Ashen-Sky

She/Her (20) Thoughts, theories, and other fandom related stuff.

[heaven-s-black-box]

You have Mail- Introduction

Welcome to the storage unit

Welcome interns, I'm researcher S. This storage unit is designed to archive stories from the remnants of universes. When a universe ends, it leaves behind a "black box" from which we can recover these "entries". In the case of "related entries" a story was recovered in fragments. "Notes" are things recovered from a black box that does not warrant a full entry.

"Logs from the rift" entails a rift between universes allowing crossover. The "Radio" or "World's Symphony" is a series of song entries.

Below you'll find rules and regulations for co!14 B0r---

SYSTEM ERROR

SYSTEM RELOADING...

RELOADING...

Hello! I'm the writer here on this account, the whole "researcher" thing is just for looks and because when I was transferring nearly 270 works the robotic notes and stuff were easier.

Welcome to this account, most works were previously posted on @ashen-sky formerly "the_anime_devil". You can still go follow that account for random babbles, but all fics/headcanons/ and most thought out AU stuff will be posted here.

Important info about me:

I'm a university student, ergo request availability will vary

I am a cis-woman (which is why reader inserts default to female)

Feel free to send in asks even if it's not a request, those will be answered as asks, unlike request (see collaborations mail) which aren't answered as asks so that it's easier to sort through

A quick overview of the "glossary" here:

If links aren't working let me know and I'll try to fix them, sometimes a link will work on my phone but not my laptop

Notes are headcanons

Entries are fics

Related entries are multi-chapters

Corrupted files means discontinued

Collaborations mean requests, since a lot of works were transferred I couldn't move over the asks, but I will continue to reply to asks in the same format

In regards to the last point you can still request anonymously, just be sure to check back for your post over the next week

If the "Recovery date" doesn't match the posting date it's because it was previously posted and the "Recovery date" was the original post date

The intern mail tag is non fic related talks

Big series will have their own series tag

Recovery projects means it was done for a personal project (usually summer writing)

Researcher s's recovery is the main fic tag

Researcher s's notes are headcanons

Locked entries are smut, these works are also tagged with standard character tags but you can block either "smut" or "locked entries" to avoid all or just my smut

Green text means it will be/ is a link

SYSTEM REBOOTED

Please find collaboration rules here

[ashen-sky]

All previous works have now been posted! If you can't find it on this (Ashen-Sky) account, it'll be on heaven-s-black-box.

Please go re-like posts if you have time. Just go to the account and you can navigate by fandom in the pinned post. Also give a follow if you think you'll want to make requests in the future because requests open later today!

[ashen-sky]

Just caught up on Blue Lock and AHHHHHH. Spoilers

One thing I love about this series is it's commitment to ideologies. Even when it feels like it's straying (Karasu's recent actions or in general the team playing nice) it reminds you "actually we have a philosophy and we're sticking with it".

Isagi is right, Rin followed Ego's philosophy and it backfired. They have to make 1 from 0 again, they can't all go for goals like that first round robin but they can't all fall to second best like Karasu did for most of this match. It really is fun to watch them work with and through Ego's philosophy.

Anyways, this loss was definitely necessary and I am excited to see how Ego takes it. I imagine what happened in this match wasn't exactly what he means by "everyone should always go for their goal" maybe something like "use the other person's attempt don't just join in/sabotage it" if that makes sense.

[ashen-sky]

Okay, so I just got around to playing The Dahlia quest through and I have a theory.

Given what we learn about our character and the finality, combined with the interaction between the two variations of the MC on Amphoreus, I think we become a path of finality and this is us re-living our experiences. I don't think we're the Rememberence, given how much the pure child of Anasrava was stressed during Amphoreus, but I think we'll be some form of finality.

But also we might be the remembrance considering we could recover our memories from Dahlia and we don't know anything about who we were prior to obtaining the Stelleron. It could also explain why all the Aeons cast their gaze on us, or could be why we become the remembrance.

Also, that quest was saaaaad. I am not ready for the day Firefly truely dies.

I really am so excited to see where this story goes. The day we meet Elio will be very interesting.

[ashen-sky]

CALEB'S NEW CARD! Vinesurg my beloved...

Okay first, this is definitely the first time they've had sex and I am LIVING FOR IT. The desperation, the "I didn’t teach you that", the "this is what we've been waiting for". (Edit: sorry the line i was think ling of was "you don't know how many times i've imagined this")

Also that kiss at the start that was getting hot and heavy and then she pulled away as punishment.

Now, on to its continuation of painful signals. I'd heard this card was angsty but idk if I'd say angst. I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT BACKUP, although if I had to hazard a guess I'd say it's a backup of his memories of MC. Now, MC feeling out the inner workings of his arm, so cute! And a little hot, I may have a thing for machinery. Caleb's, and MC's, acceptance of his arm is such a nice little arc.

