the forestverse is an assortment of short stories & flash fiction that play in a universe centered in and around The Forest. most of these stories are completely independent of each other, those which are not can still be read & enjoyed as standalones. stories sorted in order of me writing them <3
breaking out of darkness, finding it between us instead
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
yeah idk. cw for violence (though nothing truly explicit), 300 words, it's past midnight and i am actually too sleepy to write @flashfictionfridayofficial
I barely have to move my sword. The power it channels directly springs from my body and what once was 'too much' and 'foreign' and 'forbidden' now just feels like a grown muscle. I'm not the first to be successful in mastering a forbidden art. Others have done it before me. So many have used it to oppress. So many have used it and perished.
I? I have found a middle-ground. There are certainly people dying around me. I am killing them. And there is, without a doubt, a part of me that is also dead. Whether it is a consequence of the killing or the price I paid for the power cannot be answered. Isn't it the same difference, anyway? Who would care?
Blood splatters on my black robes and my sword runs through my enemies with a red gleam. I just have to think it and the power responds. It is easy to understand why the power corrupts so many, why others suffocate under its weight. With each death, I also die.
Still worth it, I think before something grabs me.
I am yanked back into an embrace, so strong I find myself immobile. A sharp pain runs through my wrist and the sword drops from my grasp.
A whispered name in my ear only rouses annoyance within me.
"Let me go", I say.
"Never", the person behind me says. It would be easy to overpower them. So easy.
So why don't I?
"You've already won. You can stop now. Stop and come back." They hold me tighter.
But my heart still beats so fast and and my breath is still so shallow.
"Come back to me, Margo."
And finally I recognize the voice, the arms that are holding me, the name.
⨠You can say many things, but today we just want to hear the magic words:
It's Flash Fiction Friday and it's time to write!
⨠New to FFF? Let us fill you in!
Flash Fiction Friday is a fun writer event thatâs meant to inspire, share and connect writings of all genres and writers of all ages. Itâs designed to make people want to write, especially if theyâre feeling blocked. Everyone and everything is welcome!
We always do our very best to keep the promptâs genre open, entertaining, positive and encouraging.
Write between 100-1000 words. It can be any genre, in any text format and 18+ is fine by us, just please tag accordingly.
Use this Fridayâs theme in your text. Any way you see fit. This means that your text is newly written for the prompt by you. We do not allow any contributions created or aided by AI/LLM.
Post on your tumblr blog and remember to tag us at @flashfictionfridayofficialâ!! So weâll see it, read it and reblog it!!
Deadline is 24 hours after the prompt has been issued (12 pm CET).
And then, next Friday, weâll mention your work in a showcase post on our main blog before our next prompt drops.
Please post your entries as regular posts, not screenshots â or provide the text as a regular post as well. Letâs keep everything as accessible as possible!
We ask you to tag your works with any appropriate content warnings and let the reader know what theyâll find before they get the chance to read your work!
If you have a question, check out our FAQ page! If your question isnât on there, donât hesitate to ask!
You donât need to ask for permission or need to get added to a list to join in. Just write, have fun and donât forget to tag us!
Tag your fandoms correctly and remember we now have an Ao3 collection (âFlashFictionFridayâ) â¨
We do not condone fiction, asks or comments that glorify: direct hostility, unconstructive critique, LGBTQIA+ hate, slurs, racism and/or general no-no behaviors.
If you want to be closer to the epicenter, you can come chat on our open discord: https://discord.gg/rUWCE8a
⨠We also introduced our very own Wishing Well, a place for you to whisper your prompt suggestions into. And weâll listen! Check everything about it out HERE.
â¨All your amazing works from last week can be found HERE.
Go check them out and consider supporting your fellow FFF writers with some likes and reblogs!
⨠And now, the new prompt!
[#FFF364 Say My Name]
This prompt has been brought to you by someone who wishes to remain anonymous; thank you very much! Names are such a big part of our self, our identity. It's not a coincidence that they hold so much power in many magical realms! Tell us about what it means to your character if someone says their name. Is it validating? Revealing? Binding? Is the name spoken with love or hatred? Fear or happiness? Whatever a name means to you, we want to know all about it, so go and get writing NOW!
Quelle: AktionsbĂźndnis Psychotherapie via Instagram
Die Bundesregierung plant ganz tolle Dinge mit der psychotherapeutischen Versorgung, also schreibt bitte eure Abgeordneten an!
Hier eine Mail-Vorlage:
Sehr geehrter [Name],
bitte setzen Sie sich dafßr ein, dass Ihr Bundesland im Bundesrat den Vermittlungsausschuss anruft und das GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz in dieser Form stoppt. Psychotherapeutinnen und Betroffene klaren seit Monaten darßber auf, dass die geplante Budgetierung psychotherapeutischer Leistungen bereits eine Katastrophe fßr die Versorgung ist. Sie gefährdet Therapieplätze, verlängert Wartezeiten und trifft Menschen, die dringend Hilfe brauchen. Doch jetzt wird es durch einen kurzfristig eingebrachten Anderungsantrag noch schlimmer:
Die Mindestvergßtung fßr psychotherapeutische Leistungen soll abgeschafft werden - also genau der Schutz, den das Bundessozialgericht seit 1999 entwickelt hat, damit Psychotherapie verlässlich und kostendeckend angeboten werden kann. Das darf nicht passieren. Wenn psychotherapeutische Leistungen schlechter vergßtet werden, kÜnnen Praxen weniger Behandlungen anbieten.
Therapieplätze fallen weg, Wartezeiten werden länger und psychisch erkrankte Menschen bleiben ohne rechtzeitige Hilfe. Psychotherapie ist keine Luxusleistung. Sie ist medizinische Grundversorgung. Bitte verhindern Sie, dass dieser Schutz abgeschafft wird.
Mit freundlichen GrĂźĂen [Name]
Hier eure Abgeordneten:
Eine Ăbersicht Ăźber die gewählten Abgeordneten des Deutschen Bundestages, die Wahlkreise und Informationen Ăźber Tätigkeiten sowie EinkĂźnfte,
Das AktionsbĂźndnis ruft explizit auf, (auch) die **Landes**abgeordneten anzuschreiben, weil die im Bundes**rat** sitzen: Der Bundesrat wird das Gesetz ratifizieren mĂźssen, und entsprechend haben diese Menschen, die Macht, das Gesetz zu blockieren.
Also: Nicht (nur) die Bundestagsabgeordneten anschreiben, bitte! Es geht ja wirklich schnell, mit Copy und Paste diese Mails rauszuhauen. Bitte, bitte nimm Dir diese 10 Minuten!
AuĂerdem: Nimm dir vllt die Zeit, in den vorgeschriebenen Text einzufĂźgen dass langfristig Einsparungen in der psychotherapeutischen Versorgung in der akuten und stationären Versorgung dieser Erkrankten mĂźndet, was um ein Vielfaches teurer ist. Der Test argumentiert sonst vor allem moralisch, aber glaube auf wirtschaftliche Argumente achten Abgeordnete eher.
