#&&. ❛ VERSE ❪ i'm on fire ; i feel it everywhere . ❫

[thecinematicalgorithm]

Can't Catch Me Now: Lucy Gray and Katniss Story-Tie Analysis

I have not been on Tumblr much over the past couple of years but with the coming film The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes on its way I knew I'd be dusting this old page off. The Hunger Games series is one of my all-time favorite book series and the films are some of my favorite book-to-film adaptations, so to say I am pumped for this upcoming movie is an understatement. And to top it all, I have been obsessing over Olivia Rodrigo's new song Can't Catch Me Now, which if you've read the prequel, you'll know that it perfectly ties Lucy Gray's story to Katniss' journey. As always I want to warn anyone who might read this that spoilers for the upcoming film and Suzanne Collins' novel lie ahead. Also fair warning, this is super long cause I don't know how to be concise.

In preparation for the prequel film I have re-read TBOSAS and I am currently re-reading the original THG series (I am currently on Catching Fire, if anyone cares to know lol). I am also planning on a movie marathon the week of the prequel release, which I fully intend on subjecting my boyfriend to as he recently admitted he has only ever seen the first (and I simply cannot let him continue living life with no clue on how wonderful Peeta Mellark is). With that said, I have had a few thoughts, which I wanted to share before the release knowing that I will certainly have more thoughts after I have seen the film.

Honestly, I am going to be ridiculously obsessed for the next several weeks. I also know I wrote a couple of analyses on the differences between Snow and Katniss and the early games vs. the later games, which I will re-post so people can read them if they haven't before.

Enough chit-chat though let's get to it.

The parallels between Katniss and Lucy Gray are quite extensive and beautiful despite the characters being in many ways polar opposites. There is the saying that "Lucy Gray Baird is a performer made to hunt while Katniss is a hunter made to perform". This is a great summary of their overall character profile, and while I may at some point do a breakdown of Lucy Gray vs Katniss, I first want to write about how Lucy Gray and Katniss' story are far more connected than some might have realized. Part of the realization for me actually came while listening to Olivia's new song.

The chorus of the song reads as:

But I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze

My footsteps on the ground

You'll see my face in every place

But you can't catch me now

Through wading grass, the months will pass

You'll feel it all around

I'm here, I'm there, I'm everywhere

But you can't catch me now

No, you can't catch me now

In terms of Katniss, I think it's been obvious for sometime that Snow particularly despises Katniss because she is a strong reminder of Lucy Gray Baird. She is a girl from District 12. She stood out during her Reaping, and swept the Captiol off their feet during her time in his city. She not only sang in the arena, but she sang a young girl "to sleep" with the very song Lucy Gray sang Maude Ivory to sleep. She used the Captiol's berries to save herself and Peeta, just as Lucy Gray used the Captiol's snakes to save herself. She wears a Mockingjay pin, the very bird which Snow undoubtedly relates to Lucy Gray and rebellion (far before it truly became the symbol of rebellion).

Katniss may not be like Lucy Gray in personality, but to Snow, Lucy Gray's spirit must seem very much alive in Katniss, and just as he tried desperately to rid the forests surrounding District 12 of mockingjays, this is one Mockingjay he wants to destroy.

The second verse of the song goes:

Bet you thought I'd never do it

Thought it'd go over my head

I bet you figured I'd pass with the winter

Be something easy to forget

Oh, you think I'm gone 'cause I left

This verse summarizes Snow's mindset at the end of TBOSAS, as we know he thinks he is safe from the threat of Lucy Gray. Her games have been erased, as time passes "there will be a vague memory that a girl sang in the arena" and even that too shall pass. However, where he goes wrong is when he fails to understand the deep connection and love the other Covey share for Lucy Gray. Despite not seeing how the story ends for them, or even having a solid explanation of Lucy Gray's ending, we at least know that Lucy Gray and her songs were not wiped from existance. Whether they believed, as he supposed, that the mayor was responsible for Lucy Gray's disappearance does not erase their connection to her.

Snow may have chosen never to allow love to control him again, but he did not erase the love those children had for Lucy Gray. Her music became all they had left of her so you can bet they continued singing them and sharing them, even if they had to do it on the down low. (I also share the common fan theory that Maude Ivory is the grandmother to Katniss Everdeen, and I'm hoping the film confirms this). Either way, Katniss clearly learned those songs from somewhere, which for Snow would have been a siren's call from the great beyond that Lucy Gray did not pass with the winter and she was not as forgotten as he had hoped.

Then we go into the bridge of the song where Olivia sings:

You, you can't, you can't catch me now

I'm coming like a storm into your town

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm higher than the hopes that you brought down (repeats)

This is my favorite part of the song. Not only is it moving and emotional but it ties so much of Lucy's story to Katniss'. Both girls were like storms in the Capitol, sweeping the people and the nation into their stories so they could not help but be invested. Both were near impossible to control, despite Snow's best efforts, and both had a spirit of hope greater than Snow's ability to crush the highest of hopes. There's also something deeper, which intended by Olivia or not, makes this song perfect for the series. The lines "I'm coming like a storm into your town" and "I'm higher than the hopes that you brought down" is sung from the point of view of Lucy Gray. Both bring to mind images of the rebellion in THG: Mockingjay. The rebels stormed into the Capitol and their hope was higher than the hopes and lives which Snow had already destroyed in an effort to quell the rebellion.

However, just like Katniss becoming the Mockingjay, or the symbol of the rebellion, Lucy Gray had become her music. She was the anthem of the rebellion. If Katniss inspired hope, Lucy Gray was that hope. The hope of freedom. Dead or not Lucy Gray was finally free and her song reflects that truth and the rebels clung to it. Dead or alive they would be free.

Furthermore, Lucy Gray's song not only led to the freedom of Panem, but it also led to the freedom of Peeta's mind from the lies and brainwashing inflicted on him in the Capitol. Remember, Katniss always associated Peeta with hope until Snow brainwashed him. And if you'll recall, Peeta's first true breakthrough in regaining his memory of Katniss and his love for her was when he heard her rendition of "The Hanging Tree". Lucy Gray not only stormed into the Capitol but she stormed into Peeta's muddled memory, and her music was higher than the hope Snow had brought down. Lucy Gray's song led Peeta and Panem into freedom, and it helped to restore Peeta as the hope and love of Katniss' life.

Lastly, the ending of the song greatly foreshadows Katniss' journey:

There's blood on the side of the mountain

It's turning a new shade of red

Yeah, sometimes the fire you founded

Don't burn the way you'd expect

Yeah, you thought that this was the end

Of course, we all know the end is far from over for Snow. As Lucy Gray told him once, "The Capitol show isn't over until the mockingjay sings". Katniss' story ends with her singing Lucy Gray's lullaby to her children. Katniss was the fire founded by Snow, and despite his best efforts, it didn't burn out or even burn the way he expected it to. The line "the fire you founded" is also perfect to describe Snow and Katniss' dynamic because in many ways Katniss was only a threat because Snow threatened her. It's the same dynamic as Harry and Voldemort's. If Voldemort had left Harry and his family well alone, Harry never would have been the perfect enemy to thwart him. In the same way, if Snow had left Katniss and her friends and family well alone, she may never have come for him the way she did or joined the rebellion.

Interestingly enough, if Prim's name had never been called not only would the rebellion most likely have been avoided, but Lucy Gray's music may very well have been truly forgotten. Assuming Katniss is the only one left who actually remembers the songs, we know from reading the books that Katniss does not like or want to sing simply because they are painful reminders of her father. If Prim had never been threatened and Katniss had never been a contender in the games she would have been subjected to a life of mining and may have let the songs fade from memory as she lived out her miserable slave life in District 12.

But as we know that's not what happens, and instead the memory of Lucy Gray and her music is forced from Snow as Katniss is forced onto this journey proving the memory of Lucy Gray is very much still alive except this time Snow can't catch her now.

Thank you for reading if you made it this far! Please share your thoughts if you'd like!

[nyxlaufeyson]

Crowded

Main Masterlist - Other Fic Masterlist

POV: Third

Ship: Miles x Gwen

Type: Fluff/Drabble!

Wordcount: 361

TW: None

Synopsis: Miles grabs Gwen's hand so they don't get lost in the crowd.

A/N: So yeah I prolly won't get to all the pride shit but I'm trying, but here's this in the mean time because I watched the new Spider-Verse movie. THIS DOESN'T CONTAIN ANY SPOILERS THO, JUST A HAPPY LITTLE AU THAT HAS BARELY ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MOVIE. Both Miles and Gwen are part of the Spider Society.

HQ seemed to be extra busy than usual, and Miles and Gwen had to zigzag left and right in order to avoid bumping into anyone. 

“I wonder what’s with all the traffic today.” Miles said, loudly, so Gwen could hear him over all the noise. Gwen shrugged, thinking of the possible reasons for the jam-packed headquarters. “Well, it is summer, so I guess school's out for those who still attend. Or maybe summer morale is high, and villains are out on vacation in some of the universes.” Gwen theorized, and Miles laughed. 

