#Bugs Bunny is his OWN leading lady

[allieinarden]

I also appreciate centering Porky Pig if you want to incorporate a female character on the “Love Interest” ticket. Porky Pig has been coupled up since ‘37. It’s part of his game and his leading lady’s shortage of professional opportunities up to this point was a wrong in sore need of redress. You know who does NOT need a leading lady? Bugs Bunny.

[theoutcastrogue]

Cartoon depictions of the homeless increasingly reflect the hostility of today’s political leaders toward people on the streets. We’ve gone from images of charming hobos with bindles to zombies taking over cities. If you consume any news at all, you’ve probably noticed that the United States is pathologically cruel to its homeless citizens. This May, the brutal killing of Jordan Neely—who was strangled to death, at the age of 30, simply because he was unhoused and shouting on the Manhattan subway—captured the national spotlight, but it was just one of many such cases of unprovoked violence. In January, two cops reportedly kidnapped a homeless man in Hialeah, Florida, drove him to an “isolated and dark location,” and beat him unconscious. That same month, art dealer Shannon Collier Gwin faced battery charges after he sprayed a homeless woman with a hose outside his San Francisco gallery, barking “Move! Move!” at her. (Predictably, Gwin got a lenient plea deal of just 35 hours of community service.) Elsewhere in the city, homeless San Franciscans have been attacked with chemical bear spray on at least eight occasions. Other assaults have been more impersonal but no less vicious. On July 14, the city of Houston abruptly closed its only public cooling center in the downtown area, potentially condemning anyone without shelter to suffer heatstroke in 90-degree weather. Among the property-owning class, the phenomenon of hostile architecture—sidewalks with spikes that stab anyone who tries to sleep, benches with iron bars, and the like—has become de rigueur. The widespread callousness and lack of compassion are both infuriating and hard to comprehend. How on Earth, we might ask, did things get this bad? [...]

Looking back at older cartoons, one of the things that stands out immediately is the absence of negative attitudes toward the homeless. In fact, during the Golden Age of animation, creators seemed to have had a real affinity for the poor and unhoused, often placing their most iconic characters in that role. There’s a wonderful 1948 Warner Bros. short called “Riff Raffy Daffy,” in which Daffy Duck is looking for a place to sleep—first on a park bench, then a trash can, and finally a furniture display in a shop window—and has to dodge the harassment of the police, as represented by Porky Pig in a little blue uniform. (Literally, the cop is a pig!) Or, in the 1950 cartoon “Homeless Hare,” Bugs Bunny’s rabbit hole is destroyed by a new construction project, leading him to unleash his usual slapstick mayhem against the developers until they put it back. In these cartoons, homelessness is something inflicted on people by outside forces—gentrification and the real estate business, in Bugs’ case—and something which can be successfully resisted. Even Disney cast a homeless dog as a romantic lead in 1955’s Lady and the Tramp, contrasting Lady’s sheltered naivety with Tramp’s superior knowledge of the world. The title invokes the memory of Charlie Chaplin’s “Tramp” films, which similarly brought dignity and humanity to the role of a homeless man. (Bugs Bunny, too, takes inspiration from Chaplin, and multiple Warner animators have drawn him as the Tramp.) In 1961, Hanna-Barbera’s profoundly underrated Top Cat followed the adventures of a gang of wisecracking Manhattan alley cats, who, like Daffy, are always outwitting a meddling policeman. At worst, classic cartoons may trivialize the suffering and danger associated with homelessness—there’s a certain recurring image of the carefree hobo carrying a bindle, which paints the whole subject in a romanticized light—but the homeless themselves are rarely disparaged or made the butt of the joke. Quite the opposite. 

It took a few years, but cartoons caught up to the Reaganite turn. In episodes from the ’90s and early 2000s, there’s a palpable shift in the way homeless characters appear compared to earlier decades. The perspective is different: we’re now seeing them through the eyes of comfortably housed characters, rather than their own. Often they don’t even get proper names. [...] This trajectory leads us, perhaps inevitably, to SpongeBob SquarePants. [..] Squidward gets accused of stealing a dime by his comically greedy boss, Mr. Krabs, and quits his job in a fit of outrage. We then flash forward to see Squidward, now bedraggled and unshaven, living in a cardboard box on the street and begging for change. [...] Mercifully, the ever-cheerful SpongeBob gives Squidward a place to stay—but the moment he’s safely off the street, Squidward turns from a sympathetic victim of circumstance into a lazy, entitled freeloader, straight out of a Reagan speech. He makes no effort to find work and loafs around SpongeBob’s house for ages. [...] Eventually, an exasperated SpongeBob writes “GET A JOB” in his alphabet soup, before shoving him (bed and all) back to work at the Krusty Krab. [...] Worst of all, though, the episode suggests that homelessness can be solved on an individual basis if the people in question simply stop being lazy and “GET A JOB.” This is the biggest myth of all. In 2021, a statistical analysis by the University of Chicago found that 53 percent of people in homeless shelters, and 40.4 percent of unsheltered people, do have jobs. The problem is that their wages are too low, and rents are too high. According to statistics from the same year, it’s impossible for someone working a full-time, minimum-wage job to afford a single-bedroom apartment in 93 percent of U.S. counties, and there are no states in which someone can rent a two-bedroom space on the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In other words, homelessness has little or nothing to do with personal responsibility, or lack thereof. It’s a consequence of large-scale economic decisions made by landlords and bosses. [...]

— Alex Skopic

[cyberpunkonline]

Unraveling Discordianism in David Lynch's Oeuvre

In the realm of contemporary cinema, few auteurs have embroidered their work with the esoteric thread of Discordianism as richly as David Lynch. Discordianism, a modern, somewhat satirical religion that worships Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos, offers a theological justification for embracing disorder, paradox, and the absurd. It's a cosmic giggle in the face of convention and authority, a sentiment that finds an echoing laughter in Lynch's filmography.

Non-Linear Narratives: The Discordian Storytelling

The traditional narrative arc bends toward order: a beginning, middle, and end where loose ends are tied, and moral lessons are gleaned. Lynch, however, splinters this arc, creating mosaics of narrative chaos. In "Mulholland Drive," he constructs a cinematic labyrinth without a Minotaur, leaving the audience to wander in interpretive circles. This film plays with the very fabric of storytelling, a move reflective of the Discordian principle of creative disorder.

Duality and the Illusion of Order

Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” serves as a beacon of Discordian themes, with the dual existence of its characters (and their secrets) juxtaposing the apparent tranquility of small-town life with a hidden, chaotic underworld. The Double-headed Eagle in Discordianism, symbolizing order and disorder, finds its echo in the duality of characters like Laura Palmer - the homecoming queen with a dark double life, embodying the Discordian belief that chaos and order are two sides of the same coin.

The Absurdity of Existence: Rabbits and Radiators

One cannot discuss Lynch’s foray into the Discordian without a nod to the unsettling sitcom featuring humanoid rabbits in "Inland Empire." Their disjointed exchanges in a nondescript living room, accompanied by canned laughter at non-jokes, invoke the absurdity of existence central to Discordianism. It's here Lynch’s work becomes an Easter egg of sorts, where Bugs Bunny could be the trickster archetype of Eris, albeit more likely to wield a carrot than the Golden Apple of Discord.

The Surreal as a Gateway to Truth

Lynch’s worlds are teeming with surreal elements that break the illusion of reality, a core principle in Discordianism that what we see is but a structured facade over the intrinsic chaos of the universe. “Eraserhead’s” Lady in the Radiator, singing in a dream sequence amidst giant spermatoid creatures, challenges the audience’s comfort with the familiar, urging a confrontation with the chaos that underpins existence.

Chaos Magick and the Artistic Process

Lynch’s creative process itself mirrors the chaotic magick intrinsic to Discordian practice. His reliance on Transcendental Meditation to dive into the depths of consciousness and emerge with the pearls of avant-garde storytelling aligns with the Discordian idea of tapping into chaos for enlightenment. Lynch’s films don’t just represent Discordianism; they enact it.

Conclusion

David Lynch's films are tapestries woven with threads of paradox, absurdity, and chaos, where the audience is often left to their own devices to make sense of the spectacle. While Lynch may not explicitly identify as a Discordian, the parallels are striking. From the double lives of "Twin Peaks" to the unnerving performances of "Eraserhead," Lynch channels the essence of Discordianism, proving that within chaos, there is a strange order to be found - and within his cinema, an unsettling enlightenment awaits the brave. Whether the rabbit hole leads to a hidden lodge in the woods or a lady living in a radiator, Lynch assures us the journey through chaos is never just a wild hare chase - sometimes, it's a pilgrimage to the heart of artistic truth.

- Raz

[glapplebloom]

((And don’t expect images either))

Before I begin, let me tell you a tale of my own childhood. This was before the internet, where you were forced to watch TV on schedule if you don’t want to miss an episode. And if you missed one, unless you were lucky enough to record it on tape, you would have to wait a half a year to see it again. But as a kid, I watched whatever was on TV and my parents didn’t mind since it was usually animated. One of these shows was called Fish Police. It featured murder, implied sex and has one scene where a lady cut up another’s dress so she can show more cleavage. So as you can guess, it was a cartoon not made for kids.

Another story, one more recent. My mother took her young nephews to see a movie. It’s about this talking bear and his owner who is now grown up and has adult responsibilities. That movie was Ted. You could blame the ticket people who sold her the tickets or you could blame the lady who saw a Teddy bear in front of a urinal and paid it no mind, let alone the R rating on the poster. It is so easy to blame everyone for exposure to things they realistically shouldn’t, but at the end of the day there is one ultimate person to fault: whoever is the adult supervising the kids.

You can probably guess what this article is being a response to, but to avoid specifically targeting people or inviting people to bomb their video, I am not going to mention the title nor the user and state off the bat I do not condone going after someone. But I am going to disagree about their stance that this is Bronies fault for being exposed to things ahead of their time. It has a history long before My Little Pony became as big as it is now and it will continue to be with whatever comes next unless the adults taking care of the kids step up their game and make sure they can control what the kids are watching.

Taking care of kids is hard. It is so easy to just sit them in front of a TV or Internet or a game system and let them have fun while you can do other stuff. But when doing so carelessly, you’re letting them be exposed to things they probably shouldn’t. And when that happens, the people being blamed isn’t the parents who allowed this to happen but the subject because they were there. This led to multiple cases of Moral Panic that do things like change Ninja to Heroes or blaming Video Games for a tragedy.

It’s so easy to target a subject more than pointing to yourself because that would be putting the blame on yourself (or in the person’s case, their parents). And as bad as these moral panics are, it did lead to things to help make it easier. We have a video games rating system now because of this and Youtube Kids for a youtube 100% safe for kids (as far as I’ve seen). But ultimately the people responsible for what they watch are the adults responsible for them. And if they noticed the big red warning in the first 5 seconds of Smile HD, regardless of what the thing was saying, they would likely not allow their kids to see it.

Another example by myself is when I was showing my nephew some Sonic Shorts. I didn’t show them everything, just the ones I felt were pretty all ages. So anything with death and sex was avoided. I don’t think the bloody stuff was there as this was before the HD versions. I watched Bluey and enjoyed it and knew it was safe for my niece when she became a fan. And I would expose her to only nice things drawn about Bluey. I would try to put on Bugs Bunny Builders because I know that was made exclusively for kids. And I would avoid showing them things like Helluva Boss because it’s explicitly not made for kids.

Basically, it is hard to take care of children because they find a rabbit hole and try to follow it. And this moment of unsupervised discovery leads to these things. Like the person said, it is wrong to stop someone who has a creative idea and they should put it in places where kids wouldn’t get access to them. But kids shouldn’t have unfiltered access to Youtube or Tumblr in the first place. That’s why to create an account you would need to be of age. That’s why there are numerous parental controls to make sure kids don’t find these things. There is diligence required to prevent these things from traumatizing young minds, and the best way is to know what your kids are doing.

[mcheang]

Hello. It's been a while. :) Post-Miracle Queen: There’s an Akuma who turns people into cute baby animals. During this state, people don't have memories as humans. They act like an animal would. Marinette gets hit and becomes the class pet until Ladybug fixes everything. Lila doesn't like this and having to pretend to coo over her rival. Her fake enthusiasm and plots to get Marinette banned temporarily from school gets her caught eventually by angry classmates.

Baby Mari

This is a draft

It’s annoying when your older siblings pull the whole “I’m older” card on you. Sometimes it can lead to deep, negative emotions. Something Hawkmoth takes advantage of when he akumatizes Perrine, fed up with her bossy older brother telling their mother she isn’t responsible enough for a pet yet.

So she is transformed to the Pacifier, and is heading for Dupont, where her brother is.

With a shake of her rattle, Pacifier sprinkles glitter on her victims, who turns into adorable baby animals.

The students were used to akumatizations and ran for it. Except Marinette couldn’t just leave Alya behind to film. And she got caught in the glitter as well.

Alya picked up a baby....bunny? (What? The ears could resemble pigtails when flattened)

https://youtu.be/_v94XqFW4Qw

Somehow Tikki avoided discovery. This is terrible. With the Guardian gone, Chat Noir will be on his own! Well, Mr Bug will be on his own, because the akuma has to be purified.

After Pacifier departed with her new pets, she went to find her mother.

School resumed. Alya had permission to bring Marinette to class since her parents didn’t allow pets in the bakery and it would probably take an hour for the akuma to be defeated. Otherwise, the bakery would be shut down for a while as Tom and Sabine looked through pet care guides.

As the class cooed over Marinette, Lila scowled over the loss of attention. With Chloé gone into hiding, there was one less contender for the spot of class queen.

Rose noticed Lila hanging back. “Come give her a pet Lila. She won’t bite. Marinette is such a cute bunny, and her fur is so soft!”

Lila plastered on a relieved smile, like she was glad people think she could get close to Marinette now.

Except as soon as the bunny smelled the liar, she instinctively bit the finger.

Lila: OW!

Lila recoiled, clutching her bleeding finger.

But instead of trying to comfort her, the girls actually chided Marinette in soft tones. “No, Mari, we don’t bite people.”

Alix: Wow, even in bunny form Marinette doesn’t like Lila.

Kim: you should go to the nurse Lila.

Lila: is no one going with me?

Everyone stared at her like she was being ridiculous.

Alya: Lila, it’s not a major wound. You don’t need us to follow you around everywhere. You’ll be fine.

Mylene: maybe Marinette’s hungry?

Adrien: does anybody have snacks? I have some Camembert but I read that rabbits shouldn’t eat those.

And just like that, Lila was dismissed from their minds.

As she stared in furious disbelief, Max glanced back to remind her to go.

That’s it. Time for the rodent to go.

Lila waited until lunch before grabbing Marinette with the lunch lady’s gloves. She just caused a food fight before grabbing Marinette as everyone turned to look at the spectacle.

As Lila headed to the second floor, she intended to drop Marinette from that height on the concrete, but the class quickly noticed her absence and spread out, calling for her.

Of course someone had to notice Lila was wearing gloves.

Lila quickly claimed she was trying to get Marinette to the safety of the class. That got her some gratitude, until wrinkled noses pointed out that Marinette must have confused rubber gloves for a litter box. Said gloves were currently dripping on Lila’s favorite shoes.

