#✦ ── the promise in our hearts . ›› destiny trio .

[iniziare]

Tag drop: Aventurine.

[robotsafari]

the way terra gets sent onto the fucking galactic federation ship makes NO SENSE like suddenly he just starts getting magnetized into the underbelly of the ship (is it gravity???) and then suddenly he ends up in jail WHAT.

ah yes "swept onboard" more like hurls into the underbelly of the ship and it fades out like. what.

also i love how they dont show terra breaking out of the cell. he just pulls out his keyblade and then the next shot hes out like can you just show it like a normal person.

[keywields]

tag drop pt 1

[starlightwayfinder]

Naminé fic snippet!

“This is my favorite one yet.”

Roxas held up the drawing so they could see. The colored pencil marks blended together to depict himself, Xion, and Lea embracing in the Keyblade Graveyard.

Xion nodded. “It really is like a memory on paper.”

Naminé blushed slightly and clutched her sketchbook. As always, Twilight Town was colored in a lovely red sunset. The trio met up in the usual spot every day to sift through memories in hopes of finding clues about Sora.

“How about you, Naminé?” 

Naminé looked at Xion and tilted her head, blonde hair falling over her shoulder.

“Which drawing is your favorite?” Xion clarified.

“I…” don’t have one, she began to say, then hesitated. There was a picture that stood out to her more than any other. She opened her sketchbook and flipped through various drawings of the party on Destiny Islands, ending on a page of Sora and Kairi sitting together on the paopu tree, watching the sun.

“I like this one.”

Xion’s expression softened. “That was such a beautiful day.”

“The three of us finally got to go to the beach together,” added Roxas.

For a moment, Naminé thought he was talking to her.

“We did!” Xion beamed. “Axel kept his promise after all.”

Oh. Of course.

Naminé quietly finished drawing the last memory for the day—Roxas, Xion, Kairi, and  Sora fighting together. When it was done, she gathered up her colored pencils and Xion photographed the new sketchbook entries.

“I’ll send these to everyone in the group chat later. See you tomorrow!” Xion waved, leaving to go back into town. 

“Goodbye.” Naminé waved back with a small smile. 

Roxas checked his Gummiphone, then looked up.

“Hey, it sounds like Hayner, Pence, and Olette are on their way over—”

“Oh, right.” She stood, head lowered. “I’ll go-”

“No, it’s okay. Actually I was gonna ask if you wanted to hang out with us?”

Naminé seemed slightly stunned at the invitation, but agreed. 

“I—Yes.”

I must have made him feel guilty.

“Pence said they’ve got summer homework, but if it’s anything like last time we’ll probably just-” he trailed off and gave a small laugh. “Well, odds are we’ll end up going to see a movie or something instead.”

Naminé smiled, but felt a pang of sadness in her chest.

He’s so… 

Normal.

Roxas put his Gummiphone back in his pocket. “It’s nice, huh? Bein’ able to do whatever we want for a change.”

“…It is.”

“So what do you want to do?”

Naminé thought carefully, lacing her fingers together. “I want to keep drawing memories. If I find Sora, I’ll finally feel like my powers can be used for something good.”

Roxas blinked. “That’s… I was thinking more like… ‘go get ice cream’...or something.”

“Oh.”

“Did someone say ice cream?” 

A hand pulled aside the fabric that draped across the entrance to the usual spot, and Roxas looked over as someone suddenly poked their head through. 

“Pence! Geez, thanks for giving me a heart attack.”

Pence walked in and handed a blue ice cream bar to Roxas as Hayner and Olette followed.

“Ooooh Roxas was scared~!” teased Hayner.

Roxas grinned and opened the wrapper. “Who, me? Not a chance.” He pointed to the trophy in the corner of the room. “I’m the ‘toughest guy in Twilight Town’, remember?”

They laughed, and Pence noticed Naminé.

“Oh hey! Who’s your friend?” 

“Naminé.”

“That’s a cool name.”

She smiled in surprise. “Thank you.” 

The tracks above them rumbled loudly as a train passed.

“Hey that reminds me; we picked a topic for our paper,” said Olette.

Roxas shook his head. “Here it comes...”

“The seven tourist attractions of Twilight Town!” interrupted Pence. He gestured dramatically, as if advertising for a commercial. “Popular sightseeing destinations for world travelers passing through the Realm Between!” 

Roxas accusingly pointed his ice cream stick. “The whole ‘other worlds’ thing is still technically a secret, Pence.”

“We know, we know.” Hayner folded his arms. “But we sure do get a lot of visitors nowadays.”

Naminé looked at them curiously. “What are the attractions?” 

Olette waved for everyone to follow. “C’mon, we’ll show you!”

And some bonus moments I thought were worth sharing:

“Hey, the fun’s not over yet!” Pence reassured. “Attractions Three through Five coming up next.”

“Can you really have three at the same place? That feels like cheating…” asked Roxas.

“As long as we can prove we went out and researched we’ll get full points,” said Olette.

They arrived at Station Heights, where the clocktower stretched into the sunset sky above. 

“Three in one!” Pence began narrating theatrically again. “Transportation, sightseeing, and a gift shop!”

“Because who doesn’t want a keychain that says ‘I ‘Struggled’ in Twilight Town’,” said Roxas. 

Hayner folded his arms. “They didn’t think that one through.” 

“Hey, what happens if you put one of those keychains on your Keyblade?” asked Pence. 

Roxas made a face. “I don’t know. It doesn’t work like that—” 

Just then, his Gummiphone rang, and his expression grew serious.

“Hang on, this might be important.”

He tapped the screen.

“Hey, Donald, Goofy. What’s up?”

“We’ve got something real important to share with ya-” started Goofy.

Donald burst into a hurried explanation. “Rikuwenttoanewworld!Andhe’sgonnafindSora-”

“Woah what? Slow down!”

“We’ve got a lot of phone calls to make!” yelped Donald. “Because Riku found out where Sora is!”

Naminé froze.

“He did?! That’s great news!” 

Hayner, Pence, and Olette high-fived. 

“So are we heading out? Where to?”

“No! It’s top secret!” quacked Donald.

“We’re just supposed to tell you to stop what you’ve been doin’,” explained Goofy.

“Gotcha. Well if there are any more top secret updates give me another ring, all right? I want to be the first to know.”

“We will!” said Goofy.

“Now hang up already!” said Donald.

The call ended, and the others laughed.

“Hey, that’s really awesome,” said Hayner, putting a hand on Roxas’ shoulder. 

“So Sora’s going to be okay?” 

“Of course! He’s gonna be hitting the beach with us in no time at all.”

“That’s what I like to hear!”

~ And later, after the other three leave…

They ended up in a small park area lined with a wooden fence.

“Oh, I think I’ve been here before.”

“It’s called Sunset Hill,” said Roxas. “The view isn’t quite as good as the one from the clocktower, but it's probably a lot safer.”

She walked to the fence and stared out at the sky.

“So?” he asked. “Is it as good as the one from your favorite drawing?”

“What?”

“The sunset.”

“Oh… yes. It’s beautiful.” Disappointment stained her voice.

“It’s… Something’s wrong, isn’t it? Wait, was it supposed to be pink?”

Naminé felt tears threatening to spill over, and she turned away.

Roxas shifted. 

He’s just trying to be nice. I made him feel bad. He’s cool and normal and I’m—

“Sorry,” he said. “Axel says I always press the wrong buttons.” 

“It’s not anything you did, Roxas. It’s just, that’s not why I picked that drawing.”

“Oh. Why did you, then?”

She took a deep breath.

“Remember when we joined hearts with Sora and Kairi?”

“Of course. How could I forget?”

