#HE JUST FOUNDED THE UNDERDOGS WITH HIS FELLOW LITTLE KIDS

[sh1-n0bu]

managed to unlock intimacy lvl4 story of calcharo and brb i need to sob

[texasobserver]

From “The New Children’s Crusade: Recruiting for America’s Culture War” by Texas Observer McHam Investigative Fellow Josephine Lee, in the March/April 2023 issue of our magazine:

Wearing a blue America First cap, 19-year-old Max White stood among a dozen protesters, softly mouthing the Hail Mary prayers over and over: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” 

Around White flew the flags of right-wing extremist groups, including the American Nationalist Initiative and the New Columbia Movement, carried by men who looked to be in their 20s, strapped with rosaries or assault rifles or both. On a cloudless January day in Dallas, they faced off against a group of nearly 100 community members who showed up to support the drag show performance that White and his peers were protesting. 

“I started going to these events last year, starting with the Pride event in Oak Lawn. … I was like, ‘If these people are going to go and protest this kind of stuff, just perverse sexual stuff for kids, I’m going,’” he said. 

Since he was 16, White has been following young white-supremacist agitator Nick Fuentes and groups like Protect Texas Kids, which has been targeting drag shows in North Texas, including the one that day in Dallas. The organization was founded and is directed by recent college graduate Kelly Neidert, who achieved notoriety by calling for transgender people to be criminalized and Pride event participants to be “rounded up” while she was the chapter chair of the Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) at the University of North Texas in Denton. Now she is using the activism skills she learned from YCT to lead other young conservatives like White, a freshman political science major who hopes to become a lawyer one day.

“You have all these groups that are weaponizing young people in ways that we really haven’t seen before,” conservative political consultant Micah Bock told a group of teenagers and younger children to thunderous applause at last fall’s Texas Youth Summit. As he spoke, young girls at the front of the crowd took notes with their pom-pom pens bobbing. 

It’s all part of a nationwide effort by multiple well-funded groups, many of which originated or are based in Texas, to mobilize young people, mainly Christian youth, to engage in right-wing politics. These groups and their leaders are part of a roll-call of Christian nationalist power players who defend the January 6 riots, promote hate speech, and aim to build their economic and political power by instilling Christian and constitutional “originalism” in the public sphere. To achieve their goals, they are increasingly defending the use of violence, particularly anti-LGBTQ+ violence, which has shot up in frequency since the start of 2022. 

What’s more, the leaders of the movement are set on convincing young people, starting even before high school, that they are the underdogs in this fight—the under-funded rebels fighting a rich, powerful leftist establishment–and that what they’re engaged in is a holy war for America’s soul. 

The movement is meeting opposition from more progressive Christian leaders. 

“What I think they really are concerned about is their loss of a privileged place in terms of influence and power. I think Christian nationalism is being used as a tool to maintain and to galvanize that power,” said Fort Worth Pastor Michael Mills, an outspoken critic of that movement. 

“It feels a little bit like a form of indoctrination [in which] these poisonous ideas are passed from one generation to the next,” he said. “If there are no checks on that, it’s almost like, [as] each generation gets older, they get more and more dangerous, in a sense. And that’s the scary part.”

Read more on the Texas Observer.

(📸 Drag protest photos by Shelby Tauber / Buttons photographed by Josephine Lee)

[teawinx]

Ever since I posted my “Chat Noir” power up idea, it got me thinking of other MLB writing stuff. Just little ideas that bang around my little noggin. (Warning, the follow post is very rambly and poorly planned out, like most of my content)

This one is more of a story rewrite/revision, written with the benefit of hindsight, and with the inclusion of both Magical Charms and my HC Nullify.

I think MLB should have started with Master Fu having not only lost the Peacock and Butterfly Miraculous, but all of the Miraculous except for the Black Cat, Ladybug and Turtle. They were all scattered across the world, and he’s been trying in vain to recuperate them, but his age and health are failing so he finds two new wearers to continue his mission.

The format of the show could stay very close to the original, with the monster/akuma/amoc of the day, but both sides are looking for the lost Miraculouses.  And my idea would be that in Season 1 they find the Fox and Bee Miraculous, which leads to them meeting Master Fu and being told of the situation. Then each season can introduce more kwamis for them to find/lose to Hawkmoth.

People over the years found the Miraculouses and wielded them, some are friends and some are foes. Some are dormant, seen as just family heirlooms (*cough cough* Alix *cough cough*), others are precious jewels kept in museums. The Kwami episodes would break up the formula of the show, so not every enemy is a akuma, some are Miraculous wielders.

Season 1-3 finding them would be more of a bonus, but once Marinette becomes the Guardian she has the added responsibility of actively looking for them.

This, in turn, leads CN and LB to the discovery of the Miraculouses’ origins. In the comics it’s reveals that this old guy named “The Mage” made them, and that the Kwami’s came from space. I like this, but here’s how it would be tweaked. The same thing happens, but Tikki and Plagg don’t arrive on earth with their fellow Kwamis. They orbit the earth for a couple more decades before descending. The mage made the Miraculouses and gave them away to people he believed to be deserving of them. This gave people a lot of power, and it quickly turned into chaos. Tikki and Plagg descended to earth to fix this, and became the “mediators”. Their role was to keep the other Kwami in check, and to not let them be used for evil. Hence why they are considered the most important Miraculouses.  The Ladybug uses creation to mediate, and the Black Cat enforces it with Destruction.

Now a good question is, why this change?  I think the fact that the heroes having all the kwamis give them too much of the upper hand. Having Fluff and Sass in particular really murder any tension in the show for me. In Avatar TLAB, the Gaang start out with basically nothing. No army, no backup, just three kids who have the learn on the job while up against a almost impossible task. That’s a great underdog beginning, it immediately helps you root for them. And I think MLB would benefit from that. 

[air-in-words]

Badger Snakes and The "Red-Stained Ledger"

Since my recent announcement identifying as a Badger Snake (don't @ me if I change my primary at some point lol still going back over that one,) I've looked up some characters that have been identified as Badger Snakes, and found two things:

1) There weren't very many in fiction and

2) most go through the same personal journey I had described in my previous post.

By that, I mean, a very similar feeling of self-loathing or feeling as though you have some dirty secret to hide, AKA the Red-Stained Ledger Natasha Romanoff refers to. The two main ones that have been agreed upon I'll be focusing on are Woody from Toy Story and the aforementioned Black Widow, but I'll also be bringing two new characters into the fray, one that's been sorted as such based on the portrayal, and one that I've discovered on my own. They are Selina Kyle AKA Catwoman and Dewey Finn from School of Rock.

It's interesting to find the similar plotlines that certain sortings are given consistently in media, and The Power Behind the Throne AKA Badger Snake seems to pretty much only have the one: They fight for the group that they are loyal to, but they can't seem to help but do so in a way that they aren't proud of, one that they're sure would lead said group to shun them.

I'm sure someone could point out a character I'm not referencing here that doesn't have that plot, but at the very least, this plot dominates the sorting.

Woody in the first movie goes through exactly that issue. He only wants to fight for Andy's toys, and in many ways, all toys he comes across. He makes choices that he believes will benefit everyone, and prides himself on being able to make the "tough choices." But, he ends up having to do so in a "duplicitous" way, when he seeks to manipulate Buzz Lightyear out of his group. This is a horrible, dirty secret to him, and he feels almost as if he could never return to them, never show his face again because of how he chooses to fight. In the end, he reaffirms that his actions come from a good place, a place of love for his group, and finds ways to use his crafty talents that are slightly more constructive and a little less "cloak and dagger."

Natasha Romanoff has given me the namesake for this Badger Snake element: the Red-Stained Ledger. She describes her desire to fight for her country, for her family, but struggles with what she knows she's good at. She believes she's inherently a bad person and is determined to remain a loner due to her "badness," due to the "monster" she is. Good people don't lie or manipulate. Good people... uh... I dunno, bake cakes or something? Work humble jobs? But, her contribution to the world, her ability to be clever and tricky, means that holding her group, her country, her family, the Avengers themselves, only in her heart and not in her hands. But, her true colors are shown in her never-ending dedication to the cause, down to her being willing to give her life so that no one else has to do it. In a way, it's sad, because she died believing she in some way deserved it. But, none of her teammates felt that way about her. She may have been crafty, a master manipulator, and a skillful liar, but she was the farthest thing from bad.

Now, onto the two newer additions. I've seen Selina Kyle sorted as Double Snake, and I would agree that there are many interpretations that could fit the bill. But, if you ask me, the truest interpretation of her is as The Power Behind the Throne, the Robin Hood with no loud cause to shout from the rooftops; only a desire to help the people of Gotham. She uses her skills as a thief to act as a sort of "guardian angel" to the poorest in Gotham, but she has no grand statement to make. She sees people hurting, her group, the underdogs of Gotham, and came to their aid. But she does so quietly, secretly, because she believes in her heart that the way she has done so is not worthy of praise. She's a con and a thief, but, she places people above all else. She, in some interpretations, is one of the main people to open Bruce's eyes to the fact that not all criminals are necessarily bad people. Some of them are just in terrible situations they can't get out of. And yet, she won't afford that benefit of the doubt to herself, believing she is simply a broken toy not worth fixing. Her occasionally lackadaisical attitude towards killing may seem to make Badger primary unlikely, but Badgers are not always loyal to ALL humans. Her group is the poor and downtrodden, and those who act against them are less than human in her eyes.

Now, we come to my personal favorite, my own personal discovery: Dewey Finn from one of my favorite movies, School of Rock.

Dewey is a fabulous example of a Badger Snake, in my personal opinion. His chosen group is Rock with a Capital R and "the band," whichever band that may currently be. He may have some sort of Burnt Snake primary performance/model going on, wanting to play the part of a "rock star" that truly only cares about himself, but his true loyalty is very clear. He is worried about doing his chosen group justice in every way, making sure that Rock is being well-represented and that he's serving his current band the very best he has to offer. Being kicked out of his band at the very beginning is earth-shattering to him, not because he has a Snake primary style devotion to only them, but because they told him he let them down, and implying that he wasn't representing Rock the way he should. His Snake primary performance/model melts away as he bonds to his new band, the kids he teaches. He brings them into his chosen group of Rock and creates a new bonded group with them in particular as they form a band. He actually finds himself liberated by taking a backseat to the children (a very Badger primary thing to enjoy,) allowing Zack to play his song, guiding Freddie away from making bad choices, helping Tamika find her voice, encouraging fellow Snake secondary Summer how to use her shrewdness, and, using a method I believe is best utilized by Badger Snakes, helping Principal Mullins find her chill. Lol.

Badger Snakes, more than any other Snake secondary type, will rely on the "we aren't so different you and I" approach to get what they want. He finds out Mullins also enjoys Rock. This is something they have in common! Let's create a situation where we "naturally" find out we have this thing in common, placing us both in the same group. Although other primaries don't glorify groups as much as Badger primaries do, all people are more likely to listen to or help out someone they feel is like them in some way. So, Dewey puts some Stevie Nicks on the jukebox and gets Mullins on his side.

In a similar fashion to the characters listed above, Dewey believes he is truly a loser and has nothing of any actual value or goodness to provide. But, the children help him see he's wrong, and he finds a way to utilize his talents in a way that truly fulfills him.

In conclusion, although seemingly unrepresented, I think there actually may be quite a few more Badger Snakes hiding in media, and, perhaps, they can be outed by looking for the Red-Stained Ledger plotline. Badger primaries are more likely, in my opinion, to be disturbed by their actions than say a Lion primary, due to where their loyalties truly lie. Although Lions may fight for the right thing, and that right thing may involve people's rights or serving a group, they serve that right thing before any of the people they may steamroll over to achieve it. Badgers, by definition, serve things. And, usually, lying, cheating, or otherwise being crafty is viewed as the worst possible way to serve someone or something. They do care about the things they may hurt or damage through their actions, and how they use their talents does, in fact, matter to them immensely.

So, to my Badger Snakes out there struggling with their own so-called "Red-Stained Ledgers", just remember that Dewey Finn would think you're kick-ass.

EDIT: Sorry, was thinking about it, and had to put an edit. Another way to think of this plotline/character archetype is mentioned in School of Rock as well as in a musical I know very well. I wouldn't use this moniker as the name for this plotline, only because it describes a very specific Snake secondary, one that is playful and light-hearted, and not all Snake secondaries are like this.

Zack's song refers to Dewey as The Magic Man, a person that swoops in and, almost by magic (in actuality, manipulation) brings out the best in the people around them. In the aforementioned musical, this character is called The Music Man.

Harold Hill may very well be another Badger Snake, although one more heavily disguised than Dewey Finn. I won't go too deep into his characterization here, but know he's a conman who claims to be a band instructor, while he has no musical talent himself, planning on taking the money for the uniforms and instruments and running. Instead, almost without realizing it, he encourages and manipulates the people of the town he enters into becoming better versions of what they are now. And, the most tragic part of his character is revealed once another character, one of the children he's conned, points out that there isn't a band, and never has been one. Harold tells him "I always think there's a band, kid."

It's interesting that, in both of these cases, they are associated with music and an almost mystical ability to bring out the best in others. I might do a more in-depth look at Harold Hill at some point, since I've been planning on doing some musical characters for a bit.