“One problem with that theory though- wouldn’t it technically be winter in some universes? Plus, it’s still Winter for some of the world. Not everywhere is Summer at the same time.” Miles pointed out, and Gwen considered for a moment before sticking her tongue out. “Smart-Ass.”

Miles grabbed Gwen’s hand, pulling her out of the way before she almost ran into someone. “Be careful.” He teased, and Gwen rolled her eyes. “Yeah, whatever.” 

Miles held onto Gwen’s hand as the pair navigated through the huge crowd, both of them getting smothered by all the people, staying connected only through their hands. 

When they made it to the other side, Gwen was relieved to see there weren’t as many people. She could only take so many people at a time. 

The pair continued on down the path, and Gwen noticed that Miles was still holding her hand. She stared at their hands for a moment, not sure if she should pull away or not. 

Miles seemed to notice too, and he quickly let go of her hand, rubbing his hair awkwardly. Gwen frowned, bringing her hand back over to her side. “What, my hands on fire or something?” She asked, and Miles went red. 

“What? No! No- I just… I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.” He explained, and Gwen just laughed. 

“That’s alright.” Gwen said, shaking it off. “Although, I don’t mind if you don’t mind.” She said, blushing slightly. 

“Well I don’t mind.” Miles said, and Gwen took his hand back into hers, continuing the route to their favorite spot to sit upside down and eat sandwiches.

Hope you enjoyed! Likes, comments, and reblogs appreciated.

[veryphi]

"Can't Catch Me Now"

I would like to thank Olivia Rodrigo for blessing us with the song “Can’t catch me now” because it is literally the most perfect song for fics <33

…. ok NOW THINK ABOUT THIS SONG WITH LUCEMOND IN MIND. 

It is absolutely fucking perfect and fits them so well when it comes to the aftermath of Storm’s End. 

(More thoughts after the cut)

-------------------------------

“But I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze

My footsteps on the ground

You'll see my face in every place

But you can't catch me now”

^^ This is!! I’ve always wanted an Aemond who is absolutely haunted by the ghost of Lucerys. An Aemond who’s being branded as a kinslayer, who is seeing the face of the boy he’s been obsessed with for most of his life, EVERYWHERE. Everyone is dealing with the endless back and forth of revenge and the repercussions of the war that was fully ignited after Luke’s death, and Aemond is GOING THROUGH IT. Now think about Aemond being confused and hysterical because he thought he wanted it, but now after killing luke?? EVERYTHING is a clusterfuck of problems (it always has been but now it’s more fucked) and HE’S NOT SATISFIED. 

The fact that he also had that thing with Alys- ALYS WHO APPARENTLY KIND OF LOOKS LIKE LUKE- (how tf can you explain this Aemond? HOW?) 

———————————

“You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm comin' like a storm into your town

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm higher than the hopes that you brought down”

I heard storm and immediately thought of Lucerys and Storm’s End/Shipbreaker Bay- But en e ways I interpret this verse as Luke, in death, saying “You can’t catch me now” to Aemond. That no matter what, he’s gone now, he’s one with the wind and gone with the storm. 

It doesn’t matter if Aemond regrets it, doesn’t matter if he asks for forgiveness. Even if he doesn’t regret it, this event is branded on him (Kinslayer), and he’ll never be able to get rid of it, it is attached to him. It does not matter if he desperately wants Luke back, it does not matter that he sees Lucerys everywhere. 

“I’m higher than the hopes that you brought down” is so perfect because Luke’s death fully ignited the war (A war of fire and blood), it brought the Blacks down, his death consumed Rhaenyra with grief. It brings the message to Aemond that the war is here, you tipped it, now deal with it.

Aemond will always be haunted by Lucerys, he’ll always be obsessed, HE’LL ALWAYS SEEK HIM OUT. 

— But he can’t, not anymore. He will never be able to catch him now. 

———————

“Yeah, sometimes the fire you founded

Don't burn the way you'd expect

Yeah, you thought that this was the end”

This literally can be interpreted as Aemond dealing with the aftermath!!  Him thinking his debt was payed and he’s supposed to be satisfied with his revenge, BUT HE’S NOT. He’s always been obsessed with Lucerys, and now that the boy is gone and he’s still restless? NOW THAT HE FEELS HOLLOW? NOW WHAT?

(I just seriously want to see Aemond go fucking insane and crazy after killing Lucerys and I want him to be haunted by what he’s done to MY SWEET BOY.)

En e ways <333 (I have a fic rec for this)

[true--north]

I'm still seeing this question from time to time: why Elsa is the Fifth Element or more specific, why ice since it is just a solid water?

Water is known as the element crucial to all life and living. In Frozen verse( and in some real world theories) it can carry the knowledge/markings of what and where it has been through. It is everywhere, in everyone. Some say that certain words or music can affect the structures of water. Scandinavian myths tell about the rivers of ice and the fire sparks from which the living world appeared. Finnish Kalevala tells about the world of infinite water and the heaven duck who was swimming there at the beginning. In the Torah we see "the spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters".

So, water is important.

But closer to Elsa. Ahtohallan is known as the source of Elsa's magic, "Elsa's source". Elsa said "Ahtohallan is frozen". You see? The source of magic and truth in the film named Frozen, the film that is about the ice magic is a frozen glacier. But it's not just some place, it is a seita/sieidi(Saami sacred Natural object).

We also know that Ahtohallan is a dwelling of a mysterious Spirit with the same name. In various Frozen sources she is called Mother Spirit, White River, Mother of All Spirits, Mother full of memory. From the Shipwreck Manuscript we know that she created the elemental spirits and sun that gave life to the Earth. So, she has the power and authority over other spirits. (They were so surprised to see her special sign in the sky.)

Ancient Northuldrans knew about Ahtohallan (and later included the prophecy of the Fifth Spirit in their folklore) but then something unknown happened and she and her glacier were lost/almost forgotten. Then the idea of the Fifth Spirit appeared, the idea of someone who can manifest these powers, who can be the mediator and representative, who can harmonise Nature. (Mattias also would add "perhaps to make up for the actions of the people") Yelana indirectly referred to Ahtohallan as to "Nature" that rewarded Elsa with magic, and said that they trust and listen to her.

Icy Ahtohallan incarnated her magical powers of ice into Elsa, and that's why Elsa's ice can tame elementals, can create living things, can create various of nonliving things, can revive memories and who knows what else she is able to do. Because Ahtohallan could do all this before, she is a living entity and that's why this Magic of Nature is affected by Elsa's living emotions, and itself can feel as Elsa said to Anna after Into The Unknown, "my magic can feel it. I can feel it." (As if the magic feels the kinship with Ahtohallan, and Elsa herself feels Iduna's plea.)

The Fifth Element of Frozen given to Elsa is ice because it's Ahtohallan element and a divine power.

[chou-de-chambers]

My Valorant Agent Headcanons: IKEA (Part 1)

Oh no, you're lost in IKEA and got separated from your companion! In which section will you find them?

content tags: sfw, wholesome, humor, no proof-reading, one-sitting, up to reader interpretation (platonic/romantic)

A/N: Hi new and existing mutuals! Sorry for my lack of posts. University has been a challenge lately. I know I fell behind the "weekly Kinktober" pieces but I'm currently polishing the next one now! It should be out this weekend. For those who submitted requests, thank you and I assure you I'm slowly working on them! For now, please have this HC that popped in my mind before sleeping last night.

After searching everywhere, you see Brimstone facing one of the computer stands with his face almost sticking to the monitor and his finger simply hovering over it. You knew he wasn't versed with modern technology, so you quickly came over and asked him what he was trying to do. He told you that he recently got complaints about HQ being "too dull", so he requested assistance in checking the catalog for colorful decors to put up in the lounge and hallways.

Viper would be looking at the assortment of utility carts displayed, deciding which style would fit her laboratory best, and measuring by eye how much of her reagents will fit per shelf. She's been having trouble moving around the lab, so she thought it would be handy to have a small cart she could push and pull to each station. You pointed at one of the carts. "I usually won't pick that because it might stand out too much, but since you chose it, so be it. Thank you, little mouse," she casually said with a nod.

Omen wouldn't dare to get lost. He'd always stick close to you in fear of what people might think of him. You kept your arm clung to him while you continuously soothed the back of his hand with your thumb. He'd casually tug you a few times though to check some throw blankets and couch pillows in the Holiday section.

You'd see Cypher roaming around the Smart Home section, fascinated by how these small household products could do so much beyond surveillance, like his cameras. He even discovered one tiny device that could control several other devices and house functions, which he thought would be useful for him. You decided to surprise him by commanding the Smart Assistant to play his favorite tune. "Ah, you found me, habibi!" he said in a cheerful tone while slightly grooving to the music. This made you giggle.

You will notice Sova's tall figure standing out from the shelves of portable containers. Before you can even get to him, he'd immediately see you and walk towards you, "I found wide insulated flasks over there. Can those keep soup warm for a long time?" You nodded enthusiastically. He sighed in relief, "Spasiba. No more roaring stomachs during missions. Let's buy one for everyone."

