#rough outline

[gale-dragon-writer]

Okay, now a basic outline and some information on the “What if the Jedi Order Actually Allowed Relationships Because of Soulmates?” Star Wars A/U.

This will be a longer post compared to the ‘A to Z Ways for Palpatine to Die Before Order 66’ since there’s more information to this as well as some extra thoughts. Plus, this is actually a full-blown continuous A/U rather than 26 stand-alone chapters.

First off…

Soulmates do have Soulmarks somewhere on their bodies. These Soulmarks appear on the skin of sentient creatures roughly the time they reach puberty (or the equivalent to). The Soulmarks are the same designs, colours, and in the same locations between Soulmates and will become brighter when the Soulmate met. The Soulmarks are usually on parts of the body that can be covered up easily enough (which is thankful on the Jedi’s side of things). There is also some sort of link between Soulmates that can be felt by the Pairs that can’t be explained, even by those more in-tuned with The Force. Soulmarks will only vanish when the Soulmate of a Pair dies.

The Jedi Culture in this A/U:

Since Soulmates are a thing, the Jedi Order’s Rule of Attachment is very different in this A/U compared to the canon media. They are allowed, even if they aren’t Soulmates, but the Jedis are still expected to act as peacekeepers and put the needs of the Galaxy before their own, just in more of a healthy way. (Ie, there does need to be a lot of communication, trust, some good emotional support, and emotional regulation between the Soulmate or Partnered pairs).

Springing off of the last point, YES! The Jedi Order makes teaching Healthy Emotional Regulation to all Younglings absolutely mandatory in all the Temples before they even take their Initiate Trials to become Padawans, no exceptions. So all within the Jedi in the Order know how to regulate their emotions in a healthy way (but not everyone follow these lessons because, yah know, there are always exceptions. It is rare, at least).

For the Jedi Order, in order to have the Soulmate Pairs official in their eyes, all members of the Soulmate Pair must undergo what’s called a “Trial of Bonds”. Once the Soulmate Pair pass, they may officially bond. There are two different “Trial of Bonds”, one for those who are Jedi (or those who are Force-Sensitive) and the other for those without Force-Sensitivity. The minimum age allowed to take these “Trial of Bonds” is the legal adult age for their species (For humans, it’s 20 years).

Ofc, there are some understandable rules for Jedi Soulmates/Pairs to follow, and those works for all the pairs in all honesty. Also thanks to these rules, the vast majority of the Galaxy believe that Jedi are the only beings that will never have Soulmates and aren’t allowed to be in relationships, period. None of the Jedi want to correct this thinking/belief because, well, it does protect the Soulmates/Partners of Jedi that aren’t Force-Sensitive or part of the Jedi Order from being targeted. Plus, it is ultimately none the Galaxy’s business.

On that same note… The Sith are completely unaware of the “Real Rule of Attachment” that the Jedi Order has, so… Yeah, the Sith don’t know about the Jedi having Soulmates. And… This is ‘lack of knowing’ will be come into play a few times in this A/U.

Now for some other changes regarding the Jedi Order.

Instead of sending just two Jedi on missions, it’ll be three. Even if one of the Jedi has a Padawan. It’s more for keeping the Jedi balanced and offer up more diverse viewpoints on whatever is involved or needed for the mission. And for the Padawans, while their chosen Jedi Master will be their main teacher during these missions, the other Jedi will more or less act as a supporting role to them (both as teachers and as moral guides). Also, depending on what these missions may entail, the Jedi will either wear their traditional Jedi robes or civilian clothing. Most Jedi prefer the latter, in all honesty.

On the subject of Padawans. While they are given a master to train/guide them, they are encouraged to train, meditate, and hang out with other Padawans when they are in the one of the Jedi Temples. So, Padawans tend to have a lot of friendships with others that last through knighthood and even as Masters.

There are actually individuals that live in the Jedi Temples that aren’t Force-Sensitive (usually Jedi Soulmates/Partners who choose to live with their Jedi pairs, some relative of Jedi that aren’t in-tune with the Force [that have to live there for legitimate reasons], or are children of Jedi Soulmate/Partnered pairs that aren’t in-tune with the Force [it’s rare though, but it does happens]).

The Jedi still use all the Temples on the other planets, because they want to be in locations to help the people of the Galaxy. While the Temple on Coruscant is the biggest of them, it has the least amount of Jedi actually living there full-time and the Main Archive is located on Ahch-To. The Jedi, the Coruscant Temple is more of a convenient location to aid the people of the Republic better because the planet is the centre of it and station Jedi there that would trive better. The Jedi in this A/U aren’t exactly allied with the Republic, but at the same time they have never been able to inform the Galaxy of this for some reason.

Now for some major points in the timeline of this A/U:

The Jedi are still protectors and peacekeepers to the people of the Galaxy. (Yeah, not changing that). They do tend to talk to the reigning Senators, Rulers, or Representatives of a planet regarding what the people need, because, well, they’re supposed to represent the people of their respective planets. Sure, it might make the Jedi seem like lapdogs to the high-class, but as long as the people are given what they need to thrive, the Jedi are fine with it (even if a lot of them don’t particularly like it, for obvious reasons).

Which brings us to our first divergent from the canon in this A/U; When Dooku discovered the senator he was protecting was corrupted and was letting the people suffer. Since Dooku had two other Jedi with him along with his Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, they were able to calmly talk him down from murder and remove him from the situation while assuring him that they all inform the Jedi Council of this whole ordeal and make countermeasures so things like this don’t happen again. The other Jedi Knights ‘might have’ forgotten to bring in the assassin with them into custody while they took Dooku and Qui-Gon out of the room, and one of them ‘might have accidentally’ unlocked the cuffs on the assassin’s wrists with the Force before they left, and the other Jedi Knights ‘might have’ closed the doors behind them before they could hear the corrupted senator try to call out to them.

