#But he was shown kindness and he was shown compassion and he was allowed to become a different version of himself

[myrling-art]

I need people to understand how fundamentally important Essek Thelyss is for people like me.

But I am also not super comfortable flaunting my squishy emotions for everyone to see, so we'll be hiding them in the tags because we are so brave but also very soft.

FINAL POLL

Propaganda

Gilmore:

He's fabulous, he's powerful, he dueled the Cinder King and lived to tell the tale, he's fucking gorgeous, he had a really close relationship with Vox Machina that survived being rejected by Vax romantically, he held the barrier over Whitestone and smushed an assassin and over 30 years later he's still Glorious

Essek:

He's gay he's demi he's goth he's a war criminal he's got floaty magic he's got it all, folks

*picture has been changed for a second time. Stop complaining, please*

[i-love-ptv]

Such A Sure Thing ‧*❆₊⋆

Pairing:Boyfriend Rafe Cameron x Girlfriend!Reader

It finally snowed in the Outer Banks, (who would’ve thought?) so what do you do? You spend the day with the Camerons.

Wc: 1,192

Pure fluff!! We got lots of snow the other day soooo ya.

An: This is a little rushed cause i wanted to get it out, so i hope there aren’t too many mistakes 😣 I’m gonna try n be more consistent dw guys! ALSO IM THINKING ABT MAKING A TAGLIST SO LMK IF YOU’RE INTERESTED!

Feedback is always appreciated and welcomed!

Rafe awoke to the sound of screams.

His disoriented state made him merely turn over in bed, in hopes of finding your heated body right next to him. Yet he was met with limp tangled sheets and a cool pillow. The high heat inside the house doing nothing to provide him comfort in his long sleeve shirt alongside his sweatpants—only making him acknowledge the slight sweat that covers him from his chest up.

This made him jump up, the sounds of yelling now starting to register in his mind. His sleepy haze doesn’t allow him to recognize that signature laugh of yours that rings throughout the front lawn.

Rafe’s stride to the bottom of the staircase and eventually to the front door doesn’t miss a beat.

His steps are quick, and filled with urgency as he quickly rips open the already cracked front door.

“Wheez! You’re supposed to be on my team!” Rose yelps with a giggle.

Rafe sees you, alongside Wheezie, Sarah, and Rose, all with rosy faces and snow covering your layered clothing. He looks over slightly and sees Ward standing a few feet away, no doubt trying to avoid being hit with the largely-sized snowballs that the four of you are throwing. —Ward has a slight, yet noticeable quirk of a grin on his face.

Rafe rubs his eye with his gently-formed fist. He recognizes the coat that’s nearly swallowing your frame, it’s his. He assumes that once you noticed the snowflakes falling, you immediately grabbed whichever coat your pretty eyes landed on.

You’re crouching behind a well-constructed snow wall, creating multiple snowballs a minute, no doubt preparing for when Sarah comes running back for more ammunition for her onslaught. Rose is cowering behind her and Wheezie’s poorly created mound as the two youngest Cameron’s continue their attack.

Suddenly, Rose gathers a somewhat-large pile of snow in her arms and launches it at Sarah’s frame. She squeals as she sprints back to you, where she dives into the snow beside you.

“Don’t worry Sar, I’ll cover you!” You shout, before gathering several snowballs and then rushing towards Rose and Wheezie.

Rafe continues to watch on as the mere snowball fight turns into a playful brawl between you and his younger sister. Sarah and Rose join in as well, and Rafe looks at the scene fondly.

In all honesty, Rafe’s never really been for family; mainly preferring to be alone or rarely with his father. But something about seeing you with his family—fitting in perfectly as if you lived here, made his heart pound. He’s never been big for affection, both giving and receiving, at least he thought he wasn’t. Because right now, all he can think about is bundling up and joining you.

You’ve been this beacon of light for Rafe; he doesn’t really understand it, and trying to is harder than it seems. He’s spent so long trying to figure out how you’re different from all the rest; was it the fact that even though you didn’t take any shit from anybody, you’re still endlessly kind? Was it your beauty that couldn’t be matched? Or maybe it was the compassion that nobody has ever shown him—not even his own family—besides you.

He’s awestruck by you, he always is. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, everything leaves him breathless as he tries to calm his beating heart.

“Morning, Ray!” You shout, making him blink. “God��how are you not cold right now?!” You giggle as you try to regain your breath, while also sprinting towards him. Short puffs of air leave your mouth and flow through the wind. Your nose is slightly dark and rosy from the cold, as well as your upper wrist, which is exposed to the freezing snow that most likely rolled down your sleeves.

“Ew dude, nobody wants to see that,” Wheezie groans.

“Yeah, go put on some clothes, loser!” Sarah exclaims.

Rafe pays no mind to them, his main focus being on you peering up at him so beautifully, just like you always do.

Your icy gloves fingers gently push on his chest, “C’mon..Go change so we can make a snowman.” You speak softly.

“Uh-huh..” He mumbles dumbly, and all he can do is smile whilst going back to his room. He rummages through his closet, throwing clothes around haphazardly, desperately searching for at least a sweatshirt and shoes.

After quickly changing into whatever, somewhat warm clothing he could find, Rafe goes downstairs. He opens the front door yet again, but instead of seeing you farther down the lawn, you're waiting patiently directly on the porch.

You push your hands out towards him without a word, only beaming at him as his eyes trails down. In your cupped hands lies a heart-shaped snowball. Rafe can’t help but match your grin.

“Oh, thank you baby,” he nearly whispers, before gently taking the heart and putting it into his jacket pocket.

Rafe swipes the nearby wall-mounted lantern and gathers the snow in his black glove-covered hands. His large fingers attempt to form a heart.

It’s a little extremely disfigured, but you give him a toothy duchenne smile nonetheless.

You thank him before grabbing his arm and dragging him further into the front yard. The boots that you saved up and bought him for Christmas stomp in the snow behind you. He laughs at your eagerness.

Suddenly, you stop, muttering a “Shit! My boot,” before crouching down.

Rafe shifts his gaze down to your form with curiosity, which is very short lived when you toss a quickly formed snowball into his face.

Rafe sputters as you laugh, briefly watching you run away before sprinting after you.

“C’mon! You can't hit me then run away, babe!” Rafe yells, quickly gaining on you.

He tackles you into the snow, you both grunt simultaneously.

“That’s not fucking fair! You have lanky legs!” You squeal as he begins to dig and prod at your sides.

“Yeah yeah, it’s not my fault your stride isn’t up to par like mine.” Rafe smirks triumphantly.

You can’t help but cackle, “You sound so stupid right now!” Rafe then trails his tickling up your body, it’s erratic and uncalculated; all you can do is squirm in the mound of snow.

A shout comes from a few feet away, you recognize the voice—it’s Wheezie. “Hey, lovebirds! We’re going inside to get hot chocolate, you comin’?” She’s standing in front of the door with Sarah; you assume Rose and Ward have already gone inside.

“Nah, we’re good!” Rafe hollers, before continuing to torment mess with you.

“Ow! Fuck, my ribs!” Your tone is filled with anguish, and you jolt up in Rafe’s arms.

“What? What happened baby? Was I too rough?” Rafe’s checking your frame urgently, searching for any sign of an injury.

Abruptly, you use all your body weight to push Rafe onto his back. You straddle him, then grab some of the snow surrounding his head, smushing it into his face.

You stand on wobbly knees as Rafe tries to regain his composure, before taking off towards the backyard.

“Oh—I’m not letting you get away, sweetheart!” Rafe huffs before taking off after you yet again.

[multific]

His Love

Marcus Acacius x Reader

Summary: You were meant to marry him, thinking he is an unkind man, you kept your distance from him, but soon, you learned the truth. 

As the sun cast its golden rays over the bustling streets of ancient Rome, Marcus Acacius, a bold Roman soldier, crossed paths with you, his soon-to-be wife. 

At first, your heart held nothing but hate for this man, seeing him as a brute and unkind soul. 

However, destiny had a different plan in store for both of you.

In an unexpected turn of events, you discovered that he was nothing like your initial judgment had led you to believe. 

Beneath his hardened exterior lay a heart filled with kindness, compassion, and a burning love for you.

You wanted to explore that.

To see where it would lead the two of you. 

And so, you began to spend more time together. 

You ate together and even went on many walks around the city. Seeing him interact with people made you realise just how kind he was.

Watching him smile spread a warmth inside your heart.

Slowly, the walls you had built around your heart began to crumble. 

Marcus's gentle words and thoughtful gestures slowly melted away your worries, allowing love to blossom inside you. 

In the tender moments shared, he revealed his vulnerability and how deeply he had fallen for you.

One evening, Marcus took your hand and whispered to you. 

"My love, I know that our journey together began with animosity, but I promise you, my intentions have always been pure. I am here to protect you, cherish you, and love you with every fibre of my being."

Tears welled up in your eyes at his words. 