Sage will not get lost simply because the chances of you getting lost are higher. She's a very patient person, so there's no means for her to hurry into another section when you're clearly not done with the current one. She also handles the money (if you're both shopping for VP) and has her ears open to any suggestion you have to make HQ feel more like home.

Good luck finding Phoenix in IKEA. He'd be all over the place, checking out each cool stuff he sees. Jett won't come to the furniture store with both of you but expect her to be on a video call with the fire Radiant, laughing at every shenanigan he's pulling out. That was until you phoned him and found him through his ringtone, echoing by the glassware section. "Phoenix, I'm not gonna pay for any damages you make," you huffed in distress. "Relax fam, I'm careful," he assured with a chuckle, "By the way, I found the infamous stuffed bear earlier. Want it?"

[regretevatorforrealrep]

[Verse]

Step on the lift thought I'd explore

Never guessed what was on each floor

Started off simple but then it changed

Feeling trapped in a ride so strange

[Verse 2]

Onward to Gnarpy's alien spree

Invasion at camp floors three

Xe snuck on board rude and mean

This ride turned into a crazy scene

[Chorus]This is the regretevator song

I regret getting on this elevator

Let me out none of these are my floor

Why'd I want to explore

[Verse 3]

Next stop a subway underground

Partynoob with a groovy sound

Fun and kind love to party

But this ride's still risky

[Bridge]

Partynoob makes it less grim

But danger lurks floor-to-floor whim

One good won't fix this tour

Wishing I chose a safer door

[Chorus]

This is the regretevator song

I regret getting on this elevator

Let me out none of these are my floor

Why'd I want to explore

[Verse 4]

Doors open, Arch made of brick right in front of us!

The grass flat, We arrived on the flatgrass floor!

This feels less like an elevator

More like I'm traveling universe to universe!

[Verse 5]

A ten feet tall concrete man smiling with a blue scarf? At this point call this elevator a game!

But he's polite with a bit of a wet cement addiction

"Gray stuff" they call it and i think he needs help

[bridge]

But this elevator's infinite it goes everywhere

so on the 3008 floor we gotta find lampert!

[Chorus]

This is the regretevator song

I regret getting on this elevator

Let me out none of these are my floor

Why'd I want to explore

This is the regretevator song

I regret getting on this elevator

Let me out none of these are my floor

Why'd i want to explore

[Verse 6]

Some floors kill the passengers, Toxic gasses, fire and so much more. I've lost some friends and npcs to some of these floors..

And this ride won't ever end!

This ride switches from boring to crazy

From Mannequin Mark arguing with Wallter to Wallter fusing with a hole in the wall

At this point i might as well leave the ride

But some of these passengers seem pretty cool!

[Chorus]

This is the regretevator songI regret getting on this elevator

Let me out none of these are my floor

Why'd i want to EVEN EXPLORE?!

I should've never rode on and got interested

Because now I'm subject to this elevator

Its fun, its dangerous, its sad and its crazy

I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE ANYMORE!

I REGRET THIS!

okay if zomeone knows where tf thiz comez from pleaze tell me bc i looked up "regretevator fansong" and i legit couldnt find it

At firzt I thought it waz a Benji zong or a parody of it, but nothing on hiz channel zhowed thiz zong and thiz doeznt fit hiz lyricz at all (dont azk how i know that)

Then I thought it waz thiz zong bc i didnt know Mike Geno made muzic for Regretevator, but nope

Guyz help where tf iz thiz from. Iz my YouTube fucking up bc i legit couldnt find a regretevator fanzong with lyricz

-Mod Mozelle

[creature-wizard]

I wish more people who talked about Michelle Remembers (the book that started the satanic ritual abuse panic) would quit merely just saying "there's no evidence that any of this happened" and start talking about the really obvious bullshit in it. Like if you want to discredit this book, talk about how damn absurd it gets.

Like for example, this demonically possessed woman who morphs her face and spins her head around:

She was just trying to make friends when she first came. Like one minute she's talking to me like I'm a nice little kid, and the next minute she's this ugly thing. She just turned her head around and looked back at me and changed her face. It was the same face saw in the car that night. Its eyes looked like they go way back and stick way out at the same time. Everything about it's unclean. Its nostrils are much bigger than they should be, and it has an ugly mouth. She has this long tongue that can go way out, like a snake's tongue. She's saying really disgusting things but they're all in a different language. She drools a lot and her head starts to go all funny and spins around.

This dude getting his Doctor Frankenstein on:

Michelle was strapped to a stretcher. The doctor came over and looked down at her expressionlessly. Then he went to a table, picked up some metal things—knives, it seemed—and went to one of the bodies.

God help me! Oh, God! He cut off its feet! Oh, no, I don't want to hear. I can hear him cutting its legs. I can hear him cutting the bones up. Oh, no! How can I live with it? Can people live with it? I'm sure I'm going to die. Oh, God, that's what they're going to do to me next.

…

When the doctor had finished with one body, he went to the next and proceeded in exactly the same fashion, until the floor was running with blood and red-stumped members were littered everywhere. And then, just as matter-of-factly, he reversed the process. He picked up a thigh segment from a woman's body and, with fine wire and a needle, began to stitch it onto the torso of one of the males. Then, from still another of the bodies, a lower leg. On he went, limb by limb, assembling a macabre composite, until one body was complete. Finally he attached thick black wires to its limbs. And suddenly, to the child's absolute horror, the body came alive.

Satan physically manifesting and hamming it up in verses and rhyme:

Satan laughed again.

People will do anything for a child. They will kill and steal and run wild. Fall into my pit.

He slammed his tail on the ground. It was like a thunderclap. The hole closed up.

In his Master Plan, Satan had spoken of All Saints' Day:

You'll know the day the march is begun. It's the day they say all saints are one. You'll know and feel it in the air. You'll know and feel the despair.

Satan's oh-so-powerful tail:

The fire at Satan's back as he stood at the rough altar threw his shadow against the ceiling of the round room. Michelle stood next to him, held captive by his burning tail.

Satanic arithmetic:

For ten days Michelle conveyed Satan's counting rhymes, word by word, line by line. At the end, she and Dr. Pazder and Father Guy analyzed the rhymes. They consulted scholarly works on the subject and telephoned certain churchmen with special knowledge. They discovered that, for Satan, numbers have power in themselves, and his counting is a way of controlling that power spiritually. And they arrived at tentative explanations for some of those rhymes.

One and one equal two. These are bones that once were new. Add them up, you'll think it's right. Add them my way, it makes a fight!

The way "you'll think it's right" is the way people normally add one plus one equal two. But done Satan's way, an X is used instead of a plus sign—since the plus sign is also the symbol he hates, the Christian cross. The X between the ones makes them "fight."

One times three Equal me.

Three, for Satan, is the sign of the Trinity. He himself is the one. The times sign, an X, symbolizes his primal fight with the Trinity, a fight he expects to win.

Twenty-eight Is the gate. Divide by four And you'll reach the core.

Twenty-eight is the "gate"—the opening to the Satanic future because it is every twenty-eight years that Satan returns to earth, and because twenty-eight is traditionally Satan's number. He divides it by four because four has always been a spiritually powerful number: There are four seasons, four directions, four elements, four Gospels. The quotient is seven, which is the largest nondivisible integer.

Like, the early parts of the books are like... kind of almost believable, but the further on it goes sillier it gets. We really, really need to talk about what an extraordinarily silly book Michelle Remembers actually is.

[meggannn]

Megan's Blorbo Bracket

I got sick of my favorite characters getting knocked out of random tournaments and then me not caring about any of the possible winners. @perihelions suggested I make a bracket of just my favorite characters instead. So I present 32 blorbos: No matter who wins a poll, I will win because my blorbo wins, and no matter who loses, I lose because my blorblo loses. But the people who will lose most will undoubtedly be my followers, who have to sift through more junk posts from yours truly. Without further ado:

"You like so many things. How did you pick?" I limited myself to two blorbos per fandom and every pairing was randomized. I have other favorites that I left out for lack of blorbo energy, or I just wasn't feeling it, or I hit my "two per fandom" maximum. Maybe if I'm bored later I'll make a bracket of just the rejects.

"What's the schedule?" The first eight polls of Round 1 will go up this Friday, May 5. The second eight of Round 1 will go up on Saturday, March 6. Polls will have a 24-hour time limit. (But I'm not sure what tournament courtesy is; I can be convinced to make them a week long if there are strong feelings otherwise.)

"I'll just vote for my favorites and then skip the other polls if I don't recognize anyone." Please participate in every poll you happen to see. Really!

"But I don't recognize/am sick of seeing some of these people." You are welcome, nay, strongly encouraged, to participate if/when you do not know any of the contestants. Pick whomever's design or name or vibe you like the most or flip a coin. I also encourage spite-voting AGAINST ones you dislike. I want this tournament to be as chaotic and petty as possible. I do not however make any promises to change my blogging behavior based on the results.

"I don't know you. You're just some stranger I found in the search/tags." Perfect. Please vote.