(… Yeah, the Jedi in this A/U will not take any lives themselves unless there is no other choice, but they aren’t going to go out of their way to protect those who don’t deserve it [especially if the people take the higher priority] or try to stop anyone else from doing the deed [unless they are trying to protect the potential killer from a separate threat]).

Once the Jedi Council are told what happened with the corrupted senator, they take it seriously and talk about ways to prevent this sort of thing from happening while trying to make sure the people are their main focus.

Thanks to this, Dooku never has any doubts or becomes disillusioned about the Jedi Order keeping to their original code and remains with them. This also means that Palpatine never gets the chance to manipulate Dooku into siding with the Sith and Yaddle will still be alive in this A/U. On that note, Yaddle will mostly act as a Youngling instructor after stepping down from the Jedi Council. Also, Dooku and Mace remain best friends and both eventually become members of the High Jedi Council when the time comes, together.

And skipping to when Qui-Gon Jinn gets a Padawan of his own, Obi-Wan Kenobi (who is 13 at this point).

Nothing major happens, until a mission to Mandalor with the usual Jedi team that Qui-Gon seemed to usually get paired with. Qui-Gon doesn’t mind this, plus Obi-Wan seems to get along with his fellow Padawan, Quinlan Vos. But this mission takes a rather unexpected turn when it is discovered that young Obi-Wan and the daughter of the ruling leader of Mandalor, Satine, are Soulmates.

And… Yeah, once that happened, there was talk about starting a peace treaty between Mandalor and the Jedi, which, ofc, will become official when Obi-Wan and Satine are married/bonded when they both come of age. After the Mandalorians learn (and somewhat reel) about some of the more ‘hidden culture’ of the Jedi that the rest of the Galaxy was unaware about, ofc (on this note, yes, Mandalor conclude that it would be best to keep the whole “Jedi actually do have Soulmates” thing a secret from the Galaxy as well. Mostly because of ‘who would actually believe it?' And it is still not the Galaxy’s business in the end). At the same time, Obi-Wan and Satine get to know each other, despite some teasing from Quinlan.

Moving forward a few years to when the usual Jedi group Qui-Gon teams up with are sent on an undercover mission on a planet of Tatooine (meaning that they aren’t going to be dressed as Jedi). Obi-Wan and Quinlan are currently 16-17 by this point. (Yes, this is the Episode I: Phantom Menace part of this A/U).

(And going to skip a few things, only stating SOME of the major part of this A/U version of Phantom Menace. Hey! I’m making an outline here! I don’t need note down EVERY little change to the movie for this A/U until actually writing out!).

Plot stuff happens, and… Qui-Gon’s group are quick to learn that slavery is still a thing on Tatooine, despite it being illegal through out the Galaxy. Ofc, they report this to the Jedi Council when they get the chance, and are told to lay low, observe, and report what they see in order to build a solid case against the current leaders of Tatooine. No one likes it, but they can see the reasoning behind it all. So that’s what they do, and it eventually leads them to find a 9-year-old boy by the name of Anakin Skywalker (I don’t think I need to explain in this outline what happens at this point, even with the changes I’ll be making, right?).

More plot stuff happens, and then Maul comes onto the scene. But since Qui-Gon had two other Jedi Knights with him to face the Sith, the battle with Maul goes VERY differently. Btw, during this part, Obi-Wan and Quinlan are making plans to bring young Anakin to the Jedi Order, as discretely as possible. And, Qui-Gon survives with only a missing arm and minimal injuries to the other two Jedi Knights, not to mention they are able to capture Maul, alive. (This also means that the main focus of Maul’s obsessive rage in this A/U is Qui-Gon, not Obi-Wan. For now at least).

Some more plot stuff happens, then when it was time to return to the closest Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan and Quinlan successfully managed to ‘get’ Anakin, his mother, and an android name 3CPO onto the ship that the Jedi group are using. When everyone gets settled and turn on the Tatooine news to see what has happened since they left and… This is when Qui-Gon and his fellow Knights learn WHAT Obi-Wan and Quinlan did to “discreetly” get the Skywalkers off-world with out anyone noticing… None of the three were amused nor happy that the two Padawans made such a plan, but Quinlan cheerfully stated that no one would look for individuals who they believe to be dead while Obi-Wan, uncomfortably, did point out that none of the officials put in much effort into confirming that the ‘bodies in the explosion’ were the Skywalkers, not to mention no one reporting on ‘that’ bothered learning the names of the slaves (or even kept the names consistent through out the report). While none of the three Jedi Knights were pleased with the ‘methods’ the Padawans used, they did have valid points and all the Skywalkers are now technically free.

Although, both Padawans did get a very stern lecture on what ‘discreet’ meant.

Yes, Shmi Skywalker also gets her freedom and get’s to watch her son grow up into an amazing Jedi. Not to mention that she is actually being treated like a person by the Jedi and those who lived in the Temples. She ends up as an Archive librarian in the Jedi Temple she ends up lives in. Shmi ends up loving watching children reading and learning.

Also, there’s going to be a ‘bit’ of a culture shock to the Skywalkers when they start their new lives with the Jedi Order. Not just the whole ‘they’re now free' thing.

Long summery short about this section, The Jedi Order does accept Anakin into their folds (even if he is older than the other Younglings that usually enter the Order). Then after the Skywalkers get settled into their new lives, Anakin starts on his Jedi training.