"Langfristig werden Einsparungen in der ambulanten psychotherapie darin mßnden, dass dieselben Erkranken akut und stationär behandelt werden mßssen und teils arbeitsunfähig werden, was den Sozialstaat langfristig ein Vielfaches mehr kosten wird als die aktuellen Einsparungen in der Vergßtung der Psychotherapeut:innen."
Email inklusive oben genannten wirtschaftlichen Argument zum einfacheren copy-pasten und tippfehler verbessert:
Betreff: Bitte setzen Sie sich fĂźr den Schutz von Psychotherapie ein
Sehr geehrter [Name],
bitte setzen Sie sich dafĂźr ein, dass Ihr Bundesland im Bundesrat den Vermittlungsausschuss anruft und das GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz in dieser Form stoppt. Psychotherapeutinnen und Betroffene klären seit Monaten darĂźber auf, dass die geplante Budgetierung psychotherapeutischer Leistungen bereits eine Katastrophe fĂźr die Versorgung ist. Sie gefährdet Therapieplätze, verlängert Wartezeiten und trifft Menschen, die dringend Hilfe brauchen.Â
Doch jetzt wird es durch einen kurzfristig eingebrachten Ănderungsantrag noch schlimmer: Die MindestvergĂźtung fĂźr psychotherapeutische Leistungen soll abgeschafft werden. Also genau der Schutz, den das Bundessozialgericht seit 1999 entwickelt hat, damit Psychotherapie verlässlich und kostendeckend angeboten werden kann. Das darf nicht passieren. Wenn psychotherapeutische Leistungen schlechter vergĂźtet werden, kĂśnnen Praxen weniger Behandlungen anbieten. Therapieplätze fallen weg, Wartezeiten werden länger und psychisch erkrankte Menschen bleiben ohne rechtzeitige Hilfe. Psychotherapie ist keine Luxusleistung. Sie ist medizinische Grundversorgung.Â
Langfristig werden Einsparungen in der ambulanten Psychotherapie darin mßnden, dass dieselben Erkrankten akut und stationär behandelt werden mßssen und teils arbeitsunfähig werden, was den Sozialstaat langfristig ein Vielfaches mehr kosten wird als die aktuellen Einsparungen in der Vergßtung der Psychotherapeut:innen.
Bitte verhindern Sie, dass dieser Schutz abgeschafft wird.
kbv.de - Auf dieser Seite finden Sie die Stellungnahmen und Positionen der KBV.
Sie sparen Kosten, indem sie weniger Behandlung/Zeitintervall bezahlen, also darf man als gesetzlich Versicherter noch länger auf Termine warten. Dabei ist es jetzt schon beschissen. Also ja bei der Psychotherapie auch, aber auch ßberall sonst.
In GroĂbritannien wird seit Jahren darĂźber gesprochen, dass die Tories den NHS kaputt machen wollen. Was ist das hier bei uns?! Es werden massive zusätzliche Kosten durch den AU-BlĂśdsinn produziert. Alle warten ewig auf Termine. Dadurch werden Folgekosten produziert, wenn Sachen chronifizieren, die Krebsbehandlung später beginnt, oder jemand zwischenzeitlich als Notfall stationär aufgenommen werden muss.
Ist es alarmistisch zu sagen, dass hier gerade die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung generell angegriffen wird?
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
a view on timeloops as a storytelling-device and trope
hi, ho, hello! i have some thoughts on timeloops! what are timeloops? what is the fun of them, what are the challenges when writing them? there certainly are many timeloops that don't (entirely) match my notes, this is a very basic view on them. i hope my ramblings make sense, feel free to disagree and add your thoughts âŹâ¨
timeloops on a formal level:
timeloops can be A) man-made (as a conscious decision to time-travel) or B) fate (as a higher power that the characters cannot influence); either way, the protagonist's power to influence the time-loops is often very limited
based on a video-game logic: if certain conditions are not met, you have to start at the beginning
the conditions can be obvious but hard to achieve, or be rather vague (and hence also hard to achieve); if it's obvious, the tension often has a more dramatic character. the question that needs to be answered is how? how will the character(s) achieve XY? this tends to be more plot-focused; if the conditions are vague, the tension lies within the question of why? and what? the timeloop itself takes on a role within the story and poses a mystery. this version tends to be more character-focused.
roughly, the condition often is the change the character has to go through/the growth/the sacrifice they have to make
usually, only a few people are conscious of the timeloop, often even just one.
timeloops on a content/plot level:
the protagonist is often the looping character. they usually start the timeloops with a dĂŠjĂ vu
once the protagonist understands that they're looping, they start to investigate the mystery and the desire to escape the timeloop is strong and motivation is high
either their investigation lets them understand that they can't escape alone (usually version A) or it turns out fruitless (B), this would be (optionally) the stage where they try to get help -> they try to convince a new person of the timeloop's existence, or find another person who is also looping, ...
more attempts at solving the timeloops are made, often with increasing desperation and decreasing motivation
sooner or later, there's a turning point in which the timeloop starts to become more tangible. there often is more distance between the real world and the protagonist while the protagonist often gets closer to the timeloop. instead of working against the timeloop, characters often start to see advantages of looping. the real world doesn't exist anymore to them. what does it matter if others die? they'll be alive again in the next loop. this is a fundamental change in the character and the process that kickstarts the overall character-growth. while time stands still for everyone else, the protagonist changes and grows and this only enhances the process of alienation to the real world and the merging with the timeloop.
at this point, hopelessness takes the focus. whether the conditions of the timeloop get harder to achieve or the character deteriorates morally -- whatever happens, tension is often built up by time becoming relevant again, even though this is unexpected when time doesn't really exist. but that is often the point, even if it is a small one. in russian doll, for example, we start to see fruit rotting. we know, as the audience, somehow time does progress. new questions are posed: are the loops finite? what if time runs out? what if we can't find whoever is responsible for the loop?; the real problem that the timeloop is based on often unveils here, and instead of it being a help (because now the enemy is known), the situation turns even more hopeless, because the enemy is perceived as invincible.
the character meets the conditions and the timeloop is resolved. this comes sudden? it sometimes is. personally, i find this part really decides whether the story is good or not. quite often, change is kickstarted by the character doing something good despite the perceived senselessness. we've been at the "i can do evil and it doesn't matter, everything will go back to normal tomorrow" so now the big change is often triggered by "i can do good and it doesn't matter, everything will go back to normal tomorrow" and then still choosing to do good. that does not mean that a timeloop's condition is always that the character has to do a good deed in order for the timeloop to stop, but that this is often the tool for the character to see the true condition. that even if it doesn't matter in this unreality, they choose to believe in hope. and with that final push of hope, they then can allow themselves to change. if that makes sense.