"How will this affect your daily content?" My queue will continue running amidst this chaos. I will aim not to reblog poll posts while they're still live, to avoid spamming your dashboards. This means you have to set your clocks if you want to vote or just get lucky seeing a post. If there are any propaganda reblogs, I will only reblog them if I see them/find them funny, again to avoid spamming dashboards.

The tag is #MegansBlorboBracket if you'd like to follow or block it. A full list of Round 1 contestants and their fandoms are under the cut.

Round 1

Claude von Riegan (Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Hopes) vs Fujimoto (Ponyo)

Fenris (Dragon Age 2) vs Jin (Samurai Champloo)

Therem Harth rem ir Estraven (The Left Hand of Darkness) vs Howl Jenkins (Howl's Moving Castle)

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) vs Yangchen (Avatar: The Last Airbender/Chronicles of the Avatar)

Kurisu Makise (Steins;Gate) vs Venom (Venom)

Chell (Portal) vs Petra Macneary (Fire Emblem: Three Houses/Hopes)

Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki (Everything Everywhere All At Once) vs Johanna Mason (The Hunger Games)

Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn) vs Peter B Parker (Into the Spider-verse)

Greedling (Fullmetal Alchemist) vs Bigby Wolf (The Wolf Among Us)

Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect) vs Makoto Niijima (Persona 5)

Inej Ghafa (Six of Crows) vs Hawke (Dragon Age 2)

Atem (Yu-Gi-Oh) vs Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist) vs Miles Morales (Into the Spider-verse)

Shepard (Mass Effect) vs Yusuke Kitagawa (Persona 5)

Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows) vs Kim Kitsuragi (Disco Elysium)

Sun-King Avad (Horizon Zero Dawn) vs Aloth Corfiser (Pillars of Eternity)

[litcityblues]

I Finally Watched This Movie

I am way overdue for this movie, I realize this and for that, if anyone out there is judging me for it, I apologize. I don't know if modern life requires a lot of content consumption, but I try and manage my fire hose of content so I don't drown, so it took me a while to get here.

So, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once:

The story of Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) who runs a laundromat with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), they immigrated to the United States two decades earlier- eloped as well, and had a daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu.) As the movie opens, the laundromat is being audited by the IRS, Evelyn is stressing out over the visit of her demanding father Gong Gong (James Hong), Joy's relationship with her mother is strained because of many things, but Evelyn's reluctance to accept her non-Chinese girlfriend Becky is at the top of the list. Oh and Waymond, her husband? He's trying to serve her with divorce papers.

At the meeting with the IRS Inspector, Deirdre (Jamie Lee Curtis), Waymond's body is suddenly taken over by Alpha-Waymond, a version of Waymond from the Alphaverse. He explains to Evelyn that many parallel universes exist because every life choice creates a new alternative universe. Her version from the Alphaverse developed 'verse-jumping' technology that enabled people to access the skills, memories, and bodies of their parallel selves by bizarre actions. The multiverse is under threat from Jobu Tupaki (Alpha-Joy) whose mind was splintered after too much verse jumping. She experiences all universes at once and can verse-jump and manipulate matter at will. She has created a black hole in the shape of an 'everything bagel' topped with literally everything that could destroy the multiverse.

Evelyn, understandably, doesn't believe Alpha-Waymond at first, but soon finds herself caught up in the action, jumping from multiverse to multiverse where she's a stone in one, a movie star in another and everyone has hot dogs for digits in a third. She keeps jumping and jumping until finally, her mind splinters and she collapses. Like Jobu, she uncontrollably jumps across all the universes at once and Jobu almost convinces her that nothing matters, she has been looking for an Evelyn who agrees with her so they can both enter the bagel and finally die, but just before Evelyn does, she listens to one last plea from Waymond who begs her to stop fighting and be kind, even when life does not make sense. She decides to take his advice and experiences an existential epiphany and takes his advice, using her multiversal powers to fight with empathy.

This repairs the damage and neutralizes Jobu and her forces and brings her back to her home universe. She reconciles with Waymong, tells Gong Gong about Joy's girlfriend and Deidre even agrees to redo their taxes. One final task remains as Jobu enters the bagel alone and in the home Universe, Joy begs Evelyn to let her go- but instead, she tells her that even when nothing makes sense and they don't get along and she could be anywhere else in any universe, she will always want to be with Joy. This saves Jobu from the Bagel and Evelyn and Joy embrace.

This movie is a lot, I'm not going to lie. The title is perfect because there are times when you really feel like you're getting everywhere, everything all at once and it's almost overwhelming, but it's also an absolutely stunning visual spectacle. The visuals of this movie are beautiful and it deserves all the flowers and hype that it got on that basis alone.

I wanted to say that I had issues with the story, but having written out this review, I really don't. I think it's a perfect example of what science fiction at its best is like: it transports you to other worlds and other places and other universes oftentimes to tell the simplest of stories- in this case, how a broken family fixed itself and how a mother finds a way to tell her daughter that she loves her. Given the massive amount of disrespect the Academy shows to 'genre' films, it is so awesome to see a movie that demonstrates the power of genre in such a visually stunning way that underpins what's really a pretty simple and timeless story.

I can see why people might not like this movie. If multiverses aren't your thing, this might be a hard sell but at the same time, if you haven't gone near science fiction ever before and are looking for an entry point this could be a good one for you.

I, however, loved this movie. i loved the story. I loved the acting-- I have yet to see Michelle Yeoh in anything that I have actively disliked, and you would have to be the Grinch not to be absolutely thrilled for Ke Huy Quan who is awesome in this movie. James Hong has been around for what seems like forever and even though the dude is 95 years old, he proves that he still has it. Stephanie Hsu is absolutely incredible and goes toe to toe with Michelle Yeoh in this film.

Overall: It deserves all the flowers, hype, and awards that it got. It's visually stunning. A beautiful film to look at. A simple, beautiful story about the power of empathy and kindness. A stunningly good cast and a GENRE FILM that gets SOME RESPECT. FINALLY. My Grade: **** out of ****

(Okay, I went and looked at this list and went all the way back to 1930. Birdman did win Best Picture, but you can make the argument that it was less a genre film and more about an actor playing a genre character. And yes, Lord of the Rings did win. In 2003. Other than that, I can find nothing that comes close to a genre film even getting a sniff at serious critical recognition. 2001: A Space Odyssey came out in 1968 and was not even nominated. So nitpick me if you will, but I am right. Some respect for genre films was long overdue.)

(Damn it. The Shape of Water won in 2017 as well. Okay, so maybe genre films are slowly gaining a little more respect. But there have been 96 Years of the Oscars and I can find three (maybe four) movies that fit the bill of genre films that have ever won Best Picture. That's still less than one percent however you cut it.)

[burningsnowleopard]

I don't really like making my own posts but is it just me or does Can't Catch Me Now sounds so hauntingly like what Lidia Cervos would sing 👀

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

There's blood on the side of the mountain

There's writing all over the wall

Shadows of us are still dancin'

In every room and every hall

There's snow fallin' over the city

You thought that it would wash away

The bitter taste of my fury

And all of the messes you made

Yeah, you think that you got away

[Chorus]

But I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze

My footsteps on the ground

You'll see my face in every place

But you can't catch me now

Through wading grass, the months will pass

You'll feel it all around

I'm here, I'm there, I'm everywhere

But you can't catch me now

No, you can't catch me now

[Verse 2]

Bet you thought I'd never do it

Thought it'd go over my head

I bet you figured I'd pass with the winter

Be somethin' easy to forget

Oh, you think I'm gone 'cause I left

[Chorus]

But I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze

My footsteps on the ground

You'll see my face in every place

But you can't catch me now

Through wading grass, the months will pass

You'll feel it all around

I'm here, I'm there, I'm everywhere

But you can't catch me now

No, you can't catch me now

[Post-Chorus]

Ooh

Ooh

Ooh

Ooh

[Bridge]

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm comin' like a storm into your town

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm higher than the hopes that you brought down

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm comin' like a storm into your town

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm higher than the hopes that you brought down

You can't, you can't catch me now

I'm comin' like a storm into your town

You can't, you can't catch me now

You can't, you can't, you can't

[Outro]

There's blood on the side of the mountain

It's turning a new shade of red

Yeah, sometimes the fire you founded

Don't burn the way you'd expect

Yeah, you thought that this was the end

[wavvie]

🔺🥯😞 for nelia and ilanius, obviously, and one other of your choosing !!!

🔺does your oc know how to use any weapons?

Nelia - Nelia depends solely on her magic in lue of a weapon. Her knowledge of weapons is really just "sharp end goes in enemy, don't get hit with enemies sharp end," though I can't blame her. Her unique ability lets her tap into the source of all magic, meaning very strong spells, without paying the price of using such spells. Where others must be granted that access, Nelia gets a free pass to take as she pleases. However, she still has limitations and rules she must follow. She can't just rain fire on a city just because she feels like it.

Ilanius - Ilanius is well versed in weapons. His stepfather raised him pretty much as his son, giving him an extensive education. Ilanius is often duel-wielding short swords but knows how to use various swords, cross-bows, and a bow and arrow. Ilanius also was born with magic, though to no avail has he been able to control it. Many have tried to teach him the art of mastering chaos. So, in theory, he could attempt to use that as a weapon, though his opponent would likely best him while he was casting.

