Wow.
What a few days.
The Requiem Ball was beautiful chaos. People came in ballgowns and jeans and tuxedos and T-shirts, but everyone was wearing a mask, and everyone was equal. The Bleeding Heart Crypt was where the first book was launched, way back in 2007, and so it was a fitting venue to see off the final part of the series. I laughed, I chatted, I posed for selfies, and then I signed.
And it was a good day.
The signings in Ringwood and Bournemouth were great fun, and of course Bluewater was as manic as ever (five and half hours of signing books and chatting to people... yikes...). On Sunday I did my first event for this tour, and I read out a few bits that had been cut from the first book, all those years ago. And then I signed for a few more hours.
And the response has been exactly what I was hoping for. The one thing that was so vital to me was to give the series a fitting end — an ending it deserved. My mission was to both confirm and confound your expectations, and by what I've been reading online, it looks like I've succeeded.
And the most awesome thing? The lack of spoilers. Sure, there are spoilers out there, but most people have been really considerate of others. Even in the Spoiler Zone to this very blog, folks are content to talk AROUND the subject, rather than address it directly. This is HUGELY appreciated.
The book has been selling really well, from what I hear. I loved the excitement generated around the Black Edition — minions were waiting for stores to open and then rushing inside, trying to find those hidden tomes. It was, in a word, awesome.
And now I'm wrecked.
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«Oldest ‹Older 3201 – 3400 of 4608 Newer› Newest»{*looks at Dug*
Oh hi! It's been a while. How is my fav banshee?}
{*smiles. The smile is almost normal but something is a little off*
Good! How be's yous?! Ya wanna lollipop? I know you don't eat but they taste good! And will change to what ever flavor you want!}
Manuel: *nods* I did not mind. So long as it doesn't do anything by way of harm with the data it collects I am okay with it.
{Iz be gooooood. I..I don't tend to eat lollipops Dug. They require saliva..}
Sophia: What did it say to you?
Manuel: it explained what I was experiencing emotions wise at the time and played music by way of altering that.
It's....not?
Huh, well on the bright side you won't be tired for weeks.
Sophia: Sounds about right. So what were you feeling for it to want to change it?
Manuel: I'm not entirely sure. It's phrasing was a tad confusing. *liar*
(Soy sauce for poofing! Had to clean my room)
{*looks disappointed*
Aw, that's ok and too bad.
*smiles at her*
I haven't seen you for ages! Can I have a hug?!
*holds out her arms*
Duggy wanna hug!}
Sophia: I have discovered every single time you have been dishonest to be so far. Why did you think this time would be any different? I do not appreciate being lied to, Manuel.
{*sighs* you people hug too much. Its really not normal. *holds her arms open for the hug*}
Manuel: *hangs his head slightly* forgive me.
But on the negative side, I just stole your energy... I feel like a bitch now...
Sophia: I do. Just tell me the truth. From what I can remember, I have been completely honest with you so far.
{*hugs her*
*connects her hands behind Silente's back and pulls a needle out of her sleeve*
*pushes it into Sil's back*
*it's sleeping medicine, and works on anything, even rocks*}
Stole? I gave it to you.
*He laughs*
Just keep trying, you might even generate some of my powers.
(Gtg now :c)
Manuel: from what I remember you have as well. The Geth said I was a tad sad then played 'feel good' music from the radio in an attempt to fix it.
(Bye Blake!)
*She cuddled him tightly*
Thank you, Blake...
(Bye!!
Might have to go now too!)
Sophia: I interrupted the Geth before it would tell me what I was feeling. Why were you sad?
(Bye Deathy!!
(If you leave...)
)
{*gasps at the needle, pushing Dug away and stumbling back*
As not again...
*falls into a sleeping heap, snoring lightly and muttering*}
Manuel: everyone has some reason to be upset. I couldn't pin point exactly what lead to those emotions.