Alya managed to get Marinette out of Lila’s grip before she strangled the bunny.

Maybe she should try shooting the bunny instead. People hunt bunnies right?

Nah. Too much work.

Fine, how about insisting that pets are not allowed in school? But Damocles has been turned into a baby owl and Ms Bustier was all for letting the class bond over a class pet. ...is it too late to pretend she has a late-acting allergy?

Ooh. Lila’s got it. She goes to talk to a school assistant instructing some students on how to care for their new class Chinchilla.

Lila goes up, praising him for his hard work and knowledge but also offers her sympathies for cleaning up after the animal messes. And don’t they shed too?

Unfortunately the assistant turns out to be Mylene’s father. Wasn’t he supposed to be an actor? And he calls over Mylene to tell Lila where she put the gloves and poop bags.

And as for the shed hair, even humans have hair loss.

Mylene thinks it’s wonderful of Lila to volunteer for poop duty, but she shouldn’t be surprised. The excited Mylene hands Lila her new equipment before she can protest.

Lila is furious. But she eventually makes use of an opportunity to sweep Marinette into the pan and throw her into the dumpster. Everyone else backed off when Lila suggested they take her shift, hence they didn’t see Marinette getting swept up.

Except there was no way for them not to notice Marinette was missing once Lila had gone. Suspicious, Adrien stopped Lila.

Inside the pan, they found a stinky bunny.

Lila: oops, I must have accidentally caught her.

Adrien: how do you accidentally catch a bunny when her....um...business is smaller than she is?!

Lila: I don’t watch while sweeping.

Kim: that is just plain stupid.

Mylene: aren’t you supposed to be an expert at this sort of thing?

Lila nearly squawked in outrage at the idea that being a frequent volunteer means being experienced at clean up.

Alya: maybe you better take a day off? You don’t seem to have a way with animals. You can get away because the akuma is still out.

Lila couldn’t believe it. They were actually kicking her out. She was going to protest before Rose started insisting they give Marinette a proper wash.

Lila tries to volunteer for that but Max interrupted, “Sorry Lila. But with what has already happened, you’re more likely to choke Marinette with soap than otherwise.”

He wasn’t that far off. Lila would have likely drowned the baby animal.

Lila stormed out of school. As luck would have it, she crossed the Pacifier’s path.

A sprinkle of glitter.

Where once stood a teenage girl now stood a crow fledgling. Shame how nobody was around to witness this. Lila the crow lay helpless on the ground, until the Pacifier plucked her up and dumped her into a pram stuffed with other baby animals. It was a tight squeeze, and suffocating since the baby crow was smaller than the other animals.

It took some time for Mr Bug to defeat the Pacifier, though it helped that Pacifier was distracted by the sight of a baby bunny rolling around in flour.

When the Miraculous Mr Bug was cast, Marinette found herself safe at home. Lila found herself on the street sucking on a worm.

Lila spat it out. “Ew!”

When Marinette returned to class, her friends still coddled her and pampered her, much to her bemusement. Lila just glowered from the back. She never wanted to see another baby animal ever again.

Caline: alright class, settle down! Welcome back Marinette. Since we had such fun taking care of Marinette, I thought of a fun project for home economics.

Ms Bustier moved aside to reveal hamsters in their own cages.

You have got to be kidding me! Lila thought furiously. Her assigned hamster likes to bite too.

To rub salt in the wound, Marinette and Adrien were the proud new parents of Fu the hamster.

[quixotickaya]

Rabbits and Hares

The following text is ALL QUOTED DIRECTLY from Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes:

The animal once most associated with European witchcraft wasn't the cat, which for a long time was rare, but rabbits. Rabbits served as witches familiars and messengers and are the form into which European witches once most frequently transformed.

Most rabbit and hare species graze at twilight. Little brown rabbits camouflage well; they suddenly appear and disappear, as if by magic.  Rabbits' defenses are limited to speed, brains, and fecundity.  Rabbits survive and thrive because they can reproduce faster than they can be killed. No surprise, then, that the rabbit is the fertility animal extraordinaire. They are associated with sex, reproduction, and the moon. Classic tricksters, they represent success, survival and joy despite all odds, which, after all, is the primal stimulus for magic and witchcraft.

The gestation period of a rabbit is 28 days, one lunar month, akin to a woman's menstrual cycle.  The Egyptian word for "rabbit" translates as "the opener" and also indicated “period” both the calendar and menstrual sense.  Sacred rabbits, female and male, had dominion over women's reproductive abilities:  Vestiges of that Pagan belief survive in the bunny that delivers eggs, emblematic of birth, at Easter, the Christian holiday that closely corresponds to the Vernal Equinox, the time of Earth's rebirth. Easter bunnies are most frequently depicted as sweet, juvenile purveyors of candy eggs; the hares they're based upon were understood as wild, raucous, very phallically empowered magical creatures. The consort of the Pagan goddess Ostara, whose name is recalled in "Easter, was a man-sized hare.

Around the world, rabbits are associated with the moon, the celestial body ruling magic, romance, and reproduction. In many areas there's a rabbit in the moon, not a man.

Throughout Central America, the moon was uniformly associated with rabbits.  Classical Mayan imagery depicts a beautiful, youthful woman sitting on a crescent moon, cuddling a rabbit in her arms.  The Yucatan goddess Ix Chel, lunar deity of women, magic, storms, and spinning has a consort who manifests in the form of a man-sized rabbit.

In China, rabbits are associated with witchcraft, sorcery, and alchemy. According to Chinese myth, a rabbit keeps the Moon Lady company in her lonely palace-not just any old rabbit though: the rabbit on the moon is an alchemist rabbit, seen pounding out the secret elixir of immortality with his mortar and pestle.

Rabbits are trickster spirits in Africa and now, via transplantation, in the United States as well, the classic examples being Brer Rabbit and Bugs Bunny.  They represent rabbits' powers of rebirth and regeneration: no matter how much trouble Brer and Bugs get into, even when doom seems certain, they always miraculously slip out of trouble (or resurrect) to survive and thrive.  They are magical creatures, too smart for their own good; their curiosity, quest for knowledge, and inability to mind their own business inevitably leads them into trouble, which they always then manage to remedy and survive. They are somewhat dangerous creatures, too, reminding us that tricksters aren't just cuddly bunnies but typically also possess a sharper edge that can lead others into trouble, as well as extricating them again.

Historically, when English witches transformed into animals, it was most frequently a hare.  Unlike on the European mainland where wolves were the most common form, there's little British tradition of werewolves. Christina Hole, author of Witchcraft in England, suggests that this powerful identification with hares occurred when wolves were eradicated in the British Isles.

The British Isles are filled with tales of hares serving as witches' alter egos:

According to legend, Anne Boleyn haunts her parish church in the form of a hare.

Isobel Gowdie, perhaps Scotland's most famous witch (for reasons unknown, she volunteered her witchcraft confession), claimed that she traveled in the form of a hare.

On the Isle of Man, gorse was set on fire on May Day to flush out the witches, believed to take the form of hares on that day.

In Ireland, rabbits found amid cores on May Day were once summarily killed because they were believed to be shape-shifting witches with wicked designs on cattle, milk, and butter.

Even people with little knowledge or interest in magic spells are familiar with the concept of the lucky rabbit's foot, typically carried as a gambling charm. "Lucky for whom?" asks the old joke. "It wasn't lucky for the rabbit!" Indeed. This "charm’s” origins derive from magical witch hunting techniques similar to those advocating slaughtering rabbits on May Day.

The custom of carrying a rabbit's foot charm is now associated with gambling luck but that wasn't the original intent. The magical rabbit foot isn't some ancient spell but is of relatively recent origin. Although popularly associated with African-American conjure traditions, the charm has British roots. Similar charms were used in nineteenth-century England to protect against witchcraft.

Not just any old rabbit's foot would do.  Slightly different versions of this spell exist, some more difficult than others, but to turn the trick, it originally had to be the left foot of rabbit killed in cemetery at midnight, sometimes on a Friday or a Friday the 13th; on a dark moon Friday or any dark moon. Some American versions specify that it must be an African-American cemetery, which may indicate something about the spell-casters beliefs about witchcraft. Other versions stipulate that the rabbit must be killed with a silver bullet. (Silver is the moon's metal.)

There are various ways of understanding this spell.

The rabbit may be understood as a transformed witch, who is now destroyed, and her power stolen for the killer's personal use.

It may be understood as similar to traditions like nailing bats or owls to barn doors to scare away witches; an announcement that what can be done to the crucified witch can be done to others.

It's possible that the spell-caster's goal was to obtain a rabbit familiar or even spiritual possession of the witch in rabbit form.  The rabbit may also be understood as a revenant or powerful ghost; caught outside its grave, it's now finally really dead and unable to rise and walk again.

[hollyhomburg]

Reasons Wretched and Divine (Part 3)

↪ Genre: hybrid au, polyamory au, Hurt/Comfort, Recovery, pregnancy 

↪ Pairing: dog hybrid! Namjoon x Reader x Golden Retriever! Jimin 

↪ Summary: You live on an isolated but sprawling farm with your abusive husband. But things start to change for the better when you adopt a retired police dog hybrid named Namjoon. 

↪ Tags: Mentions of psychological abuse, physical abuse, concussions, hurt/comfort, hybrid mistreatment, Jimin is a little hopeless, first time saying i love you, heavy kissing/touching over clothes, pregnancy, overprotective namjoon, romanticized farm life.

↪ Song rec: Zero o'clock ~ BTS

↪ W/c: 5.9k

🐾    PART 1   🐾   PART 2  🐾

- Taehyung’s smile, waiting to welcome any hybrid to the farm and offer them a bunk and a cup of tea or coffee, does wonders for your retention rate at the farm.

- Pretty soon more hybrids are staying more nights or asking you how long they can stay. And you always reply “as long as you need too” (though there are a few who just only stay a few days to rest and recuperate and then move on, the deer hybrids are particularly nomadic) but the bunk beds in the first finished barn fill up over the course of the first month.��

- It's you who has the idea to put up ads in newspapers and at bus stops for humans who want to help hybrids but can’t take any in. You get quite a few calls from people who have seen their neighbors beating their hybrids, or who have found injured hybrids along the road. 

- You even get a call from a hospital at one point. Pet stores call too- having picked up hybrids from the streets, or have hybrids that have grown too old- haven’t been adopted after a few months or like they call it ‘excess stock’. Even though it seems horrible to think of them that way, to most of the world hybrids are little more than possessions.  

- You and Namjoon always drive and pick whoever it is up rain or shine. You get calls in the middle of the night and have to leave immediately despite the fact that you’re getting more obviously pregnant day by day, and your baby bump fully visible to outsiders, unconcealable under all but the baggiest of shirts. 

- Namjoon’s slowly growing collection of red flannel shirts (really he only likes the red ones) is your favorite thing to raid on the days that you’re feeling particularly self-conscious about your body. And it always makes your puppy a certain kind of needy, wanting to have you close always (which is a plus, not that you’d ever tell Namjoon what his whines do to you) 

- When it comes to giving up unwanted hybrids, Very few people argue with the crazy pregnant lady and her intimidating hybrid with the scarred face. And if they do argue, a stack of money is usually enough to convince even the most reluctant of people to part with their hybrids. 

- The most you’ve ever had to pay an owner to give up their already unwanted hybrid is around 1,000 dollars, and too you- they’re worth much more than that. to see the way they change when they suddenly find themselves safe for the first time in their lives- it’s priceless to you and namjoon. 

- It breaks your heart when you take them home, and the first few days, where they watch everything like it might disappear, when they walk on eggshells of their old lives, so worried that they’re going to be thrown out. When they hoard food worried it’s going to be taken away, flinch at every raised hand. it breaks your heart, but it also makes you feel accomplished when they slowly start to heal, start to laugh louder than they ever have, start to joke and play over meal times, seak you out for a reassuring heat pet. 

- And although you hold more than a dozen certificates of ownership at a time, you’re clear to any hybrid that walks onto your property that they’re their own person, that they owe you nothing and that their freedom and autonomy will be given the second they ask for it. 

- No matter who they are or where they came from, their age, what kind of ears they have on the top of their heads, they are given a bunk, a fresh change of clothes (or two) and at least 2 meals a day. though- mealtimes are easily the hardest part of your operation and the thing that gives you the biggest headache. Making sure you’ve made enough food for everyone after the bunk beds fill up very very quickly when word starts to get around in the stray community. 

- luckily- you had the forethought to expand your kitchen, and now you have 3 ovens, a larger than average dishwasher, 2 sinks, and industrial-sized refrigerators in the cellar. Meals become the most important and most involved part of your day. You’re thankful that a few of the hybrid who has come to stay with you- particularly the cat hybrids, seems to have a knack for cooking who often let themselves into the first level of your house before the sun rises- their nocturnal inclinations useful for once.

- it’s quite the shock, the first day you walk downstairs at 6am, intent on starting breakfast, only to find 3 cat hybrids- one arrived yesterday- a middle-aged forest cat with little tufts on the end of her ears named Heesun, who is already pressing a warm cup of tea into your hands and telling you to sit down. The rest of the cats buzzing around your kitchen, the smell of frying vegetables and eggs already tickling at your nose. “are you sure you’ve got everything?” 

- “of course! when the others told me that you usually cook the food in the mornings- i didn’t think that was right you see- you’re doing so much for us here- let us do this” you watch as she divides labor, the other two cat hybrids following her lead, you ask, and the hybrid tells you she used to be a cook for the family she used to live with. you don’t ask what emancipated her out of their care, Heesun had shown up on the edge of the farm yesterday with a noticeable limp. 

- It’s not surprising to you that after a few days Heesun asks you if she can become a permanent resident of the farm. Any hybrid is free to leave when they want but most choose to stay and contribute. It’s a little surprising, the first day you walk out your front door to find one of the hybrids sweeping up some leaves, or when one of them comes to get Namjoon’s help repairing the side of one of the barns.

- At first- both of you are adamant apposed to them helping, but Taehyung helps mediate between the main house and the hybrids in the barns. And the 10 or so that have stuck around who express to you that it would make them feel more comfortable staying here if they could help out. 

- And it’s not like you don’t need the help- because really, as the population of the farm exceeds 20, you really really do. 

- They mostly run the chore system themselves, Namjoon and Taehyung keep a running list of chores that need to be done and guide a few groups in the morning that want to work. All hybrids who stay contribute in some way, Weather that is with the bunny hybrids that run around doing laundry and sweeping, and cleaning to their heart's content or the bear hybrids led by Taehyung. Everyone has their jobs. 

- You have three bear hybrids in total, Tae, a small honey-colored bear named Beomgyu, and a panda hybrid named Jackson that help you collect the honey from beehives and sell it at the farmers market. Though Taehyung manages to eat more honey than they sell somehow and is constantly scolded by both Jackson and Namjoon (Even if the beehives where his idea). Most of the time when you see him- Tae has sticky cheeks.

- But Namjoon will basically let Taehyung get away with anything, seeing as the hybrid contributes the most to making the farm run smoothly. Taehyung is always egger to help you with anything that needs to be done unable to keep still. Whether that be runs to the store with you to buy mountains of food needed to feed everyone, Coupon clipping, or the general wrangling and organization. The more technical things, like fixing up some of the other buildings, like the chicken coop and actual animal barns that have fallen into disrepair, are left mostly to namjoon. 