Otho - Otho, much like Nelia, knows what end to stick them with, and that is all. Though he loves to tell people he studied to become a bard at the College of Winter's Edge. Winter's Edge is not a Bard College; it's known for being a school that mainly teaches necromancy, illusion, and transmutation. Though most laugh off his claim, there's more truth in it than many would think.

🥯 what does your oc's typical breakfast look like? do they usually eat breakfast?

Nelia - If Nelia is near civilization she'll eat whatever the locals recommend. If she's traveling with someone, they usually will catch and cook something and share it with her under some sort of agreement. If she's traveling alone, she usually fends off hunger with anything she can forage. Hunting with magic makes anything caught pretty much unedible, and she lacks the patience for traps.

Ilanius - Ilanius will eat whatever he can catch if he's in between cities. If he's near civilization, he usually eats poached eggs on some sort of bread and if he can afford it he'll have bacon too.

Narsi - As a Lady in a wealthy family Narsi typically eats honied portage with fresh berries, a small plate of bread with different cheeses, and smoked ham/fish depending on the season.

😞 does your oc attract others, or do they tend to be left alone?

Nelia - Whether intentionally or not, Nelia tends to scare people away. She claims she likes it that way, but girlie lies through her teeth. In minor interactions such with merchants, inn keeps, and barmaids many walk away from the interaction pleasantly surprised she wasn't all as bad as she seemed. Mama didn't raise her to forget her manners.

Ilanius - People flock to Ilanius like a moth to light; he easily earns people's trust. That being said, he'll compliment you to your face only to talk shit about you behind your back, though usually it's well deserved... usually. Ilanius is very charming and easily liked, and that's what makes him so dangerous. I'm not saying he's a bad person, but maybe watch that valuable family heirloom he's nonchalantly eyeing.

Yaenfiera - Once upon a time, Yaen inspired love and respect everywhere she went. Now? One mention of her name and people spit. If she dared show her face? Well, no violence occurs -she was anointed by the divines to speak on their behalf; you can't just go punching holy figures- but horrendous words are thrown her way. I guess that's what happens when you start a war (albeit she didn't draw first blood, but Ivaenia had every legal right to declare war and break the 500-year war treaty, among other treaties), only to bounce when your people need you.

ask me more?

[jedi-lothwolf]

Whumptober Day 7: Rodio Silent/"Can You Hear Me?"

Fandom: Spider-verse

Warning: In the tags for story reasons

Summary: Jefferson gave Spider-Man a radio in case he might need to reach out, hoping he never had to. Miles was glad he had it.

  When Jefferson learned that Spiderman was a young teenager he decided to give him a radio. He wanted to make sure that he was safe. If he needed nothing or god forbid the boy ended up injured while fighting a villain, it seemed to bring both of them comfort that knowing he could reach out.

    It was a beautiful day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. The sun shined over the city. It was reality calm until a villain decided to break that fragile peace.

    Miles had been taking a science test when his teacher got a phone call. He stealthy took his phone out and looked at the news. It was time for him to go.

    He walked up to his teacher's desk and asked to use the bathroom. She nodded. As he got close to the window in the boy's bathroom he heard the announcement that the school was going into lockdown due to a villain attack.

    Spider-Man jumped from the window and headed to the scene. He webbed his radio to his leg. It was smaller than average policy radios, maybe the size of a child's walky talky. It helped Miles to know that if he really needed it he could reach out to someone.

    The villain of the week called himself 'Pit Viper'. He was dressed in a green suit that had a scale pattern everywhere. His hair was black and his eyes seemed to be some shade of blue. He wore a black face mask that went down to his neck. He had a sword and a holster for a dagger.

    "Plan to get stabby?" Spiderman asked when he arrived .

    When the fight started, everything seemed fine. Every fight had its dangers. That was something Miles had expected already. As soon as he pulled the sword out of Viper's hand he felt that he had made a mistake.

    As the clouds started to take over the sky, it started to seem like Spiderman would lose. But every time he got knocked down, he got back up.

    Pit Viper unsheathed his dagger. He pulled a small vile from his pocket and slid the bottom of the knife open. He put the mystery vile in the handle. He closed it and smiled.

    "Whatcha got there?" Miles said as he went to attack once again.

    "You'll find out soon enough." Not long after, Miles got struck by the knife. It wasn't a large wound, just a small gash on his arm. Sure it hurt but it wasn't anything that would stop him.

    Then he started to feel nauseous. As he webbed down the villain, the man started to laugh violently. "You might have taken me down, but it seems that you will fall tonight."

    Spiderman grabbed his radio and informed the police that he had caught the villain. He stumbled off towards school. He didn't make it that far before he landed in an alley.

    Miles fought to get his mask off before he threw up. He put one hand on the brick wall in front of him and the other on his stomach. His breathing sped up as he walked a little further in the alley, away from the sight of the city. He threw up again and slid down the wall, tearing his suit and skin.

    The world felt like it was spinning. Miles fought through the fog and grabbed for his radio. His body felt like it was on fire and his head was heavy. He pulled the radio to his mouth and spoke into it. "Mr. Morales, are you there?" He asked.

    "What can I do for you Spiderman?" He asked.

    "I think-" Miles rested his head on the wall behind him. "I think I'm dying."

    Jefferson looked over at his partner. "Where are you son?" Concern laced his words.

    The hero stuttered out the street number.

    "We're nearby" his partner said. "He's young, maybe you can keep him calm?"

    Jefferson called for an ambulance over the radio then spoke to Spiderman again. "Help is on the way. I'm on the way. Just hold."

     "I'll try" Miles said, shacking. He listened to his father talk to him and answered the best he could.

    "What happened?"

    "Viper." He shuttered and tried to pull his legs to his chest.

    "How are you feeling? What's happening?"

    "Like shit."

    "Language."

    "Sorry." Miles's voice shook and it sounded like he was on the verge of tears.

    "It's okay. Just hang in there." Jefferson sighed. He put his head in his hand.

    "I'm scared" he whispered. He leaned over to his side and threw up again. Tears started to fall from his eyes. He was in pain.

    "It's going to be okay."

    The world started to get blurry. "I'm sorry" he choked out. He threw up again. Miles tried to stand. He moved slightly to the side. His knees fell and he couldn't support his hands anymore.

    "You don't need to apologize. Do you know what Viper did?" There was no response. "Spiderman?"

    Fear struck into Jefferson's heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything was going to change. "Spiderman are you there?"

    The radio rested in Miles's lap. He listened to his father talk but couldn't do anything to respond.

    "Can you hear me?" Panic slipped into his voice like hot tea slides down your throat. "Son, can you hear me?"

    Miles fought to answer. Yet the radio remained silent. He couldn't force himself to get up this time.

    "Spiderman, we'll be there soon. Just hang on." The silents made the air thick and time slow down. It felt like he was moving though quicksand. Jefferson wasn't sure why he felt the way he did. He worked closely with the hero but it almost felt like his own family was in danger.

    Silence fell over the car.

    Miles thought he could hear sirens. He felt like he couldn't breathe. The sounds of the city started to disappear, the wall in front of him looked foggy, and his body felt strange.

    As soon as the car stopped Jefferson was out on the sidewalk. The ambulance hadn't arrived yet. "Wait here" he yelled to his partner.

    As the man entered the alley he could smell the horrible smell of vomit. He walked passed it and found the hero leaned against the wall. He ran over to him.

    "Can you hear me?" Jefferson looked at the hero's face. "Miles" he said breathlessly.

    Miles tried to give him a smile.

    "It's going to be okay Miles."

    The teen started to fade in and out of consciousness. He thought about his life for a moment.

    "Stay with me Miles!" He felt his father's hand cuff his face gently. "Miles? Can you hear me? Please say something!" He felt the hand move and an arm around his body. He listened to his father cry. "Please."

    "You did good kid. Come on, your uncle wants to see you." Miles looked up to see Peter Parker looking at him. Not Peter B Parker but Peter Parker.

    "Wait but-"

    "They'll be okay."

    "Okay."

[wilchur]

Saw a few other people do it so here's my take on an

✨Arthur Morgan playlist ✨

feat. my terribly inconsistent taste in music.

It's gonna be a long one because I'm about to ramble about each and every song, so I'm adding a cut.

If you just want to listen to it, HERE is the link :)

Behind Blue Eyes by Limp Bizkit

"No one knows what its like; To be the bad man; To be the sad man; Behind blue eyes" Come on.

She Burns by Fov Vance

This is the obligatory Mary song. Like the entirety of it. Just listen.

Their Truth by Tyto Grey

Not only is it the ultimate wanderlust song, but also "They’ll pull the shade over your eyes; And convince you to sacrifice; All of your life" Lord have mercy.

Colors by Halsey

Listen, I know this is a love song. But the theme of betrayal and abandonment feels very appropriate for Arthur's relationship with Dutch and the way it progresses throughout the game. Just keep that in mind when listening and you'll understand what I mean.