TSdzgfdxhgfcjhgjh
{*giggles*
*touches Silente's head and turns into mist*
*floats to her torture cave*
*solidifies*
*she attaches extra strong, magic binding chains to each of her ankles*
*then attaches another pair to her wrists*
*she spins a crank that pulls the chains tighter so Silente is hanging in the air, her limbs spread out*
*giggles agian and waits for her to wake up*}
[Brb, teeth brushing!]
Sophia: Are you sure?
If you were upset, you should have talked to me sooner. The Geth's advice is sound, though. Very logical.
[Hey Snowy!!!!]
Manuel: you look busy..and I didn't want to bother you with trivial matters
{*groans and blinks, trying to clear her blurry sight*
Dug?
*realises the position shes in*
Dug! Oh god tell me she didn't sell me out..
*tries to pull free to no avail*}
Sophia: I'm not busy at all. Trivial matters? Seriously? After what happened?
Manuel: ..I didn't want you to think me a weak child..
{*grins, and it's a twisted grin*
What sell you out? Now why would I do that?
So, ya comfy? Ready for some torture? Oooh, this is going to be fun!
*giggles and claps her hands like a small child*}
(Actually... I might be here...)
CAKE FRIDAY IN MATH!!
{Torture?
*looks at Dug and frowns*
Ahh hell. This is pay back.}
(Yay! Deathy here!!!
And cake Friday? Cool.... O.o)
drgfxcjmhgfbfdghj,
Sophia: Everyone has moments of weakness. What do you think was wrong with you?
(It's cake Friday in History.)
(It's maths. And everyone is taking advantage of our new teacher by telling her that someone has a birthday the next week when they don't.
So we just bring and eat cake every Friday at the end of the day!)
Manuel: I was slightly hurt still at certain words exchanged between myself and another.
Sophia: Why? What happened?
{*smiles*
Yes. Well kinda. I also think you would be a fun person to torture! Like El! I did her yesterday...
So, how would you like to start? And you have any ideas? I could always use more.}
Manuel: *looks at Sophia a moment then looks at his feet* words were said. Mistakes were made and regretted.
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
Women in Shogunate Japan
(That sounds so cool.....
We can't have food in the classrooms because there is apparently someone who has life threatening allergies that they can get from the air.
@Snow ndiwibfhfndnnjxjsn snki?)
(Snow, what's that?)
("Who needs a serviette when you have a mouth?")
(Oh, Kk Snowy! ^.^)
{Dug why would i give you ideas for torturing me?
*sighs and sags as best she can while floating in the air*
I realise this is a cliche question thats commonly asked but how about we start at the bit where you unchain me?}
Sophia: You're talking about me, aren't you?
Manuel: yes.
(Snow please stop spamming. :P It's just a waste of comments. :P)
Sophia: Shit. Come on to my ship and we can talk, okay?
Manuel: of course. Maybe..maybe no alcohol this time?
(Snow - you're wasting comments. With nothing there. :P)
Sophia: Maybe not. *starts leading him towards her ship*
(*laughs at Snow rebooting*)
{*sighs* really? I thought you of all people wouldn't ask that question.
And I don't know. Maybe you have some new ideas and you want to see of they work! But if not I have plenty of ideas....
*she walks over to her table full of weapons*
*she grabs the knife she used yesterday to write her name in Elleni's forehead. It still has her blood on it*
Ok, first I'll start with my signature.
*she begins to write Dugglyn on Silente's forehead*
(fine thanks. You?)
(I'm grandy dandy!!! A little sadistic but good!)
Manuel: *follows behind*
{*jerks away from the knife wincing but gritting her teeth, not giving Dug the satisfaction of a scream, and curling her lips in distaste and hatred*}
Sophia: *opens the cargo ramp and enters her ship*
Manuel: *keeps following her up the ramp*
(Super moist sponge cake, white and milk chocolate Freddo frogs, Flakes and white chocolate icing...)
{*continues to write her name*
*when she finishes she steps back and observes her work*
*smiles*
Marvelous. Beautiful. It will scar nicely!
Hmmm...