"Marcus, I never imagined that behind your cold facade, there would be such a loving heart. I am grateful for the person you have shown me, and I too must confess, I have fallen deeply in love with you."

From that moment forward, your lives intertwined as you embarked on a journey filled with love, trust, and unwavering devotion.

Your wedding was simple. Your family was there, and you had a great time.

But you were just thankful for the journey ahead of you with a husband so loving, kind and handsome. 

In the years that followed, amidst the madness of war and the difficulties of life, Marcus remained your dedicated rock. 

His unwavering support and unwavering love carried you through every storm, reminding you of the depth of his commitment.

Of his Love.

Taglist: 

@castellandiangelo @imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl @manduse @jacalineiscomingforyou 

@mandoloriancookie @deliciousfestsalad @lilliumrorum @asgards-princess-of-mischief 

@fallout-girl219 @dracaryxzs @snowtargaryen 

~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

/YOU DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO TRANSLATE, TO STEAL OR TO REUPLOAD ANY OF MY WORKS TO THIS OR OTHER PLATFORMS/

[gay-dorito-dust]

Jason loves kneeling before you and holding onto your waist as he burrows his face into your stomach, all the while you have your hand buried deep into his hair as they combed their way through, playing with the ends as he childishly groans at you to keep going whilst holding onto your waist tighter.

You were Jason’s safe place, the first and possibly only person who shown him kindness, love and compassion without seeking for something for yourself. Jason oftentimes doesn’t think your real but with the way you felt beneath his scarred and calloused hands, it was more then enough to show him that you were more then real.

His angel, his beloved, his first experience of kindness, his everything, his anchor. You were everything and so much more to Jason that he honesty doesn’t know how he managed to scrap by life without you kissing his wounds as you help patch him up.

Dick loves resting on top of you, and this was more evident when he’s had a rough day and is in need of a bit of comfort, but doesn’t want to bother you in asking for it. So he just wordlessly collapses on top of you and crushing you beneath his weight, intentionally ignoring your complaints as he gets himself comfortable before burrowing his head into your neck as he rants about the awful day he’s had into your ear.

He liked the fact that you listen to him, allowed him the space to speak openly and freely without judgement, even offering up advice when he needed it as you pressed kisses into his head in hopes of soothing his oncoming headache.

Angel kisses as Dick often calls them and will even over exaggerate the day he’s had just to feel your healing kisses against his skin, smiling at the feeling of you beneath him safe and sound, even if he was crushing you but he claims that it was his love for you that was actually crushing you…what a doofus but he’s your doofus and he refuses to let you forget it.

Damian has a sketchbook full of you and his pets doing stupid things.He has sketches of you and Titus taking a nap together, you and Ace cuddling up on the couch together during movie night, and lastly Damian had a sketch of you and Alfred the Cat sunbathing on the steps leading up towards the Wayne manor. They were all too silly and goofy for him but the fact that he felt compelled to draw, and later immortalise these moments into his artwork, said a lot more than he was willing to let on how he felt about you.

He won’t ever admit it but he likes that you’ve developed a deep enough connection with Titus, Ace or Alfred to be able to do these sort of things without them getting agitated or annoyed. His pets mean a lot to him and for you to be accepted by them was enough for Damian to start trusting you more often.

Damian would watch over you as you took a nap in his room despite knowing that nothing will ever get to you here. He won’t allow it. He was an highly trained ruthless assassin for fucks sake and he’d relinquish that title real fast if you were to ever be brought to harm under his watch. Which doesn’t come to pass because if there’s anywhere you could feel the slightest bit safe, it’s the Wayne Manor. It warms Damian’s heart to see that even Titus was overprotective of you too and would often guard you as you slept but laying himself at your feet, staring at the door as though he was waiting for something to try and get to you while he and Damian where here. Damian guessed that the rumour was true that sooner or later the dog would start to act/ look like the owner.

Bruce Wayne -THE BATMAN- loves the sweet kisses that you’d decided to leave on his cheek whenever he has to leave for somewhere important. He considers them his blessings from you and will keep an internal headcount of how many you’ve given him, with the current score being about thirty five to fourth five at the very least. Neither you nor him had a clue when this became a thing but the action of kissing the other’s cheek had quickly became a much loved tradition of yours.

He’d respond to your cheek kisses in kind with his own, which never fails to leave you smiling widely and warm within your chest, as you were left to feel the lingering of his kiss on your cheek for the rest of the day. The action may not look like much to others, but it was enough affirmation for you and Bruce to know that the love you both have for each other was still alive and strong after being together for so long.

He still tries to spoil you by bolting you things but you had to physically prevent him from bringing out his credit card the moment he spots you looking at something for a second too long. You didn’t give a shit about the fact that he was Bruce Wayne the billionaire, you only cared about Bruce Wayne the sweetest yet semi-awkward man you’ve ever met in your life. When he asks you what it is that you wanted from him, you’d reply with, ‘love, affection in any form that you are most comfortable with. I couldn’t care less for materialistic things because a simple touch of a hand or kiss to a cheek would prove priceless in comparison.’ And Bruce had respect your wish ever since…with several gifts bought now and then for special occasions he could surprise you with.

[animatewarriorcats]

Puddleshine! He is the son of Pinenose and Spikefur, supposed to be mentored by Littlecloud. He is chosen by Rowanstar to be medicine cat as a kit, as Littlecloud starts to decline in health due to age, and has to be instead mentored by Leafpool who is allowed to treat Littlecloud and teach the apprentice as an emergency. It's disputed briefly if the kit is fit to be a medicine cat as it's unknown if he has any connection to starclan, but Rowanstar insists that he can learn to heal as well as any despite lacking a sign for his appointment from Starclan. Leafpool mentors him for about two moons, which is a massively shortened mentorship for medicine cats. He is a full medicine cat when the new sickness breaks out in Shadowclan and knows that the herbs he was taught cure whitecough don't have the effect they should. He asks his leader if he can ask for outside help and is told not to seek it, but Rowanstar says no. He then is shown in a dream while napping the lungwort needed to cure Yellowcough by Runningnose. He tries to lead a herb seeking mission to the moor but is shut down by Onestar who threatens violence. He then treats his clan as they slowly succumb and waits for the approval to collect lungwort, which only comes after the deaths of Wasptail, Kinkfur, Crowfrost, and Rowanstar several times.

When the rogues come to take over shadowclan Puddleshine intends to leave with his leader, but Spikefur convinces him to stay with the rest of Shadowclan, with the appeal that they may need him if yellowcough returns. He survives living under Darktail by being valuable, but is not trusted by the rogue leader and is only allowed to help sick and injured cats sparingly. When Darktail is deposed, and Rowanstar struggles to lead a only slightly reformed rebellious Shadowclan Puddleshine is the voice of reason that convinces the senior warriors to merge with Skyclan to preserve their clan. He gets caught in a hunting trap and gains an infection that resists treatment, and is saved by Alderheart who treats him with seedless deathberries.

He mentors Shadowsight, and struggles with the loss of connection to starclan, seeking comfort in the fact that his apprentice is still having visions. When it is revealed that Shadowsight hadn't been receiving his visions from starclan Puddleshine starts to doubt his apprentice and his skills as a medicine cat. He still treats hims with compassion and heals him from his attack by the impostor, but Puddleshine is the cat that suggests that Shadowsight treat the impostors wounds as both punishment and additional training. Despite the setbacks though Puddleshine continues to be an encouraging source for Shadowsight, even when Tigerstar and Mothwing insist the young cat have 24hr supervision. After Shadowsight returns to the moonpool from the Dark forest after the events of The Place of No Stars, Puddleshine speaks up among the gathered cats in favor of Shadowsights theory that hope can defeat Ashfur and restore a connection to Starclan.

He has little mention in the Starless clan arc, but is still a skilled and respected medicine cat. Frostpaw remarks that he is kind and warm but that Shadowsight is strange and weird. I wish that Puddleshine was used more as a connection to her in that he did not originally have a connection to starclan, but that was formed over time, and that his first real dream outside the moonpool happened after he had been named a full medicine cat. But! it's fine I guess

[hazelira]

healing wounds

Ni-ki sat on the couch, his chest heaving with the aftereffects of the brutal confrontation. The room was quiet, save for the occasional hiss of pain escaping his lips as you carefully cleaned and bandaged the wounds on his body. He had never been one to show vulnerability or allow anyone close enough to see the fragility beneath his tough exterior. But here, in the silence of your shared home, he let you tend to him, his dark eyes never leaving you.

You were so gentle. Each touch and movement was deliberate—full of care, compassion, and more. Ni-ki was used to pain, but this… this felt different. Every time you touched a wound, his breath caught, not from the sting but from how you looked at him. Your gaze was soft and loving, yet something in your eyes made him feel like the world had shifted.

When you finished bandaging him, your fingers brushed over the edges of the bandages, ensuring they were secure. Your hand hovered for a moment, and then, in a quiet, intimate gesture, you leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against his chest, where a bruise bloomed.

"Does it hurt?" you whispered, your lips lingering a little longer.