If thinking about having a Red-Stained Ledger is too negative for your own self-image, think of yourself as The Music Man. Your friends and the people around you may actually see you as an almost mystical force for good, someone who always seems to know the right thing to say or do to bring out the best in them. :)

[sophieakatz]

Thursday Thoughts: My Top Ten Muppets

Listeners of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour recently cast their votes to rank the best Muppets – an impossible decision, really. And yet, once the top ten list was read aloud on the podcast, I found myself completely unsurprised. It’s a list that made sense, a list of safe bets. It’s also an incredibly Muppet Show-heavy list, even though the competition was open to Muppets of all properties, including Sesame Street and my beloved Dark Crystal. The full top 25 list, available here, reveals that a few Sesame Street Muppets ranked in the teens, but still. We all know the top ten is where it’s at, and this top ten was neither creative nor representative. It struck me as a list of popular Muppets, not a list of the best Muppets. Most of my favorites weren’t on that list at all!

So, here’s my take on the ten best Muppets – and because I don’t believe in objective Muppet rankings, I want YOU to reblog this post and tell me your favorites!

10. Swedish Chef              

The Chef came in ninth on NPR’s rankings, and I gotta be honest, I’m on the same page with them on this one. Maybe it’s the fact that when he comes onscreen, there’s no way to predict how the sketch will end. Maybe it’s the bizarreness of human fingers on Muppet arms – and knowing that those arms indicate a frankly superhuman feat of teamwork going on under the table. Maybe it’s just the Popcorn video, which always brightens my mood. Whatever it is, the Swedish Chef is definitely tenth best.

9. Fozzie Bear

I like Fozzie. He’s an underdog, never giving up in his pursuit of fame and audience acclaim. And even though his whole shtick is that he can’t succeed – Statler and Waldorf always get bigger laughs during his bits – he objectively has succeeded, because he’s still around and making us laugh after all these years.

What puts Fozzie in the top ten for me, though, is that I genuinely find his jokes funny. Honestly. I really do. So maybe Fozzie Bear sketches don’t really work for me, but Fozzie Bear himself does.

8. Rosita

I mentioned my disappointment before in the “official” ranking’s lack of Sesame Street characters. Sure, the cast of The Muppet Show has had a notable cultural impact, but it would be a disservice to Muppetkind if we ignored the impact of their friends on Sesame Street.

I could never forget Rosita. She’s not the most popular Muppet; she’s never had a super catchy song or a roll-on-the-floor-laughing one-liner to rival the others’ success. But her “Spanish Word of the Day” segments have a permanent spot in my memory. She’s sweet, she’s sincere, and she’s an excellent friend to her more famous fellow Muppets. (And as a bilingual Muppet, she’s really hecking important – there’s an episode where she deals with some kids making fun of her accent, and it’s equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming!)

7. Rowlf

While other Muppets have one-note personalities – see number 10 on this list above, and number 5 below – there’s also Muppets like Rowlf. He’s not an “Anything Muppet,” by any means – he’s a character in his own right – but Rowlf is a dog who rises to any occasion. He sits at the piano to bring both beautiful classical pieces and hilarious parodies to life, and it’s all music to my ears. He can be the Straight Man to more chaotic Muppets’ antics, but just one clip of “Veterinarian’s Hospital” proves that he’s got enough silliness in him to take center stage.

And all the while, no matter what role he’s playing, he’s still that chill dog I adore – calm and adorable, with that round black nose, those big fluffy paws, and those floppy ears just begging to be scratched.

6. Deethra

As much as I love the original Dark Crystal film, the Netflix prequel series Age of Resistance has one big thing going for it: its characters. The protagonists of this show draw me in and make me care, quickly and continually. And best among them all is Deet. Deethra the Gelfling – small and beautiful, kind and powerful. She cares wholeheartedly about the world around her, and that care begets a wisdom that balances out her naivete in fascinating ways.

Muppets are so often silly, and we love them for it. But Deet embodies the Muppets’ potential to tell a serious story, a potential we would be remiss to ignore.

5. Animal

Oh my god, Animal. If you want to talk about the sheer silliness of Muppets, you need to talk about Animal. There’s just no way around it. He’s loud – in both sound and color scheme. And he’s absolutely bonkers. I know every drummer has an Animal in them, and it’s likely that all humans do. We’re just not all comfortable with letting him out to play.

That’s what’s so great about watching Animal do his thing. He has no inhibitions; he is freedom, he is chaos. And he lets me feel a little freer by association.

4. Hup

I talked a bit about underdogs in the Fozzie Bear section above. There’s an essay to be written about the Muppet as underdog; it’s an essential Muppet quality. Muppets are characters you logically wouldn’t expect to succeed, but they persevere, nonetheless.

Hup is the underdog of Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. He’s the Podling who wants to be a paladin. Dear god he’s adorable, dear god he’s funny, and dear god do you root for him (and his spoon) to save the day! Of all the characters in this show, he feels the most Muppety – and that’s why he’s higher on the list than Deet. He’s still a serious character in a serious story (when he cries… my goodness), but he’s got that classic Muppet spirit to him.

3. Elmo

You know, I just don’t get why Elmo gets such a bad rap. Is it that people think he’s annoying? Sure, he is! Muppets are objectively annoying characters – they all are. Yes, even the one you’re thinking of right now. But I fricking love Elmo. He’s joyful, he’s spirited, and he’s exploring the world around him in that carefree way only a child can – and he brings you along on that adventure! “Elmo’s World” is your world. “Elmo’s Song” is your song. Elmo’s laugh is fricking infectious. And yeah, I’m probably biased by nostalgia (my dad’s Elmo impression cracks me up to this day), but Elmo is a darn good Muppet and he deserves our respect and admiration.

2. SkekSil

On a completely different note… let’s talk about the Chamberlain. There aren’t really that many Muppet villains. There are plenty of Muppet henchmen, providing comic relief for a human actor who isn’t supposed to be seen as that much of a threat anyway. The Skeksis of Dark Crystal are a notable exception, and SkekSil, better known as the Chamberlain, stands out among them. He is evil and he is smart. I hate him, and at the same time, I am fascinated by him. He knows what he wants and how to get it, even though he’s nowhere near as strong as the other Skeksis. He is, in his own way, an underdog. He believes in himself, and he wields that confidence as a weapon, calmly explaining to his enemies why they should do what he wants. You just can’t look away. He’s an amazing character, embodying the dark side of Muppethood.

1. Cookie Monster

When my mom first shared that episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour with me, in which the hosts talked about their favorite Muppets, I first thought, “How could you decide?” And then Stephen Thompson said his favorite was Cookie Monster, and I shouted “YES!!!” out loud. Because he’s right – Cookie’s the best.

Cookie Monster is eternally funny, whether you’re five or fifty-five. Everything that comes out of his mouth is pure gold (“Why me not get royalties?”) He’s got the best songs – not only the classic “C is for Cookie,” but also “Me Want It (But Me Wait),” “Me Am What Me Am,” and the “Healthy Foods” rap. All the stuff I love about other Muppets on this list – the unpredictability, the ability to fit into any role a sketch requires, the lack of inhibitions, the confidence, the chaos, the unexpected moments of wisdom – he’s got it all. He’s irreplaceable, he’s lovable, and he’s the top of my Top Ten Muppets list.

[pof203]

Tiger & Bunny Fanfiction: The ghosts of the past haunt best

This is a fan plot for Tiger & Bunny's 10th Anniversary. It was inspired by Chapter 20 of the Comic, All lay loads on a willing horse.

NOTE: Some elements of Ghost Hunters, The Conjuring Universe and other horror movies and scary stories involved.

Meet the Original Characters

Karl Storm Feather

Voiced by Robbie Daymond.

Bio

Karl is a 16-year-old Psychic-Type NEXT with the ability to sense and see aura, reveal aura, and even manipulate aura. He is a student at the Hero Academy. (This story takes place during summer break.) His parents own a grocery store which he helps out at and he loves ghost stories and scary movies. Even though he's being trained to become a hero, Karl's real passion is paranormal investigating. He is the leader of the paranormal research and investigating team, The Groovy Ghosties.

History

Karl's NEXT powers first awaken when he was 8 years old. He and his soon-to-be girlfriend, Beatrice "Bea" Kelleman, were at her apartment watching a scary movie. Then, Bea's older brother, Sidney "Sid", snuck into the dark living room dressed like a bloody ghost with a hideous monster mask and scared the two little kids as a prank. Bea was crying and Karl was mad. So mad that his powers activated for the first time and tried to choke Sid with his own aura. Fortunately, Bea managed to stop him and Sid was spared. Sometime later, Karl started attending the Hero Academy. However, he, with an interest in the supernatural and the occult, really wanted to become a paranormal investigator, following the work of renown demonologists, Ed and Lorraine Warren. (I apologize to the relatives of the Warrens for using them in this story. They'll only appear in it as pictures.) So, he started the paranormal team, The Groovy Ghosties. This team consists of himself as the lead investigator, his girlfriend Bea, her older brother Sid, Sid's best friend Steven Burrow, Bob Lyman the neighbor kid from across the street, his friend from school Darla Torrington, fellow Academy student and Bea's best friend Marcia Fey, and Marcia's girlfriend Sarah Sands. This usually leads to him and Marcia being ridiculed and made fun of by the other Academy students who think that they should focus more on becoming heroes instead looking for ghosts. But they are not giving up. The truth is out there and the Groovy Ghosties will find it!

Appearance

Karl is a 16-year-old Native American teenager with tan skin, black hair, and grey eyes. He wears the Hero Academy's sweatsuit with a Native American necklace. Bea and some of the other Academy students often describe him as a "rather handsome animal". Karl says, "I look more like my dad when I he was young."

Personality

Karl is kind and caring young man who believes in the good in others. However, he is prone to losing his temper when pushed enough.

Trivia

Karl is slightly based off of Jesse Cosay from Infinity Train and Charlies Little Bull from The Casagrandes. Both of them were voiced by Robbie Daymond.

Even though many would say that he would be a fan of Sky High because they both have goofy attitudes, Karl is actually one of the extremely rare fans of Rock Bison. Partly because Karl believes in the underdog (or in this case, the undercow) and partly because Bison's sponsor, Kronos Foods, is one of his parents' grocery store's major suppliers.

Karl is allergic to nuts. Because of this, his parents only sell them in the store when he is away at school, but put them in the back when he's helping them.

If he were to end up on Hero TV, Karl would try to convince Apollon Media to have segments in between episodes where he and his friends would investigate supernatural phenomenon.

Beatrice "Bea" Kelleman

Voiced by Cristina Valenzuela.

Bio

Beatrice, often known by others as Bea, is Karl Storm Feather's girlfriend and a member of the Groovy Ghosties where she is in charge of the team's gear. She is also Sid's younger sister.

History

Bea lived in one of the apartments above The Storm Feathers' Grocery Store with her parents and her older brother, Sid. Like Karl, she also has a love for the paranormal. She was also there when Karl's NEXT abilities first awoke and nearly shocked her brother to death. Fortunately, she managed to calm him down and saved Sid. Sometime after Karl started attending the Hero Academy, he introduced Bea to Marcia Fey and they became best friends. They later formed the Groovy Ghosties. Her job on the team is to create and inspect their ghost hunting equipment.

Appearance

Bea is a 16-year-old teenager with black hair which she dyed blonde blonde, though some it is still black, and brown eyes. She also has a charm bracelet she got as a birthday present from Karl, Marcia, and Sarah.

Personality

Bea is a nice person. She is very optimistic and is willing to do what she can to help her friends. She can also be very driven, but devoted.

Trivia

On Hero TV, her favorite hero is Barnaby. Though, she likes Dragon Kid, too.

Bea's parents are plastic surgeons (mostly nose jobs).

If she were not a paranormal investigator, Bea would either make movies or become a dermatologist.

Bea is actually how Karl became interested in becoming a paranormal investigator. She gave him one of the Warrens' books.

Sidney "Sid" Kellemen

Voiced by Grant George.

Bio

Sidney, often known as Sid, is Bea's older brother. He is a member of the Groovy Ghosties as the skeptic of the group. He mainly joined them to keep an eye on his little sister.

History

Sid has always thought that his sister and her boyfriend's interested in the paranormal is just silly as he doesn't believe in that sort of stuff. So as a prank, he dressed up as a bloody ghost with a monster mask, snuck into the dark living room while Bea and Karl were watching a scary movie, and scared them good. As a result, Bea was crying and Karl lost his temper which lead to him activating his NEXT powers for the first time and nearly killed Sid by choking him with his own aura. Fortunately, Bea managed to calm him down and Sid was spared. Since then, he came to distrust Karl. Sometime later, Karl started the Groovy Ghosties. Bea joined and so did Sid. He did not want to, but his parents said he had to to watch over Bea. Sid is the skeptic of the group. His job is to try and find a more logical explanation for every supernatural case the group investigates. He and his best friend, Steven Burrow, are in a band, The Blue Rose Experience, together who do parodies of Blue Rose's songs.

Appearance

Sid is an 18-year-old man with black hair with a bang that covers one of his dark brown eyes. He has a fine build, but not very strong. He often dresses in a grey short-sleeved shirt and black pants.

Personality

Sid is a self-proclaimed realist. He believes that everything that everything has a scientific and logical explanation. He appears to be a bit apathetic, but he truly cares about his family and little sister. Though he won't admit it, he is also very close to his friend, Steven.

Trivia

Sid is slightly based off of Shinjiro Aragaki from Persona 3. They also share the same voice actor.

Many would imply that Sid and Steven's relationship is romantic. However, they are probably just real good friends as both are fans of Blue Rose. But this remains to be seen.