- You’re given nearly 30 chickens and half a dozen sheep by a local after the owners of them get too old to properly take care of them. As much as they’re a headache access to more than three dozen eggs a day helps to cut down the cost of breakfast significantly. And you’re happy with the chickens because at the very least they aerate the soil and keep it free of bugs too, even if it means you need to fence in the vegetable garden that you’re cultivating to keep them away from the tomatoes. 

- Scrambled eggs with bacon, breakfast burritos, frittatas, and fried eggs are some of your breakfast staples. And you get more than a little help from some of the hybrids who have experience in cooking during meal times to feed the nearly 50 occupants of the farm by the end of the second month. 

- You’ve accumulated a few dog hybrids as well, Wide-eyed collie Dahyun, chow-chow Yugyeom, and muscly great-dane hybrid Shownu who help Namjoon whenever something needs to be moved, as well as an assortment of rare breeds like the lone alpaca hybrid Seokjin who takes care of the sheep when you have to shear them and spin the wool into fine quality yarn. 

- Seokjin is a quiet hybrid, uncannily taciturn despite his kind face. he can often be found in the workshop at the south end of the property, his hair blonde and poofy hiding his soft pink ears. Piling the mountains of wool into vats of dyes and setting others out to dry, whistling along to the radio as he weaves it. the hybrid is quiet- and prefers his space from the bustle of the center of the property. Namjoon likes to help him when he can, and you’ve seen the way that the usually taciturn hybrid turns smiley when namjoon is around. 

- There is always someone volunteering to do the countless other little jobs and things that the hybrids do or make to help give back to you. Most of them want to do as much as they can, even though there are still days where there simply isn’t a lot of work to do outside of mealtimes. 

- At night, when you retreat to your house after dinner with Namjoon, happy for a little bit of calmness in your kitchen so late. You’ll hold his hand, let him spin you to the tune of whatever plays out of the radio, and thank him for finding you again after you disappeared into yourself for a little while after your husband's death. You don’t feel quite so sad anymore, with the hybrids here- you have a purpose again. 

- The large fortune you have from your late husband is barely dented by the start-up costs and day-to-day costs of running the farm. And since you got licensed by the state as a hybrid rehabilitation center you have no shortage of funding or generous donations by the countries rich looking to deduct from their taxes too. The same rich people that stop by in their fancy cars and barely used trucks to see the farm, often asking to adopt, as enamored with the hybrids as you are. 

- There is a long judgment period before you sign over anyone, and more than once you have declined an offer after the hybrid in question tells you they’re unsure. Sometimes there are red flags, the way the children act almost fearful, and a lack of care shown during mealtimes or something else that leads you to believe that they will be neglected. The ones you do part with give you a hug, often almost not wanting to let go, some of them choking out ‘thank you’s’ and ‘please never close’ that make every bit of effort worth it.

- You keep a logbook, of every hybrid that comes to stay and when they leave, even some come back more than once, every now and then. At the top of the page is namjoon’s signature, and next is taehyungs, and then on and on. you fill up the first page, and then the second, and then the third with names. 

- All the hybrids know that they won't leave with anyone unless they want to. You hold adoption weekends every month or so to help mitigate some of the influx, but you never turn anyone away who comes to stay. There are some hybrids that come stay at the farm and still want a home of their own, which is the primary reason why you start to have open houses and adoption weekends. 

- You devise a system, red tags on clothing to indicate a hybrid that doesn’t want to be adopted, yellow for the ones that might be but need space, and green name tags for those who want to be adopted. 

- The first time you have one of these weekends, 3 months after the death of your husband, you leave Namjoon’s choice of which sticker he wants up to him. He rolls his eyes at you before slapping 5 red stickers on his lapel just for good measure, really? Why would you expect any differently?  

- “Whose going to love a washed-up old soul like me anyway?” Namjoon says over dishes, helping you finish up the few that are leftover from breakfast. The hybrids that normally help are out meeting with the ten or so people that have come to adopt today. The words sound so sour, much more than he wanted them too.  

- You snort, rubbing at a dish harder, splashing the grease onto the front of your apron, angry, maybe it’s just the hormones. “I don’t know, me maybe.” Namjoon looks up abruptly; nearly dropping the dish he’s drying. You take it from his hands and put it on the counter, and you might be smaller than him by nearly a foot but he still feels shy. his cheeks pinking as he looks down at you. 

- “No ones- no ones ever loved me.” Namjoon says in a rush, not sure why he’s saying it, because you know- if anyone in the world knows Namjoon it’s you. your batterd soul matches his. 

- You tilt his chin down to yours, “no one has ever said it to me and meant it either. But I love you Joonie- you have to know that by now- of course I want you to stay for good.” 

- And then suddenly Namjoon is kissing you feverishly, sloppily despite the fact that his body is brimming with careful intent. And it may not be the first kiss you’ve shared- there have been more than a few in the shadowed shared moments In the morning. Mostly chaste pecks of the lips or kisses to your forehead or the ones to your tummy that namjoon knows make you feel a little sad. But for all intents and purposes, this is the only kiss that matters. The kisses that come after the first “I love you” are always sweeter than candy.  

- You thread your fingers through his hair and pull, making tingles erupt like starlight down his spine. Namjoon almost growls into your mouth as he reaches down to grip underneath your thighs where your ass meets your hips. Picking you up as gently as he can manage and placing you on the butcher-block countertop next to the sink. 

-  Your nails rubbing along the curve where his ears connect to his scull and he pulls you closer, always closer, dissatisfied with your nearness even though you’re pressed against him completely and he can feel the gentle swell of you through his clothes. your legs parted so he can step between them. Namjoon wants to not be able to tell where your skin begins and his ends. Your hands run up and down his chest, pushing his flannel off of his shoulders, so you can feel his biceps, the strength there in them taught. 

- Your dress hiking up to the point where it’s verging on lewd as his hands grab fistfulls of your plush thighs. He grips the weight you’ve gained there through your pregnancy and almost groans as he smooth’s his hands up over your curves unable to get enough of the way his fingers press into your supple skin. “Fuck, do you know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that? To touch you? i love you too- so much it hurts sometimes.”

- You’re looking up at him, already looking needy and wrecked the spaghetti strap of your dress sliding off your shoulder, as you nod and Namjoon wants more than anything to keep kissing you, to never stop, he never will if you let him.  

- He feels like he almost wants to devour you nipping lightly at the skin exposed by that fallen strap. As your fingers hover around the nape of his neck, answering his question with a broken whimper as he nips along your clavicle to your neck. Drunk on the smell of you, feeling like his soul is bare but safe in your hands. “I love you- god I love you so much, please can - can i- touch you?” 

- You feel almost incredulous, you head spinning with the knowledge that Namjoon loves you, he loves you, and you love him. You nod your ascent, and After everything, you’d never honestly believed that you’d ever be kissed again, much less that you’d ever be kissed like this. You tug up the hem of his shirt to dig your fingers into hips, dragging them carefully down his stomach without using your nails, the gentleness of the touch making him groan.

-  You can feel his heartbeat in your fingertips, the rapid rhythms of each heart beating in time as Namjoon kisses down your chest, mouthing roughly at your nipple through the fabric, careful not to nip, you’re already keening, your breasts so sensitive to his gentle but hungry ministrations. 

- Before it can go any further a cat hybrid, a small tortashell cat named Irene whose missing the tip of one of her ears from her last owner opens the front door looking for you- announcing a few people come for the open house, shocked to find the scene before her. And before she can manage more than a squeak Namjoon is snarling at her to leave without words. 

- He’s flushing so hard at being caught that you can’t help but laugh, as he turns from sultry to painfully shy. After a few more kisses and a frustrated groan on his part, you go back outside to join the adoption day festivities. 

- You get the call to pick up a golden retriever hybrid much like you would get any other call.

- It’s the second you’ve gotten in the last week and it’s only Thursday, though the first hybrid of the week has been clear that she wants to be re-adopted as soon as possible. You get the call and a blurry picture as proof, a brutish man with a hand tugging a small blonde head with golden ears as curly as the rest of his head. the neighbor tells you he’d seen the man beat the hybrid out in the yard, heard his cries of stop- and though of your add in the paper. 

- You and namjoon leave soon after dinner in your old red truck, before you go Taehyung assures you that he’ll make sure everyone cleans up from dinner and that the two child hybrids that came to stay last week will be in bed before 10. It honestly endears you that Taehyung takes on an older brother role with a lot of the younger hybrids, who during free hours, can be found bothering the bear hybrid to play games or let them steal spoonful’s of honey from the storeroom.  

- The drive is long, the day fading into night as you and Namjoon take mile after mile to heart. He switches off with you on the straightaways. You’ve been trying to teach him how to drive over the past few months (with many quaint misshapes where he accidentally knocked over your mailbox and a street sign or two, it’s a good thing your old truck is incredibly sturdy). 

- You whistle along with the song on the radio and namjoon smiles over at you, you're leaning your cheek on the door, hanging your head out of the open window the warm spring air tickling your long hair, your smile soft and happy. The love he has for you overflowing in his chest, thick and sweet like hidden honey. He might not say he loves you often, but you can taste it on his lips every time he kisses you, since the first confession, the kisses have come every day. 

- Namjoon still gets a little misty-eyed if he thinks about it too much. How much better you’ve gotten in the past few months since you’ve opened your home and started helping hybrids. He knows what it means for you to be able to help others out of situations like this. 

- With most pick-ups and house calls, you’re never sure what you’re driving into. Namjoon is always a little worried, unsure what kind of danger they’re going to find at the end of their journey. 

- Namjoon always anticipates the day that the human owners become violent, and his protective instincts go haywire whenever Namjoon has to leave you near someone abusive. Dredging up memories from a time that you’re both desperately trying to forget, but he’d never ask you to stop coming on these runs.

- This is why when you get to the house on the edge of the city where Namjoon used to work he lets you handle the transactional part of this, it helps that you’re very convincing. 

-The large jean jacket that was Namjoon’s at one point but has become yours pulled snugly over your stomach. You answer the door, talk to the owner weave a story of a widow who needs help on their farm. The man smells distinctly of alcohol and cheep cigars, namjoon sees you holding your breath- even as the conversation becomes less than cordial. Namjoon stops the door from closing in your face by shoving his foot into the door. 

- “I’ll level with you asshole,” you say, “you can either take my money and hand over the hybrid now- or I can go to the police with this” you hold out your phone and the video. “The fine for abusing hybrids is just about as much as what I’m offering to take him off your hands. Either way he’s coming home with me tonight. You can either make 500 dollars tonight or lose it- your choice.”  

- Through the whole conversation, Namjoon stands behind you, a silent sentinel even as the owner of the hybrid raises his voice. You argue more, but eventually, he agrees. Namjoon goes to retrieve the hybrid after a small nod from you; you’ve got this handled, Namjoon follows his nose.  

- Over the past few years, Jimin has become accustomed to just about every kind of abuse there is. 

- Even when he sleeps, adrenaline lugs it’s way through his veins ready to jump at the slightest indication of his owner coming down the hall. He knows he shouldn’t sleep right now, get it when he can, but the concussion he got earlier today makes his head feel heavy and nausea still rolls in his belly. 

- He lies- hides- underneath his bed; an old military cot in the cold garage. Not that he ever sleeps on top of it- it’s safer to sleep underneath. That way if his owner comes in later at night he’ll think Jimin has fucked off to some other corner of the house.

- He knows the concussion is all his own fault- he’d been stupid- but he’d just wanted to shower, to get some of the grime out from under his fingernails, he hadn’t expected his owner to come back from wherever he disappeared to so soon. Jimin shivers as he remembers the jarring crack of his own head hitting the rocks outside where he’d been tossed outside. His memories after that were muddled with pain, though he was certain he’d vomited at one point from the taste in his mouth.

- You weren’t supposed to sleep when you had a concussion right? That was dangerous right? Jimin was trying to remember, lying on the side of his face that wasn’t bruised to all high heaven. He freezes when he hears the voices in the kitchen, but relaxes. If people are here that means his owner probably won’t bother Jimin tonight. 

- he might be able to get to the bathroom later and dab some cool water on his face, maybe sneak a few handfuls of something from the kitchen. Always small portions so that his owner couldn’t tell Jimin had taken anything- he couldn’t handle another beating so close to this one. Hunger eats his way through his stomach. 

- But then he hears the footsteps and thinks that maybe he isn’t so lucky tonight. he presses himself closer to the wall, tucking his knees up to his chest.  

- But why are the footsteps a different pattern, what is that scent? it smells like another hybrid- a little spicy musk twined in with pine. Jimin doesn’t like strange smells. The door opens slowly, and the scent seeps in further, along with- what could that be? The scent of something delicate and sweet clinging to the hybrid as strong as his own scent, milky and soft, and inexplicably vulnerable.

- He watches as the stiff workboots come into view, At this point, jimin can tell that it’s definitely not his owner.

- Namjoon finds Jimin curled up under his bed in the garage, and beacons him out in his calm voice, careful not to get close and startle him. “Come on out pup- we’re here to take you somewhere safe, I promise I will let no harm come to you again.” jimin eases when he sees the hybrid ears- another hybrid like him! another dog, his tail gives a single wag. “mm not a pup- i’m just small,” 

- Jimin pears out from under the bed at him, ears pinned to his head in fear. the hybrid looks fierce and intimidating with the scars on his face that jimin almost flinches back. But the wide worried eyes that he can see underneath those scars, the muted dimples stretching into a worried smile. 

- Jimin has been so downtrodden on his entire life that he doesn’t really believe Namjoon when he repeats the words, “we’re here to take you somewhere safe?” jimin dosent believe him- but at the same time, he thinks that nowhere could be worse than right where he is.  

- The other hybrids smile is kind, and dimply, despite the scars that mark his face as he sits on the ground so he dosent have to bend over to see under the cot. “sorry, it’s hard to get a good look at you, i’m namjoon, you’re Jimin right?” 

- Jimin crawls out from under his cot in the garage slowly, the room spinning.  half expecting the other hybrid to get tired of his slowness and yank him out. his owner did that sometimes when he felt like Jimin was being disrespectful of his time. Namjoon winces outwardly when Jimin’s left side turns towards the light, and Jimin knows that it can’t look good. He can barely see out of his eye after all the skin tender and swolen under his hands. 

- He’s mindful of all the dust on his clothes and the tare in the left leg of his red shorts, brushing a dust bunny off his side, suddenly feeling lacking in front of the well taken care of hybrid.  

- He follows a pace behind Namjoon back into the living room, his owner stands with you, you’re shorter but holding your own with sharp stubborn eyes. A human, so this must be Namjoon’s owner. The second your eyes fall on Jimin, on his swollen side of his face, your eyes turn softer and definitely angrier. 

- The scent of flowers and cream hits Jimin like a wave so pungent that it fills his nostrils and overwhelms him a little, it’s not unpleasant- just unexpected- and when he sees you he understands why. Though you’re obviously trying to conceal your pregnant stomach your scent is a dead giveaway every hybrid in a mile radius probably can smell you.  