timeloops on a thematic level:
themes in timeloops are often pretty on the nose. the timeloop itself often is the big metaphor for depression, learnt helplessness or just a simple way to portray that every day already feels the same under capitalism and nothing i do can change that
the search for meaningfulness
dominant emotions: grief, loneliness, defiance and hope/-lessness
"it was always meant to end this way"
challenges when writing timeloops:
repititions are boring. timeloops, per definition, come with a lot of repititions that the author has to somehow make fun. since the setting and charactersare very limited, they have to be convincing and hooking enough to feed the audience again and again (and again and again and again and again)
a big part of stories is character development. development takes time. this is a challenging process when you cannot that simply introduce new antagonists or have other outer influences that can form and push your characters. they sort of have to do a lot by themselves.
speaking of antagonists: that usually is the timeloop. when the timeloop is not man-made, but rather a product of fate, the antagonist is quite intangible. again, not impossible or anything, but challenging
diversity in plot is somewhat limited by the tight construct a timeloop poses. it's not impossible to create something entirely new, but a lot of common plot-points are expected of it. of course this counts for nearly every genre, but timeloops have a big uniqueness factor? recogniction factor? you know what i mean. there aren't that many timeloop stories out there, so it's easier to compare them to each other
and that's largely it! hope it helps, inspires, is food for thought, whatever â¨have a good day! <3
a view on timeloops as a storytelling-device and trope
hi, ho, hello! i have some thoughts on timeloops! what are timeloops? what is the fun of them, what are the challenges when writing them? there certainly are many timeloops that don't (entirely) match my notes, this is a very basic view on them. i hope my ramblings make sense, feel free to disagree and add your thoughts âŹâ¨
timeloops on a formal level:
timeloops can be A) man-made (as a conscious decision to time-travel) or B) fate (as a higher power that the characters cannot influence); either way, the protagonist's power to influence the time-loops is often very limited
based on a video-game logic: if certain conditions are not met, you have to start at the beginning
the conditions can be obvious but hard to achieve, or be rather vague (and hence also hard to achieve); if it's obvious, the tension often has a more dramatic character. the question that needs to be answered is how? how will the character(s) achieve XY? this tends to be more plot-focused; if the conditions are vague, the tension lies within the question of why? and what? the timeloop itself takes on a role within the story and poses a mystery. this version tends to be more character-focused.
roughly, the condition often is the change the character has to go through/the growth/the sacrifice they have to make
usually, only a few people are conscious of the timeloop, often even just one.
timeloops on a content/plot level:
the protagonist is often the looping character. they usually start the timeloops with a dĂŠjĂ vu
once the protagonist understands that they're looping, they start to investigate the mystery and the desire to escape the timeloop is strong and motivation is high
either their investigation lets them understand that they can't escape alone (usually version A) or it turns out fruitless (B), this would be (optionally) the stage where they try to get help -> they try to convince a new person of the timeloop's existence, or find another person who is also looping, ...
more attempts at solving the timeloops are made, often with increasing desperation and decreasing motivation
sooner or later, there's a turning point in which the timeloop starts to become more tangible. there often is more distance between the real world and the protagonist while the protagonist often gets closer to the timeloop. instead of working against the timeloop, characters often start to see advantages of looping. the real world doesn't exist anymore to them. what does it matter if others die? they'll be alive again in the next loop. this is a fundamental change in the character and the process that kickstarts the overall character-growth. while time stands still for everyone else, the protagonist changes and grows and this only enhances the process of alienation to the real world and the merging with the timeloop.
at this point, hopelessness takes the focus. whether the conditions of the timeloop get harder to achieve or the character deteriorates morally -- whatever happens, tension is often built up by time becoming relevant again, even though this is unexpected when time doesn't really exist. but that is often the point, even if it is a small one. in russian doll, for example, we start to see fruit rotting. we know, as the audience, somehow time does progress. new questions are posed: are the loops finite? what if time runs out? what if we can't find whoever is responsible for the loop?; the real problem that the timeloop is based on often unveils here, and instead of it being a help (because now the enemy is known), the situation turns even more hopeless, because the enemy is perceived as invincible.
the character meets the conditions and the timeloop is resolved. this comes sudden? it sometimes is. personally, i find this part really decides whether the story is good or not. quite often, change is kickstarted by the character doing something good despite the perceived senselessness. we've been at the "i can do evil and it doesn't matter, everything will go back to normal tomorrow" so now the big change is often triggered by "i can do good and it doesn't matter, everything will go back to normal tomorrow" and then still choosing to do good. that does not mean that a timeloop's condition is always that the character has to do a good deed in order for the timeloop to stop, but that this is often the tool for the character to see the true condition. that even if it doesn't matter in this unreality, they choose to believe in hope. and with that final push of hope, they then can allow themselves to change. if that makes sense.
timeloops on a thematic level:
themes in timeloops are often pretty on the nose. the timeloop itself often is the big metaphor for depression, learnt helplessness or just a simple way to portray that every day already feels the same under capitalism and nothing i do can change that
the search for meaningfulness
dominant emotions: grief, loneliness, defiance and hope/-lessness
"it was always meant to end this way"
challenges when writing timeloops:
repititions are boring. timeloops, per definition, come with a lot of repititions that the author has to somehow make fun. since the setting and charactersare very limited, they have to be convincing and hooking enough to feed the audience again and again (and again and again and again and again)
a big part of stories is character development. development takes time. this is a challenging process when you cannot that simply introduce new antagonists or have other outer influences that can form and push your characters. they sort of have to do a lot by themselves.
speaking of antagonists: that usually is the timeloop. when the timeloop is not man-made, but rather a product of fate, the antagonist is quite intangible. again, not impossible or anything, but challenging
diversity in plot is somewhat limited by the tight construct a timeloop poses. it's not impossible to create something entirely new, but a lot of common plot-points are expected of it. of course this counts for nearly every genre, but timeloops have a big uniqueness factor? recogniction factor? you know what i mean. there aren't that many timeloop stories out there, so it's easier to compare them to each other
and that's largely it! hope it helps, inspires, is food for thought, whatever â¨have a good day! <3
Flash Fiction Friday is a fun writer event thatâs meant to inspire, share and connect writings of all genres and writers of all ages. Itâs designed to make people want to write, especially if theyâre feeling blocked. Everyone and everything is welcome!
We always do our very best to keep the promptâs genre open, entertaining, positive and encouraging.
Write between 100-1000 words. It can be any genre, in any text format and 18+ is fine by us, just please tag accordingly.
Use this Fridayâs theme in your text. Any way you see fit. This means that your text is newly written for the prompt by you. We do not allow any contributions created or aided by AI/LLM.
Post on your tumblr blog and remember to tag us at @flashfictionfridayofficialâ!! So weâll see it, read it and reblog it!!
Deadline is 24 hours after the prompt has been issued (12 pm CET).
And then, next Friday, weâll mention your work in a showcase post on our main blog before our next prompt drops.
Please post your entries as regular posts, not screenshots â or provide the text as a regular post as well. Letâs keep everything as accessible as possible!
We ask you to tag your works with any appropriate content warnings and let the reader know what theyâll find before they get the chance to read your work!
If you have a question, check out our FAQ page! If your question isnât on there, donât hesitate to ask!
You donât need to ask for permission or need to get added to a list to join in. Just write, have fun and donât forget to tag us!