Lastly, it really is heartbreaking that MC and Caleb can only be alone when they're stranded. And the comparison between Octoday and the plant? I think my favorite part is that it acknowledges that Caleb isn't just selfishly keeping MC by his side, he's also acknowledging that she's strong-- something that their story hinges on to grow. Caleb and MC will always try to protect eachother, but their story can't move forward until Caleb acknowledges that she doesn't NEED him to protect her. Which he does here, even if it's only an acknowledgment and it still takes him some time to put it into practice.

[ashen-sky]

Item: A Stunning Frame Rarity: ⏶ Common

What game has the best art style?

Feed your dashboard by answering my question, blogger.

Oof... I must refrain from answering. I don't think I can pick.

[ashen-sky]

Here me out:

Resident Evil Genshin AU

Dain as Leon and the Traveler twins as Chris and Claire.

That's all I got.

[ashen-sky]

Aaaaa, Luna act 4 is making me wanna write for Dain, but we're also getting so much new info on him that i think i need to re-work my characterization of him?

like it hasn't completely wrecked my previous characterizations but I think i need to make him a little softer now? And there's more of his past i want to explore too.

[ashen-sky]

Stares at Luna act III and the Kahnri'ah flashbacks.

Dain being a nosy tease? Gah, I can't wait to apply this to Dain fics going forward. Kahnri'ah lore is always my favorite.

It's nice to get to see him interacting with other Kahnri'ahns. We got a small glimpse of who is was with Halfdan, and when we met his teacher we more so got an idea of what his life was like. But him getting drinks with his brother and Rerir?

Also, poor Rerir.

But back to Dain, cause like we've known him for longer. Loving the new contextualization for his relationship with his brother. Like, we first hear about him and Dain's like "I hate him" and then we find out Verdolfnir is the reason Dain isn't rotting as fast as everyone else, and Dain used to encourage his brother to take breaks from work.

I just, I love Kahnri'ah and it's lore. Nothing makes me more excited for an update than Kahnri'ah lore.

[ashen-sky]

The Genshin Timeline is so twisted it's not even funny (I love it)

How did the Khanri'an twin get out of the ship? When did we fight the shade and get separated? Whatever the heck happened during a Space and Time for You, and with Caribert.

[ashen-sky]

Playing the second part of the Lantern Rite quest, I think Istaroth is going to turn on Celestia.

I mean, usually immortality is framed as a curse and punishment in genshin but Zibai's "immortality", being split into three parts, along with the line "You've done enough". Felt almost like a reward? Granted, it's still a curse in that she has to live with everything but it feels like Istaroth isn't in complete agreement with Celestia.

Also I'm pretty sure it wasn't Istaroth who cursed the Khanrei'ans.

I haven't played all of Luna yet, so this is purely based on lantern rite and that one heavenly principles video (but I have seen some spoilers about the new Khanrei'ah lore we learn).

But I think the Heavenly principles are going to side with Teyvat against Celestia. I mean, Rhinedottre's sure as hell not siding with Celestia if only for her own power.

[ashen-sky]

I got my hands on Caleb's Thrones of Eros card! I loved it! MC and Caleb matching eachother’s toxicity? Chefs kiss.

It's always nice when the game reminds us that she's not a damsel in distress subjected to the guys' darker sides.

Anyways, it's not my favorite card ever because I like everyone being happy and healthy and these two are definitely... not. But I definitely appreciate Infold's intent and execution.

Also, I think part of the reason I personally find myself repeatedly unsure on if Infold is trying to imply a proper blood siblings tie is because it doesn't seem to be a problem for Caleb and MC? Like, they can't be together cause they're the Federation High Marshall and the Empress. Never is it implied they can't be together because of bloodties, and of course that could just be by virtue of being an Imperial AU.

[ashen-sky]

Not that it matters at this point, but I will say my analysis of Caleb's story in the new event was wrong (the few times where I was picking it apart to see if there was any concrete proof they were actually blood siblings, I still haven't played the card but i've seen enough of it now that it'sreally undeniable). And i'm only taking the time to say this because I think the internet could use more people acknowledging when they're wrong.

I also just wanna be clear that I don't object to the route Infold took, I was just engaging with the event story with the main story as a basis. Quite honestly I love the event's stories and wish I could get my hands on everyone's cards, but i've been having shit pulls.

[ashen-sky]

The more I play the event story line, the more I really do start to think Caleb and MC aren't blood siblings in this AU. Like, and bear in mind I still haven't played the card yet, it feels very much like MC just hasn't been forced to confront her feelings yet like how Caleb's death and return in the main story forced her to re-evaluate everything.

I bring this up now because in today's royal walk when talking with a servant about gifts for MC's coronation Caleb declares his gift being from him as her brother. Okay, I could see main story Caleb doing the same, no proof of blood relation there. THEN MC says "you wear that identity like it's second nature"... Well, if they were blood relatives (who grew up together as most of this event has implied) why would that be strange? She didn't say "still" which could imply they've grown distant. Then he says "it's the first role I've played aside from 'Caleb'". Which really gives me main story vibes and not blood relatives vibes.

When you do the final profile chat, they talk about coming from the same lineage. Which is a moot point because royal families are based entirely around a carefully tracked lineage. "We're from the same lineage" could mean "there was an emperor generations ago that we both descend from".