Youth by Daughter

The whole song. Literally. I have no idea why this is not considered The Arthur Morgan Song™ "And if you're still breathing, you're the lucky ones; 'Cause most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs" Or the entire "We are the reckless, we are the wild youth; Chasing visions of our futures; One day, we'll reveal the truth; That one will die before he gets there" verse. Bro.

Blonde Hair, Black Lungs by Sorority Noise

I'll admit I mainly put this one in because of the title lmao, but also works nicely as another Mary song? Just a way more sad and less lovesick one.

I'll Be Good by James Young

I'd have to paste the entire song here. It fits that well.

It's Alright by Mother Mother

The whole song again. I really wish he could listen to this one on repeat.

Little Dark Age by MGMT

"Forgiving who you are for what you stand to gain; Just know that if you hide, it doesn't go away" :)

Wires by The Neighborhood

This one is probably more Dutch than Arthur in parts, but fits them both as a duo just as well. I'm not gonna paste the entire second verse, but it's very Arthur at the end of it all there.

Art School Wannabe by Sorority Noise

"Maybe I'm my own greatest fear Maybe I'm just scared to admit that I might not be as dark as I think Maybe I am not the person That I never wanted to be" Yeah.

Run by AWOLNATION

Well I'd say "I am a human being capable of doing terrible things" works well and the song is fire so.

Me and My Friends Are Lonely by Matt Maeson

"I was looking for a purpose, what a chance, you had some with you" gave me baby Arthur vibes. Idk what more to tell ya. ("I always figured that I'd be the one to die alone" hurts good too so...)

Oh My God by Ida Maria

"Arthur's inability to leave the gang" the song, basically.

No Roots by Alice Merton

"I build a home and wait for someone to tear it down Then pack it up in boxes, head for the next town running" no more thoughts than that. Song works well for an outlaw.

Renegades by X Ambassadors

Same thing. Outlaw song :)

Born To Die by Lana Del Rey

I saw a John & Arthur edit on TikTok so good I couldn't not add this one. Lyrics work for them so well.

Trouble by Cage The Elephant

"Trouble on my left, trouble on my right I've been facing trouble almost all my life My sweet love, won't you pull me through? Everywhere I look, I catch a glimpse of you I said it was love and I did it for life, didn't do it for you" *shrugs*

And here's a few last ones that I've added purely because The Vibes felt right:

We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow by Soko

Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Alien Blues by Vundabar

Father by The Front Bottoms

East by Sleeping At Last

[ceadgearst]

I'm trying to help myself (long verse, long poem)

Ceadgearst

TW: mentions of self harm, mental health issues

Idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk

Idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk

Idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk idk

I

decay

Where I stay

Watch me rot away in your face

I'm a waste I'm the waste

I stand on top of the world

With my favorite girl

And I twirl her around

There is music I can't hear a sound

Except for our heartbeats or maybe if she happens to speak

She gets me weak I feel so meek I rumble underneath

With my tongue inside her cheek

I wish I wish I wish I wish I wish I wish I wish

For what I had

I am glad but now I am sad

I am mad at myself for that gross negligence of wealth

Not in gold

but in good

I had everything I should

And I could've done more

So? Poor me

I weep in jealousy

I feel in envy of all I see

All the homies that don't talk to me

Sometimes I wonder what I could be if I never had to bleed

I wonder what it's like I think about it like a greed

I wish I was freed

But I'm always bound by something

But at the same time my wrists will remind me of the binds

Just like the pain in the back of my spine

Or my experiences uniquely mine

I wish I was fine

but I'm looking for a status quo that I don't actually know

I wish I could sit in the snow

And just lay there surrounded by a sea

That blends into me like light on a shadow

I'm glad though

that I've seen what I've seen sometimes because I can't mistake life for a dream

I see the cognation and the machine

The violence and the beauty seen

It makes me wanna scream because everything is a contradiction at it's seam

Do you dream?

Did you have a good dream?

I had a good one

We were basking in the sun

and we went to the lake and had a lot of fun

I can still taste your lips, the gloss, the caprisun

Did you think that I was done?

I'm only getting started

The way God drew you is the best art he ever did

I love you from head to shin

Beyond and in

When I look at you my future begins

I feel like you're my lucky girl at cards, when you're there I'm in

You came from the stars

I guess we all did but it's more apparent with you

it's true

there's something inside you stronger than glue

I feel the spirit in you and I just feel blessed by you

Ooo

I just love you

Delirious

I'm curious if I'm all that serious

Near to this thought is maybe that I'm not

if there was a shot

I would take it yeah not

My dad was named dot

and I hope he gets shot

He's everything I'm not and I'm actually pretty grateful cause he's a pretty hateful

guy I seen the devil in his eyes

Maybe I hope he dies

But part of me hopes he'll pull up to me with a burger and some fries

And say "sorry for all those years of lies"

But I would be too surprised so I'd probably expire and then my dad's engine would catch on fire

Me going somewhere and him going down

I don't know the fate of me the clown

There's others I can dam cause I know they're evil fucks

But when I weigh myself either way I don't feel enough

So maybe I'll just be a ghost or some stuff

That would be rough but it would be enough for me to read the newspaper

And ask all the questions about the tomorrow of later

I don't know, I'm rambling unstable

It's 3:48 it's pretty late but I gotta be up for some stuff around 7

I wish there was heaven but all I see is earth

The sky and it's girth

The sun in it's worth

The dirt the roots the earth's tooth

The rocks I tossed

like the stars when crossed

I lost my why somewhere down the line

so I confine myself to what I think is fine

This is mine

Cause there's nothing here

But empty fears and anxieties

Clothing stuck in the nineties

I smile kindly and then the memories remind me

Why I have no parents and I do my own arrends

Everyone talks to me how far it is to drive

When I walk everywhere just to keep alive

To get food to eat

A job to scorn

I get torn in half

And then I laugh like everyday

These emotions never stay

Just like the seasons I always change

But lately it feels like global warming isn't it strange

A flow of conscious I'm honest in what I think when I write with no ink simply sitting somewhere where I can think and breathe and talk to myself with ease

I've been alone for too long

I can't keep singing the song that's just wrong that hurts the ones I love but I just don't get it just because I think I do enough but I struggle to understand love

There is pain in something that'll you'll never read

There is life in every seed

That the crows pick up when they need to feed

October is my favorite month maybe just because I found my love then and that's enough

In my past years Octobers were so rough

But now with her I just feel so much love

I never want it to stop

But I don't want to scare her

Away

I want to keep her to stay

I want to lay with her all day

Pray to who you believe

The honest god, not the one that thieves

I feel the rain in my knees in my nose

The smell white people act like they don't know

The older I get the more I see my mom in my face

It makes me cry when I waste

huh

[rauko-creates]

Master List

List/links for all my Supernatural, Venom, and original works (under the cut cause wow there's actually kind of a lot lol)

Original Art:

Even If We Can't See You

GISH Stuff

Lily and the Stars

Mockingbird for @aloha-cowgirl

My Hallows Eve: Summoning

Punk Mermaid (b/w sketch) (with color)

Tiamat

Trogdor Fire Safety Poster

You Made Music Over Me

Spn Art:

Art for Carnivore (Destiel Hell Rescue Fic)

Art for Enemies at Sea (Destiel) by @rathskitten

Art for Rapunzel, Rapunzel by @diminuel (Destiel)

Art for The Curse of Years by@blueraven06 (Destiel)

Attack Dog Cas

Both Hands on the Wheel/"Touch It"

Cas With Wings

Cas With Wings and Halo

Dancing Gentleman for Hold Me While You Wait (Destiel wip)

Dean and Cas Kissing in the Shadows for Talk Green to Me by@winchester-reload

Feminist!Cas (On Thursdays, We Stab the Patriarchy)

I Deserved to be Loved

"I Should Have Protected You"

Jack, Winged Protector

Misha (because I can't stop drawing him)

Rachel Miner Skittles Portrait

The God of Laundry and Hipbones (sleepy crop-top Cas)

Trenchcoat Angel

Wayward Ladies

When there's Nothing to Burn

When Your Eyes Match Your Mood (Blue)

Original Poetry:

A Lily is a Good Flower

Change

Closeted Gross

Exist

Find Me

Much

Purple

This Fucking Box

You

Spn Poetry:

"Don't Do This, Cas" (Destiel)

"Hello, Dean." (Destiel)

His Name on Your Tongue (Destiel)

I Deserved to be Loved (Crowley)

Ocean's Brawl (for Destiel pirate!au)

Roses Are Red, Don't Lock Yourself in a Coffin You Fucking Martyr Destiel)

Son of a Bitch (Destiel)

The Very Touch of You Does Not Corrupt (Destiel)

Venom Fic:

He Helps (Part 1) (Part 2) (1,623 words) (Rating: M) (Symbrock, Anne/Dan) Tags: established relationship, Eddie and Venom are THAT couple okay lol, kisses, shower not sex lol, Venom's clingy but doesn't like being called out on it Summary: Dan get's a little too curious for his own good about just how much Venom is there for with Eddie's daily activities (Spoilers: the answer is he's always there)

I Saw You (792 words) (Rating: T) (Symbrock) Tags: angst, fluff, emotional hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending, coda Summary: What if Eddie actually HAD seen Venom at that rave? (In which Eddie goes to get Venom himself when he realizes he misses him instead of sending someone else to do it when he realizes he needs him)

Kiss Him Yourself (618 words) (Rating: T) (Symbrock) Tags: kissing, Anne knows, coda Summary: I'm just saying that there was space between when Anne got Venom from Mrs. Chen and when Venom rejoined Eddie and I think Anne and Venom probably talked, and Anne probably gave Venom some good advice.

