* memory rot

𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢.    𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏

[labnatus]

Visit Original Link

LABNATUS    —       welcome ! this is an independent, private portrayal of DAKOTA JINGYI an original character rooted in original lore, inspired by a combination of final girl + living experiment tropes, survived by leah ( 23, she / her )  !

carrd. prompts. verses. pinterest.

a study in : survivor's guilt, the final girl standing, the inherent weight of remembrance, confusion of self, stories of road films, fickle memory, golden cages, fear as a motivator, the quest for answers, the horror that who you were as a child is who you will be forever, how the body holds trauma, and the four walls that hold us captive

[connell-waldrn]

CHASE SUI WONDERS as Nikki in BUPKIS (2023)

[likcthestar]

Cress absolutely beams, her world overtaken with thoughts of sunshine and snow and desert sands. The rustle of palm trees, the looming sky above. Every little moment that she collected on Earth, and willed her mind to remember. Strong enough to relearn how to breathe. Oh, she likes that very much.

“It makes sense,” She replies, closing her eyes a moment to bask in the feeling. “I love that. I don’t think it’s stupid at all. We are not the creatures that they intended for us to be, but even if we are— we can change. We are changing, right now. And everyone changes, no matter what happens to them. We’re just learning a little later than them.” Another squeeze to Dakota’s hand.

Cress opens her eyes. She’s still smiling. “If you want, you can join our crew for a while. We— Captain Thorne and I— we’re going to help deliver letumosis antidotes to Earth. It’s a good way to travel, see everything I’ve never gotten to see, and I still get to help people. We have other people on our crew that are only going to be there for a few months, so you could stay as long or as little as you wanted.”

[labnatus]

she often wondered just what they'd wanted her to be. all those tests, those years of torture, what was it all for ? it was one of the secrets she'd never been able to steal. she hoped that she might be able to now that she had her freedom. it was a long shot, she would be lucky if they hadn't destroyed any traces of the experiments when things had grown tense.

but she had to try.

dakota squeezes her hand twice, thank you. it's not nearly enough. she would be in debt to cinder and her crew for the rest of her life. ❝ earth ? ❞ she laughs in disbelief, ❝ i never thought i'd get to see it. you really mean that ? i wouldn't be ... ❞

she knows what she wants to say : a waste, someone holding them back, taking the spot of someone who was better for it. but in the short time she's known cress, she knows the other won't stand for it. ❝ i'd like that. you're really sure it's okay ? even if i don't want to stay forever ? ❞

[julykings]

a spooky house comic featuring these spooky houses by adam b.

[labnatus]

❛ you were sitting alone, so i thought i'd join you. ❜ featuring — @konagakure ( going long but not like a dog )

she swings her legs off the edge of the fire escape, letting the wind hit her face as she rubs at tear-stained cheeks. god this was embarrassing. all she'd said about how she didn't even get that bad of nightmares and now here she was in the middle of the night, sobbing her eyes out because of one.

more like sobbing her eyes because it wasn't just a nightmare.

dakota jumps at the sound of another voice and she wipes beneath her eyes, sniffling quietly before she turns and looks at hinata with a small smile. ❝ hey, yeah, feel free. sorry if i woke you. is that tea you've got ? ❞ she pats the spot next to her and glances down when she hears a taxi below them honk loudly. ❝ what are you still doing up ? it's like super late, i thought for sure you'd have passed out by now. ❞

[likcthestar]

Cress understands. She understands with an ache and a fervor that she isn’t sure that she can express. If only she could reach back to herself, to that little nine year old girl on the satellite, and tell her— You are not alone. You will meet more like you.

Of course, Cress has known even then that she was not the only one trapped on Luna. Perhaps it wouldn’t have made a difference after all. This is important, though. This kindness, this moment of recognition. She takes one of Dakota’s hands in her own and squeezes, smiling as comfortingly as she can. Nods, nods, nods, as her new friend speaks. I know, she wills her to hear. I know what you are feeling. I feel it too.

Then the question takes her off guard. “Uhh— hmm. Neuroplasticity, the study of neural networks in the brain. Highly connected to bioelectricity, and how the brain alters, especially in childhood.” Cress cocks her head to the side, trying to remember, then shakes it. “I never did much research into that stuff. I was more focused on spy work, and I— I mean, I’m a shell. I didn’t need to know.”

