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esotericalchemist · 3 months ago

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𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲 - 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 ₊˚ˑ༄ؘ

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Mercury in astrology governs how we think, communicate, and process information, shaping our mental faculties and how we interact with the world. Just as each sign brings its unique energy to Mercury, there’s an even deeper layer to explore—the decans. Each decan offers a more nuanced view of Mercury’s influence, subtly shifting how we think, speak, and connect based on the specific degrees of the sign it occupies. While Mercury guides our intellectual pursuits and expression, understanding its decans can provide insight into the unique flavor each person brings to communication and learning. As we dive into this deeper exploration, we begin to see how Mercury’s placement in each decan influences not only our minds but also the ways in which we share our ideas and connect with others. Through this understanding, we can unlock a more profound appreciation of our mental strengths, challenges, and the paths toward using our communication skills for growth and transformation.

Decan - How to find your Mercury Decan

To find your Mercury decan, you'll need to know the degree Mercury falls within your zodiac sign. Every sign covers 30 degrees, and each sign is divided into three decans, each spanning 10 degrees:

0°-10°: First Decan, ruled by the sign's primary planet.

10°-20°: Second Decan, influenced by the next sign in the same element.

20°-30°: Third Decan, influenced by the final sign in the same element.

For example, if your Mercury is in Leo at 5°, it falls in the First Decan, ruled by the Sun, giving you a bold, expressive communication style. If Mercury is in Gemini at 15°, it’s in the Second Decan, ruled by Venus, adding charm and diplomacy to your intellect.

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Mars

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Aries, your mind operates with speed and urgency, thanks to the influence of Mars. You think quickly, preferring to jump right into action rather than getting lost in details or overanalyzing. When faced with a challenge, you prefer to cut straight to the solution, making your communication style direct and confident. You’re not one for sugarcoating—when you speak, it’s with passion and decisiveness. This can make you seem bold or even blunt, but for you, honesty and getting to the point are more important than politeness or tact.

Subtlety is not your strong suit; you prefer straightforward conversations and often find it frustrating when things are left unsaid or implied. You excel in debates or competitive environments, where your quick thinking and decisive nature can shine. People around you might feel like they need to keep up with your fast mental pace, as you rarely waste time in conversations or decisions.

To make the most of this Mercury energy, focus on activities that require quick decision-making, like debates, leadership roles, or fast-paced problem-solving. You thrive in environments that value boldness and action, where you can confidently take the lead and communicate with authority.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Sun

In the second decan of Aries, your Mercury is influenced by the Sun, which adds charisma and creativity to your communication style. You’re still quick-minded like the first decan, but now there’s a natural desire to stand out and make an impact with your words. When you speak, people listen—not only because of what you say but because of the way you say it. There’s a magnetic quality to your communication, and you have a flair for expressing yourself in ways that capture attention.

Your thinking is creative and bold, and you enjoy adding a personal touch to everything you say or do. Whether in group discussions, presentations, or creative endeavors, you tend to take the lead and inspire those around you with your confidence and vision. You see challenges as opportunities to express your individuality and creative problem-solving skills.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, focus on activities that let you express your ideas dynamically, such as public speaking, writing, or performing. You thrive in situations where you can take center stage, lead with your voice, and inspire others with your innovative thinking.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Jupiter

If your Mercury falls in the third decan of Aries, your communication is influenced by Jupiter, which gives you a visionary and expansive approach to thinking. You’re not content with small ideas—your mind is constantly searching for the bigger picture and ways to push boundaries. There’s a philosophical edge to your thinking, and you enjoy exploring larger truths and higher ideals. When you speak, you aim to inspire others, often encouraging them to see the world in new and broader ways.

You’re passionate about learning and sharing knowledge, and your communication style reflects this expansive vision. Rather than getting bogged down by details, you focus on big ideas and future-oriented goals. People with this placement are often seen as inspiring communicators, whether they’re teaching, leading, or discussing personal growth.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, engage in activities that involve exploring and communicating grand ideas. Teaching, public speaking, writing, or working in fields like philosophy, travel, or personal development are ideal for you. You excel when you can inspire others to think bigger and explore new horizons, and you’re happiest when working on projects with a sense of adventure and growth.

𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Venus

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Taurus, ruled by Venus, your thinking and communication style are steady, grounded, and deliberate. You like to take your time to fully process information and are not easily rushed into making decisions. Your speech is calm and measured, often conveying a sense of authority and ease. There’s a natural beauty in how you express yourself—whether it’s the tone of your voice or the way you choose your words, others feel comfortable listening to you.

Your thoughts tend to revolve around practicality and how ideas can translate into something tangible. You’re not swayed by fleeting trends; instead, you prefer to focus on things that have lasting value. Your thinking process is methodical, carefully weighing all the factors before reaching a conclusion. You rarely act impulsively, which makes others trust your judgment and value your insights.

To make the most of this Mercury placement, focus on activities that require patience and an emphasis on lasting results. Writing, art, or planning that involves creating something beautiful and enduring are ideal for you. You also excel in fields like finance, gardening, or craftsmanship, where your steady and methodical approach can shine.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Mercury

In the second decan of Taurus, Mercury’s influence is more pronounced, blending Taurus’ grounded nature with enhanced mental agility. You possess both practicality and intellectual curiosity, which allows you to think clearly and adapt to new information quickly. You’re particularly good at simplifying complex concepts and making them accessible to others. While your thinking is still methodical, you can also be flexible and are keen to learn, making you an excellent problem-solver.

Your communication style is clear and direct, ensuring your message is understood without unnecessary embellishments. You have a practical, no-nonsense approach that makes people trust what you say, as it’s usually based on sound reasoning and real-world experience. Abstract or overly idealistic ideas rarely interest you—you focus on what works and what can be applied in tangible ways.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, engage in roles that combine your practical thinking with clear communication, such as teaching, writing, or working in business environments that require structured problem-solving. Anything involving analysis, planning, or creating order, like project management or education, will allow you to showcase your talents.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Saturn

If your Mercury falls in the third decan of Taurus, Saturn’s influence adds structure, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to your thinking. You approach life with a focus on long-term goals and carefully consider the steps needed to achieve stability. Your mind operates methodically, and you tend to look at situations from all angles before making a decision. You’re not easily swayed by short-term thinking—your focus is on creating lasting solutions.

When you speak, people recognize the authority and wisdom in your words. You tend to be someone others turn to for advice because they know you’ve given careful thought to the matter. You’re good at simplifying complex ideas and presenting them in a logical, easy-to-understand way, especially when it comes to long-term planning. While you may appear serious or reserved in your communication, it’s because you value precision and prefer to speak only when you have something meaningful to say.

To maximize this Mercury energy, focus on long-term projects that require patience, planning, and persistence. Whether you’re involved in business, real estate, or building a career that requires slow, steady progress, you thrive in environments where structured thinking and careful planning are needed. Fields like financial planning, architecture, or any project that requires creating a strong, enduring foundation are perfect for your disciplined mindset.

𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Mercury

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Gemini, you embody the pure essence of Mercury’s energy—quick, curious, and endlessly adaptable. Your mind processes information at lightning speed, and you thrive on variety and stimulation. You’re constantly juggling multiple ideas and topics, which keeps your conversations lively and engaging. Learning new things is a passion, and your inquisitive nature makes you a fantastic communicator and conversationalist.

When you speak, your words come out swiftly and articulately, often infused with wit. You have a natural talent for making connections between different ideas, which makes you an asset in any field that requires sharp communication, whether it’s writing, teaching, or public speaking. However, your fast-paced thinking can sometimes cause you to skip over details or move on to the next idea before fully finishing the previous one. Your strength lies in your adaptability, and your ability to think on your feet makes you perfect for dynamic, fast-paced environments.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, pursue activities that involve communication, learning, or networking. Writing, journalism, teaching, and public speaking will all suit your need for constant mental engagement. You’ll also thrive in roles that offer variety and flexibility, as routine can quickly become boring for your restless mind.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Venus

In the second decan of Gemini, Mercury’s quick thinking is blended with Venus’ influence, adding charm, grace, and diplomacy to your communication style. You’re not just a fast thinker—you’re an engaging speaker who knows how to make people feel at ease. There’s a natural flow to your words, and you often use your communication skills to build relationships and create harmony. You have a unique ability to make complex ideas sound appealing and accessible, which makes you excellent at teaching, writing, or public relations.

While your mind is still quick and adaptable, you’re more considerate of how your words are received by others. You avoid harshness in your speech and prefer conversations that are pleasant and cooperative. Venus also brings creativity to your thinking, making you excellent in fields that blend intellect with artistry, such as writing, music, or any form of creative expression that involves communication.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, focus on activities that combine intellect and charm. Public relations, marketing, writing, and creative fields that involve communication and relationship-building are ideal for you. You shine in situations where you can use your words to bring people together and foster understanding.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Uranus

If your Mercury falls in the third decan of Gemini, Uranus’ influence brings an innovative, unconventional edge to your thinking. You’re not just a quick thinker—you’re a visionary, capable of seeing the future and breaking boundaries with your ideas. Your mind is drawn to original concepts, and you’re great at spotting patterns and making connections that others might overlook. This decan gives you a rebellious streak when it comes to communication, as you enjoy pushing the limits of traditional methods and exploring new ways to share information.

When you speak, your words often have a surprising or quirky quality, catching others off guard with your insights or unconventional ideas. You’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, and your communication style can be both inspiring and revolutionary. However, your rapid mental shifts and unorthodox style can sometimes make you seem unpredictable or difficult to follow, especially to those who prefer more traditional ways of thinking.

To best harness your Mercury energy, engage in activities that allow you to explore new ideas and challenge conventional wisdom. Technology, media, innovation, and any field that embraces future-forward thinking will be ideal for you. You thrive in environments where you can experiment with new concepts, so roles that involve invention, creative problem-solving, or research will allow your visionary mind to shine.

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by the Moon

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Cancer, your thoughts and communication are deeply tied to your emotions, influenced strongly by the Moon. You process information with a strong intuitive sense, often relying on how things make you feel rather than just logic. Your mind works in a nurturing and reflective way, and you tend to consider the emotional impact of your words on others before you speak. You have an excellent memory, especially when it comes to emotionally charged or personal experiences, and you recall even the smallest details that hold sentimental value.

When you communicate, you do so with a sense of care and empathy. You instinctively know what to say to make others feel understood and emotionally supported. However, because your emotions and thoughts are so intertwined, it can be hard for you to maintain objectivity in emotionally intense situations.

To make the most of this Mercury energy, engage in activities that require nurturing communication or emotional connection. Writing, counseling, or any profession that involves helping others and using empathy will suit you well. Your ability to connect with others on an emotional level makes you a natural in roles that require compassion and understanding.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Pluto

With Mercury in the second decan of Cancer, Pluto’s influence adds emotional depth and intensity to your thought process. You’re highly intuitive and perceptive, often able to sense the underlying motivations in people’s actions and conversations. Your thinking is investigative, and you’re drawn to uncovering hidden truths or exploring emotional complexities. When you speak, your words carry weight and emotional intensity, often leaving a deep impression on those around you.

You’re not one to shy away from difficult topics or deep emotional discussions. You prefer conversations that provoke transformation or meaningful change. This desire for depth and understanding can make you an excellent problem-solver, though it can also lead to becoming overly fixated on certain thoughts or emotions.

To best utilize this Mercury energy, focus on roles that allow for emotional exploration and transformation. You would excel in fields like psychology, counseling, investigative work, or any area that involves digging deep into emotional or psychological matters. Your ability to perceive and communicate hidden truths makes you a natural healer or guide in transformative processes.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Neptune

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Cancer, Neptune’s influence brings a dreamy, imaginative quality to your thoughts and communication. You’re highly intuitive, and your thinking often drifts into creative, spiritual, or abstract realms. There’s a poetic, almost mystical quality to how you express yourself, and your words are often filled with emotional depth that draws people in. You think in terms of feelings, symbols, and visions rather than hard facts, making you naturally inclined towards artistic or spiritual pursuits.

However, this imaginative thinking can sometimes lead to difficulties in staying focused on practical matters or communicating in a clear, organized way. You may find it challenging to stick to facts or be concise, as your mind prefers to explore emotional and spiritual nuances.

To harness this Mercury energy, engage in creative or spiritual activities that allow your imagination to flourish. Writing, art, music, or any form of creative expression that taps into your deep emotional and intuitive side will help you thrive. Your empathy and imagination make you a natural in fields such as the creative arts, spiritual healing, or roles that require emotional sensitivity and compassion.

𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by the Sun

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Leo, the Sun’s influence gives your communication style a confident, charismatic, and vibrant edge. You think big and express yourself with a flair for the dramatic, often seeking to be seen and heard. Your thoughts are fueled by creativity and leadership, and you're drawn to ambitious ideas that inspire others. You’re not one to shy away from bold statements or grand visions—you want your words to make an impact.

