a_dragon

And it all starts coming together...covered in herring scales & shit, but whatever - we move at dawn. Ish. A few days from now. But to all intents & purposes, the die has been cast. Sides have been chosen, the players have (or still are in the case of some) gathered and the map set with tiny figures. All that remains, apart from the inevitable wait, is a battle to the death. And a few thousand unforseen interminable twists and turns because straight, after all, is nothing more than a fantasy some folks whisper to themselves in order to sleep at night.

There's a lot to unpack, yeah? - Kalian, while definitely more mature than he was even 3 chapters ago, is still a literal toddler throwing a tantrum. And yeah, manipulation is his middle name. Funny how he justifies his actions as being for the good of everybody else though. Boy needs to get a hold of his insecurity & guilt and stop using them as weapons to hurt people. Sure he has his good points, and sure he is doing his best, just a pity that his selfishness knows no bounds. Which I'm sure is more than half the point - as that annoying song goes "you're so vain, you probably think this song is about you, don't you". And yeah, it is but shush, boys' got a big enough head. - Talon, despite being an entire chump, deserves better than whatever half-assed nonsense Kalian calls love. Maybe he is stronger than Kalian, maybe he is stronger than anyone - he has, after all been tempered time and time again ad nauseum, but that earns him a partner strong enough to, you know, actually have his back. Not someone who just dies because he got whacked on the head once or twice (yeah I know that's so last chapter but I didn't have time to comment on that one and I don't feel like going back there to add it) and then only comes back because someone else told him to. If I remember correctly, and tbf I might be misremembering a smidge because last chapter & all, Kalian's dead ass just watched Talon hulksmash the soul eater without a single thought of "oh no, can't leave my beloved, must.find.way.back.to.him". Nope, that burden was taken up by the soul eater's equally dead mate, who inexplicably had the mic long enough to tell sorry-babe-gotta-jet-my-pain-tolerance-isn't-as-good-as-yours' dumb ass to go back before his "beloved" went fully darkside - due to the grief of losing his 'one true love', mind - and destroyed the entire world. And then there's the loss (yeah yeah I know it's back, stay with me here) of their 'special connection". Never mind the physical pain of that, shadow boy is strong & can totally deal, but the emotional loss? On the heels of dramatically losing and then getting back his beloved? The same beloved who couldn't be arsed to suck it up one time in the name of love? Devastating. And, cruel. So damn cruel. It's really sad, too, that all the fencemending is his responsibility. Great to see him reflecting & recognising that his feelings may stem more from trauma & terrible coping mechanisms than real-time apportioning of - well deserved actually - blame but why the hell is he expected to do all the emotional labour and heavy lifting while Kalian just wafts about feeling justified, immensely put out and sorry for himself? Yeah yeah, I know you're gonna do right by him at some point - or, horror of all horrors, this is you doing right by him (in which case we really need to talk mate) - but man, stop picking on my boy already! As for the rest of it, yup a good dicking can/will/does work miracles. Anders is so gonna get it - after he's been allowed to absolutely wreck everybody and half the known world ofc, Mr Hair is a hypocrite of note, Wren has found the top of his dreams - love that for him, Ama, like Talon, is obviously being played, and Loren is frankly, annoying. Though his redemption still seems possible. Not probable mind, just possible. And only because cool ink. Whining & whatnot aside, I am enjoying the hell out of this story! Great chapters (this & the last) boss, give yourself a pat on the back

Look at you trying to make us feel - ex post facto - sorry for twatface... It won't work, dude was a whole-ass, entirely awful, horrible person. No good points at all, no redeeming factors, nothing. The fact that Kal & Co. survived him, even if in part due to his 'certifiable insanity' - deliberately induced or not (he was nuts to begin with anyway) - does not a redemption sentence, let alone arc, make. So nope, no sorrys for that manky excuse for a monkey's bollock wart. I see the 'befriending the soul eater mini-arc' is coming along swimmingly. Although, tbf, it looks more like a last ditch attempt at having Kal put in a good word at a funeral. I'm honestly quite sad that they haven't been fully embraced by the fam. I mean, dark & not-quite-so-devilish-due-to-being-drained can't really be blamed for their constitution, or for that matter, their dietary requirements. It's their literal job - what they were born to do - to be a terror and eat people. Being all afraid and "bad soul eater, spit out that human" about it seems more than a bit prejudiced actually... Oh well, there's still time. Such a nice juicy story this, lots of interesting little twists & turns. Even the herrings seem a bit shinier than usual.

Almost forgot - called it...

"You make friends with everyone. It surprises me that you haven’t invited the Soul Eater to join us at this point.” Give him time mate, it's coming... As for you, demiurge sir - sword in hand, off you feckin' go. Absolutely bloody brilliant chapter! And now that the floor is littered with shadows & herrings, we wait... (don't look at me like that, some folk might think you're done messing about just because you came clean one time, but the rest of us know better, yeah?)