Tag your fandoms correctly and remember we now have an Ao3 collection (âFlashFictionFridayâ) â¨
We do not condone fiction, asks or comments that glorify: direct hostility, unconstructive critique, LGBTQIA+ hate, slurs, racism and/or general no-no behaviors.
If you want to be closer to the epicenter, you can come chat on our open discord: https://discord.gg/rUWCE8a
⨠We also introduced our very own Wishing Well, a place for you to whisper your prompt suggestions into. And weâll listen! Check everything about it out HERE.
â¨All your amazing works from last week can be found HERE.
Go check them out and consider supporting your fellow FFF writers with some likes and reblogs!
⨠And now, the new prompt!
[#FFF363 On Thin Ice]
This prompt has been brought to you by someone who wishes to remain anonymous; thank you very much! Tread carefully now; one wrong move and you'll be in trouble. Just how exactly did you end up in such a precarious situation? What was your goal, what pushed you here? Is it still in your sight while the ice creaks with your every step? And here we are, waiting with bated breath to hear the whole story.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
hi ho hello. 545 words, aka boiled-brain-goo, for @flashfictionfridayofficial. went for creating a mood but now it's just dialogue so xD maybe i'll try again another day x)
A handful of moths fought with the naked light of the light bulb. It seemed hopeless. The glass was too strong and impenetrable and Glenn could not help but sigh while watching these dumb critters.
A cracking thunder broke the silence in the warehouse they were hiding in.
"We should abandon our plan", Glenn said, not taking away their eyes from the moths.
Keith scoffed. "Of course you're the first to give up. Can't believe I ever expected anything else."
"I did not say that we should give up."
"Well. Honestly⌠With Mirko dead and Jenny down, I don't really see any other option but giving up", Miranda admitted and took a deep pull of her cigarette.
Glenn could not help but glancing at Jenny who was still unconscious and fully bandaged up. The memory of all they lost tied their stomach in knots.
"The way I see it," they continued, "we are like those moths. We will keep fighting and fighting against a foe that is ridiculously stronger than us. Untouchable. Invincible. Indomitableâ"
"Way of boosting the morale", Miranda grumbled.
"So continuing like this just doesn't make any sense", Glenn said. Let the words settle over the group. Let one more thunder disrupt their thoughts.
"So what are you suggesting then?" Keith asked.
"We need to get a tool that is strong enough to smash the light bulb and then we can fight until death takes either us or them. And I am willing to entertain the thought of us winning, once we created the right circumstances."
"Light bulb", Miranda repeated dryly.
"Well. The light bulb is⌠A rhetorical choice and stands for the power of our enemies. Obviously."
"And the tool?" Keith asked.
Glenn took a deep breath. "We have been fighting as a group, but our magic is individualistic. If we combine our powers, we can make up for those even who left usâ"
"Stop, stop, stop", Miranda interrupted them again. "What you're suggesting is not only dangerous but also forbidden! The power we'd hold would most likely tear us apart and even adding the magic of those who left us⌠Are you suggesting we just add magic even of those unwilling?"
Miranda's eyes were wild, trained on them.
"Jenny can't fight. But she is the strongest among us. We know that merging powers is cumulative. If we as individuals hold a collective power, we'd be unstoppable."
"What you're suggesting makes sense, but it can't be done", Keith said.
"Can't be done or shouldn't be done?" Glenn looked him in the eyes and found only hesitation.
"What about our integrity?" Miranda asked. "Merging other people's powers with ours⌠It's undignified. Jenny couldn't even agree to it. Wouldn't we betray our own ethics? Become just like them and stray from the path?" Miranda started to pace, her cigarette forgotten between her fingers.
"The way I see it, we either hold onto our dignity and lose in this fight, or we sacrifice our integrity, ethics, whatever, and be victorious. And honestly, with our friends dead and dying, I do have a preference."
Flashing lights and a booming thunder later, the group had a new plan. A last resort, perhaps, but who cared as long as they were successful?
hi ho hello. 545 words, aka boiled-brain-goo, for @flashfictionfridayofficial. went for creating a mood but now it's just dialogue so xD maybe i'll try again another day x)
A handful of moths fought with the naked light of the light bulb. It seemed hopeless. The glass was too strong and impenetrable and Glenn could not help but sigh while watching these dumb critters.
A cracking thunder broke the silence in the warehouse they were hiding in.
"We should abandon our plan", Glenn said, not taking away their eyes from the moths.
Keith scoffed. "Of course you're the first to give up. Can't believe I ever expected anything else."
"I did not say that we should give up."
"Well. Honestly⌠With Mirko dead and Jenny down, I don't really see any other option but giving up", Miranda admitted and took a deep pull of her cigarette.
Glenn could not help but glancing at Jenny who was still unconscious and fully bandaged up. The memory of all they lost tied their stomach in knots.
"The way I see it," they continued, "we are like those moths. We will keep fighting and fighting against a foe that is ridiculously stronger than us. Untouchable. Invincible. Indomitableâ"
"Way of boosting the morale", Miranda grumbled.
"So continuing like this just doesn't make any sense", Glenn said. Let the words settle over the group. Let one more thunder disrupt their thoughts.
"So what are you suggesting then?" Keith asked.
"We need to get a tool that is strong enough to smash the light bulb and then we can fight until death takes either us or them. And I am willing to entertain the thought of us winning, once we created the right circumstances."
"Light bulb", Miranda repeated dryly.
"Well. The light bulb is⌠A rhetorical choice and stands for the power of our enemies. Obviously."
"And the tool?" Keith asked.
Glenn took a deep breath. "We have been fighting as a group, but our magic is individualistic. If we combine our powers, we can make up for those even who left usâ"
"Stop, stop, stop", Miranda interrupted them again. "What you're suggesting is not only dangerous but also forbidden! The power we'd hold would most likely tear us apart and even adding the magic of those who left us⌠Are you suggesting we just add magic even of those unwilling?"
Miranda's eyes were wild, trained on them.
"Jenny can't fight. But she is the strongest among us. We know that merging powers is cumulative. If we as individuals hold a collective power, we'd be unstoppable."
"What you're suggesting makes sense, but it can't be done", Keith said.
"Can't be done or shouldn't be done?" Glenn looked him in the eyes and found only hesitation.
"What about our integrity?" Miranda asked. "Merging other people's powers with ours⌠It's undignified. Jenny couldn't even agree to it. Wouldn't we betray our own ethics? Become just like them and stray from the path?" Miranda started to pace, her cigarette forgotten between her fingers.
"The way I see it, we either hold onto our dignity and lose in this fight, or we sacrifice our integrity, ethics, whatever, and be victorious. And honestly, with our friends dead and dying, I do have a preference."
Flashing lights and a booming thunder later, the group had a new plan. A last resort, perhaps, but who cared as long as they were successful?
hi ho hello. 545 words, aka boiled-brain-goo, for @flashfictionfridayofficial. went for creating a mood but now it's just dialogue so xD maybe i'll try again another day x)
A handful of moths fought with the naked light of the light bulb. It seemed hopeless. The glass was too strong and impenetrable and Glenn could not help but sigh while watching these dumb critters.