“We said, we’d be together every day. And-and I was so happy because I’d always been alone, but then—Maybe even if no one wanted to choose me, if I was part of Kairi then… then someone would.”

Part of her was mortified for admitting it, but she continued, tears falling.

“But they weren’t together every day. And now I’m back. I’m back and I don’t know what to do. I can’t even force you to spend time with me anymore. …Because, they found where Sora is.”

To be continued..?

[ignitingwriting]

Igniting Writing ‘Families and Friendships’ Contest 2023, Submission by Ishan

My Name is Lark

My name is Lark and I have always believed that friendship is the most powerful magic of all. In the realm of Arcanum, my two closest friends – Kael, who controlled the elements, and Lyra, who could speak to animals – shared my conviction. We were bound not just by our extraordinary powers, but by an unbreakable bond forged through years of shared laughter and countless adventures.

One day, we heard a tale of a Celestial Crystal hidden deep within the Forbidden Caverns. They said it held the promise of unimaginable power. Curiosity and destiny pulled at our hearts and, without hesitation, we embarked on a journey to retrieve this mysterious artifact.

As we stood at the entrance of the Forbidden Caverns, Lyra’s voice held a mix of excitement and caution. “The legends say this place is filled with illusions and tests,” she warned, her eyes reflecting the trepidation we all felt.

Kael’s confidence shone through as he grinned. “Good thing we’re a trio of powerhouses, then. I will blast through any obstacles these caverns throw our way!”

Our powers proved vital as we journeyed through treacherous terrains and faced magical creatures. Kael’s mastery over the elements carved paths through obstacles, Lyra’s ability to communicate with animals provided vital insights and my telekinesis lifted us over chasms that threatened to separate us.

Entering the caverns, an eerie chill enveloped us a prelude to the challenges ahead. Our bond shielded us from the illusions that sought to deceive us, allowing us to delve deeper into the caverns’ heart. And there it was, the Celestial Crystal, bathed in an ethereal light that cast dancing shadows on the cavern walls.

“Whoa,” I breathed, my heart quickening as I gazed at the radiant crystal. “This is it.”

Lyra’s eyes widened with wonder. “It’s more beautiful than any tale could describe.”

As we extended our hands to touch the crystal, a gleam of greed entered Kael’s eyes. Unbeknownst to Lyra and me, the allure of power had ensnared him. In a shocking twist, he shattered the crystal, intending to claim its magic for himself. The cavern trembled and a surge of energy knocked Lyra and me off our feet.

“No!” Lyra cried, her voice laced with disbelief and anger. “What have you done, Kael?”

Kael’s eyes, once filled with warmth, now burned with a hunger for power. “I’ve claimed the Celestial Crystal's magic for myself. With this power, I’ll become unstoppable.” The magic seeped into him as he stood before us with a mocking smile, his eyes turning as black as coal. He exclaimed. “THE POWER IS MINE, ALL MINE!”

In that single, heart-wrenching moment, our bond was shattered by shadows of betrayal. As Lyra and I rose to confront Kael, the friend we thought we knew, my heart ached with disbelief and sorrow, but waves of power resonated from him forcing us away from him. The Kael that stood before us was not the Kael we had known.

Lyra's voice quivered, her eyes teary. “Kael, how could you betray us like this?”

Kael’s laugh echoed, tinged with a darkness I had never heard before. “You two were holding me back. With this power, I’ll rise above everything.”

Lyra collapsed by my side in disbelief. I looked at Lyra and told her. “We fight for our true friend, for the person before us is no longer the Kael we knew.”

The battle that followed was fierce – magic clashed and echoes of our past adventures pierced the air. Despite Kael’s augmented powers, he was no match for the unity of Lyra and me. We channelled our combined strength into a blinding wave of energy and Kael's darkness shattered, the Celestial Crystal’s magic dispersing like stars in the night sky.

As the dust settled, Kael’s form lay weakened on the cavern floor. His eyes, once were pitch black under the influence of greed, were now haunted by regret. “I was wrong,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. Coughing, he pleaded, “Please, on our friendship, take me back with you.”

I turned my back to him tears flowing down my cheek. “You broke that friendship with your own hands when you tried to take the power all for yourself,” I replied, choked by anger.

Lyra’s voice was heavy with sorrow as she approached him. “You let greed consume you, Kael. You lost sight of what truly matters.”

Years passed, and our realm flourished under our guidance. Our friendship, once tested by shadows, had emerged stronger than ever. And as we stood at the edge of the Forbidden Caverns, now sealed forever, I marvelled at the unexpected ending of our journey – one that had led us not just to the Celestial Crystal, but to the revelation that true power was found in the bonds of family and friendship, unyielding in the face of betrayal.

[dfroza]

A “graceful” Tuesday

the 56th day of Astronomical Summer

track (#2) on the 2023 album Our Daily Bread by Trio Tapestry

(joe lovano. marilyn crispell. carmen castaldi)

Grace Notes

we are sharing and conserving (A new covenant of grace) with all of garden earth

which is the significance and blessing of certain nations on earth that align with the eternal tapestry of our beautiful mysterious Creator that includes the destiny of Israel

for just as the (etcetera) of the night sky seemingly reaches out with no end in sight, there is a pure Kingdom of Light that is eternal “timelessness” even though the world appears dark [here, & now] in the meantime of vast global corruption in the knowledge of evil

but (Light is Love) and promises not only new bodies to house A new Family of reborn hearts (we eagerly wait to be newly clothed to remove the “nakedness” of the curse)

And there will be A new heaven and earth as well in A grand end of time

(which is a hopeful thought that won’t fail in its truth)

we need True illumination.

An instrumental thought from 33 years ago (1990)

(john. rodney. don)

from the instrumental womb… (A starting line)

[silencedminstrel]

GLIMPSES OF THE FINAL PROPHECY - GUARDIAN HUMOGA TRIAKIS IS BEING SWORN IN AS THE GREAT GUARDIANS' NEW LEADER IN A PRIVATE CEREMONY (SPECULATIVE SCRIPT)

INT - BUZNA IBETI (CITY TOWER), THE VALLEY CITY - DAY

THE CHARACTERS - GUARDIAN HUMOGA TRIAKIS, GREAT SEER ROYGBIV, MAYOR ABRUZZESSE (LEADER OF THE CITIZENS OF XNROE FACTION), SAIF NIZMA THE GUARDIAN OF XNROE

THE THREE EXALTED ONES SOLEMNLY MAKE THEIR WAY TO THEIR DESIGNATED PLACES AS THE INCUMBENT LEADER OF THE GREAT GUARDIANS STANDS READY BELOW THEM. THEY RESPECTFULLY GREET EACH OTHER AND THE ANXIOUS MAN OF THE HOUR BEFORE THE MYSTERIOUS MASKED FIGURE IN BLACK, WHITE AND SILVER, THE ONE CALLED SAIF NIZMA GUARDIAN OF XNROE, OFFICIATES THE CEREMONY.

SAIF NIZMA: When you first came to me you were barely an adult, but I am thankful that my gambit pays off, Guardian Humoga!

HUMOGA: I couldn't have done it at all without your help and guidance, Master!

GREAT ROYGBIV: And still you are as polite and courteous as the day we first met; a child of XNROE not born of XNROE, the one unsure of his place and destiny...

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: Yet here you are now, the only one who stands betwixt prosperity, and the end of everything as we know it!

HUMOGA: I've never forgotten everything that you ever taught me, Great Seer! I can't thank you enough for your tutelage...!

HUMOGA (CONTINUED): And I'll also try my very best to live up to your expectations, Mr Mayor! And also to everyone else's on this great planet...!