Ni-ki's throat tightened, and he couldn’t find his voice momentarily. He had never been on the receiving end of such tenderness. His usual self-assuredness faltered as he watched you, his wife, the one he had once pushed away, now tending to him in this way. It was a kindness he wasn’t used to, yet it felt like a lifeline.

“No,” he finally whispered, his voice thick with something he couldn’t name. "Not anymore."

You moved to the next wound, kissing the small cut on his shoulder as you whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Ni-ki flinched slightly at your words, but not because they stung. It was the sincerity behind them that made him pause.

“Sorry for what?” he asked quietly, his gaze shifting from your tender touch to your eyes.

“For not being enough… for you,” you murmured, almost as if you were ashamed of the thought.

Ni-ki’s heart skipped a beat. He opened his mouth to argue, to tell you that you didn’t need to apologize, but he stopped. He couldn’t. There were no words to erase the guilt and regret swirling inside him.

Instead, he reached out, catching your wrist in his hand, his grip firm yet gentle. You looked up, surprised, but he didn’t let go. His thumb traced the back of your hand slowly as though memorizing the warmth of your skin.

“Baby, you’ve been more than enough,” he said, his voice low and vulnerable in a way he had never allowed himself to be before. “You’ve always been enough.”

His words left you breathless, your heart racing in your chest. For so long, you had loved him in silence, nursing your wounds on your own, but now, with him here in front of you, vulnerable and raw, you realized the truth.

Ni-ki didn’t know how to love like you did. He had been taught to hate, to fight, and to distrust. But your patience and care had shown him that love didn’t have to be perfect—it just had to be honest.

And for the first time, Ni-ki felt it. He felt the love you had been silently giving him all along, and it consumed him.

Without thinking, he leaned forward, capturing your lips in a soft, tentative kiss as though he was afraid to break your fragile connection. But you kissed him back, deep and full of all the emotions you had buried inside.

When the kiss broke, he rested his forehead against yours, his breath uneven.

“I don’t deserve you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

You smiled softly, pressing a final kiss to his chest before resting your head against him.

“Maybe not. But I choose you anyway.”

And for the first time, Ni-ki let himself believe it—let himself believe that, despite the darkness that surrounded both of you, maybe, just maybe, love could still bloom in the unlikeliest of places.

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[jiangwanyinscatmom]

I do honestly think people wildly conflate overarching "good morality" to a puritanical intolerance and I'm specifically referencing Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian regarding this little phenomenon because they are the moral compass in their respective plots, which is supported heavily and reiterated throughout the novels literally, thematically, and by MXTX through her supplemental notes, afterwords and multiple interviews asking for these clarifications she repeats. At the simplest it's hypocritical when people try to argue points to their supposed flaws or "mistakes" that are never really considered flaws and mistakes in, and made, by Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian to begin with, and are crafted as such by fandom to elevate and absolve one of the characters shown to have wronged them.

For Wei Wuxian his creation of gui dao was suspicious therefore making him "mentally unstable" and at fault for the judgement, paranoia and jealousy of others. For Xie Lian it's his upbringing as a royal made him ignorant of actual suffering, his privilege is the flaw and his underlying kindness wasn't genuine and at fault for the judgement, paranoia and jealousy of others. These arguments are ad hominem, it discredits their own character as well as victim blames to say they are the cause for what happened circumstantially, literally and brought it upon themselves. Because these are generalized flaws anyone can possess, we can circumstantially turn them into their flaws and name what mistakes they made.

Wei Wuxian is a troublemaker and was known to be one, it makes sense why he is later reputed to be dangerous and reckless, so Jiang Cheng's jealousy of him was understandable. In turn that means, he shouldn't have protected the Wens, Wei Wuxian is the hypocrite not understanding the position Jiang Cheng was being placed in. This is despite foreshadowing in their youth to Wei Wuxian protecting Jiang Cheng from the consequence of reprimand, from him not telling Jiang Fengmian the reason as to why his leg was broken due to running away on threats of Jiang Cheng and verbal disparaging, to being the one to punch Jin Zixuan for insulting Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng's own sister, because he had less of a political repercussion, and taking beatings from Madam Yu for the same actions Jiang Cheng participated in willingly.

Xie Lian does disparage himself on his potential naïveté, and the ignorance his life as a royal made him arrogant early as chapter six, originally thinking that Hua Cheng's deduction of Jun Wu being cruel is the thinking of a child, and those who made mistakes (of arrogance, ignorance and abuse of power) needed punishment. Even when he ascends it is after the disparagement of the prologue that initially seems to attest to the Prince of Xianle being demoted and fallen (literally and metaphorically for his own kingdom) due to his own arrogance. That apparent arrogance justifies Mu Qing and Feng Xin's, his very well known prior comrades, apathy and disdain, because they washed their hands of him to rise above his mistakes and are seen as renowned gods for centuries. Yet we are given multiple arcs that begin to show that Xie Lian was actually very kind and very gracious in the face of ridicule, suspicion and condemnation, that Mu Qing and Feng Xin participated in or inadvertently allowed due one being jealous and the other unsure, and ultimately incorrect.

The commonality here is that those that disparage them, are arrogant, hateful, jealous, ignorant, narrow minded and conform to the very things that Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian cannot be silent to. Fandom begins to then say those that misjudged, slandered, or demeaned Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian purposely, were actually reasonable and the ones who were misunderstood instead, they had good intentions themselves and meant well. They also had their reasons, and Wei Wuxian and Xie Lian would he the villains instead, if it were any other story or writer. Due to this, Xie Lian and Wei Wuxian cannot be morally upright, especially if "I" can reason I think those that did wish ill and did act with ill intention, as reiterated by the novel text, because I understand the antagonistic perspective, I am manufacturing unintended sympathy by casting my life experience as a defense.

With this cast of personalization, it can now be used as a deflection of the ad hominem used to claim Wei Wuxian were always without morals, their perceived mistakes, that are textual red herrings for emotional entertainment of the audience, are actual flaws of their characters that goes against authorial intention that was meant to be processed by the audience. They are not actually allowed what is usually accepted as human nature flaws, because to be morally upright is to be without basic human trait. It is not Morally Conscious, it's Moral Superiority because the flaws reflected in those with ill intentions and morally lacking, are what I potentially see in myself l, I cannot be a bad person, even if I have gone against the moral conscious to the work.

Wei Wuxian's and Xie Lian's actual good and kindness is reduced to an other explanation of ill intent. Divorced of their moral reflection intended, to explain why the antagonistic forces of their life were actually not in the wrong, they meant well, they did it all out of love, of fear, of care to others despite the many literary mirrors existing between the exposition of side characters reflecting the injustice and manufactured manipulations the antagonists participated in, some of them with very apparent and disturbing glee or violence. This glee is reasoned as a normal reaction that any other person would react with, despite the original point to show how this is not meant to be seen as anything other than disturbing when it follows after an action or background character event that could have been seen an opening to instill empathy.

To want empathy for these antagonists is to discredit the intended empathy the author made and justifies for her own protagonist as well as an emotional guilt tripping that is a condemned tactic the writer reiterates through her various circumstances she sets up through her novels.

[crustyfloor]

(excuse to talk about one of my favorite cure scenes and ramble) Ivan's message as a character who chooses to not confront his feelings and doesn't find the words to describe them because they're so jumbled and unusual, makes it interesting when we see him express himself with actions rather than words, because action comes more easily to him rather than some complexities he won't put a name to or think about, in fact, Ivan doesn't consider himself capable of being so naturally attuned to emotions like others can be, it's just a fact to him, there must be something fundamentally "wrong" with him that separates him from others who have the ability. After all the years of suppressing and constructing a version of himself that didn't feel, for the sake of keeping control in an environment where, by all means, for him, emotions were a liability. He would not allow his weaknesses to come to light. It was simpler to live that kind of life instead of the alternative. I'm sure that's why he was so intensely fixated on Till, after finding someone who embodied everything Ivan believed he couldn't have and lacked within himself, sticking to Till and observing him was like a study

Ivan didn't learn basic concepts about emotions, so most of his behavioral issues stem from his upbringing. Ivan may believe empathy and kindness wouldn't come as naturally to him as others because Ivan is dispassionate about most things in his life, because he has to be, so much so that it gives the impression that Ivan doesn't feel at all. I love this scene in Cure because it shines light on the anger and compassion Ivan does feel, and it's for another person, for Till, whom Ivan can't help but have most of his passionate feelings and moments for.

