Only Skeleton Bones Remain

a blog for my Dema-verse series “Only Skeleton Bones Remain” on AO3

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salutations! I have been writing/novelizing the story of Dema and Trench on AO3, and decided to make this blog to give more incite into a lot of the details I’ve put in the world.

Part 1 is available on AO3, under the title “Beyond the Path of Reason”.

I also love questions and talking, so feel free to message me.

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my readers: I love your Keons and Nico!!! they’re such a good parallel to Torchbearer and Clancy.

*me who literally wrote a chapter where Ash tends to Clancy’s wounds and then Keons does the same to Nico*

me: yeah that’s exactly what I was going for. yup. no other thematic parallels here.

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SEIZING AND VIALISM

*SPOILERS*

I love when magic systems destroy you slowly, so introducing the fact that because of how much Nico seizes and smears it’s literally making him rot, I was so excited. it’s also something I’ve literally not seen yet and wish there was more of.

I’ve not explained it, only implied it, but the Bishop’s power comes from something ancient that they’re tapping into. while they think they’re controlling it and using it for their own benefit, it’s actually using them. they think they’re in control, but it’s actually the opposite, which is how a lot of addictions and vices feel.

this ancient thing is something I’ve referenced a bit, but haven’t explained. Clancy sees/feels it when he escapes in HDS. he makes reference to seeing a “monster with nine faces” that tries to drown him in ink.

when Keons loses his temper, his voice gets distorted, and it sounds like he’s speaking with a hundred different voices. Nico does the same when Clancy mentions the Torchbearer. the voices are actually the past Bishops and Clancy’s that have succumbed to the cycle btw ; same with when torchbearer goes to the in between void when he’s projecting and he sees shadows with red eyes those are dead Clancys

when Ash meets Nills, it implies this. sure there’s the connection between them, a Bishop meeting a soul they own, but she mentions feeling something ancient staring back at her. something that doesn’t feel human. I’ve also implied that Nills is the oldest Bishop and that he doesn’t reset every cycle and is the only bishop that knows exactly what’s going on

also implying that Nico’s not as old as he looks, and neither was the previous Nico. the “miraculous power” is killing him slowly. and since he’s getting weaker, he’s only encouraged to seize more so he has strength to move. something something symbolism.

anyways now watch this drive

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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Beyond the Path of Reason

Chapter 31: Under is Sword to Sleeve

Summary: as the Assemblage approaches, Ash risks everything to get Clancy out of Dema before it’s too late.

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Clancy and the Torchbearer’s Reunion

this is by far my favorite scene I’ve written for beyond the path and I just really wanna share it here, from both POVs. mostly because I’m hoping a clique artist likes it enough to draw it because I can’t pay for a commission.

*SPOILERS, Obvi*

context: Clancy and Torch were childhood friends, separated when Torch escaped. Clancy only has vague memories of Torch and does not know his name. Torch, on the other hand, has spent the last seven years trying to figure out his powers. for unknown reasons, anytime Clancy is in danger, Torch’s projection is forced there but Clancy can’t see or hear him.

after he’s taken back in Jumpsuit, Clancy is nearly killed in a fight and it wakes him up again. he goes to a roof to see confirm that he’s afraid of dying and wants to live. in Trench while with his adopted sister Ash, Torch is ripped away to stop Clancy from falling.

I will also forever being taking credit for the trend of Torch calling Clancy “Clance” because I never saw that in fics until after I started doing it so yeah

Clancy POV

And when he closes his eyes, lets the thick, hot air blow against his eyelashes, Clancy can pretend it’s much higher. Ten stories. A hundred. He can imagine he’s above the deepest chasm in the universe, dark and empty. And that fear becomes an inferno. Burning. Twisting. Eating everything in its wake, until there’s nothing but euphoric relief.

He doesn’t want to fall. 

And there’s a sick pleasure in that, too. The fear of falling. That makes him sway. Makes him hold his arms out, like vulture wings. Makes him lift his foot. Makes him smile as the realization consumes him. 

He doesn’t want to fall. 

He wants to live. 

A hand balls into his shirt, and Clancy’s yanked forward, away from the ledge with a terrified yelp, straight into a yellow X. 

“What the fuck are you doing!?”

Torch’s POV

“Ash, I’m gonna drop you.” 