*decides she doesn't like Silente's lip curling*
*rests her arm across her face so she has a steady hand as she cuts off Sil's lips*
Enjoying this so far? Oh, that's right, you'll have a hard time laughing now that you don't have lips!
*laughs*}
Sophia: *closes the ramp behind him* I watched the security footage from my quarters. I'm sorry if I hurt you by doing what I did when I was drunk.
(Sounds amazing Deathy.....)
(Snow technically isn't wasting comments. She's conveying a message, but with a non-conformist twist!
I'm actually very impressed!)
*She tapped Chev's shoulder and punched her hard across the jaw*
You bastard. Cut that out.
(True Deathy, true. It's just the same as writing it in the comment box, just she's writing outside of the box! Get it!? Get it?!)
{*cries out when her lips are cut off, struggling the whole time*
*swallows her own blood, running her tongue over when the lips used to be, wincing at the pain it shoots through her*
*closes her eyes and plays dead*}
Manuel: its fine commander. You didn't hurt me. Not intentionally.
(Haha, I get it. Nice one!! <3 ))
{*cries out*
Hey!
*rubs her jaw*
*scowls when she sees Deathy*
Hello fun ruiner. Could you please just leave? I'm kinda in the middle of something?
And it's not like you haven't killed thousands of people. I wasn't even going to kill anyone!}
(Yay!!! <3 :))))))
Sophia: I like you. But in my job, I can't afford any weaknesses. And then there was my previous relationship which ended horribly. I just don't know whether it's the right thing to do. For me, for you, for everyone. As I've said before, I'm not saying no. But I can't say yes. Not yet, anyway.
Hello, my dear. And those thousands of people, I regret every single little one of them. Even those who tried to kill me. I regret it. I have nightmares about it every night. Not one day goes past when I don't think of them, of their families, of their futures that I took away.
Don't make me regret you too.
(Duggy I'm disappointed! Head wounds bleed quickly! They shorten your torture time! And leaving and slack in the chains is silly! That's like having a slack canvas and trying to stab through it!)
(You spacebar it, El!)
(Gimmie a sec. I think I have to go to IT to get a charger...)
Manuel: I understand that. You stated it previously. And I respect that. I believe it noble of you to place others before yourself.
(Thanks El!
And Sil, there is no slack! I tightened them! She is completely spread eagle. And I know. But I was planning on killing her.... we'll see. I've only tortured once.)
{Yeah, well later I'll regret this too. But Sil tortured me too! I'm just getting back! And I was worse than this...
*turns back to Silente*
I know ow you're not dead.
*faces Deathy again*
Please just let me finish.
Sophia: Yes, but I don't want you to get hurt in the process. There must be something we can do.
{*keeps playing dead because shes stubborn*}
Manuel: there are casualties in every decision commander. Sometimes you have to accept that.
You think that two wrongs make a right? No. They don't.
*She wrapped an arm tightly around Chev's neck and braced it with her other hand*
Let her go. I might be magic-less now, but it doesn't mean I can't fight you.
Sophia: No. I don't. Sometimes casualties happen, but that doesn't mean you have to accept them. That doesn't mean there is no way around people getting hurt. There is always a way around. You just have to find it.
Manuel: *smiles slightly* commander everybody gets hurt at some point. You grow used to pain.
{*reaches out and touches Silente*
*turns.s into mist taking Silente with her*
Toodaloo Deathy!
*floats out of the cave*}
Rosalind, sane? As in me? I'm offended.
*She twists her hair up in a bun and spears it with a pencil to make it stay*
Well, not offended, really. Sane is good, very good in fact. I am, however, quite curious.
{*stops playing dead*
The moment you release me I will rip your head off and have you for diner.}
*She swore*
Seriously? You're a coward!! When I was challenged, you fought! You bled! You learned the true meaning of victory! And you retreat?! Ha!
*She crossed her arms over her chest*
To scared to fight a mortal. Well, I'll be damned.
Sophia: Everyone does get hurt sometimes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't stop fighting.
Manuel: *his mouth twitches slightly in a smile* what do you suggest?