As bloodthirsty as I am, and I am very thirsty for blood make no mistake, fluffy holds a dear place in my heart. A cold, dark, somewhat tinged with scarlet place to be sure, but dear nevertheless. (if I had a heart that is. Which I don't. Because somebody ripped it out of my chest and is currently holding it hostage...but whatever) I like where you're taking this story - or where it's taking you tbf - fluffy inserts or not. And yeah sure LaserBoy, bunnies & dragons are totally synonymous with tigers & panthers... I wouldn't have associated twatface with lions (if indeed I understood that correctly which I may not have, but eh ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯). A rabid, very confused squirrel with an amphetamine problem, maybe. Lion? Not so much. Obviously there's a whole lot more to SexOnLegs & SonicSlam than what meets the eye, but that's kinda the point, no? Good chapter man, thank you!

Such a lovely battle scene - you're awfully adept at those, boss. Sunbeam really is the hero of the day and he's finally coming to terms with the immensity of his responsibility (and capability) - nice! The whole social butterfly/social pariah exchange was hilarious. Sorry to hear some stuff got removed (and that I missed out, obvs) nevertheless, I believe in you & your abilities, and 100% support your doing whatever is best for (& by) your story. The clock's ticking and the plot is thickening in delightfully exciting ways - very happy days!

Hmmm, the next chapter button is mysteriously missing, as is, upon checking the chapter list, chapter 9. Did gremlins get in, did I miss/break something or is this simply how it's supposed to be? Perhaps, like most of life's questions, the answers lie deep within the belly of some intractable beast, never to be found. Nm, onward to chapter 10!

*extending hand* the long-assumed-lost-but-never-forgotten Lady Lyrah, I presume? I know I asked for a double helping for our Ama, but this is just too (in the best way) perfect (for more than any obvious reasons), yeah? Unless I'm wrong, in which case, you are a very bad man, playing with us like this. Karma will find you. Man, that was...hot af... Continue imbibing, boss. Please...

That may not have been the chapter you had planned yadda yadda but it was very much the chapter that was needed. And man, so good... I'm assuming you know that the muse picked you because you were the only one qualified to be (& capable of) telling this story. And if you didn't, well now you do.

Of course I thought this chapter to be one of your best, boss. It had a bit of everything - fighting, torment, emotional turmoil, drama llamas of note, blood, broken glass (very much second the above comment btw), a few almost answers to some big questions, multiple POV's - so nice to hear from Eon and gain insight into what sounds to be a thrilling & deeply fulfilling partnership. Especially if this is anything to go by: "Wren had never hurt me in a way I didn’t like" And man, the dramatics by Mr Hair was so brilliantly done - poor dude really did a number on himself... Luckily Tyren was having none of it. I get why Kalian feels the way he does about 'unnecessary' violence, and I respect him all the more for it. He is, after all, meant to be the balance and he certainly fulfills his role beautifully. Not that it isn't bloody awesome when he loses his shit though... All in all, as I said above, a definite contender for top spot in the best chapter awards. Again though, judgement is reserved until the final curtain falls.

"There was something wrong with Talon and me. Should life threatening situations arouse us? Was that normal? I was losing my mind. That was the only realistic explanation" Nah, you're fine. Totally normal & definitely not losing your mind. Being turned on by danger is just another part of the whole delightful human package really. And wow, that was um...hot. This chapter really brought the tall, dark & devilish, huh? Nice! Enjoyed that short peek into the lore & history. Not to mention the teeny tiny hints about the possible source of Sunbeam's (& Talon's) immense power. Seeing more and more of the 'big picture' being fleshed out & unfolding bit by bit is both exciting and satisfying, particularly because you did such a good job with world building in the first arc. Such a freaking awesome series, love it!

“No, we’re all going to die.” - Eo...oops sorry, WREN The stating-the-obvious baton has been successfully passed. Of course, he's dead wrong but also sadly, quite right... Although, what could kill his undead self probably hasn't been invented yet. But the others? Yup, into every life must come an expiration date. Such a lovely moment between our boys, almost brought a tear to my eye. Poor Talon, so much hurt. That he had the balls to share it though, that's growth. Serious growth. Mr Hair is quite perceptive, yeah? I mean, not unexpected for a healer but still. But man, that cheeky terror really needs a good slapping down. Imagine thinking it's a Good Idea to have your soon-to-be master washing windows. Silly soul eater...gonna be the blazing cone of shame for you, mate. And you'll have nobody but yourself to blame. Ama really does need a playmate. Two, even. She deserves a double helping Terrific episode today, boss - thanks!

Listen, make-up sex should be delayed on account of absolutely no-one - not bosses, not nearby friends & family, and certainly not terrors that stalk the night. Besides, said terror(s) are soon to be the family's newest pet, if Sunbeam's penchant for collecting shadow Pokemon is anything to go by... You know how it goes, yeah? What doesn't kill you becomes your responsibility to feed, clothe & scritch under the chin. Them's the rules ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ Smashing installment, captain - simply smashing!

Nasty little gremlin girl, glad she got hers... And look at our big scary ShadowLord with his big scary knight complex. Who woulda thought? Haha An entity that frightens Wren should be interesting. Am assuming that's who was mucking about in Sunbeam's head? Feel a bit sorry for them if they've ill intent, LaserBoy isn't exactly someone to mess with. Fascinating twists & turns already, boss - me likey!