Torch doesn’t hear the snarky remark. Doesn’t get the chance to put her down, before the world drops out beneath him, and he’s torn free. Catapulting to some rooftop in Dema. Blinking away golden hour to gray twilight, and some idiot with one foot off a ledge.

His idiot.

The one who threw himself between sadistic Prefects without a plan. The one who escaped Dema with nothing but the shirt on his back. Clancy, his best friend, his missing half—

With one foot off a ledge. 

Torch rips a button dragging Clancy back, away from death. Or severe injury. A hornet’s nest of panic buzzing beneath his skin as he bellows to the muted sky, “What the fuck are you doing!?”

Clancy flops into Torch’s chest, knocking them both over, and they tumble into the gravel. Torch just solid enough to feel the sharp rocks dig into his palms and knees. 

He shoves Clancy off him, only to take his collar again. 

“You fucking idiot!” Torch yanks down his bandana, now back on his projection’s neck. “What were you thinking?!”

Clancy’s big, doe eyes blink dumbly. Confused. Because he’s not plummeting to the pavement. Searching for the culprit—

Then, fear sparks, and he swats at Torch’s hands. 

But Torch doesn’t yield. “Y-You asshole, you — what the fuck is wrong with you?!” He shakes his friend for good measure, voice cracking. “You can’t leave me. You can’t. Understand?” Tears sting in the warm breeze. “You — Don’t you ever do that again! You asshole!”

Clancy blinks again slowly, lips parting. Looking—

Looking straight at Torch. GrabbingTorch’s wrist. And uttering a soft, breathless, “Sorry.” 

Torch lets go immediately, burned by the touch. Burned by Clancy’s gaze. Crawling away, because it’s impossible. Clancy’s never…

But he is. 

He’s looking at him.

“No…” He doesn’t even need to breathe, but still can’t find enough to ask. “C-Can… Can you see me?”

Clancy doesn’t miss a beat. “What kind of question is that?”

All the panic has frosted over. Torch can’t move, can’t speak as tears fill his projection’s eyes. Afraid to blink, because this could all be a dream. He’s had one similar for years, and always it ends with him waking up, alone and miles away. But now…

A prayer, unanswered for years, falls like a drop of rain in a wasteland. 

“...Clance?”

Something broken and mended flashes in Clancy’s eyes. That kid who could shout the stars from the sky. Who could slay a thousand men with only a few words. The kid Torch would follow to the ends of the Earth, if he just asked. The kid Torch would die for, live for, kill for—

That kid stands, and reaches out a hand for Torch. 

And Torch is terrified that he’ll pass straight through, but no. Torch grabs Clancy’s hand, twin scars joining, as he’s pulled to his feet. 

When Clancy lets go, a tear falls down Torch’s cheek. 

“You were…” Clancy’s spidery hands try to rip each other apart. “Out there. I saw you on the cliff.”

When he doesn’t continue, Torch dares to ask, thorns growing up his throat and into his mouth, “Y-You… You remember that?”

Eyes darting to the floor, Clancy reaches into his pocket and pulls out a metal tin, scratched and worn. Holding it out so the last shreds of daylight glint on the cigarette case. The one Torch hasn’t seen in seven years. 

“I…” Clancy’s voice is soft as snow. “I think I know you.”  

Pain has never felt euphoric, but Torch almost crumbles in blissful relief at the agony tearing through his chest. The weight of the sky finally pulled from his shoulders. 

“Clancy—”

Metal creaks, slams loudly behind them, and Clancy’s face drains. 

Torch whips around. Silhouettes pour through the service door. Massive, dark, shouting and clamoring across the gravel. 

They’re tearing Clancy away, kicking and screaming—

A thunderclap decimates Torch’s ears, right beside his head, lightning flashing behind his eyes. Cracking so loud, Torch thinks the whole City just broke in half. But no, it was just a thousand-ton force slamming into Torch’s sternum. Hands go to stop himself from splitting open. His body should be in ruins, smashed to smithereens, but…

Scarlet drips down yellow. Right on target.

No, he didn’t explode. He’s leaking. Right.

Clancy’s being shoved through the doorway, screams drowned by the ringing in Torch’s ears. The Torchbearer’s on his knees. He doesn’t remember doing that. 