- Jimin can see Namjoon straighten up a little, becoming more protective the closer they get to Jimin’s owner, who doesn’t look happy (not by a long, astronomical shot) Jimin shivers as he turns his eyes on him, his arms crossed, and Namjoon instinctually steps in front of Jimin to hide him from view. Jimin sways on his feet. 

- You plunge your hand into your bag by your side, pulling out a stack of bills, for a moment jimin almost wants to stop you- tell you that he’s not worth that much, but Namjoon holds out a hand, almost pressing it to Jimin’s chest to keep him from doing so. 

- The money is counted, “good riddance useless mutt,” his owner spits after he signs over the adoption documents to you.  Jimin’s flinch is sobering, his owner laughs. Namjoon actually shoves him back The saliva hitting Jimin’s feet as he reels, and you lay a gentle arm around his shoulders, guiding him outside. Sending a final glare in the direction of the man. 

- Jimin can barely process any of it through the spinning in his head, a spinning that moderately stops the second he gets outside into the cool air of the May evening. The scent of flowers and pine in his nose and the taste of blood in his mouth.  

- You soothe him with a soft voice once they’re out of earshot and take a quick look at Jimin’s half swollen face. A cellphone flashlight in his face and thundering in his ears. Momentarily blinding him. Jimin closes his eye as the pads of your fingers turn his chin this way and that to assess his wounds. “Do you think you need to go to the hospital Jimin?” you ask, careful to stay quiet and delicate with him.

- In the window of Jimin’s old house, the curtain twitches, and Namjoon knows they need to leave soon. Bad will and money lead to safety that only lasts so long, and they definitely don’t need the cops called on them especially after Namjoon shoved him, hybrids have been sent to jail for less. 

- “No, I think I’ll be fine” Jimin mumbles, unable to resist leaning into your hand, so soft, your scent making him feel almost hazy and out of it than his probable concussion does. And Namjoon freezes, reminded that not too long ago that you looked like this too- that he was the one leaning into your hands. The memory hits him so violently that he whines, low in his throat. Jimin looks up, ears flicking agitated like he’s asking what wrong, sending a panicked glance between the two of you defaulting to namjoon, the elder hybrid, to know what to do around you- his new owner. 

- “let me- let's get you into the car” namjoon grips jimin around the top of his arms and lifts him in, his skinned knee resisting the bend that would be needed to pull himself up into the back seat. He sits tense and curled up before you remind him that he can stretch out. and he settles onto the seat with his his back up against one side, and his feet pressed against the opposite door. the back window open to let the night air wip in. 

- You stop at the gas station and give Jimin ice for his black eye and some food and snacks, which he gobbles up hungrily. He’s so preoccupied with food, that he dosent notice Namjoon’s dimpled smile in the mirror after Jimin groans at how good the gas station burrito tastes, licking his fingers with a pop. You give Namjoon a soft, knowing look when his tail thumps against the seat. he tosses Jimin two more bags of chips and a sweet elecrtolite drink, and watches expectantly to see more of Jimin’s happy little whines and pleased grumbles. and you stifle a huffing laugh. 

- Namjoon can’t help it, the hybrid in the back seat looks so thin, almost startlingly so; he’s smaller than average too- probably malnourished. Namjoon’s natural caregiver instincts flaring up and demanding to be satisfied so desperately that he even tosses his flannel over him when he sees the hybrid shiver. You sent Namjoon a curious look, and he hides his flush by turning to watch the roadside. 

- Jimin stretches out across the back seat with Namjoon’s giant flannel thrown over his shoulders, checking to make sure neither of you is looking back at him before he presses the collar to his nose and takes a deep breath of your combines scents, trying to reconcile his senses with what surely must be a dream. 

- This has to be just a concussion dream jimin decides, what else would his mind come up with, other than a sweet fantasy. Someone comes to take him out of the hell his life was, give him food. He wants to take in everything, the smell of the night air, the silhouette of your face in the headlights, namjoon’s ears poking out above the headrest. 

- He hovers on Namjoon’s hand entwined with yours over the center console, the hand that Namjoon occasionally reaches out to rest against your swollen stomach, gently drawing lazy circles as you pull onto the main road.

- Yup, Jimin decides, this is definitely a dream, but he hopes it’s real.  The last little bit of hope feels almost stupid to have, for hybrids like Jimin, there are very rarely happy endings.

- He falls asleep by the time you reach the highway, lulled by the thrumming road and the oldies song faintly playing out of the crackly speakers of the beat-up truck. His last thought before sleep takes him is hope. 

-  Jimin hopes with the last shred of himself that is joyful and kind and not purely concerned with survival that this is not a dream, and that where he is going will be a little bit better than where he just was. 

- Even just a little bit better than this dream, he doesn’t even need anything like the affection burning in both of your eyes or the kindness you’ve shown him, if he can just lay his head down and rest without being worried he’ll be woken up with pain and fear again, that will be enough. 

- To Jimin, the farm is an Eden.

( my Kofi )

[improvidence318]

i said screw it so here it is

howdy howdy, this is the anon with the 20’s lingo sheet. i don’t have a tumblr (though i wish i do tbh) and realized that i don’t know how to work shit on tumblr, so i’m just sending in the sheet through a text post. i am highly aware of the amount of power i’m bestowing upon you and honestly couldn’t give a damn

A

ab-so-lute-ly: affirmative all wet: incorrect And how!: I strongly agree! ankle: to walk, i.e.. “Let’s ankle!” apple sauce: flattery, nonsense, i.e.. “Aw, applesauce!” Attaboy!: well done!; also, Attagirl!

B

baby: sweetheart. Also denotes something of high value or respect. baby grand: heavily built man baby vamp: an attractive or popular female, student. balled up: confused, messed up. baloney: Nonsense! Bank’s closed.: no kissing or making out ie. “Sorry, mac, bank’s closed.” bearcat: a hot-blooded or fiery girl beat it: scram, get lost. beat one’s gums: idle chatter bee’s knee’s: terrific; a fad expression. Dozens of “animal anatomy” variations existed: elephant’s eyebrows, gnat’s whistle, eel’s hips, etc. beef: a complaint or to complain. beeswax: business, i.e. “None of your beeswax.” Student. bell bottom: a sailor bent: drunk berries: (1) perfect (2) money big cheese: important person big six: a strong man; from auto advertising, for the new and powerful six cylinder engines. bimbo: a tough guy bird: general term for a man or woman, sometimes meaning “odd,” i.e. “What a funny old bird.” blotto (1930 at the latest): drunk, especially to an extreme bootleg: illeagal liquor breezer (1925): a convertable car bug-eyed Betty (1927): an unattractive girl, student. bull: (1) a policeman or law-enforcement official, including FBI. (2) nonesense (3) to chat idly, to exaggerate bump off: to kill bum’s rush, the: ejection by force from an establishment bunny (1925): a term of endearment applied to the lost, confused, etc. Often coupled with “poor little.” bus: any old or worn out car.

C

cake-eater: a lady’s man caper: a criminal act or robbery. cat’s meow: great, also “cat’s pajamas” and “cat’s whiskers” cash: a kiss Cash or check?: Do we kiss now or later? cast a kitten: to have a fit. Used in both humorous and serious situations. i.e. “Stop tickling me or I’ll cast a kitten!” Also, “have kittens.” cheaters: eye glasses check: Kiss me later. chewing gum: double-speak, or ambiguous talk. choice bit of calico: attractive female, student. chopper: a Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, due to the damage its heavy .45 caliber rounds did to the human body.  chunk of lead: an unnattractive female, student. clam: a dollar coffin varnish: bootleg liquor, often poisonous. copacetic: excellent crasher: a person who attends a party uninvited crush: infatuation cuddler: one who likes to make out

D

daddy: a young woman’s boyfriend or lover, especially if he’s rich. daddy-o: a term of address dame: a female. Did not gain widespread use until the 1930’s. dapper: a Flapper’s dad darb: a great person or thing. “That movie was darb.” dead soldier: an empty beer bottle. deb: a debutant. dewdropper: a young man who sleeps all day and doesn’t have a job. dogs: feet doll: an attractive woman. dolled up: dressed up don’t know from nothing: doesn’t have any information don’t take any wooden nickels: don’t do anything stupid. doublecross: to cheat, stab in the back. dough: money drugstore cowboy: A well-dressed man who loiters in public areas trying to pick up women. dry up: shut up, get lost ducky: very good dumb Dora: an absolute idiot, a dumbbell, especially a woman; flapper.

E

earful: enough egg: a person who lives the big life

F

face stretcher: an old woman trying to look young fella: fellow. As common in its day as “man,” “dude,” or “guy” is today. “That John sure is a swell fella.” fire extinguisher: a chaperone fish: (1) a college freshman (2) a first timer in prison flat tire: a bore flivver: a Model T; after 1928, also could mean any broken down car. floorflusher: an insatiable dancer flour lover: a girl with too much face powder fly boy: a glamorous term for an aviator For crying out loud!: same usage as today four-flusher: a person who feigns wealth while mooching off others.

G

gams (1930): legs gatecrasher: see “crasher” get-up (1930): an outfit. get a wiggle on: get a move on, get going get in a lather: get worked up, angry giggle water: booze gimp: cripple; one who walks with a limp.  Gangster Dion O’Bannion was called Gimpy due to his noticeable limp. gin mill: a seller of hard liquor; a cheap speakeasy glad rags: “going out on the town” clothes go chase yourself: get lost, scram. gold-digger (1925): a woman who pursues men for their money. goods, the: (1) the right material, or a person who has it (2) the facts, the truth, i.e. “Make sure the cops don’t get the goods on you.” goof: (1) a stupid or bumbling person, (2) a boyfriend, flapper. goofy: in love grummy: depressed grungy: envious

H

handcuff: engagement ring hard-boiled: tough, as in, a tough guy, ie: “he sure is hard-boiled!” hayburner: (1) a gas guzzling car (2) a horse one loses money on heavy sugar (1929): a lot of money heebie-jeebies (1926): “the shakes,” named after a hit song. heeler: a poor dancer high hat: a snob. hip to the jive: cool, trendy hit on all sixes: to perform 100 per cent; as “hitting on all six cylinders”; perhaps a more common variation in these days of four cylinder engines was “hit on all fours”.  See “big six”. hood (late 20s): hoodlum hooey:  nonsense. Very popular from 1925 to 1930, used somewhat thereafter. hop: a teen party or dance Hot dawg!: Great!; also: “Hot socks!"  Rarely spelled as shown outside of flapper circles until popularized by 1940s comic strips. hot sketch: a card or cut-up

I

"I have to go see a man about a dog.”: “I’ve got to leave now,” often meaning to go buy whiskey. icy mitt: rejection insured: engaged iron (1925): a motorcycle, among motorcycle enthusiasts iron one’s shoelaces: to go to the restroom ish kabibble (1925): a retort meaning “I should care."  Was the name of a musician in the Kay Kayser Orchestra of the 1930s.

J

jack: money Jake: great, ie. "Everything’s Jake.” Jalopy: a dumpy old car Jane: any female java: coffee jeepers creepers: a term of exclamation jitney: a car employed as a private bus. Fare was usually five-cents; also called a “nickel.” joe: coffee Joe Brooks: a perfectly dressed person; student. john: a toilet joint: establishment juice joint: a speakeasy

K

kale: money keen: appealing killjoy: a solemn person knock up: to make pregnant know one’s onions: to know one’s business or what one is talking about

L

lay off: cut the crap left holding the bag: (1) to be cheated out of one’s fair share (2) to be blamed for something let George do it: a work evading phrase level with me: be honest limey: a British soldier or citizen, from World War I line: a false story, as in “to feed one a line.” live wire: a lively person lollapalooza (1930): a humdinger lollygagger: (1) a young man who enjoys making out (2) an idle person

M

manacle: wedding ring mazuma: money milquetoast (1924): a very timid person; from the comic book character Casper mind your potatoes: mind your own business. mooch: to leave moonshine: homemade whiskey mop: a handkerchief munitions: face powder

N

neck: to kiss passionately necker: a girl who wraps her arms around her boyfriend’s neck. nifty: great, excellent noodle juice: tea Not so good!: I personally disapprove. “Now you’re on the trolley!”: Now you’ve got it, now you’re right.

O

off one’s nuts: crazy Oh yeah!: I doubt it! old boy: a male term of address, used in conversation with other males. Denoted acceptance in a social environment.  Also “old man” “old fruit.” “How’s everything old boy?” Oliver Twist: a skilled dancer on a toot: a drinking binge on the lam: fleeing from police on the level: legitimate, honest on the up and up: on the level orchid: an expensive item ossified: drunk owl: a person who’s out late

P

palooka: (1) a below-average or average boxer (2) a social outsider, from the comic strip character Joe Palooka, who came from humble ethnic roots panic: to produce a big reaction from one’s audience percolate: (1) to boil over (2) As of 1925, to run smoothly; “perk” pet: necking, only more; making out petting pantry: movie theater piffle: baloney piker: (1) a cheapskate (2) a coward pill: (1) a teacher (2) an unlikable person pinch: to arrest. Pinched: to be arrested. pinko: liberal pipe down: stop talking prom-trotter: a student who attends all school social functions pos-i-lute-ly: affirmative, also “pos-i-tive-ly” punch the bag: small talk putting on the ritz: after the Ritz Hotel in Paris (and its namesake Caesar Ritz); doing something in high style. Also “ritzy.”

Q

R

rag-a-muffin: a dirty or disheveled individual rain pitchforks: a downpour razz: to make fun of Real McCoy: a genuine item regular: normal, typical, average; “Regular fella.” Reuben: an unsophisticated country bumpkin. Also “rube” Rhatz!: How disappointing! rub: a student dance party rubes: money or dollars rummy: a drunken bum

S

sap: a fool, an idiot. Very common term in the 20s. says you: a reaction of disbelief scratch: money screaming meemies: the shakes screw: get lost, get out, etc. Occasionally, in pre 1930 talkies (such as The Broadway Melody) screw is used to tell a character to leave. One film features the line “Go on, go on – screw!"  screwy: crazy; "You’re screwy!” sheba: one’s girlfriend sheik: one’s boyfriend simolean: a dollar sinker: a doughnut sitting pretty: in a prime position skirt: an attractive female smarty: a cute flapper smudger: a close dancer sockdollager: an action having a great impact so’s your old man: a reply of irritation speakeasy: a bar selling illeagal liquor spill: to talk spoon: to neck, or at least talk of love static: (1) empty talk (2) conflicting opinion stilts: legs struggle: modern dance stuck on: in love, student. sugar daddy: older boyfriend who showers girlfriend with gifts swanky: (1) good (2) elegant swell: (1) good (2) a high class person

T

take someone for a ride: to take someone to a deserted location and murder them. tasty: appealing teenager: not a common term until 1930; before then, the term was “young adults.” tell it to Sweeney: tell it to someone who’ll believe it. tight: attractive Tin Pan Alley: the music industry in New York, located between 48th and 52nd Streets tomato: a “ripe” female torpedo: a hired thug or hitman

U

unreal: special upchuck: to vomit upstage: snobby

V

vamp: (1) a seducer of men, an aggressive flirt (2) to seduce voot: money

W

water-proof: a face that doesn’t require make-up wet blanket: see Killjoy wife: dorm roomate, student. What’s eating you?: What’s wrong? whoopee: wild fun Woof! Woof!: ridicule

X

Y

You slay me!: That’s funny!