[labnatus]

when cress takes her hand, she initially expects there to be a pain response, some sharp burst across her palm. logically, she knows it's an irrational thought, but the body carried it's hurt and her hands were doused in it. instead, she softly squeezes cress's hand twice — thank you.

dakota beams briefly and nods, ❝ exactly ! but shell or not, it's important. you see, what makes it so interesting is that it's a balancing act of malleability. it's all about being weak enough to be changed by external forces but strong enough to not change all at once. it's the capacity of our nervous system's ability to regenerate after bouts of trauma, no matter the age. ❞ the ones running the tests have never noticed it, but dakota listened. and she'd learned far more than they ever realized.

❝ it means that even if we're the burnt lungs ... our minds are not only strong enough to relearn how to breathe the clean air but dumb enough to risk trying. it's like there's something inside the mind that inherently knows it's worth a try. ❞ she withdraws with a shrug, ❝ it's probably stupid but ... it helps. to think about all of this as just one big neuroplasticity test. does that make sense ? ❞

[labnatus]

❛ the worst is behind us, okay? we’re gonna be fine. ❜ featuring — @likcthestar

as a little girl she'd dreamed of freedom. the confines of the lab had been all she'd known. she'd scoot to the very edge of the cells, as close as possible to the one next to her, and she'd weave fascinating tales of escape to the girl in the cell next to her's. and then to the boy. and then, eventually, the cell was empty. the only person left alive to dream with her was herself. the lab had been her birth, her destruction, her home, and it would have been her final resting place, someday.

but then she'd finally found that escape she'd always dreamed of and dakota discovered that, in the overbearing vastness of the universe, she wasn't sure she knew what to do with it.

her foot bounces anxiously, he knees pulled to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. she smiles weakly, ❝ yeah ! yeah i know that it's just ... ❞ she nervously picks at her lips, ❝ well uh y'know, i don't even ... like know what i'm going to do tomorrow. and believe me, that's so beyond exciting to me but ... ❞ she clears her throat and looks up, ❝ if you spend your whole life breathing in smoke from a burning house, your lungs adjust to the smoke and then they don't know what to do when they get clean air. so they die. metaphorical, obviously, but i sorta worry i'm the burnt lungs. ❞ she clicks her tongue, ❝ how much do you know about neuroplasticity ? ❞

[cheungmaggie]

Chase Sui Wonders behind the scenes of Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

[labnatus]

❛ this is unusual for me. ❜ featuring — @daverialki

she finishes up the final stitch with a muffled laugh, bent over his injury, and looking for any areas that could be prone to infection. dakota takes a cloth and wipes the edges of the stitched wound, careful not to tug at the skin. ❝ unusual to get hurt ? ❞ she steps back, tilting her head to examine her handiwork before reaching for a small jar and brush. she dips the brush carefully into the jar and gently brushes the paste atop the wound. ❝ or unusual to be in this part of the city ? ❞

dakota looks up at him and smiles brightly, ❝ i've just applied a healing paste. it should quicken the process some, reduce discomfort. ❞ setting all other supplies aside, she grabs a roll of bandages and carefully wraps the wound, tying it off with a quiet ta da !

she rests her hands on her hips and pulls away, offering him some space, ❝ i don't usually ask this but ... you're not a regular. wanna talk about what happened ? ❞

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FOR FIRST MEETINGS & AWKWARD CHATS *  assorted dialogue for new acquaintances, adjust as necessary

have we met?

i recognize your face from somewhere.

i've seen you before.

i think i've seen you around.

do you do this often?

you look familiar.

what do you do for work?

did you friends abandon you, too?

are you new around here?

feel like dancing?

i think i'd remember a face like yours.

sorry, i don't mean to stare.

i've heard about you.

have you eaten here before?

you certainly get around.

think i saw you last week.

i've just never seen anyone as beautiful as you before.

i've been meaning to introduce myself.

it's really nice to meet you.

you look a little lost.

do you need some help?

wait a second. i know you.

do you come here often?

looks like we're the only ones left.

can i give you my number?

we haven't been properly introduced.

so... what kind of music do you listen to?

i'm sure you hear that a lot.

i don't mean to pry.

let me call you a taxi.

mind if i sit here?

when did you get here?

how long have you lived here?

do you remember me from last time?

do you like living here?

that was a dumb question to ask.

can i buy you a drink?

i hope i didn't scare you.

have you been here before?

i just think you're really pretty.

we met last week!

i didn't mean to interrupt you.

go on with your day!

i could give you a ride home.

feels like we were destined to meet.

would you dance with me?

i'll be just fine.

let's grab a table.

do you want to grab coffee sometime?

could i see you again?

i felt like i should come over here and introduce myself.

you're extraordinary.

i really enjoy talking to you.

we've been talking for hours.

you were sitting alone, so i thought i'd join you.

would you like to come inside?

feel like going for a walk?

is this seat taken?

could we talk inside?

i'd really like to get to know you.

i never know what you're going to say next.

i can't get enough of you.

this is unusual for me.

i'm not used to this.

did i say that outloud?

what do you recommend here?

i love your laugh. it's so unique.

i'll walk you home.

let me call you an uber.

pretty sure i saw you last week.

was that a pick-up line?

i'm sorry if that was too forward of me.