Sid's skepticism comes from simply being scared of the unknown. Though, he doesn't want to admit it.

In the band that he and Steven are part of, Sid plays the bass.

Steven Burrow

Voiced by Bumper Robinson.

Bio

Steven is Sid Kelleman's best friend and fellow member of the Groovy Ghosties. He is the public relations, responsible for finding cases, and providing spiritual and religious insight for the group. He and Sid are also members of the band, The Blue Rose Experience.

History

Steven and Sid have known each other since the 6th Grade. When they got into high school, they both joined The Blue Rose Experience, a band who are fans of Blue Rose and do parodies of her songs. They later joined Karl and Bea's paranormal research and investigation team, The Groovy Ghosties. At first, Steven's highly religious parents objected to their son joining a group they deem "doing the Devil's work". However, Steven assured them that he will be very safe and they will be very safe, so they let him join. Sid's job on the team is PR, finding cases for the group to solve, and provide them with spiritual and religious insight.

Appearance

Steven is an 18-year-old African American young man with black hair and black eyes. He has a tattoo of the Holy Mother on his back.

Personality

Steven has a positive attitude and isn't afraid to say what needs to be said. Like his family, he is very religious, but isn't afraid to try new things.

Trivia

Many would imply that Steven and Sid's relationship is romantic. However, they are probably just real good friends as both are fans of Blue Rose. But this remains to be seen.

Steven is also a fan of Barnaby. Whenever he's not with the band or the Ghosties, Steven is doing volunteer work at the same orphanage that Barnaby visits.

Steven is actually the grand nephew of the CEO of Titan Industry.

Bob Lyman

Voiced by Bryce Papenbrook.

Bio

Bob is a 13-year-old member of the Groovy Ghosties as the cameraman. He was actually the Groovy Ghosties' first client.

History

Bob was the Ghosties' first client. Less than a month after they began, Bob had what he described as a paranormal experience. One night while he was in bed, he woke up, but couldn't move or speak. Then, he saw a shadowy figure come out of his closet and stare at him for about a minute before leaving the room. After they left, Bob finally got free of his trance and went out the room after the figure, but they were nowhere to be found. The next morning, Bob and his parents found their living room, which was nice and tidy the previous night, a total mess, but none of them heard anything. Bob went to Karl, Bea, Sid, and Steven about this. Karl reveals that Bob's trance was sleep paralysis which is sometimes caused by ghosts, which was probably the shadowy figure. Sid, however, simply says that Bob just has a nightmare and nothing else. But Bob asks how that could explain the living room being a mess when no one heard anything. It was time for the team to investigate. They set up cameras and things and waited that night. Then, odd things began to happen. First, they could hear footsteps going around. Sid said it was probably somebody upstairs or next door. Bob said the upstairs apartment is vacant their neighbors on both sides are either on a date or on vacation. Then, the temperature of the room started to drop. Sid said that because it is winter, of course the temperature would be cold. However, it was actually in mid March so winter would be near over and the weather getting warmer. They could hear voices saying something like, "There are two." Then, Karl could have sworn he saw one of the pillows on the couch move on its own. Until was about midnight or so, they decided to call it a night. A few days later, they concluded that whatever was in the house means no harm and that Bob and his parents have nothing to fear. Since then, the odd occurrences stopped, though they had a feeling that it was not over. Since then, Bob became interested in what the Ghosties do and convinced them to let him join the team as their camera man to help record footages of ghosts and chronicle their cases. Later on, Bob's friend from school, Darla Torrington also joined on.

Appearance

Bob is a 13-year-old boy who has tan skin, light brown hair, and blue eyes. He often wears a t-shirt with a picture of Wild Tiger and Barnaby on it.

Personality

Bob is a happy-go-lucky kind of kid who loves his friends and want to help them whenever he can.

Trivia

Bob is named for Bob Papenbrook, the late father of Bob's voice actor.

Bob is a fan of both Wild Tiger and Barnaby. His dream is to join Apollon Media and become a camera man so he can record the many adventures of his favorite heroes.

Bob often sleeps with a teddy bear. It's also where he keeps his secret savings.

Darla Torrington

Voiced by Sandy Fox.

Bio

Darla is a 12-year-old girl who is friends with Bob Lyman from school. She is the youngest member of the Groovy Ghosties as the sound manager and researcher.

History

Darla is a friend of Bob from school. When Bob told them about the Ghosties, she joined them out of curiosity. Her main job is to handle the sounds (this including making sure every sound is recorded, including ghosts they might encounter on investigations).

Appearance

Darla is a 12-year-old girl with blonde hair and green. She wears a suit-like dress complete with tie, sweater vest, and and a grey skirt that reaches down her knees.

Personality

Like Sid, Darla is also a bit of a skeptic. However, she wouldn't mind trying something new. She is brave and understand.

Trivia

Even though she is younger than Bob, they are in the same grade. She was skipped ahead.

She is a fan of Dragon Kid.

She is Orlando Cooper's niece.

Marcia Fey

Voiced by Erin Fitzgerald.

Bio

Marcia is a NEXT with powers similar to magic. She can a lot of things. She is a student at the Hero Academy with Karl Storm Feather. She is in a same-sex relationship with Sarah Sands and is Bea Kelleman's best fiends. She is also a member of the Groovy Ghosties where she is the team's occult consultant.

History

Marcia's NEXT powers first awoke when she was about 3. She was watching a witch anime and became interested in what they did and did them herself. When her parents saw her levitating above her bed, they thought she was possessed by a demon. However, hey later found out that she was actually a NEXT who just came into her powers. For many years, she had to keep her powers secret by her parents. Later, she was accepted into the Hero Academy where she met Karl. They both had an interest in the occult. Later, Marcia met Sarah and they became a couple. Then, Karl invite them to join the Groovy Ghosties on their paranormal cases. They agreed. Marcia is the team's occult consultant and user. She provides magic where it is needed.

Appearance

Marcia is a 17-year-old lady with blonde hair with red and blue highlights and brown eyes. She wears the Academy's sweatsuit.

Personality

Marcia is described as a nice-but-tough girl who is willing to do the right thing. But don't get on her bad side, she will express herself the best way she can when it happens.

Trivia

Marcia is a mixture of Chie Satonaka from Persona 4 and Sana Chikage from Mind Zero.

The anime they Marcia was watching when her powers activated was Witch Craft Works.

Marcia's favorite heroes on Hero TV are Dragon Kid and Fire Emblem as they prove that anyone can be a hero.

She is not a big fan of scary things, but she joined the Groovy Ghosties in hopes of changing that.

Sarah Sands

Voiced by Cree Summer.

Bio

Sarah is Marcia Fey's girlfriend and a member of the Groovy Ghosties as the team's equipment manager and the team's secondary driver.

History

Sarah has always been a fan of heroes. One day, she and her mother were working the cafeteria of the Hero Academy when she met Marcia. The two fell in love and have been a couple ever since. Then, Karl invited them to join the Groovy Ghosties on their cases and they agreed. Sarah's job is equipment manager and drive's the team's van whenever Sid cannot.

Appearance

Sarah is a 17-year-old African American woman with short brown hair and grey eyes. She also wears a pair of red glasses. She also has a ring which was a gift from Marcia.

Personality

Sarah is nice, but a bit sassy. But, she is brave and is willing to do what needs to be done.

Trivia

Sarah is actually the one who came up with the name Groovy Ghosties based off some cartoon her mother used to watch. This implies that the Scooby-Doo cartoon exists in the Tiger & Bunny Universe.

Sarah is a fan of Dragon Kid and Fire Emblem since they prove that anyone can be a hero.

Sarah's mother is the head cafeteria worker at the Hero Academy.

Sarah's father who is a preacher actually knows Steven, his parent and Barnaby since the orphanage Steven and Barnaby volunteer at is owned by the church Reverend Sands preaches at.

Reverend Sands also helps the Groovy Ghosties either to bless a haunted place or object, or perform an exorcism if they're are dealing with something evil. He also performs a blessing in the Ghosties' artifact room.

The Groovy Ghosties (in general)

The Groovy Ghosties are a ghost hunting team who go around Sternbild City solving paranormal, supernatural, and occult cases. Karl started it out of an interest in the supernatural. Karl is the lead investigator, Bea is the tech specialist, Sid is the skeptic and driver, Steven is the PR officer, case finder, and spiritual and religious expert, Bob is the cameraman and expert, Darla is the sound manager and researcher, Marcia is the occult consultant, and Sarah is the equipment manager and secondary driver.

The Groovy Ghosties' man headquarters is an old warehouse where they meet up a few times a week. They also have an artifact room where they keep items they collected from some of their cases. In the words of Ed Warren, "Everything in this room is haunted, cursed, or have been used in some ritualistic practice. Nothing here is a toy. Not even the toy monkey." Due to the growing evil in that room, Sarah's father, who is a priest, come in to bless the room every week or so.

Tiger & Bunny Characters who will star in this story

Kotetsu T. Kaburagi/Wild Tiger

Barnaby Brooks Jr.

Keith Goodman/Sky High

Antonio Lopez/Rock Bison

Ivan Karelin/Origami Cyclone

Ryan Goldsmith/Golden Ryan

Agnes Joubert

Cain Morris

Mary Rose

Orlando Cooper

Mario

Alexander Lloyds

Ben Jackson

Saito

Yuri Petrov/Lunatic

Mr. Legend

Robin Baxter

Kaede Kaburagi

Muramasa Kaburagi

Plot

Our story begins with Karl Storm Feather who just got out of the bathroom after taking a shower when he saw his parents watching Hero TV. Wild Tiger and Barnaby had just captured another criminal. Then, Mario announces that another open submission will be open for a wish to be granted by them. Remember that the Groovy Ghosties will be having a live stream while investigating an abandoned orphanage which is believe to be haunted the ghost of it matron, Karl decides that this would be an opportunity to get more recognition for the team.

So, he goes to his computer and writes a letter:

Dear Apollon Media,

My name is Karl Storm Feather. I’m a student at the Hero Academy.

I’ve heard of this time you had to help some guy look after a cursed tea set. You know, me and my friends have been doing some investigating into the supernatural ourselves. We are a team of paranormal investigators known as the Groovy Ghosties.

I know it’s not something you guys would normally do, but we were hoping that maybe you could do something for our live stream. We are investigating the old orphanage which is just a little way from the orphanage that Barnaby Brooks Jr. lived. Our PR, Steven Burrow, said that it’s supposed to be haunted by the ghost of its matron, Reverend Mother Clarice Dellaway, after she died falling from the window. They say since she died, odd things happened. Some were so terrifying that they had to close it down. According to Steven, they’re thinking of reopening the place since the current orphanage is getting too full. They want to move there, but they’re afraid of the ghost and what she might do.

We would like to do it, but I think we might need a little more help with this case. So we’re hoping that you could come and help us with this. I know that we and the orphanage would be so happy. Meet us at our headquarters: Warehouse 13, Bronze Stage.

Please help us. Thank you.

-Karl Storm Feather, Lead Investigator of the Groovy Ghosties

Karl finished the letter and printed it. He put it in an envelope and was ready to send it. However, he remembered that at the Hero Academy, the other students made fun of him because of his love for the paranormal. This lead him to be scared that it would only embarrass him, the team, and even the heroes. So, he decides not to send it and goes home.

The next day at the Grocery Store, Darla Torrington comes in with Antonio Lopez. They notice Karl looking down. They asked what was wrong. He said that he could not bring himself to submit a wish to Wild Tiger and Barnaby about investigating the orphanage. Darla thinks it that is a shame. However, Antonio tells him that no matter how ridiculous his wish may sound, there is still a good chance it could be granted. Karl is still a bit unsure, but is willing to go on with the investigation. However, Darla decides to submit the wish for him through her uncle, Orlando Cooper, who is a cameraman for Hero TV. Antonio secretly decides to help as it it the least he can do for one of his favorite neighbors.

The next day at Apollon Media, Kotetsu Kaburagi, Barnaby Brooks Jr., and Agnes Joubert are looking though some submissions (most of which are for Barnaby). Then, Orlando and Antonio added one more submission to their pile. At first, Agnes did not think it would be worth their time, but Kotetsu said that because Antonio is his best friend, they should at least take a look. Barnaby also decides to take a look when Orlando said it came from his niece and her friends. They read the note. At first, Kotetsu was not sure, however, Barnaby assured him it would be fine, especially since this involves the orphanage that he grew up in and now helps in. Besides, Agnes said this would be a perfect way for Barnaby to make up for the cursed tea set. Barnaby groans saying that she is still not going to let that go. Antonio tells Orlando to tell Karl, Darla, and the others the good news.

Later that day, Kotetsu is at the train station when the train pulls up. Then, his daughter, Kaede, and his older brother, Muramasa, get off. Kotetsu is happy that his daughter will be spending two weeks with him. Kaede said that she only came in hopes that her won wish would be granted: To spend more time in Sternbild and with Barnaby. Later at a restaurant, Kotetsu, Kaede, and Muramasa are having dinner when Barnaby shows up. Kotetsu and Barnaby explain that they are going to investigate a haunted orphanage. Kaede, out of curiosity, wants to go, too. Kotetsu and Muramasa say that may be a bad idea saying that if she gets her, her grandmother would never forgive them. Kaede was disappointed.

At Bar Number 06, Antonio is hanging out with Keith Goodman and Ivan Karelin when Antonio tells them about what happened. Ivan wonders if it would be alright if he came as well, since he knows a thing or two about the occult. Antonio is not sure, but Keith said that he might convince Agnes as he is the King of Heroes. Antonio thinks that may work, but he wants him to convince her to let him come as well since Karl is a fan of Rock Bison.

