#and fast

I could write essays about Cheng Xiaoshi’s hand on Lu Guang’s shoulder here. Just that alone, I could write thousands of words about. Because the moment immediately before this—

—is Cheng Xiaoshi taking a swing at Lu Guang. Because he’s hurt, because he feels betrayed, because he just went through something traumatic in that moment that also triggered traumas from his past and Lu Guang knowingly led him into that situation. Yes, Lu Guang tried to encourage him to leave the photo several times before it got too bad and no, he didn’t have bad intentions. But at the end of the day, he lied by omission and Cheng Xiaoshi stayed in the photo without the full picture of what he was being led into. So, he’s not wrong for taking a swing at Lu Guang. But at the end of the day, Lu Guang isn’t wrong for what he did, either. He was protecting the past the way he had to, being the voice of reason and rule that is his agreed upon role in their dynamic.

And that’s what Cheng Xiaoshi’s hand on Lu Guang’s shoulder means. It means that he recognizes this, that he doesn’t actually fault Lu Guang for what he did, he’s just hurting. It’s one thing for Lu Guang to reach out to Cheng Xiaoshi to comfort him after what happened, it’s another thing for Cheng Xiaoshi to reach back.

On one hand, it’s Cheng Xiaoshi accepting the silent apology and the comfort being offered to him. It’s him letting his walls down and letting Lu Guang in. It’s him being vulnerable and broken and trusting Lu Guang to hold him together. It’s his wordless admittance that he knows that Lu Guang was only doing what he had to do.

On the other hand, it’s Cheng Xiaoshi comforting Lu Guang in return. He knows that Lu Guang would never want to hurt him, that he feels terrible for putting Cheng Xiaoshi in that position, even if he had to. It’s his way of assuring Lu Guang that he’s here, that he’s not pulling away because he’s hurt and he’s not laying blame.

Their hands form a bridge to each other, both of them reaching for each other to both provide and receive comfort. It’s a visual representation of them meeting in the middle, of them acknowledging that the situation sucks, even if that’s the way it had to be. It’s them understanding each other in a way nobody else can, sharing a bond and a desire to protect each other above all else.

Phantom turned to Technus, who had frozen in shock as Phantom went on his tirade. “And you! Tell the other ghosts I’m done saving them, too, because none of you care! You don’t care if property is destroyed, or if humans get hurt, or if other ghosts get hurt! All you care about is your stupid Obsessions! You’re too caught up in your own mind to see what you’re doing to everyone around you!”

“But your Obsession is Protection, is it not? You’ve never stepped down from a fight-“ Technus began. Phantom didn’t let him finish.

“My Obsession is Space! If I had my way, I’d spend my nights stargazing, or maybe even on the moon! Instead I’m stuck cleaning up your messes because you can’t control yourselves!” Phantom growled. He glared at the crowd of people who had gathered, curious as to why all fighting had stopped.

“Humans are cruel and hateful. Ghosts are ignorant and careless. I’m tired of wasting my time protecting both sides from the other and being blamed for it. I quit. If anyone dies, or is captured, it’s no longer my problem.“

Like that, Phantom vanished.

The Fentons celebrated, not even noticing Technus make his own escape. The crowd murmured, worry just as prevalent as confidence. The few phones that were recording the event were put away, and later the footage would be checked. Unfortunately, most recordings were corrupted beyond recognition.

Most, but not all.

——————————————————

Amity Park. Ground Zero for the start of the war between the Living and the Dead. Humanity and Ghosts.

Why it had only recently escalated to this, Batman couldn’t tell. His research found that there had been a portal opened to the Realms years ago, and the laws passed just a year after that. Most of the town was stuck behind an information blackout that the government refused to give access to. Whatever happened, Constantine assured him that it was almost certainly the government’s fault.

After almost three weeks of trying to get beyond the firewalls, he finally figured it out. “Research” that claimed ghosts were nothing but evil. News articles calling “Phantom” a troublemaker. Forums that spoke about how “Phantom” ruined the town while fighting other ghosts.

A video, old and grainy but still clear enough to be used as evidence. A glowing, white-haired boy that told everyone he was done. That he was tired of fixing everything. Of saving everyone. That nobody was good, everyone was bad, and they were on their own.

They used to have a hero, but Phantom left. Without him, both sides tore at each other until there was nothing but an all-out assault. They needed to stop this, but without a mediator they would not make it through to the ghosts.

i heard people were undecided on the levi w/ glasses from the new game teasers, so hopefully this quick sketch sells you!

and out of curiosity:

ASGAHKLAJSA THANK YOU?? You are too sweet <33

Hardest is probably a tie between "Wait brb gotta re read the entire thing to ensure no continuity errors" (which happen regardless) And Pacing which is more a personal writing achilles heel

Most of my serious publication stories I have the foresight of planning and cutting back within specific parameters. BUT no word/page/editor note limit with fanfiction??

There is no drafting pacing plan- just vibes, then "fuuucckk I need at least another 10k for that... dammit"

I know all the big plot points to come but theres many shifting events in between that are being shuffled for whatever the narrative needs not including those i've cut and were already at 100k+ and I get the comments of