[goodnightmemes]

YELLOWJACKETS SEASON ONE SENTECE STARTERS

❛ So what do you think really happened out there? ❜

❛ All I know is that what happened was a tragedy. ❜

❛ Is this really how you thought your life was gonna turn out? ❜

❛ I don’t give a shit what you meant, you smug little bitch. You don’t know a fucking thing about my life. ❜

❛ Want a quickie in the bathroom? ❜

❛ I’m pretty sure it’s exactly as bad as it looks. ❜

❛ I liked the saints. They were all so tragic. ❜

❛ You’re the only one who’s always been there for me. ❜

❛ You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. You know that, right? ❜

❛ We agreed. Say no more than we have to, stay out of the public eye. ❜

❛ We’re gonna need to change the bandages soon. And then hourly after that. ❜

❛ Are you trying to be adorable with me? Does that usually work for you? ❜

❛ You are so mad. And yet so wrong. ❜

❛ You crazy fucking bitch. ❜

❛ If you maybe want to maybe get a drink another 20 years from now, you’ll know how to reach me. ❜

❛ They’ll be here to rescue us by morning. ❜

❛ If poison ivy’s what kills me out here, then I deserve to die. ❜

❛ We think we know what we’re doing, but really we have no clue. ❜

❛ Wolves can kill anything if the pack’s big enough. ❜

❛ If you want me busting kneecaps, it’s gonna cost extra. ❜

❛ You know, you can learn so much about a person by going through their personal refuse. ❜

❛ You two are the worst for each other, and I don’t want to pull you out of that toxic shit again. ❜

❛ It’s so easy for you to judge others with your perfect life, right? ❜

❛ We might be stuck in the middle of nowhere, but, hey, at least there’s porn. ❜

❛ You’re beautiful when you’re honest. ❜

❛ Well, mainly, I’ve just been trying to channel you, so I’ve been being dark and deadpan. ❜

❛ Oh, please don’t be mad. It’s a really long drive home, and uncomfortable silences make me uncomfortable. ❜

❛ The worst is behind us, okay? We’re gonna be fine. ❜

❛ Are you kidding me right now? “A bad feeling”? I don’t believe in that shit, and you’re not going to either. ❜

❛ I don’t know what you’re so scared of. You’ve already got blood on your hands. ❜

❛ I think bad things happened here. ❜

❛ I think we should get together and strategize. You know, pop a few pins on the old corkboard. ❜

❛ Look, you can follow me or not, just don’t slow me down. ❜

❛ Is this some kind of sex thing? ❜

❛ I can already smell the ghosts of hangovers past. ❜

❛ Has anyone ever told you your obsession with biographical minutia is the opposite of a turn-on? ❜

❛ I know when you look at me, you don’t see someone you should be afraid of, but, you’re wrong. ❜

❛ Okay. Yes, ma'am/sir. I’ll perfectly calibrate my tone as I tell you to go fuck yourself. ❜

❛ You had to know I was, like, totally in love with you, right? ❜

❛ It doesn’t matter how shitty of parents they are. It still fucks you up when they’re gone. ❜

❛ I don’t understand why I’m the only one in this family who thinks that actions should have consequences. ❜

❛ Well, you’ve never been good at being anything other than yourself. Honestly, it’s your superpower. ❜

❛ You can’t keep not pitching in. People are noticing. ❜

❛ I don’t belong here, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this. ❜

❛ Wait, is this a pep talk? Wow, that is so not your style. ❜

❛ Cheering people up is your thing. ❜

❛ You make people feel like things are gonna be okay just by showing up and…being your dumb, hot, awesome self. At least you always did that for me. ❜

❛ I feel like I just look like I fell off a Fifty Shades of Grey bus tour. ❜

❛ I just had a brainstorm. We should have a seance. ❜

❛ You’re so not fine. Do you think I can’t see that? ❜

❛ You poisoned me. Why? ❜

❛ Why can’t you accept the possibility that there are things in this world we don’t understand? ❜

❛ Please. Promise me you won’t do anything stupid. ❜

❛ I’d sell my firstborn for a cheesesteak right now. ❜

❛ I am beyond upset. I don’t even know who the hell you are right now. ❜

❛ It’s not your fault. What happened. ❜

❛ I can’t imagine how exhausting it must’ve been, always comparing yourself to someone so beautiful and smart. ❜