Back at Apollon Media, Agnes, Orlando, Cain Morris, and Mari Rose are talking about the wish they were going to film. Alexander Lloyds, Ben Jackson, and Saito hear them. Lloyds reveals that one of his children watches the Ghosties' videos and that he would like to come as well, mainly to get a picture of the team and their autographs. Saito decides to come too. But this, being a man of science, is only out of skepticism whispering that there are no such things as ghosts. Ben, however, is a believer and would like to see this for himself. They agree to let them come.

At Justice Tower, Yuri Petrov was about to get ready to return home for the night when Lloyds called. He said that he will be joining Kotetsu and Barnaby to investigate a haunted house and to let the sponsors know that he may not come tomorrow, but will try to come the day after. Yuri agrees. After the call ends, the ghost of Yuri's father, Mr. Legend appears. Yuri asks if he's ever going to stop (appearing to him). Mr. Legend just smiles and asks if what he's doing (going around as Lunatic and killing criminals) is really justice to anyone. Yuri tries to block him out, but flashes of the day his powers first activated and killing his father keep rushing through his head. He looks into the mirror to see that he accidentally rubbed off the makeup that hides his scars. He looks to see his father is still smiling. Then, he looks back to his computer to see call history. Curious, he goes to his computer and goes to the Groovy Ghosties' website where he watches an episode of them investigating an abandoned diner that was used as a front for a cult to lure virgin women with a waitress job only to kidnap them and drag them down to the basement where they would sacrifice them to their dark masters. The cult was found out and arrested by Stealth Soldier (whose powers are finally revealed to be the ability to shroud an area in fog). Down in the basement, Karl finds the knife that was used in the rituals. He he then activates his powers and reveals a dark aura coming from it. Later in the episode, Karl, Marcia, and Steven take the knife and place it in the team's artifact room with Marcia reciting some kind of spell and Sarah's father, Steven, and Steven's parents reciting a prayer. Karl then turns to the camera and says, "The evil has been contained." When the episode ended, Yuri just stares for a moment. Then he looks up to see Mr. Legend not there. Yuri takes out his phone and texts Lloyds saying that he will be coming as well.

At Abbas Prison, everyone is on high alert saying that a prison has escaped. The warden is yelling at a guard who says that only loosened the restraints on his eye-covering mask because he kept complaining that he was sweating in the face, he didn't know he could just shake it off and end with the guard in the cell. In a public bathroom at a park, Robin Baxter comes out of a stall just after changing out of his prison uniform and into his roller suit. He casually glides out but quickly hides behind a bush as some kids come around. He hears them talking about rumor that Wild Tiger and Barnaby going to work with the Groovy Ghosties. Another kid wonders if they would get to see the team's artifact room saying that even though they have weird meaning, some of them are actually quite priceless and would be worth a king's ransom on the market if they weren't so creepy. This gives Robin an idea.

The next day, some cars were coming in carrying Wild Tiger, Barnaby, Kaede, Rock Bison, Sky High, Origami Cyclone, Agnes, Cain, Mary, Orlando, Lloyds, Ben, Saito, and Muramasa. (Yuri was behind them in his own car.) Kaede had managed to convince her father and uncle to let her come saying that if she didn't, she was going to complain to her grandmother, their mother. Barnaby said he doesn't mind since he gets along with Kaede and Agnes thought that the daughter of a hero and now a future hero would up the ratings. They arrive at the warehouse that's used as the headquarters by the Ghosties. Darla is outside waiting for them. She calls the rest of her team out and Karl screams in excitement that they actually came, especially Rock Bison.

Inside the warehouse, Karl, Bea, and Sid explain what they do and the things in the warehouse. Origami asks Karl why he wants to become a paranormal investigator when, as a NEXT, he must become a hero. Karl states that not all heroes go around wearing a costume and be on TV, some of them don't have have powers. Agnes thinks that's just ridiculous as only NEXT can be heroes. Origami also states that at the Hero Academy, the other students make fun of him and Marcia for what they do. Marcia says, "Let the naysayers say nay like the dumb horses they are. This is what we do and we love it... Except for Sid." Both Bison and Tiger commend Karl and Marcia for their faith. "And besides," said Barnaby. "Even ghosts need to be saved... Speaking from experience." Karl assumes that he's talking about the cursed tea set, but Barnaby blushes with his eyes on Tiger saying that it's something like that while Tiger is just confused. Agnes has everyone taking pictures while Yuri wonders off and finds the artifact room. He finds that one of the Ghosties accidentally left their key in the keyhole. At first, Yuri is tempted to unlock the door and go inside, but refrains himself from doing so. But then, he sees his father's ghost appear next to him. Reluctantly, Yuri finally gives in and unlocks the door and goes inside. Inside, Yuri looks at all the objects inside, including:

a pack of poker cards

a white satin evening gown

a pair of red shoes

an Asian music box

the melted remains of a candle

a wooden mask

and a golden locket.

Suddenly, Yuri happens upon the knife he saw from the video. Yuri gets closer for a better look. He was about to pick it up when someone grabs his arm and pulls it away. At first, Yuri saw it was his father, but it was quickly revealed that it was Karl who gabbed it and said, "Didn't your mother tell you to look with your eyes and not your hands?" Yuri also saw that Tiger, Barnaby, Bison, Agnes, Cain, Mary, Orlando, Lloyds, Saito, Bea, and Sid where in. Sky High, Origami, Kaede, Muramasa, Ben, Darla, Marcia, and Sarah were still out taking pictures. Outside the door, Steven was scolding Bob for leaving his copy of the key in the door where someone could unlock it and enter. Yuri says he saw the knife in the episode and Karl says he's happy to know a justice of the peace has taken in interest in what the Ghosties do. Tiger is a bit skeptical about the items in the room. Karl explains that everything in the artifact room is either haunted, cursed, or have been used in some ritualistic practice and reminds him not to touch anything. Each of the visitors take an interest in the listed items.

Lloyds is attracted to the cards.

Cain and Mary are attracted to the gown.

Agnes is attracted to the shoes.

Bison is attracted to the music box.

Tiger and Barnaby are attracted to the melted candle.

Saito is attracted to the mask.

Yuri is attracted to the knife.

You'll know about the locket soon.

Karl notices this and tells them about the items.

The cards belong to Jimmy "The Gambler" Gambino who made a bet on a boxing match and lost which lead to him to be killed by some gangsters he owed money to. Since then, the ghost of his cut-up remains haunted the cards, earning him the name "The Torso". The Ghosties found the cards while they were investigating the ruins of a glass mansion which was owned by Cyrus Kriticos. Sid's skeptical conclusion was that people were scared of the stories and made them imagine seeing a cut-up body and that Kriticos was a crazy old man.

The gown belonged to a young woman who died and was burred with it because she didn't want anyone else wearing it. However, it was taken by graverobbers who sold it to a shop here in Sternbild. That shop rented the gown to another young woman who need something to wear to his school's prom. That night, when she had it on at the dance, she felt sick and went home. The next morning, her mother found her dead. The mother could not bring herself to give the gown back to the shop out of fear that the ghost of the gown's original owner would kill someone like she killed her daughter and has been on a dummy in the attic for many years. When the Ghosties came to investigate it, the mother gave them the gown in hopes that it would give the mother peace of mind and keep others safe from the gown. Sid's skeptical conclusion is that the gown had some kind of bacteria that came from the woman's rotting corpse that when introduced to living flesh would cause some kind of lethal reaction.

The shoes belonged to in old lady who lived on the Silver Stage. The shoes have been in her family for years dating back to when they were living in Denmark. The shoes have a curse on it. When they are put on, they stick and never come off and force the wearer to dance whenever music is played. Sid's skeptical conclusion is similar to the gown, but the deadly bacteria caused something similar to the dancing plague of 1518.

The music box belonged to a Chinese woman named Lu Mei who lost her family to a plague. She made a pact with a demon known as a yaoguai which gave the box the power to grand seven wishes. However, the first six wishes come with a price: the lives of the owner's friends and family. Then, after the final wish, the yaoguai claims the owner's soul. Sid received box from his pen pal, Ryan, before his mysterious death. (Most likely from making his seventh wish.) Sid has yet to come up with a logical explanation.

The melted candle used to magic candle known as the Black Flame Candle, which was made from the fat of a hanged man. It is said that if a virgin lights it on the night of a full moon on Halloween Night, it can resurrect the dead for one that one Halloween Night. The last time this happened, a young teenage boy lit it and brought back a trio of sister witches who wanted to steal the lives of the children of Salem, Massachusetts. The Ghosties brought it back with them from a case they were doing in there. Sid's skeptical conclusion was that it was just a prank as he believed that the story of those witches were just that, a story.

The wooden mask was made by a woodcarver who crafted a it from a tree where a dark spirit was trapped a century earlier by a Cajun medicine man. The mask compelled the carver to kill his family and others in the village until a young woman kills him to stop the killings. Now the cursed mask is rumored to be buried at the woodcarver's grave. However, the mask was found by a camp counselor who donned it and was compelled to kill everyone at the camp. Eventually, the mask was recovered while the Ghosties were searching for ghosts there. Sid's skeptical conclusion was that the mask a natural hallucinogen that puts the wearer into a frenzied state.

Karl was just about to talk about the locket when Steven comes in to say that the orphanage called and that they are ready for them. Karl says he will tell them about it another time. They leave the room and Karl locks it. Steven comforts Bob for making a mistake and reminds him to be careful next. With that, they leave, but Steven leaves his own copy of the key behind on his desk behind a picture of the Holy Mother. Just after they leave, Robin Baxter come into the warehouse through a window. He spots the artifact room, but could not enter because it was locked and needs a real person inside to switch places with and he forgot his lockpick case. Then, he goes over to Karl's desk and tries access his computer. At the orphanage, one of the older nuns tell the Ghosties, the heroes, the crew, and the Kaburagis the story of Mother Clarice Delleway. As a side job, Mother Clarice was a birdkeeper who took care of birds who were sick or injured. But one day, one of the birds got out of its cage and onto a branch out side of her office window. Mother Clarice tried to get it, but the bird taking off surprised her and she lost her balance and fell out of the window to her death. Sometime after her funeral, odd things began to happen. Whispers could be heard at night, objects and furniture were found to have been moved, and rooms would start to get really cold. Then, an orphan girl who despised Mother Clarice started having nightmares about falling from her office window or being under Mother Clarice as she fell. This drove the girl mad as she tried to cut herself. The girl was sent to an asylum where she got better and was adopted. However, this started happening to some of the other orphans, all of which entered her office and disrespected her or her birds (even though they were taken away after her death) in it. The church could no longer take seeing the children suffer like this and decided to close the orphanages. It has been standing empty to this very day.

Barnaby asks how come he never heard the story while he was growing up in the current orphanage. The nun said it was because Barnaby was too young to hear the story without getting scared and the subject was never brought up again until now when the current orphanage was starting to get too crowded. The old orphanage has more room for more children. They were hoping that the money collected by the church, they could fix up the building, but they cannot until they are sure that it would be alright with a mysterious presence there. But then, Steven, who was doing volunteer work at the time, heard about this and told the nuns about the Groovy Ghosties. After thinking about it, they decide to give them a try. The heroes agree to help as well, particularly Barnaby.

Later on at the abandoned orphanage as it starts to get dark, the team (except for Bea and Sarah), the heroes, and the crew (except for Agnes, Cain, and Mary) get ready. Kaede had to stay behind with Muramasa, Yuri, and Saito. Saito, Cain, and Mary, were in the van with Bea and Sarah to monitor the ones going into the orphanage. Inside the orphanage, the remaining team, the heroes, and the remaining crew looks around in the old building. Then, they divide into teams:

Karl with Wild Tiger, Barnaby, and Rock Bison.

Sid and Steven with Lloyds.

Bob and Darla with Orlando.

Marcia with Sky High and Origami Cyclone.

With Karl, Tiger, Barnaby, and Bison, they investigate Mother Clarice's old office. Karl activates his powers and tries to sense any aura. He says there is some faint residual energies coming from a certain part of the office. Barnaby says that the nuns told him that that spot was where the cage that held the birth that escaped used to be before she died. Karl senses that that energy that was given off from the cage is still in the orphanage meaning that the cage might still be there. Karl radios the others.

With Sid, Steven, and Lloyds who are investigating one of the rooms get the message. As they investigate the room they found that the church was originally going to turn this room into a home theater for the children to watch movies when they are unable to go to the city to watch them. But due to the strange happenings and the orphanage closing down, it never happened. Steven says they should hope that after they have given the orphanage and the church peace of mind, they will continue with that plan. Sid, however, believes that the theater was the real reason why they closed down the orphanage because the theatre would cost so much money that they didn't have. So they made up the supposed haunting to get out of paying. Steven disagrees but should be open-minded. Lloyds wonders about doing the same the next time someone like Wild Tiger shows up in his office. Though, chances are it would turn out the same.

With Bob, Darla, and Orlando, they are investigating one of the classrooms. Darla's tablet starts to pick up some odd sounds. She plays it back to hear what sounds like heavy breathing. At first, Bob thinks that Darla was breathing too heavily near the tablet, but then remembers that she was sticking it out that it couldn't pick it up. Orlando then spots something on the camera. He says that it looked like some faded transparent image passing out of the blackboard, but quickly vanishes. Bob takes a look and confirms it to be a semi-apparent specter.