THE EXALTED TRIO DELIBERATES FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THEN THE ONE CALLED GREAT ROYGBIV MAGICKALLY CONJURES UP A BIG, OBSIDIAN LIKE SPHERE TO APPEAR AT THE CENTER OF THE HALL.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: Now come forth before The Heart of Innocence and place your hands upon it, Guardian Humoga...!

HUMOGA: Understood...!

HUMOGA SOLEMNLY APPROACHES THE FLOATING, DARK ORB AND PLACES BOTH HANDS OVER ITS COLD SURFACE.

GREAT ROYGBIV: Now reveal to it your secret (Xnrene) name and your place in our world, Guardian Humoga...!

HUMOGA: I am Humov Gavaani (Rainbow of Dawn), Leader of the Next Generation of Great Guardians, Sacred Key Master of the Stipusee Kaq-Zu and...and Herald of The Vermilion Sunset! (Cosmic Armageddon)

THE FORMERLY DARK CRYSTAL IS SUDDENLY AGLOW, FLOODS THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING WITH AN INTRICATE DISPLAY OF DAZZLING LIGHTS AND SLIGHTLY DISORIENTS HUMOGA AS HE CONTINUES TO HOLD ON TO IT.

SAIF NIZMA: Excellent! The Heart of Innocence recognizes your celestial soul imprint, Guardian Humoga! Now tell us, what did you see within your mind's eye?

HUMOGA TRIES MOMENTARILY TO REGAIN HIS COMPOSURE WHILST KEEPING HIS HANDS FIRMLY ON TOP OF THE STUNNING BEACON

HUMOGA: I saw...a gleaming...endless...field of grass...crowned by the...sunniest clear blue sky...but without heat and...and three majestic rivers! Two of them...are on the surface...while the third one...is flowing underneath...the field...! It's...it's beautiful!

SUDDENLY AN AIR OF SADNESS FILLS THE AIR, SLOWLY AS THE MAYOR OF THE VALLEY CITY CAN BE SEEN GIVEN TO WEEPING BEFORE HIS SYMPATHETIC PEERS AND THE GUARDIAN BELOW HIM.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: (Sniffle) Praise...The...Almighty...! Forsooth...you've seen the...The Promised Land, Guardian Humoga! You...you truly are worthy...worthy of your...your place...within...our...grand scheme...of things...!

THE REMAINING TWO ARE ALSO GIVEN TO WEEPING AT THIS VERY MOMENT. HUMOGA INSTINCTIVELY LET GO OF THE GLEAMING BALL AND RETURNS TO HIS PLACE. THEN THE SADNESS SUDDENLY VANISHES AS QUICKLY AS IT CAME.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: (Sigh) I, Veksili Abruzzesse, Keeper of The Present, hereby vouch for Guardian Humoga Triakis, as the rightful Leader of The Great Guardians of The Universe...!

A BRIEF MOMENT OF SILENCE PASSES BY THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE HALL.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: So what say you, my friends?

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE THEN TURNS TOWARDS THE ONE TO HIS LEFT.

GREAT ROYGBIV: I, Roygbiv Splifzoden The Third, Keeper of The Past, hereby affirms the right of Guardian Humoga Triakis to The Councilor's Chair...!

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE THEN TURNS TOWARDS THE ONE TO HIS RIGHT.

SAIF NIZMA: (Sigh) And I, Saif Nizma, the sole offspring of The Great Crystal Tower of Xunuarykta and The Heart-Shaped Sea, Guardian of XNROE and Keeper of The Future, henceforth gives my blessings and keys to all our kingdoms under heaven...to Guardian Humoga Triakis...!

THE THREE DISTINGUISHED OFFICIALS GESTURE AGREEABLY TOWARDS EACH OTHER FOR A BRIEF MOMENT.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: Thus the Holy Triumvirate are now in consensus! Now, do you accept our unanimous decision, Guardian Humoga?

HUMOGA TRIES DESPERATELY TO HOLD BACK HIS TEARS. THE GREAT SEER SMILES SERENELY WHEREAS SAIF NIZMA APPEARS SLIGHTLY WORRIED.

HUMOGA: (Sniffle) And as Ag...as...my sole witness...I...I...I accept!

THE SEATED TRIUMVIRATE BRIEFLY GIVE EACH OTHER A SATISFIED LOOK.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: Now swear your oath of office before us, Great Guardian Humoga Triakis! Swear it like you were made for it...!

HUMOGA DRIES HIS TEARS FOR ONE LAST TIME AS HIS DISCIPLINED AND DUTIFUL NATURE RETURNS.

HUMOGA: (Sigh) I swear under the watchful, benevolent eyes of my one and only God Ag, that I shall protect and serve this Holy Planet with my every breath, and I shall defend its immaculate honor and heavenly sanctity with every drop of my blood! I shall dedicate my whole life to its welfare and safety, and I would as soon give up my life than to leave it in the hands of those, who opposes its rightful existence within this universe!

SAIF NIZMA FLASHES A PRIDE-FILLED SMILE BEHIND HIS MASKED FACE. THE GREAT SEER SUDDENLY LOOKS SLIGHTLY CONCERNED WHEREAS THE MAYOR ACTS LIKE HE'S SCRUTINIZING HUMOGA'S EVERY WORD.

HUMOGA (CONTINUED): This I solemnly swear, under all the Divine Words of Ag Himself, as written in our one and only Holy Book Mirukta...!

THE TRIUMVIRATE DELIBERATES SLIGHTLY LONGER THIS TIME. HUMOGA IS UNDERSTANDABLY NERVOUS.

GREAT ROYGBIV: Rejoice, my friend! For you now have executive rights over our entire resources, for life!

THE LOOKS OF SURPRISE INUNDATED HUMOGA'S FACE AT THAT VERY MOMENT.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: And we shall obey your every command, whereas your counsel and guidance will forever be our priority!

HUMOGA FEELS HIS NERVOUSNESS SLOWLY MELTS AWAY AT THAT MOMENT. HIS FROWN TURNS INTO A SMILE.

SAIF NIZMA: Walk free now, my friend! For you came before us today as but a mere follower...and you will leave henceforth as our new champion...of freedom and justice!

HUMOGA COULD HARDLY CONTAINS HIMSELF. SAIF NIZMA SMILES YET AGAIN BEHIND HIS MASK WHILE HIS FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS REACT POSITIVELY IN THEIR OWN WAY.

HUMOGA: Thank you, exalted members of The Holy Triumvirate! I will take my leave now, if it pleases you all?

THE THREE DELEGATES GIVE EACH OTHER A VERY PLEASED LOOK.

SAIF NIZMA: Granted, Great Guardian Humoga Triakis!

SAIF NIZMA WILLINGLY STANDS UP AND GESTURES A SIGN OF RESPECT TOWARDS HUMOGA.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: We shall follow your progress with the greatest of interest!

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE GRACIOUSLY STANDS UP AND GESTURES AT HUMOGA HIS SIGN OF RESPECT.

GREAT ROYGBIV: And may we are not too late to reverse these coming dark tides...!

THE DESPONDENT SEER STANDS UP, TELEPORTS THE GLOWING CRYSTAL AWAY FROM THE MAGNIFICENT HALL AND GIVES HUMOGA HIS MARK OF RESPECT. A MOMENT OF SILENCE DESCENDS AS SOON AS THAT ORB DISAPPEARS FROM VIEW.

MAYOR ABRUZZESSE: (Sigh) This ceremony is concluded...!