Let Me Do It (100 words) (Rating: G) (Symbrock) Tags: skipping stones, fluff Summary: Venom is a show-off

The Loser Who Will Save Him (Symbrock)

What We Feel (476 words) (rating: G) (Symbrock) Tags: beech scene coda, fluff, blatant use of quotes from the comics, Eddie calling Venom My Love Summary: “It had whispered to him things about himself which he did not know...and the whisper had proved irresistibly fascinating. It echoed loudly within him because he was hollow at the core. “It was written that I should be loyal to the nightmare of my choice.” -Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness

Destiel One Shots:

'Cause I'm Yours (2,210 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel, Saileen) Tags: dancing, love confessions, angst, fluff, Dean Winchester's low self-esteem, everyone knows, post-canon Summary: Cas gets tired of watching Dean dance with bridesmaids and steps outside for a breather. Dean notices and follows him to see what's wrong. ***or*** That one where Cas is so very tired of pretending that he isn't madly in love with Dean...and also of pretending he can't see the way Dean loves him back. Feathers (2,324 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: canon-verse, wing fic, wing grooming, mild angst, fluff Summary: Cas finally has his wings back, but...they're stuck on this plane, and they're getting feathers everywhere. He thinks Dean hates them. He's...very mistaken. I Need You (1426 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel) Tags: time skips, Dean needs Cas, love confessions, fluff, mild angst, first kiss, canon-verse Summary: Dean needs Cas for...well, maybe he just needs Cas. (Written for the prompt "A kiss...out of necessity) Nothing Fucks With My Baby (620 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: protective!Cas, BAMF!Cas, BAMF!Dean, murder husbands, established relationship, canon verse, canon typical violence Summary: I was feeling an intense need to listen to Hozier's NFWMB on repeat while writing about Cas smiting the shit out of everything in the way to get to Dean and slaughtering everything that dared to lay a hand on him. Not that Dean's a damsel in distress in this situation; he's actually holding his own just fine. Cas is just intense. Sing Love (2,688 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: idiots in love, singing, mild angst, fluff, love confessions, first kiss, Sam ships it, canon-verse Summary: Castiel returns from a grocery run with Sam and overhears Dean singing love songs in the shower and decides to confront Dean with a song of his own ***or*** The one where Castiel finds out Dean's might just be in love with him too The God of Laundry and Hipbones (1,819 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: college au, Cas is too pretty for Dean to be smart, Dean's pink panties, fluff Summary: Written for the prompt "I’m sorry you caught me moving your clothes out of the dryer but in my defense I’ve been waiting for one to open up for about an hour now." Basically, Dean catches Cas moving his laundry, gawks at him like an idiot until he leaves, and then spends the next several months not being able to find him...until he does and falls all over himself again. The Nature of a Thing (1,569 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: first kiss, fluff, profound bond Summary: Wherein Dean is pretty sure that he and Cas are a thing but is trying to figure out exactly what that thing is.

The Ocean (224 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel) Tags: fluff, canon-verse Summary: Dean finally gets to go to the ocean, and it helps him figure out some familiar feelings

Thief (229 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel) Tags: fluff, pie, canon-verse Summary: Dean makes pie. Castiel is the best thief.

This Is What You Give to Me (479 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel) Tags: fluff, cuddling, established Destiel, post-canon Summary: Just a fluffy little thing about cuddling and Cas musing on how glad he is to be with Dean.

This Is What You Give to Me [PODFIC] (see above for details)

Until You Understand (1529 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel)

Tags: mild angst, fluff, character development, non-explicit sexual content, Dean's low sense of self-worth, emotional hurt/comfort Summary: Castiel loves Dean. He loves him. He loves him. He loves him.And he is 100% done with Dean’s self-sacrificing and self-deprecating. It’s no longer allowed.

We Are Hope (533 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel)

Tags: spn 15x02 coda Summary: Castiel finally understands the essence of hope, and he's going to be that for Dean, even as the world crumbles around them.

You Love Me? (100 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel)

Tags: POV!Dean, Angst, Requited Love Summary: 100 word drabble for the Ficwip prompt "something you don't mean."

Destel Chaptered:

From Perdition: Carnivore (44,868 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel)

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, rape/non-con (not explicit and not Dean/Cas...Dean goes through a lot in Hell) Tags: emotional hurt/comfort, canon compliant, desitel hell rescue, BAMF!Cas, BAMF!Dean, whump, angst with a hopeful ending Summary: Sometimes, something beautiful pierces the blackness. Sometimes, an angel comes along with power in his eyes and lightning in his wings and grace in his hands, and he makes you remember that the universe has wonder in it. Sometimes, he sings over you until you remember how to take comfort in it. Sometimes, he flies you through the stars until you think that it might be okay to exist again as part of it. Sometimes, good things do happen. This story is about Dean’s time in Hell and Castiel’s battle to save him. Long story short: Dean is amazing, Castiel is one bamf, Alastair is horrifying, and in the end, half the battle is convincing Dean that he deserves to be saved.

From Perdition: Gripped Tight (38,297 words, wip) (rating: M) (Destiel)

Tags: major character death (temporary, this is an Empty rescue fic), canon divergent, angst with a happy ending Summary: Castiel once gripped Dean tight to raise him from perdition...now, Dean's gonna return the favor.

From Perdition: With My Bones (1,896 words, wip) (Rating: M) (Destiel, Anna/Ruby, Midam)

Tags: Canon Complaint thru 14x08, Canon-Typical Violence, Memory Loss, Angst, Pining Summary: Angels aren't created to want. So, how does one survive learning to, figuring out exactly what they want, holding it in their arms, then being forced to give it away? The answer: barely. He barely survives it.

Ocean's Brawl (54,568 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel, Donna/Jody, Claire/Kaia, Bobby/Ellen, brief Charlie/Gilda, mentioned Andrea/Benny)

Tags: pirate au, enemies to friends to lovers, pirate!Dean, naval officer!Cas, slowish burn, openly bisexual Dean, swashbuckling, pub songs/shanties, naval battles, historical themes, lgbtq+ themes, idiots to lovers, angst, fluff, character injury, hurt/comfort, canon typical violence, slavery, racism, drinking Summary: In a time of oppression, the Winchester brothers and their family of misfit pirates sail the seas attacking slave traders and offering the liberated passage to safe-havens, or–if they choose it–a home on the Impala as part of Team Free Will. Dean meets Castiel, a Naval Captain with orders to enlist him and his band of honorable sea rovers as privateers. Dean refuses, but they end up working together when Castiel offers his vessel as transport for some rescued slaves. Castiel, in turn, travels with Dean as collateral to ensure there is no foul play. Along the way, Castiel witnesses the horrors of slavery and begins to doubt his cause. He comes to admire this wild crew and their kind hearts…perhaps falling for one man in particular.

To End Up With You (20,751 words) (Destiel, Saileen, Garth/Bess, Kaia/Claire, Donna/Jody, Dean x Sam)

Tags: Fix-It, Fluff, Castiel Out of the Empty, Love Confessions, Domestic Fluff, The Bunker Is Full Like It Should Be, Canon-Typical Violence, The Rebar/Rusty Nail (you're gonna have to trust me on this one our boy is fine I promise), Happy Ending, Nothing Hurts, Weddings, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Episode Fix-It: s15e19 Inherit the Earth, Episode Fix-It: s15e20, Carry On, Post-Canon Summary: Okay, but what if Dean actually rescued Cas and DIDN'T die on some rusty rebar…

Too Damn Long (4,313 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel)

Tags: 13x05 coda, angst, fluff, love confessions, implied sexual content, canon-verse Summary: Coda to Cas's return from the Empty

What the Water Gave Me (20,574 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel, Claire/Kaia)

Tags: fantasy au, god/fae!Cas, protective Dean Winchester, hurt/comfort, pining, mutual pining, ALL the pining, angst with a happy ending, fluff, angst with a happy ending Summary: Dean meets Castiel in the woods and spends a long time wondering if he's some sort of vision or dream...until Castiel gets hurt. Dean saves him, falls in love with him, and is convinced there's no way this otherworldly child of the ocean and sky could feel the same for him. Of course...he's wrong.

Spn WLW Fic:

From Perdition: She Keeps Me Warm (8,984 words, wip) (Rating: T) (Anna/Ruby)

Tags: pre-canon, canon compliant, 1600s period fic (at first anyway…), human!Ruby, angst, fluff, Summary: Angels don't disobey, don't rebel. It's their murder one. But, sometimes, you just…fall. And Anna falls in more ways than one.