Such a rare instance of gentleness from someone who otherwise wouldn't so easily give it reflects so strongly on Ivan as a character, he's seen Till so endlessly sympathetic and kind-hearted, Till as a person makes Ivan's deep and intense feelings come to the surface inevtibly even if it's hard to put a word to exactly what he feels, especially in that moment, so much to be said but nothing to say. But it's instinct to care, even though he wasn't shown that pity was something to give- his misery was met with mistreatment and punishment in his childhood, but something about seeing Till in such a state reveals a different side of him from the side that he would usually direct onto himself; he empathizes. Even if he doesn't know exactly what he's doing, and he's just clumsily nuzzling his face against Till's

A part of Ivan's character is a constant journey and exercise in expression, recognizing emotions, and in this case (compassion). Ivan is disconnected from his environment, his whole world is bleak, and he sorts people into cateragories and calculates how to approach them, not because it's what he wants to do, but because it's what he has to do, it's the only way he understands people, one of the only things in his control that he can manage in that regard is how he can maintain his perception for others and how he can perceive others. The closest we come to seeing him shift from that outside of Till is Sua, and still, she was also in a category (he just placed her in the same category he was in, to be exact, because of how he observed her), so he deals with people in much the same disconnected fashion

It's just that he's different for Till. Because aforementioned, Till's presence in Ivan's life, His love for Till pries open a part of Ivan that Ivan keeps resolutely shut, the part of him that feels, feels too deeply to be confronted here and now, but he does regardless and no matter how much that has led Ivan places that would eventually make him conclude that that side of him should never come to light, he never leaves Till, his underlying intentions on giving Till the leeway and freedom he wants, first being the meteor shower, and the smaller version with the collars, children don't instinctively know how to sympathize unless their environment teaches them how to express it, but it must be instinct to care for someone who's life you prioritize even over your own, it's just not so easily understood

His cover of wiege is also a nice callback to this, what I always loved about Wiege was how soothing it was as a song, even in the cruel, upside down world they live in, they still find comfort where they can in others and in healing through sharing it, in dreaming that things will be or could've been better even if something darker is looming over them.

Let a child who has never sung a lullaby, and like most in their world, didn't grow up happy and comforted, sing a lullaby and come in contact with that part of himself that only comes rarely, that he doesn't believe he is good enough to have had in the first place, the gentleness that is often pushed down for the facade of resignation and indifference. Ivan would never properly come to accept that he could. He has spent his whole life convincing himself he's just an unlovable person, and the people around him, and the way he perceived them, were a confirmation that he indeed didn't belong and wasn't a person capable of loving or being loved in return

These are lessons Ivan never came to learn because he was too adamant on a simplicity, that was the result of his insecurity and fears but simple enough for him to accept and live with, Nowhere is the best telling of this because the song lays out why he is the way he is, how he perceives the world as unforgiving and cruel and ultimately not where he can exist, his existence is like an (anomaly), even in the small moments of peace and love that exists between humans, he's an observer watching from the outside in and he's living day by day in a blur and he doesn't ask questions or try to change anything about it. Although it's an unfortunate situation to be in, loneliness isn't as pitiful as it may appear to be, and Ivan's method of self-isolation and coldness to the world keeps him alive and in control, so he allows himself to fill that role because ultimately, he fears confronting that all of his beliefs were wrong and questioning himself, he fears shifting from that role. After all, accepting some truths that we understand is something he can't afford to let consume him; he can't afford to fully see himself or trust Till with his feelings, not when it can hurt him (again), not when he can perceive him, perhaps even prove him wrong (Because if it were any more obvious that Till cared for him, Ivan would have to rethink everything about his "I'm not a person anyone can truly understand or love" belief, he does everything to convince himself that he's nothing to Till because he's so sure). It's simple to believe that this one-sided desire is just something he has to live with and is the result of the kind of person he is, and not something he's miscalculating.

It's hard to interpret why Ivan's self-soothing mechanisms and the way he cares are so convoluted, but when he's so resolute in the notion that he's unable to be like others and usually won't let himself be so open to vulnerability because on the inside he doesn't think anyone as twisted, impure such as himself could, not without doing something wrong or something that he'd regret. But loving Till and observing him was a gateway to learning how to do the same back, even if it's this much, a hesitant, vulnerable, human gentleness that he doesn't know what to do with, (In this way, I like to think those moments in their childhood taught him some little things that children would usually learn from their caretakers, if that makes sense... Ivan is like a sponge to me, so I think just like that comic where they were telling a flower to cheer up, Till's compassionate character taught him more things about what it is to be human.)

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - June 20, 2023

🐕 - Meet Sheep Farm's Newest Employee: Collie Hired After Ejection from Car!

1. Border Collie ejected from car during Sunday crash found on sheep farm, herding sheep

Tilly, the 2-year-old Border Collie who was ejected from a car Sunday during a crash, has been found. He was found on a sheep farm, where he had apparently taken up the role of sheep herder. 

According to Tilly's owner, he has lost some weight since Sunday's crash and is now drinking lots of water but is otherwise healthy.

2. After 17-Year Absence, White Rhinos Return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recently welcomed the reintroduction of 16 southern white rhinoceroses to Garamba National Park, according to officials. The last wild northern white rhino was poached there in 2006.

The white rhinos were transported to Garamba, which lies in the northeastern part of the country, from a South African private reserve. In the late 19th century, the southern white rhino subspecies was believed to be extinct due to poaching until a population of fewer than 100 was discovered in South Africa in 1895, according to WWF.

3. UK to wipe women’s historic convictions for homosexuality

Women with convictions for some same-sex activity in the United Kingdom can apply for a pardon for the first time, the Home Office has announced.

The Home Office is widening its scheme to wipe historic convictions for homosexual activity more than a decade after the government allowed applications for same-sex activity offences to be disregarded.

It means anyone can apply for a pardon if they have been convicted or cautioned for any same-sex activity offences that have been repealed or abolished.

4. Study shows human tendency to help others is universal

A new study on the human capacity for cooperation suggests that, deep down, people of diverse cultures are more similar than you might expect. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that from the towns of England, Italy, Poland, and Russia to the villages of rural Ecuador, Ghana, Laos, and Aboriginal Australia, at the micro scale of our daily interaction, people everywhere tend to help others when needed.

5. In a First, Wind and Solar Generated More Power Than Coal in U.S.

Wind and solar generated more electricity than coal through May, an E&E News review of federal data shows, marking the first time renewables have outpaced the former king of American power over a five-month period.

The milestone illustrates the ongoing transformation of the U.S. power sector as the nation races to install cleaner forms of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.

6. Iceland becomes latest country to ban conversion therapy

Lawmakers in Iceland on June 9 approved a bill that will ban so-called conversion therapy in the country.

Media reports note 53 members of the Icelandic Parliament voted for the measure, while three MPs abstained. Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, an MP who is a member of the Liberal Reform Party, introduced the bill.

7. The temple feeding 100,000 people a day

Amritsar, the north Indian city known for its Golden Temple and delicious cuisine, is also renowned for its spirit of generosity and selfless service. The city, founded by a Sikh guru, embodies the Sikh tradition of seva, performing voluntary acts of service without expecting anything in return.

This spirit of giving extends beyond the temple walls, as the Sikh community has shown immense compassion during crises, such as delivering oxygen cylinders during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the heart of Amritsar's generosity is the Golden Temple's langar, the world's largest free communal kitchen, serving 100,000 people daily without discrimination. Despite a history marred by tragic events, Amritsar continues to radiate kindness, love, and generosity.

----

That's it for this week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation:

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Also don’t forget to reblog.

[twst-hottest-takes]

The TWST writers treat Ruggie so unfairly. He literally almost dies from one of the people he trusts the most, and it's brushed aside. I wish Ruggie held more of a grudge, he deserves to. He literally has made it so far from his poverty stricken background, almost to be killed by the prince of his OWN COUNTRY. Like come on...nothing?? Also we need to REALLY discuss how mishandled Ruggie's book 7 dream was. I think Ruggie's backstory is one of the most tragic ones in the game, as he literally grew up in the slums and had no formal education before NRC. I REPEAT. HE HAD NO FORMAL EDUCATION BEFORE NRC. So when you factor that while looking into his dream, it's just SO SAD. He's at a school, just as prestigious as NRC, and he is finally well off. While people were out here dreaming about overthrowing governments he was dreaming about being economically stable and not having to go hungry again. And when they wake him up, he (RIGHTFULLY SO) gets on all fours and starts crying. And you know what the story does. They ridicule him. They play that like "funny chaos" music they have going on. Something angered me when I saw Jack just stand there and be like, "I've never seen Ruggie cry so much" and look so awkward about it. I also felt that was so out of character because Jack has shown how much respect he has for Ruggie. You didn't even attempt to comfort him? Like...nobody? And then after he's done crying for like 2 minutes, he just gets up and brushes it off. Ruggie isn't one really seen showing strong emotions often, so having him be vulnerable could've been such a great development for him! Not to mention, he doesn't really like depending on others or again, being vulnerable, so this could've been a moment for him to be like "it's okay to cry ruggie." I honestly feel like Jack should've said more about that if you ask me, for someone who respects him so much.

The Savanaclaw curse strikes again!