EVERYONE PROMPTLY GESTURES A FAREWELL TO EACH OTHER BEFORE SLOWLY EXITING THAT OPULENT BUILDING. HUMOGA GIVES HIMSELF A SIGH OF MIXED FEELINGS AS SOON AS HE FINDS HIMSELF OUT ON THE STREETS, LOOKS BACK FOR A MOMENT AND THEN MAGICKALLY TELEPORTS HIMSELF FOR HOME, AS SUNSET PLEASANTLY GREETS THE CITY BEHIND ITS ORANGEY SHADES.

FADE OUT.

THE END.

"a tall building with a stained window in the middle of it"

[heartspent]

KINGDOM HEARTS III OPENING  |  DESTINY TRIO

                  →          mutuals may reblog.

[coruscantide-1]

right i forgot how messed up tags are on this broken site. alright take two.  character + general tags (1/3)

✰.` kairi.┊astraeus heartbeats in the dark ◟the purest of iridescent lights. ✰.` sora.┊you’re everyone’s hope ◟ease your oath & rest your head atlas. ✰.` riku.┊once lost you are found ◟dawn breaks over your burdened heart. ✰.` destiny trio.┊thinking of you ◟wherever you are. ✰.` namine.┊ghost wishes on the crests of waves. ✰.` roxas.┊hallowed light of a mirrored sunset. ✰.` xion.┊thread bare whispers of unspoken resolve. ✰.` lea ; axel.┊fanning flames that drip prominence. ✰.` aqua.┊absolute is the storm’s gentle rage. ✰.` terra.┊earth quakes beneath the heart’s will. ✰.` ventus.┊light shines through the hurricane. ✰.` character study.┊light blooms from within ◟refracted through a glass heart. ✰.` headcanon.┊how little the heart forgets ◟fragmented truths. ✰.` meta.┊behind the curtain ◟reveal the inner workings. ✰.` musings.┊words crafted within ◟bleeding out like a sunset. ✰.` music.┊fractured melodies swell inside ◟our hearts in tune. ✰.` likes.┊promise charms & the simple little things. ✰.` apparel.┊the sea blossoms forth & rains petals on the earth and sky. ✰.` aesthetics.┊ a single bright drop in the ocean leaves lucent echoes.

[keywieldsarc]

tag drop !

[keywieldsaa]

ok so basically tag dump

[testudoaubrei-blog]

“I’m loyal, that’s my whole thing.” - Scorpia, Season 4 Episode 6, Princess Scorpia

“Everything they taught us in the Horde about loyalty is meaningless” - Lonnie, Season 4 Episode 5, Protocol

Rewatching Season 4, I just finished Princess Scorpia. This is an episode that has always stuck with me, especially the A plot of Scorpia realizing how badly Catra has treated her and everyone else and deciding to leave. One thing I’ve been thinking about since I finished the series, though, is what this episode is telling us on a larger level. Looking beyond the character arcs and more at this show’s larger themes and message. Because this show is very much a show that says things, made by people who believe them. That earnestness and depth is one reason I keep coming back to it.

In the pull-quote above, and throughout the episode and before it, Scorpia defines herself in terms of loyalty. It is her identity - as she says, that’s what Scorpions do, they’re loyal. Her actions for three and a half seasons bear this out. When she first shows up, she tries to position herself as Catra’s new best friend, the one who won’t leave her and will stick by her no matter what. And that’s what she does, until this episode. She sticks by Catra through Catra’s increasingly villainous plots and erratic behavior. But she doesn’t just stick around. Until the portal, she barely contradicts Catra, and even afterwards, does so only furtively and immediately backs away as soon as Catra pushes back. For more than a year of show time, Scorpia has not just stood by Catra, or supported her, she’s actively assisted her in her most villainous and destructive acts. Scorpia is fighting by Catra’s side, eagerly carrying out her orders, and doing her utmost to see that Catra succeeds. But her loyalty goes beyond this practical help. Because for all that Catra loudly declares that she doesn’t need a new best friend, she consistently seeks out connection throughout the show, even when she’s at her most isolated in season 4. She needs moral support, and connection, and to know that she isn’t alone. Scorpia provides that, and keeps Catra going. Though Scropia isn’t initiating Catra’s various misdeeds, she’s assisting and supporting Catra throughout. On a personal, psychological level, the only word that seems adequate for this is ‘ennabling’ - Scorpia, sweet as she is, is Catra’s enabler. We see in the next few episodes what happens when Catra doesn’t have Scorpia’s support - she breaks down, and realizes that her actions really do have consequences, and that the affection she took for granted for so many years is something she can’t live without. But as long as Scorpia’s still around, Catra can’t make that realization.

Now I’m not going to say that Scorpia is morally culpable for Catra’s own actions. She’s not. Catra is solely responsible for her various betrayals, manipulations, violent outbursts and assorted murder attempts against...most of the rest of the cast (though being raised by Shadow Weaver sure as shit is a mitigating factor). But while Catra is obviously being a bad friend to Scorpia throughout, Scorpia isn’t actually being as supportive or helpful to Catra as she thinks, because Catra doesn’t actually need unconditional support, she needs people to be honest with her and express to her how she’s hurting them. She needs people who will stand up for themselves just as she needs to take responsibility for her own actions. This is part of why she and Adora have such a healthy dynamic in season 5 - Adora doesn’t take her crap, and Catra takes responsibility for her crap.

However, Scorpia -is- responsible for her own actions. And as I said above, she’s been with Catra every step of the way as Catra has attacked just about everyone and made war on Etheria. On a larger, political level, Scorpia is a willing participant in upholding the Horde’s oppressive system, and executing a war of aggression and colonization against innocent people. Speaking of colonization, perversely, she’s loyal to the very organization that dispossessed her and literally stole her birthright, then discarded it like a useless trinket when it was no longer useful to them. No one ever suggests ‘why don’t we let Scorpia connect with ~her runestone~’ until Glimmer does (and Glimmer’s motivations and arguments aren’t exactly forthright). Scorpia’s loyalty makes her an accomplice in her own oppression (like a bunch of the themes in this show there’s some interesting post-colonial stuff that the show doesn’t fully explore, probably because Noelle and the crew felt self-conscious about telling a post colonial story, or just didn’t know where to go with it). Interestingly, Scorpia’s loyalty to the Horde here parallels her loyalty to Catra, which has made her completely disregard her own wellbeing, which is the most obvious take away from the episode.

But I would argue that everything above shows that for Scorpia loyalty has been a way of avoiding developing her own moral compass. Scorpia repeatedly shoves aside questions of right or wrong in favor of being loyal to her friends and to the Horde. Loyalty has made Scorpia not only willing to accept her own mistreatment, but to willingly mistreat others, and to keep herself from asking any hard questions about what she’s doing or why. This is despite the fact that Scorpia is, by inclination, an incredibly gentle, kind and compassionate person. She’s willing to silence the best parts of her nature out of loyalty to Catra and the Horde. In the end, she also commits acts of violence and perpetuates the oppression of Etheria. And this is so insightful, because we see this sort of thing in our world all the time. So many oppressive institutions depend upon the loyalty of their members to keep them ‘just following orders’; so many abusive systems depend upon loyalty to stifle dissent and silence potential whistleblowers before they even speak. We see this in some of the most oppressive institutions and the worst scandals in our own society, and looking back through human history we see it in some of our nation’s and our species' most infamous crimes.

And when we look at the Horde as a system that Hordak has built in imitation of his elder brother’s empire, we see just how central loyalty is an ethos. Hordak himself is motivated entirely by loyalty to Prime - being a former clone, he spends the entire series not fully capable of accepting himself as an autonomous being (even when he acts like one and enjoys it, there’s some fucked up religious shit there that I won’t get into). He seems to have instilled this in his followers. The Horde Trio, Catra and Scorpia all hold loyalty as one of their highest values. Catra clings to it as her biggest accusation against Adora - that she was disloyal, as expressed in Catra’s perception that Adora broke her promise and abandoned her. Loyalty keeps the Horde Trio together and fighting for the Horde, and Scorpia with Catra. I think we can read between the lines and say the Horde runs on loyalty (as well as fear) and this is a very insightful portrayal of oppressive military and paramilitary institutions like armies of conquest and occupation and other instruments of state violence.