When he calls for Clancy, reaches for him, nothing but red comes out.

One more crack, and Torch’s head splits open—

The world shuts off.

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hey your torchbearer playlist just bit me i’m gonna need you to pay my therapy bills

Willing and Able? I can make a whole playlist of pain if you want :)

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real question though what’s the point of the dema elite class? as in what purpose do they serve for the bishops and vialism?

good question, and there’s a couple answers. (again this is my own interpretation)

first thing we need to understand is that the Elite are not one group, but a bunch of different groups just lumped into one blanket term:

bureaucrats. while Dema is theocratic (government is run by a religion), there is a bureaucracy that exists. those higher up in the system, like Overseers, vicars, and rectors, are among the Elite.

bloodlines. families who’ve been in the same district for generations are called Legacy Lineages. overtime, they’ve gained notoriety, wealth, and permanent estates in their districts.

there are artists in Dema and they gain notoriety. Art is heavily regulated in Dema so to be an artist you have to be a very, very devout Vialist. (yes Clancy is technically an Elite even though Nico keeps him anonymous)

Bishop’s Wards — those training to become a Bishop are considered Elite citizens.

Vialism works as any other authoritarian system. those who participate, who help maintain the status quo and order are rewarded with more privileges. they get better homes, luxury goods, etc. joining the Elite makes your chances of Ascending during the Assemblage skyrocket, which is the ultimate goal of Vialism.

hope that makes sense.

also I feel like I dropped a bunch of words I’ve never defined so—

Vicar: someone who works directly under a bishop to run the district, basically a governor or a mayor.

Rector: similar to a vicar, but they run the religious practices in Dema and maintain the chapel.

Overseer: basically a citizen who runs an individual aspect of the city: like an administrator.

Prefect: a low-level bureaucrat.

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upon request…

The BANDITO FILES #1

Bernard AKA “Badger”

Age: 27

Bishop: Sacarver

Camp: Kynedall (eastern camp closest to the Dema)

Rank: Lieutenant

Attributes: tech-savvy, intelligent, and friendly.

(yeah, Mark Eshelman’s Bandito-sona is named Badger in my universe)

Badger grew up in Sacarver’s district, one of five children with Unglorified parents, rare for Dema. by the time he escaped at 20, he was the last living member of his family.

Badger would dissect old radios and broken cameras as a child, eventually building his own. it was found during a contraband search and smashed in front of him when he was fourteen.

knowing he had a knack for cameras, Sacarver assigned him to work on Good Day Dema when he came of age. Badger discovered one day that a host had been killed, and was being Seized by Sacarver during a taping. this was his final push to escape.

Badger contacted the Banditos himself, sending out distress signals from a modified radio until he got an answer. Zeev, one of the eldest Banditos, helped him escape and took him in, joining the Suduratt Camp, who are stationed on the southern shores.

a few years after his escape, Badger found an unconscious escapee in a field and got help. the escapee was mute, due to a horrible wound on his throat that should’ve killed him. they learned he was an Unclaimed that went by Torch. Badger kept the escapee company while he healed.

Badger and Torch became close friends. every time Torch would try to break back into the City, Badger would cover for him, and eventually, Badger would be the only person who knows about the Torchbearer’s abilities.

when the Torchbearer became leader of the Kynedall camp, he appointed Badger as his second in command.

SPOILERS

Badger is the reason the Banditos know Seizing is real. for decades, it was just a legend.

Badger is one of the few Banditos that gets taken back with Clancy during the raid on Kynedall, and becomes an FPE forced to serve the City. all of Clancy’s taped performances are directed by Badger.

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what characters do y’all want me to do a highlight for???

or are there any world building aspects you want me to clarify???? I love to yap.

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Smoke and Torch

Willing and Able

“I wasn’t alone. I had… I guess you could call him a brother.”

“‘Had’? So, he was a Vialist.”

“No, he hated it. Hated the City. Practically spat in the faces of the Niners every chance he got. I think that’s why they wanted to send him to Nills. Figured he would finally break him. I guess he did, in a way. Smoke never even made it to his District.”

