might as well give it a shot.. easier than figuring out how to get blood from the butcher."

Splyce also sits up, except there's two more splitting apart to also sit on the edge of their bed before hopping down and walking over to him. "Honestly two might not cut it." "Yeah, you're a lot taller than us, heh."

Rolling his eyes, Jax suddenly feels his new instincts clawing into his mind as he gets up and kneels down next to one of the duplicates. Without really even thinking about it, he bites down, feeling them flinch while he fights himself to not drain them completely. Of course, he doesn't get much blood--they were right, it'll definitely take a few more than two--but he can already feel himself feeling better. The first duplicate stumbles back over to the 'main body', and Jax doesn't even wait before going to the second one, barely noticing a new duplicate walking up.

All in all, it took maybe 4 or 5 total duplicates before Jax felt like he wouldn't have to feed again for a while, and man did he feel more full than he'd ever felt in his life. Looking over to Splyce, he feels his heart pulse for a beat at the sight. They weren't pale, not at least as far as he could tell, but they were barely holding themselves up, looking like they'd topple over any moment. Shit. He quickly went to check up on them, looking them over to see if anything was wrong. As far as his more blood-aligned senses could tell, they were perfectly fine…

"Hey, talk to me, what's going on?"

They looked up at him, eyes unfocused. "Eheh.. well uh- looks like.. the wooziness doesn't go away… And I think it stacks too.. but I'm- I'm fine bunnicula- I'll be fine."

Right.. all the duplicates share senses… "Alright, you rest, I'll make sure nothing else goes sideways overnight."

"Aye aye, captain . . ."

Like a marionette with its strings cut, Splyce just flopped backwards onto their bed, out like a light. Jax scoffed softly, tossing their blanket over them after making sure their heart was still beating. After settling back down on his bed, watching his roomie sleep, he couldn't help a thought that crossed his mind.

"Well, this is definitely a unique new arrangement…"

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first note i had a brainwave in regards to the phrase 'heart skips a beat' vampires are undead and either their hearts beat very slowly or not at all so.. instead of skipping a beat, the heart would quicken to 'normal' levels for a beat and thus born the term "heart pulsed (for) a beat"

second note yeah, Splixsons (which is Splyce's species) can duplicate nearly infinitely but, as said in the writing, they have shared senses (and in the Original Series, if one died they all died, but that was retconned out) so i came up with a side-effect to "balance" the idea of just duplicating for infinite blood: every time the wooziness from the sudden blood loss kicks in, it stays and stacks, so.. overall a Not Great sensation, i'd imagine

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The semester was going well so far; his new roomie was.. alright, they're a little odd but like- who isn't amirite? Jax didn't really talk with them very often, but they got along about as well as a couple of circumstantial acquaintances do.

Unfortunately for him, though.. there were a few more rumors he caught spreading throughout some of the campus, and though he never showed it (like usual), it started getting to him. Add on top of that the typical drag of the whole school day, and you get a bunny who's just about at his limit: completely exhausted as he trudges back to his dorm. Shutting the door behind him and tossing his bag aside, he drops onto his bed and just lays there.. letting everything from the whole day just seep out… Unfortunately, that wasn't quite doing the trick, so he gets back up and--after locking the door--he opens one of the bags on his side of the room, gently pulling out a guitar that was both well-used and well cared for.

Instrument in hands, he sits back down on his bed and strums the strings lightly, making sure it's properly in tune. With a deep breath, he starts playing.. no melody in particular, definitely not something from one of those famous bands… Instead it's something more personal, from the heart.. each chord and lyric letting the day's stresses seep out from his soul, and though he won't properly notice until afterwards--like always--the tension and stress seemed to just melt away from him as he played, a genuine smile crossing the rabbit's face.

Eventually (he never keeps track of how long he plays for, really), Jax finishes up his elegy and sits up straighter, a relieved sigh escaping his lips as he finally feels the day's tension having had left while playing. As he lets his eyes open once more, he freezes as he sees someone standing there in the room.. his roommate. How long had they been standing there? Why didn't he hear them coming in? He did lock the doors, after all… Before Jax can think of something to say, he finally takes in their expression.. a bit tricky to read--the most time they spent in the same space was in their room, after all--but he could still see the emotions. Did they.. actually like his song?

Splyce is the first one to cut into the silence. "Didn't know ya played, Jax.. you're pretty good."

Jax looks away, not really used to getting compliments.. especially not about this. "I mean- it's nothing special.. just something I do from time to time, y'know?"

"Well given I didn't even know you had a guitar until now.. I'd say this is pretty special to you, at the very least." There's a pause, a somber shift in expression. "Guessing.. today wasn't all that great, was it? Could kinda tell from the lyrics…"

That definitely shifts his mood.. he starts to put his walls back up as he goes to put his guitar away. "No biggie, just some sucky people today, nothin' I can't handle."

"Y'know you don't gotta hide in here." The sudden words stop him in his tracks. "Sorry- that didn't come out right I don't think. I just mean.. this is your room too, Jax. Nothin' is gonna leave this room unless you're okay with it, cross my heart." Splyce physically crosses his heart as well, trying to show is sincerity.

Imperceptibly, there's a small tension that leaves his body as Jax resumes packing up his guitar. "… Thanks, I don't really go around telling people about this."

From there, the evening went about as normal.. with the sole exception of the bond between the two growing ever so slightly.

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basically my friend (same one who gave me the college au brainrot) sent this

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Aside from his usual thoughts, there was one thing of note that was on Jax's mind: the new guy he'd get as a roommate. While he'd never admit it, he worried about what they might be like, especially if they might judge him because… No, don't think about that. Walking through the dorms, Jax soon gets to his soon-to-be-shared room.. although, if the sounds and voices coming from the other side of the door are any indication, it's already being shared.

Wait a second, voices plural? Quietly stepping up to the door, he presses an ear to the door, and.. well, technically he's only hearing one voice, but it sounded almost like there were multiple speakers at the same time. Carefully opening the door to not make a sound, he slips into the room and makes his way in to see.. well, something that he didn't really expect.

Inside the room was what could only be described as a moving team, if said moving team was comprised of carbon copies of the same person. Evidently, he'd been standing there too long, because one of the copies notices him.

"Oh! Sorry, didn't think you'd be back already."

That got the attention of the others, each of whom began commenting over one another. "Welcome back!" "Nice to meet ya!" "–was hoping we could get finished quicker."

Before Jax could shake off the surprise, one of the copies clapped loudly to get the others' attention. "Alright! I think we've done enough here for now, so come on everyone!"

And right before his eyes, they all merged back into one.. like some kind of reverse mitosis. After managing to finally shake off the surprise, Jax still only blurted out one question before his thoughts fully composed themselves.

"How in the hell…?"

His roomie chuckled slightly, scratching the back of their neck with surprisingly big hands. "Sorry about that.. I can tend to get carried away with the copies sometimes. The name's Splyce, it's nice to meet ya!"

He just blinked before responding. "Jax, and again- how the hell did you do that?"

"Oh the copies? That's just something I can do.. I couldn't really tell ya the specifics, sorry."

There was now something else of note on Jax's mind: This year was gonna definitely be interesting.

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