With Marcia, Sky High, and Origami Cyclone, they inspect the dorms. Marcia casts a spell to track movements other than hers, Sky High's, or Origami's. Origami is interested in Marcia's powers saying that it's rare to see a Magic-Type NEXT. Marcia explains that you never know what kind of NEXT will appear. Sky High agrees and says that Marcia will make a great hero. Marcia says she still has a lot to think about that as there are some things about hero works that might scare her a bit. Origami says she know how she feels and that he would get scared sometimes, but he remembers that fears has a way of being made work for (you) than the criminals. Then, he takes out some ofuda (Japanese paper talismans) saying that he too has a way cast spells and begins placing them around.

Outside, Muramasa, who had left, returns with some pizza and coffee. Muramasa asks if they really believe in all this supernatural stuff. Sarah asks if he is a religious person. Muramasa says that whenever his brother goes off doing what heroes do best, he, their mother, and his niece pray for his safety. Sarah says that's good. Mary and Yuri reveal that they are Jewish, Cain is a Christian, and Agnes and Saito are Atheists. Bea said that there are times when even the Warrens have trouble with keeping the faith, but they keep at it. Bea asks Kaede why she wanted to come along. She says that apart from wanting to spend more time with her father and Barnaby, some of her friends have actually watched the Ghosties' webisodes and was a bit curious. Bea says that curiosity killed that cat, but it makes the person a bit more knowing.

Karl, Tiger, Barnaby, and Bison meet up with Bob, Darla, and Orlando in front of the door that leads up to the attic. Karl says that the aura is strongest up there and Bob says that the wispy figure reappears and was headed this way. They go up to the attic where Bison says that his infrared thermometer's number just went down. Karl says they most likely found a cold spot which is known to be caused by the presence of ghosts. They search the place until Barnaby finds something under a tarp. It was a bird cage. Karl uses his powers to reveal that there is a strong aura around the cage. Bob takes a picture and sends it back to the crew outside. Bea and Agnes says that one of the older nuns showed them pictures of Mother Clarice and her office. They find that bird cage is the same cage that the injured bird escaped from. Karl tries to pick up the cage, but another aura swats his hands away. Then, Darla picks up a sound. She plays it back and it sounds like a voice saying "No". Karl suspects that it is Mother Clarice. He asks her if she is there. He then uses his powers to reveal a blueish aura which Karl believes might be her. Darla tries to record the sound, but nothing comes up. Karl assures Mother Clarice that they come in peace and wish to know why she is here. Darla records the sounds and picks something up: "Away". Karl asks if she is talking about the bird that flew away. Tiger asks Barnaby if he asked what became of the bird. Barnaby did ask the nuns that, but they said they are unsure, although, one of the children found the scattered remains of a bird, most likely the bird that got away met its end by a cat or a fox. Suddenly, the room got even colder. Karl suspects that Mother Clarice is upset about what became of the bird. Karl then tries to assure her that even though that bird probably did not make it, her other birds were cared for, the nuns told them that after her death, they birds were sent to a zoo to be well taken care of and that she did a great job taking care of them. The aura responded as if trying to say yes. Barnaby then says that the current orphanage needs a new place to stay since it is getting full and that they want to use this one, but they can't unless they're sure it is safe. Bison then asks if it is alright if they could move to the old orphanage since it has more room. The aura then responds again. Darla even records the sound and plays it back to say "Stay." Tiger, who was getting a little shaky at this point says, "We'll take that as a yes." Karl then asks if they could bring the bird cage with them since her task is done. The aura responds again. However, Karl says it felt more like a no. Karl then says that if Mother Clarice wishes to stay, she must obey that rules of the living and not scare or harm anyone, especially the children. The aura then responds as if to say yes. Then, Darla records something that sounds like "Respect." Barnaby says that the nuns and the children will respect her memory as long as she means them no harm. The aura responds like saying yes again. Then, Karl calls Steven and Marcia to come.

Later, Steven, Marcia, and the rest of their teams arrive. Karl asks Steven to perform a blessing. Marcia was to use her powers with Karl in case something goes wrong and the spirit fights back. Origami says that he will also contribute with his ofuda. He then places the paper talismans on each wall of the attic as Steven begins to pray. The room shakes a bit. Karl tries to assure Mother Clarice that they just want to make sure that she will keep her promise. The shaking dies down a bit. Finally, Steven finishes his prayer saying that the spirit is at peace. Though she is not ready to ascend to the heavens, she assures them that none will have to fear her. Karl says it is time to call it a night and to review what they have found and share what they've learned with the orphanage. So, they regroup outside and leave.

Back at the warehouse, Robin had finally managed to access Karl's computer (the password was Bison which Robin thinks is not very clever). Robin then access the files of previous episodes, cases (on and off the record), and even a few videos. Robin opens one of the videos to see a recording of Ed and Larraine Warren performing an exorcism on a possessed man. Robin thinks that the Ghosties are sick and obsessed. Then, he access another video file about a haunted house on the Bronze Stage. It showed pictures of Karl, Marcia, Marcia's father, and Steven performing an exorcism in front of the house. Then, Robin finds a catalog files of everything in the team's artifact room. He reads them until he find the entry on the gold locket.

The locket is haunted by a banshee, a female Irish spirit whose wails can predict the death of another and can drive even the most virtuous of men to the brink of insanity. The story goes that the locket was a gift from an Irish nobleman to his wife for her birthday. Then, one day, the nobleman said he had to go out to sea to check on one of his farms the next day. That night, they heard a loud wailing that almost shook their entire estate. The looked out to see a woman in a black dress and her face was covered by a black vail. When they went out to see who she was, she vanished. The next day, the nobleman left. But then, a violet storm hit and the ship was lost. Sometime later, the ship was found, but the crew and the nobleman had all drowned. The nobleman's wife was in total grief as the banshee's wailing kept sounding at night. Finally driven mad with grief and the wailing, the wife hung herself in their room. After her death, the servant ransacked the entire estate taking everything: The money, the gold, the jewels, and even the locket. A few nights after taking the locket, the servant who took it started to hear the banshee's wailing. A few days later, the servant died of a heart attack. The locket ended up in the hands of the servants daughter who wore it to her wedding. On her wedding night, she and her new husband heard the banshee's wailing. The next day, the husband, who was riding his horse at the time, lost control of it and they both road off a cliff to their deaths. The wife feared it had something to do with the locket. She put it in a box and berried it near the estate in hopes that the banshee would leave her be. Many years later, someone dug up the locket and sold it to a shop in Kinsale. Sometime later, the locket was bought by Mrs. Cooper, Orlando's mother and Darla's grandmother. She wore it to a party that was thrown by her friend. Then, Mrs. Cooper heard a faint wailing and looked over to see a woman in a black dress and a dark veil standing near her friend. At first, she thought it was just another one of her friend's friends who was probably waring those clothes out of mourning, but less than a minute later, she vanished. The next morning, Mrs. Cooper got word that her friend had been killed by a burglar sometime after the party while the friend was in bed. Over the next two years, similar occurrences happened. Mrs. Cooper finally decided she needed answers. Fortunately, she learned that Darla and her friends are paranormal investigators and contacted them. So, Darla, the other Groovy Ghosties, and even Orlando, came to Kinsale, Ireland. They investigated the locket and it was definitely haunted. Since they could not do much about it, they decided to take the locket back to Sternbild to be locked in their artifact room.

Robin seemed to have taken a great interest in the locket. However, he is still unable to get inside the artifact room. He searches the desks until he arrives at Steven's. He looks at the picture of the Holy Mother and tells her not to judge him. He turns down the picture to find Steven's copy of the key sitting behind it. He picks it up with a smile saying, "Amen." He takes the key and unlocks the door. He goes into the artifact room and looks around until he finally comes upon the locket. At first, Robin was a bit hesitant because of what he read, but shrugs it off as just a silly ghost story and says, "I already lost my marbles the day I decided to become a thief." So, he takes the locket in its box. But for extra cash, he also takes the pack of cards, the white gown, the red shoes, the music box, the melted candle (for some reason), and the knife.

Just after he put the items into his bag, he leaves the room only to run into the team, the heroes, and the crew who just returned from their case. The heroes try to catch him, but Robin just uses his powers to switch places with them to escape. Barnaby says that they have blind Robin first as his power require him to see that person while he is switching places with them.

Outside, Robin stops someplace to take another look at his loot. When he does, he gets a feeling that they are shaking for some reason. Suddenly, a mist comes in. It turns out Marcia was casting a spell. Origami shapeshifts into a ghost to try and scare Robin into dropping the bag. But just as he was about to sneak up to him, Tiger's phone rings. Robin hears this and realizes he is being tricked and flees. Agnes yells at Tiger for leaving the ringer on. Tiger apologizes and answer his phone to find it was a wrong number. The heroes go after Robin again. He manages to allude them until he was caught between Karl and Marcia who both activate their powers with Karl trying to tie him up and blind him with his aura and Marcia ready to cast a knock-out spell. However, Robin manages to see Karl well enough. They two were now charging at Robin, but he activates his powers ready to switch places with Karl. But as he was doing this, all the items in the bags also glow, but not blue like Robin, but a dark purplish color. Then, Robin trades places with Karl and Marcia nearly hits him. They look to see Robin had escaped them. But just as he was about to leave and the heroes and crew arrive when the bag begins to shake violently and explode. When the smoke cleared, they saw that the items in the bag have disappeared except for the locket. They heroes make a go for Robin, but he grabs the locket and switches places with a nearby workman. Robin escapes.

Later back at the warehouse, Steven checks the artifact room and to see if anything else had been taken. Karl also sees that Robin has accessed his computer. Kaede asks why the exorcism video was only of pictures and sounds. Karl says it would make the episode way too scary if they showed actual footage of an exorcism and to respect the victims and their families, they don't have reveal their identities. Karl finds the catalog and identifies what was stolen. Kotetsu asks what just happened with the bag exploding. Karl says that all NEXT have unique aura that become more active when their powers are activated. They discovered that when these powers are activated near the items in the artifact room, it causes some kind of reaction, as if the NEXT's powers were waking the items up. And last Karl and Marcia noticed, three NEXTs activated their powers around them. With that, the haunted, cursed, and ritual items are now fully awake. Karl says they need to find those items before they end up with people who will be endangered by their dark powers. Kotetsu and Barnaby say that they will do whatever they can to find them.

Meanwhile, on a roof somewhere, Robin is look down at the city when he looks at the locket his put around his neck. He is a bit disappointed that this was the only thing he could recover, though it would still fetch a price. However, Robin starts to get curious about what was inside. He tries to open the locket, but to no avail, almost as if it were welded shut. Robin just stares at the locket when he suddenly hears wailing sound. He looks up to the building across him and sees a woman wearing a black dress and a dark veil. Robin was a bit scared an looked away for only a second. He looks back to see she was gone. Robin's face beings to look grim with fear as the sound of the music box can be heard along with the sound of women cackling.

To be continued...

Story Trivia

Most of the items listed above along with the backstories come from different stories and movies.

Jimmy "The Gambler" Gambino, also known as "The Torso", is from 13 Ghosts.

The white satin gown is from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz.

The red shoes come from the story of the same name by Hans Christian Anderson.

The music box is from Wish Upon.

The Black Flame Candle is from Hocus Pocus.

The mask is from You Might Be The Killer.

Sorry if I'm ending the post here. I was afraid that it was getting too long and I already have a lot of things to do. I might continue this, I don't know if it will be before or after the anniversary, but I'll see what I can do. Thanks and thanks again all for taking the time to read this.

Let's believe HEROES

[blodreina-noumou]

Kind of a weird ask and you don’t need to do it if you don’t want to but I was wondering if you could match the 100 characters with the Halsey song you think fits their character

If I don’t answer this now, I’ll keep putting it off until Manic comes out - and then I’ll have sixteen more songs to agonize over, haha. I’m way overthinking this, and this ask has been sitting in my inbox for like, three weeks now. Thank you so much for your patience, and sorry for making you wait so long!

Here’s the songs I think match each character the best, along with the lyrics that convinced me!

(This was so tough - a lot of the songs don’t fit anyone at all, and some of them fit multiple people. But I did my best!)

Clarke - “Coming Down”

“I found god, I found [her] in a lover…”

“I’ve got a lover I love like religion, I’m such a fool for sacrifice… I’ve got a lover, and I’m unforgiven - I’m such a fool to pay this price.”

I’m definitely in a Clexa headspace for this song - there were others that suited Clarke, but I think this really nails her internal conflict, especially in s2 and s3. In this song, Halsey uses “it’s coming down” (a common phrase about the rain) to describe the inevitability of her affection for her lover, and the way this has the potential to ruin her life. But at the same time, the song is so soft and comforting, it feels like coming home. It fits Clexa so perfectly, and I always think about it now as a song about Lexa from Clarke’s perspective.

Octavia - “Control”

“And all the kids cried out, ‘Please stop, you’re scaring me.’ I can’t help this awful energy - goddamn right you should be scared of me. Who is in control?”

“I couldn’t stand in the person inside me, I turned all the mirrors around.”

“I’m bigger than my body, I’m colder than this home. I’m meaner than my demons, I’m bigger than these bones.”

“Control” is the perfect song for Octavia’s struggle with Blodreina, and her attitude when she decided to take on that persona. I love how Halsey claims her scariness in this song, how it becomes an anthem for rage and darkness, while also acknowledging that that darkness is destructive.