Even Ruggie (who I maintain is the developers' favorite Savanaclaw boy) is not immune to it. He's got the most thought put into his backstory and the game has enough brains to make a really tragic situation out of his dream. . .and then come up with an anti-climax to it because reasons. Twisted Wonderland is prone to having those Marvelisms--you know, the ones where heavy scenes aren't allowed to be heavy. I'm not one to favor Ruggie much, but it honestly is annoying that with all he's got going on as far as his past goes the game never uses it for those really emotional beats--only to justify his comical flaws, like penny pinching and pick pocketing. It's kind of tone deaf. Especially considering a lot of people feel like Ruggie has had a lot more reason to Overblot than someone like Leona (that's another conversation though).

I'm stepping up to bat for my boy Jack though. When you're in the dorm where you solve problems with your fists and get made fun of for believing in any kind of honor system, of course it's going to be awkward when your honorary vice-housewarden bawls in front of you. Ruggie's made fun of him for having any kind of moral compass, so trying to comfort him would almost certainly come back to bite Jack in the tail later. He was between a rock and a hard place there. Jack's not looking down on Ruggie for crying, he just didn't expect any of his dorm mates to show that kind of emotion in front of him. It's not out of character for him to not know what to do in that situation and he probably wouldn't know how to bring it up later either. NRC is not an environment conducive to these guys learning how to be emotionally intellegent.

Thank you for your take.

(The blog owner is most certainly not still holding a grudge over the fact that Ruggie got the special card.)

[odditycircus-2002]

Quan Chi’s Daughter S/O’s relationships with other characters? In a platonic manner bc her husband is still Scorpion. Like, not quite battle intros, but how she’s like with the other characters of your choosing? Nobody would have expected a spawn of Quan Chi to be so sweet and kind and somewhat oblivious yet curious about new things, like she was with the outside world like snow and all that.

A/N: You got it! Hope y'all like these and that they make sense to you, while keeping in character with them too.😁

Sub-Zero

Kuai Liang doesn't like to dwell too much on his years as a Revenant, but he still recalls the kindness and compassion you showed him and his fellow Revenants. Hearing your beautifully haunting tunes was the few reprieves he could find in the Netherrealm, a reminder of a life outside of the screams of the damned. You were under no obligation to treat them any differently than Quan-chi did, which makes the Lin Kuei Grandmaster appreciate all the more. He doesn't mistake your kindness for weakness. After all, your kindness allowed Raiden to resurrect him and Grandmaster Hasashi in the first place. Although you don't hesitate to fight when it comes to Mortal Kombat, you would rather not fight if it is unnecessary if you had your way. However, Quan-chi would have you fight whether you liked it or not, but even then, you still offer small mercies during battle, such as quick, painless deaths. It's evident to Kuai Liang that you hold immense power but choose not to abuse it to subjugate others to your will. Sub-Zero respects your discipline and restraint regarding your abilities in that regard. While Kuai Liang was busy restoring his clan's honor, his mind sometimes wondered if Quan-chi ever found out about you assisting Raiden. Kuai Liang knew if your father ever found out that you assisted in his, Scorpion's, and Jax's revival, no mercy would be shown to you in the slightest, as Quan-chi isn't above laying a harmful hand on his kin. The Lin Kuei's Grandmaster also pondered if you would be the same person he met last time or if your "kindness" was all a ruse to take your father's place beside Shinnok. While Sub-zero doubted the latter, that didn't mean he wasn't less wary of your intentions.

Yet, despite some initial misgivings about your true character, out of everyone on this list, Sub-Zero would trust you the quickest. Even after learning about your father's deal with Sektor and his hand with slaughtering the Shirai Ryu. Although he was still reasonably skeptical, your reaction to the truth convinced him that you had no direct hand in Quan-chi's crimes. Your love for Hanzo and dedication to the new Shirai Ryu only further cemented that fact and your character. In fact, when Kuai Liang saw you fretting about your husband's return, he offered words of encouragement to have faith in your husband's strength and will, as nothing in the realms will prevent Hanzo from returning to you and the Shirai Ryu. Kuai Liang and you both grieved for Hanzo Hasashi without judgment or shame. This results in Lin Kuei's Grandmaster making a vow to himself to watch over you in Hanzo's place for however long he can.

Despite their truce, both Sub-zero and Hanzo would occasionally butt heads in matters regarding their clans; you often acted as the mediator between them to help them work out any disagreements. Usually, the two Grandmasters listen to you out of respect because you're not as blinded by clan rivalry as they are. Other times, when the grandmasters are deep in discussion, you prevent fights between Lin Kuei and the visiting Shirai Ryu. When they do and escalate beyond friendly sparing, you would step in by using your Shamisen to knock the fighters out. Often, you visit Kuai Liang at the Lin Kuei's Temple for diplomatic missions meant to foster peace between the Lin Keui and Shirai Ryu because you are not quick to anger and are willing to listen more before acting out. Your husband and Sub-Zero sincerely appreciate your efforts to maintain peace between both clans. The Lin Kuei's Grandmaster is secretly touched that you'd often journey to his clan's temple in the snowy mountains despite your aversion to the cold temperature, having been surrounded by extreme heat for most of your life. Sub-Zero is always courteous and respectful when he encounters you. Patiently answering your questions regarding the Lin Kuei and its customs or how they keep warm with the constant snow around them.

Raiden

Not even a demi-god such as Raiden is immune to bias or prejudices. Before actually meeting you, he assumed you to be another one of Quan-chi's obedient minions, even if you were the Necromancer's daughter. Yet, when Scorpion first entered the Mortal Kombat Tournament, the Thunder God noticed how much more lively you were compared to how you usually acted. Rather than just standing silently by your father, no more than a porcelain doll, you made idle chat with Scorpion and became more observant of the world around you. Your eyes filled with curious delight for everything around you, so much unlike an Oni of the Netherrealm. Raiden began to sense the light that has always shined within you but was buried and hidden by your father and Shinnok's darkness. The Thunder God hoped that perhaps, one day, you'd turn away from Quan-chi's darkness in favor of the opposing light.

Yet, the Thunder God remained cautious about you, having already learned his lesson with Scorpion, who went back on his word. Your actions during the battle at his Sky Temple, where you fought alongside your father and Shinnok, didn't help ease Raiden's mind. He could sense your reluctance, but it didn't stop you from trading blows with him and Fujin. Ultimately, Raiden's hunch about your true nature was proven correct when you revealed how to free Johnny Cage from your father's clutches before the Earthrealmer could be turned into a Revenant, like many others. As time went on, Raiden would check on your progress (without your knowledge) to see how you were fairing in your new life in Earthrealm and with your new husband, Hanzo. It pleased him to observe how you used your immense abilities to protect Earthrealm and brought balance to Hanzo, tempering his rage while he, in turn, ignited your fire.

You, however, remained wary of Raiden, fearful that Earthrealm's protector may one day punish you for your former association with Netherrealm's forces. Even after Hanzo Hasashi explained storms and clouds to you, you still can't help but feel on edge whenever you see a lightning strike or hear a thunder clap. You act with decorum and respect whenever you encounter Raiden, not wanting to give him any reason to strike you down. However, Raiden would try to assure you that he's not Shinnok, so you have no need to fear him like the fallen Elder God. Yet, your fears would seem validated when Raiden was corrupted by Shinnok's amulet. Raiden acted harsher with you, no longer trying to make you feel at ease around Earthrealm's protector. A title he made sure you never forget with his thinly veiled threats should you ever dare try to betray Earthrealm for your birth realm. The darker thunder god constantly hounded you for any information regarding the Netherrealm and its new rulers, Revenant Lui Kang and Kitana. Your skin prickled from how Dark Raiden's presence charged the air around him, and your heart picked up in speed when his red glowing eyes narrowed whenever you had no new information to give him. Hanzo, seeing how anxious Raiden made you and Raiden's building frustration and distrust for you, eventually had to step in between you and the dark Thunder God. The Shirai Ryu's Grandmaster made it clear that, under no uncertain terms, Raiden will not continue to harass you regarding the Netherrealm. You will share what you know but will come to Raiden first. You affirmed (with a small peak of your demonic form to make your point) that you agree with Hanzo, pointing out how you wouldn't betray the realm where you finally found a home. Since then, you have yet to speak with Raiden, which you honestly preferred even after the Time Merger.

Johnny Cage

Hot as Hell is how Johnny Cage initially described you, infatuated by your otherworldly beauty. You were easier to flirt with compared to most of the women who caught his eye, such as Sonya Blade, as most would've kicked his ass within 10 seconds of hearing his pick-up lines. However, that didn't mean any of his flattering one-liners worked to sweep you off your feet. Mainly because you didn't even know Cage was trying to in the first place and thought he was just being friendly with you. The flirting you were familiar with was demons showing off feats of strength and brutality or decapitating heads or hearts of demon rivals. None which you ever accepted, of course. The fact that you genuinely don't know when Cage is flirting with you confused and mildly irritated the action star, who couldn't really stay annoyed with you and your naivety. How could you know any better when you've been surrounded by monstrous freaks all your life, to the point you can't recognize what handsomeness looks like? To him, it's amazing that you're not as evil and twisted as his first agent. What with growing up in literal Hell and everything?