Sure, Anakin is a bit of the ‘odd one out’ because he’s the oldest of the group of this level (given he’s somewhat twice his peers’ ages), but he does go though the training faster than any of the Younglings before him. Some debate on whether this prodigy level thing was because he’s the Chosen One or if this was the Force’s way of making up for lost time with finding young Anakin so late in the boy’s life. Either or, Qui-Gon is sure it’s the former.

So far, the only lessons that Anakin genuinely struggled with were the Healthy Emotional Regulation lessons (which, is actually a normal thing to happen among the Younglings. They aren’t expected to pass this lesson easily or on the first try. In fact, they’re encouraged to go at their own pace or go slowly with this lesson) and the standard swimming lessons (given that he grew up on a desert planet, that was understandable).

After Anakin finally passes those, he takes his Initiate Trials. Then officially becomes a Padawan. And that is when Young Anakin learns that Jedi do indeed have Soulmates, since it is part of the training for Padawans.

Ofc, the first question he asks the teacher for this class, Plo Koon, if he had a Soulmate. The Kel Dor does make a quip about making a banner saying that he does have a Soulmate so he can get a different ‘first question’ when he teaches these classes, but doesn’t actually say anything more on the subject.

Plo Koon does continue the class, currently focusing on the Soulmate Rules that the Jedi Order follows when in public. Ofc, it was asked why the Rules were in place, which Plo Koon answered in a calm, simple, and direct manner, then adding why Soulmates are kept a secret from the Galaxy (while adding that it honesty wasn’t the Galaxy’s business). Anakin seems to understand this as he wonders if he’ll ever meet his own Soulmate.

When it was time for the class to end, Kit Fisto came in with some treats for the new Padawans a one of Plo Koon’s favourite shakes. Anakin did notice that the two older Jedis were talking about something about a “Trail of Bonds” happening so for a Soulmate Pair. Ofc, Anakin wondered what that was supposed to mean.

And… Going to pause things here because… There’s a lot more information that’s more ‘actual Soulmate Pairs shenanigans’ that happens before Episode II: Attack of the Clones. So look forward to part 2 of “What if the Jedi Order Actually Allowed Relationships Because of Soulmates?” Star Wars A/U. And if you have any questions regarding this, go ahead and ask them!

~}I{~

[shadownillyoffical]

Fount realizing he may be a lilgayboy45 and asks God/The Witches/Mother for help

From my new AU that I will start to write and post on ao3 on June first, BTW

[shadownillyoffical]

She a little crazy, but shes alright

TR=Truthless Recluse

LoC=Lady of Chaos

WL=White Lily

[shadownillyoffical]

I have no clue how to write in old English adjacent but damn it, I will make Fount speak that way, even if its hard as hell

[ryukang1995]

Mortal Kombat: The Series - a rough outline

Since recent Mortal Kombat stories (both the adaptations and the actual story modes within the games themselves) have been mixed at best, I figure why not detail how I would do a more modern adaptation of the franchise.

I practically have been adapting the franchise for my AU, but this post will be for a more faithful adaptation that adapts the original canon as best as it can.

First and foremost, I would indeed make this a series. MK can still work as a film franchise, but I do feel a series, whether animated or live-action, can explore the world-building and character development far better than a movie could.

The series would run for at least 6-7 seasons with the major games being adapted in some kind of capacity.

Without further ado, here's a rough outline of each season...

Season 1 - The tournament (Old MK1)

The series begins with five episodes detailing the origins of certain groups of characters leading up to the tournament, similar to MK Legacy.

These groups of characters are...

- Liu Kang and Kung Lao

- Johnny Cage

- Sonya Blade, Jax and Kano

- Kitana and Mileena

- Scorpion and Sub-Zero

Episode 6 is the arrival on the island, the proper introduction of Shang Tsung, hints of Goro and Reptile, a showcase of what the characters can do before the big tournament, and the seeds of certain relationships being planted, like Liu Kang x Kitana and Johnny x Sonya.

The tournament begins in episode 7 and takes up about half of the season (6 episodes). It culminates with Liu Kang killing Goro and besting Shang Tsung. The season ends on a cliffhanger with a tease of Shao Kahn.

I honestly feel that 12 episodes is the right amount to establish the main characters without things dragging on too much. With that being said, each of the following seasons are longer due to the constantly growing number of characters.

Season 2 - Into Outworld (MK2)

After Liu Kang's victory in the first tournament, the forces of Outworld, led by Baraka, massacre the Temple of Light, which motivates Liu Kang and his allies into agreeing to fight in another tournament. This time, in Outworld.

This is where we start to see the previously established relationships grow with Johnny and Sonya starting to have feelings for each other, and Liu Kang learning about why Kitana has such an interest in him.

We don't do dedicated episodes for certain characters anymore. They still get told, but in flashbacks. Why? Because much like what The4thSnake said when approaching how he would adapt MK, setting up your main cast is integral enough for the first season that it can work that way, but further characters and follow-ups can't hold the plot advancement back too much once the series has already gotten going.

Kitana ends up killing Mileena, finally allowing herself to align with the Earthrealm heroes. The climax is Liu Kang and Kung Lao vs. Shao Kahn. Why both Liu Kang and Kung Lao? As a way to show just how strong Shao is to the point where the two monks have to combine their strength to take him down.

Shao is left wounded, and the heroes return to Earthrealm with Kitana joining their side. Again, the season ends on a cliffhanger with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi healing Shao as they begin to enact their plan to resurrect Sindel on Earthrealm.