When you speak, there’s an undeniable authority and warmth in your voice, making others naturally gravitate toward you. You communicate with enthusiasm and a sense of self-assurance, often commanding attention effortlessly. However, because you prefer bold strokes, you may sometimes overlook finer details or dismiss opposing views that don’t align with your vision. You pride yourself on expressing your unique thoughts and insights, and sharing your ideas is something you relish.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, engage in roles where you can lead and express yourself. Public speaking, creative writing, or any position that places you in the spotlight will allow you to shine. You excel when you can inspire others through your ideas, making leadership and motivational roles ideal for you.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by the Jupiter

With Mercury in the second decan of Leo, Jupiter’s influence adds a sense of expansiveness and generosity to your communication style. You're not only confident but also eager to share wisdom, ideas, and knowledge with others. You love exploring big-picture concepts, whether related to philosophy, education, or personal growth, and your enthusiasm is contagious.

When you speak, you do so with optimism and vision, often inspiring those around you. People are drawn to your words because of the uplifting and expansive nature of your ideas. You’re always thinking about how things can grow and improve, but this grand-scale thinking sometimes causes you to overlook smaller details or practical matters. You’re much more focused on the larger themes and concepts.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, seek out activities where you can teach, motivate, or share knowledge. Public speaking, coaching, or working in education are excellent outlets for your big-picture thinking. You thrive when you can inspire others with your visionary ideas and help them see the world in a broader, more optimistic light.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by the Mars

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Leo, Mars’ influence adds drive, assertiveness, and a passionate energy to your communication style. You think and speak with urgency and conviction, and you're not afraid to voice your opinions boldly. You prefer action-oriented thinking and are quick to translate ideas into action, often leading with your words and pushing others to follow.

When you communicate, there's a fiery, dynamic quality to your speech, and people are often energized by your enthusiasm. You speak with purpose, and your words carry a sense of urgency that can be highly motivating. However, your direct approach can sometimes come across as a bit too forceful or domineering, especially when dealing with those who prefer a more measured pace or style.

To harness this Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to take bold action with your ideas. Competitive environments, leadership roles, or careers that require quick thinking and assertive communication will suit you well. You excel when you can channel your passion into action, making you a natural motivator and leader in high-energy situations.

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Mercury

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Virgo, your mind functions with razor-sharp precision and clarity, thanks to Mercury’s full influence here. You have an exceptional ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts, approaching each issue with analytical rigor. Detail-oriented and practical, you excel at organizing information and thrive in situations that require logic and structured thinking. Efficiency is key to you, and you communicate in a concise, straightforward manner, cutting out unnecessary distractions to focus on what’s important.

When you speak, your focus is on being clear, accurate, and helpful. You value correctness over embellishment, and your critical thinking skills are highly developed, allowing you to quickly spot flaws or inconsistencies. However, this strong attention to detail can sometimes make you overly critical, both of yourself and others, as you strive for perfection.

To make the most of this Mercury energy, pursue activities that require precision, analysis, and systematic thinking. Fields such as research, editing, or any role where you can improve systems or processes will be a great fit for your skills. Your talent for practical problem-solving makes you highly effective in any task requiring structure and order.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Saturn

In the second decan of Virgo, Saturn’s influence adds discipline and responsibility to your already structured mind. You are methodical and patient in your thinking, with a strong focus on long-term planning and practicality. Your communication style is reserved and thoughtful, and you have a gift for organizing not only your own thoughts but also the environments around you. You often feel a sense of duty toward your work, and others look to you for reliable, well-considered solutions.

When you speak, your words carry a sense of authority and gravity, and you value accuracy and careful thought. You rarely make impulsive statements, preferring to ensure that what you say is factually correct and meaningful. This disciplined mindset, however, can sometimes lead to overthinking or being overly critical, as you hold yourself to high standards.

To fully harness your Mercury energy, focus on roles that involve long-term planning, structure, and meticulous attention to detail. You thrive in project management, writing, or any profession that requires discipline and persistence. Your ability to think methodically makes you a natural leader in environments that demand responsibility and careful organization.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Venus

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Virgo, Venus brings a sense of refinement and creativity to your otherwise analytical thinking. While you still possess the detailed focus typical of Virgo, Venus softens your approach, adding diplomacy and an aesthetic sense to how you process information and communicate. You appreciate harmony and balance, often considering how to make ideas more appealing or how to create beauty in practical tasks.

When you communicate, there is a tactful and graceful quality to your speech. You’re able to explain complex ideas in a way that is not only clear but also pleasing to others. This Venusian influence enhances your creativity, making you particularly skilled at blending logic with beauty—whether in design, writing, or interpersonal communication.

To best use your Mercury energy, engage in activities that allow for both precision and creativity. Fields like design, art, or writing, where attention to detail is combined with an eye for aesthetics, will be ideal. Your ability to balance practicality with creativity makes you a unique and valuable contributor to any project requiring both intellect and elegance.

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Venus

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Libra, ruled by Venus, your thinking and communication are marked by a desire for harmony, balance, and beauty. You are a natural diplomat, always seeking to maintain peace in conversations and find common ground between differing viewpoints. Your mind excels at seeing multiple perspectives, making you an adept problem-solver who strives for fairness and solutions that benefit everyone involved.

When you speak, your words are smooth and tactful, often designed to ease tension or foster cooperation. You have a talent for making others feel comfortable, and you carefully choose your words to avoid conflict or offense. Your speech is charming, and you aim to steer discussions towards peaceful outcomes. However, your desire to maintain harmony can sometimes make it difficult for you to make strong, decisive statements, as you are always mindful of the potential impact of your words.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, engage in activities that require diplomacy, collaboration, and social grace. You thrive in roles such as negotiation, mediation, or public relations, where building connections and promoting harmony is key. You also do well in creative fields, like design or writing, where aesthetics and balance are important. Your ability to see both sides of an issue and create peaceful solutions makes you a natural peacemaker.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Uranus

In the second decan of Libra, Uranus adds a layer of innovation and originality to your thinking and communication. You enjoy exploring new ideas, challenging conventional wisdom, and thinking outside the box, particularly when it comes to issues of fairness and equality. Your mind is quick to adapt to new trends, and you often find creative ways to approach problems, bringing fresh ideas to the table.

When you speak, your words often carry a sense of excitement and originality. People are drawn to your progressive thinking and your ability to see things from new perspectives. You challenge traditional approaches but do so with respect for others' viewpoints, balancing innovation with diplomacy. Your communication style is stimulating and inclusive, making you an excellent contributor in group settings or discussions where multiple perspectives are needed.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, focus on activities that blend your creativity with your natural sense of fairness. You excel in roles related to social reform, technology, or design, where innovative thinking and collaboration are key. Your ability to push boundaries while maintaining respect for others makes you a powerful force for change in any team or community effort.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Mercury

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Libra, Mercury’s influence is particularly strong, sharpening your intellect and enhancing your communication skills. You are an eloquent speaker and a skilled conversationalist, particularly in areas related to fairness, beauty, and relationships. Your mind is quick and adaptable, and you have a natural ability to express your ideas in a clear, persuasive manner.

Your speech is articulate and polished, and you’re particularly adept at navigating social situations and complex conversations. You enjoy intellectual discussions and debates, but you approach them with a sense of balance and fairness, always considering the other person’s point of view. While your diplomatic nature is one of your strengths, it can sometimes make it difficult for you to take a firm stance on an issue, as you prefer to remain neutral and open-minded.

To harness your Mercury energy, engage in activities that involve intellectual exchange, communication, and social interaction. You excel in roles such as teaching, counseling, law, or any field that requires mediation and clear thinking. Your ability to navigate complex ideas with charm and precision makes you a natural leader in conversations and problem-solving situations.

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Pluto

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Scorpio, Pluto's influence gives your mind an intense, focused, and probing quality. You have a natural curiosity for what lies beneath the surface and are driven to uncover hidden truths. You excel at research, investigation, and any activity that requires deep concentration and persistence. Your thinking is strategic and you rarely settle for superficial answers, making you highly effective at problem-solving.

When you communicate, your words carry depth and intensity. People sense there’s something profound in what you say, even if you don’t reveal everything outright. Your communication style is often direct and can be quite powerful, as you have a knack for cutting through superficiality and getting straight to the core of an issue. However, your intensity may sometimes make others feel exposed or uncomfortable, as you often bring to light things they might prefer to keep hidden.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, focus on areas where investigative thinking and psychological insight are key. Fields such as research, psychology, or detective work are ideal for you. Your ability to think deeply and communicate with conviction makes you a forceful and persuasive speaker, especially in emotionally or intellectually charged discussions.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Neptune

In the second decan of Scorpio, Neptune’s influence brings a blend of deep intuition and imagination to your thinking and communication. Your mind is not only penetrating but also visionary, and you often navigate the world through a combination of logic and intuition. You are highly sensitive to the emotional undercurrents of any situation and may often sense things that others miss. This heightened intuition gives you a unique perspective on life, and you are drawn to subjects that delve into the mystical, spiritual, or psychological.

When you speak, there’s often an air of mystery or emotional depth to your words. You communicate in a way that touches others on a profound level, often sparking deeper emotional or spiritual insights. You are especially drawn to conversations about life’s deeper mysteries, such as the nature of existence, spirituality, and transformation. However, your tendency to rely on intuition can sometimes make your thoughts difficult for others to follow, and you may prefer to keep certain ideas or feelings private.

To harness your Mercury energy, engage in creative or spiritual pursuits that allow you to blend intellect and intuition. Writing, counseling, or any work in psychology or the arts will help you channel your deep insights. Your ability to combine emotional sensitivity with intellectual depth makes you a captivating communicator, particularly in conversations that require emotional or spiritual insight.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by the Moon

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Scorpio, the Moon’s influence heightens your emotional awareness and sensitivity, making your thoughts and communication deeply connected to your feelings. You have a natural ability to understand both your own and others’ emotional states, which gives you profound insight into human behavior and motivations. Your thinking blends emotional intelligence with intellectual depth, and you are especially interested in understanding the emotional dynamics at play in any situation.

When you communicate, your words are infused with emotion and sensitivity. You’re drawn to emotionally charged conversations, and you often speak from a place of vulnerability and truth. People are drawn to your empathy and your ability to articulate complex emotions. However, because your thinking is so intertwined with your feelings, you may sometimes dwell on emotional wounds or find it difficult to detach from past experiences.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to tap into your emotional depth, such as counseling, writing, or any role that requires empathy and emotional intelligence. Your ability to communicate with emotional clarity and authenticity makes you a powerful presence in any conversation, especially when emotional support or understanding is needed.

𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Jupiter

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, you have a mind that craves exploration, knowledge, and growth. You’re driven by a sense of curiosity and optimism, constantly seeking to understand life’s larger truths. Whether it’s through travel, study, or philosophical debate, you thrive on expanding your horizons and pushing the boundaries of your intellect. You naturally gravitate toward big-picture thinking and enjoy pondering abstract concepts like morality, culture, and spirituality.

When you speak, your enthusiasm is contagious. Your communication style is optimistic and full of energy, making others feel excited by your ideas. You love sharing what you’ve learned with others, and your storytelling ability often brings your ideas to life in a vivid, inspiring way. However, you might sometimes skip over practical details, as your focus is more on the broader vision than on day-to-day realities. You have a tendency to be direct and forthright, which can sometimes come off as blunt, but your intent is always to motivate and inspire.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to expand your knowledge and share it with others. Teaching, writing, journalism, or even roles in travel or cultural exchange are ideal for you. You excel when you can communicate big ideas and inspire others to broaden their perspectives, making you a natural philosopher, teacher, or visionary thinker.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Mars

In the second decan of Sagittarius, Mars adds a layer of passion and drive to your already expansive mindset. You still crave knowledge and exploration, but now you approach these pursuits with a more assertive, action-oriented mindset. Your thoughts are fast-paced, and you don’t hesitate to jump into debates or discussions where you can defend your ideas with conviction. You’re naturally drawn to challenging conversations, seeing them as opportunities to refine your beliefs and take action on the causes you care about.

When you communicate, there’s an urgency to your words. You speak with passion and authority, often encouraging others to take immediate action on the ideas you discuss. People are drawn to your boldness, but your directness can sometimes come off as argumentative or confrontational, especially if you’re debating a topic you’re passionate about. You enjoy intellectual challenges and are quick to challenge others to think more deeply about their own beliefs.

To best use your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to combine your intellectual curiosity with your desire to take action. Advocacy, politics, teaching, or coaching are excellent outlets for your dynamic communication style. Your ability to inspire others to move forward with passion and conviction makes you a powerful motivator, especially in environments that require leadership and a strong voice for change.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by the Sun

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Sagittarius, the Sun’s influence brings a charismatic and confident energy to your thinking and communication. You’re not only interested in exploring big ideas and philosophical questions, but you also see yourself as a leader who can inspire others through your words. There’s a sense of personal pride in your ability to communicate, and you enjoy being seen as someone with a strong vision and the ability to motivate others toward personal growth.