(“Castle” was a close second!)

Bellamy - “Empty Gold”

“We’re the underdogs, in this world alone - I’m a believer, got a fever running through my bones. We’re the alleycats, and they can throw their stones - they can break our hearts, they can’t take our souls.”

“If the morning light don’t steal our soul, we will walk away from empty gold.”

This song absolutely gives me s1 Bellamy vibes - the rebellious youth, hyping up his fellow outcasts, fighting and surviving, against all odds. Refusing to bow to the tyranny of the Ark any longer. Standing tall and firm as a leader and a role model - for chaos. It’s his love song to the delinquents, in my eyes.

Raven - “Nightmare”

“I’ve had the rug pulled beneath my feet, I’ve trusted lies, and trusted men, broke down and put myself back together again.”

“No, I won’t smile, but I’ll show you my teeth. And I’ma let you speak, if you just let me breathe.”

“I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind.”

Of course, Raven gets THE anthem for female empowerment, for badass adversity, for being an angry, snarling, back-talking, badass bitch who doesn’t owe anyone anything, and knows it. The weapon in her mind is literal - time and time again, she saves her friends with her brains. She’s been let down, over and over, by men who should’ve known better. She’s a nightmare, but she’d rather be that than die unaware. I love her, and I love this song.

Murphy - “Gasoline”

“Are you deranged like me, are you strange like me, lighting matches just to swallow up the flame like me?”

“Do you tear yourself apart to entertain like me?”

“You can’t wake up, this is not a dream. You’re part of a machine, you are not a human being… Low on self-esteem, so you run on gasoline. I think there’s a flaw in my code.”

Murphy fits the vibe of “Gasoline” well. A song about owning your darker side, finding some humor in it, but also recognizing that it’s going to be the death of you. And yet, he cannot escape it. Even as he finds family, and love, that darkness is still chasing him, and on some level, Murphy will never believe he’s good enough, or worthy of the love he has. He’s so self-deprecating - he’s always willing to make a joke out of himself, to make other people smile. A golden heart, cold hands. Embracing living and surviving within the machine. Murphy is a survivor, a fighter, and this song is all about pushing on when you’re empty.

Jasper - “Colors”

“You’re only happy when your sorry head is filled with dope/I hope you make it to the day you’re 28 years old.”

“You’re ripped at every edge, but you’re a masterpiece.”

I have so many feelings about Jasper. When I first got this ask, I listened to every Halsey song, all in a row, and tried to go with my gut on who fit each song the best. Once I thought of this for Jasper, I just couldn’t let go. 

His need for drugs to distance himself from the horror. How beautiful and special he was, and how little he knew it. The way the world was only red and black when he died… “so devoid of color, he don’t know what it means.”

(I made myself sad now.)

Lexa - “Young God”

“Babygirl, you know we’re gonna be legends, I’m the king and you’re the queen, and well, we’ll stumble through heaven.”

“I know you wanna go to heaven, but you’re human tonight.”

“Do you feel like a young god? You know, the two of us are just young gods. And we’ll be flying through the streets, with the people underneath, and they’re running, running, running…”

“Babygirl, don’t get cut on my edges - I’m the [queen] of everything, and my tongue is a weapon.”

I nearly smacked myself over how long it took me to get this one. Lexa is quite literally a young god, afterall. This song reminds me of the scene where Lexa and Clarke finally march on Mt Weather together - everyone running, with Lexa at the command, Clarke by her side. Heda and Wanheda (though she wasn’t named such yet) - two legendary women, both essentially gods to their people in different ways, conquering the world together.

Luna - “Hurricane”

“I’m the wanderess, I’m a one night stand - don’t belong to no city, don’t belong to no man. I’m the violence in the pouring rain. I’m a hurricane.”

Another one which was almost painfully obvious, once I realized it. Luna was literally the violence in the pouring rain - she took out most of the combatants in the final Conclave, and her ability to withstand the black rain kept her alive where others perished. She’s so deeply associated with the water, and such a force of nature. Her absence in Polis completely changes the trajectory of multiple lives - Lexa’s in particular. It also speaks to her deep, tragic belief that she was ultimately a destructive force, a harbinger of chaos, and valued primarily for the darkness in herself - not the good she could do, but the lives she could take. But she chose to leave her city, to leave her Flamekeeper and her faith, and to wander the world, until she found a better place.

BONUS:

The Rover - “Drive”

“All we do is drive, all we do is think about the feelings that we hide…”

In honor of all the angsty conversations and near-death experiences that took place inside that wonderful little all-terrain vehicle.

Those are the ones I can think of, but I’d love to hear anyone else’s interpretations! What Halsey songs do you associate with what The 100 characters? Do you agree with my choices, or have your own? Let me know!

[ilovereadingandilovebreathing]

The World Still Hungers

A/N: WHOA an add-on for the Apcalypse AU (very loosely based on The Road by Cormac McCarthy) that I dreamed up but only wrote an ask response for! WOW.

This is response to that post about what a post-apocalyptic librarian would be like.

Characters: Emile Picani (main); Virgil, Logan, Roman, Patton

Warnings: mention of scarring, implied minor character death

Tags: @callboxkat @ironwoman359

-

Everyone had a purpose before the end was ushered in. A job, a career, an occupation, a calling, a need to fill. From the tall to the small, there was something to be done.

But then The Pulse forced in a new era by wiping the minds of a still unknown percentage of the population, resulting in what the unaffected who found each other began to refer to as The Drove: humans whose sanity disintegrated during The Pulse.

People unwittingly exchanged drive for depravity, purpose for panic, and surely enough, what they knew as a working society came to a screeching halt.

Stores without stockers; restaurants without waiters; schools without teachers. Things slowed down, and in many places came to an end altogether. The normal state of affairs were too unmanageable without those who used to be here, or people just didn’t see the point anymore and stopped coming to work.

But not him. Never him.

Emile Picani loved his job more than anything in the entire world. It was all he had before the world fell out from beneath their feet, and it was all he had now that they’d landed back on weather-torn ground. His purpose never left him, and that was how he had survived: providing knowledge to anyone who still craved it.

Emile Picani was his town’s greatest, and now sole, librarian. The old title caused a twinge in his heart now, for he could only think of his fellow librarians, those who were now gone but had in the past bestowed the title upon him: World’s Best Librarian. Whether it was reading to children, helping teens or college kids with papers, or pointing adults to the best reads or self-improvement resources, Emile could do it all with grace and a big smile on his face.

These days, that grin didn’t make much of an appearance, but Emile kept his spirits up with the surviving pieces of his past. At present, he was lost in memories again, and he ran his hands over the laminated spines of his memories, sighing each time he came to the end of the too short span of shelves. So many times had been completely ravaged in the chaos or eaten by those who were starving out of their minds and couldn’t find food.

Thankfully, the days of depravity were behind them here, and Emile could focus on his work. Or...at least ignore what was going on beyond his walls. He chose to believe the former.

This particular day was quiet, the daily pack of human shells not having stormed past his library that morning; he assumed they had finally moved from the remains of the city to the suburban or rural areas to find what they desired. What that was...was still a bit of a mystery, honestly. Emile found himself pondering such mysteries as the silence of the day wore on, the dingy grey of morning fading into a brighter grey of midday. “Time for rounds.” He quietly reminded himself as he pulled his hand from the grounding sensation of lamination. He made daily rounds, though things hardly moved, for the occasional animal guest would eat through a book or kick over a chair.

He was just inspecting the discoloration on the edges of an old volume of Thomas Hobbes’s work when he heard a tentative knock on the bulding’s back door followed immediately by a more assertive pounding. Brow quirked and steps metered, he made his way to the barricaded entryway; he’d had to lock himself in after the aforementioned incident with the mindless, starving Drove. The dark alleyway between the library and former convenience store next door was the only safe way to get in; Emile knew immediately that these must be friends. A smile broke out across his lips when his eyes absorbed the youthful quartet waiting outside. He quickly pushed away the battered shelved that could no longer hold books and ushered in his guests.

“Hello hello, my friends. I am Emile Picani, your friendly neighborhood librarian, and welcome to the Thomasville Public Library.” Emile welcomed the group with an equally warm tone and smile.

“...What’s left of it.” A young man in a tattered hood muttered, provoking a shared grimace in the other three.

“Maybe not now, Virgil.” The tallest of the group grumbled before shaking his head and instantly matching Emile’s bright smile, a hand outstretched and posture poised from years of evident practice. “Hello. We are in need of your help. We require a medical text if you have such a book. Our friend here,” he gestured to a young man in a faded light blue sweater and thick glasses. “Was injured recently, and we want to be certain that we are treating him properly.”

“Of course! I am afraid many of my volumes have been injured, as well, due to guests much less polite than yourselves, but let’s see what we have.”

“Thanks, Mr. P.” The hooded boy looked up from beneath the worn fabric, and Picani’s breath caught in his throat.

“Are...you Virgil Hayward?”

Something in the boy’s grey eyes softened, and they shined as he nodded. “Glad you remember me. Wasn’t sure I’d be recognizable after everything.”

Emile held back a wince and pushed out a smile, forcing his eyes to stay locked into Virgil’s instead of traveling over the inflamed skin and scarring on the left side of the boy’s face. “Of course I remember you. You and Scarlet were my frequent flyers.” The sharp flash of pain that overtook Virgil’s features immediately made Emile regret bringing up the younger Hayward sibling. Emile noted how the other three shot Virgil confused looks, and he swallowed and pointed toward the boy with startlingly straight posture. “You mentioned you all need medical texts, yes...?”

“Roman.” The boy offered, cutting off immediately before the last name.

“Roman.” Emile smiled and offered a hand to him while carefully placing a hand on Virgil’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze and greeting and apology. “What a good, strong name. Like Roman Royce, the son of that business tycoon.” Emile turned toward the silent pair of the group, missing when Roman’s façade temporarily shattered.

“And you two?”

“Oh, Patton. Patton Vargas.” The shorter of the two offered up a smile more bright and sweet than any Emile had seen in years. “I’m from the next town over, so you wouldn’t have known me.”

“But I know you now, and for that I am thankful.” Emile patted the other’s arm as tears welled in his eyes, and he addressed the final boy. “You seem familiar to me. Have we met?”

“Likely not, but I am the spitting image of my father in his youth.” The young man’s voice was surprisingly deep and rough for his appearance, something exhausted and beyond his years weighing on every word. “You have likely seen him on the news, the diplomat Matthew Antwerp. I am his oldest son, Logan.”

“Oh, wow.” Emile balked a little and shook Logan’s proffered hand, noting his strong, firm grip. Definitely the son of socially active people. “Yes, I do know of your father. The resemblance is remarkable.”

“I am often told so.” Logan’s face remained impassive, and Emile pulled away.

“Thank you all for humoring me with introductions. I am more often alone than not, so it is nice to at least playact normalcy sometimes.” Emile’s smile took on a sad hint before he clapped his hands and turned toward the aisles. “So. Medical texts. You mentioned that Patton was injured. Thanks to my good friend Dewey, I know that Medical texts in general are in our 600s section,” Emile arched his arm and pointed toward the back middle section of shelves. “Technology or Applied Sciences, and medical has its own subsection, 610-619 labeled ‘medicine and health.’ If you want injuries...613 or 614 will be your best bet. One is ‘Personal Health and Safety’ and the other is ‘Forensic Medicine,’ relating to injuries and such. Let’s see...This shelf should be our target.” Emile scanned the bookshelf and removed multiple volumes, handing them to a waiting Logan. “Feel free to sit wherever you would like.”

“Actually...we were hoping to check them out?” Patton smiled timidly when he absorbed Emile’s conflicted expression. “To have and keep as reference just in case. Though if not, that’s okay. We can write down what we need and come back!” He quickly amended.

“Yes...I have paper and pens. That will work fine. I am sorry, but with things as they are, I cannot risk losing any of these.” Emile apologized quietly. “Just in case anyone else needs it.”

“Of course. We apologize for being presumptuous.” Logan nodded and led the group over to a table. “Roman,” Logan’s voice quieted, softening just a bit. “Just worry about reading. If you find something, we can transcribe it easily.”

Roman nodded mutely as he settled into his seat, and Emile felt his heart lurch in his chest when Roman set his left arm on the table to stabilize his book; his left forearm tapered off midway down. He snapped back to himself before the boys caught his stare, and Emile cleared his throat. “Well, if you should need anything, let me know.”

“Thank you!”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Thanks so much!”

“Thanks, Mr. P.”

The boys were not unfriendly, but they certainly seemed to want their space, having seemed to have established their roles within the tiny group. Roman as the figurehead leader with his social skills and charisma, and Logan as the actual brains of the operation with his sharp eyes, quick thinking, and quicker tongue. Virgil and Patton seemed to settle easily into letting the other two take charge, but the other three definitely had a respect for Patton, interwoven with a protectiveness that Emile knew he didn’t want to know the source of. Virgil...he couldn’t quite place Virgil in this group. The underdog, the quiet lookout, perhaps? Emilie could see that in the way his eyes snapped between his surroundings and the page; ever the anxious kid Emile had known years ago, but a certain stony exterior had settled over the boy that wrenched at Emile’s heart. Yet a softness caressed the boy’s face when he addressed his friends, and the word instantly popped to mind.