Season 3 - The invasion (MK3)

Shao Kahn resurrects Sindel on Earthrealm, which allows it to merge with Outworld. With Raiden losing his powers as a result of the merger, it's up to Liu Kang to lead the rebellion against Shao and his forces to save Earthrealm one more time.

While all of this is going on, we also have Sub-Zero rebelling against the Cyber Lin Kuei, who set out to capture him alive.

Eventually, the season culminates with Liu Kang facing Shao Kahn on his own after Kung Lao gets injured by the emperor. Liu Kang defeats Shao, who is then killed by the Elder Gods when they arrive shortly after. Sindel is restored to good, and Kitana says goodbye to Liu Kang as she wishes to get back what she lost all of those years.

The season also ends with Johnny and Sonya getting engaged.

Season 4 - Netherrealm war (MK4)

This season potentially opens with a multi-parter based on Mythologies: Sub-Zero where we see the history that Scorpion and Sub-Zero have with Quan Chi and Shinnok. In fact, this season is likely going to be mostly centered around them.

Liu Kang kinda steps down from the focus, but he still gets a huge role in the season with him trying to save Kitana and Edenia. Johnny and Sonya tie the knot sometime between seasons, and Cassie is born by then. The three main heroes lead the forces of Earthrealm against Shinnok during the Netherrealm war.

Eventually, Shinnok is defeated and Quan Chi escapes into a lost tomb where he discovers the ancient undead army of the Dragon King, which no doubt leads to the next season.

Season 5 - Next generation (MKX + Deadly Alliance)

The season takes place about 20 years after the previous one. Raiden has become an Elder God with Fujin replacing him as Earthrealm's protector. Johnny and Sonya as well as other characters like Jax, Kung Lao and Kenshi are much older. However, Liu Kang is still youthful due to his role as champion of Mortal Kombat. He still longs for the day he can get with Kitana, which no doubt will have a great payoff.

The heroes have been training the new generation of fighters like Cassie, Takeda and Kung Jin so that they can defend Earthrealm through Mortal Kombat sometime in the future. While all of this is going on, Quan Chi forms an alliance with Shang Tsung as they plan on resurrecting the Dragon King's army so that they can conquer the realms.

Throughout the season, we also follow side plots with Nitara, Kotal Kahn and his rise to power, Orderrealm vs. Chaosrealm, etc.

The season ends with the Kombat Kids losing to both Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, and being taken prisoners as Onaga makes his return to reclaim his army.

Season 6 - The Dragon King (Deception)

Liu Kang, Sonya and Johnny learn of the Kombat Kids being captured, so they decide to come out of retirement to save them. Liu Kang also reunites with Kitana, who agrees to help the Earthrealm heroes face Onaga and the Deadly Alliance, who are hellbent on reviving The One Being.

At some point, the old heroes face the Kombat Kids, who are being controlled by Onaga. Eventually, they are restored. We also wrap up the rivalry that Liu Kang has with Shang Tsung as well as the one that Scorpion and Sub-Zero have with Quan Chi, which result in the sorcerers getting killed.

The climax is Liu Kang vs. Onaga. Liu Kang finally becomes the Fire God after he and Kitana are mortally wounded, and manages to destroy The Dragon King. Kitana becomes a goddess and finally gets to be with Liu Kang as they become the protectors of the realms (not just Earthrealm, but also Outworld and Edenia).

Bonus season - Timelines kollide (MK11 + Armageddon)

The series officially wraps in Season 6, but there can indeed be a bonus season.

Instead of time travel, it's a multiverse season that brings in different versions of the characters from prior incarnations of the franchise (such as the films) and even the AU I was working on as they team up to thwart a new threat. I thought of having said threat be Titan Shang Tsung, or at least a version of Shang Tsung that is all-powerful (especially since I'm not a fan of Titans in MK).

And...that's very much it. We'd get as faithful of an adaptation as it's possible while still improving on certain shortcomings from the source material. MK gets to be told properly, for once. Plus, we'd get a genuinely good Martial Arts show that delivers on what makes MK so great and iconic.

That's all for now.

[ponds-of-ink]

Okay, but what if Fazbear’s Fright opened? (And other concepts)

This version of the (in?)famous FNAF 3 attraction did float in my head sometime ago, but looking at spooky attractions on my off-time has made me want to revisit and expand it. This’ll essentially be a concept (maybe for a fan game or fan model? idk), so don’t think I’m working on anything straight away.

With all that preface, let’s kick off Spooky Season properly, shall we? Details will be below the cut, since it’s somewhat lengthy.

*It’s a couple of years after 2023. By some miracle, the attraction known as Fazbear’s Frights has successfully opened to the public and is still going. Yes, even with Springtrap as one of the leading “stars”.

*In fact, it’s been so successful that the company’s wanting to expand the building and work with newly uncovered legends. Tales of circus-themed animatronics escaping some bunker, a pigtailed ringmaster haunted by her maker’s daughter, and even things that could only be found by those looking into newspapers further back from the 80s.

*The remodel is almost complete, save for some animatronic “training” that has to be done for the newcomers. At least they’ve found an unused Baby animatronic that seems to be cooperating with the staff.

*...But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m supposed to be giving a tour of the building, not a tour of the “lore”.

*So, let’s go back to the beginning. Or, more accurately, the hallway that greets you as you walk in. Here you will see various items hanging up on “brick” walls. Old posters, newspaper clippings, and even a few drawings left over from actual Freddy locations. A person dressed in tattered Fazbear employee attire will be in the sales booth, acting as if you were returning to the remains of the restaurant itself. You even get a few souvenir Faz-Tokens, if you want to try the arcade machines.