Z

zozzled: drunk

  have fun.

[juniaships]

Loonatics Reboot: Origins

The cousins of the world-famous Looney Tunes, the Loonatics are resident protectors of the progressive city-state, Acmetropolis. Currently there are seven members headed by their mysterious mentor, but for now let's dive in deeper into the origin story of the first six Loonatics. We'll get to number seven in the future! 💛💛💛

The story goes, the Loonatics came about by chance. You see, not too long ago six individuals volunteered for an experiment conducted by the city's namesake ACME (the business). As all of them needed the extra cash, they didn't mind being used as temporary guinea pigs if it meant having the funds to pursue their dreams or pay the rent.

Unfortunately the test did not produced the expected results and was marked off as a failure. While the group were paid they were disappointed & went back to their normal lives.

Until abnormalities started cropping up.

One volunteer, a college freshman named Lexi Bunny, began hearing things, increased migraines, and physically cringing at even moderately loud sounds. Such condition affected the way she moved and grooved to the beat (she was an avid dancer) and one day, she had passed out from the pressure and sent to the emergency room. While she recovered she began seeing everything in a pink haze. Lexi didn't know exactly caused her health emergency but she had a feeling that it had something to do with the experiment. But she kept quiet, she wasn't one to stand up for herself, remembering a horrid incident trying out for her school's cheer squad. She wondered what the other volunteers were feeling...

The second volunteer was an Acmewood stunt artist named Ace Bunny (yeah yeah he's related to Bugs now let him train in peace). Whenever Ace felt particularly confident, he saw his vision turn red...literally. His eyes burned no matter how much ice or eyedrops he used. During rehearsals he started to notice how every time someone went to strike him, he dodged them every. Single. Time. Many of the crew members lucky to see were impressed, shocked even (much to the displeasure of the lead actor) & leaving the Looney cousin embarrassed at the increased attention.

The fourth volunteer was a scientist named Tech E Coyote. Like Duck he also lost his job though unlike Duck he was on the receiving end of an angry coworker. The poor man was left to craft consolation contraptions in the solitude of his workshop. One night he noticed some pieces of metal clinging to his lab-coat. At first he brushed them off but they stuck to his hands. He made a note to himself to use anti-static softener; but after several wash days the problems persisted and very soon larger pieces of metal started clinging to his clothes, hands, all around his body - one incident he knocked himself out with a frying pan! He also took notes of lights flickering around him, computers and screens turning on and off whenever he walked near them.

The third volunteer was a young man barely out of his teen years simply known as Duck. Danger Duck. He worked as a pool boy ironically had a hot temper. To put it best he loathed his job, feeling not being taken seriously by the oh-so-macho lifeguards that picked on him constantly. One minute he was complaining about his job, and the next thing he knew, he was standing in the middle of a desert. Than back to the pool. Than an artic region! He also complained of tingling sensations in his fingers, as if he dumped his hands in a bowl of cut peppers. And after one particularly frustrating day, he got so made he raised his threw something at the lifeguard... something red-hot and round...which nearly costed the lifeguard his life yet ALSO caused Duck to lose his job.

Rev, a pizza delivery man with a sense of words and no sense of direction, was the onlt one whose problems weren't seen. Not at least externally. During his trips he was relieved to not miss addresses as much as he used to. Maybe a stroke of luck he guessed. But now it seems his brain was replaced by a GPS because days by he can verbally recite the location almost every place in Acmetropolis from the tallest skyscraper to the dingey of alleyways. Not even having to travel to these places.

As for Slam, his already phenomenal strength increased tenfold, and so did his speed. Such growth massively helped his wrestling career. Every time he spun however, he swore he felt and heard the crick-crackle-boom of lightning...which one day during a match he accidentally electrocuted his opponent, promptly suspended for the rest of the season. At least the guy was alive...a cooked steak but alive.

Eventually these side effects took their toll and the citizens finally had enough. Weeks after the test the group went back to Acme to report on what they were experiencing, hoping to get some compensation to pay off frequent trips to the hospital.

To their surprise ACME was pleased to hear the results of the experiment had been successful after all. The CEO, Otto Matthias, saw potential in the ragtag group of Tunes and offered them a deal: work for his company as sponsored superheroes. There was a mixed reaction: Tech was skeptical, as was Lexi and Slam. Ace didn't know what to think of the deal, he wanted to be recognized for his talents. Danger was the only one totally on board with the plan (no more finding lost trunks). Rev was also excited yet nervous at the prospect. Otto added that the offer came with free housing, access to any and all Acme products, and a lifetime supply of Scooby Snacks (much to Slam's fancy).

Duck didn't have to hear anymore before immediately agreeing to the deal. He did not want to go back to being a lowly pool boy or any other position to be laughed at and bullied, and saw the deal as a surefire way to success. The rest of the group & Scooby Snack Slam decided to wait a week before giving their answer. Acme signed Duck as Danger Duck, the Living Magma Extraordinaire! Cool name is it?

Throughout the week the remaining Tunes pondered long and hard about the company's offer. Would this deal really help them find meaning in their otherwise pitiful lives? Or was it all a glorified corporate tactic designed to keep them quiet? Danger Duck, Living Magma Extraordinaire seemed to be having a good time, so they might be missing out on a stable fulfilling lifestyle. Surely it wasn't an evil trick? Right? Right??

The answer to their dilemma showed uo at their door. Literally.

For five days, each person received a visit from a woman dressed in a simple lavender coat with the hood drawn up. From the shadows they could make out ruby-colored lips, yet her eyes seemed to lack irises as they were entirely blank-white.

This woman claimed that she was the creator of the drug and that is was not meant to be in mortal hands. She claimed that Acme stole her formula for personal gain, warning them the CEO was not who he seemed & that they shouldn't take his word. When the civilians asked about Danger Duck, the woman vowed she would do everything in her power to try to steer the young man from a terrible fate.

"How do you know I can trust you?" That was the sentiment shared by the five Tunes, in varying words.

The woman only smiled. "It's all up to you," she simply replied before handing out a shiny triangle with the familiar shield logo on it.

As each Tune took the metallic shape in their hands, they wondered how would this hunk ol metal help them decide their future? The lady's words echoed through their minds...maybe...the shield was a emblem of their roots. How did she know so much about them and so concerned about their lives?

By the morning of the last day, it was Ace who came to his decision first. "I'll believe you," he relented. "If only you'll tell me more about this drug you made."

The woman shook her head. "I'm afraid that'll have to come in a group meeting," she said a bit tersely. The truth is too much to bear on one man.

"Here." She scribbled a few words down on a piece of paper. "Meet me at this location later this afternoon. Don't bring anyone else."

"Okay," Ace said a bit skeptically. He was about to ask more but the lady quickly left with a hurried goodbye. Ace blinked his blue eyes before reading what she had wrote. "I hope this ain't gonna land me on a watchlist," he muttered before starting to prepare for his impromptu meeting. He prayed that he made the right choice.

I'm making this as I go along XD

My goal for this chapter and the next one is to give the team a better backstories and the why and HOW they got together. I know the show had an origin episode but it didn't show them their first mission or how they actually met, only how they got their powers. As this is a reboot there are a lot of changes so instead of being set in the future, it's set in modern era and they're cousins of the Looney Tunes. I'm also trying to give them motivations: Danger Duck seeking fame and fortune; Tech seeking recognition for his genius; Ace forging his own path out of his cousin's shadow. I haven't gotten to Slam & Lexi's motivations as much as that would be for when I get to writing Weathervane (who will be Lexi's foil) and Massive (Slam's foil). Rev's motivation will also be explored as him learning to be more independent away from his family's wealthy lifestyle. As for my OC Mikayla Jordan, she's going to appear in a future post pertaining to the Freleng Royal Family oop spoiled my own OC subplot XD

[chaptersofnow]

the kids of Trixie and Starlight

Bunny hop and Twinkle wish

Bios under the cut!

Name: Bunny Hop Nickname(s): Age: 25 Pronouns: Hi/him, xe/xem Identity: Trans Gay man crush/reltionship: Parents: Trixie and starlight Sibling: Twinkle Wish Special Talent: Illusions Occupation: Children magician Element of Harmony: Element of Festivities Artifact: Bunny Hops Wand Location: Ponyville, Cantorlot for training Likes: Magic tricks, Jackpot, rabbits, green, hats Dislikes: tea, being nagged, laundery, dogs, yellow Bio: First Born of the Chapters of Now Second born to Trixie and Starlight Glimmer. After Trixie and Starlight promised themselves to each other forever having a small wedding at Mauds house with only a hoof full of friends they married and settled down in ponyville. Trixie only takes small trips around Equestria during the summer when the Friendship school is out so she can still do her magic shows. sometimes the whole family comes along, but usually she brings on of the kids. Growing up Bunny Hop and his Sister were pure menaces, they lied and made up schemes to get rich. They on multiple occasions have conned Flurry heart out of her crown and toys growing up (this was when Flurry was young and didn't understand she was getting play, now shes older and goth and WILL bite their heads off). Bunny Hops sister was usually the leader in these operations while he worked the magic with illusions and such. Ever since Bunny Hop was a child he was a HUGE fan of the Las Pegasus magician Jackpot, the young colt collected old VHS tapes of the blue unicorn and liked to dress up and mimic his performances. this came to the annoyance of Trixie as she thinks Jackpot is a 'hack' and 'has no pizzazz'. Little do either Trixie or Bunny Hop realize, that Jackpot is Trixie's father. (starlight thinks the way trixie talks about Jackpot is funny to listen to and kinda has a hunch that the two may be related but knows if she ever tried to say it Trixie would have her in the doghouse) When Bunny Hop was 17 and starting to attend school for magic to hone his skills, he had an unlucky setback, as the force known as Darkness was doing a last ditch effort. This evil pressense has possessed and corrupt many thing through history and the elements had been used to dispel and cleanse things of darkness. However as more and more darkness was being destroyed by the elements on its final leg it collected into a large power. It was war, the elements and all old wielders of the elements and anyone else with the ability to help took to the fight. the battles lasted almost a long year. Bunny Hops mother Starlight and his uncle Sunburst took charge to help and were often gone for long period of time while Trixie tried to keep him and his sister safe in Ponyville. Bunny hop was one of the oldest of the new mane six when the Darkness hit and he remembers how scary it had been to be so aware of all the things that could have gone wrong. Bunny Hop loves his mothers and is thankful that they were there for him and Twinkle Wish when everything went down. When everything was over and darkness was destroyed and the elements once again went into slumber until needed again things went back to normal for the most part. the world was going through something of a renaissance and Bunny Hop chose to not go to the School for Gifted unicorns, he decided to do what he always really wanted. He learned to be a magician and performed with his mother as a dou act for awhile until he was able to work on his own. he currently lives in ponyville performing for children birthdays but has taken offers once in awhile to perform in big towns around equestria. Bunny Hop has been friends with Scroll flame, Majesty and Voyage from a young age. Scroll flame was often hanging around whenever Twilight brought her around to the school and from time to time Bunny and Twinkle would spend nights at their Godmother Twilight sparkles house. and through these friends they met Majesty who was friendly with everyone. But Bunny Hops most visited and closest friend is Voyage. the Daughter of their uncle Sunburst and Rockhoof. they saw each other a lot from constant play dates and then when they both attended the friendship school together for awhile and the three had kids together. in more current times Bunny Hop was invited to celebrate Splat and Happy Daze's 21st birthdays and during the celebration all the princesses went missing and one of the princess Ordomia went ballistic was turn into a horrible monster named Queen Erroria who sought to turn the world upside down.   Without the Princess or any of the old elements to be able to come help in time Bunny hop and his group of six stood up to the challenges to stop Erroria. in the process they unlocked the power of the elements inside themselves and save Erroria and all of equestria. Bunny hop was named the Symbol of Festivity for his want to use his powers and magic to make others happy and show every pony beautiful and wonderful things to make them happy. He is currently being trained by old elements of harmony in Cantorlot to hone his skills so they can be ready to face the new wave of evil. He is mostly working with Pinkie Pie the old element of Laughter.

🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇

Name: Twinkle wish Nickname(s): Age: 26 Pronouns: She/her Identity: cis bi lady crush/reltionship: Parents: Trixie and starlight Sibling: Bunny hop Special Talent: Performing Occupation: armature actor Location: Manehatten Likes: coins, coffee, sequins, dressing up, spa days, card games, gambling Dislikes: allergies, bugs, sad movies Bio: older sister to Bunny hop After Trixie and Starlight promised themselves to each other forever having a small wedding at Mauds house with only a hoof full of friends they married and settled down in ponyville. Trixie only takes small trips around Equestria during the summer when the Friendship school is out so she can still do her magic shows. sometimes the whole family comes along, but usually she brings on of the kids. growing up her and Bunny hop did many 'get rich quick' schemes together. They on multiple occasions have conned Flurry heart out of her crown and toys growing up (this was when Flurry was young and didn't understand she was getting play, now shes older and goth and WILL bite their heads off). Twinkle wish was always leading their schemes, the rain brains of the operation. shes a smart cookie. when Twinkle wish was 18 she was seeking jobs for acting, having only performed for school. however the 'final war against evil' happened and both her and her brother were forced to drop their dreams for now. It was war, the elements and all old wielders of the elements and anyone else with the ability to help took to the fight. the battles lasted almost a long year. Twinkle Wish's mother Starlight and her uncle Sunburst took charge to help and were often gone for long period of time while Trixie tried to keep the kids safe in Ponyville. While Twinkle wish was stressed fully aware of the danger their family and all of equestria face she couldn't help but feel worried of what it meant for her future and career. it was selfish thinking but she knew her mother would pull through, so what of Twinkle's future after it all. When everything was said and done Twinkle went right to work looking for her future. she barely said her goodbyes as she left ponyville for manehatten. she is performing anywhere that will take her right now. she writes home often and misses her mothers. Twinkle wish is good friends with Cinnamon Pear one of the local small designers that Twinkle wish always tries to recommenced for the plays she performs in. then when Vanity moved up to Manehatten she's been trying to reach a friendly hoof out to her childhood friend with no luck. she looks up to local celebrity Young Folly but find herself personal enemies with big shot actress April Showers.

[zootopiathingz]

Between the Odds

Part Two: Unfair Laws

As much as they loved their job, they had to admit they enjoyed the "chill" days where they didn't have to do so much outside work. Days like this helped them slow down and relax from the pace of work, and it was just what Judy needed the day after her birthday.

For their lunch break, she and Nick had gotten themselves some fast food and sat outside the ZPD for some fresh air. Many mammals came and went, either walking aimless around the grass or making their way in a certain direction. Judy unconsciously played with her locket, that she hadn't taken off since yesterday. Out of all the surprises she received from Nick, it had to be her favorite. There was just something about it that felt extra special.

"Thanks again for yesterday." She spoke up, leaning back against the bench. "It was definitely one of the best birthdays I've ever had."

"You're welcome, Carrots." He said, taking a bite of one of the fries.

"Hey wait, when's your birthday?" She asked, just now realizing she didn't actually know that important piece of information. She needed to know, especially now since she intended to make his just as special.