Oh, we can fight like we used to fight Bony-limbed, red-faced, and teary-eyed

Under the glow of the TV light, oh, I wish you could know me

And I wish I could know you much more sometimes

Wish I could do nothin' with you

Sit in the yard while the day dies, leave it all on the table

And I'll say, "I love you, " and mean it this time

Say, "I'm sorry for everything else"

If we found a way to the other side

I'd be willing and able

self-indulgent post where I angst about Torch’s brother Mato, AKA Smoke. though they weren’t biologically related, Torch and Smoke shared a dorm room in Dema until they were 18. Smoke was lively, loud, and everything Torch felt he wasn’t. they grew apart after Torch met Clancy, and Smoke fell further into his addiction, often neglecting his real younger sister, Ash. Torch frequently took care of Ash, never knowing where Smoke was. when Smoke was told he was being sent to live in Nills’ district and would have to leave Ash behind, Smoke took his own life.

Torch doesn’t talk about Smoke to the other Banditos, or even Clancy, as Torch blames himself for Smoke’s death. he often wonders why his abilities to help and guide people didn’t alert him to Smoke’s true mental state.

Smoke was the first person Torch ever lost to Vialism, and his catalyst for wanting to destroy the entire system of Dema.

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happy pride month to whatever the heck my Clancy and Torch have going on because even I don’t know at this point

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everyone’s always wondered what the Annual Assemblage is and what happens and for my fic I came up with a frame by frame fake holiday for a fake religion that promotes suicide if yall wanna hear about it I’ll tell ya.

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aight this is a long one. strap in

Annual Assemblage of the Glorified

happens on March 20th every year and occurs in 3 parts.

part 1: the Feast of Saints

this is an all day event that takes place in the squares of each district. shrines are built for everyone who “ascended” (killed themselves) that year. it’s tradition that you ascend in front of a bishop, but those who do so alone are still honored, tho their shrines aren’t as big. citizens will eat and drink all day in honor of those who are glorified.

the Dema Elite have a separate, private feast hosted by Father Vetomo. this is what’s in the Saturday music video.

part 2: the Anointing and the Red March

after the feast, those special few citizens who’ve been chosen to Ascend during the Assemblage gather in Reisdro’s Tower. nine neon markers are crafted by the hands of the Bishops. the Bishops then choose one citizen from their own district and Anoint them (brand them). this is called the Sacre Novem.

the remaining citizens then Ascend before the Nine Bishops, either by poison or self-exsanguination. their bodies are taken out of the tower by Father Nills’ Corspebearers and laid in open caskets along the road to the Grand Chapel.

once all this is finished, each Bishop escorts their Anointed citizen to the Grand Chapel. this is called the Red March, and the entire city lines the road like a parade. this is also broadcast to the whole city if they do not attend.

part 3: the Sacre Novem

after the Red March, the Bishops, the Anointed citizens, and the highest ranking citizens all gather in the Grand Chapel. Nico gives a final sermon, and one by one, each Anointed citizen Ascends for the whole city to see.

NOTE: if a person is becoming a Bishop, they are Anointed and do so during the Sacre Novem. the Bishop they are replacing Ascends in their stead. (except that’s a lie and the Bishop is taking over their body once they’re near death and extending their life)

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everyone’s always wondered what the Annual Assemblage is and what happens and for my fic I came up with a frame by frame fake holiday for a fake religion that promotes suicide if yall wanna hear about it I’ll tell ya.

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Wish I could leave 1 million kudos.

readers like yall are the only reason I’m still updating

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https://archiveofourown.org/works/62192788/chapters/225377706

Beyond the Path of Reason

chapter 30: “Above Is Blind Belief”

Summary: the Banditos learn that the Bishops plan to show their power for the anniversary of the riot; Clancy confronts Nico about his return to the City.

this contains one of the gayest scenes I’ve ever written in my life. and it’s not gay. it’s 100% platonic. but wow is it gay.

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Beginning a new read through this morning and I've got to say this section is definitely my favorite part of chapter 1. If this was a book 'twould be highLIT

Five singles.

That’s how much it costs to sell her soul. Condemn herself to a life of heresy.

That, and a pair of shoes.

I know it's literally the very beginning, but what a fantastic hook.

thanks a ton that came to me in the shower no lie

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you ever like not update on AO3 for over a month because you’ve convinced yourself no one will care if you don’t and that you’re a shitty writer and that it’s fan fiction you should do something better with your time or is that just me