When you speak, your words are infused with authority and optimism. You have a natural warmth that draws people in, and your confidence in your ideas makes others feel inspired and uplifted. You’re excellent at presenting big-picture concepts in a way that feels relatable and empowering, and you take pride in your ability to motivate and lead. However, your strong sense of self-expression can sometimes come across as overly confident or preachy, particularly if you’re deeply invested in the topic at hand.

To best harness your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to take center stage and inspire others with your vision. Public speaking, teaching, leadership roles, or any field that allows you to share your knowledge and motivate others are perfect for you. Your ability to see the bigger picture and communicate it in a way that feels empowering makes you a natural leader, especially in situations that require enthusiasm, optimism, and a sense of adventure.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Saturn

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, your mind is focused, disciplined, and geared toward achieving practical results. You think strategically, with a strong emphasis on long-term goals and the steps needed to reach them. Patience and precision define your thought process, and you’re careful not to make decisions hastily. Your communication style is efficient, direct, and often focused on practical, real-world matters rather than abstract or theoretical concepts. You value structure and like to ensure that whatever you say or do leads to concrete outcomes.

When you speak, your words carry weight and authority, often making others take you seriously. You avoid unnecessary embellishments, preferring clear and concise language that gets straight to the point. People respect your logical, grounded approach, but sometimes you may come across as overly serious or rigid, especially in casual or spontaneous conversations. Your strength lies in your ability to think ahead and lay out plans that lead to long-term success.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, focus on activities that require structure, organization, and strategic planning. You excel in roles like business, law, project management, or anything that involves long-term planning and responsibility. Your ability to communicate with authority and a clear, practical mindset makes you a natural leader in environments that prioritize efficiency and results.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Venus

In the second decan of Capricorn, Venus adds a layer of charm, diplomacy, and refinement to your disciplined thinking. While you still value practicality and structure, you have a way of softening your communication style to appeal to others’ emotions and sense of aesthetics. You’re thoughtful in your approach, balancing your goal-oriented mindset with an awareness of how your words and actions impact others. This makes you not only strategic but also tactful, which is a great asset in social or professional negotiations.

When you speak, you do so with elegance and grace. You understand how to blend logic with persuasion, making you an effective communicator, particularly in situations that require diplomacy. You can navigate tough conversations with ease, offering solutions that satisfy both practical and emotional needs. However, because you value appearances and harmony, you might sometimes gloss over deeper emotional issues in favor of maintaining balance.

To fully utilize your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to combine your practical mindset with a sense of diplomacy and style. You excel in fields like marketing, management, design, or any role where strategy and aesthetics intersect. Your ability to think practically while communicating with grace and tact makes you well-suited for roles that require both intelligence and charm.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Mercury

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Capricorn, Mercury’s influence sharpens your intellect and enhances your analytical abilities. Your mind is highly organized and efficient, capable of breaking down complex problems into logical, step-by-step solutions. You think systematically and are always focused on how to achieve the most practical and productive outcomes. Your communication is straightforward and precise—you prefer to get to the heart of the matter without wasting time on unnecessary details.

When you speak, your words are clear and to the point, and you have a knack for explaining difficult concepts in simple terms. You’re highly focused on logic and results, which makes you an excellent problem-solver in any situation. However, your emphasis on practicality and efficiency can sometimes make you appear detached or overly focused on the task at hand, which may lead to neglecting emotional or creative considerations.

To best harness your Mercury energy, focus on activities that involve problem-solving, analysis, and structured communication. You excel in fields like engineering, finance, law, or consulting, where logical thinking and precision are highly valued. Your ability to streamline complex ideas and communicate them effectively makes you an asset in any environment that requires clear thinking and careful planning.

𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Uranus

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Aquarius, ruled by Uranus, your mind is highly inventive and unconventional. You have a natural talent for thinking outside the box and thrive on exploring new, cutting-edge ideas. You're intellectually curious, drawn to innovation and progress, and always looking toward the future. Your thinking is abstract, visionary, and often ahead of its time. You enjoy analyzing problems from unique angles and are often excited by challenges that require creative solutions.

When you speak, your words are infused with originality and a forward-thinking energy. You're great at discussing concepts that push boundaries, and you enjoy surprising others with your fresh insights. People appreciate your ability to spark innovative discussions, though your focus on intellectual matters may sometimes make you seem detached from more personal or emotional topics.

To best utilize your Mercury energy, engage in activities that involve innovation, technology, or social reform. You excel in fields that allow you to explore futuristic ideas and challenge conventional wisdom, such as technology, science, or activism. Your ability to think far beyond the present makes you a natural leader in any area that values progress and originality.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by Mercury

In the second decan of Aquarius, Mercury's influence sharpens your intellectual abilities, making you an exceptionally quick and analytical thinker. You have a natural curiosity about the world, and you're always seeking out new information and ways to process it. Your mind is logical, objective, and versatile, and you excel at communicating complex ideas in simple, understandable terms. You’re skilled at finding patterns and connections that others may miss, making you an insightful problem-solver.

When you speak, your words are clear, concise, and often thought-provoking. You enjoy discussing a wide range of topics and are great at sparking intellectual debates. Your ability to see multiple perspectives allows you to contribute valuable insights to group discussions, though your strong focus on logic can sometimes make you appear detached or less emotionally engaged.

To fully harness your Mercury energy, focus on activities that require quick thinking, analysis, and effective communication. You thrive in roles like teaching, writing, research, or technology, where your ability to synthesize information and share it with others is highly valued. Your sharp intellect and versatility make you a great fit for positions that involve problem-solving and intellectual exploration.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Venus

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Aquarius, Venus brings a sense of creativity, beauty, and social grace to your communication style. While you still maintain the intellectual brilliance and forward-thinking qualities of Mercury in Aquarius, Venus adds an element of charm and diplomacy to how you express yourself. You're not just interested in new ideas—you also want to find ways to connect people through those ideas, often blending intellect with creativity to inspire others.

When you speak, there's a smooth, engaging quality to your words. You enjoy discussing complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and enjoyable for others, and you're great at making intellectual conversations feel fun and appealing. People are drawn to your blend of intelligence and social charm, though you may sometimes prioritize harmony and social connection over diving deeply into more challenging or abstract concepts.

To best use your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to combine creativity with intellectual pursuits. You thrive in fields like design, the arts, social reform, or any area where you can apply your visionary thinking to improve society or create beauty. Your ability to think originally while maintaining a sense of balance and charm makes you a natural fit for roles that require both innovation and social connection.

𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲

First decan (0 - 10 degrees) -- Ruled by Neptune

If your Mercury is in the first decan of Pisces, ruled by Neptune, your mind is fluid, intuitive, and deeply imaginative. You think in terms of emotions and abstract ideas, often perceiving things in ways that others might not immediately understand. Your thoughts tend to drift towards the mystical, creative, and spiritual realms, making you highly attuned to subtleties and nuances that others might miss. Rather than focusing on hard facts, you interpret the world through feelings and sensations, giving your communication a poetic, dreamy quality.

When you speak, you have a natural ability to convey deep emotions and complex ideas in a way that resonates with others on a heartfelt level. People are often drawn to the sensitivity and depth of your words, and you can soothe or inspire them with your empathetic and compassionate nature. However, because your thoughts are so connected to your emotions, you may sometimes struggle to articulate your ideas clearly or stay grounded in practical details.

To best use your Mercury energy, focus on creative or spiritual pursuits where your imagination and empathy can shine. Fields like writing, music, art, or healing practices that require an intuitive approach are perfect for you. Your gift for communicating abstract concepts in an emotionally resonant way makes you a natural in roles that involve emotional connection and creative expression.

Second decan (10 - 20 degrees) -- Ruled by the Moon

In the second decan of Pisces, the Moon’s influence adds even more emotional sensitivity and introspection to your thinking and communication style. Your mind is reflective, intuitive, and deeply in touch with the feelings of those around you. You process information through an emotional lens, making you particularly skilled at understanding the needs and moods of others. You are a natural nurturer, and your thoughts often gravitate toward how you can help or care for the people in your life.

When you communicate, your words are gentle, comforting, and full of empathy. You have a way of making others feel heard and supported, and people often turn to you when they need emotional guidance. However, your strong connection to your emotions can sometimes make it difficult for you to remain objective or detached in conversations, especially when feelings are involved. You may also find that you are easily affected by the emotional states of others, which can sometimes lead to overwhelm.

To make the most of your Mercury energy, focus on activities that allow you to provide emotional support or care for others. Counseling, therapy, or any field where emotional intelligence is key would be ideal for you. Your ability to communicate with kindness and understanding makes you a valuable asset in any role that requires empathy and nurturing.

Third decan (20 - 30 degrees) -- Ruled by Pluto

If your Mercury is in the third decan of Pisces, Mars adds a subtle drive and assertiveness to your typically gentle and emotionally intuitive communication style. While you still possess the dreamy, imaginative qualities of Mercury in Pisces, Mars gives you a stronger sense of purpose and the motivation to act on your ideas. You are not just content to dream; you want to turn your visions into reality, especially when they are connected to something you are passionate about. Your thinking is driven by both your emotions and a desire to take action on those feelings.

When you speak, your words carry more conviction and passion than the typical Mercury in Pisces. You are able to express your emotions with intensity, and you aren’t afraid to stand up for what you believe in or advocate for those you care about. There’s a fire behind your words that can make you a powerful communicator, particularly when it comes to issues that stir your emotions. However, your emotional intensity can sometimes lead to impulsive or reactive communication, especially when you feel strongly about something.

To best use your Mercury energy, engage in activities that combine emotional depth with action. You excel in roles where you can channel your passion into helping or inspiring others, such as activism, teaching, or any work that involves motivating people. Your ability to communicate with both sensitivity and strength makes you a natural advocate for causes or people that are close to your heart.

Masterlist - YouTube (subliminals)

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 4 months ago

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book 7 part 10 thoughts!

***THIS POST CONTAINS MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR BOOK 7 PART 10 OF THE MAIN STORY!!***

Please note: this is NOT meant to be a summary or a translation; these are only my initial thoughts on the events that roughly unfold. There may be details overlooked or misunderstood in this post, so PLEASE do not use this as a translation.

This update spans part 158 to part 191.

BAHAHAHAHAHA THEY'RE AT THE CORAL SEA (not "in" it yet, more like at the surface level of it) AND JAMIL'S ALREADY UPSET OVER THE LOCALE

Jamil comes up with the smart idea of using ice magic to make a boat for them all. Silver takes up the oars (how princely lmao) and Ortho praises the second years for being so reliable!

WEL;ANJFDBIUGSOGSBIAF THAT BOAT DIDN'T LAST LONG, LITERALLY ONLY A SINGLE PART BEFORE WE CAPSIZE????? We see a dark and gloomy place with an abandoned ship, similar to where Ariel was exploring in the opening of The Little Mermaid. The gang can breathe though, since Idia hacked in bubbles around each person to provide them with an air dome made of magic nanomachines.

THERE HE IS FELLAS, MERMAID FLOYD PULLED UP. Mmm, interesting?? He sounds really flat and bored, expressing that he no longer has an interest in land creatures since everyone was weak + so easily deceived by Azul. Floyd also seems to report that Azul has found success with Mostro Lounge...? And Jade is probably supporting him there.

Floyd tells us that he's been traveling Twisted Wonderland in his dream world. He's been to the Shaftlands (Fairest City??) to try out the latest fashion and model (but got bored because he was asked to work exclusively with the brand), worked part-time in a restaurant in the Sunshine Lands (but got bored because so many people wanted to eat his food), and exploring the Scalding Sands. Floyd wandered the desert and found a black magic lamp in the Cave of Wonders and decided to bring it home because Jade said "the teapot" would be nice to have. Floyd summoned the genie and used it to wish for delicious food, www

He mentions having plans to visit other places too, like the Queendom of Roses, Briar Valley, Sunset Savanna, etc. (Floyd's looking for a challenging opponent to fight!!) But now he has returned to the sea, even though he considers it boring too. Floyd basically tells them to fuck on off and then stares floating around depressingly.

Idia theorizes that Floyd must be "resetting" his dream again and again since Malleus has set the parameters to achieve a "happy ending". Since Floyd is constantly dissatisfied, the dream continues to scrounge for something that will please him. The happiness never really lasts long though. The group decides that they have to provide him with that strong foe he wants to shock him awake!

OH MY GOD Silver and Jamil just walk up to Floyd and tell him he’s in a dream. Of course he doesn’t believe them????? But then they start telling him stories of things that happened irl including clarifying what it was that Floyd had done to disrupt his own first year opening ceremony. Apparently he grabbed Riddle’s hair and went “oh, it’s bright red but it isn’t hot”, which led into a massive fight with Riddle shooting fire at him. The staff (specifically Vargas) had to hold Riddle back. There’s another story of how Floyd tried to fight Cater but Cater used his UM to hold Floyd back and bro wiped hard 💀 According to Idia, Malleus and Leona also beat Floyd in combat.