{*pauses*
No Deathy, it's not that I don't want to fight you, it's that I'd rather torture Silente! Soy sauce, we can fight another day!
*floats away*
*she floats to another cave she has, miles away from the last one*
*solidifies next to the wall with similar chains and Silente appears in then like before*
*grins*
Ok, let's continue.
*she takes the curved knife and cuts off the skin on Silente's other leg*}
{*screams as the pain hits her before locking her jaw and closing her eyes, trembling slightly*}
*She snickered and tilted her head as she followed the mist. She leaned on the outside of the cave and smirked*
You know, you're very subtle. You're not going to kill my friend. But when she stops screaming, then that's when you die, okay Chev?
Sophia: I don't know. I'm thinking. We just have to find a solution.
{*giggles at the scream*
Thank you. Finally a scream.
Hmm...
I have an idea...
*she runs over to the crank and turns it so the chains tighten pulling on Silente's limbs*}
Manuel: *nods* alright. *thinks as well*
{*turns her head to Deathy*
Don't worry, she won't die. And maybe after this I'll go back to being normal old Dug. Would ya like that? Yeah... I think I will.
}
{*laughs bitterly as her limbs are stretched*
*she goes through something similar whenever she changes*
*the pain is similar and familiar?}
Sophia: We could participate in a relationship without entering one. Keep it private.
{*frowns and twists harder so her limbs are torn out of the sockets*
*after that she stops and unwinds the chains*
*she then walks to the far wall and taps a button*
*the chains release and she turns to mist*}
Manuel: keep it a secret? Would that not stress you out commander...
Chev. There's no 'normal Dug' anymore. A very great man, you all hated him and wanted him killed but he was pretty much my God, he once said to me 'you only know the true face of a person when they get the option to torture another. They either see the true beauty of tearing flesh and the luxurious screams on pain. Or they turn away and become a self-righteous bastard'.
Try and guess who said this.
{*screams again and sags to the ground*
*trembling slightly*}
Sophia: Why would it stress me out?
{Loki?
But I'm done now I think k. I'll stop. It's just....
I don't...
*suddenly her mind is back to normal and the weight of what she's done crashes down on her*
*without meaning to she solidifies*
*she's crying*
What... what have I done?
*the tears are real, streaming down her face*
Oh god....}
Manuel: leading secret relationships usually do.
Sophia: I can't say I've ever been in one. I've only been in one relationship in my life.
No, it was Mevolent. Great man. Pretty much became my father for a while.
*She walked into the cave and unshackled Sil and didn't cast Chev a second glance as she swung her friend over her shoulder and walked away*
Come on, Sil. I'll get you some help.
(But don't ya worry! I should be um, carzy? Insane? Sadistic? Again tomorrow. We'll see...
I'm just tired now and will leave soon.)
{*grunts*
*all she bloody wants is someone to pop her joins back in*
*she can't exactly say this like though*
*headbuts deaths back, telling her in Morse to just pop her limbs back*}
Manuel: nor have I but the occasional patients talk about their experiences.
{*lays on her back, on the floor sobbing*}
And now I'm going to bed! Nighty Night all!
(night Dug!)
*She gently put Sil on the ground and popped her joints back in. Her eyes lost all emotion for a time as she looked over her friend*
I'm sorry this had to happen to you.
(This will probably happen again tomorrow too, Chev.)
Sophia: I just don't want to be in an actual relationship. And I don't want people to know, either.
(Goodnight Chev!)
(Going to put the charger back now... I'll return in a few minutes!)
{*screams but nods*
*rolls her shoulder*}
(Ahizzel.
I dedicate this page to torture and sadist. Sometimes it is quite fun. But it can get kinda gross. In email I fed Elleni herself. Yeah....
Also, to my dear friend Afro who I think k (:P',','',',',',',,'"',',,,,') will read this at some point. Even though she hasn't read Skulduggery Pleasant. She is also teaching me spelling because my spelling sucks. )
Manuel: I understand that.