*After you get your safety warning spiel from a more urban-looking employee, you step inside an updated version of the original FNAF 3 office/hallway combo. The lighting is more bluish-gray than musky-green, the night guard should be looking more bored than stressed, and your nerves are to be more relaxed... Until you realize that Springtrap is nowhere to be found.

*(Side note: The reason for this is to prepare the guests for a different type of horror on top of all the jump-scares. Something a bit more.. concerning without crossing the line. Besides, Springtrap’s been weirdly antsy about one of the new finds and nobody’s been able to convince him that it’s just another rabbit robo-skeleton. So the jumps are more environmental-based than monster-based.)

*Everything else looks “normal” up until you reach the hallway in CAM 5. For whatever reason, it’s been transformed into a spinning tunnel that threatens to tear the establishment apart. Bricks whiz past, colored streaks of light swirl around, and whispers of unfamiliar voices echo as you draw nearer to the tunnel’s exit.

*But, once you’re past that tunnel, everything is different. The rooms are still dilapidated, but it’s clear you’re not in the remains of a pizzeria anymore. In fact, things are now seem a bit more disjointed. At least there are unseen voices of the past (provided by cleaned-up video recordings) giving you some context.

*One of these areas is where the newfound Baby animatronic resides. You suddenly take on the role of an technician on your first day, ready to repair the robot. However, there is a chance that your operation will “wake” her up— Especially if you give her one too many controlled shocks.

*Another is a smaller replica of Fredbear’s in its glory days... But the animatronics are nowhere to be found, along with the chattering guests you hear all around you. It should be a happy place to rest your befuddled minds, but it’s not— Especially with the ancient newspapers lining the stage floor as you are forced to climb up there. If you look closely at these papers, however, you’ll at least have a decent frame of reference for what could have made this place so empty.

*The last place I’ll mention is both the most normal and the most bizarre: A living room pulled straight from the mid-1950s. Why is this here? Well, the company’s found a unique type of horror story to tie all the other ones together: The apparent childhood of one of the Fazbear founders.

*So, in this place, there is a chance that you’ll catch something alarming: A sudden change to a (recreated) local news report on the analog TV, projected shadows on the wall showcasing a typical afternoon in this tense household, or even the cries of a small British boy as thumping comes from underneath the floorboards..

*If you happen to flee the scene during that last part, you’ll have a near-seamless transition to the last section. By this point, you’ll have returned from the “Land of Memories” to Fazbear’s Fright.. All while an equally frightened and pleading Springtrap is waiting for you behind a locked door.

*You see, the company’s decided to offer a workaround for the rabbit’s sudden skittishness. If he’s so determined to hide out of sight instead of jump-scare out in the open, then why not “lock” him back up in the ‘Safe’ Room and let him scare guests indirectly? It’s not like putting him right next to the ‘50s Afton household is going to drive him even more hysterical..

*Anyway, the tour wraps up with a robotic skeleton of a rabbit bidding guests farewell. This guy was supposed to just be Springtrap’s replacement for the first half, but it appears that his AI’s made him too smart for his own good. Not in a “oh he mimics everyone too well” sort of way, but in this... uncanny, manipulative sense. Like he’s done this before when he wasn’t a bare-bones pile of metal. The fact that he can tie a tie like a normal human does not help shake off that ‘haunted’ sentiment.

*There is a gift shop after you exit, but nothing’s been really stocked yet. Plans are to include new plushies of Springtrap, “Circuit-Baby”, and most likely some Freddy Fazbear restocks. T-shirts and other merchandise should line the walls, but that layout’s not set in stone yet.

*Of course, there’s always the chance of a last minute change. Props could be moved, not-recorded story beats could be altered, and last-minute animatronic malfunctions are possible. This is just a rough outline of what the company is planning on a “perfect” walkthrough could look like... Jumpscares aside, because where’s the fun in detailing where those could be?

*I guess if you want a synopsis of Fazbear’s Fright 2.0, it’s this: You return to the place where fun and fantasy have fled, go down a “supernatural” rabbit hole, and you somehow wander through the haunted mind of a once-arrogant Springtrap. Will you make it back without being consumed by the past of someone– or something– else?

[entropy-mephit]

Wanted to make fic about that spinal injury and recovery and also capture and learned helplessness and therapy... But it didn't work out.

It sat in my files for like half year already before I figured out I'm not going to actually write it properly... So yeah. Have a draft file. Feel free to use it if you are so inclined.

.

Diaj was fidgeting. Since Jeoan had mentioned Mialek’s potential return, they was restless: picking up tools and fiddling with them before placing them down without actually doing anything important. On the desk lay a halfway abandoned attempt at reorganizing screws that had ended up in them strewn around as Diaj got up to pace next to the door again, waiting for an update. Jeoan was smart enough and had most likely planned the next set of actions well, but still, it was nerve-wracking to wait without knowing.

Finally, steps sounded outside - surely someone was coming with an update. Diaj abandoned their attempt at distraction, carelessly dropping their protective gloves, heedless of where they would land, and opened the door hastily just as Jeoan raised his hand to knock.

There was a fresh smear of black blood on his lip and the makeup from his disguise was smeared somewhat across his face, but he was smirking victoriously. Whatever had made him bleed, it’s solved issue, then.

"Jo? What happened?"

"He's here, come, help get him to bed," Jeoan said quickly, turning again and marching away with the tapping of his cane.

Diaj rushed past him to a nearby room, and there was Mialek: sitting on the floor with his back to the wall, a decorative white shirt sewn into what looked like a shawl draped over his shoulders.

The older healer looked entirely unlike himself, with eyes staring dully into space, dressed up in delicate clothes he would never have chosen to wear. He was sitting there, slumped, looking so fragile, with no trace of his unbreakable posture: an empty shell of a man.