Jamil talks about how sometimes Floyd would find it hard to keep up with him and/or how Floyd would get in trouble for wailing on the younger kids in their club. The headmaster wasn’t happy and made Floyd clean up the gym for a week

Wh A t😭 Grim recalls how Octavinelle made us HOMELESS in book 3 (and then how they got their asses beat BUT I’M BAWLING AT THE AUDACITY)

The dream manifests a fake Jade and Azul to drag Floyd deeper… We finally get a non-OB octoform Azul to look at!!

They goad Floyd and say he shouldn’t lose to land creatures, so beat them back and then the three of them can live peacefully in the sea together. Silver warns Floyd not to listen to the fake Jade and Azul, but he ends up not needing their help??? Instead Floyd blows up at the fakes and claims Jade and Azul would never say such boring things. Like, he actively gets SO pissed off that they’re borrowing their faces and voices to try and deceive him 😭

They tell Floyd about what’s going down and he’s delighted??? He starts calling out locations and the dream responds to it, he thinks it’s so interesting. Idia and co. panic because this spike in activity could alert Malleus OTL

They theorize that Jade’s dream may take place in the mountains, so Floyd should change into a land form.

When they change to Jade’s dream, Floyd praises Silver’s UM. Silver is flattered but Jamil is thanking the stars that someone mindful like Silver has Meet in a Dream and not Floyd. He says Floyd would probably abuse the UM and give people nightmares lmao

Now they’re in a part of the Coral Sea that has tons of underwater volcanos. Floyd saves us all from a blast of black smoke from one of the vents. Idia warns the air domes are not strong, so one blast from the smoke could drown them all.

Floyd suggests Idia make merforms for everyone. However, Idia says it’s hard to do, especially on a short time frame, since he lacks data on merpeople.

OOOOOH Floyd reveals his bioluminescence!! Looks so pretty aaaaaaah ✨ (He calls it “counter illumination”?)

J WORD SiGHTING

OOOOOH I GET IT, the volcanic vents are like the sea’s equivalent of “mountains”. He and dream!Azul are exploring this area looking for a gold mine or something. Interesting that Jade dreams of still assisting Azul for fun…

sguaddr(dFacFFh ??!!\!]]!£]!] AZUL????? He got hit by a blast from the vent while casting magic on it to get to some gold ore he spotted. Jade gets a good laugh out of it.

WHO THE FuCK ARE yoU, WhY Sre your eyes SO Big AnD WAtERY

Azul tearfully declares he won’t give up and Jade gases him up 😭 YOUR DREAM IS TO BULLY AND ENABLE HIM??????? WOW J WORD

Floyd claims he would never go mountain climbing with Jade but then—

WhAT YHR fUVkinh FVkkkKKKKKKKKKK

THAT’S DREAM!FLOYD?????!!?!!! HE LOOKS SO FRIGHIn DERPY 😭 😭 😭 BRo JUST StARTS EATINg SHRIMP AnD HAPPILY GOING AlONG WiTH wHatEVEF JAde AsAyS

Floyd gets pissed off seeing all of this and goes in for the attack. Everyone panics, but Jamil pulls a Silver book 7 part 9 and basically tells them to let Floyd cook 💀

Dream!Azul of course tries to convince Jade that Floyd is dumb and cute and everything, not some THUG cbjssbkwebodnxsk Jade is convinced that “this” Azul and Jade would use useless without him so he buys dream!Azul’s lies. FLOYD GETS MORE ANGRY THRymRE GONNa BRaWLLLLLLL

Uhhhh so fighting doesn’t wake Jade up. Idia suggests this is because while Jade doesn’t have a particularly strong imagination, he’s good at exploring possible scenarios within himself…? Not sure if I totally understood the wording here (I’ll have to double check with other sources later), all you gotta know if that punching was ineffective. ***Edit: It’s because (according to Idia), Jade has a strong belief in himself.***

OH, WORM??? J WORD AnD FKOYD ArE mAKinG HISSING NoiSES At eaCH OYher As THEY FIGHT (the NPC Azul and Floyd are busy cowering in a corner) 🍿 I believe it was previously said in a voice line or some vignette that when the twins fight, they get VIOLENT and it’s kinda funny we get to see it on-screen now.

Sebek gets the idea to stop both of the twins’ movements with his UM. (Very thoughtfully, he warns everyone, particularly Ortho, to stand back before he casts Living Bolt.) It works very well because salt water conducts electricity better than distilled water!! I think that helps Jade with realizing something’s off because right when dream!Azul and Floyd rush to him, Jade points out that the real ones wouldn’t call him “cute” and such.

WHoa WHOA, sCARY hot

Aaaand we got two eels added to the party! Onward to Azul’s dream~ (jxbsksvxiwnw J WoRD THROWS uP)

We’re underwater again! Jade theorizes it must be because Azul has expanded the Mostro Lounge into a worldwide chain, since Azul has expressed the desire to run a successful restaurant business like his mother.

We hear cheering, it seems to be from a Coral Rush (underwater ball) game. It’s similar to Magical Shift, but instead of brooms you ride on the backs of dolphins. Coral Rush is popular among merfolk!

WhAT

If I was drinking something then I would be spitting it up right now because WhY IS AZUL AN ATHLETE (If I’m understanding this correctly, he’s playing for a Coral Rush team called Golden Trident? And he’s the LEADER) 😂 I guess maybe because he’s been insecure about this weakness of his…?

MAN. Jamil is going to bully his ass later about this, I just KNOW he is… Azul goes all chuuni and shouts “KRAKEN SHOT” before scoring 🪦 Cringefail bbg…

OH MY GOD THIS SHADY BITCH

Jade has “-san” in quotation marks 💀 HE’S BEING TOTALLY SARCASTIC

Fun little detail, it looks like the Octatrio had a group handshake…? Jade and Azul do it here and later Jade and Floyd do the same, ending it each time with a cute little “yaaay” 🥺

dndjsnkweneow Jade asks Azul to sign Idia’s tablet OTL YOU ASSHOLE BE SO FR RIGHT NOW

Azul remembers “Leech-kun” and “Leech-kun” (*shudders*) from elementary school. His team mates call out to him and Azul invites us to their victory celebration at his mother’s restaurant (which finally gets a name!!! It’s called La Grotta). Apparently it would be hard for your average student to get in, but with Azul’s invite we should be okay!

Jade starts brainstorming again and suggests that this dream is what we see because Azul wanted you to erase the sad past in which he was bullied. He says he won’t divulge too many details since it involves Azul’s privacy (aw, the ONE time he decides to not leak info 😂).

Aaaaah Idia says he has a bad feeling about something… which gives ME a bad feeling…

They arrive at La Grotta and Azul casts a spell that makes an anemone crop up on everyone’z head?! Azul says that anemones are the most formal hair accessory one can wear in the sea; it makes them “fit in” more. He leaves Jade and Floyd alone though since they’re already merfolk.

Uhhhh Grim gets distracted with dancing and drags Sebek off with him??? Okay???

The entire time this is going down, the twins are watching silently.

Grim, Sebek, and Ortho dance but they end up falling down. The mob merpeople start to laugh and make fun of land creatures. It’s then we learn that Azul lied about the sea anemone being associated with high status, it’s instead something that indicates stupidity. So… uh… He just wanted to bully us??? This whole dream is playing out like a bitter high school revenge fantasy…

Azul says the twins can stay if they play Coral Rush with him. Surely they’re tired of hanging around dumb land creatures right? It’s better to come along with him.

Floyd makes a mess and passes an antique to Jade, and the two start to “play” with it. (… Nah, they start breaking shit 😬)

LOL???? Is Azul threatening to sue the fins off of the twins??? He’s all like “MY PAPA’S A LAWYER YOU KNOW” at them… (He also calls his mom “mama”; the word choice and behavior really makes me think he’s a mama’s/daddy’s boy.)

Jade says to everyone that we should move onto the next dream. He pretends (?) to leave, which triggers a memory of book 3 where Azul declares that he’s always going to be alone.

HMMMMMMMMMMM, there’s no dream!Floyd or dream!Jade to lure Azul to the darkness, only the mermobs 🤔

Ortho expects the twins to dive after him, but neither of them do 🤡 They say it’s Azul’s choice to dream more deeply, so they’ll allow him to.

Grim drowns in the darkness so we (Yuu, Silver, Jamil, Sebek) go after him. Ortho tries to appeal to the twins by saying if they don’t follow, then they’ll be trapped in the dream forever. Sooo Jade and Floyd depart into the dark. Ortho is left wondering if this coldness is actually how the twins express trust.

LOLLLLLl???????? Azul’s setting the photo of their class trip on fire and laughing like a maniac… (He also has apparently gained Ramshackle AND stolen the UMs of his fellow dorm leaders.) I counted, Azul has no less than like 3-4 Evil Villain Laughs this update 💀 OKAY KING POP OFF LIVE LAUGH LOVE

They split into two groups (the player gets to go with J word 😳), each with the goal of taking out one of the dream!Tweels. Jamil lures dream!Floyd out to the basketball court under the false pretenses of a special club activity (where a strong merman opponent would be present).

Jade meanwhile goes to the botanical garden?? And he starts to smash plant pots… He claims it’s a dream so it’s okay! It’s not like he’s doing this because he wants to (lie). Jade makes (anemoned) Grim take a bunch of rare ingredients he “harvested” to Mostro Lounge.

Azul becomes interested in the ingredients and wants access to the source to maximize profits. Dream!Jade is led off by Grim and Yuu to the woods behind campus. SILBEK JUMP HIM—

Jade uses Shock the Heart to learn where Azul has moved the contracts. They weren’t in his office vault when the group checked earlier; the contracts are now in Azul’s room…? Which… I feel like that was such an obvious place to check, not sure why the thought didn’t occur to them sooner??

They find the contracts but there’s like 500 of them and no efficient way to destroy so many in a short amount of time. Ortho suggests his beam, but it might result in collateral damage to them if he fires it this close. Floyd says they can just trick Azul into destroying the contracts himself but before they can say anything more they hear voices getting closer.

Jade and Floyd return to Azul warning him that someone is after his contracts, so Azul, concerned, asks for the contracts so he can relocate them again. When they don’t, he starts threatening them (even saying that the headmaster is under his thumb too, no one at this school can oppose him).

Azul is baited to cast a spell at them, which Floyd deflects with Bind the Heart. He then summons anemones (Ace, Deuce, Riddle, Leona, Kalim, Idia) to help him. Some mob anemones called him “Azul-sama” in dead-sounding voices which. Makes me think maybe he stole Jamil’s Snake Whisper in the dream too??

Together, the twins keep taunting their dorm leader until Azul unleashes King’s Roar. They use Bind the Heart once again to redirect Leona’s UM and dust the contracts ✨ (We also got Floyd’s UM chant!! Roughly: “This is a nice place/it was just getting good, but how about I interrupt it?”)

NxdbsjsbkFAJHQAN OF COURSE THAT’A WHEN AzUL BREAks 😭 and it happens like automatically too… The loss of the contracts really is a sore spot for him.

Here comes the suspicious black gloop again~

Azul starts to sink down BUT THIS TIME YHE TWINS CALL OUT HIS NAME AND GRAB ONTO HIM?????? Jade even specifically tells Azul to “take his hand” and instructs Floyd to help pull. Ayo… the “take my hand” imagery again…

Waaah… Octavinelle trusts each other so much?? When Silver warns them that he doesn’t know what will happen to the twins if they end up in Azul’s abyss, Jade and Floyd wish Azul luck/don’t go to hell AND AZUL’s CASUALLy LIKE “you too” 🤡

Azul finally faces his OB self!! How interesting, he tells his OB that with the weight of all that he stole from others, it’s hard to move. I think he means that metaphorically… like, it’s hard to achieve personal growth if all you do is take and hurt people. “Unlike you, I’ve learned.” He wants to make his dream of making everyone bow down to him a reality on his own. Azul’s not satisfied with this, he wants something of “real value”.

Azul wakes up back in his mom’s restaurant and surrounded by his team members. He asks them to sign a contract which states they will all continue playing hard together. Duh, it’s a trap and actually anemones them. The contract just handed all their powers over to Azul 💀 Bro… How dumb are you, you didn’t even SKIM to check the terms of the contact are what to claimed them to be??

Azul regroups with the others and they inform him of what’s going on. He immediately expresses concern that the Mostro Lounge hasn’t been operating + the ingredients in their fridge might spoil because of Malleus’s magic. Man has his priorities www Thankfully they’re fine since the flow of time has stopped and potential customers are all sleeping. No ingredients or business lost!! Azul still wants Malleus to pay him back for the inconveniences though.

Ortho recommends that Jade and Floyd stay behind, as they both have taken significant damage from fighting. Idia adds that they should lower the number of people dream hopping to minimize the chance of bugs showing up; Jamil volunteers. Azul says it’s a shame because he was looking forward to fighting alongside him; Jamil says that “friends” with Octavinelle’s dorm leader has its uses, so he “looks forward to it.”

… Jamil acknowledging what Azul wants and agreeing to go along with it feels… weird…

Azul joins us and we hasten to the next dream. “Time is money!!” so chop, chop!! Next update… Savanaclaw!!