Nick shook his head, already knowing why she was asking. "Not for a while." He said dismissively, "You don't have to do anything big."

"Too late, I'm already planning it." She said quickly, "But don't worry, I won't go overboard."

"Promise?" He asked, raising a brow at her. As much as he appreciated her wanting to go all out for him, he just wasn't a big fan of his birthday. He was used to not celebrating it or just doing something low-key. But he should've expected more now that he had a radiant little bunny in his life.

"I swear." She held up her pinky, signaling for him to do the same so they could pinky promise. It was a bit childish, but it was just how they knew they were serious about a it.

Judy giggled and reached over to grab his drink, for no other reason than she wanted to try it. Surprisingly he didn't stop her, he just gave her a somewhat confused but amusing smile. "You could've asked."

The bunny took a few sips, ignoring his statement while she savored the taste. "It's good." She said once she finished, handing it back to him.

"I know, that's why I got it." He shook his head, placing the cup down on the other side of the bench to keep it out of her reach.

Judy rolled her eyes and lightly punched his arm in response. The two continued to eat in silence for a moment, enjoying their free time while it lasted. Sure the morning had been slow, but crime could happen at any given moment and they had to be prepared.

Their peace didn't last long, of course. They both raised their ears as they heard faint yelling in the distance. Looking across the pond, they noticed three mammals standing not too far. An elk appeared to be upset with a pig and a jaguar, but from observation they were confused as to why. Both cops suddenly became intrigued as to what was going on and began to listen the best they could from where they were.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand your problem." The pig lady said.

"You seriously don't see the problem?" The elk asked, throwing his hooves up in frustration. "This! All of this is wrong!"

"Are you saying you have a problem with us being together?" The jaguar asked, stepping in front of his girlfriend protectively. "How does that constitute as your problem?"

"Don't you see how wrong this is?!"

Nick and Judy shared a glance, silently agreeing that now was the time to step in before the situation got hostile. They stood up from the bench and walked around the pond to approach the three of them. No one noticed them at first, especially not the elk. He was too fixated on the couple, and the longer he stared at them, the more appalled he felt.

"I'm just trying to help you before it's too late. You might regret this later in life." He went on, "I mean, do you really want to look back and wonder why you would date a pig?"

"I don't think you have any right telling me who I should be dating." The jaguar scowled.

"It's not that, I'm just saying it's not right!"

Judy cleared her throat to catch their attention, and admittedly they felt nervous at the sight of two cops suddenly approaching them. "Excuse me, hi. I hope you don't mind us but we couldn't help overhearing that you have a problem with these two?" She said to the elk man as politely as she could. "What's going on exactly?"

The man scoffed, gesturing to the couple. "What's going on, officer, is they're a crime against nature!"

Nick glanced at them, "Uhh how so?"

"Look at them! They're a pig and a jaguar! They can't be together!" He exclaimed, more distressed than he should've been.

"Why not?" Judy asked, genuinely confused.

"Pigs are supposed to be with pigs and jaguars are supposed to be with jaguars! Mammals are supposed to mate with the same species!" He declared, "It's not right to go against that!"

While it seemed like he was trying to help the couple, he was actually causing more damage than assistance. His words were old-fashioned, small-minded thinking that was partly why mammals felt divided sometimes.

"Uhh well, that's how it was in the old days, but this is the 21st century." Judy shrugged, "Anyone can be with anyone now."

The man grimaced at her response, as if it was blasphemy. "That's a load of shit." He shook his head, "Inter-species marriage is still illegal here and I pray that they keep it that way."

At this point it was hard to stay patient with him. Not only was he causing a scene but he clearly just wanted an excuse to express his opinions that no one asked for. Judy sighed, putting her paw to her hip, "Okay look, regardless of how you feel about them, you are harassing a poor couple and if you don't leave them alone, we're going to have to step in."

The elk glared at her, but remained shockingly quiet, considering he had a lot to say a moment ago. He definitely didn't want to get the cops involved, but he couldn't suppress his anger and disgust.

"Hey, you heard her." Nick said, "Beat it."

The man huffed defeatedly and walked away, grumbling to himself. While watching him leave, Judy's expression faltered, realizing what he had said a moment ago. Was it true that inter-species marriage wasn't allowed? In Zootopia of all places? Sure, small towns like Bunnyburrow wouldn't allow it, mostly because the majority of residents were bunnies. But Zootopia was more diverse, and mammals getting upset over a pig and jaguar being together didn't make any sense.

Once he was out of earshot, the couple sighed with relief. "Thank you so much." The pig said to the officers, "He's been bothering us for like, ten minutes. We tried to walk away but he kept following us."

"Don't worry, I don't think he's gonna be bothering you again anytime soon." Nick said assuringly, glancing in the direction the elk walked away.

"But if he does, don't be afraid to tell us." Judy said, "And don't listen to what he said. As long as you love each other, that's all that should matter to you."

The pig grinned, grabbing her boyfriend's paw to hold. "Thank you. Our four-year anniversary is coming up." She said with a hint of excitement.

"Aww, congratulations!" Judy smiled, giving a glance to her partner.

"Thanks." She chuckled. "And thanks again for helping us."

"No problem!"

The couple said goodbye and parted ways from the cops, now unbothered by what the elk had done to them. Nick and Judy watched them leave before returning to their bench to finish their lunch. They were relieved that the situation didn't lead to physical violence. If it did, they wouldn't have been able to successfully subdue a jaguar and an elk on their own.

But the moment lingered in Judy's thoughts, and she couldn't help feeling perturbed about what the elk had said.

—

A few hours passed since their break, and just before her shift was over for the day, Judy decided she would talk to the chief about what happened. Not to report the man, though (he didn't really do anything that was worth reporting). Instead she needed to discuss what had been bugging her.

She raised her paw up to knock on the office door, although she wasn't sure if the chief was actually inside. Come to think of it, Judy hadn't seen him all day. "Chief Bogo?" She asked, hopping up to reach the doorknob so she could let herself in. Not surprisingly she saw her boss sitting at his desk, lifting his gaze as she entered the room.

"Can I speak to you for a moment?" She asked, hoping she wasn't interrupting anything. To be honest, she still felt anxious around him sometimes, due to the fact he disdained her when she started working for him. But he warmed up to her pretty quickly, so they were on better terms now.

Chief Bogo gestured for her to sit in the chair in front of him, in which she did—with some difficult because of its size. "What's going on, Hopps?" He asked in a monotone. It was unclear if he was in a good mood or not, but if he wasn't he wouldn't have let her in his office in the first place.

Judy shifted to sit more comfortably in the chair as she began, "Okay so earlier today, Officer Wilde and I witnessed a man yelling at a couple, and he seemed really disgusted by the fact they were inter-species. And he mentioned something that I wasn't aware of..that inter-species marriage is illegal here?"

Bogo sighed and removed his glasses, "Unfortunately, he was correct. It's been that way ever since Zootopia was founded."

"But why?" She asked with a small frown.

"There was a number of reasons. It was mostly to keep mammals safe, but partially because the founders had very strict beliefs." The chief explained.

The safety part made some sense. Zootopia was founded just after mammals began to evolve and develop, so some of their behavior was still unpredictable at the time. But what "strict beliefs"  were against it? Judy wasn't aware of any religion that stated animals couldn't mate outside their species.

"But that was a long time ago. Things have changed since then." She said, "And I personally don't see a problem with a pig being with a jaguar."

"Neither do I, Hopps, but the status of the law has been in debate for centuries and I don't think it's going to change anytime soon." Bogo shook his head disappointedly.

Judy pursed her lips in thought. Surely he was wrong. A law like that had to change soon, it wasn't fair to keep mammals restricted from who they wanted to marry. "Wait, don't we have a new mayor? Maybe he can change it!"

"You know it's not just the mayor that decides these things." He said, standing up from his chair. "It has to be voted by the Supreme Court, and unfortunately the majority of them are old-fashioned and want to keep it the way it is."

As he walked over to his coffee maker, Judy stood up in the chair, refusing to accept the facts. There was no way a dumb law like this could stay in effect forever. "Well, isn't there something we can do?" She asked, "I'm sorry, sir, this just seems really unfair to a lot of mammals."

Bogo sighed, pouring some coffee into his mug. "It is, but it's not our job to change the law. All we can do is enforce it."

Judy wanted to disagree, but she quickly realized he had a point. It wasn't a police officer's job to decide things like this, and as far as she was aware, there was nothing she could do.

She nodded in defeat, lowering her ears. "I understand."

[thefoxxyreview]

*SPOILERS AHEAD*I would like to stress before getting into the meat and potatoes of this, that when I watch movies MADE FOR CHILDREN I go in with an open mind off the rip. You cannot assume that a movie that has targeted an age group years younger than you would appeal to your specific movie tastes as an adult. With that being said, I have also asked children if they enjoyed watching it and they all have said yes with a smile on their face. Safe to say they made the money and impact they intended to make with this movie so big score for Warner brothers. Now my true opinion is that this was a big flex film for WB and they showed us pretty much all the characters and properties that they own. The cameos were PHENOMENAL in this movie. I adore Easter eggs and many viewers do as well so beholding the amazing world of All these characters was very fun. Let’s get this part of the review out of the way completely…yes Lebron did terrible: we knew he would😅. He has done some voice acting up until now so he does have some experience emoting and acting on que. His line delivery was bad when things got serious. I think it was pretty hilarious when he made fun of himself in the middle of the movie. Everyone playing his family were pretty meh as well on the acting. It was nice seeing a beautiful family with predominantly chocolate kids in the house🤗. We chocolates don’t get a lot of love, especially Americans. While I watched on my live I had a fan inform me that the lady playing Lebron’s wife was in a Star Trek movie. I’m going to assume she did her real acting there…she was in Space Jam for looks🙃. I was really whelmed by Don Cheadle and his strange performance as the Quirky villain of this film🤨. All the live action actors in this film were cornier than the state of Iowa to be honest. You would never guess this man Cheadle was once the lead of “Hotel Rwanda”🤣. Let us move onto who I was waiting for, those tooooooons!!! Bugs bunny was voiced by the AMAZING Billy West who did a fantastic job giving me all the jokes. It was sad to think that with the years going by the toons decided to leave Tuneworld (that looked suspiciously like the App “looney tunes back in action” rendition of tune world) for better opportunities in this new internet driven world. The strange places that they found each character were hilarious to watch. Lola becoming an Amazon made all the sense and Zendaya did FINE!!! What were people expecting? Lola Bunny is an iconic character but at the end of the day she is a SIDE CHARACTER. She has never had her own cartoon shorts, nor her own show. Her character is actually very flexible and fans need to allow that. Literally anyone can voice her. For the lines she had, Zendaya delivered them beautifully. I thought it was cute when they wore their old tune squad jerseys to practice in😅. The tunes being live actionized was unnecessary and annoying! Lebron should have stayed a cartoon. The biggest problem for Lebron was putting the fun back into basketball and not understanding that as much as his son liked basketball he didn’t love it like video games. He built an entire game from scratch…that’s amazing at 12 or 13 years of age! Like most parents he wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, but little Lebron decided to get bold at the worse possible moment, at a damn meeting with the owners of the company in the middle of a major deal for his dad😅. They both get kidnapped by an emotional computer program and end up having to play Little Lebron’s video game for their lives and everyone else who is watching the game. On top of all of this drama, the looney tunes would be deleted😭. HIGHER STAKES than the first space jam JUST SAYING. Jordan was only playing for his freedom and the looney tunes freedom…not everyone in the world who decided to open their phone that day🥴. There was a simple moral to the movie “just do you” or “be yourself” something along those lines that is ridiculously over done and cliche. It was definitely a Meh movie, but the merchandise selling is what I am here for!

[dailybeastarsthings]

Chapter 7 - Lunch Date With My Victim 7.2. The Beginning Of A Bittersweet Friendship

‘Ah, finally!’ Kibi thought after slamming the door at Legoshi’s face, leaving him behind to get the roses for the Drama Club’s New Student Welcome Event. ‘I want to be as far from her as possible…’

As he was walking down the stairs, Kibi was thinking about the chat earlier that day between him and his two friends, Oryx, an antelope student, and Makoto, Mizuchi’s boyfriend.

‘Hey, Makoto, you’ve got some white fur on you’ Oryx said.

‘Really!? Where?’ Makoto asked.

‘Right here on your vest… and some here, too’ Oryx replied while taking small strings of fur off of the other’s vest.

‘Oh well… you see… the thing is… I had a date with this really cute dwarf rabbit’ Makoto said while giggling. He was kind of embarrassed after being caught red-handed, but he was still proud. Typical male behavior.

‘What?’ Kibi yelled in frustration. ‘Don’t you have a girlfriend?’

‘Yeah… So tell me, how are you the “best rare species couple” again?’ Oryx added.

‘You’re only saying that because you don’t know her! She’s really cute and she’s fun to talk to. She’s super refreshing and really sexy, too!’ Makoto replied to the attacks.

‘Now hold on a minute…’ Oryx said with a mysterious look on his face. ‘Is she in the Gardening Club?’

‘Well… I think so.’

‘Her body is pure white. Not a single stripe or mark.’

‘Umm… How do you know this?’ Makoto’s frustration started to grow.

‘She has a bad sleeping posture and when she’s done she makes sure to clean up the room before getting out.’

‘WHAT!? Did you sleep with her, too?’ Makoto felt his heart sink. He thought that he could finally find someone to spend quality time with just to get his hopes trampled on by someone else. And maybe not just one candidate…

‘Wow, so that makes sense. I bet she doesn’t care whether her targets are single or taken…’

‘You mean… she’s using other males as fodder, too? No wonder she seemed so experienced…’

The topic of the conversation made Kibi uncomfortable. He believed that such private matters are not to be discussed with others, even if those others are friends or family. He just wanted to leave but Oryx’s description of the rabbit girl stuck with him…

‘Fodder? Come on, she’s just a bunny’ he said.

‘Nope. That’s a good word. Once she catches you, she’ll swallow you whole and spit your bones out. You better watch yourself. Females like her are more savage than any carnivore could ever be.’

Those words resonated in Kibi’s head for a long time.

‘Well… I don’t think she’ll do any of that to a wolf. Especially not Legoshi…’ And with that, Kibi left the Gardening Club behind for good.

***

The cafeteria was packed with animals of all sizes. During afternoon hours, the cafeteria served as gathering and meeting point for students, enjoying cakes, coffee and other desserts, which were served. These items were not part of the daily menu but they were always available.

As Legoshi and Haru were standing in the line, they felt the many looks on them from others. It made them feel quite uncomfortable. They didn’t say a word to each other or others. The silence was almost deafening. It was Haru, who finally began to break down the wall between them.

‘So, what are you getting? Personally, I was thinking about getting a raspberry shake with some sweet berry and yogurt parfait.’ she said.

Legoshi looked at her kind of awkwardly. He felt uncomfortable by the looks around him. He didn’t quite know how to answer such a question. What should he ask for? Something he would like or something more preferable by herbivores to avoid scaring her? He looked at the menu again and carefully read it through.