A cracking thunder broke the silence in the warehouse they were hiding in.
"We should abandon our plan", Glenn said, not taking away their eyes from the moths.
Keith scoffed. "Of course you're the first to give up. Can't believe I ever expected anything else."
"I did not say that we should give up."
"Well. Honestly⌠With Mirko dead and Jenny down, I don't really see any other option but giving up", Miranda admitted and took a deep pull of her cigarette.
Glenn could not help but glancing at Jenny who was still unconscious and fully bandaged up. The memory of all they lost tied their stomach in knots.
"The way I see it," they continued, "we are like those moths. We will keep fighting and fighting against a foe that is ridiculously stronger than us. Untouchable. Invincible. Indomitableâ"
"Way of boosting the morale", Miranda grumbled.
"So continuing like this just doesn't make any sense", Glenn said. Let the words settle over the group. Let one more thunder disrupt their thoughts.
"So what are you suggesting then?" Keith asked.
"We need to get a tool that is strong enough to smash the light bulb and then we can fight until death takes either us or them. And I am willing to entertain the thought of us winning, once we created the right circumstances."
"Light bulb", Miranda repeated dryly.
"Well. The light bulb is⌠A rhetorical choice and stands for the power of our enemies. Obviously."
"And the tool?" Keith asked.
Glenn took a deep breath. "We have been fighting as a group, but our magic is individualistic. If we combine our powers, we can make up for those even who left usâ"
"Stop, stop, stop", Miranda interrupted them again. "What you're suggesting is not only dangerous but also forbidden! The power we'd hold would most likely tear us apart and even adding the magic of those who left us⌠Are you suggesting we just add magic even of those unwilling?"
Miranda's eyes were wild, trained on them.
"Jenny can't fight. But she is the strongest among us. We know that merging powers is cumulative. If we as individuals hold a collective power, we'd be unstoppable."
"What you're suggesting makes sense, but it can't be done", Keith said.
"Can't be done or shouldn't be done?" Glenn looked him in the eyes and found only hesitation.
"What about our integrity?" Miranda asked. "Merging other people's powers with ours⌠It's undignified. Jenny couldn't even agree to it. Wouldn't we betray our own ethics? Become just like them and stray from the path?" Miranda started to pace, her cigarette forgotten between her fingers.
"The way I see it, we either hold onto our dignity and lose in this fight, or we sacrifice our integrity, ethics, whatever, and be victorious. And honestly, with our friends dead and dying, I do have a preference."
Flashing lights and a booming thunder later, the group had a new plan. A last resort, perhaps, but who cared as long as they were successful?
[FFF#360 - Stuck Inside My Head] -Â Out of Control
-verse: Off the Rails
Story: The Circadyne Succession
Heads-Up: Swap to Firsen's POV. Continuation of âHeat of the Momentâ, where a rivalry for the ages is forged⌠as well as some very high-powered Dyne users.Â
â
How dare she. How DARE she!
He had a good mind to out her right there and then, in front of the entire gathering. For using Dyne during a gathering. For using it secretly, without showing her markings. For using it on another noble. A noble that was his friend.
Ohh, she would be in so much trouble. Rightfully deserved.
An itchy, prickling heat crept up Firsenâs back and neck, threatening a spill-over of Dyne. No, not here, not right now. As much as he wanted to humiliate Lixy, he couldnât snitch on her in his emotionally charged state, lest he embarrass himself in front of the entire Upper Circuit with an uncontrolled Dyne surge.
Lixyâs eyes were locked with his, a desperate, defiant mix of begging and threatening him not to tell. Firsen tore his gaze away. He felt he might manifest laser beams from his eyes if he glared at her any longer.
Instead, he turned his attention to Calire, who still seemed disoriented. He bent down slightly to meet her at eye level. âDo you want water?â he asked.
âWaterâŚâ Calire echoed, slipping out of focus once more. The dark purple had stopped spreading across her feathers, but it was taking time to completely dissolve. âI was going⌠to get it⌠for herâŚâ
Firsen gently shushed her with a pat on her shoulders, noticing that heads were turning. Fine, if they wanted something to watch, heâd perform.
He raised his voice just a little bit louder. âNo, no, you stay here and rest, Iâll get it for you.â He steered her towards one of the unoccupied side chairs and sat her down in it. âIâll be right back.â
As he slipped back out into the corridor, he was acutely aware of Lixyâs eyes on him. Probably wondering what he was up to and why he hadnât exposed her.
Well, Iâve got an image to maintain, too. Chase me if you want, princess.
As he poured out a cup of water, he kept half an eye on the silhouettes behind the frosted glass doors. A flustered figure of silk and shadow was approaching. Sheâd taken the bait.
He waited until Lixy was but four paces from the door before he swung it open with gusto, nearly hitting the Chiro princess in the face. The two of them collided, resulting in half a glass of cold water spilled down Lixyâs silk robes.
Lixyâs shriek of surprise was music to Firsenâs ears.
âOh! My apologies, princess,â Firsen said, making a show of trying to squeeze water out of the hem of her skirt. He could feel Lixyâs frustration brewing, much to his satisfaction.
âYou donât need to do that, runir,â she replied with equally contrived cordiality, tugging her skirt out of Firsenâs grasp. âIt will dry off in time. I was just going to get a glass of water myself.â
No one to fetch it for you anymore, he wondered, or just an excuse to confront me?
âI need to refill this one anyways.â He looked around, as if just realizing that the meeting had stalled. âSorry. Weâll take this outside. Just, uh⌠carry on without us.â
Not like he had been there to contribute in the first place. A mix of chuckles and sighs rippled through the room.
Firsen held the door open for Lixy. âAfter you, princess.â
âSo gracious, runir.â
â
The theatrics dropped the moment they made it to the servantsâ corridor.
Firsen grabbed Lixyâs arm and pulled her around the corner. He yanked up her sleeve, revealing trace markings still fading from recent Dyne use.
Lixy gasped, slapping Firsenâs hand away. âRude!â
âRude? Me?â Firsen scoffed. âSays the one using Dyne under the table. You canât just hijack people to do your bidding because thereâs no one around to get it for you!â
âIsnât that what servants are for?â Lixy countered. âAnd you used your Dyne too, donât try to hide it. It burned me.â
Firsen gaped, his astonishment momentarily overshadowing his outrage. âCalire isn't a servant, she's my friend! And she's Avie nobility.â
That seemed to shut Lixy up for a moment. Finally, she stammered, âW-well how was I supposed to know that?â
âMaybe if you came to any of the courtyard events, you'd know!â
âIt isn't like you don't miss things either! Besides, she wasnât wearing any of the Great House crestsââ
âThat isnât the point. The point is to keep your paws off things that arenât yours!â Firsen snapped, coming almost nose-to-nose with Lixy. The glow of his flare was reflected in her wide eyes.
He winced as a headache speared through his skull. He was overreacting. Overheating. Time to wrap things up.