As for being related to Quan-chi and being a demon, Cage was dubious about you. You didn't seem as bad as Quan-chi, but you still obeyed him without resistance. At least, that's what Cage figured up until later learning it was thanks to you that Raiden was able to save Johnny from becoming a Revenant and revive Jaxs, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero. Afterward, he wasn't sure WHAT to make of you, although Cage suspected that maybe you wanted to take Daddy down and become top dog. Wrong again! When Special Forces allied themselves with the Shirai Ryu, during delegations, Cage learned that you cut all ties with Quan-chi and ran away from Netherrealm. Opting instead to help rebuild the Shirai Ryu and live with Hanzo Hasashi, who you later married. You definitely received some significant character development over the years. Slowly but surely, Johnny's reservations about you began to crumble away as the action star witnessed the kindness and humanity within you, assured that you would defend your home in Earthrealm.

Regarding your upbringing, Johnny isn't above using your ignorance of the world outside the Netherrealm against you. He doesn't do it with malicious intent, just mainly to mess with you a bit like he would with his Outworld allies and even his Earthrealm allies. But can you blame him for how genuinely eager you are to learn something new about the realm you come to call home? Johnny also thinks you could make it big in the music industry with your shamisen; it's too bad you don't care about fame or fortune.

Sonya Blade

Similarly to Raiden, Sonya was initially wary of you since she thought you were just another Quan-chi minion, never mind that you shared blood with the Necromancer. At the first Mortal Kombat tournament she attended, Sonya barely paid you any mind as she was too focused on saving Jax. Her opinion of you wasn't better when you fought against Earthrealm in the realm's war against Netherrealm. To her, you weren't a tragic friend turned enemy but an enemy she had to take down to ensure her home realm's safety. Yet, she later learned from Raiden that it's thanks to the info that you willingly gave the Thunder god that Johnny is still alive and Jax, Kuai Liang, and Hanzo Hasashi were revived. While Sonya is thankful for your assistance in saving both Johnny and Jax, that didn't mean she still wasn't suspicious of your intentions. Yet, the Special Forces Soldier did see a potential opportunity with you to become a valued ally against the Netherrealm, similar to Sareena.

Said potential opportunity came to fruition when the Special Forces opened communications with the Shirai Ryu, and you were at the head of delegations. You looked healthier and stronger, and the Shirai Ryu's colors complimented you well rather than the monotone black, greys, and hints of red you used to wear. If Sonya didn't know better, she could almost have mistaken you as human from a distance. But, just because you seemed to have turned a new leaf by renouncing Quan-chi, which Sonya respects, and settled with Grandmaster Hasashi with a child on the way doesn't mean Sonya would invite you to the next Fourth of July Potluck. However, the Special Forces soldier does have some sympathy for you, surrounding how you escaped the Netherrealm. She knew Quan-chi was a cowardly bastard, but for the Necromancer to send her former friends and allies to kill his own daughter was just a whole new low. Son of a bitch didn't even care enough to look at you as he did it. Still, despite knowing of your history, Sonya sorta saw you to be weak. Not in terms of power, given you could go toe-to-toe with Raiden and Fujinn, matching them blow for blow; there's also your shamisen, which you could make SIndel's Sonic Screams look like whispers and THEN some.

Yes, Sonya recognizes you don't like to abuse your power, but it wouldn't kill you to use it more than how you usually do when it means saving more lives! Sonya isn't assured that such power is in her capable hands when you listen to Johnny Cage, who takes your ignorance of the world outside the Netherrealm to mess with you and get on her nerves. However, General Blade changed her mind when Shinnok returned after two decades imprisoned in his amulet. While she, Johnny, Kenshi, and Hanzo were weakened and swiftly defeated by Shinnok, you did not go down so easily. Granted, Sonya didn't see much of the fight, having been knocked unconscious. Still, the little she did see was a 9-foot draconic-looking demon trying to sink its fangs into the Fallen Elder God, who kept its jaws open with two giant skeleton hands. It wasn't until later that General Blade learned that you and that draconic demon are one in the same. While Sonya did gain some newfound respect for you going all out to fight your former master, she still hasn't forgotten how you and Grandmaster Hasashi attacked the Special Forces compound where Quan-chi was being held. However, considering no one was killed and for your effort in fighting Shinnok, Sonya is willing to let it slide, just this once.

Lui Kang

You never met Lui Kang when he was alive. Of course, you knew about his victories in the Tournament you attended and against Shao Khan. Shortly after Lui Kang was felled by a mixture of his fire and Lord Raiden's lightning and his following resurrection, you officially met the Shaolin monk. Upon his resurrection, he was so furious that he cursed Raiden's name to the Heavens. Unlike with Scorpion, this undead spirit frightened you. Maybe because, while Scorpion was made into a Wraith, Lui Kang was made into a Revenant, a being that's more mindless than a Wraith that "lives" to serve their new master/s. Your father, Quan-chi, informed you of the circumstances surrounding every new Revenant's death, albeit with a few details twisted here and there. Quan-chi assured you that while he did resurrect them to serve Lord Shinnok, the latter will ultimately bring them justice for their deaths. So, despite your misgivings, you sympathized with the monk and his fellow Revenants and set out to treat them as you had treated Scorpion. Since you were technically ranked above him, Lui Kang treated you in the same cordial manner as your father, minus the reverence. The former monk was sometimes tasked with guarding you or escorting you to different places as all of you moved to hide away from Earthrealm's watchful gaze throughout the Netherrealm. Lui Kang only really spoke with you if you talk first, keeping his answers short and curt unless Raiden is somehow brought up. Then Lui Kang goes into a passionate tirade, which seems to bring the former Earthrealm Champion to "life" the most. While deep down, some part of him recognized and appreciated your kindness for him and his fellow Revenants, the former monk was far too gone from Quan-chi's corruption and his rage to care.

That's why, when Quan-chi ordered him and his fellow Revenants to kill you, Lui Kang obeyed without a second thought. The former monk had his suspicions about you, seeing how you tired throughout the day despite claiming to have been in your quarters all night. Those suspicions only grew when he saw you staring off into the distance with a smile and a flower in your hand despite no flowers in the Netherrealm. Lui Kang tried to warn his Lord about your nightly absences and behavior, only for Quan-chi to dismiss him. The Necromancer assured Lui Kang that he raised you to obey your father, so what if you sneaked off for fun? You always return to him in time, yet you ultimately proved to be a traitor. In his mind, it only served you right for betraying your Lord and your father for Earthrealm. In fact, it was Lui Kang that nearly killed you, leaving you with a giant burn scar on your chest over your heart. He had you pinned down, finally catching you after a long chase through the Netherrealm. The Revenant then placed his fist over your heart, slowly heating it up until it was glowing white, his body an immovable wall that you could only squirm against as your flesh began to sizzle and it became harder to breathe. The worst part of it all? His smug, shit-eating grin as he reveled in your slow death, unbothered by your wails of agony. Lui Kang happily announced how, without you, he would now be Quan-chi's right hand rather than you and would no longer have to be subservient to a weakling like you. Luckily, Sareena came to your rescue, knocking Lui Kang off of you before dragging you to a portal to Earthrealm.

When you first met the past Lui Kang, brought to the future thanks to Kronika's doing, you got a "bit" heated. Heated as if your true demonic form began to bubble to the surface, letting out a growl when you set eyes on the Shaolin Monk. Your husband, thankfully, calmed you down by squeezing your hand and reminding you this is Lui Kang isn't the Revenant you've known. You took some calming breaths before welcoming Lui Kang and his fellow monk, Kung Lao, to the Fire Gardens. Throughout the war against Kronika and her allies, Lui Kang noticed how on edge you were around him. Sure, his future allies who have fought his Revenant, including Cass, kept him at an arm's distance but watched him as if expecting him to attack at any moment. As much as Lui Kang tries to distance himself from his Revenant, trying to prove to you and others that he and his evil counterpart aren't one and the same, the monk knows that you will always be wary of him at some level. However, you and he both later made your peace, expressing how you wished you could've met him before his death. Lui Kang agreed; perhaps you could've been good friends if things were different. Nonetheless, Earthrealm's champion recognizes your kindness and unwavering love for your home in Earthrealm, incredibly amazed that, despite their efforts, neither Quan-chi nor Shinnok could snuff out that light within you. When Lui Kang became the new Keeper of Time, he ensured you would have as little connection to Quan-chi as possible. While he couldn't prevent ALL hardships in your life, The new Titan made it so you retained your musical talent. It was now your choice and your choice alone on what you would do with your music and how to live your life. Not your father's, not Shinnok's, Kronika's, or Lui Kang's, yours.

[oshiawaseni]

The biggest obstacle when it comes to saving Shigaraki’s heart is Decay: If he so much as grabs someone’s hand… they’ll die. Which is a huge deal in a series that places so much emphasis on the act of a Hero holding a lost child's hand to reassure them that everything will be okay.