Now the biggest thing I've seen that implies blood relation is MC saying "you're my brother by blood and my sworn enemy" which could imply some kind of oath between rulers rather than actual blood relation. It's a weird wording, but I wouldn't discount it on that based on everything else.

[ashen-sky]

https://youtu.be/ctW3djvUp-A?si=ZDr2NERsseN-RxUE

[ashen-sky]

The more I play the event story line, the more I really do start to think Caleb and MC aren't blood siblings in this AU. Like, and bear in mind I still haven't played the card yet, it feels very much like MC just hasn't been forced to confront her feelings yet like how Caleb's death and return in the main story forced her to re-evaluate everything.

I bring this up now because in today's royal walk when talking with a servant about gifts for MC's coronation Caleb declares his gift being from him as her brother. Okay, I could see main story Caleb doing the same, no proof of blood relation there. THEN MC says "you wear that identity like it's second nature"... Well, if they were blood relatives (who grew up together as most of this event has implied) why would that be strange? She didn't say "still" which could imply they've grown distant. Then he says "it's the first role I've played aside from 'Caleb'". Which really gives me main story vibes and not blood relatives vibes.

When you do the final profile chat, they talk about coming from the same lineage. Which is a moot point because royal families are based entirely around a carefully tracked lineage. "We're from the same lineage" could mean "there was an emperor generations ago that we both descend from".

Now the biggest thing I've seen that implies blood relation is MC saying "you're my brother by blood and my sworn enemy" which could imply some kind of oath between rulers rather than actual blood relation. It's a weird wording, but I wouldn't discount it on that based on everything else.

[sefynarose]

I’m honestly curious about the Chinese’s fandoms response to the whole “little sister” thing in Caleb’s new card. We know in the Chinese translation he calls her Mei Mei which translates to little sister, but I wonder if that part of the fandom really enjoys the forbidden relationship aspect and that’s why it’s pushed. And I feel like Infold had toned it down for its American players because a lot of Americans feel so strongly about incest, but with what they did in this new card I’m wondering if they’re saying “fuck it” just because our part of the fandom complains a LOT, especially for the part that doesn’t nearly put as much revenue into the game as the Chinese community does.

[ashen-sky]

Seeing it explained like this comment does makes so much sense. Like, we take "Mommy/Daddy" as kinky terms for granted but if someone's not familiar with that usage I can see how it would be jarring.

[abyssalaerlocke]

Okay, I've been thinking about how Caleb is MC's "blood brother" in Throne of Eros, and how this changes things from their usual adoptive siblings in the main timeline.

Like, how some MCs couldn't look less related to him (I mean, genetics can do things, where siblings have wildly different skin tones and perceived races, but there's limits. It's not like Caleb's albino or something)

And MC just goes right for their first kiss blatantly, a level of comfort and entitlement with each other and each others bodies that we don't normally see. And there was a post imagining his "baby sister" comments are so snide or whatever, because they're twins, and he's barely older than her. And I could see twins MC and Caleb being so close they feel like two parts of the same source (which is Caleb and MC's whole thing), with the kind of familiarity with and entitlement to each others bodies they have.

So I propose

Wombmates

where the surrogate got pregnant with her own child (Caleb) around the same time MC's embryo was implanted. They don't share DNA, but they formed together, had an inseparable bond.

It explains why MC was the heir, even though Caleb is older (and even says he could be her rival to the throne) — MC's genetic parents put her higher in the line of succession than the noble they chose to act as their surrogate.

[ashen-sky]

New favorite headcanon for his card

[ashen-sky]

The current event story is interesting. The plays and how they reflect the main story (looking at Caleb's second chapter and conversation about freedom... Mr. I'll lock you up for your own safety), and the way the characters interact and relate.

But like, Hamlet for Xavier the connections are obvious. Macbeth for Zayne is interesting but given his Foreseer myth makes total sense. Sylus' whole thing with desires, can't currently remember Raf's, but as a Caleb girl I love his play so much.

Making MC the goddess, because let's face it she holds all of the power in their relationship. It's why Caleb is so intent on keeping her safe and resorts to the methods he does. The godess' unrequited love being pretty equal to Caleb's, with MC unable to face/accept his feelings.

In all of the plays, none of their roles are one for one a reflection of their main story selves. Zayne is the witch, Sylus is the woman, ect.

Also, as a footnote cause I haven't gotten Caleb's card yet but I saw a post talking in general about how his symbolism isn't just forbidden, it's Adam and Eve. It wouldn't be weird for Infold to pick incest as the "forbidden" of this card. 1. A Royal AU is absolutely the place to do it and 2. Eve was born from Adam's rib, ergo they were related.

But also from what i've seen so far, I think it's possible they aren't related. I saw one post saying they might be distant cousins, which at that point it really doesn't count. I think if you base things around the main story there's a lot of things you can interpret as just having grown up together. My theory for the "brother by blood" line is that it's more of a pact thing than literal blood.