âFor the record, I wasnât using Dyne, I was just getting rid of yours. Think twice before you try brainwashing someone stronger than you, or you'll get more than a little burn next time.â
Suddenly, the fear in Lixyâs eyes dissolved, replaced by the knowing glint of someone who had just figured something out.
Firsen took a step back, unnerved. â... what?â
((You think youâre stronger than me?))
That was her voice. But her lips hadnât moved. They were closed. Yet they tugged upwards at the corner into a self-confident smirk as she hummed a low melody.
((You let your guard down, dragonfly.))
Firsen clapped his hands over his ears. âNo. No you don't. Stop it.â
((I almost believed you. Your flare burns bright and hot. Itâs hard to approach. But you leave yourself so wide open when you're venting.))
âGet OUT.â
He turned his own Dyne on himself, and it was blazing and it burned but he needed her out of his head.
When his vision cleared, he was on the floor, the lingering itch of a Dyne surge still tingling on his skin. Lixy stood above him, her own markings lit up but her flare looking blown out. She held out a hand.
Firsen turned away with a scowl. âNo one's around. Don't even bother.â
She tucked her hand back into her sleeves. âYou'd better start practicing getting that under control. Or I'll do you a favor and take it from you.â
With that, she turned on her heel and left.
Well, that didn't go as planned.
Though she wasnât inside his head anymore, sheâd gotten under his skin. Which was just about the same thing.
-
1056 words
And that's how it went down. Highly recommend to read last week's entry before this one since they connect immediately ^^
Also if you saw Calire's version here earlier and wondered where it went, I had written two versions but ended up liking this one more but only just now had the internet connection to swap it out (phone browser tumblr is a quagmire).
i.... i need to know more about the Dynes. please tell me about the Dynes. they're a mental power? they can influence other people to do things? there's a backlash too? đ
Just kidding, I'm not panicked! Glad you enjoyed it! ^^
I am so happy to explain lore and worldbuilding and magic there's just so much of it floating around unorganized that I have to go "wait Skit, we must be Careful and Not Spoilers and Not Text Walls".
Well. Text walls might be a thing. You can't have lore without text walls.
Okay! So!
I do have a little Lore Drop post already [happy link here] - essentially, Dyne is the magic force of their world. It's not really specific to any sort of power; different individuals can use Dyne for different purposes. Mending, lighting fires, powering devices, binding things, making something hot or cold, etc. ... or brainwashing people, yeah, that works too.
Dyne is part of the atmosphere, and it increases in concentration as you go up in altitude. You need bigger Dyne capacity to live in places with higher Dyne saturation, or it'll overload your systems.
The other thing about capacity; bigger Dyne capacity = more abilities you have access to. If you use it.
Some nobles have really big capacities but don't use it. All it does is just let them live at higher altitudes. So they sit there and look shiny. (And maybe fly around, because flying is a level 5 ability and it looks cool and why pass up a chance to show off, y'know?)
On the other hand, you can have a smaller Dyne capacity but use Dyne a lot. You'd be considered a strong user after some time (just living at lower altitudes).
For example, "mending" is a level 3 ability. Someone just starting out could be able to fix small chips and dents. Someone who's done it for their livelihood for years might piece together something that was fully shattered.
-mini break as I reread the question and realize I answered none of it-
Right, yes, Firsen and Lixy's little Dyne dominance dance!
Dominance is a level 5 ability. It's the one that allows them to mess with each other's heads >:)
Generally, it's rude to use dominance over others of equal status (and still even questionable to use it on servants) - that's why there's so many rules about being transparent with using Dyne abilities.
Kids will be kids, though. Lixy and Firsen are from rival houses, and they're both rebels in their own ways. Including how they use their Dyne.
Lixy is from House Melonykas - they're Chiros, the bat-based ones. They actually use dominance the most, with a frequency-based method of putting their targets in a sort of suggestible trance.
[It's called "Tuning", and there are other things they can do beyond that... but that's spoilers for now >v<]
Firsen is from House Streykas (Essents, insect-based)- he hasn't quite unlocked the finer points of dominance yet, but he can override it through brute force (which I think I'm going to call "calcination" - purifying by fire).
Because Firsen has unstable Dyne, though, it's a little uncomfortable and overwhelming for him to spend all at once like that. The backlash shouldn't be that strong for someone of his caliber, but his control could definitely use some work.
[Technically the Essent flavor of dominance is called "Hive"... but those are also spoilers as of now ^^]
Basically, whoever has the stronger Dyne ability can overcome the other's offense/defense.
I'm planning a part three of this rivalry between Lixy and Firsen, and it's an arms race between the two of them to get better at their abilities. Mostly it's Lixy trying to get into Firsen's head, occasionally succeeding, only for Firsen to find a way to shut her out, and now she's having to train harder to top him again.
Needless to say, Firsen gets very good, very fast - because he never wants to lose control to Lixy (or anyone else) ever again.
-takes deep breath-
sorry for the text wall but also thank you for reblogging and getting me to actually sort some of my worldbuilding into words :D
your magic system sounds really cool, i love how the use of Dynes is so fluid and dependent on environmental settings! being a part of nature, it is so out of humanity's hands and then, looking at our real world, we do tend to have nature bow down to our forces. and you have it so woven into your society's structures! the magic system is wholly part of the world building, which is my favourite kind of magic system x)
Firsen and Lixy both seem like two somewhat troubled kids x) i wonder where their journey will take them!
hi ho hello. 545 words, aka boiled-brain-goo, for @flashfictionfridayofficial. went for creating a mood but now it's just dialogue so xD maybe i'll try again another day x)
A handful of moths fought with the naked light of the light bulb. It seemed hopeless. The glass was too strong and impenetrable and Glenn could not help but sigh while watching these dumb critters.
A cracking thunder broke the silence in the warehouse they were hiding in.
"We should abandon our plan", Glenn said, not taking away their eyes from the moths.
Keith scoffed. "Of course you're the first to give up. Can't believe I ever expected anything else."
"I did not say that we should give up."
"Well. Honestly⌠With Mirko dead and Jenny down, I don't really see any other option but giving up", Miranda admitted and took a deep pull of her cigarette.
Glenn could not help but glancing at Jenny who was still unconscious and fully bandaged up. The memory of all they lost tied their stomach in knots.
"The way I see it," they continued, "we are like those moths. We will keep fighting and fighting against a foe that is ridiculously stronger than us. Untouchable. Invincible. Indomitableâ"
"Way of boosting the morale", Miranda grumbled.
"So continuing like this just doesn't make any sense", Glenn said. Let the words settle over the group. Let one more thunder disrupt their thoughts.
"So what are you suggesting then?" Keith asked.
"We need to get a tool that is strong enough to smash the light bulb and then we can fight until death takes either us or them. And I am willing to entertain the thought of us winning, once we created the right circumstances."
"Light bulb", Miranda repeated dryly.
"Well. The light bulb is⌠A rhetorical choice and stands for the power of our enemies. Obviously."
"And the tool?" Keith asked.