She's Nice (682 words) (Rating: T) (Anna/Ruby)

Tags: canon divergent, 4x09 coda Summary: Anna and her words get stuck in Ruby's head in a way that she can't shake…so she doesn't.

Spn (non-destiel) MLM Fic:

A Howl at That Moon: Bring You Back (604 words) (Rating: T) (Drowley)

Tags: 9x23 coda, canon compliant Summary: The truth was, Crowley had simply developed a bloody soft spot for one flannel-wearing, denim-clad nightmare...and he couldn't help but be excited to show Dean the world through his eyes.

A Howl at That Moon: "Hello, Boys." (402 words) (Rating: M) (Drowley)

Tags: demon!Dean, implied sexual content (no actual sexual content this is just flirting in the bar and Crowley trying to pretend he doesn't have a Dean-shaped problem) Summary: "We've howled, we've bayed, we've done extraordinary things to triplets..."

A Howl at That Moon: You And I Go Hard (1,294 words) (Rating: M) (Drowley)

Tags: demon!Dean, angst, non-explicit sexual content Summary: Crowley confronts Dean. Dean pushes back. Crowley tries to put him in his place. Things escalate. Turns out, Crowley can't help but give Dean everything he has.

A Howl at That Moon: You And I Go Hard (1,294 words) (Rating: M) (Drowley)

Tags: 12x23, Angst With a Happy Ending, Pining, Temporary Character Death Summary: Crowley deserved to be loved.

From This Dark Room (1,287 words, wip) (Rating: T) (Dean/Gabriel)

Tags: pre-canon, emotional hurt/comfort Summary: When Sam leaves for Stanford, Dean is lost. Luckily, a certain trickster is there to pull him out of his downward spiral...or...that one where Gabriel can't help but temporarily come out of hiding to help Dean.

Gabriel (306) (Rating: M) (Sabriel)

Tags: non-explicit sexual content, fluff Summary: Sam is in awe of what he holds in his arms

Honey, There Is No "Right" Way (10,181 words) (Rating: T) (Calthazar, past Cas/Dean, past Balthazar/Hannah)

Tags: Roommates!au, Ace!Cas, Aro!Balthazar, Demiromanantic!Cas, Demisexual!Balthazar, queer themes, internalized ace/arophobia, fluff, angst, emotional hurt/comfort, hurt/comfort, Domestic Fluff, Sick Character, best friends, friends to lovers, Happy Ending Summary: “That’s not how you feel about her.” “Castiel, that’s not how I’ve ever felt about anyone. This whole…” He waved a hand in the air and propped up against the arm of the couch, “in love business...it’s complete bollocks. If you ask me, people’ve just seen too many blasted movies, got so hopped up on the rush of getting to know someone that they think that's it, that’s love, but it isn’t. Love is…” He glanced down at Castiel. “Love is choosing the person you get on with best, someone you’re able to be mates with and that you find attractive. All this ‘romance’ rubbish is just propaganda.” Castiel looked at his friend. He thought about the warm feeling that grew inside him when they were together, the way his heart beat just a little faster every time Balthazar was close. “Yes...maybe you’re right.”

Spn M/F Fic:

Absolutely Not (1916 words) (Rating: T) (Meg/Gabriel)

Tags: college au, idiots in love, crack that became plot Summary: Meg and Gabriel go to the same university. He is openly obsessed. She pretends to find it annoying but actually adores him. (Inspired by and talked out with@moderatelypanickedbiromantic)

Not As Intended (3454 words) (Rating: T) (Sam X Gabriel, Debriel, alluded to Sastiel)

Tags: fake dating, college au, fake dating but instead of falling in love...they find out the kinda can't stand each other Summary: Sam brings Gabriel home from Stanford in hopes of pissing off his super conservative/homophobic family, but they all actually LOVE him instead. Dean...maybe likes Gabe a little too much...

The Luckiest (630 words) (Rating: T) (Gabriel/Rowena)

Tags: Schmoop, Canon Divergence, Cuddling, Gabriel’s a little obsessed with Rowena’s hair, and just smitten in general, she adores him too Summary: Just a bunch of cuddling and softness for two characters who deserved/needed more of it

[daughters-of-liberty]

For some reason, this time of year always draws me to God more than any season. Maybe it's all the Christmas songs, particularly the religious ones like Silent Night or God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (which is actually my very favorite non-secular Christmas song) bringing a bit of Christian imagery to the mundane. You're grocery shopping, eating pancakes at Perkins, getting your oil changed, doesn't matter, there's a Christmas song playing and something in the air shifts whenever a religious one comes on. I can't describe it.

Someone I follow posted some lyrics from different hymns and whatnot, but the first one was the opening verse from O Holy Night:

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appeared, and the soul felt it's worth...

I have often thought about this verse, particularly the "soul felt its worth" bit, even in the deepest of my pagan days. Something about that sentiment carried an extra weight that could be felt by someone who had never read the Bible and hadn't gone to church or listened to a sermon since I was like 10.

So often, people bring up eternal damnation as a way to try to scare people into believing in God. But I can honestly say that simple lyric "long lay the world in sin and error pining, til He appeared, and the soul felt it's worth" did more to turn my heart back toward God than any fire and brimstone rhetoric.

Not that I ever hated God, don't be mistaken. I actually thought God hated me, or at the very least, strongly disapproved of my life choices. Being a dedicated pagan from about age 8, but with definite pagan ideals and concepts–such as ancestor veneration and reincarnation–incorporated into my belief system from my earliest contemplations on matters such as death, I thought I was an outcast...though I didn't know why I felt that way at the time.

Several years later, I had gone through so many books on paganism, desperate to quell this hollow feeling I had on a soul deep level, this longing to belong with no respite, only to come up not only empty-handed, but also angrier and angrier. I had hoped that some book–any book!–would give me further insight. But everything just became progressively dumber and dumber and more and more infuriatingly so. And every Christmas season, when angels are everywhere and bells are tolling and a choir can be heard inside and outside of every store singing "come and behold Him, born the king of angels", and people are unusually kind and charitable...there's something there. A filling to that hollow feeling.

Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't the Redemption of Bee, I'm not a prodigal daughter. Not entirely, anyway. But, after learning more about God and Jesus, and the full context of Jesus' time on the cross and what He did for us (going literally to Hell and back to save all of humanity from our sins is frickin metal, I don't care who you are), and reading Genesis and seeing exactly how much love God has for us, and how well-meaning and genuine He is (don't blame me, I kinda bought into some atheistic rhetoric about how cruel God is in my teens), the non-secular Christmas songs don't make me cringe anymore. Heck, Christian rock doesn't make me cringe anymore (Crowder's Crushing Snakes is a banger, change my mind).

But what used to make me ponder about Things when I was a pagan, the line "and the soul felt it's worth", now really struck a chord with me. To the point where contemplating the full scope of that simple little line inexplicably brings me to tears. On my journey, winding though it may be, I didn't listen to preachers or priests or anything like that. I mean, I tried to, and only really liked Father Mike Schmitz's approach to talking about things. But mostly, and feel free to judge me for this, I listened to a lot of Andrew Klavan and his musings about God and Jesus and the meaning of life and death and questions of morality. Say whatever you will about him, I found a lot of his takes very comforting, like talking to your father about God. Because I never really talked to my dad about God, except when I came out as pagan to him.

One thing Andrew Klavan talks about a lot in regards to Christianity, is that God is forgiving. God is loving. Yes, sometimes he can be cruel, but that's usually to teach a lesson that's falling on deaf ears, like your father taking away a toy as a child because you disobeyed him. But, one thing he especially highlights, is that God loves you. It doesn't matter if you hate Him, if you blame Him for every little bad thing in your life, He loves you and He forgives you. And should you ever find your way back to God, he will embrace you with open arms and say "welcome home". Even if you've sinned. Jesus ate with the sinners, and counted them more dearly than the Pharisees.

In some ways, my period of paganism felt like the period before Christ's birth. I waited for a very long time, in sin and error, pining for that feeling of belonging, of worth, of acceptance, of order, of gratitude. Of sheer unconditional love. And I waited and waited, until God and Christ kind of nudged their way into my psyche, and then into my life. And the soul felt it's worth. My existence wasn't meaningless, my life has a purpose, and no purpose is too small. I was hopeful, I rejoiced, a new and glorious morn broke. I didn't hate myself anymore, and realized God never hated me. How can I go forward not completely revitalized by that notion? That concept that even when all seems lost and hopeless, there is always hope.

“Turn your face from the green world, and look where all seems barren and cold!” said Gandalf. Then Aragorn turned, and there was a stony slope behind him running down from the skirts of the snow; and as he looked he was aware that alone there in the waste a growing thing stood. And he climbed to it, and saw that out of the very edge of the snow there sprang a sapling tree no more than three foot high. Already it had put forth young leaves long and shapely, dark above and silver beneath, and upon its slender crown it bore one small cluster of flowers whose white petals shone like the sunlit snow.