(I mean smelling :P,,'",;'""",;',",,,,''",)
Sophia: I had to shoot my last boyfriend in the head. So you could say I have issues with entering another relationship.
{*sits up and pulls bandages from her pocket*
*bandages her leg quickly and quietly before removing her jacket and cutting the arm off, holding it against her bleeding forehead*
*stands up and hobbles in the direction of some trees*}
Manuel: *nods at her* I'm sorry you had to do that. I can see why that would put you off.
*She followed Tetris silently, her face completely blank*
I don't know what you're going to do, but that head wound is going to cause you a bit of grief. Lay down. You should rest.
Sophia: Yes. So I'm not comfortable with actually being in a relationship.
{*shakes her head at Deathys words*
*makes a hologram to speak for her*
H: I'll be fine. This is next to nothing.}
Manuel: that is also understandable. As I said Sophia, I Dp not mind what decision you come to. Either way I will give you no grief.
Sophia: It isn't about you giving me grief, it's me not wanting to upset you.
Tetris...
*Her eyes flashed with pain and she looked away, hiding behind her hair*
I don't want you hurt... You have no lips, for God's sake... Please, be careful.
(School is ending soon.)
Manuel: Sophia some fights you can't win..I don't want to see you stressed simply because of small things like my emotions.
(Right now, I'm so angry that I'm laughing...
I hate work experience...
They just emailed me...
Grr...)
{H: okay I'll admit not having lips is a new one on me..
*turns back and hugs Death*}
*She didn't react to the hug*
Silente. I don't think you'll ever understand how precious a life may be. I have tortured and killed too many people. I've got a special place in Hell with my name on it.
Be careful.
Sophia: When the Reapers invaded, we thought we couldn't win. But we did. The losses were heavy, but we won. So no, there is no such thing as a fight you can't win. Defeat is only definite if you don't try to start with.
{H: your special place is creepy. And way to white... I'll try be careful..}
Your afterlife is different, Silente. I'm stuck in eternal blackness.
(GTG)
Manuel: of course.
(bye deathy)
(msd falling back to sleep...)
Sophia: So I don't admit defeat. Ever. I will find a solution that is good for us both.
Manuel: do not stress yourself over this...please.
Sophia: No offence, but I've dealt with bigger things than this and I have been fine.
(Brb in a moment.)
(*totally didn't nod off*)
Manuel: no offense taken.
*looks at El*
You came over here for a reason, why?
No. That's not true. Heart beat remember. Why.
Orpheus: coming
Uh? Hell-ooooo. Why?
*steps towards El*
You just what?
*takes another step forwards*
Orpheus: *reaches the clearing and slows to a walk* *he's on the other side but he can see her now*
Explain it.
Orpheus: *reaches them and slips and arm around El's shoulders casually* hey you. How long do you girls natter on for?
Excuse me we were talking.
(mbd soon..)
Orpheus: hey. What were you talking about? Shoes? Clothes? *grins*
No. It was important. And PRIVATE.
Orpheus: oh what's happening? Does Sil have a crush!
El, we need to discuss this.
(Back.)
Sophia: Yes. This won't work if we don't think it will work.
(Hey, I'm back.)
(Hey Death!)
Manuel: I have faith in you. And your ability to make plans work. Does that count?
Orpheus: hey me and El have no secrets. Talk away.
...
Sophia: That is the first time someone has said they have faith in me. It sounds odd. I think that counts, yes.
Manuel: it is? That's quite surprising..well I do. I have faith in you.
Orpheus. Now is the part where you improvise a dream. That might worry you.
Well?
Sophia: Thank you. I don't know why it's surprising, though.
Orpheus: Dammit. Er...calm yourself down, and tell a lesser version of the truth
WELL??
Manuel: it surprises me. You are good at your job, do your past comrades not have faith in you?
Sophia: Past comrades? I work alone. I have only ever worked with the assassin, the Geth and the irritating Spectre before. The assassin doesn't believe in having faith, the Geth thinks it's "illogical" and the Spectre I punched in the face. So no, I don't think they do. Actually, an Admiral once told me he knew I was going to do a good job. Does that count?