Family. Emile thought to himself as the time ticked by, and he watched the four work with their heads bowed in concentration, the silence frequently disturbed by a finding or a question aimed at Patton. In the crumbling, uncertain time that they existed in, these kids had fought and eventually found a small, safe haven within themselves and each other to keep them going, and in a way Emile envied them. He loved his library, the knowledge, the decorations still hanging on to years passed by, but when the days were especially silent, he’d give almost anything to have the community that used to thrive within these walls.

When the group left later with a series of farewells and waves, Emile gave a teary smile of his own and turned to the tomes left on the table.

Always a job to be done.

[bevercges]

🐭 • Okay so it’s Munday, I’m two days away from my last final (which means that I gotta prepare myself for it), and I have some stuff to do that will prevent me from sitting down and focusing on replies today so: how about I talk about my muses and why did I pick them? Yes, nobody asked, but I don’t care.

So I’m a very, very picky person. There are more chances for me to dislike or to be neutral towards something than to like something. But when I like something I tend to be pretty loyal to it, and it never leaves my side; hence this small multimuse with characters that I have been writing for years now (some of them at least). Yeah, this is just me rambling, so I’ll just go from muse to muse and close it off with a neat little bow.

Okay so, probably for the surprise of nobody, Pip is my most long-lasting muse ever! I’ve been writing him since 2013 and that’s because he has been my favorite character since Day 1.

I like underdog characters and he was the earliest underdog in the series (in my opinion, that is). He was also very different from other characters at the time (before fucking Butters came around), so it was easy to sympathize with him or to dislike him just like the cast did. For me it was the former, I found his misfortune both sad and amusing and I couldn’t help but liking him (was it out of pity tho’? Not sure, it’s been years). I also like gentleman characters a lot (especially the bowties and the suits, I like some well-dressed fellas in my life), so even if his color palette is outrageous (because it is, red, blue and purple shouldn’t be together like that) he looks pretty charming to me!

There is also the fact that, to continue with the unpopular opinions, I enjoy the first four seasons of the show quite a bit, and for me Pip pretty much symbolizes that era since that was when he was a secondary character the most often. Before he died, you know. For me, there is a sense of nostalgia to be had when it comes to Pip in general; he’s an older character, from the oldest seasons, my oldest muse and, well, just OLD in general, he comes from a book from the Victorian period after all.

Speaking of which, as cheesy and extra as this may sound, Pip got me interested in literature. My degree involves a lot of reading and writing about old English and American literature; and I don’t think I would have ever made this career choice had it not been for becoming interested in Great Expectations after I came across the episode and watched it. God, I love that fucking episode even tho’ most people hate it LOL.

Idk, I suppose the reason I still write him is because the show did not give him enough spotlight and I’m willing to take care of that myself. Though, I may admit, sometimes he’s too much for me, but I guess it’s because he’s more on demand than my other muses. He’s just that likable!

With Scott my history doesn’t go as far back, though. Sure, he was there since season 12, but most people probably started showing interested for him in 2017, when Fractured But Whole was released, and that was my case too. Scott couldn’t have had a more solid main character role had it not been for Captain Diabetes; he’s charismatic, excited to participate into the game and he’s a great teammate!  He drags you in with his character alone and, taking into account that this was his first main role, he was sort of an underdog as well. Yeah, I guess that’s a running theme with me.

A lot of my characterization and love for him came from FBW and I will be the first one to admit it. Scott has a very strong personality and it shows; I usually write characters that are, for a better word, “softer”, but I honestly liked how he is usually very cool and chill, not losing it whenever Cartman picks on him like Kyle could, but can still stand up for himself and show that he has a backbone, so he became a staple for my private RPing on Discord to the point of becoming one of my favorite muses in general. Though, another reason for him to become one of my main muses was his dynamics with other characters from the show. He’s so easy to write and to have click with other characters it was a breathe of fresh air for me!

Personally, I don’t see Scott as a replacement for Pip or Butters, but he’s still a black sheep character like them. He’s just having an easier time breaking out of that mold, I think? Probably not even on purpose, though, since another thing I like about him is how he seems to be a bit scatterbrained but also really genuine. Idk, I find how simple-minded he is to be adorable... actually, Scott is just adorable. His character design stands out in comparison to other background/secondary characters’? From his hair to his ears, he’s got a lot of uniqueness going on!

I just wish they would give him the spotlight more, I guess, so this is another character I write for that reason. Though, I also started writing Scott because of the pre-established relationships I have with him (at least in private), and I hope I get to have him make more friends for as long as I remain active on this blog.

So as I said before, I first liked Bradley in an ironic manner, then it actually become a genuine feeling and now, pretty sure, he’s ascended beyond being just a favorite character of mine. Idk man, he’s funny. Mintberry Crunch is a hilarious concept and I love it, I have said that in the past, and I suppose this was one of those cases in which you just wanted to insist you were into something ironically and then it went too far.

Anyways, what haven’t I say about Bradley yet? I enjoy how much of a Dennis the Menace kind of unapollogetic twerp he is, his sibling rivalry with Henrietta is one of my favorite things about his character. Sure, it’s an annoying archetype, but it was one of the reasons I had to use MBC in FBW outside of his powers, because of his dynamic with his adoptive sister. It makes me wonder what could have been his dynamic with the other goth kids since it’s canon that he steals stuff related to the occult from them..

I will admit that the reason I like him is because I think he’s a funny character. Bro, he’s hilarious, his entire superhero persona is a cereal mascot that keeps throwing lines akin to a cereal commercial, gotta love the surreality of it. Hell, he’s so surreal, so disconnected from the other kids’ superhero personas, that he was totally the underdog during the Coon & Friends trilogy. Everything was revolving around the Coon and Mysterion? Bam, not anymore, suddenly MBC, the character nobody expected anything from, the most useless concept out of the bunch, is the one who unironically has a backstory and superpowers to boot. Hell, he’s also the best (if not broken) support character in FBW? What is there not to ironically love about the cereal alien child?

Of course, I love the possibilities he brings to the table when it comes to RPing. He’s an alien so he can be in any setting in the galaxy! He can interact with other species and it won’t be weird for him because, hello? He’s an alien himself! Tho’ I also really like to think that he’s a “how do you do fellow humans” kind of alien these days so that’s extra points in the funny department. His personality, overall, makes interacting with him a very entertaining experience to watch.

I haven’t been writing him for long, though, only since around 2018? Yeah, he’s my newest muse, the characters I have been writing for the least time in this blog- but GOD I would defend him with my life. I just think he’s neat! And that’s basically it.

🐭 • So, in conclusion? I like my underdogs a lot. Some of my muses are more popular and loved than others, sure, but I’m attracted to underrated characters, which is something all of my three boys have in common.

Also, before anybody asks: yeah, I only write male characters, so what? I don’t really enjoy most female characters in the show and those I DO like I just don’t think I would ever be able to make em justice. There are people out there that would do a way better job at writing Henrietta or Estella than I ever could, and I shall wait until the day comes in which I get to write with em. ♥

This is basically it, I’m going to go chillax now LOL.

[swampgallows]

well, so, tumblr ate my post on my phone, but the gist of what i wanted to say was that it was, of course, amazing, but i feel like... and this is kind of cheesy and embarrassing but, it wasn’t really until this year, between wonder woman and this film—the shape of water—that i felt like anything was “for me”. 

i cannot remember the last time my heart swelled like that during a film, let alone in general. in fact, i’m not sure it ever has. not in that way. this film made me understand why people care for romance films or romance itself, the appeal of it. i cried a lot. and i cried a lot during wonder woman too, but for a different sort of reason. wonder woman helped me realize i was starving to see a strong, whole woman; i had thought to myself “no wonder people love superheroes so much”. i thought they were fun, of course, but it wasn’t until wonder woman that i truly felt that kind of power, that feeling of being uplifted. it was like... hope, and protection. even growing up i never had a “hero”, as it were, not until chris metzen, and that wasn’t until i was well in my teens. i have felt like the outcast for so long that i couldnt even feel like an underdog, let alone a hero. 

it’s foolish to say what i found in the shape of water was “representation”, but... it was like a validity. it felt verified. it felt.... real. it wasn’t goofy. it wasn’t a joke. it wasn’t supernatural or one-sided. it felt very real. i did not even realize there were tears in my eyes until one fell down my face. it felt so very real to me. of course, i love all of guillermo del toro’s movies, particularly in that he engages with fairy tales—parables, too, as he had mentioned in the interview following the credits—with a reverence, an authenticity. with respect. when you accept these creatures and themes as real, they become real. but if you maintain the whole time that it’s “just CGI”, “just movie magic”; proving his whole point, when you “Other” these creatures, you turn them into things. you make them objects instead of real, believable, sentient things. and his point was that we do this to people too. “There is no us VS them. There is only us.”

and, really, on the heels of seeing Bright, the contrast between the films is stark. Bright achieved almost the exact opposite of taking these fantasy races—which are to be respected as fellow people in an urban fantasy setting—and immediately Othering them, as well as making the entire film about their Otherness. additionally, the “message” of the film is lost when jakoby is the exception to the rule, the “One Good Orc” instead of “orcs are people” (despite literally having the line “orcs are people too”, this is never put into practice). and he is even further robbed of that by ward being a bright all along instead of jakoby, or even BOTH of them. ALL the formulaic evidence points to jakoby being a bright. “brights are elves, rarely humans, NEVER orcs”; jakoby is unblooded, round-toothed, clan-less, seen as a dissenter to his entire race; inexplicably wanted to be a cop ever since he was a little kid even though there have never been orc cops and most are sent off to war; demonstrably more sensitive and inquisitive than most orcs; even the very last moment up until ward’s bright reveal, jakoby gives an entire relay of the myth of jirak the humble orc farmer, who was unblooded, who turned out to be a man of prophecy, and begs ward to go back and help tikka. “I think we’re in a prophecy!” yet ward is the bright and jakoby isn’t. fucking L. ZERO payoff. ward is a racist asshole to jakoby the entire fucking film, treats him like shit, then finds out HE gets to hold a magic wand? fuck off.

yet even bright, in all of its horribleness, still feels like it was “for me”. so, it’s strange, but, i feel like mainstream stories are... finally becoming accessible to me? it’s hard to explain. Like, there’s a reason i’m rooted in my Very Insular Interests and all that bullshit. i dont feel welcome anywhere else. of course i stick with what’s familiar, and i dont think i will ever “move on” from these core aspects of my life and personality, but... it feels like there are stories coming out that i can actually relate to, things where my interests are the focus instead of being a side character or an extra in the background, or it’s the core plot to a film instead of being a parody or, worse, from a documentary angle. “how strange this is! why are people like this! can you BELIEVE there are people who relate better to MONSTERS than PEOPLE? god, there are people who actually think this is COOL but it’s so lame and stupid and for total nerds!!! UGH, can you BELIEVE those crybaby SJWs are BEGGING for a FEMALE SUPERHERO for WOKE FEMINIST POINTS?”

wonder woman stood atop the tower, alone, triumphant, and had saved the village. and everyone looked up at her, in awe of her, full of gratitude. that shot made me think “this is why little boys want to be superman.” there was a little girl in me that thought “i wish i could be wonder woman.” something like gender shouldn’t make a difference, but what a difference it makes. i mean, there’s a reason i havent felt that feeling before. and it’s not because i have any particular affinity for superheroes or diana herself; i truthfully have very little interest in either. but that is the first time i have ever seen a solitary, non-sexual, powerful woman. even in trying to tell my mom about the shot after i saw the film, i burst into tears. 

bright was handled like shit, but the fact that the movie even got made is astounding to me, particularly because it didn’t have the “excuse” of being rooted in preexisting media. so even though the story was shit, that it was an original screenplay is HUGE to me. Hellboy II was sick as hell, one of my favorite films, and pulled off the ‘urban fantasy’ much better than bright could ever hope to, but it had the veil of being a “comic book film”, so people knew they were going in under a pretense that it would be pulp and campy. essentially, not serious. not real. already written off as “this isn’t real so it can’t affect me. i’m just turning my brain off for a while.”

i guess it’s just that... these monsters are so real to me and i relate to them so deeply that it’s almost like seeing myself, in a sense. i feel such a personal attachment to them that seeing a creature as obscure as an orc on film or outside the same realms of media (lotr, warcraft, d&d) is cause for celebration. it’s like seeing something that even vaguely references a rave; i feel acknowledged because that’s me, that’s my community, those are my people. and OTHER PEOPLE recognize that that’s me too. i remember in high school one of my classmates told me to watch the entirety of disney’s chicken little (not recommended) because it made him think of me. why? there was a split second where one of the characters (the ugly duckling, thanks asshole) holds a glowstick. that is literally it. there wasn’t even techno playing. it was wannabe by the spice girls. but even then i was still like (POINTS) ME

and i think that’s something guillermo understands, because he relates so deeply to monsters as well. and interviewers and other media outlets might take it as a novelty—oh that kooky del toro, what will he think of next! isn’t that bizarre! what a strange man he is haha oh but we love it! wow, totally trippy settings! where does he come up with this stuff???—but del toro makes sure his films convey respect and severity. He doesn’t play up these films as pulp or tongue in cheek or with any sort of bashfulness of “i know this is silly, but...” He doesn’t feel a need to excuse himself for his interests. he portrays them fully and seriously, and that gives me great courage. as someone who is constantly apologizing for my interests being too silly or “too insular” (I will never get over that haha sorry!) or too obscure or too abrasive, always being too loud or too much or too ugly, seeing my interests portrayed with genuine respect and depth always feels worthy of celebration to a degree i cant put into words. it gives me strength to exist, unabashedly, and as my full self.

i’m excited for the blockbuster bubble to burst. maybe, finally, all of us at the edges will finally get to surface. i am already seeing the little trickles.