He barely reacted when Diaj crouched down next to him. Only his eyes shifted to look at them but without much expression change. Nothing to even suggest recognition. He looked so lifeless.

With hesitation, Diaj reached for his bony, thin hand with oddly dulled claws on spindly fingers. How could he have gotten so thin? Healers don't need food, there was no reason for one to look almost starved.

“Do you still remember me?” they asked tentatively, as dread seeped into silence, drawing time out to the longest second.

It was heartbreaking. The man who had basically raised them just sat there with impossibly thin arms resting on his lap. Shape of his bones was clearly visible from underneath the skin on his arms.

There was finally movement: whole head shifting to allow gaze more range, turning to look over Diaj, with a barely visible twitch of a muscle in his cheek, which almost resembled a far too quickly abandoned attempt at a smile. Then, finally, a hand came up to pet Diaj's hair lightly.

“You have grown.” He said in a weak, raspy voice. It was a miracle to know that he had somehow kept enough of his memories to still recognize them. it's so little but still, it means not everything got lost.

Although this action was barely anything significant, it gave new hope to Diaj, and with a spark of excitement, they held this bony hand with an eager smile. They tried to compress all that happened during the years the two of them had been separated to catch Mialek up on what he missed. With a bright smile, Diaj begins to describe their new workshop, with yet another exciting project they began to plan with Jeoan, but at this point, they notice that they got too excited in talking. It looked as if Mialek couldn’t muster any reaction. It hurt anew to see him like this, so quiet, with no opinion to offer, his face oddly devoid of expression, sinking into himself again.

It all felt so wrong.

“Diaj, we should get him off the floor first. He can’t be comfortable here…” Jeoan finally spoke up. He came closer to help Mialek into a better position, bracing at first without much effect, but Diaj joined him quickly. Even with the two of them together, they had still ended up struggling to move the tall healer. They directed most of their effort to not hurt him, in a process that almost looks like they will fail.

After a short struggle, they had managed to transfer Mialek from the floor to the bed, with no complaint from the man.

Two short people who rarely put in more physical work than needed to lift a book or screw a bolt. Big achievement.

“I’ll leave the two of you for now. Mialek, don’t worry and rest. You can stay here as long as you need. If you wish to leave I will assist you,” Jeoan promises, and Mialek could only return a slight nod in response: barely enough to signal that he had registered what was said. With the last glimpse back, Jeoan left, his cane hitting the floor in a slow rhythm as he walked away.

Diaj began to explain how, on top of the prosthetics and weapons projects they were already working on, they had recently been working for Jeoan, who was an excellent employer. The two of them were brilliant in collaboration, with a similar enough field of study to communicate ideas and bring them through to fruition. Mialek returned with a passive, faint smile - all that he could commit to. Diaj doubted the distance was intentional, yet swallowed their words and stopped, leaving their excitement to be shared another time.

“I’ll let you rest now… dad.” They said with a sad smile, hesitating on leaving the room before rushing back to the workshop to design a proper wheelchair. This would allow Mialek to move around on his own; He would be upset at his dependence on others… or at least, not being dependent should help him figure things out, hopefully.

Mialek tried out wheels, slowly moving them back and forth as he tested how hard it is to move and how well they can turn around, glancing over at Diaj standing to the side and waiting. The older healer looked almost like he wanted to say something, but instead moved the wheelchair slowly toward the door, checking the barely wide enough opening and stopping there, glancing at his fingers on the rails of the wheels. Only then did it occur to Diaj that there is a high risk of new injury here.

Off to a great start.

They had forgotten about his staff. Mialek had always had his staff and now it was lost… not that he could properly wield it in this state. But still, Diaj could almost have almost cried upon realizing that they wouldn’t see him with it again. It felt daft, they could always replace it with something far better, far more easily, and make it into a truly terrific weapon in conjunction with the exceptional control Mialek had over his nuryt. Although, it wouldn’t be the same as the weapon that had accompanied him for years before. It would be inconsequential in the long run: a few decades more and likely neither of them would be able to tell that there was anything missing with the new staff. Perhaps? They thought so at least, but it may be better to avoid provocation of memories that might still remain as shells in shadows; There is no reason to bring up reminders of what was lost.

They spent some time watching the sky in silence. The weather slowly turned colder, as the wind shifted, carrying a more earthy scent - it had rained recently. They were sat in an idyllic spot: elevated, to allow the two to overlook rolling waves of sand and the eroding structures slowly sinking beneath them, laid to rest under the bare expanse of the sky.

It was not unlike the desert that Mialek has traveled across before, with army and war he clearly didn't care for, but kept moving along for the few exceptions dear to the heart. He had loved so deeply, despite their fragile human lives, and diaj could still recall the jagged disjoint ringing across souls when he lost one deatest to him. It felt like something they all, ebery Healer, would do their best to never allow again.

Now, elegant interiors and the distance from common people would mark what would be considered the beginnings of new life. Hopefully, Mialek could bleed out memories of his captivity eventually, letting the pain drain away yet again, even if it would inevitably leave a stain on his mind as a whole.

Later, Diaj had tried to share a small snack, to introduce back some semblance of a taste for life to Mialek, however, the man had accepted it without any visible emotions, almost as if he didn't really feel the taste anyways.

It was so odd. Whilst healers are in no need of food, Mialek would always have tasted that which he would prepare for those who did need it. Diaj could recall that Mialek had looked almost happy to cook. Even with little to work with he was able to make what was available delicious, something that everyone could enjoy, even though the worst of times. Yet still, he hadn’t made any attempt to go to the kitchen so far. Besides, the wheelchair would of course complicate mobility and handling ingredients, and there was nobody really to cook for - no worldly people to serve at least.