Glenn took a deep breath. "We have been fighting as a group, but our magic is individualistic. If we combine our powers, we can make up for those even who left usâ"
"Stop, stop, stop", Miranda interrupted them again. "What you're suggesting is not only dangerous but also forbidden! The power we'd hold would most likely tear us apart and even adding the magic of those who left us⌠Are you suggesting we just add magic even of those unwilling?"
Miranda's eyes were wild, trained on them.
"Jenny can't fight. But she is the strongest among us. We know that merging powers is cumulative. If we as individuals hold a collective power, we'd be unstoppable."
"What you're suggesting makes sense, but it can't be done", Keith said.
"Can't be done or shouldn't be done?" Glenn looked him in the eyes and found only hesitation.
"What about our integrity?" Miranda asked. "Merging other people's powers with ours⌠It's undignified. Jenny couldn't even agree to it. Wouldn't we betray our own ethics? Become just like them and stray from the path?" Miranda started to pace, her cigarette forgotten between her fingers.
"The way I see it, we either hold onto our dignity and lose in this fight, or we sacrifice our integrity, ethics, whatever, and be victorious. And honestly, with our friends dead and dying, I do have a preference."
Flashing lights and a booming thunder later, the group had a new plan. A last resort, perhaps, but who cared as long as they were successful?
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Qualityâ Free Actions
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
[FFF#360 - Stuck Inside My Head] -Â Out of Control
-verse: Off the Rails
Story: The Circadyne Succession
Heads-Up: Swap to Firsen's POV. Continuation of âHeat of the Momentâ, where a rivalry for the ages is forged⌠as well as some very high-powered Dyne users.Â
â
How dare she. How DARE she!
He had a good mind to out her right there and then, in front of the entire gathering. For using Dyne during a gathering. For using it secretly, without showing her markings. For using it on another noble. A noble that was his friend.
Ohh, she would be in so much trouble. Rightfully deserved.
An itchy, prickling heat crept up Firsenâs back and neck, threatening a spill-over of Dyne. No, not here, not right now. As much as he wanted to humiliate Lixy, he couldnât snitch on her in his emotionally charged state, lest he embarrass himself in front of the entire Upper Circuit with an uncontrolled Dyne surge.
Lixyâs eyes were locked with his, a desperate, defiant mix of begging and threatening him not to tell. Firsen tore his gaze away. He felt he might manifest laser beams from his eyes if he glared at her any longer.
Instead, he turned his attention to Calire, who still seemed disoriented. He bent down slightly to meet her at eye level. âDo you want water?â he asked.
âWaterâŚâ Calire echoed, slipping out of focus once more. The dark purple had stopped spreading across her feathers, but it was taking time to completely dissolve. âI was going⌠to get it⌠for herâŚâ
Firsen gently shushed her with a pat on her shoulders, noticing that heads were turning. Fine, if they wanted something to watch, heâd perform.
He raised his voice just a little bit louder. âNo, no, you stay here and rest, Iâll get it for you.â He steered her towards one of the unoccupied side chairs and sat her down in it. âIâll be right back.â
As he slipped back out into the corridor, he was acutely aware of Lixyâs eyes on him. Probably wondering what he was up to and why he hadnât exposed her.
Well, Iâve got an image to maintain, too. Chase me if you want, princess.
As he poured out a cup of water, he kept half an eye on the silhouettes behind the frosted glass doors. A flustered figure of silk and shadow was approaching. Sheâd taken the bait.
He waited until Lixy was but four paces from the door before he swung it open with gusto, nearly hitting the Chiro princess in the face. The two of them collided, resulting in half a glass of cold water spilled down Lixyâs silk robes.
Lixyâs shriek of surprise was music to Firsenâs ears.
âOh! My apologies, princess,â Firsen said, making a show of trying to squeeze water out of the hem of her skirt. He could feel Lixyâs frustration brewing, much to his satisfaction.
âYou donât need to do that, runir,â she replied with equally contrived cordiality, tugging her skirt out of Firsenâs grasp. âIt will dry off in time. I was just going to get a glass of water myself.â
No one to fetch it for you anymore, he wondered, or just an excuse to confront me?
âI need to refill this one anyways.â He looked around, as if just realizing that the meeting had stalled. âSorry. Weâll take this outside. Just, uh⌠carry on without us.â
Not like he had been there to contribute in the first place. A mix of chuckles and sighs rippled through the room.
Firsen held the door open for Lixy. âAfter you, princess.â
âSo gracious, runir.â
â
The theatrics dropped the moment they made it to the servantsâ corridor.
Firsen grabbed Lixyâs arm and pulled her around the corner. He yanked up her sleeve, revealing trace markings still fading from recent Dyne use.
Lixy gasped, slapping Firsenâs hand away. âRude!â
âRude? Me?â Firsen scoffed. âSays the one using Dyne under the table. You canât just hijack people to do your bidding because thereâs no one around to get it for you!â
âIsnât that what servants are for?â Lixy countered. âAnd you used your Dyne too, donât try to hide it. It burned me.â
Firsen gaped, his astonishment momentarily overshadowing his outrage. âCalire isn't a servant, she's my friend! And she's Avie nobility.â
That seemed to shut Lixy up for a moment. Finally, she stammered, âW-well how was I supposed to know that?â
âMaybe if you came to any of the courtyard events, you'd know!â
âIt isn't like you don't miss things either! Besides, she wasnât wearing any of the Great House crestsââ
âThat isnât the point. The point is to keep your paws off things that arenât yours!â Firsen snapped, coming almost nose-to-nose with Lixy. The glow of his flare was reflected in her wide eyes.
He winced as a headache speared through his skull. He was overreacting. Overheating. Time to wrap things up.
âFor the record, I wasnât using Dyne, I was just getting rid of yours. Think twice before you try brainwashing someone stronger than you, or you'll get more than a little burn next time.â
Suddenly, the fear in Lixyâs eyes dissolved, replaced by the knowing glint of someone who had just figured something out.
Firsen took a step back, unnerved. â... what?â
((You think youâre stronger than me?))
That was her voice. But her lips hadnât moved. They were closed. Yet they tugged upwards at the corner into a self-confident smirk as she hummed a low melody.
((You let your guard down, dragonfly.))
Firsen clapped his hands over his ears. âNo. No you don't. Stop it.â
((I almost believed you. Your flare burns bright and hot. Itâs hard to approach. But you leave yourself so wide open when you're venting.))
âGet OUT.â
He turned his own Dyne on himself, and it was blazing and it burned but he needed her out of his head.
When his vision cleared, he was on the floor, the lingering itch of a Dyne surge still tingling on his skin. Lixy stood above him, her own markings lit up but her flare looking blown out. She held out a hand.
Firsen turned away with a scowl. âNo one's around. Don't even bother.â
She tucked her hand back into her sleeves. âYou'd better start practicing getting that under control. Or I'll do you a favor and take it from you.â
With that, she turned on her heel and left.
Well, that didn't go as planned.
Though she wasnât inside his head anymore, sheâd gotten under his skin. Which was just about the same thing.