‘What should I get? Cherry pies are too sticky for me and I’d just make a mess of myself… I don’t really like parfaits… Coffee makes my breath smell bad… Caramel-apple pies are too sweet… Key lime pies are kinda good, but this kitchen lady always burns the bottom of it… wait… They have egg sandwiches! Jackpot! And perhaps a glass of red berry juice!’

‘So?’ Haru asked with a curious look on her face, trying to figure out the thoughts of the wolf, who both seemed confused and annoyed at the same time.

‘Oh, sorry!’ Legoshi replied. ‘I totally zoned out. But I think I’ll get an egg sandwich and a glass of red berry juice. I hope me eating an egg sandwich in front of you isn’t offensive or anything to you.’

‘Don’t worry about that, I don’t mind carnivores eating foods like that. Plus, you need eggs for cakes and such, so…’ Haru said.

When it was their turn, Haru asked for their meals. The kitchen lady served them without a word but even she couldn’t help herself and send a judging look towards them.

‘I guess it’s unusual for others to see a large carnivore and a small herbivore having snacks together?’ Legoshi thought. They searched for a seat and then finally sat down near one of the giant oaks in the hall. With each passing student, they were disgusted expressions, or being gossiped about. It started to become frustrating for both of them…

‘Why don’t we get to know each other a little better to deter our minds from what others might be thinking about this whole situation of us eating together?’ Haru suggested.

‘That would be amazing’ Legoshi replied. He felt kind of nervous though. He had no idea how to have a proper conversation with others.

‘Awesome, you go first!’ Haru said.

Legoshi took a deep breath and began.

‘My name is Legoshi. I’m a grey wolf, as you can see, and I’m a second year student. I’m a stagehand in the Drama Club. I like…’

‘Wait!’ Haru interrupted. ‘This is not some sort of job interview or speed dating, take your time and don’t just throw information at me. Why don’t we take turns?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Let me make an example. I’m Haru. I’m a third year Netherland dwarf rabbit and I’m the only member of the Gardening Club. I like taking care of plants and listening to music. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?’

‘Well… I don’t really know to be honest. I like bugs and reading weather reports. I’m really happy when they report about the possibility of rain.’

‘I see. And what do you like about insects?’

‘That they can’t hurt me like others. Most of them seem to like me because I’m trying to be as gentle to them as possible.’

‘I understand you. Sometimes others just hurt you or spread rumors about you just because you’re different from them.’

‘What kind of rumors are they spreading about you?’

‘It always changes. Gossip spreads among small animals like wildfires. But it doesn’t really bother me anymore. The latest is that I prey on male students to spend my nights with. I guess that’s a pretty good explanation as to why others are looking at us like that.’

‘I’m sorry about that. I can just go if this makes you uncomfortable…’

‘You don’t have to. I don’t care what they think about me. But enough of that. What do you do as a stage hand?’

‘Well, I take care of the lights and help out the costumes department. I also run errands the leaders ask me to do, like getting supplies, asking for help and such. I also do the cleaning most of the time since wolves’ vision is pretty good in the dark, so we can save money on the electric bill.’

‘That’s awesome. How does your night vision work? I’m usually blind in the dark.’

‘Well, I mostly see stuff as I see them in the light but they are a bit darker in color. I think that’s the easiest way to describe it.’

The conversation went on for a good few hours. Legoshi and Haru ended up having dinner together, too. They talked about school issues, common interests, likes and dislikes. They enjoyed their time together with quite a lot of laughing included. It was almost 8 pm when they realized how much they kept talking.

‘Goodness, look at the time!’ Haru said. ‘I honestly can’t remember when was the last time, I enjoyed myself with someone this much.’

‘Me too. It was nice getting to know you. But I have to run now. I have some homework to take care of. See you around’ Legoshi said while waving goodbye.

‘Bye, Legoshi’ Haru said with a smile. After a long time, she felt like she met a genuinely nice character. ‘There is still some good in this world. Don’t lose your light, Legoshi.’ she thought.

As Legoshi was leaving the cafeteria, he bumped into Kibi. He was still kind of frustrated after he used his excuse against him but he still felt a bit thankful so he could at least have a nice afternoon.

‘Hey, Legoshi!’ Kibi said. ‘I’m sorry I left you there. I was waiting for you to come back.’

‘Kibi… Why did you leave me there?’ Legoshi replied.

‘Before that, did anything happen?’

‘No, not really.’

‘Really? That’s good. So… The reason I was running down the stairs four steps at a time was because I was afraid of running into trouble.’

‘Well, there wasn’t any trouble, so what were you afraid of?’

‘Well, there’s this bunny who’s pretty famous around the herbivores. Apparently, she seduced many males and she’s really dangerous to be around… Basically, she’s a slut’ Kibi sighed. ‘Hard to believe, right? She looks so quiet, too… But hey, she wouldn’t try to make a move on a wolf, right? Did she say anything to you?’

Legoshi couldn’t believe what he just heard from Kibi. His words tasted like lead and were just as toxic. He couldn’t believe others would spread such rumors just because of someone being different. After a moment of thinking, he answered.

‘She did. She told me that she really cares about her flowers… She treats them like her own children. I want to talk to the stage crew to suggest getting the flowers from some place else. I think she has some issues, but she is a nice girl if you get to know her a little more. But I have to go now. Bye!’

With that, Legoshi left Kibi behind, who just couldn’t quite process Legoshi’s words. He couldn’t believe how mature he acted despite his young age. He stared after him as the wolf was slownly disappearing in the crowd.

[arcticdementor]

Angelo Codevilla is one of the most vigorous polemicists in American politics. He is one of the pioneers of based politics — eyes open to the madness of the times, heart on fire. He doesn’t hide the bad news or the ugly truths. The FBI and CIA are rotten, the military is corrupt and being turned against America as we speak, elite institutions are now in the power of a minority that hates most of us openly. But he also doesn’t run away from politics into cultural commentary or metaphysics. We have a fight on our hands and we have to want to fight in order to find the leaders willing to risk everything on our behalf.

…

What follows, is an edited version of our conversation, recorder on March 18th, 2021.

…

Titus Techera: Sir, you write about we the democracy destroying the oligarchy. Where do we start?

Angelo Codevilla: Well, the very first thing is: Take away respect. Cancellation is inherently a two-way street: They’re canceling you and you are canceling them. You can’t simply say: Oh, let me in, let me in! No, you say: You don’t like me? Guess what? I don’t like you either. Buh-bye!

The number one practical problem we’re facing is inherent in oligarchies, namely that state powers, public powers, are being wielded by ostensibly private organizations. You try to fly in an airplane without a mask and you’re in trouble. You go into a national chain store without a mask and they try to throw you out. Well, the only way to deal with that is to do it en masse, and to say: OK, starting on April 1st, if this store, airline, or whatever tries to enforce masks on anybody, it will be boycotted by everybody. Thank you and good night!

…

This is one of the things we are shocked most to see happening around us: Supposedly private corporations busy as bees in the free market are in fact private political authorities. Privilege is the right word, because it means private law. Any corporation big enough can now act like it’s a feudal fief in the oligarchy, lording it over mere serfs who don’t dare talk politics. How do we get back from serfdom to political protest?

There are all sorts of examples out there already. They’re not particularly happy examples, but ever since 1964 [the Civil Rights Act], if you own a bakery or a lunch counter, you cannot turn away someone for service, on the ground of race or anything else. Public accommodation law means that if you are open to the public, you must serve the public, period. Now, it’s entirely logical to add political statements to the list of things that may not be discriminated against. There are all sorts of things that can be done, but all of these things take leadership, and that’s what we haven’t got.

Yes, we should make it the law that being a normal citizen isn’t a crime you can be punished for. No power can discriminate against ordinary people, indeed. It seems much of your polemic is trying to remind us that we should behave with self-respect, to not let ourselves be trampled.

Yes. Look, politics is inherently a collective activity. For example, during the Occupation in the 1940s, Charles de Gaulle warned the people against individual acts of resistance. This is something I’ve pointed out before: Don’t do these things individually, do them only as part of a larger national political enterprise led by… Well, at that time, Charles de Gaulle.

What we need here is for someone to step forward and say: “I will lead the Deplorables out of slavery in Egypt, yeah? And I will organize: Follow me!”

…

But again, the condition for that is that some prominent person — or two, or three, or four — stepping forward and saying: OK, this is the way it’s gonna be. Follow me and we’ll wreck these bastards! You know: Follow me and I’ll take you out of here. Right now, the closest we’ve got to this is Gov. DeSantis of Florida. The other one is Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota… [The interview took place before Gov. Noem vetoed a bill intended to protect women from trans-gender competition in school athletics.]

But there has to be national-level leadership. That’s the way it’s always been! Think back in the 1780s and 90s, there were a whole bunch of Washingtonians. Well, there wouldn’t be any Washingtonians without Washington — there wouldn’t have been any Jeffersonians without Jefferson — any Jacksonians without Andrew Jackson. And on and on and on. The reason that the country was rallied as it was to stop the spread of slavery had a lot to do with Abraham Lincoln, who stepped forward and made the argument and sustained it.

…

We talk politics each from his isolated perch on top of a computer, and we don’t see how people might come together in revolt. It seems like all the powerful institutions are against us and we have no memberships or contracts to trust in. We need some way of organizing so we can be less scared of our individual vulnerability. We tried with the Trump rallies and what do we have to show for it?

Donald Trump was something like that, except that Donald Trump barked a lot and bit only a little. You know, you can’t go around saying big things and then letting the bad guys run all over you.

…

That’s maybe the strangest thing happening to us. There are so many of us, yet all so vulnerable to cancellation, to threats of losing jobs, or just losing job opportunities. The internet should mean we can band together, communicate, but it’s not happening yet. The only organizations up and running are the ones trying to indoctrinate us into woke.

If you don’t go to one of these sessions where you’re told about white privilege, you’re fired? Alright, but if your national leader has organized ten thousand or one million people to protest on a particular day, well, then it’s different. In that situation, you’re in power, they’re not. You simply can’t fire everybody…

So we need organizations just so people can go on with ordinary life without feeling afraid?

Look, in politics, as well as in economics, there is a law of supply and demand. Put yourself in the shoes of someone with national ambitions on the conservative side of things: Well, you know what you’ve got to do! Number one, get out in front — number two, you know that you’ve got to actually deliver safety.

It took the political strife after 2016 for people to realize how much demand there is for safety on the conservative side. Does this create opportunities for the leaders now only beginning to come up?

That’s right. They know they’re not going to go anywhere by being recycled versions of Jeb Bush. Or Mitt Romney, or McConnell… If you have national ambitions and you present yourself that way, you’ve just committed hara-kiri! The only way you’re going to go somewhere is by being literally to the right of Donald Trump. And I don’t mean in terms of rhetoric, I mean in terms of real leadership for real safety and promotion of our way of life.

…

I wrote an essay for American Greatness, Clarity After Trump. Clarity means a lot — there’s no doubt about what’s going on. I mean, cancellation of Dr. Seuss? You gotta be kidding me! Bugs Bunny? No, no, no — that’s not normal in anybody’s book. Even the president of France, Macron has said that this movement coming out of America [Critical Race Theory] is a danger to all countries, to all people…

There was a time not long ago when the woke left was claiming that their culture, what they’re pushing, was inclusive, and it was really the culture of cultures — that it was friendly to all cultures. Well, the truth, as it turns out, is now pretty indisputable: the woke movement is the reverse of all that; a very, very peculiar culture that is meaningful only to a very small number of people.

So is this the revolutionary woke democracy, where the demos is the first to be excluded?

Yes, politically and culturally they have painted themselves into a corner and the corner is getting smaller and smaller. They hold all the power, but the number of people on whose behalf they wield that power is small and shrinking.

…

But let’s now go back to the original question: What is to be done? It would be counter-productive for the right to struggle for control of the institutions, because those institutions are now so thoroughly identified with the people who run them that it’s extraordinarily difficult to unseat them all and reseat other men. Plus why should we even try? Why not just make our own and say: OK, you want Facebook and Twitter to be organs of wokeness? Take it, all yours, now go away! Except none of us are going to be involved with them…

…

You said we need to deny respect to those who would humiliate us. But another part of the problem is that conservatives are learning, shocked, that institutions they used to believe in, above all law enforcement and the military, are at least at the top corrupted and against conservatism. Something that has been going on for a long time.

Oh, yes. Absolutely. You don’t hear it anymore, but up until recently, you could turn on the Hannity show and hear: “Oh, these wonderful policemen! The police are on our side — the police, the police, the police, the police…” No, no, and no! The police work for whoever pays them and that is the problem. The police will taze a lady or arrest somebody because they violate what the mayor or the governor says ought to be done. So — no!

It was in the news the other week that Tucker Carlson was being criticized by various generals and other high officials in the military. How do we come to grips with these big national problems?

As far as the armed forces are concerned, this cannot be allowed, and the way to disallow it is for conservatives to vote as a bloc against appropriations for the armed forces. Not so long ago, bills that fund the armed forces used to come in many pieces and each of the pieces was voted on separately. There used to be personnel account, a military construction account, weapons, etc. That used to give a great deal of power to whoever would make a point out of particular problems. Now, these terrible personnel policies are in the process of ruining the armed forces. If conservatives can protest the bundling of all military appropriations into one lump, and if they can go back to the system of having hearings and votes, they can darn well kill or cut the personnel counts.

…

Sure, but the Senate it’s mostly a free enterprise institution. I served in the Senate for eight years [as staff] and I know for a fact that whoever is bloody-minded, whoever really has a bug up his rear, and really wants to have something done, can have his way, because most people will not oppose him. Those who are really interested in something generally can get their way.

And so it should encourage ambitious politicians to pursue something of great importance to their electorate. Can a Senator become the voice of the people by denying approvals?

Yes, that’s it — you just put your finger on it: Denying something is a lot easier than affirming it. Saying no in Congress is a lot easier than saying yes…

…

We have ended up in an America where the former director of the FBI or of the CIA can turn into a partisan pundit on MSNBC, and people don’t even blink. How is this possible, for such high officials?

Well, this is the problem. See, Donald Trump was a jerk, a complete jerk. He could have stopped that instantly. There are laws on the books — black letter, clear as a bell laws — against these people even mentioning or hinting at information obtained through communications intelligence. Those laws, unlike the Espionage Act, do not require all manner of proof about intentions or anything like that. They are what are called strict liability laws. You reveal or purport to reveal something gained through communications intelligence — you go to jail, period.

Now, Donald Trump could have appointed — should have appointed — an Attorney General to do exactly that. This is black letter law, not legal reaching — this is plain black letter law. He didn’t do it! He was scared of the agencies. This is one reason why I think the prospect of Donald Trump running again would be a disaster. Tell me, Donald, what are you going to do now that you didn’t do your first time around?

…

So this would seem to be the most important thing we have achieved: Political clarity about just how serious the problem is. Couldn’t we say that this is a reason to hope? Isn’t this is how American politics works: Each major change in our politics has begun with an attack on centralized oligarchy, usually in Washington D.C. This is how Jefferson did it, Jackson, and Lincoln. This is what Reagan did, too.

Yes, and again, I hate to sound like a broken record, but it’s leadershis, leadership, leadership.

…

That’s right. Donald Trump handed the keys of the country to Anthony Fauci. We can’t say: Oh, the left, the left, the left! Trump did it!