Overall, I really enjoyed seeing the twins fight, as well as seeing their more animalistic aspects (ie the bioluminescence) come out. The Coral Sea locations were so fun and colorful, it makes me want a hometown event even more!! Merform Azul we kiiiind of already saw with his OB form (and I’d seen lots of edits from fans making their own prior to this) but I thought it was nice to have that confirmation nevertheless.

There were a lot of small moments that made me do a double take (derpy dream!Floyd is one, Azul’s Big Bad scenes were several others). It was cute to see their Club Wear outfits utilized in the dreams too; we saw Basketball Club and Mountain Lovers Club looks make an appearance. I felt like I was watching some kind of variety show while reading.

This update gave me many thoughts, most of them surrounding the Octatrio and their relationship with one another. I’d like to talk more at length about their dream worlds and the roles they played in one another’s headspaces. However, that will get very bulky and I don’t want to add even more to an already bully post. I’ll make that a separate post and put it up later, so please bear with me ^^

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solarrsims · 11 months ago

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greek mythology legacy challenge

hi loves. i’ve spent so much time trying to find a legacy challenge that interests me, and i stumbled upon this one on the forums. however, i decided to put my own spin on this theme, and create my own goals and rules. use the hashtag #greek mythology legacy so i can see your gameplays!!

also, feel free to bend the rules to your liking. if you don’t have a pack i mention, you can bend that rule, or you do have a pack that i don’t have that you think would fit, you can add that in however you’d like.

gens/rules down below or in this doc

edits because of @nom-de-plumbob her ideas were so much better than my og ones!

overall rules:

- you may only use free real estate cheats when you first start

- you can only move onto the next generation when you’ve completed all of the goals

- i recommend setting your life span to normal or long

- you can use any gender for any generation!

- you don’t have to actually name them the god’s name if you don’t want to. be creative!

- try to use their assigned colors in some way (clothes, hair, skin, house, etc!)

GENERATION ONE: ZEUS

god of the sky, king of the gods - white

you have had a rough childhood. your father was abusive towards you and your mother, which resulted in your mother taking you and fleeing town. the two of you settled down the snowy mountains in mt. komebri. she became very over protective of you, rarely letting you out and about in case your father ever found you.

traits: non-committal, ambitious, charismatic

aspiration: successful lineage

career: politician (politician branch)

goals:

have a weather machine

max out career

marry and have two biological kids with partner

have many affairs

have 3 other kids with different partners

live in mt. komebri

GENERATION TWO: POSIEDON

god of water, the ocean - blue

you grew up in a very competitive household. your father was a well-known and very competitive politician whom had many different affairs. you eventually grew restless of the competitive life and decided to move for a simpler life—sulani.

traits: child of the ocean, loves outdoors, erratic

aspiration: beach life

career: marine biologist

goals:

move to sulani when turn young adult

become a mermaid

discover rare underwater treasures

try to keep sulani clean

advocate for marine conservation

marry someone you meet on the island

have at least one kid with partner

GENERATION THREE: HERA

goddess of marriage, women - purple

this sim grew up living a very calm and collected life by the beach. as a child, they loved watching movies and love, which grew into a passion for acting. so, you fled the beachy town and went to del sol valley to achieve your dreams.

traits: ambitious, romantic, jealous

aspiration: world-renowned actor

career: actor

goals:

become a famous actor

marry a celebrity

get jealous and become a controlling spouse

live in del sol valley

have more than one kid

you should favor your other children over the youngest, whom will be the next heir

GENERATION FOUR: HADES

god of the underworld - black

you’ve always despised their mother as a child. your mother favored your sibling(s) your whole life, and always saw you as a disappointment and not being able to live up to your older siblings. because of this, you decided to go on your own, and live up to being a criminal.

traits: loner, materialistic, gloomy

aspiration: criminal mastermind

career: criminal

goals:

max out aspiration

reach level 10 in mischief skill

become enemies with 5 people

have only one child, and don’t be close with them

GENERATION FIVE: ARES

god of war - red

this sim grew up in a rocky household. you’ve always had a strong sense of patriotism and bravery, and you’ve always dreamt of going into the military. despite not wanting to follow in your father’s footsteps, you still have.

traits: athletic, hot-headed, ambitious

aspirations: athlete

career: military (officer branch)

goals:

achieve level 10 in the fitness skill.

start at least 5 fights with different sims

reach level 10 in the officer branch

have at least 2 children

GENERATION SIX: ATHENA

the goddess of wisdom - silver

you grew up in a very competitive household. you were definitely the outcast child, as you prefer to read books or play chess instead of working out. you move out when you become a young adult with little funds.

traits: genius, bookworm, perfectionist

aspiration: nerd brain

career: scientist

goals:

achieve level 10 in three different skills.

complete the nerd brain aspiration.

reach level 10 of scientist career

eventually travel to alien world with wormhole generator

if you have discover university: get physics degree

GENERATION SEVEN: APOLLO

the god of sun, light - orange

you grew up in a very close and loving family. growing up in an environment that fostered creativity and intellect, your mother always encouraged you with your talent: music. your mother’s guidance not only nurtured your musical talent but also instilled a thrust of knowledge and an understanding of music.

traits: art lover, outgoing, music lover

aspiration: musical genius

career: entertainer (singer or musician)

goals:

start playing instruments as a kid

listen to music often as a toddler

achieve level 10 in the singing/one instrument, and level 5 in the other instruments

complete musical genius aspiration

play on the street or at bars for money

if you have discover university: get the fine arts degree

become a famous singer or musician by writing songs and licensing them

marry someone who has the music lover or art lover trait

GENERATION EIGHT APHRODITE

the goddess of beauty, love - pink

from a young age, you found yourself entangled in the intricate dance of romance, captivated by the myriad emotions that love invoked. however, your journey was not without heartbreak. you, in pursuit of love’s beauty, experienced the shattering pain of a broken heart multiple times. yet, with each fracture, you discovered an unparalleled strength to mend.

traits: romantic, high maintenance, party animal

aspiration: serial romantic

career: fashion influencer (stylist branch) or social media influencer (internet personality)

goals:

have at least 10 romantic relationships in your life, starting as a teen

reach level 10 in charisma

as a teen, get the party animal trait

go to parties often as a teen/university student

reach level 10 in either career branch

achieve serial romantic aspiration

have children only from one night stands or blind dates

GENERATION NINE: HERMES

god of trade, travel - brown

your mother never really paid much attention to you and your siblings growing up. you lacked the guidance you needed, leaving you and your siblings to fend for themselves. your nasty habit of kleptomania started as a teen, from stealing your mom’s stuff to stealing items from public places.

traits: active, kleptomaniac, you pick

aspiration: friend of the world

career: astronaut (interstellar smuggler branch)

goals:

live in at least 5 different worlds throughout your life once you become a young adult

reach level 10 of astronaut career (interstellar smuggler branch)

attempt to swipe at least one item per day (or every other day)

befriend at least 15 sims from various ages

marry a co-worker

have only one child

GENERATION TEN: ARTEMIS

goddess of hunt - yellow

your days as a child were spent in the outdoors whilst your parents worked, and you have lived in multiple different towns. once you moved out, you decided to built a house on an empty lot with a small farm. your farm began to flourish, and you hound solace in the tranquil landscapes, surrounded by your family and your animal companions.

traits: loner, family-oriented, animal enthusiast

aspiration: friend of the animals

career: veterinarian

goals:

own your own vet clinic

as a child, befriend at least 5 animal

have at least 3 pets!

achieve level 10 in the dog training

you may never marry. either adopt or have a science baby only once.

OPTIONAL GENERATIONS: TBF

GENERATION ELEVEN: HESTIA

GENERATION TWELVE: DEMETER

#sims 4 legacy #sims4legacy #sims 4 cc #ts4 simblr #ts4 #greek mythology #greek gods #sims 4 challenge #sims 4 legacy challenge #ts4challengehub #greek mythology legacy

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ezgee-badally · 11 months ago

Text

I need a good sample size of lesbians and fakeboys. 100’s over the course of years but we would only house 10 subjects at a time due to limited space and my limited attention span. I want to pay close attention to our subjects of course. I’ll recruit them at a pride parade. The most desperate ones. I’ll offer them money to take part in my medical experiment.

They’ll sign a contract without reading it and come into the clinic individually to be raped by strong men with big cocks over and over until they break. The experiment is to see how many times on average you have to force a dyke or fakeboy to cum on a cock before they are “Broken In” and are begging for more like a good dyke cock whore.

#lgetsd #dykebreaking #orientation play #dyke correction #fucked str8 #break me #rough cnc #good girls make more good girls #corruption kink

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mostlysignssomeportents · 23 days ago

Text

Every internet fight is a speech fight

THIS WEEKEND (November 8-10), I'll be in TUCSON, AZ: I'm the GUEST OF HONOR at the TUSCON SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION.

My latest Locus Magazine column is "Hard (Sovereignty) Cases Make Bad (Internet) Law," an attempt to cut through the knots we tie ourselves in when speech and national sovereignty collide online:

https://locusmag.com/2024/11/cory-doctorow-hard-sovereignty-cases-make-bad-internet-law/

This happens all the time. Indeed, the precipitating incident for my writing this column was someone commenting on the short-lived Brazilian court order blocking Twitter, opining that this was purely a matter of national sovereignty, with no speech dimension.

This is just profoundly wrong. Of course any rules about blocking a communications medium will have a free-speech dimension – how could it not? And of course any dispute relating to globe-spanning medium will have a national sovereignty dimension.

How could it not?

So if every internet fight is a speech fight and a sovereignty fight, which side should we root for? Here's my proposal: we should root for human rights.

In 2013, Edward Snowden revealed that the US government was illegally wiretapping the whole world. They were able to do this because the world is dominated by US-based tech giants and they shipped all their data stateside for processing. These tech giants secretly colluded with the NSA to help them effect this illegal surveillance (the "Prism" program) – and then the NSA stabbed them in the back by running another program ("Upstream") where they spied on the tech giants without their knowledge.

After the Snowden revelations, countries around the world enacted "data localization" rules that required any company doing business within their borders to keep their residents' data on domestic servers. Obviously, this has a human rights dimension: keeping your people's data out of the hands of US spy agencies is an important way to defend their privacy rights. which are crucial to their speech rights (you can't speak freely if you're being spied on).

So when the EU, a largely democratic bloc, enacted data localization rules, they were harnessing national soveriegnty in service to human rights.

But the EU isn't the only place that enacted data-localization rules. Russia did the same thing. Once again, there's a strong national sovereignty case for doing this. Even in the 2010s, the US and Russia were hostile toward one another, and that hostility has only ramped up since. Russia didn't want its data stored on NSA-accessible servers for the same reason the USA wouldn't want all its' people's data stored in GRU-accessible servers.

But Russia has a significantly poorer human rights record than either the EU or the USA (note that none of these are paragons of respect for human rights). Russia's data-localization policy was motivated by a combination of legitimate national sovereignty concerns and the illegitimate desire to conduct domestic surveillance in order to identify and harass, jail, torture and murder dissidents.

When you put it this way, it's obvious that national sovereignty is important, but not as important as human rights, and when they come into conflict, we should side with human rights over sovereignty.

Some more examples: Thailand's lesse majeste rules prohibit criticism of their corrupt monarchy. Foreigners who help Thai people circumvent blocks on reportage of royal corruption are violating Thailand's national sovereignty, but they're upholding human rights:

https://www.vox.com/2020/1/24/21075149/king-thailand-maha-vajiralongkorn-facebook-video-tattoos

Saudi law prohibits criticism of the royal family; when foreigners help Saudi women's rights activists evade these prohibitions, we violate Saudi sovereignty, but uphold human rights:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55467414

In other words, "sovereignty, yes; but human rights even moreso."

Which brings me back to the precipitating incidents for the Locus column: the arrest of billionaire Telegram owner Pavel Durov in France, and the blocking of billionaire Elon Musk's Twitter in Brazil.

How do we make sense of these? Let's start with Durov. We still don't know exactly why the French government arrested him (legal systems descended from the Napoleonic Code are weird). But the arrest was at least partially motivated by a demand that Telegram conform with a French law requiring businesses to have a domestic agent to receive and act on takedown demands.

Not every takedown demand is good. When a lawyer for the Sackler family demanded that I take down criticism of his mass-murdering clients, that was illegitimate. But there is such a thing as a legitimate takedown: leaked financial information, child sex abuse material, nonconsensual pornography, true threats, etc, are all legitimate targets for takedown orders. Of course, it's not that simple. Even if we broadly agree that this stuff shouldn't be online, we don't necessarily agree whether something fits into one of these categories.

This is true even in categories with the brightest lines, like child sex abuse material:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/09/facebook-reinstates-napalm-girl-photo

And the other categories are far blurrier, like doxing:

https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/trump-camp-worked-with-musks-x-to

But just because not every takedown is a just one, it doesn't follow that every takedown is unjust. The idea that companies should have domestic agents in the countries where they operate isn't necessarily oppressive. If people who sell hamburgers from a street-corner have to register a designated contact with a regulator, why not someone who operates a telecoms network with 900m global users?