-
1056 words
And that's how it went down. Highly recommend to read last week's entry before this one since they connect immediately ^^
Also if you saw Calire's version here earlier and wondered where it went, I had written two versions but ended up liking this one more but only just now had the internet connection to swap it out (phone browser tumblr is a quagmire).
i.... i need to know more about the Dynes. please tell me about the Dynes. they're a mental power? they can influence other people to do things? there's a backlash too? đ
Been thinking today about where some of the wires get crossed when aro and/or ace people talk about wanting more low-to-no romance stories and other, allo queer folks get mad at us for it--because while some of it is just plain hatred of aspec folks, I'm absolutely willing to consider that some of it is more unintentional lateral striking out--and I think I'm stumbling into something I want to articulate. Not that it's an entirely new thought, or even something I've never considered before, but something I haven't quite framed this way in the past.
Because, like, okay. It's 2026. There's rising queerphobia of all stripes--which is undeniably one reason I'm thinking about the lateral violence of it all, and we'll circle back to that--but the media environment of today does still makes it more possible than ever before to find and enjoy queer fiction. And this is critical to what I'm about to say next, so I hope those of us that grew up in times where that was not true can sort of table our thoughts on what things were like when we were kids.
My point it, if I'm an adult who isn't in the closet (and even if I am in the closet, plausible deniability is higher than it was pre-2010 or so!), I can go see a gay movie. I can go buy a gay book. There are members of the community, like kids/teens or people in unsafe situations that might not have that freedom, but at the very least, finding the gay media isn't the hard part for anyone. Heated Rivalry is one of the biggest TV shows of the year (and the books that it's based off have since seen a huge jump in popularity, too), queer romantasy is flourishing, and even classic queer media is getting revamped (pun intended) in series like the Interview With the Vampire TV series. And if, for whatever reason, none of the current professional stuff is doing it for you, Ao3 has approximately 8.4 million M/M stories and 1.7 F/F stories--which isn't the greatest ratio for the femslash fans, but is still nothing to sneeze at. And that's not even getting into the many gay podcasts and audio dramas, self-published books, comics (indie and otherwise), and other, nicher options. Long story short, if you only want to watch, read, or listen to media with prominent gay characters in it, you can establish a very healthy media diet, with everything from fun, trashy romance to acclaimed TV miniseries to weird podcasts to RPG actual plays, and everything in-between. This has very much not always been the case, so it's really cool we're here!
As an aro/ace person I... can't do that with stories about people like me. Like I really, seriously can't do that. I guess if I was content to enjoy less media, maybe, but I love stories, which I'm sure a lot of people on this website can relate to. And I love participating in fandom, too, so sometimes I do want to be into something that's big enough for me to chat about it with other people, or get more than a handful of kudos on my fanfic. So at the end of the day I don't limit myself, and that's honestly a good thing! It's great to be into things about characters who don't exactly share your identities, too.
But like. This year I've bought* exactly one book with an actual, canonically aro and/or ace character in it--the short story collection Tales From the Folly, which is a part of the Rivers of London series and features the aro/ace character Thomas Nightingale. (*I say bought, because I'm yet to actually read it--I'm sorry, Thomas!). That's it. I've enjoyed various other stories, but as far as ones with people like me go, I've gotten my hands on exactly one. And it's not for a lack of trying! There just... hasn't been much on my radar. This is a huge reason I've gotten so excited about Project Hail Mary recently--it doesn't have any canonically queer characters, and the original author definitely didn't intend to write the main character in a way that resonated with so many aro/aces. But it's a story without any canonical romance of any kind, where as a result, I can watch a fun movie and pretend for a little bit that Ryland Grace is like me. There are so few aro/ace characters that most of what we get. Playing pretend.
This is where I think some of the wires are getting crossed. When people hear someone like me say "I'm really exhausted by all the emphasis on romance and shipping in fandom," I think what some of you are hearing--because it's historically been true, and we're at a scary time in the world where it feels more and more like it's threatening to become true again--is "I want there to be fewer gay stories." When what I'm really saying is "I want there to be more aro/ace stories--or at least stories where I can pretend the main character is like me." And to even further hamper understanding, when aro and/or ace folks say we want stories about people like us and we hear other, allo queers object, what we aspecs often hear is "I think people like you aren't worth telling stories about"--even though many of you have valid reasons for liking the stories that you do, too.
I think that those of us who belong to older generations (especially millennials and above) can all probably relate to what aspecs are experiencing here on some level. There was a point in time where gay books were extremely limited, and gay characters in TV and movies were unheard of. Even as things crept in a more progressive direction, the Bury Your Gays tropes meant not everyone could enjoy the stories those characters showed up in. That was really hard for a lot of people, and I never, ever want us to go back to that. But I do think it's important to acknowledge that gay media just isn't at that point right now. Media with actual aro/ace characters in it.... kind of still is. It's different, because society is in a very different place, and also cishet people have historically demonized aromantic and asexual people with very different tropes--the heartless villain incapable of love, the cold lover that the protagonist abandons to be happy with someone else, the boring stuck-up prude, etc. And there are people, especially in the indie sphere, who are making some good stuff. But at the end of the day, I have a lot fewer choices than you do. Which is why it really hurts to get told that my headcanons and readings of canon--which are most of what I have--are actually problematic.
Anyway. None of this is groundbreaking. It's been said before, by people more eloquent and more persuasive than me, and it'll probably be said again. It just feels worth reiterating, considering some of the blowback I've been getting to expressing this sentiment. Because I really do think a lot of us want the same thing--for everyone to be able to enjoy whatever kind of stories they like most about people like them. (Without losing sight of the fact that media can be a great way to understand the experiences of people of other experiences, of course). When the scales are so unequally weighted, however, it gets really messy to talk about.
So instead of projecting our own fears and insecurities onto each other and letting them dominate the conversation--let's actually talk about it.
Pulling these tags out because I think they further articulate some of the points I was trying to make here really well:
#There definitely is a suspicion and resentment towards the idea that stories with No Romance are valuable#because many many people hear âthere shouldnât be all this gay shitâ#And then they treat you like thatâs what you said#Treating stories without romanceâor with main ace and aro charactersâas a cowardly in-between step#between Straight Media and Gay Media#as if they just werenât brave enough to make it Actually Gay#rather than welcoming it as something with real value in itself#And yeah it comes from real fear because there ARE a lot of conservatives in the world saying there shouldnât be all this gay shit#but then there are people who treat this as the ONLY thing anybody is saying so anything that reminds them even a little bit of that#is suspicious. And a lot of those people havenât fully shaken off the 2014 attitude that aces and aros are Just Straight People Really#Itâs rooted in real fear but then it turns into uncalled-for viciousness about their fellow queer people who are Being Queer Wrong#I also think⌠thereâs a lot of fear that someone who is very similar to you but reached a different conclusion is Judging You#by a lot of people self conscious about their place in society#That causes a Lot of the lateral cruelty between ace people and gay people (via @specialagentartemis)
Henriette C. Rigel @stories-by-rie - Tumblr Blog | Tumlook