Diaj was enjoying the peace despite how it pulled them away from work.

They filled the silence periodically with a discussion of new ideas and suggestions which fueled their creativity further. Jeoan joining in was always a great time. One such idea was that of using crystals to conduct the energy from nuryt in order to artificially power replacement nervous connections; Locating them into nodes along the spine could potentially allow Mialek to walk again so that his legs might return to full functionality. Mialek returned only in telling them to do whatever they think would work as if it were not a discussion about his own body. It was almost as if he had given up entirely on being able to walk again.

Diaj assisted Jeoan in preparing the technology to be used to connect the spine, beginning with the individual connectors and metal channels that would guide and secure the main crystal body of the device and what was keeping it in place. Diaj knew what to do with the prosthetics themselves, having worked both on healers and humans before, but there was something quite shaking about the simple fact that it was Mialek they were going to work on. It didn't matter they already had it tested true on another Healer, working and… As much as Diaj wanted to rely on their own expertise first and foremost, with this situation they simply could not trust themselves to handle all details properly. Jeoan had a better connection with the middle plane and energy control anyways, if they had to assure themself with something. In the end, Diaj stepped back when the time for surgery came. The operation itself was performed by Jeoan for the most part, with some assistance from Diaj, though still, Diaj spent their nights sleeplessly worrying for Mialek, poking through other projects in further attempts at distraction.

Since the surgery would have gone better without the nervous fumbling around backing off into the workshop and sinking his claws into something productive instead was the only reasonable choice. And there was obvious work to do, a gift that would become useful as soon Mialek is back on his legs. They focussed on getting Mialek a proper staff for the most part, since it would definitely be put to use once he had begun walking again…

There was a weak, yet undoubtedly noticeable smile as Mialek moved his feet some. Diaj hugged him and grinned, elated. “Now we know for sure, you’ll be walking again soon!”. Mialek smiled softly. It was nothing overly significant, but nonetheless, there was now something resembling hope in his reactions.

He still appeared far too vulnerable, however.

“Just let me try this on my own…” Mialek muttered as an only warning before he reached his hand to try and sit up, making Diaj quickly move closer, offering his arm for support. Mialek caught himself on it, wincing a bit and seemingly with disbelief looking at tremble across muscles on his stomach. “That’s first on the list..” He noted with a frown before smiling at Diaj. The spark of determination was now there to remind Diaj of Mialek’s old self - pulling himself together.

Then, clearly, with more rush than reasonable, Mialek shifted on the bed, hanging his feet down towards the floor. Diaj let go nervously, looking around for the wheelchair but before they could get it to Mialek, the older healer was already attempting to stand up, his thin legs crumpling underneath him as soon as he shifted weight to get up. He fell back down on the bed. For some reason Mialek did not look like he expected this to happen, sending an awkward, apologetic smile. His first try was unsuccessful, which resulted in him back down onto the bed. Still, it was promising to see him moving his feet again, and shifting his knee slightly in an attempt at reinforcing and rebuilding his newfound control. Mialek seemed to be in hurry to get back to moving on his own, uncomfortable with seeing himself so weak.

“You healers are fairly fragile, aren’t you?” Jeoan commented idly, looking off somewhere into the distance.

“No more than humans are,” Diaj responded, “But I don’t see many reapers having lived as long as he has anywhere where he’s been.” He added, feeling the need to let Jeoan know that this is the important part. Both of them knew that they were talking about Mialek. They both might be older than earthly people live but the weight of centuries was not something that should be ignored so easily, the long survival can’t be dismissed with a simple comment about fragility.

“And how long exactly would that be?” Jeoan said, pretending to care no longer as he turned his head to look into the room in which the older healer was resting. Diaj shrugged, as it was the only honest response they could give. “Long before any records reach.” The tone seemed flat, but there was pressure behind the words because it was important to recognize just how much seniority Mialek has on everyone they ever met.

Later, Diaj was helping their dad with simple exercises: bending the legs to gauge mobility, and raising them individually whilst lying down, in an effort to carefully build up his strength and control. “This isn’t too painful, right?” Diaj asked, just in case.

Mialek had turned his leg to the side to test how far it could take the movement and assured them peacefully, “Everything is fine just as it is.” Moving to sit up on his bed. The tremble of exhaustion in his muscles was clear, but Diaj had no intention to call him out on overexerting himself. It wouldn't work anyways.

They nodded in response, glancing around in search of what else they can do to help.

“You know that Jeoan has promised to help me. You could always go back to working in your lab?” Mialek suggested, almost as if he hadn’t noticed why Diaj was around so often. They tried to not take this personally, but it was a little upsetting. So much effort in being helpful treated as something that could just be passed on to someone Mialek still barely knew. But then, just to not argue, Diaj said their goodbyes quickly, avoiding actually responding to the proposition.

Diaj sat nearby, observing another of Mialek’s attempts at standing. The rails they set up for him to train with were just temporary measures, but one Mialek used extensively, clearly putting in the effort to get back to walking properly… There might be something frantic in a hurry whit which he tried to get better, but it might have been just a memory of Isa acting up.

They smiled slightly as there was visible progress in Mialek’s recovery. Although further back, they were ready to help if they were needed or if anything went awry. The older Healer reached the end of the structure, outreaching his hand, for a moment supporting himself with just one hand as he left the stable structure. Jeoan reached out to help Mialek keep standing as the tall healer moved his weight shifting the way he was keeping himself stable to both hands on less stable support - one in Jeoan’s outstretched hand, another gripping a simple staff on the other side.