Of course, requirements to have a domestic contact can also be used as a prelude to human rights abuses. Countries that insist on a domestic rep are also implicitly demanding that the company place one of its employees or agents within reach of its police-force.

Just as data localization can be a way to improve human rights (by keeping data out of the hands of another country's lawless spy agencies) or to erode them (by keeping data within reach of your own country's lawless spy agencies), so can a requirement for a local agent be a way to preserve the rule of law (by establishing a conduit for legitimate takedowns) or a way to subvert it (by giving the government hostages they can use as leverage against companies who stick up for their users' rights).

In the case of Durov and Telegram, these issues are especially muddy. Telegram bills itself as an encrypted messaging app, but that's only sort of true. Telegram does not encrypt its group-chats, and even the encryption in its person-to-person messaging facility is hard to use and of dubious quality.

This is relevant because France – among many other governments – has waged a decades-long war against encrypted messaging, which is a wholly illegitimate goal. There is no way to make an encrypted messaging tool that works against bad guys (identity thieves, stalkers, corporate and foreign spies) but not against good guys (cops with legitimate warrants). Any effort to weaken end-to-end encrypted messaging creates broad, significant danger for every user of the affected service, all over the world. What's more, bans on end-to-end encrypted messaging tools can't stand on their own – they also have to include blocks of much of the useful internet, mandatory spyware on computers and mobile devices, and even more app-store-like control over which software you can install:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/05/theyre-still-trying-to-ban-cryptography/

So when the French state seizes Durov's person and demands that he establish the (pretty reasonable) minimum national presence needed to coordinate takedown requests, it can seem like this is a case where national sovereignty and human rights are broadly in accord.

But when you consider that Durov operates a (nominally) encrypted messaging tool that bears some resemblance to the kinds of messaging tools the French state has been trying to sabotage for decades, and continues to rail against, the human rights picture gets rather dim.

That is only slightly mitigated by the fact that Telegram's encryption is suspect, difficult to use, and not applied to the vast majority of the communications it serves. So where do we net out on this? In the Locus column, I sum things up this way:

Telegram should have a mechanism to comply with lawful takedown orders; and

those orders should respect human rights and the rule of law; and

Telegram should not backdoor its encryption, even if

the sovereign French state orders it to do so.

Sovereignty, sure, but human rights even moreso.

What about Musk? As with Durov in France, the Brazilian government demanded that Musk appoint a Brazilian representative to handle official takedown requests. Despite a recent bout of democratic backsliding under the previous regime, Brazil's current government is broadly favorable to human rights. There's no indication that Brazil would use an in-country representative as a hostage, and there's nothing intrinsically wrong with requiring foreign firms doing business in your country to have domestic representatives.

Musk's response was typical: a lawless, arrogant attack on the judge who issued the blocking order, including thinly veiled incitements to violence.

The Brazilian state's response was multi-pronged. There was a national blocking order, and a threat to penalize Brazilians who used VPNs to circumvent the block. Both measures have obvious human rights implications. For one thing, the vast majority of Brazilians who use Twitter are engaged in the legitimate exercise of speech, and they were collateral damage in the dispute between Musk and Brazil.

More serious is the prohibition on VPNs, which represents a broad attack on privacy-enhancing technology with implications far beyond the Twitter matter. Worse still, a VPN ban can only be enforced with extremely invasive network surveillance and blocking orders to app stores and ISPs to restrict access to VPN tools. This is wholly disproportionate and illegitimate.

But that wasn't the only tactic the Brazilian state used. Brazilian corporate law is markedly different from US law, with fewer protections for limited liability for business owners. The Brazilian state claimed the right to fine Musk's other companies for Twitter's failure to comply with orders to nominate a domestic representative. Faced with fines against Spacex and Tesla, Musk caved.

In other words, Brazil had a legitimate national sovereignty interest in ordering Twitter to nominate a domestic agent, and they used a mix of somewhat illegitimate tactics (blocking orders), extremely illegitimate tactics (threats against VPN users) and totally legitimate tactics (fining Musk's other companies) to achieve these goals.

As I put it in the column:

Twitter should have a mechanism to comply with lawful takedown orders; and

those orders should respect human rights and the rule of law; and

banning Twitter is bad for the free speech rights of Twitter users in Brazil; and

banning VPNs is bad for all Brazilian internet users; and

it’s hard to see how a Twitter ban will be effective without bans on VPNs.

There's no such thing as an internet policy fight that isn't about national sovereignty and speech, and when the two collide, we should side with human rights over sovereignty. Sovereignty isn't a good unto itself – it's only a good to the extent that is used to promote human rights.

In other words: "Sovereignty, sure, but human rights even moreso."

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/11/06/brazilian-blowout/#sovereignty-sure-but-human-rights-even-moreso

Image: © Tomas Castelazo, www.tomascastelazo.com (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Border_Wall_at_Tijuana_and_San_Diego_Border.jpg

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

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alphabetatoes · 8 months ago

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you'd make me pay? (jjk x reader)

aka the one where you joke w the men of jjk about paying to get affection (g. satoru + n. kento + k. choso + f. toji)

a.n.: reader is a comedienne n loves to mess w these men (the way the toji one actually happened to me 🙃)

c.w.: 18+, mdni

gojo

"C'mon- Wanna mark you up. Let everyone know you're mine." Satoru had spent practically the entire night trying to convince you to let him give you a hickey.

"Give me $10 and I'll think about it." The issue wasn't Gojo's insistence on marking you. It was his inability to adhere to subtlety. Yet he adored when he could see those red splotches of skin peaking out of your shirt collar.

Gojo stretches his body across your legs, his frame managing to span the entirety of the couch. "Toru, you're crushing me." You move the rogue white strands of hair out of his face.

"Please babe. Need you so bad." His bottom lip bulges as his whining continues.

You cave to his begging, giving him a light pat on the arm. "Fine, you big baby."

Gojo lifts himself from you and pulls you into his lap, a goofy smile strung across his face.. He takes a chaste kiss from your lips, reveling in his victory. You tilt your head to the side as he buries himself in the crook, nipping and sucking along your neck.

nanami

Sharing a bath was not only a way for the two of you to spend time with one another, but to also relax from the stress of the day. Kento had poured the two of you a glass of wine, and you lit a candle to aid in the tranquility.

You're sat on opposite sides of the tub, indulging in the warmth of the water. "C'mere. Want you to sit in my lap while I wash your hair." Kento's hands draw soothing circles on your ankles, gently tapping them to get your attention.

You sink further into the bubble bath, taking a sip of the wine. "I'm so comfy though." The idea of having to move your tired limbs on your own was a travesty. "I'll need at least $15 if you expect me to move on my own."

"How about I make you dinner and give you a massage after instead?"

"You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Nanami." You feign concentration as you mull over his proposal. "But you've got yourself a deal." You clink your wine glass into his, cheers-ing to the proposal.

Once you're seated on Kento's lap, his strong hands make idle work to wash your hair. You let a hand sink to his waist, stroking against his cock to help him relax as well.

choso

You were nestled into Choso's chest as the two of you watched a movie in the living room. One hand wrapped around your waist, pulling you into him. His other hand laid rest on the top of your leg, which you let rest draped over his.

"Can I kiss you?" Choso's breath tickles your ear as he whispers his request.

"For a dollar." You purse your lips, waiting for Choso to lean in.

He reaches for the wallet in his back pocket, pulling out a bill. "I only have a $20- y'know what? Just keep it." As he shoves the bill into your hand, you gently push it away.

"I was only kidding, baby." You try not to laugh too hard as you quell his nerves. The sincerity staining Choso's face has you melting. You give him a sweet smile, grabbing onto his cheeks to pepper him with kisses.

toji

Toji was out of town on a job, leaving you unfulfilled for about a week. To help sate that aching feeling, you'd planned to video chat

“Your tits look great in that top.” Toji eyes you up and down, flashing a coy wink when he meets your gaze. “Think they’d look even better without it, though.”

Feeling playful, you give him an ultimatum. “Give me $5 and I’ll do it.”

“You’d make me pay?” His smirk turns into a pout, frustrated by your proposition. Whether he'd admit it or not, Toji missed you just as much. Craving for any glimpse of the body he had longed for.

“Now it’s $20.”

“Cut me a break, doll. Don’t need you actin’ like a brat when you got me all worked up like this.”

Toji pans the phone down to his waist. The material of his sweatpants is tented up as his dick strains against it. You flip him off and flash him a quick look at your tits, not quite giving into his demands.

He’d owe you big time once he got home.

#gojo satoru x reader #nanami kento x reader #choso kamo x reader #toji fushiguro x reader #jjk fluff #jjk smut

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ebonyslasher · 6 months ago

Note

Hello! May I request a black noir x supe!reader where the reader is secretly apart of The Boys. Also maybe where the reader manages to get black noir to safely before Homelander can come and kill him? Maybe the reader finds out from hugie (pretty sure he was there when solder boy told Homelander he was his dad?? Don’t really remeber though) that Homelander found out that solder boy is his dad and probably going after black noir? Please and thanks!

Hey! I made up the supe powers for this specific situation since you didn't specify.

Span is from a couple of months before season four to after.

The Almost Last Moment

After years of trying and IVF treatments, you future mother finally got pregnant. During early first trimester, your parents selfishly allowed doctors to inject compound V in fetus that formed into you. You were born their literal miracle baby. However, the only power that was apparent was your slight super strength when you were a toddler. Hoping for much more, they were disappointed.

As you grew, your true powers developed. The most exciting power that your parents were actually proud of was your portal making. Admittedly, it was fun jumping to and from anywhere in the world. Especially when you got some birthday money. What 10 year old wouldn't transport themselves to the candy store?

Another ability that you had was tying your aura to another. How they felt, what they felt, and why they felt would flow into the channel that you picked at. You could form the channel with anyone, but it was strongest with emotional attachment. However, if someone felt emotions strong enough, you didn't need a connection to feel them. Your parents didn't care too much about that one, but you thought it was useful.

The idea of being a supe was entertained for about 3 months out of your entire life. Your parents, although not sincerely encouraging, wanted the taste of fame and auditioned you for...well you didn't really know. All you did know what that your powers weren't "popular" aka not profitable enough to be on the forefront. Forget about being a part of The Seven. They offered some ads since you were pretty, but you declined. It didn't feel right, the commercialization of heroes.

Your parents were disappointed in your decision. Their standoffish behavior after pissed you off. If being a hero was just brand deals and politics, then they could do it themselves, since they wanted it so badly. Distancing yourself from them as an adult, you decide to stay low, attempting to live a normal life. The disappointment you had in other "heroes" furthered after observing the way they treated non-supes. So, it was no surprise that you joined The Boys after seeing a supe kill someone just to heighten their coke high.

The little rag-tag group had some interesting characters. What was very interesting was the allies they had within The Seven: Starlight and Mauve. The latter you had briefly met, along with A-Train, at your audition years ago.

Although The Boys represented powerful and much needed justice for non-supes, the work and aura was quite overwhelming. Needing an escape, you began volunteering at animal shelters in your free time. It made you feel good and wholesome, and gave you some much needed space.

This is where you, surprisingly, caught Black Noir's attention. He would go to the shelters to volunteer himself. It looked good for his image and he got to see cute animals. Black Noir noticed you coming in frequently and he became enthralled with your beauty and compassion. Every time you were there, he was there watching from afar. He came up to you one day and stared you down before lightly petting the bunny in your hand. It was...quite awkward to say the least. Him silently doing this and then abruptly leaving.

A nearby worker made an off hand comment that he comes in every week to spend time with the animals, sometimes showing them to children. How sweet. The next time you saw him, you approached, butterflies forming in your stomach. A beautiful relationship blossomed from there.

Although The Boys and The Seven's relationships was in hell, your relationship with Black Noir was heaven. God, he was perfect. Black Noir was such a gentleman. So polite, sweet, and dorky. His awkward habits were downright adorable. It pained you to keep your tie to The Boys a secret. It was apparent how loyal Black Noir was to Vought. You wished he wasn't so loyal to them. It'd make your job a whole lot easier with taking Homelander down.

As the relationship grew deeper, you couldn't help but blend your aura with his. This man is so damn stable. He would flicker through many emotions, like all humans did, but dealt with them head on. He was never afraid to feel things through. You were a bit jealous, but pleased he was emotionally healthy.

His stability was pretty consistent until you felt a sharp pang of paranoia, fear, and dulled pain one day. It shocked you into worry, immediately calling him. He never picked up. You continuously call and to no avail. This feeling of your own panic swept your legs to look for him, but...you couldn't find him. You tried your best to tap into the aura to locate him but the anxiety and paranoia severely dented your focus.

Not long later, Hughie and Butcher continued their escapades with Soldier Boy in hopes of finding his old teammates. You jumped up at the opportunity to join, stating that you'd be useful with your portal ability. Thankfully, they allowed it. It was during the fight with Windstorm when you felt a stronger pulse from the connection. You silently wandered off, using a portal to his location.