There’s another, related way of looking at how a sole reliance on loyalty as a moral framework has stunted Scorpia’s moral growth, and I think that brings together both the ways that it makes Scorpia willing to accept her mistreatment and participate in the mistreatment of others. Namely, loyalty in the Horde style isn’t just sticking with someone or something, but subsuming your own will into theirs. Following orders. Supporting your friend in what they do no matter what. Whatever you call it, it’s about turning off your own self - your self preservation, your self respect, your conscience, whatever other things you value - and just going along with what the person or institution you are loyal to wants you to do. And this is where Horde loyalty goes full circle, back to its origin - Horde Prime, the narcissistic self-made god who wishes to control or destroy everything that is not himself. Loyalty as Hordak conceived of it and as the Horde believes in it is a reflection of Prime's absolute control over all his domain.

In a way, self-determination is one of this show’s highest values (together with love). It’s at the heart of Adora’s 5-season, 3 year struggle to become her own woman and her own hero as she shrugs off one imposed destiny and then another and finally embraces what she wants. In a more negative form, it’s at the heart of Catra’s arc, as she finally accepts responsibility for her own actions and their consequences and starts working to make a world that she actually wants to live in, as well as admit to herself that what she really wants is love. And I could go on. This self-determination is existentially, obviously threatened by Prime chipping people, but it is also stunted by horde-style loyalty that demands unquestioning support and obedience.

Both the Horde Trio and Scorpia reject the Horde’s ideal of loyalty and walk away, but I think it’s interesting how they do it. Neither rejects loyalty entirely (not on the way Adora does) - the Trio, realistically, remain loyal to each other and simply walk away and walk out of the war (this might save their lives), joining the other disillusioned cynics in the Crimson Wastes. They reject loyalty to the horde and embrace a more supportive and respectful form of loyalty to each other. Scorpia leaves, but she actually comes to her crisis and makes her decision out of loyalty, and because it’s clear that her loyalty isn’t returned. The immediate situation - loyalty to Emily and Entrapta’s memory on one hand and Catra’s orders on the others - creates the conflict between loyalties that forces Scorpia to actually make her own choice rather than deferring to Catra. But she also reflects how Catra betrayed her loyalty to Entrapta, and thus how all of her friends’ loyalty to Catra is not returned.This is another point about horde-style loyalty - it’s one way - Hordak or Catra will demand your loyalty, but they feel no obligation to return it, which reflects Prime’s view of every other being in the universe as disposable. It’s only when she’s with the Princesses that Scorpia starts to find a new moral center, though sticking up for and protecting her friends remains important to her. In neither case, though, are these kinds of loyalty coming at the cost of either the Trio or Scorpia’s autonomy or ability to make moral choices of their own. In the very next episode, she says she wants to 'be A good friend' which is how the Princesses typically describe sticking together, which is a much more active and holistic concept than 'loyalty'. Scorpia confesses that she doesn't even know how, but she wants to learn and thinks the princesses can teach her.

There's another interesting counterexample to Horde Loyalty. Adora repeatedly breaks with the people around her to do what is right. First she leaves the Horde, then walks away from Catra by stages when it is clear that Catra is going to continue to harm other people and Etheria. Then she walks away from Glimmer, defies Light Hope and breaks loyalty with her supposed destiny and purposes as well as loyalty to the homelans she has never known. By season 5, Adora is loyal only to herself and the people she cares about, but she isn't constraining her will to anyone else's. For all that she seems like a rule follower Adora has a rebellious streak a mile wide, and she will do what is right, no matter what. This is what allows her to save the universe 3 times.

So the show’s argument is that loyalty is not a good moral framework to base all of our actions around. I don’t think it goes so far as saying that loyalty has no place in our ethics (being a good friend, which is such a huge part of the show, certainly includes loyalty, especially sticking with people when the going gets tough), but the show stresses time and again that being loyal to something or someone shouldn’t make you disregard yourself and what you think is right. Because it’s only by living out our own values and taking responsibility for our own actions that we can come into our own as moral beings. Moreover, if we insist on maintaining loyalty to institutions that oppress us and others, we can’t dismantle the systems of oppression that are holding us and other people down. (Yes, this is a pretty radical message, but I suspect that Noelle is some kind of anarchist? Anyway, it’s a thing.)

Okay, so that’s what I, a 35 year old, get from this kids show. I think it’s also worth pointing out that this lesson applies to younger viewers too, in their most immediate lives. Younger viewers will have had friends who didn’t treat them well, or might not have treated other people well, and who might have pressured them into participating in the mistreatment of others (this is kind of how bullying works a lot of the time). I think it’s important that younger viewers see how being a good friend never means disrespecting yourself or other people and it means a lot to me that She-Ra shows this in such a nuanced and realistic way.

[indigostars]

FIC MASTERLIST

here you can find my fics from my ao3 as well as any writing that i’ve put directly on tumblr. happy reading!

STAR WARS

when the sun goes down - exploring the growth (and eventual collapse) of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s relationship

a little loss of innocence - Ahsoka and Obi-Wan have an important conversation after the events of the deception arc

drunk on this pain - the battle of Mustafar ends differently (tw: major character death)

make believe, it’s hyper real - Obi-Wan and Ahsoka shenanigans and a mission gone wrong (written for CC gift exchange)

chasing out the darkness - Ahsoka and Obi-Wan intervene at a crucial moment in time and the fate of the galaxy is changed.

saying goodbye (is death by a thousand cuts) - just 5k of Obi-Wan being sad (tw: major character death)

laughing ‘til our ribs get tough - disaster trio attempts to mini golf

23. only twenty minutes to sleep (but you dream of some epiphany) - part of the Daily Death Obi-Wan Kenobi event, co-written with @sumerianempire-writes

if i didn’t know better, i’d think you were still around - Obi-Wan gets sick and doesn’t have a good time (for sicktember 2021, day 18)

with pace and a fury defiant - Obi-Wan goes to Mandalore once more (for whumptober 2021, day 3)

moonlight sonata - an American 1920s AU collab with the infamous chaos company discord

if we could turn the hourglass - Ahsoka and Obi-Wan reunite and have a discussion

where the spirit meets the bones - Ahsoka fights for everyone’s survival after a crash landing (written for CC gift exchange)

like petals in our pockets (may we remember who we are) - some wounds need some time to heal (written for CC gift exchange)

forever (nobody said that it would last) - Ahsoka grows up.

a melody of reformation - in which i watch the kenobi series trailer and write my interpretation of it. hence: it’s sad desert man hours.