For now, Mialek was only supposed to stand, freely but once he was up, on his legs, he had other ideas and instantly tried to take another step, ending up putting too much weight on his arms. Jeoan stumbled somewhat himself to compensate for the unexpected weight shift and Diaj stood quickly, reaching out to catch Mialek if he came tumbling down. Not that it was enough, the moment of hesitation sent both of them down to the floor in pile, and as the first scare went away Mialek chuckled with amusement as he polled himself off poor Jeoan. Diaj smiled awkwardly from where he stood with a uselessly outreached hand, failing to do anything in time.

Looking up, even though they could see a little more life in his eyes, there still seemed to be traces of deep-rooted sadness.

And yet still, Mialek had lost his old warrior spark. Over time, however, he soon got back to his old physique, muscles covering the limbs, chasing away reminders of weakness. In time, he began walking again. Although with a staff at his side, and needing some help at times, he was for sure walking and clearly ready to chase some new plan already.

He leaned towards the position at the sidelines, working for Jeoan and supporting him with all he had. It might have been what he was doing for so long for someone that it felt like a natural way to be. He was going out of his way to offer himself for the sake of anyone in need, and often let Jeoan take the lead in where and what they would be doing, almost as if he couldn't value his independence. Mialek also seemed softer than Diaj remembered him to be before capture, and more vulnerable. He shouldn't be this way. But… it is his life and with the amount of experience he has, it’s not really Diaj place to interfere, so they ended up just watching on with worry.

At least he looked more familiar. Back straight and broad arms. He was looking down at his surroundings with composed patience, silently judging people around until it was time to interfere, taking firm steps as he walked.

Of course, the shift was there. It was hard not to notice his neck being hidden, covered by high collars of metals instead of the soft scarves he used to wear, even if they did look more elegant and dignified… he had stopped dressing so lightly and instead preferred to cover himself in flowing materials barely any bare skin in sight… yet still: he appeared to be doing better, with blades of determination poking through this new softness like shoots of plant growth taking root on newly turned soil.

Yes, he was a new man, for the new life starting, but he had found new peace in a way that wasn't all that bad of a look. He seemed more of a pacifist now. Or maybe putting on a facade of one, dressing the fight in pretty words and kind smiles. Diaj had expected some kind of shift as Mialek began his new life and let his old existence fade nearly completely. It wasn't an unpleasant outcome.

It seemed as though Jeoan had a new project in mind, one which he would work together with Mialek on closely, inviting him to his workshop often and frequently spending days at a time pouring over projects without breaks. Diaj on the other hand was not exactly privy to what they were working on. It was most likely something involving energy control, exploring the combination of magic and technology further. At least, it was the most natural guess as to what Mialek could be needed.

The older healer came and went, only occasionally staying for a bit in Diaj’s workshop to keep them company, yet neither he nor Jeoan shared anything of their projects.

They mostly ended up alone, working on the new limbs. The whole concept had seemed to be abandoned by the reaper’s interest, but Diaj was just as devoted as always to the prosthetics, bodily repairs and maybe even it could be possible things ve made better than given by nature.

However, they were somewhat distracted by intrigue towards the new mystery in Jeoan’s workshop. It was upsetting that they were not invited to even take a look at what the two were doing, and that Mialek was holding back information, though there was nothing that could be done.

The shift in position, raising Jeoan into royalty was a sudden and highly unexpected development.

One of the strangest turns of events in many years, the new, not exactly official position of royal advisor… and consort, wasn't that odd thought; in the palace oddly suited Mialek as his new persona developed. Royal shadow, ruler behind the curtain, player of the game carefully staying off the stage.

The new life of influence and politics surrounded him in a cape of shadowy authority, and it had only been further accentuated by his new attire. He seemed to take a particular liking to a deep, midnight blue cloak, dappled with pinpricks of starlight. It suited him.

This look placed him far above worldly folk: untouchable, ethereal, as an ancient creature should be. He no longer felt like the Mialek that Diaj had known so closely, and yet he just fit there. Perfectly, even. He looked content with the new life he had made this way.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Horse Girl AU

Young adult AU where Kara is a young delinquent who causes property damage at a local stable/riding school and once caught, is sentenced to serve her community service hours mucking out stalls and doing general handyman work around the grounds. In the process, she witnesses a riding instructor, Lena, teaching groups of young'uns how to ride and care for horses.

She's beautiful, that's what Kara notices first. But then she sees how good she is with the kids, even the rowdy ones who remind Kara of herself. Kara notices that all of the employees ride in their off hours, prepping for competitions or just to pass the time. All but Lena.

One day, the proprietor-- who Kara is friendly with despite the reason for Kara's presence-- notices Kara watching Lena. And when Kara asks for Lena's story, the stable owner gives it. Lena was once a champion rider, until a bad fall nearly left her paralyzed. Kara learns that Lena's beloved horse had also been injured, and couldn't be saved. Lena's been afraid to ride ever since.

Lena has met Kara at this point, and hasn't been rude, but they haven't gotten buddy buddy yet. Not until the stable owner suggests that Kara reach out to Lena for some one on one lessons, if Kara's interested. And despite being wary of horses in general (they're big, okay??), Kara is def interested in getting to know Lena better. Lena agrees to teach Kara, and in the process Kara convinces Lena to ride again, and then to compete with a new horse.

Along the way there's some forbidden romance (a Luthor cavorting with a delinquent?!), a close call with a tall jump and a jittery horse, and a well deserved blue ribbon. Maybe a kiss or two.