You find him, coming out of an abandoned building. Before you could call out, he leaves with quick determination. You try to catch up, deciding to silently follow him. Some time later, he walked right into Vought. Damn. You couldn't just walk right in. And you needed to get back to Butcher.

Your portal led your way back to the team just in time. You used your powers to help Soldier Boy kill his old teammate. Hughie turns to you with a questioning look but you trudge forward so he wouldn't ask anything.

It's an hour or so later when you decide to break into Vought using a portal. You stepped through, tapping into the connection to see how Black Noir felt. He was hopeful, happy, and focused with an underlying thrum of worry. Your shoulders relaxed as you finished stepping through the portal, into the hallway near a conference room. You see some movement and decide to peer around the corner. It was Black Noir and Homelander.

Homelander was speaking to him, going on about how he was able to see through the mask Black Noir had. How he knew what emotions Black Noir was feeling and what he looked like. As he started to speak about him having a father, you could feel some odd emotion welling up in the atmosphere. It wasn't coming from Noir, as you quickly tapped to check. It was coming from Homelander. The feeling was strong, with the air of slight sadness and animosity building quickly as he approached Black Noir. Homelander grabs onto Black Noirs' neck gently and asks,

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He makes this weird grimace and those intense emotions move onto new heights. You knew something bad was going to happen. You start to move when you see Homelanders' free arm move back. Quickly, you create a small portal. Homelander's hand goes through to portal instead of Black Noir.

Black Noir quickly looks at you and you book it towards him. With all the strength you could muster, you kick Homelander back. Putting yourself between the two, you create a portal behind Black Noir. You propel yourself back, bringing Noir with you as you both fell into the portal. You quickly close it as soon as Homelander almost flies through.

You're a mess of pants before you turn to Black Noir. He looked to be in a state on disbelief. You grabbed his hand, squeezing tightly. Breathlessly you said, "Just in time...Earving."

#black reader #black noir #black noir x reader #homelander #the boys

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literaryvein-reblogs · 3 months ago

Text

Writing Notes: Elements of the 10 Story Genres

by Blake Snyder

The 3 elements of a BUDDY LOVE story

An incomplete hero who is missing something physical, ethical, or spiritual; (s)he needs another to be whole.

A counterpart who makes that completion come about or has qualities the hero needs.

A complication, be it a misunderstanding, personal or ethical viewpoint, epic historical event, or the prudish disapproval of society.

DUDE WITH A PROBLEM

An innocent hero who is dragged into a mess without asking for it—or even aware of how he got involved.

A sudden event that thrusts our innocent(s) into the world of hurt—and it comes without warning.

A life or death battle is at stake—and the continued existence of an individual, family, group, or society is in question.

FOOL TRIUMPHANT

A fool whose innocence is his strength and whose gentle manner makes him likely to be ignored—by all but a jealous “Insider” who knows too well.

An establishment, the people or group a fool comes up against, either within his midst, or after being sent to a new place in which he does not fit—at first.

A transmutation in which the fool becomes someone or something new, often including a “name change” that’s taken on either by accident or as a disguise.

GOLDEN FLEECE

A road spanning oceans, time—or across the street—so long as it demarcates growth. It often includes a “Road Apple” that stops the trip cold.

A team or a buddy the hero needs to be guided along the way. Usually, it’s those who represent the things the hero doesn’t have: skill, experience, or attitude.

A prize that’s sought and is something primal: going home, securing a treasure, or re-gaining a birthright.

INSTITUTIONALIZED

Every story in this category is about a group—a family, an organization, or a business that is unique.

The story is a choice, the ongoing conflict pitting a “Brando” or “Naif” vs. the system’s “Company Man.”

Finally, a sacrifice must be made and you get three endings: join, burn it down… or commit “suicide.”

MONSTER IN THE HOUSE

A monster that is supernatural in its powers—even if its strength derives from insanity—and “evil” at its core.

A house, meaning an enclosed space that can include a family unit, an entire town, or even “the world.”

A sin. Someone is guilty of bringing the monster in the house… a transgression that can include ignorance.

OUT OF THE BOTTLE

A wish asked for by the hero or another, and the clearly seen need to be delivered from the ordinary.

A spell, which we must make logical by upholding “The Rules.”

A lesson: Be careful what you wish for! It’s the running theme in all OOTB’s. Life is good as it is.

RITES OF PASSAGE

A life problem: from puberty to midlife to death—these are the universal passages we all understand.

A wrong way to attack the mysterious problem, usually a diversion from confronting the pain.

A solution that involves acceptance of a hard truth the hero has been fighting, and the knowledge it’s the hero that must change, not the world around him.

SUPERHERO

The hero of your tale must have a special power—even if it’s just a mission to be great or do good.

The hero must be opposed by a nemesis of equal or greater force, who is the “self-made” version of the hero.

There must be a curse for the hero that he either surmounts or succumbs to as the price for who he is.

WHYDUNIT

The detective does not change, we do; yet he can be any kind of gumshoe—from pro to amateur to imaginary.

The secret of the case is so strong it overwhelms the worldly lures of money, sex, power, or fame. We gots to know! And so does the Whydunit hero.

Finally, the dark turn shows that in pursuit of the secret, the detective will break the rules, even his own — often ones he has relied on for years to keep him safe. The pull of the secret is too great.

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

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azzibuckets · 7 months ago

Text

For the Love of the Game [Pazzi | Part 6/10]

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

summary: when azzi and paige start to fall

a/n: extra long chapter 😁 i was itching to get to the fluff so apologies for the very abrupt transitions

word count: 2.1k

masterlist w/ all parts

Azzi Fudd had had a terrible day, and she was not in the mood to keep up the charade of dating Paige. But the girls had planned a night at the bar, and wouldn’t stop bugging her until she’d finally relented and agreed to stop by for a short time.

She dressed up in low waisted cargo pants and a slim white top that exposed the top of her cleavage and the span of her abdomen. Dark lipstick coated her lips and she’d added just enough blush to make her cheeks a light rosy pink. She looked and felt hot, but she still didn’t feel all too enthusiastic about joining the girls, especially after they’d been there for an hour and she knew they’d already be tipsy and boisterous.

True to her word, most of the girls were already pretty buzzed by the time she’d arrived. Nika and Amari were completely wasted, giggling as they danced on each other.

Azzi heaved a sigh, heading to the blonde head she spotted in the corner of the room.

“Hey!” Paige yelled as soon as she saw her, her eyes glazed over. Azzi barely looked in her direction, instead asking the bartender for a sex on the beach.

“Yo, what the hell?” She felt a wisp of hot breath behind her and hands ghost her waist.

Rolling her eyes, she turned around, shrugging off Paige’s grasp. “Chill out. I’m really not in the mood right now, Paige.”

“I was gonna buy you a drink,” the older girl scoffed.

“I don’t need you to treat me like one of your hookups, Bueckers.” Azzi didn’t know why she was so mad, but she’d had a long day and this was the last place she wanted to be right now.

Paige’s eyes flashed, dangerous and fiery. “Alright.” She sat down on the edge of one of the barstools. “Here’s what’s gonna happen. First, you’re gonna stop with the fuckin attitude.” Paige grabbed Azzi’s hips and planted her firmly on her lap. “Second, you’re gonna stay here. Our teammates are coming.” Azzi squirmed, but Paige was strong, so she gave up, slumping against Paige as some of the girls managed to push their way through the crowd to reach them.

“Azza-rae!” Aaliyah smushed Azzi’s cheek. “You made it!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Azzi glared at her drink. She stayed silent for the entire conversation, letting Paige carry it for the both of them. After a few moments, she was starting to feel the numbing effects of the alcohol, and she relaxed. She was still angry, for God knows what, but at least she was looser now.

Paige still had one arm wrapped around her waist, her hand resting on Azzi’s bare abdomen. Her touch was making Azzi feel slightly light-headed. She suddenly became even more furious, not understanding how or why she was feeling this way from just sitting on Paige’s lap.

“You cooled off yet?” Paige asked roughly from behind her. Azzi turned around as the blonde threw back a shot. A drop of vodka slipped from the corner of her mouth, trailing her way down her jawline.

Azzi licked her lips, and before she knew it, her mouth was on Paige’s jaw, sucking in the part of skin where the drop had rested. Paige’s jaw flexed, and she moaned, just loud enough for her to hear. Azzi smiled in satisfaction before withdrawing. “You had something,” she husked, looking up at a shocked Paige through her lashes. “And yeah, I think I’ve cooled off.”

Paige ran her hands up Azzi’s side. “You’re being a little bitch today, you know that?” Her mouth was turned up into a sneer.

“Yeah, well, who’s fault is that?” Azzi grabbed Paige’s hands, flinging them off her. “We’re not talking about this tomorrow.”

Paige bit her lip as she watched the younger girl storm her way out of the bar.

After that night, the dynamic of their relationship shifted. Azzi hated the sexual tension that always seemed to arise whenever they were in close proximity with each other, so she saw the best way of solving that tension as making out with Paige, kissing until they stopped arguing and all they could think about was each other’s bodies. They both convinced themselves that it was just practice for when the real deal came.

—————————-

“You ready?” Azzi rested a hand on Paige’s leg to stop it from jiggling. She couldn’t help but find it somewhat endearing how nervous the blonde was to meet her parents.

“What if they don’t like me?” Paige stressed. “Wait, what do I call them again?”

“It’s cute how nervous you are,” Azzi laughed. “Considering we aren’t even actually dating.”

Paige pouted, crossing her arms. “I still like to make good impressions on parents!”

“Of course you do.” Azzi unbuckled her seatbelt. “Just pretend that you’re in love with me. It shouldn’t be too hard.” She winked before heading to the front door, leaving Paige to dart after her in a panic.

As Azzi rang the doorbell, Paige adjusted and readjusted the flowers she held in one hand and the bottle of wine in the other. She’d been wary about the idea of meeting Azzi’s parents at first, but the younger girl had insisted, saying there was no way they could pretend to date without her mom finding out about it. So here they were, in DC, on the front step of her childhood home.

“Az!” Tim Fudd opened the door, immediately wrapping Azzi in a hug.

“Hey, Dad,” Azzi chuckled.

“Come in, come in.” Tim ushered them in. Paige suddenly found herself face to face with Azzi’s entire family - Tim, Katie, and her two brothers, Jose and Jon.

“Guys, this is Paige. My girlfriend.” Azzi’s lightly touched Paige’s hip, the other hand gesturing to each of her family members as she introduced them by name.

“Nice to meet you all,” Paige said awkwardly, lifting one hand up in the air. She ignored Azzi’s stifled giggles next to her as she held out the wine. “I brought some white wine,” she said. “And some flowers for you,” she handed the flowers to Kate, who grabbed the girl and folded her into a hug.

“That’s so sweet, hon. You shouldn’t have,” Kate cooed, releasing Paige before delicately taking the flowers.

“Alright, I’m gonna go show Paige my room and we’ll come right back down for dinner,” Azzi told her parents, grabbing Paige by the hand and leading her up the stairs.

Azzi’s room was cozy. A twin bed with a mountain of pillows and stuffed animals was nestled in the corner. Her walls were plastered with posters of basketball greats. Plastic gold trophies and medals from AAU tournaments, USA Basketball, and her high school littered the room. “Nice.” Paige looked around, her hands stuffed in her pockets. “It’s very you.”

“Why are you being so awkward?” Azzi lightly punched her, but Paige grabbed her hand and held it, intertwining their fingers.

For the past couple of weeks, Azzi and Paige had been maintaining their fake dating scheme. They’d been spending so much time together that they seemed to be finally getting along, and now they were in this weird limbo where they had become so accustomed to touching in public, in front of their teammates, that it came naturally when they were alone. Yet neither of them ever addressed it, never wanted to confront that they were becoming more than enemies, even more than friends.

“I’m not,” Paige denied. “It’s just kinda weird being in here. I literally hated your guts a few weeks ago.”

Azzi stopped swinging their hands. “I know.” She seemed tense, so Paige took her hand and massaged it, rubbing Azzi’s palm and fingers between her hands.

“You miss home a lot?” Paige asked, eyes focused on Azzi’s hand.

“Yeah. I know I’m close to my home town compared to other girls on the team, but it’s still hard. I miss them a lot.”

Paige nodded. “Good thing we’re here then,” she said softly, and when she brought Azzi’s hand up to kiss the pad of her fingertips, Azzi felt her heart skip a beat.

———————-

Paige tied her shoelaces, making sure to double knot them. Today was game day, and she needed to be in the right mindset, but all she could think about was Azzi. How moments ago she’d pulled Paige to an empty conference room and kissed her til she couldn’t breathe, her hands slipping up beneath Paige’s shirt, the touch of her fingers burning her skin. How she looked so fucking gorgeous when her hair was in those braids. Even now, she was distracted by Azzi warming up, pure concentration on her face.