Shigaraki struggles with connecting to people because he’s never been able to perform even the most rudimentary of expressions for actually *connecting with other people* (such as a handshake)… it's a concept which has been shown to us time and time again in MHA. And if you are a subscriber of "AFO having given decay to Tenko" theory... this is probably the main reason as for why he gave him such a treacherous quirk that would never allow him to connect to another person.

No one has even hugged him since his mother died trying to… and she was his only family who cast aside her safety to give the love, comfort and reassurance that 5 year old Tenko needed back then.

So I think what's to come for Shigaraki is going to be about connecting with him in the way that’s been (impossible).

My theory is that Izuku could have a moment of reaching out to Shigaraki, just as Sailor Moon reached out with a hand for Sailor Galaxia to take… and in doing so, show Tomura his pure intentions to save him. I think this could be a main feature of the Izuku Midoriya Rising chapter!

This parallel works *really* well if Shigaraki is possessed by AFO at the time. The MC’s words and selflessness helping their enemy tap into the love which lives deep inside them. In Sailor Moon this dispersed the chaos in Galaxia… and in MHA it may tame AFO’s kosei/personality.

The full theory with videos can be read here!

When 407 came out, a LOT of us thought Izuku’s hand stood NO chance… even I was concerned! But I think this was actually foreshadowing a future chapter where Izuku reaches out to Shigaraki, knowing he’s risking everything to try reach into his humanity.

There’s also Yoichi’s words: “So why did you reach out to me that day, knowing full well of my ties to your enemy?” …Hori’s been cooking this theme of reaching a hand out to save those in need, no matter who they are. That everyone is a person with a human heart inside them.

So I think Shigaraki will reach out to grab onto Izuku’s outstretched hand, in a Sailor Moon-inspired moment of Tomura finally embracing the love in his heart… and this will free him of all his life’s built up pain.

One thing MHA teaches well is that pure love and compassion towards others, and the self-sacrifices made to help one’s community are the key to controlling one’s quirk. It’s the best expression of individuality in MHA. Kacchan had full mastery over his quirk by embracing love.

I think it’s enough for Shigaraki that Izuku is even *willing* to be decayed to reach into his humanity and show the compassion his mother once gave him when everything was falling apart around him. Izuku may even remind Shigaraki of Inko’s motherly warmth from the memories.

So Shigaraki will be able to control his quirk because his heart is cleansed, leaving only pure love inside. And so he won’t let Decay hurt Izuku when he grabs Izuku’s hand. Shigaraki’s soul could be truly saved by physically connecting to Izuku’s immense heart and kindness for others. No matter when or how it’s done, a handhold scene like this would be so beautiful!

MHA’s society may be incredibly broken and wrong… but the one right thing in the world is the connection between everyone’s hearts, all striving for a better future together. Their belief in hope and each other.

At the very end of her fight, Sailor Moon says that chaos "had gone into the hearts of everyone.” Because if everyone shares a little of the burden, it won’t all fall on one person’s shoulders. But, “It’s alright! The light of hope exists in their hearts also.” ✨❤️✨

[creeperman247]

alright, so, we all know that the ending to the whole phyrexian arc was really disappointing, but honestly one of my biggest gripes is what they did with urabrask.

the phyrexian praetors were twists on the stereotypical color roles; elesh norn turned white's order into tyranny, vorinclex turned green's nature into a "perfected" nature, jin-gitaxias turned blue's desire for progress into a desire for progress at any cost, etc. urabrask took reds emotion, most commonly anger, and turned it into emotion, most commonly compassion, which is a super interesting direction to take it. he shut off weapon creation from the rest of the phyrexians, he sheltered the mirrodin rebels, he even went as far as to think that compleation should be a consensual process, that if it truly was perfect, everyone would become willingly compleated eventually, and that the other praetors forcing compleation upon people was a sign they didn't really believe in it. he shows that, unlike what basically everything else would lead you to believe, the phyrexians are not inherently evil. (it is also important to note that despite what wotc seemingly really wants you to think, compleation isn't "a fate worse than death," at least not when consensual, it is shown that compleated people maintain their original personalities and memories.)

so, what did they do with this incredibly unique character (who is my favorite character in the entire lore honestly)? they had him lead a revolt that went nowhere and got him killed, doing nothing in the process. what a massive waste.

so, here's my idea on how the ending should have gone: urabrask leads the revolt but is outnumbered and overpowered. however, instead of being killed, he escapes and flees the plane through the planar gate (perhaps with the help of one of the compleated red planeswalkers.) he ends up hiding and/or on the run for a while, and then the whole "phyrexians invade every plane" thing happens. a bunch of planeswalkers kill elesh norn like in the current story, but this time elesh norn isn't stupid and the phyrexians don't shut down just because she's dead. however, her dying gives the rest of the planes hope that this is a winnable battle, and they begin to push back. this then gives urabrask and the red phyrexians the space to begin fighting alongside the planes to defeat the rest of the phyrexians, and, once the rest of the phyrexians are defeated (obviously over the course of multiple sets with more cinematic battles and such, instead of cramming it all into 1 set) urabrask takes over as the new leader, and ushers the phyrexians into a new age of kindness where they aren't the villains for once. urabrask educates the compleated planeswalkers about compassion and such and undoes the teachings of elesh norn (which really wouldn't be that hard honestly? the planeswalkers don't really have a reason to not believe him, especially more naturally compassionate ones like tamiyo, and even meaner ones would probably listen better once the first few do). if for some reason, people really think important characters like jace being compleated (and otherwise exactly the same) is a bad thing for the story, then there can be come character arcs where some of the planeswalkers realize that they don't actually like being compleated and some people come up with some way to reverse the compleation process, probably with the help of urabrask himself due to the whole consensual compleation ideology. plus, this new story allows for all sorts of followups: instead of the phyrexians just being gone with no chance of coming back because the oil no longer works, you can have the red phyrexians exist as denizens of mirrodin, living alongside the natives, and even as allies in other story things, like having them help fight against emrakul or something. and because the oil still works, there will be leftovers of the other phyrexian factions all over the place, so you could have them reappear occasionally as both major or minor villains.

and of course, make sure to give a few sets that go over the consequences of the multiverse-wide invasion instead of just glossing over them.

[karvviie]

omg tell us more about your grif+locus thoughts

OKAY PREPARE YOURSELF. i wrote this all down and did not expect it to be so long. so other than it being a fun yapper/listener dynamic, i think that them being friends could actually be very good for each other.

tldr: Grif and Locus have great potential to have a close friendship that is beneficial to both of their senses of self-worth. They have seen each other at their worst/most vulnerable, and despite this, they show kindness and compassion towards one another. As a result, this can allow them to be emotionally open when communicating, thus forming a healthy friendship that proves to them that they are worthy of being treated with care and forgiveness.

my full explanation under the cut:

sorry guys i really could have worded all this better but i can’t be fucked rn and i wrote it stream of consciousness style. i am too tired to go back and proofread it.

btw i am also ignoring the fact that season 15 was retconned.

ok so. It has been established that grif has low self-esteem. he considers himself as the “hateglue,” and feels extremely guilty for quitting the team. he probably has some attachment issues and problems with feeling unwanted and not being worthy of being cared for (implied by o’malley about his family life)

and locus. he’s got so many problems. mentally and just in general. everyone knew him as the absolute worst version of himself and now he’s trying to seek redemption and atone for all the horrible things he’s done. but locus is doing this all by himself, he has no allies or anyone left that he can call a friend. He probably hasn’t had a healthy relationship with anybody in a long time.

IN COMES GRIF! grif interacts with locus when he’s at a very low point. he has no inhibitions, nothing to repress his thoughts and emotions in the presence of another person. he very quickly accepts locus’s change of heart and opens up to him. They do not insult each other or have any ulterior motives. which is already a big change of pace.

Grif initially knew locus as a horrible person, and experienced first hand his many crimes. despite this, he shows enthusiasm and support when told that locus wants to redeem himself.

Locus, on the other hand, despite how inexperienced he is in making friends and being kind and caring, shows compassion and concern towards grif, listening to his inane rambling and accomodating to his needs (allowing grif to bring his volleyballs on the ship).

Grif is exactly what Locus needs in a companion at this point in time, someone who is honest with him, doesn’t have any ulterior motives and accepts his past mistakes while also encouraging him to be a better person.

Locus has found a real friend, after years of an extremely toxic partnership. grif is somebody that he can also demonstrate care and compassion towards, further aiding him in his journey to being redeemed.

In addition, Grif finally has someone that he can be completely honest around. Someone who has accepted him at his lowest and validated his needs, regardless of how absurd they were.

to sort of quote my recent post, locus is showing grif that he is worth the mess. he is not a burden, he is not there just for people to hate. he is just as worthy as anyone else of care and compassion, even at his lowest.