glazed eyes, empty hearts - the deception arc ends very, very differently (tw: major character death) (for angstpril 2022, day 1)

bleeding an ocean of permanent life - within a course of a week, Obi-Wan’s life changes drastically (for angstpril 2022, days 8 and 9)

some mistakes get made - for bad things happen bingo: accidentally hurting a friend

barely holding on (to you) - for bad things happen bingo: brain damage

see how deep the bullet lies - after the events on Daiyu, Leia asks Obi-Wan a question

fire is the devil’s only friend - Obi-Wan’s life comes crashing down once more

shadows stretch beyond the truth - for bad things happen bingo: breaking a promise

nothing left to decode - injured and trapped, Obi-Wan and Anakin have nothing to do but talk (written for a 48 hour challenge)

reread every single undertone - Obi-Wan is finally forced to confront his past. AU

so make the friendship bracelets (take the moment and taste it) - Leia meets Ben Kenobi. it leaves a lasting impact on her (written for CC gift exchange)

tearing you asunder - five times Obi-Wan loses someone he loves, and one time he does not

scars on our hearts - the disaster trio struggle in a post-war world

long story short (it was a bad time) - for bad things happen bingo: severed artery

there’s no morning glory - post aotc angst

and the memories i can never escape - for bad things happen bingo: struggling against caretaker

febuwhump2021 - tumblr event masterlist

angstpril2021 - tumblr event masterlist

whumptober2021 - tumblr event masterlist

angstpril2022 - tumblr event masterlist

disaster trio appreciation week 2022 - tumblr event masterlist

whumptober2022 - day 5: running out of air

ATLA

so ends this day - the 100-year war ends in a way no one prepared for (tw: major character death)

crestfallen on the landing - Katara and Zuko alone with their thoughts after the crossroads of destiny 

dramatic rainy confession - as the name states: time for Zuko and Katara to do what they do best (tumblr only)

HARRY POTTER

moments in time - the story of Fleamont and Euphemia Potter

[chidoroki]

TPN ch181

(spoilers! AAAHHhhaha..my children!)

Okay, so remember in my last review when I said I was impressed how Ray, Gilda and Phil managed to narrow down where Emma might be in the matter of a couple months? Well, I take it back because it hasnt been just a few months, it's been two damn years! Oh my god, I can't imagine how hard it must've been for everyone, especially our two boys, to search for so long without even getting on single clue about Emma's whereabouts. Some of the children still doubt whether she's alive or actually in this world with them or not.

(image limit, so imagine the panels of the Goldy Pond kids discussing the lack of clues and Thoma and Lani doubting the reward again)

Thankfully, Gilda gets the idea to search in forbidden zones which is where we see her, Ray and Phil. Speaking of which, oh my poor boy. This is the longest Ray has been without Emma by his side. I thought the one month after Goldy Pond was hard enough on him, but two whole years? Damn, I can't imagine the stress and anxiety he's been experiencing. He's still so frustrated too and gets so close to Emma without even realizing it. Then, surprisingly, his beloved family steps in to help? The people he personally couldn't save now come together to help him save the one person who originally saved his life. Like, hello?? I love this! Conny, who was another sibling he had to use in order to put his initial escape plan in motion to save Emma and Norman's lives, is now assisting him in saving Emma from being alone. Yuugo, who knows firsthand how important Emma is to Ray and how close they are. Isabella, knowing her son kept his promise as he's always set out to do whatever it takes to protect his entire family. The fact that Ray's lost family members can feel how strong his bond with Emma is and they jump in to help reconnect the two of them again.. just, wow. It may be all the rayemma week feels getting to me but that's like a damn soulmate occurrence if i ever saw one!

The two unknowingly pass each other again but thanks to Emma conveniently losing her necklace and finding it with perfect timing, they all finally encounter each other. Everyone expresses their complete shock and relief that they had finally found Emma, and while I am happy they their search ended up a success, the mood changes fairly quickly due to our girls lost memories. She hasnt the slightest idea who "Emma" is, who these people are or why they're so excited to see her. The kids wonder if they have the right girl, as they take notice of Emma's bare neck.

One look at the necklace in her hand though and Ray finally puts the pieces together. Honestly, I'm not at all surprised he's the one to figure out the true reward, as Ray has been very perceptive since the beginning. He's also always been openly honest and blunt when things get serious, so naturally he's the one who has to let everyone know this because while it's a sad truth no one wants to hear, or even believe, they all need to realize it, including Emma. Even Ray has trouble coming to terms with the sacrifice Emma made. He understands how hard it must have been for Emma to accept the heavy price of her forgetting the family she loves so deeply and he looks so broken when he realizes that. He must be feeling so guilty that he couldn't have been there with her when she made the new promise. He still puts the blame on himself and he's so upset that his failure lead Emma to live in a world alone without the family she cares for more than anything.

I wasn't too satisfied last chapter when demon god told us the real reward and Emma's response was a simple "okay," so I'm grateful we learned more about the conversation now in this chapter. She really did want to live her family. She even knew some of them might get mad at her for keeping a secret. She says it's a selfish request, for her to place such a heavy burden on herself, but what mattered to her back then upon accepting the reward is what has always mattered to her, and that's her family's happiness and safety. It wasn't just her loved one either, but for all the demons and cattle children. This girl truly has a heart of gold and demon god himself is left surprised. Of course I wish she didn't think she was being selfish since everyone did agree to follow her as their leader but aahh.. my poor girl.

Spoiling the very end now, but we dont get one last fullscore trio hug. Of course that upsets me since I thought it would've made such a perfect ending, but it makes sense now given how everyone's reunion with Emma happened. While their happiness and relief is completely understandable after searching two years and finally finding Emma, they overreact and this visibly freaks her out. Come on guys, last time I said to gently remind her of her past, not bombard her right away. Having a ton of strangers surround you and tell you such outlandish things is quite jarring. I'm glad she takes the chance to listen to everyone, but she just doesnt know these people well enough to suddenly hug them. I imagined a hug would've happened upon her recalling some of her memories somehow and feeling relived that she met the two boys she often once dreamt about, but oh well.

Norman takes this time to step in and ease some of the tension, saying how happy he is that Emma's alive and even reiterating some of the things he said to her during his shipment scene. While this chapter soon shows how well the escapees have adapted to the human world and changed, it also puts an emphasis on the boy's true personalities that they showed since the very beginning. I've already mentioned above how Ray stayed true to himself, about him being open and honest to the others with the truth and even his own feelings. With Norman, I don't know the word for him really, but his speech about their family and his feelings remind me of ch1/ep1 where we see him trying to calm Emma down after seeing what they did at the gate. He stayed by her side and remained hopeful even though he was just as scared. Right now, I get the same vibes. He's just as upset as their family upon learning Emma lost her memories, but he still wants her to be apart of their family.

Although it seems like a very rushed way of tying up loose ends, I'm happy to hear about how well the children have been adapting in the human world. They're attending school and following their passions. They all look so happy! The entire Lambda crew is healthy and Cislo even has a prosthetic leg! The medicine made from Adam's dna was successful and also helped those children from the mass production farms. Mike Ratri and the clan are actually being helpful and trustworthy. I absolutely love Norman's comment about Ayshe not killing him! It really makes me smile and I assume that means she's forgiven him.. maybe. Her dogs were indeed able to cross over to the human world too and now there's even more! Chris is finally awake! They seriously have to fill the poor boy in on so much news though.

I get it. It took the entire story for me to understand but now I get Norman's intense feelings. He's been infatuated by this girl since childhood. He told us/Ray his feelings at age 11 then "gave his life" to give her a better chance at survival. He kept living just for the slight possibly to see her again. After almost two years, they reunite, only for about a week or two before they all cross over into the human world and Emma is no where to be seen. Another two years pass and while they all find her, she's almost a completely difference person. Yet Norman's feelings remain so sincere for her that he accepts this new Emma. He lets her know that the bright future she wished for came true. (me? speaking of noremma? even im surprised)

Her head might not have the slightest idea who these people are, but her heart surely remembers! Emma's feelings for her family were so strong that they persisted throughout these entire two years, even after she stopped having those dreams about them. Deep down, and without even realizing it, she loves them so much that it makes her cry.

“Why am I... Even though I don't know them. Though I don't know anything. Though I can't remember. Why... Does it feel warm, but also so painful in my heart? I wanted to see you.”