Paige tightened her ponytail. Focus, she reminded herself. But when Azzi started walking towards her with a grin on her face, she knew it was a lost cause.

“Might have to close your mouth there, Bueckers,” Azzi smirked. “Or you might start drooling.”

“Shut up. I’m just nervous. I have a bad feeling about this game,” Paige muttered.

“Hey.” Azzi brushed a strand of hair away from Paige’s eyes. Paige had to remind herself that the younger girl was just doing this for the thousands of people watching, that there was no emotion or greater meaning behind her action. “Don’t be nervous. You’re gonna be great.”

Paige managed to muster up a half-hearted smile. Azzi nudged her shoulder with hers. “But don’t let that make you all cocky. Just play your heart out like you always do, yeah?”

The blonde nodded, nudging Azzi’s shoulder back.

——————

When it happened, Azzi was celebrating. She’d just sunk a three from the screen that Aaliyah had set for her. As she ran back to defense, she’d hyped up the crowd, lifting up her arms with a grin on her face. It was only the second quarter and UConn was already up by 12 points.

So Azzi hadn’t even seen it happen. All she’d heard was a thump, a groan of pain, frantic whistles blowing and the chaos of the crowd, until she’d turned around and seen Paige on the floor, clutching her knee, the entire crowd now silent.

“Azzi,” Paige had said, her face twisted in pain as she’d rocked on the ground.

Everything after that was a blur. As soon as Azzi heard her name, she’d had tunnel vision, and she’d ran, faster than she thought her legs could take her, until she was by her side, panting.

She’d crouched, scared to touch her, scared to move her for fear of hurting her more. Until Paige had repeated her name again, Azzi, and she’d lifted Paige’s head and put it in her lap. She looked down at her, and when their eyes met, they both knew. They knew what this meant. They knew Paige hadn’t just twisted or sprained or even fractured her knee. Paige started crying then, and Azzi had cradled her head. “I got you,” she’d whispered. “I got you.”

Her thumbs had brushed against Paige’s temples, attempting to provide any comfort possible, as they waited for the team physician to come. When the physician came, he propped Paige up, wrapping her arm around his shoulders so that he could help her limp off the court.

Azzi had ran up to Geno, stumbling over her own feet. “Geno,” she’d gasped. “Please.”

Geno hadn’t let her at first, forcing her back in the game. But when she kept on missing shots, when she kept letting the person she was supposed to guard slip by, kept on forgetting to move off the ball because all she could think about was Paige, the terrible hurt in her eyes, the way the first thing that she’d said after she went down was her name, Geno had pulled her out. “I don’t need you spreading your anxiety to my bench,” he’d said gruffly, not even sparing her a look. “Go.”

So Azzi had sprinted, off the court and into the hallway. When she’d reached the physician’s room, she’d halted outside. What if Paige didn’t want to see her? Even with the past few weeks, she wouldn’t exactly consider them friends. But she’d straightened her shoulders and pushed the door anyways.

Paige’s head had shot up. The game was playing live on the television in the corner, and she had been watching intently. “What’re you doing?” Paige had said aggressively. “You’re supposed to be out there.”

Azzi had stepped wordlessly in. Had moved closer until she could see the dampness on Paige’s cheeks, until she was touching Paige’s hair and Paige had leaned her forehead against her stomach, had started crying, violent sobs that soaked Azzi’s shirt. Azzi had wrapped her arms around Paige’s shoulders, had held her closer, had let Paige cry until she’d exhausted herself.

She didn’t leave Paige’s side for even a second that night.

#paige bueckers #azzi fudd #pazzi #uconnwbb #wcbb #wbb #enemies to lovers

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syoddeye · 9 months ago

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useless

Part one of my submission to @glitterypirateduck's O, Captain! Challenge. I rolled a d100 to select three prompts. Part one uses two:

42. The story spans over a period of 10 or more years

14. Opposites attract

~2k words, Price x f!Reader. Some liberties were taken with canon, obvs. Please enjoy!

You meet John Price when you're fifteen years old.

Being the new kid is never easy, but you have some practice. This is the fifth time your family has moved since you were born. Such is life when your mother's an ambassador. However, it is your first time attending an actual school, and it's miserable. It doesn't matter who your mother is when your peers are the children of millionaires, celebrities, and executives. Compared to them, you're a nobody, just easy pickings.

But compared to John, you might as well be a princess.

The son of your mother's assistant, you see John almost every day. You do not attend the same school, of course. Despite the awfulness of its students, your school has standards, after all, but every day after the last bell, you and your security detail fetch John to rendezvous at your family's sprawling home. Since both sets of your parents work long and odd hours, you spend a great deal of time together. Usually, you study, eat dinner, maybe read or watch television, but you do not necessarily talk. He's as surly as an old man, unpleasant on good days and unbearable on bad ones.

You don't look at John when he slides into the car anymore. You're enthralled in Sabriel, too busy to acknowledge him, that is until you feel his eyes on you.

"What?"

"Didn't say anything."

"You're staring," You huff, lowering the book, only to almost drop it. "What happened to your face?!"

A purpling, inky black bruise covers John's swollen left eye. It's nasty, but he looks bored by the question.

"Scrapped. Some idiot ran his mouth."

"So you hit him? Then he hit you?"

"That's generally how it works," He says dismissively, crossing his arms and leaning into the seat to stare out the window.

You roll your eyes and return to the Abhorsen. "Your mom's gonna kill you."

He doesn't have a comeback for that.

Predictably, his mom loses it when she arrives to pick him up. Throws a fit, her anger evenly split between John and his school. You watch from the top of the stairs as your mother consoles her friend and offers advice before they leave. John scowls, the expression deepening when he catches you listening in. You give a shit-eating grin before retreating to your room. Serves him right for fighting. Boys.

Of course, though, in a rotten turn of events, his mother leverages her position, and John enrolls in your school. Due to your relationship, you're naturally coupled together both in and outside of the classroom. It isn't for lack of trying on your peers' parts. You can grudgingly admit John's a good-looking boy. He has all the makings of a popular kid. Athletic, intelligent, and withdrawn, just enough to make people wonder in a good way. He's regularly asked out, the invitations often extended in your company. You don't miss how other girls look at him or glare at you.

Jokes on them, he's easily the most unpleasant person you've ever had the displeasure to know.

"What are you putting down on the careers interest form?" You ask one afternoon, sprawled on the couch while John sits with his back to it, reading.

"SAS. Enlisting next year."

"Military? How noble." You muse. "Your dad's not–"

"No," His head turns a fraction. "But my grandfather served. North Africa."

It's the first you've heard of it. John doesn't talk much about his family, nor do you make a habit of asking. You don't pay close attention to the adults' conversations either. "Well, you're pretty strong and clever, I guess," you temper the compliments, uneasy about doling them out to him. So you'll fair well, I bet."

He doesn't respond for a minute before a quiet "Thank you," ekes out.

For whatever reason, your face heats. How embarrassing. You tap your pen against your blank form, grateful he faces away. Yet as a silence follows and stretches, irritation sidles alongside discomfiture. Honestly, this is what you'd like to show the girls at school. Prove that John's actually quite annoying.

"Now's about the time another person would ask what I'm putting down."

John doesn't look up from his book. "I know what you're going to write."

You bristle. "Oh, do you? Enlighten me."

"Artist. Writer. Actress. Something useless."

In one fluid movement, you sit up and strike him across the crown with your notebook. "You're such an asshole!" You quickly create distance between his stupid, stunned face and yourself, stomping all the way to the stairs. Halfway up the steps, you crouch, pressing your face between the balusters. "You're not going to amount to anything!"

You don't speak to him after that—not entirely, of course. Your families are too intertwined to avoid him completely, but the incident strains your already tenuous relationship. It's awkward and tense, though neither of your families notices the shift. You sit in silence at joint dinners. You leave him alone in the den after school. You latch on to other singletons in class, avoiding him in the halls.

Months pass, and as John declared, he enlists the moment the school term ends. Freshly sixteen, and scheduled to ship out to basic.

The morning he leaves, your mother drags you to his house. You stand speechless on the walk outside when he marches out with his rucksack. His head's shaved. He grew an inch and filled out some in the last few weeks when you weren't paying attention. Still a boy, but clearly on his way to becoming a man.

His mother all but shoves him at you to say goodbye. He stares down at you now, the twit.

"Good luck." It's the nicest thing you can manage.

"Break a leg," He responds, hauling his bag over his shoulder. "Don't be useless."

You're too busy noticing how his eyes are the same color as the sky to feel even a twinge of irritation.

When he files into the waiting taxi, his mother bursts out into sobs. You watch the car until it disappears down the next street, trying to understand why your chest is so tight.

It’s a decade before you see him again.

"I told the Prices you'd pop by."

You nearly fumble your card, phone cradled between your shoulder and ear, and clumsily tap it against the scanner. Mouthing an apology to the disinterested cashier, you take your bag and find your words.

"Why would you do that?" You ask, unable to completely mask your disdain. "I told you I have plans for New Years."

Your mother tsks. "Surely you can pencil in some of our oldest friends for an hour tomorrow."

The automatic doors open, and the wintry air envelops you instantly. The plastic bag taut in the crook of your arm, you flip the collar of your coat and start the return trek to your flatshare. "I haven't seen them since graduation, since we moved back to Virginia."

"And you moved back to London, what, eight months ago?" Her end muffles a moment while she says something to her aide. Her voice is sterner when she speaks again. "They've been asking about your job, how acting's going…" Her voice trails, leaving the works or not going unspoken.

You swallow, tucking your chin into your scarf to consider the remainder of the conversation. "Fine. I'll stop by tomorrow afternoon. But I'm not staying late. I have plans." You don't. You did have an invite to a party a week ago, but that was before Jeff decided Jane from work was 'more his speed'. More 'conventional'. Though you'd seen the breakup coming for weeks and the relationship only a measly six months old, it still stung. Since coming back to London, you've had more than enough rejection.

Dozens of auditions. Dozens more interviews. Zip, zilch, zero. No callbacks, no non-speaking roles. And while you are the favorite stage manager for several small local theaters and Yes Woman, you weren't any closer to the stage. Something your mother loves to remind you of. Between her rapid ascent up the career ladder and your decision to study theater, an uncrossable gulf cropped up between you. It grew with each passing day. Moreso, when you reject every offer of financial support or connection. Her support means control. Ownership. You won't have it.

The conversation drifts to other topics—Dad, mostly. He's still putting around after her, content in his retirement. They'll spend New Year's at the White House, of course. You're pushing through the door to your place when she drops the bomb.

"John'll be there, too."

This time, you drop your keys.

There is no excuse you can make to back out now. You wait on the top step of the Price's home. It's smaller than you remember. You hear people inside, music, and laughter. You hesitate. Given what you told your mother, they probably expected you far earlier than nine, but you barely mustered the courage to leave your room. You practically blacked out on the tube, leaving the station in a daze with your cheap bubbles. Taking a deep breath, you reach for the door. No time for stage fright.

The foyer is a time capsule, aside from the dozens of coats hanging on hooks and a coat rack. Framed photos of the Prices throughout the years line the short corridor leading further into the home. John's center stage for most of them. You hang your coat and slowly edge down memory lane, pausing when you see your own face looking back at you. Aged fifteen, the first day of school. You and John in different uniforms, sulking for different reasons. It was the last time you were the same height.

There are a lot of photographs of you in the hallway gallery. Ones you didn't know existed. You get stuck on a still of you and John from behind. It's from the London Zoo, from some ridiculous event your mother's work mandated you attend. The photo is simple, accidentally composed almost professionally. You and John lean against the rail overlooking the lion exhibit. You excitedly point at the pair lazing about in the shade, and John…John's focus is on you.

The sound of your name rips you away from the moment, and Mrs. Price beckons from the doorway to the living area.

The reunion between yourself and Prices is sweeter than you thought it would be. It's odd to see them older. As jarring as it is when you see your own parents, as sparingly as those visits are. Wrinkles, spots, graying hairs…But unlike your parents, none of the familiar warmth is missing from the Prices. They fuss, complimenting your secondhand dress and gushing over the bottom shelf champagne. They awkwardly introduce you to the closest guests, some claiming to have met you as a teenager. But you feel Mrs. Price's hand on your back, gently ushering and ushering, until you arrive at the threshold of the kitchen.

He's taller, tanner, and a hell of a lot broader than you remember him.

"John? Look who's here!"

You step into the kitchen with a gentle nudge from Mrs. Price, and the figure from many memories and more than a handful of confusing and mortifying dreams turns to face you.

Your name slips from his mouth in an arrogant purr, and the little tug of his lip into a smirk instantly pokes at your patience. He's literally only said your name, and already he's resurrected the same shade of vexation you felt ten years ago.

You're going to need something stronger than champagne.

#ocaptainchallenge #john price #john price x reader #john price x f!reader #price x reader #price x f!reader #lieutenant john price #smug lieutenant john price is so important to me #i'm also obviously not british and i'll admit i did maybe 10% of the research i usually do.....apologies #lightly edited i was too excited

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