On the other hand, grif is also showing locus that he is worthy of forgiveness, and that there is someone who is able to look past his wrongdoings and treat him as someone to be trusted and appreciated, no matter how unforgivable locus thinks himself to be.

their first interaction being the way that it was really makes their dynamic work, because they begin their partnership without anything to hide from each other. this opens up so many avenues for them to continue having a very emotionally open and honest friendship, since grif has already shown his vulnerable side to locus, and grif already knows how locus used to be and trusts him despite of it.

now i want to compare grif and simmons to grif and locus.

grif and simmons have a long history together. they are attached at the hip and have watched each other grow as people over the years. they know each other better than anyone else.

HOWEVER, they are both very emotionally repressed people. they avoid showing emotional vulnerability, and struggle to even admit that they enjoy each other’s company.

While it is obvious that they are much closer than grif and locus, they are held back by their inability to be vulnerable and deeply communicate their feelings to each other.

grif and locus don’t have this barrier, as a result of the circumstances of how they met. unlike grif’s relationship with simmons, they don’t have a whole history together of being emotionally repressed that determines how they’re used to interacting with one another.

I really think that grif and locus are the exact type of person that the other needed at the time that they meet. They could be each other’s confidant, the one person that they can trust to be fully accepting, in which they don’t need to feel unashamed about being vulnerable around.

[sssardonian-ssserpent]

((Am i the only one that feels like they missed a huge narrative opportunity with Sir Pentious’s death?

Like yes, it is fine and good that he became the first redeemed soul, I’ve since made my peace with that and can concede that it has a ton of interesting narrative potential and ways to forward the plot that they still hope they use him with in season 2, but the way they could’ve made his sacrifice into something that would’ve been a PERFECT way to hammer in the narrative of the show, and yet they turned it into a useless anti-climatic gag that ultimately wasted what they could’ve done with it.

Like, for example, it has been noted and discussed many times in the fandom that the final fight is all about love and compassion triumphing over senseless cruelty. This is seen with how Lucifer comes in to save Charlie when all hope is lost, with how Angel saves the Eggbois from an exorcist because he knows Sir Pentious cares for them, how Cherri is there to help Angel fight because they’re friends and how Husk fights to protect everyone because he’s grown too fond of everyone else to walk away. The only one who ultimately doesn’t fight for love and compassion is Alastor, who tries to fight Adam one to one out of little more than pure ego and spite. And what happens? He gets his fucking shit rocked, is nearly mortally wounded, and flees from the battle entirely to avoid death.

And, ultimately, this is seen in Pentious’s sacrifice, as he takes off in his ship to try and face down Adam because he recognizes that he’s the biggest threat to their defenses and that if he’s allowed to continue his rampage, everyone will die. Of course, we all know how that sacrifice goes; Pentious being instantly obliterated in a single blast by Adam before Pentious can do anything, in a comedically abrupt and anti-climatic gag to offset the seriousness of the moment. And while it was initially funny in the moment, I think it severely weakened the tone of the moment and, ultimately, as I will explain, ruined what could’ve been a grand and drastic moment, not only for Pentious, but for the hope and love Charlie inspired in him.

You see, the line Adam says directly afterward after killing Pentious is “that could’ve been ugly.” Which, to me, heavily implies that if Pentious had actually gotten off a shot, it probably would’ve done damage and actually hurt Adam, which might’ve helped turn the tide of the battle even before Lucifer had shown up.

So then I got to thinking, imagine if he HAD gotten the shot off? Imagine if he HAD actually wounded Adam?

Sir Pentious. A demon constantly craving recognition and attention, who was never able to get it. Someone who was always considered a useless weakling, a laughing stock, a desperate pathetic idiot who was better off dying than ever being able to be anything of worth in the eyes of most demons and Overlords in Hell, despite how hard he tried to become just as fearsome as them. A demon regarded as a nobody, unrecognizable and totally worthless and forgettable, in Alastor’s eyes, and in the V’s.

A demon everyone has looked down and regarded as weak, hurting the First Man, the leader of the Exorcists, wounding him, in a sacrificial effort to protect his friends. Hurting the most powerful Exorcist in Heaven, out of love for his friends, to protect them and save them from death, when Alastor, a selfish and sadistic egotist who didn’t care about anyone else, wasn’t able to put a scratch on him.

Imagine Pentious being able to hurt Adam more in a noble sacrifice to save his friends than Alastor of all demons, who was unable to when he was only fighting for himself. The poeticism in that. The rawness of that, in a story all about how love and compassion and kindness for others can triumph over the most senseless cruelty and hatred.

Imagine if the blast had gone off.

Imagine if it had caught Adam at the last second. Grazing a shoulder perhaps. Burning his wing. Sending him tumbling out of the sky.

He sends a holy blast up toward the ship, enraged by the fact that he got struck by such a lowly sinner, and the ship can’t get out of the way in time, and Pentious knows that.

One of the Eggbois is screaming and shouting about an incoming attack and how the ship is unable to evade.

And Pentious just slowly takes off his hat, and as the light of the holy beam begins to consume the room, he just goes “….I know.”

He dies, accepting his death, not fearing it, knowing that what he did may have been enough to save his friends.

Cut to the ship being instantly obliterated in a massive cacophonous explosion while everyone looks on in horror from the ground.

Wouldn’t that have made his sacrifice, and his consequent redemption in Heaven, so much more worth it? So much more heavy hitting?

Wouldn’t that have made it actually mean something? Instead of it being made into a joke?

[constellationmelody]

Bill Cipher is very fortunate. He may hate the Axolotl, but They are the only being in all dimensions of creation to shown him empathy. Perhaps because they are omniscient, They seen and understand everything Bill has been through and what he’s become. They harbor no hatred toward him. While everyone believes Bill doesn't deserve a second chance, this benevolent cosmic entity looks upon this horribly traumatized 'demon' who suppresses his pain by spreading his unique brand of fun for a trillion and twelve years; Despite the destruction and the countless lives he’s ruined, the Axolotl still deems him worthy of compassion. And that warms my heart.

Although the Axolotl was disappointed that Bill only used the incantation to selfishly save himself rather than using it to truly redeem himself, It's as good as any give him the help he needs.

This post when on longer than I expected:

Initially, I thought it couldn't be agape love, as that kind of love by its definition is unconditional and selfless, expecting nothing in return. But it was implied that they would help under their conditions or not at all and just let him fade away or hang out in limbo.

Allowing him to die would arguably be the simpler and safer route, sparing all dimensions the fear of his eventual return. Giving him a second chance could easily be seen as enabling him to wreak havoc again. Even when they were in each other’s presence, the Axolotl seemed distant, and somewhat reluctant to lend their help. That there's limits to their generosity because why should they go through this again when, eventually, Bill will appear before them for 'another chance'?

Yet, I believe their actions come from a place of genuine care. Setting boundaries and expectations on what they expect Bill to do to grant that second chance is fair, even Bill agrees to it (before realizing it was therapy, but he did say he's up for a challenge). If it is to believe that their true identity really is the Aztec god, Xolotl, a god who's attributes are change and rebirth, then turning away someone who is broken without offering a chance for redemption would be contrary to his divine responsibilities. Whether this remains true or not, if they still claim their former title and duties.

Agape love extends to all—even to Bill. The Axolotl may not expect anything in return personally, but by prioritizing his needs, they show him the highest form of love.

Clearly, they see potential in him to change and truly heal, ensuring he doesn’t carry his disruptive behavior or lingering guilt into the next life. To most, Bill is a lost cause, someone not worth saving, and many would have no qualms about letting him die. Yet, the Axolotl believes they can draw out the good in him, even if it takes an eternity. And really, who wouldn’t want someone to have faith in them when they’ve lost all faith in themselves.

It's no wonder they are revered. In time, Bill will thank them.

I'm not sure I just kept repeating myself or if I made any sense or if anyone would care but I just wanted to convey my thoughts on why I'd like to see these two converse. Maybe I'm the weird one who, after finishing reading the book, One of the things on how I describe the ending of the book is heartwarming.

The Axolotl when someone tells them why Bill Cipher should be given a second chance:

After writing this and reflecting on this, I can see myself shipping them. I can imagine Quality time and Words of affirmation as how they express their love considering it will be how it also heal Bill during his time in the Theraprism. With due time and guidance, as Bill begins to recover, they’ll reach a point where they are able to be in each other's presence without tension. The Axolotl’s peaceful presence keeps Bill grounded and provide a deep sense of calm as they watch the stars. It's truly a slow burn; Bill's resistance towards treatment is ironclad, but through the Axolotl's unwavering demonstration of patience and empathy, Bill would eventually crave for their companionship. Hopefully, by then, he'll learned what it means to have a healthy relationship. I want to draw interaction of them showing compassion to Bill as He resists their attempts. I imagine that Bill see Kindness without intent of wanting anything in return as an alien concept.

He'll probably feel uncomfortable out that someone is being kind to them without a nefarious motives. Or, Bill pretends to go along with the Axolotl's 'help,' attempts to trick them without actually learning his lessons. Of course, the Axolotl sees right through his schemes but plays along. I need more of their interactions! I'll probably make another post about this, this post is already long enough.