Seeing everyone else get emotional and expressing their feelings to her right back and having all of them accept this new Emma.. yeah, that has me in tears! Demon god truly underestimated these kids and how deep their love for each other went. Emma's family was never going to give up looking for her because, thanks to her influence, they also didn't believe anything was impossible. “Screw destiny” indeed! (also we never did learn the old dude's name or Emma's new one hm? odd.)

Did Emma get her memories back? No. Did Ray pat her head again so I could die from nostalgia? No, because I'm still here. Did we get a fullscore hug like I originally hoped? No, sadly. The ending isn't picture perfect but honestly, this is still okay. Our precious girl is finally reunited with her family again. Most importantly, they're alive. The trio are teenagers about 15/16 years old now, which amazing since they once believed they wouldn't see a day past the age of 12. Yet here they are, living happy and free in the human world without fear and killing, which is exactly what Emma wished for.

I can't believe the manga is truly finished. It feels like it all went by so quick, but perhaps that's only because I haven't been in the fandom as long as others, like if you've been here since the manga started then I applaud you and can't imagine how sad this must be after four years. The anime is what caught my attention and my love for this series only grew when I jumped into the manga right after season one ended. I must have binged all available chapters at the time in like three days, all the way up to ch129. Since then I've waited patiently week after week to see how this suspenseful story would pan out for out lovable and very large cast of characters. Each new twist and cliffhanger made my brain crazy and stressed me out but it was so great to experience them with everyone.

Also, big thanks to all of you who share your comments on these reviews of mine! Even though I started writing them pretty late into the story and at the most stressful time, it was great to hear so much feedback and experience the exciting finish with everyone. The manga may have ended, but don't let that make the fandom quiet! We still have future manga volume releases to look forward to, the live-action movie that is still set for this December along with a live-action series that was also recently announced. Most importantly, season two of the anime is still scheduled for January 2021! You can bet I'll do reactions for each episode as I normally do with other anime! The series still has so much more content to give us, especially if the anime continues to recieve future seasons over the upcoming years, so of course I'll give my thoughts on all that I can.

I give all my thanks and appreciation to Shirai & Demizu for such a wonderful and suspenseful story, for all the memorable characters and the stunning artwork. The series has truly become my favorite. That's right, I said it! My favorite. TPN has taken over Black Lagoon as my favorite series. (Revy can still keep her spot as my favorite character but I'll be damned if Ray isn't a really really close second.)

[readerbookclub]

One Year Later, May’s Booklist

Hurray! It’s been a year since the book club first started. Time really does fly. And why not celebrate this birthday by looking back on some of the books we’ve read together? This month’s book list is made up of novels by author’s whose works we read throughout the past year. Let’s revisit some old favourites, shall we? 

In May 2020, when the world felt like it was going to end and so many of us had more time than we could spend, this book club read its first book. Neil Gaiman’s, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, kept us occupied during that frightening time. So our first pick for this list is:

Stardust, by Neil Gaiman:

Life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall—named after the imposing stone barrier which separates the town from a grassy meadow. Here, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester and for the coveted prize of her hand, Tristran vows to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining...

June was when many of our members first joined us (hey Ann, hey Rey, hey Lani! love ya!). Together we read The Starless Sea, a book that enchanted some, and frustrated others. Now we take a look at Morgenstern’s other novel:

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern:

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

In August, when many of us still couldn’t leave our houses, we read A Gentleman in Moscow and met Count Alexander, a man under house arrest. He taught us a lot about finding beauty and purpose, even when everything seems hopeless. In this list, we take another trip into the wonderful imagination of Amor Towles:

Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles:

On the last night of 1937, twenty-five-year-old Katey Kontent is in a second-rate Greenwich Village jazz bar with her boardinghouse roommate stretching three dollars as far as it will go when Tinker Grey, a handsome banker with royal blue eyes and a tempered smile, happens to sit at the neighboring table. This chance encounter and its startling consequences propel Katey on a yearlong journey from a Wall Street secretarial pool toward the upper echelons of New York society and the executive suites of Condé Nast—rarefied environs where she will have little to rely upon other than a bracing wit and her own brand of cool nerve. Wooed in turn by a shy, principled multi-millionaire, and an irrepressible Upper East Side ne'er-do-well, befriended by a single-minded widow who is ahead of her time, and challenged by an imperious mentor, Katey experiences firsthand the poise secured by wealth and station and the failed aspirations that reside just below the surface. Even as she waits for circumstances to bring Tinker back into her life, she begins to realize how our most promising choices inevitably lay the groundwork for our regrets.

In November, while I was procrastinating studying for my entrance exam, we embarked on a whirlwind journey that unfolded over twenty years. Journey Under the Midnight Sun was a story that started with one murder, then spiralled into a world of crime and deception. Now we take a lot at another one of Higashino’s novels:

The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, by Keigo Higashino:

When three delinquents hole up in an abandoned general store after their most recent robbery, to their great surprise, a letter drops through the mail slot in the store's shutter. This seemingly simple request for advice sets the trio on a journey of discovery as, over the course of a single night, they step into the role of the kindhearted former shopkeeper who devoted his waning years to offering thoughtful counsel to his correspondents. Through the lens of time, they share insight with those seeking guidance, and by morning, none of their lives will ever be the same.

In February, we read This is How You Lose the Time War, a book that led to our most lively and active discussion yet. It was then we welcomed many new voices into our book club, and we’re very happy to have them. Whether you loved the novel or just felt confused, I think we can all agree that it was something unique and different. Now, we take a look at another of Gladstone’s sci-fi books:

Empress of Forever, by Max Gladstone

A wildly successful innovator to rival Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, Vivian Liao is prone to radical thinking, quick decision-making, and reckless action. On the eve of her greatest achievement, she tries to outrun people who are trying to steal her success. In the chilly darkness of a Boston server farm, Viv sets her ultimate plan into motion. A terrifying instant later, Vivian Liao is catapulted through space and time to a far future where she confronts a destiny stranger and more deadly than she could ever imagine. The end of time is ruled by an ancient, powerful Empress who blesses or blasts entire planets with a single thought. Rebellion is literally impossible to consider--until Vivian Liao arrives. Trapped between the Pride―a ravening horde of sentient machines―and a fanatical sect of warrior monks who call themselves the Mirrorfaith, Viv must rally a strange group of allies to confront the Empress and find a way back to the world and life she left behind.

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[hana-bean]

Close to you (3/7)

I will always be by your side Though I can do nothing else

---

His eyes fluttered open, hearing the faint sounds of chatter from outside his closed bedroom door—all female. Seiya stayed still for a few moments to process his incapacitating physical pain and his surroundings, the decor reminding him of the meeting room from the previous night. After a few more seconds of waiting for the rest of his body to wake up, he also recognized more than one of the voices; Serenity stayed true to her promise by releasing Yaten and Taiki from the detention center.

Seiya staggeringly readied himself for company, taking advantage of the unused toothbrush before dressing in the previous night’s clothes. He grabbed his cane and hobbled out and down the hallway until he happened upon a bright dining room, the chattering voices no longer muffled.

He was met with the scene of a transformed Yaten and Taiki, as Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker respectively, standing while surrounded by five women including Serenity. She was clothed in a flowy white robe while holding an ornate teacup in one hand as she poked at the purple band on Maker’s arm with the other. The four other women asked questions as they more or less kept their hands to themselves.

“So what happens when you get all sweaty? Does the leather not stick to you?” One woman with long dark hair inquired, rubbing her hips while imagining the discomfort of leather adhering to skin.

“No, actually it kind of expands when we get hot.” Healer answered, mimicking her movements. “The gold part in the middle is actually a separate pair of shorts.”