❛ You know, for someone who went through some shit of their own, it never ceases to amaze me how shut off you are to help. ❜

❛ I have no regrets. None. And I want you to know that. ❜

❛ I think I’m seeing things. In the Bible, people had visions, right? Like prophets and stuff? ❜

❛ I don’t want to die! ❜

❛ The ‘50 s called, they want your dumbass attitude back. ❜

❛ Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don’t let the fact that you’re a terrible person keep you up tonight. ❜

❛ You’re not gonna talk me out of this. ❜

❛ And who knows? With you as our fearless fucking leader, we might actually make it. ❜

❛ I know that this makes me, like, this totally selfish asshole, but I don’t want you to go, okay? ❜

❛ You’re obviously hiding something from me, and it’s making me feel crazy. ❜

❛ What did I do? When did you stop wanting me to be your best friend? ❜

❛ I’m just saying, you know, if this was a horror movie, she’d be the villain, right? ❜

❛ Not the first time I’ve been held hostage. ❜

❛ You see, that is what we call leverage in my line of work. Let me go, and I’ll tell you everything I know. ❜

❛ You only have leverage if I am not willing to make you talk, which, in this case, means that you have no leverage at all. ❜

❛ You guys are just as fucked-up as I am. You’re just better at lying to yourselves. You’re not healthy. You’re not stable. You’re living on the brink, just like me. ❜

❛ Every single cell in your body wants to blow things up and see what happens. That’s who you are. ❜

❛ You know what? I really thought that we had something. Okay? And I thought this was… ❜

❛ I hate to break it to you, but we were just fucking. And your whole high school crush on me was really cute, but now it’s just pathetic. ❜

❛ If this is an anniversary present, you are three months and my entire personality off. ❜

❛ Relationships are bullshit anyway. Trust me. Whatever you did, she’ll get over it. ❜

❛ I’m pretty much the best friend you have right now. And that’s not much of a competition, is it? ❜

❛ If I’m being honest, not a single one of those things felt…real. ❜

❛ I’m the reason she went. And I’m the reason she got hurt. ❜

❛ It’s like if someone made me feel “it” … it wasn’t gonna be good for anybody, you know? ❜

❛ There is no “safe” anymore. ❜

❛ I wish I’d never fucking met you. ❜

❛ You don’t understand. I’m afraid I’m going to hurt you… Please. I am begging you. Please. Please, just go. ❜

❛ Hey. Look, nothing has happened yet. We can still fix this. Just need you to put down the knife. And we can talk this through. ❜

❛ We’ll drink rotten berries and celebrate our impending death. ❜

❛ You were never supposed to get involved in this. It just… It got out of control. ❜

❛ What do you mean, you killed someone? Like you murdered someone? ❜

❛ I can’t believe you thought I was going to book club this whole time. ❜

❛ When did we become these people who lie and cheat and do awful things and just stay together because…'cause why? ❜

❛ We’ve always been these people. Secrets have always been a part of us. ❜

❛ You could’ve talked to me about that, you know. For a long time, I thought maybe you might, but… ❜

❛ Friendship doesn’t matter. Love doesn’t matter. They’re just things that we use to pretend we aren’t gonna end up like dead cabin guy; like rotted-out husks in some bullshit attic. ❜

❛ Don’t you understand? You don’t matter anymore. ❜

❛ That’s enough of your weird fucking bullshit. Haven’t you done enough? ❜

❛ 12% of all killers are caught buying cleaning supplies. Also, regular bleach leaves behind hemoglobin for the luminol tests. ❜

❛ I think what you mean to say is, “Hi, [name]. It’s so great to see you after all this time. Thanks for swinging by and helping us cover up a murder.” ❜

❛ You know, gardening, PTA, dismembering my lover’s corpse. ❜

❛ I saw something. After…it happened. I don’t think I was dead. But I wasn’t really alive, either. I think I was, like…In-between. ❜

❛ I know what I saw. I don’t know what it meant. But I know I saw something. Something was out there with us. ❜

❛ We just howl at the moon now and have fucking orgies? ❜

❛ You’re so obsessed with yourself, I’m surprised you’re aware other people even exist. ❜

❛ I’m not jealous of you. I feel sorry for you. Because you’re weak. And I think that deep down, you know it. ❜

❛ I’d say it was soul-crushing, if I remembered what it felt like to have one. ❜

❛ So glad you’re joining us. We’ve been waiting for you. ❜

[labnatus]

meep mlorp

meep fuckin' mlorp!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vanderrwaals]

“It would be so much easier to go through life being ice. Like, just pure and crystallized, no feeling.” 

Chase Sui Wonders as RILEY LUO

genera+ion