Time, like editing, is a pain in the ass... Commiserations, boss.

Reviews are, to all intents & purposes, communication devices through which readers of a specific tale can share - with authors and prospective readers alike - any number of important (or, as the case may be, unimportant) bits of wish-I'd-known-this<insert factoid of choice>-before-getting-sucked-into-this-albeit-very-pretty-abyss, #best!story!ever! information and other assorted, rarely objective but delicious nonetheles, miscellany. Some of which, occasionally and mostly for no particularly good reason, may even end up proving somewhat useful. Or not. To that end, I have three (3) pieces of - naturally - Very Important information to share regarding this particular tale: 1) it's objectively very well written. The first chapter sneezes a bit on takeoff but lemme tell ya, once the correct nose angle is achieved - which takes approx. 2 paragraphs btw - you'd better make sure seats are in the upright position, trays are properly secured & your balls well strapped in because g-forces are not your friend. And the acceleration doesn't stop until optimal cruising altitude - in another galaxy, mind - is reached. 2) it will make you feel All The Things. See, storytelling is one of this particular writer's superpowers. Along with & amongst many others, writing (obvs), characterisation, naming conventions and ripping readers' hearts out of their chests. Those he gives back, a little worse for wear but whatever. Totally worth it. 3) this is just part one (1)! Yup, after you're done reforming yourself into the better, stronger, wilder version of yourself that reading this epic tale will allow you access to, THERE'S MORE! Two more parts, by my last tally... ***A word or two (2) of caution though because not everybody is as bloody minded or, let's face it, bloodthirsty as I am: 1) the violence & gore warnings exist for good reason. 2) for a feels-entirely-too-long-but-is-actually-very-accurately-and-beautifully-well-judged part (read: most) of this tale, justice is a one-legged horse drowning in the desert. So if instant gratification is your jam, maybe consider allotting a (largish) block of time to read this - thankfully complete - first arc in its entirety. Or, you know, don't... That all being said, if you're up for a rollicking good time with all sorts of skullduggery, mischief, intrigue, magical abilities up the wazoo, politics, truly shitty parenting, solid fashion & home decor advice (yeah, it's a feature) and dubious decisions aplenty while in the company of a stellar cast of unforgettable (no matter how much you try) characters who'll steal your heart and make you beg to get it back, then boy do I have a story for you! ***Disclaimer: you don't have to read this, obviously, and if you do, you don't have to like it. Just bear in mind that with choice comes responsibility, and with responsibility the urge to shirk it, don't do that. Don't be a shirker. Take this story by the horns and allow it to make you it's bi..baby. You won't regret it. And if you do, sorry, no takesiesbacksies.

Oh and something about side stories? You holding out on us, man? What exactly does a body need to do to get unlimited supa-sekret library access huh? Because whatever it is, I don't think I'm alone in saying *sad puppy eyes* pleeeeeaaaaassssse...

Man, that was a fantastic start! Gore, snark, fellow anti-snowers, Wren & Eon being A Done Deal, alluded to but thankfully didn't-have-to-sit-through training montages, honest portrayal of ptsd, mastering of New Skills, cuddles, violence, the rightful slamming hard into the wall of untested power limitations moment of truth, super spicy arrows - bit of everything really. Happy days!

Ha, made it! There was, tbch, a small pitstop for coffee & a bun because even moderately sentient, marginally biological beings require fuel to function (and avoid any official-capacity attentions of a certain over achieving, overly excitable boner with a blade. At least during business hours - when he's off the clock is a completely different story ofc). Anyhoo - nice intro, boss Into the fray we go!

Well in that case, my good sir, no longer shall I tarry in the shadows of a story that has all but seen its end, no matter how delightful the lingering may be. Nay and for certain, I shall, with much alacrity & haste proceed directly, avoiding without question foolish ideas of first filling mugs to the brim with liquid fortitude - or for that matter, abdominal cavitys with sustenance - or indeed any thoughts whatsoever that seek to slow or otherwise hinder my prompt arrival. To do anything less would make a mockery of - not to mention afford dire insult to - both your, clear and most joyfully received, excitement as well as my own, yes? So, without further ado and to that end, I say, onward buttercup, there is fuckery to spread!

See you in the next chapter, boss!

Man, that was freaking AWESOME! Relished every delicious, violent, bloodthirsty, gory, smutty, rainbows and sunshine drenched word! And mmm mmmm that soup was tasty!!! You did it, boss, you delivered. Very much looking forward to arc 2 but definitely gonna revel in the afterglow of this one for a bit first. Whew, what a ride... So good. So.feckin'.good.

I'm with Mattyboy, rainbows and whatnot are absolutely fine, in the form of the long awaited for epically violent and hopefully gory as hell production of twatbollock soup. And obviously smut is welcome wherever it's found. Especially alongside a nice, heaping serving of red-hot vengeance... Ah whom I kidding, we'll take what we get and be happy with it! Brilliant chapter, as always