I'm sane????
You must have been the first person ever to say that.
I'm sane????
You must have been the first person ever to say that.
Manuel: I think it does.
A...a demon butterfly? *looks at her weirdly* O-kaaaaaaay...
Orpheus: Demon butterfly? That's...unique.
(I think you're sane, Star. Weird, but sane.)
Sophia: In which case you're the second person. First one to actually word it right.
Manuel: *smiles*
Orpheus: have you ever actually dreamt that?
...just...okay.
Sophia: What are you smiling at?
Manuel: you.
Orpheus: aww.
I worry about you sometimes...
Sophia: What have I done?
Manuel: nothing in particular. Just being you..
*raises both eyebrows*
You find my worry funny?
Sophia: So you're smiling because I haven't really done anything? *frowns a little* Alright.
...oh..kayyyyy.
*rolls her eyes and looks at Orpheus*
Orpheus: *smiles at the vampire*
*takes El's hand to show her how Sil looks to him*
*a black blob with burning white eyes stands in front of them*
Manuel: ..just..nevermind.Pretend m not smiling.. P
Sophia: Okay. Are you still upset?
What's up El?
Orpheus: *her vision goes back to normal but he still holds her hand*
Manuel: I...was. Not as much anymore. I enjoy talking to you.
(Gtg like in 1 min..)
(leaving. Bye! I WILL BE BACK AFTER SCHOOL!)
Sophia: I don't understand why.
(In case you were wondering where I went.
1. Cleaned out my bag because yogurt was leaking from it.
2. Put the bins out
3. Put on some makeup.
4. Continued cleaning my bloody bag.)
(Bye Silente!)
(Sophia keeps asking me for a google account for herself. Am stopping her.)
(Sophia... You're odd.)
I think I might vanish now... Sorry...
Bye!)
(Bye Death!
She is odd.)
(Hello.)
(Hey Raven! How are you?)
(I am neutral, neither happy or sad but still a little bit of both. How are you?)
(I'm fine, thank you. Currently debating whether to give my character a google account of their own, because they want one.)
(Oh well that's good. Do you think this character deserve a google account? If yes, then give it to them. Unless, of course, if when you give it to them they'll think they are the boss, because then that's bad. You have to establish authority with your characters, make sure they know their place. Go with your gut, unless your gut is saying doughnuts.)
(
(She definitely deserves one, but I probably think I shouldn't. Establishing authority over Sophia is VERY hard.)
(Ah I see, it's the chicken or egg conundrum...I actually have no idea how to use that expression but I'm going to leave it there anyway because.. ignorance is bliss. That might not have made sense either, god I sound dumb.
Well I think the only option we haven't cancelled out yet is your gut. What's that saying?)
(i think I'll give her a chance.
I have to go now. Bye!)
(Bye.)
(anyone here?)
(Taking that as a no... well, i won't have my laptop for another few days so, i'm sorry...)
(Zooey Deschanel would make a good China.
Tom Hiddleston would make a good Serpine.)
Positive Me: HEY GUYS IT'S FRIDAY WHOOO NO MORE SCHOOL FOR TWO DAYS POSITIVITY RAINBOWS UNICORNS SUNSHINE :D :D :D
Negative Me: OH MY GOD JUST SHUT UP, OKAY? NOBODY EVEN CARES SO STOP TICKLING FURRY UNICORNS. >:(
PLUS YOU HAVE A TWO WEEK PROJECT THAT'S NOW A ONE WEEK PROJECT THANKS TO YOUR POOR PLANNING SKILLS AND PROCRASTINATION.
PM: *carries on obliviously*
NM: *screeches in frustration, clawing at face*
PM: *starts dancing happily*
NM: *starts sharpening knife collection*
Neutral Me: *stares at knives* *slowly backs away*
(just another Friday ramble... :P)
I'm guessing nobody's on... :P
I am here.
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