The gaggle of gals looked at each other with a synced resounding of, “oh” and steady nodding. However, the sight of Seiya was caught by one of them, and a woman with half of her long golden hair tied up in a red bow pointed at him as he leaned on the doorframe.

“Hey, there’s the other one!”

As all eyes were directed his way, Serenity’s gaze was warm and welcoming, paired with a smile emitting breathy laughter. The sweet sound serenaded Seiya’s heart into continuous drumming.

Healer and Maker then immediately charged him, taking him in tight embraces from both sides around his neck and waist, ignoring his grimace.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Maker whispered with a sigh of relief.

“What?” Seiya wrapped his free arm around her waist. “Of course I am.”

“These chicks are weird.” Healer’s voice cracked in his other ear, also at a whisper. “I can’t tell if they’re gonna eat us or become our best friends.”

Seiya snorted. “Probably neither. You barely suffice as an appetizer, and you’re mean.”

Healer growled before she pulled away to dead-leg Seiya. While Maker and his cane saved him from completely wiping out on the floor, his wobble was hard to miss.

“Seiya, are you okay?” Serenity approached the trio, a worried expression hovering over her teacup.

“Yes, your highness.” Seiya straightened up as he shot a glare toward Healer, who stuck her tongue out back at him. He softened his face with a smile as he looked at Serenity. “Trying to get used to bowing with one leg.”

“No need to do that! Please sit down!” She shuffled toward a chair at the table and pulled it out.

“You’re too kind, your highness.” Seiya began to make his way over to the offered seat, taking the opportunity to press his cane on top of Healer’s foot using all of his weight. The Starlight’s breath caught in her throat as she let out a quiet squawk, hiding her tears and yelp in Maker’s shoulder.

Once Seiya was seated, the rest of the women huddled behind Serenity to get a better look at the third alien guardian in his male civilian form, all the while blushing at his telepathically agreed-upon handsomeness. However, the queen found herself staring and smiling a bit too long herself and had to be elbowed by a green-eyed brunette to come out of her daze.

“So uh, um... these are my friends and our fellow guardians—Ami Mizuno, Rei Hino, Makoto Kino, and Minako Aino!”

Each woman perked and waved at him when their respective names were said as Seiya smiled and tilted his head forward as a greeting.

“Ooh, Ami, tell them about what you're doing!” Serenity got excited and patted Ami’s arm repeatedly and eagerly, then turned around to wave Healer and Maker back over. While both obliged, Healer seemed to have picked up Seiya’s limp suddenly.

Ami nodded and took out her crystal cell phone from her back pocket, swiping and tapping around a few times before addressing the three foreigners.

“As of five AM this morning, we’ve been scanning a database of alien artifacts and antiques registered with the CTDAAA. Anything considered to have royal, historic, or scientific significance from another planet that is brought to Earth must be registered in this database by law. So if the incense burner you’re looking for is in fact here, theoretically we should find it from this scan.”

Maker cocked her head. “Theoretically?”

“Yes, well, the merchant would have had to register it themselves. Of course, many things are smuggled, especially if it’s illegal or has been reported stolen. Or perhaps they simply don’t want to deal with the paperwork and waiting periods.”

Healer crossed her arms. “So how far along is the scan?”

“A whole point-three percent!” Ami’s voice and expression held sarcastic enthusiasm. “This database does span the whole planet.”

Serenity sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “Well then, I guess the only thing we can do now is eat!”

The rest of the women erupted in agreement and dispersed to find their seats at the table. As Seiya watched Serenity head for the chair next to his, something within him said it was okay to grab for the royal hand. And to his surprise, he was faced with her kind and curious cerulean eyes.

He tried to gulp down his blush and excitement, but the feeling of warmth on his ears told him that did nothing.

“Thank you… your highness… for all your help. And happy birthday.”

She wrinkled her nose as she grinned, squeezing his hand in appreciation.

---

Waiting in the queen’s chambers, Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Minako each gasped and held their breath as Serenity emerged from the bathroom.

“So?” Minako widened her eyes, expecting good news.

Serenity couldn’t bring herself to share in the shared anticipation and shook her head to relieve them of their happy mood. The four women groaned.

“I’m so sorry.” Makoto took the queen in an embrace.

Serenity released a sound between a sigh and a sob, sinking into Makoto’s chest. “What is wrong with me?”

The rest of the group took that as their cue to join in on the hug.

“Nothing is wrong with you.” Rei stroked her back. “You still have plenty of time.”

“But how long will that take? Another four years… four-hundred years?”

“When it’s meant to happen.” Ami rested her forehead on one of Serenity’s buns. “You know Chibi-Usa will be here. You need to trust destiny.”

Serenity sniffled. “Yes, that’s true. But it’s just… I don’t understand why it’s taking so long.”

“It'll happen, Serenity. But on the bright side: at least you can drink today.” Makoto’s mouth twisted in a smile as she pulled back from the group hug.

The others let up as well, allowing Serenity to dab her eyes with the sleeve of her robe and nod in agreement. “Sure. I just wish Mamo was here.”

“Is he still in LA?” Ami furrowed her brow.

“Yes. He was supposed to come back yesterday but there’s been a series of bad storms over there and he’s been stuck. They’re saying flights won’t open up until the end of the week. Then he has to go straight to Canberra.”

Rei scoffed. “That sucks. I’m sorry that happened.”

“Don’t be.” Serenity hugged herself and shook her head. “I’ll have an eternity of birthdays for him to attend.”

“At least we got cute men to hang out with this year.” Minako raised her eyebrows to indicate her impish thoughts. “I call dibs on the short one.”

“Dibs on Seiya!” Rei clapped and raised her hands.

Serenity dropped her jaw in disapproval. “Rei, you can’t call dibs on him.”

“What?” Rei’s jaw also dropped. “Mina just called dibs on Yaten!”

“Yes… but… Seiya’s injured. That’s a little messed up, don’t you think?”

“The man has a limp, he’s not braindead.”

“Okay, but his whole body is still healing! You saw how he almost collapsed this morning—”

“If he’s horizontal, it won’t matter—!”

“Okay-okay-okay!” Makoto, unable to contain her smile, walked in between the bickering duo as she held her palms out on each side of her. She then turned her attention to the fiery guardian, speaking through laughter.

“Rei, it would seem that our queen has already called dibs on Sailor Bar Fighter—”

“What? No!” Serenity tried to sound as offended as possible, but her blush betrayed her.

Ami gasped. “Serenity! How could you?”

“Ami, it’s not like that!”

“You know he does look a lot like Endymion…” Minako tapped her pointer finger to her chin.

“Mina! Don’t!”

Rei rolled her eyes with a smirk, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Well, I guess since it’s your birthday, you can have him—”

“Rei, stop it!” Serenity threw her hands up before rubbing them down her face in distress and then defeat. “Fine, have at him, and have fun doing all the work!”

“I need some exercise anyway.” She blew a kiss.

Minako looked over at the only two women who had yet to call dibs. “So who wants lanky legs?”

Makoto and Ami met each other’s gazes, their eyes squinted in opposition.

“How should we do this?”

“The old-fashioned way, of course.”

If an arm was covered with a sleeve, it was rolled up. Or if it was bare, it was being massaged in preparation. Both then slapped their right hands together and curled their fingers into each others’.

“One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!”

While the rest of the group was distracted with the competition, Serenity walked over to her birthday bar cart stocked with cakes, pastries, and premade mimosas and poured herself a full flute of the orange drink. As she emptied the glass down her throat in only a few gulps, she secretly hoped Seiya wasn’t attracted to Rei.

---

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Please note if you would like to follow this story, I will be updating the rest of the chapters under the tag: hana bean close to you and other iterations of the spacing. I love you all!