This phrase references a specific type of content frequently found on Archive of Our Own (AO3), a popular fanfiction and fanwork repository. It typically describes stories or artwork characterized by dark, often ominous, themes or aesthetics. The “sky” metaphor suggests a broad, encompassing sense of foreboding or melancholy. For example, a story featuring characters grappling with trauma, set against a backdrop of societal decay, and utilizing vivid imagery of darkness could be classified using this descriptor.
The prevalence of this theme on AO3 reflects the platform’s openness to exploring complex and often challenging subject matter. Authors and artists utilize these motifs to delve into the depths of human emotion, examine moral ambiguities, and confront difficult realities within the context of their chosen fandom. The presence of such content benefits the creative community by providing a space for processing and expressing a wide range of human experiences, often those marginalized or underrepresented in mainstream media. Historically, fanfiction has served as an outlet for exploring darker themes that commercial avenues may shy away from.