The point that I made in the original Ruling Class essay, is that this ruling class is a bipartisan thing — the oligarchy is a bipartisan thing, which is why we have to sort of exit these institutions and forget about a lot of so-called leaders. The nicest thing about the 2016 election happened during the primaries, when it was impossible for anyone to get traction who wasn’t against the ruling class. So it really came down to two people: Trump and Cruz, and Trump won because he was more adamant. Never mind that it was a multi-candidate field and in a multi-candidate field, the choice is never between A and B.

In the future, it’s not going to be any different. The only people who are going to get any traction are people who are going to make Donald Trump look like a moderate.

…

Victory has to be bold.

Look at Nancy Pelosi. Back in 2009 when Obamacare was being cooked up, some reporter asked her: In what way is this constitutional? And her answer was: Are you kidding? I don’t give a damn whether it’s constitutional or not. We’re gonna do it!

Nobody follows an uncertain trumpet. That’s why the motto of the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School is: Ductus Exemplo, “Leadership by Example.” Follow me!

[plsdontgivemerdmusernames]

Multi-Meme Drifting

So you might have seen meme posts drifting around involving Tom the Cat and Daffy the Duck in funny outfits being called 『Stand Masters 』, with Tom the Cat having the stand 『One More Time』, and Daffy Duck having the stand  『Literally Me』. I’ve just had some ideas for their Stand powers and I must share them with you now. Beware, this is a long post.

『Stand Name』

『One More Time』     『Stand Master』

                                      『Tom the Cat』

Power: A, Speed: B, Range: E, Durability: E, Precision: B, Potential: D.

The villainous Tom the Cat (Originally Jasper the Cat), who dresses in in a garishly striped acid green and neon orange zoot suit with a wide-brimmed banana-yellow pork-pie hat, always chewing a lit cigar, takes a page from many JoJo boss stand masters with having powers over time. Having discovered his abilities when caught by the police after mugging a rich, middle-aged lady named Mama Two-Shoes, Jasper the Cat, petty criminal and gangster, used One More Time to frame his boss Butch the Cat, escaping conviction with the contents of her purse and using the money to get the new identity of Tom.

Tom’s Stand, One More Time, manifests as a plastic Möbius strip that resembles a tape measure, with Imperial hatch marks running down one edge. One More Time is a non-humanoid, short-range Stand, the length of which Tom the Cat manipulates in order to use his power, which must be close to Tom’s target. By stretching One More Time, Tom can prolong moments to the point of stopping them altogether, and by cutting One More Time apart and swapping sections Tom can alter the flow of events and location of objects within its range. Furthermore, Tom can use One More Time like a garrote, stretching out time and preventing the enemy’s allies from being able to stop Tom.

The precision of this stand is limited to Tom’s foresight, as altering events in time may result in other events following their causes. (For example, using One More Time to trap an enemy in a waiting room may result in re-arranging Tom’s day, such as waking up at midnight and having a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and three-course meal before going back to bed and not eating anything until Tom uses his power.) As Tom does so, One More Time produces squealing like a viola, the sound of time being warped.

Tom the Cat has abused One More Time, using it to gain power, wealth, and privilege through a combination of assassination, blackmail, sabotage, and theft, perverting the serendipity of others around Tom the Cat and stealing opportunities by ensuring that Tom gets them first, and avoiding injury by replacing Tom’s place in time with other victims or by relocating the effects of blows. Tom’s sadism, vindictiveness, energy, and determination has made him the first mob boss of Albuquerque, New Mexico to win a mayoral position, as well as the hand of Toodles Galore, the former girlfriend of his boss, friend, and later enemy Butch.

『Stand Name』

『Literally Me』     『Stand Master』

                                『Daffy Duck』

Power: E, Speed: E, Range: C, Durability: A, Precision: D, Potential: B.

Daffy Horatio Armando Dumas Tiberius Sheldon Duck is a combative, emotional, and completely unrestrained protagonist, proud of his painstakingly-cultivated appearance, which is that of a black duck who wears a bright pink, mauve-buttoned and -piped tuxedo with an unusually large, acid-green bow tie, a vivid crimson chrysanthemum boutonnière, and banana-yellow gloves and dress shoes. Daffy Duck has done up the feathers on the top of his head, dying them as yellow as his gloves, curling them, and combing them into a quiff.

Having served in the 600th Bombardment Squadron in World War II after conscription, Daffy Duck returned to Albuquerque to become a jazz singer, actor, and dancer, roles in which he had real talent and in which he put great effort into each performance, though he was always passed over by both managers and fans for the utterly effortless, unpracticed, and sarcastic appearances of Bugs Bunny. He always tried to get a leading act by impressing the managers, and always failed.

One night, Daffy Duck tried to show up Bugs’ act by swallowing a nitroglycerin pill, a gunpowder tablet, and a lit match, with the subsequent injury activating Literally Me for the first time, transporting him into the body of a nurse working in a trauma ward. By correctly alerting doctors to treat a misdiagnosed patient, Daffy was transported into a hospital bed after the performance, with a 7-shaped incision stitched shut across his chest and abdomen, career-ending injuries, and a sympathetic visitor in future Stand Master and friend Bugs Bunny.

Daffy’s Stand, Literally Me, is a humanoid (Or in his case, anatine), mid-range Stand, resembling Daffy wearing a lime-green body suit with a teal equipment belt, gauntlets, and boots. Both gauntlets and boots flare out at the ends, appearing loose on the Stand’s body. A large, triangular teal collar juts from the neck and shoulders, and the head has a teal bill and half-helmet with an odd little illicium sprouting from the top, tipped with a yellow light-bulb. In place of eyes, Literally Me has a smooth, reflective, black visor. In combat, Daffy Duck uses Literally Me to trip up and hurt enemies and their Stands with their own power or wrestle them to the ground until they exhaust themselves, using the Stand’s unparalleled durability to take hits that would cripple and kill lesser users, during which Literally Me cries a loud “Hoo-Hoo” frequently.

Daffy’s Stand Ability is very similar to the plot of Quantum Leap; if Daffy Duck faces an impediment, Daffy can use Literally Me to randomly take control of a person or creature in a situation tangentially similar to his own. By solving their problem, Daffy Duck re-materializes, having simultaneously solved his own problem. In this altered state, Daffy Duck’s vocalizations can be identified by the retention of his speech impediment (a lateral lisp) even if the creature Daffy Duck has taken control of has no natural ability for speech. For example, if Daffy Duck is imprisoned and wants to get out, he may use Literally Me to take the form of an indoor cat that wants to go outside and sit in the grass, leaving imprisonment when the cat gets to sit in the grass, though most problems Daffy must solve involve similar stakes to the one Daffy is in.

This power has some drawbacks, however; if Daffy Duck completes the task in a manner that is somehow “illegal”, such as getting the cat outside by slipping through a door held ajar without the owner’s permission, Daffy’s problem is also solved in an illegal manner, such as breaking out, but if Daffy solves the problem “legally”, such as convincing the cat’s owners to take the cat outside for a walk on a leash, Daffy’s own problem is solved legally, such as being released without charge due to the discovery of a different suspect.

[ayma-nidiot]

“Don’t Speak Their Names” - Shrimpshipping fanfic Chapter 1

Link to this chapter on AO3 can be found here.

Summary: Seto Kaiba and Pharaoh Atem no longer reside in Domino City - or in this time period, for that matter. Rex Raptor and Weevil Underwood, with their newly awakened shapeshifting powers, jump at the chance to become top duelists once again. Not if a beautiful and cunning duelist by the name of Amber can help it! To Rex’s misfortune, Amber catches him in an embarrassing position at school. But this won’t be the last time he gets hot and bothered at school, and a suggestion from a former rival puts Rex in a rather… compromising position.

This is a sequel to my mostly-Pride fanfic “In the White Light,” which also features Shrimpshipping in the last few chapters. One main reason I wanted to write this fic is to not only give Rex and Weevil more attention, but also to write a Shrimpshipping fanfic with little to no Pride. Though “Don’t Speak Their Names” will feature a few elements from “In the White Light,” it is not 100% necessary to read “In the White Light” first. However, this fic will allude to that one on a few occasions. As always, constructive criticism is welcome!

Chapter 1 - “Oohs” and “Aahs”

“And that,” Rex Raptor propped his legs on the dueling table in a moment of pride, “is what I call sweet, sweet revenge.”

Weevil Underwood ignored the cheers that resounded throughout Domino High School’s rooftop. “Nah. That’s what I call sheer, dumb luck.”

After scooping up his deck, Rex gave the bug duelist a smirk right in his face. “And on my birthday, no less!”

“Okay, okay.” Weevil threw up his hands in defeat. “But insects are still the best. You Jurassic jerk.”

“Those insects were quite the pest problem. But I took care of them…” Rex leaned in closer to Weevil’s ear and whispered, “just like I’m going to do to you tonight.”

Before Weevil could slap Rex for saying something so vulgar at school, their club sponsor spoke as he entered the scene, “Speaking of problems, there will be a problem if you don’t get to class! First period starts in six minutes!”

“Pfft…” a girl snickered on everyone’s way to class.

“What’s so funny?” Weevil didn’t like the way this unfamiliar girl stared at him with her amber eyes.

“Man, oh man…” spoke one of Weevil’s buddies from the tabletop gaming club, which had hosted Rex’s “birthday tournament.” “That’s the last person you want laughing at you, Underwood.”

“Why, what’s so special about her?” Rex asked as everyone took their seats.

“You don’t know?” another friend chimed in. “She’s known around this school as a man-eater. Plus, I’ve heard she’s a sneaky - but awesome - duelist.”

“And wouldn’t I know it,” sighed Espa Roba, who had since moved to Domino City. “She beat me - me, the psychic duelist! - handily during that birthday tournament.”

“So, Mr. Psychic Duelist, what’s her name?”

“Uh…” Espa stared into space. “She was so beautiful that I never thought to ask.”

“And I suppose you bozos never thought to ask either?” Rex got no response to that except for a few dopey chuckles.

“Well, it looks like the sunrise with legs just walked in.” Friend #1 whistled as a girl with long, raven-black hair showed up to class. “Raptor, why don’t you go talk to her?”

“Wh-What? Me?!” Rex pulled Weevil out of his seat. “No way! Make him do it!”

“You’re the one who won the tournament, dino brain!”

It didn’t take long for the raven-haired girl to notice this lover’s quarrel. “A dino brain you are, indeed!” she laughed, completely nonplussed. “Not only to suffer such a humiliating defeat at regionals, but also to have the lowest grades of anyone in this class!”

As the girl laughed all the way to her seat, Friend #2 whispered to Rex, “Um… I guess that’s her way of saying, ‘You’re out of my league?’”

No kidding! Though Rex and Weevil had been in a relationship for nearly a year now, the dino duelist didn’t feel comfortable letting his jock friends know about it.

“She even knows about your oh-so-gracious loss at regionals!” Friend #1 chuckled. “Man, talk about-”

“WILL YOU STOP TALKING ALREADY?!” Rex nearly toppled his desk over as he sharply arose.

“I agree, Mr. Raptor,” spoke their homeroom science teacher. “Thank you for pretending to be the teacher, if only for three seconds. You may take a seat now.”

I’ll get you yet, you piece of shit… Rex glared back at the girl, who continued to giggle with her clique.

Rex had hoped that the teasing would stop in this period. To his misfortune, this girl not only teased him at every turn, but got away with doing it. He reckoned that it was because she had the best grades out of all the seniors and got to skip two years - or so she and her teachers claimed. Very few things annoyed Rex more than smartasses doing whatever they damn well pleased to (unless said smartass was Weevil).

Rex would not have to deal with this smartass for the last period of the day - gym class - as this class had two teachers who normally taught the boys and girls separately. But he did not enjoy the annoying “oohs” and “aahs” he got from his male classmates. Luckily, the gym teacher not only didn’t know the raven-haired girl, but thanks to his athletic abilities, Rex was on his good side.

“There’s a time and a place for teasing each other, boys,” the gym teacher paused before the boys were to jump the vault. “It’s called after school. You’re not in college yet.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Friend #1 as Rex prepared himself for his turn, and promptly took off.

“I suppose his is well-named,” Friend #2 remarked. “The kid runs like a velociraptor. His face looks like one, too.”

Weevil, however, could tell something was awry from the look on his boyfriend’s face. “Hold on, fartknocker. I know Rex better than any of you, and I can assure you he is normally not that exhausted.”

The gym teacher was the only other one to notice. “Mr. Raptor, go to the nurse,” he ordered immediately.

“No, Teach, I’m fine,” Rex insisted, but the gym teacher wouldn’t accept that answer.

“I mean it, Mr. Raptor. You’re having heat exhaustion,” the gym teacher spoke as he wrote Rex a clinic pass. “Go, now, before it develops into full-on heat stroke.”

This was the one teacher Rex really liked, and he knew better than to argue with him. Without looking at his teacher’s face, he took the hall pass and sauntered into the hallway leading to the clinic. He didn’t make it far, though, as even after stopping for some water, he felt even hotter still… in ways he didn’t want to at school. He thanked the gods that nobody in the hallway could see him in such a state.

“Why…” Rex wiped his forehead after making way for the loo. “Argh, why do I have to have a boner in the middle of class? And… and… What the fuck?!”

Rex didn’t expect to see his rabbit ears, paws, and tail come out - after all, he only recently discovered his ability to change into the Creepy Coney. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t retract his animal features. Unless… “There’s only one way I can make my bunny ears go away, huh…”

Rex took one final look around the hall, and locked himself in one of the stalls. Even though the loo was air conditioned well enough, his body still felt hot as he let his pants fall to his knees.

Gods… Rex felt paranoid at first, but as he caressed his own cock, any noise in that hallway - save for his own whimpering - proved insignificant. He had wanted for Weevil to join him in there, but of course the aspiring valedictorian had to jump the vault instead. Still… This isn’t so bad…

Rex had an experience with touching himself that he was unusually proud of, so it took him no time at all to reach a satisfying climax - and an especially loud moan. As he pulled his pants back up and exited the stall, he showed no shame - that was, until he heard a feminine chuckle from just outside the loo entrance. “Sounds like you had quite a bit of fun in there.”

“It’s…!” Rex easily recognized the raven-haired girl. “It’s none of your business!”

“Oh, I think after seeing you practically turn into a rabbit and hearing you masturbate in the bathroom, it is very much my business.”

“Shh!” Rex rushed up to the girl and covered her mouth. “Okay, what do you want me to do so you don’t tell everyone what happened in there?”

“Shouldn’t you ask a lady what her name is before you ask her for favours?”

“But… But…” Rex stuttered.

“The name’s Amber, by the way. And if you’re wondering what I’d like from you… Just let me follow you around whenever I’d like.”

“That’s, um… Odd. You do know I have a boyfriend, right?” Rex let it slip without thinking.

“I’ve known for quite some time,” Amber replied nonchalantly. “Or have you not heard of my sneaky reputation?”

Rex wanted to hit Amber for speaking that way to him, but he knew better. “...So you just want to follow me? Even on the way home?”

“Now that you mention it, yes.” Amber smirked when the bell to end the school day rang. “Right now, if you don’t mind.”

Oh, you bet I do, Rex thought as several jealous boys glared at him. You bet I do.