[derevosky]

If home is where the heart is, then we're fucked. [1/4]

A RusAme fanfic | Read it on AO3 / FF.net

Chapter 1: The United States of America

A nation's life could be tiring on daily basis, but if there wasn't much of a big deal on national standards, they'd simply stroll in their cities, and maybe interact with few people, so they could learn more about them, well, themselves. A nation is the embodiment of the country's people, after all.

Except, America didn't have that luxury. He is a superpower nation wherein everything is a big deal, even if it doesn't concern his country. He is a hero, as he'd say. Although, helping other countries had him exhausted, and he was still worried for them. He was getting envious that other countries had time to wander in their respective cities, or even the small towns. Germany told him stories, or rather vent for a while, about how North Italy seemed to flirt with his people. "I guess that's just his way of knowing his people." Germany commented, or tried to convince himself. America was glad that his fellow nations were comfortable enough to share their stories from time to time.

He heard from England, or Canada, (he wasn't really sure thanks to the workload occupying his mind) that France took a girl to a tour in Paris, even telling her historical facts and whatnot. Either of them noted that France thought she was Jeanne d'Arc, or someone of his history as he told them. He was happy for that girl who was now living peacefully; it was somehow inspiring to America. Even when Davie-, er, they had forgotten about him, he'd like to know that his heroes, his people, wound up living a good life today. 'It would be nice that those ordinary people of the past would have the chance to be heroes.' He mused. So, he decided to take a break for the first time in many years of service. He knew he deserved it.

That night, America had "nothing" to do but walk along the streets, and observed his people. He went inside a café, and ordered a cup of coffee. When he got his order, he sat quietly on a chair outside. He sipped his coffee while taking in the scenery. The city was lively as usual, thanks to its neon lights, and vibrant noises from his people. The movie theater in front of him was full of lanes to the ticket booths, while some cars near the establishment could violate at least one or two traffic laws as he'd assume, not that he'd mind. 'The people are sure crazy for the premier, huh?' He grab a stick out of his pack of cigarette, along with his lighter. He lit up the cigarette on his mouth; he took a drag, and as he was about to exhale it graciously, he coughed it thanks to a certain nation he didn't want to see. The tall ashen blond looked furious as he approached the bespectacled blond. America didn't bother to read his face as he was about to interrogate the Russian man.

"Hey, Russia, what the hell are you doing here?!" America yelled, almost causing a scene thanks to his abrasive, high-pitched voice. Good thing, they were outside, and the noise he made was nothing compared to the crowd and the vehicles that surrounded them.

The tall man was bewildered, not really getting why the blond was shouting at him like that. "Uhm, yes, I am from Russia." He stated, annoyed by the lack of manners his companion showed. "What the hell am I doing here? I was looking for you the whole day, Alfred. Didn't you receive my texts? I even tried to call you at least forty times!" He said as his voice was getting louder in every word.

America realized he was indeed not talking to a nation, but a human who looked so much like his rival. He noticed how different, and strikingly similar they were, from the shape of his face to his defined nose. He had dark blue eyes with a bit of bright brown that they seemed purple. They had the same hairstyle, the same complexion, and even the same built. It was no wonder the nation would mistake him as the embodiment of the Russian Federation. Although, he wasn't wearing a scarf, nor tried hiding his neck. He was wearing a maroon v-neck shirt, and America somehow found it odd for some reason.

"Oh, what's your name again?" He asked sheepishly.

"Ivan." He deadpanned. "I can't believe you're suddenly asking me that. C'mon, we're late thanks to you. I think the movie was about to start. The people are starting to go inside." The ashen blond said impatiently as he walked towards the theater. America was impressed by the way he talked; there was still a bit of the Russian accent, but it was charmingly American in a way. It was a weird mix, and somehow America find it cute, no, er, funny. He never thought he'd witness Russia, at least his doppelganger, talked like that.

He noticed the blond wasn't following him, and returned. "Well? Didn't you insist watching this movie with me or?" He said, still impatient, and America found it amusing on how this lookalike acted like his fellow nation. 'So, does that mean Alfred looks like me? I haven't encountered anyone who looked like me in any century. This could be interesting.' He thought, he'd like to drop the act and tell him he's mistaken but-

"Yeah, yeah. Leggo." He gulped his lukewarm coffee in one shot, and pressed the used cigarette in an ashtray. He didn't really have anything to do this night except for stressing himself, so he headed towards the movie theater.

"Since when did you start smoking?” He asked, not that he mind; he knew Alfred always talked about smoking being a silly slow suicide, but today it seemed he got a change of heart. “And, when did you get that jacket? It looks great on you." Ivan noted, and took America's hand on his own.

America flinched, "Uh, dude? Why are you holding my hand?" He felt his face getting warmer. He wasn't really touchy-touchy with Russians, particularly the nation one. Besides, not only they look alike, but also act alike.

"Can't I just hold my boyfriend's hand in peace? You were late, you know. I feel like forgiving you because you look awesome tonight." Ivan pointed out, and hummed as he smiled like a child, and America found it weird that Russia, er, this Russian said 'awesome' in that weird Russian-American accent, if there was such a thing.

"Oh, riiiiight." He said, and he laughed weakly, flustered. He was kinda regretting his life choices.

When they got to the line, they were at the end, and the people were slowly getting inside thanks to a bit of pushing, and chaotic excitement. America mentally thanked Ivan for choosing a superhero movie, Eaglemask specifically. Ivan gave their tickets, and proceeded. They still held hands, and America was bothered as Ivan gripped him tighter, leading the way as they walked inside the dark theater.

When they sat on their designated seats by the middle aisle, America took the chance to let go of Ivan's hand, and pretended to fix his glasses.

"Do you want popcorn? Coke? I brought vodka." He asked him with affection, took the chance to grace his boyfriend's hand.

"What? Why'd you brought vodka? No way, man." He whispered above his breath.

He pouted. "But, we always spike our drinks when we go to the movies." America swore this man is a child, just like Russia. Yet, his puppy eyes were effective thanks to the cute face he's making, it almost killed the nation inside. 'No, I don't find him cute, pft.'

He fought it but, "…Fine."

"Yay!" Ivan chirped, and America swore his seatmate is Russia.

When the trailers were about to start, Ivan called the popcorn vendor, and he ordered four buckets since he's used to his boyfriend's appetite. Then, he ordered three large cups of coke since only three could occupy their cupholders. Their seatmates didn't seem to mind.

Ivan brought out his flask surreptitiously, and put vodka on their drinks. Now, America was curious to know more of Alfred, because why… why did he allow this kind of thing on a regular basis? He dismissed his thought, and watched the remaining trailers instead.

As the movie started, they were munching on their popcorns, and America was already done with his first bucket. He grabbed his second, while Ivan was still eating his own, and taking sips from the vodka-coke. America didn't think twice and drank his coke straight, and forgot that it has vodka. Then, it hit him thanks to the aftertaste. 'Oh, fuck.'

In broad daylight, the Russian villain caused a scene while maniacally laughing, the roads were broken thanks to his gigantic tank, and Eaglemask was there to save the day. The villain spewed his evil plan in a cringey Russian accent. Of course, what would be a superhero movie without those corny dialogue?

Ivan laughed, wiping his tears. "Oh gosh, they're so horrible!" He still couldn't stop laughing thanks to the crappy dialogue, and the horrible accent.

America was peeved by his reaction so he defended the movie. "What? No! It's actually an inspiring speech!"

"If you say so." Ivan snorted, exhaled from laughing, and took a sip of his drink.

Behind his secret identity, Eaglemask was Nathan Wright, a regularly bullied high-school student with no redeeming qualities, except for acing history classes. He was used to his life, and even as a superhero, he promised to himself that he'd be cool with it; that he won't lose his temper. Well, his superpowers were just flight; his superstrength was just something his ability could offer thanks to the logic of physics.

"An underdog, as usual." Ivan commented, as if mocking the American films, and America was almost pissed. 'Come on, clichés are sometimes necessary! People may be used to it, but they still enjoy it, and this could teach kids a lesson about patience!'

The popular high-school girl, June McLaurin, waved at the protagonist, and he was pleasantly surprised. 'She knows me?' Nathan wanted to fly above the clouds, literally, and so he did, after school.

"Teenage hormones." Ivan giggled a little.

"Give him a break, it's the love of his life!" He defended, complete with hand gestures.

"You're really funny today, Alfred." He took the blond's comment as some kind of sarcastic remark, because it was their kind of humor. Of course America didn't know that, and he didn't notice how Ivan's arm wrapped around him.

It was revealed that June knew about Nathan's superhero identity; that's why she was acting friendly towards the protagonist. Nathan didn't know how to feel about it until June kissed him senseless.

America noticed how close Ivan got as he felt his seatmate's hand caressing his hair to his nape. He was leaning forward, about to kiss his boyfriend, and America laughed so obnoxiously loud they were shushed by others in the cinema. Ivan glared at him and retreated to his seat, and simply held hands with the blond, although tighter. America knew he was pissed despite his intoxicated state.

The girl, of course, became a damsel in distress, and it was up to Eaglemask to save her. The Russian villain reappeared, and revealed his plan to terrorize the city. After some series of lame fight scenes, Eaglemask won, and get to kiss the girl.

When the credits were rolling, Ivan took long sips of both of their drinks, stood up coldly, and walked in large strides while America barely followed him thanks to the crowd, and his throbbing head. He was glad that his companion was tall enough to be seen in the sea of people.

When they got outside the theater, Ivan still walked briskly, and headed to his SUV by the establishment. He unlocked the doors, and America awkwardly rode shotgun. Ivan didn't start the car yet, because he was visibly fuming.

"What is wrong with you?! First, I couldn't contact you. Second, you shouted at me for who knows why, and third, you humiliated me!" He said, exasperated, more so seeing his boyfriend play dumb. "Какого хрена ты тут вытворяешь?! Почему так поступаешь со мной?" He muttered with enough volume to express his frustration, his brows furrowed while he glowered at the blond.

'Okay, I had no idea what he's saying but, damn, I think I fucked up big time.' America scratched his head, a bit guilty, and tried to face the ashen blond. He placed his hand on his shoulder.

"I-I, I'm sorry man. I'm just, kinda stressed with what's happening to the world." He said rather sincerely. Well, it is true. That's why he's here.

"You are?" He said, still trying to be indignant. "That's quite out of character?" He noted. "I mean, how thoughtful of you." His eyes soften a bit. "But, that doesn't mean you had to treat me like shit." He glared once again as he tapped his hand off his shoulder.

"I, uh, dude. I'm really sorry! Let me make up to you."

"You didn't even laugh with me."

"C'mon. I did!" He did but before he knew it wasn't a good answer, Ivan's face scrunched.

"But you made a fool out of me!" Ivan retorted as he remembered the embarrassing scenario.

"I'm sorry," He said with raised hands. "It was a really bad timing. I wasn't really in the mood."

"Why? You're suddenly concerned for the world, or something? What a lame excuse." He was visibly angry, although, it was America's turn to be offended.

"Hey! First of all, I am very stressed with what's happening to the world." He snapped. "For the first time, I felt tired, sick of helping others while I still need to fix myself! But nooo, I'm still fucking worried for others, and I'm still paranoid that somehow they'll leave me because they got what they want from me. And, my boss is really annoying but I have no choice. Like, I don't fucking need another cold war with North Korea, and China has been really annoying lately. Philippines' boss somehow hates me, and somehow became buddies with Russia, like, what the fuck?" He ranted, and Ivan barely followed his words as they were getting faster. "Oh, and the hurricane. It's such a lovely timing! The economic growth will stay stuck in the low 2% range. Goddamn, perfect. And for some reason, I'm worried for Cuba, like, wow, Cuba?" He said, his voice raising. "And, and, the crime rates are getting higher here I don't even want to fucking know why. I'm kinda considering England, and, and Europe in the travel ban. But no, it's just my people's idea. No wait, I am my people. Oh gosh, I hate this so much."

Ivan was confused, and astonished. He was too surprised that his anger faded away. 'Is he drunk?' The Russian mused.

"Even my brother, Canada, had to mock me! I just want to achieve world peace, is that too much to ask?" He bawled, of course with hand gestures.

Ivan had enough of his boyfriend's rambling, and-

"Heck, I wished that the cold war didn't happen- Oomf!" America was cut off, now aware of the hand on his back, and his mind barely registered that Ivan fucking grabbed and kissed him.

America, regrettably, responded to his kiss with his eyes closed, as Ivan glided his tongue on his bottom lip. His lips tasted like that vodka-coke they drank earlier, but the vodka was stronger, and somehow sweet. America subconsciously graced his head with his hand, ruffling a bit of his hair, and caressed his neck. Ivan leaned more thanks to the sensations, bumped his nose on his cheek, and that made America giggle as his breath was airy. The vibration encouraged Ivan to move his hands to the sides of his face, and slid his tongue inside his mouth. America yelped, and tried to counter him by tracing his tongue, earning a moan from flushed ashen blond. Ivan didn't really want to give in easily, so his hands travelled to his back, and licked his ear instead. America shivered, "Oh my fucking god." He held his breath while Ivan continued sucking his ear. America, of course, didn't want to lose, and leaned to his neck to suck which left enough hickeys.

The car was filled with sensual noises, a bit of rocking even it was turned off. Meanwhile, two people nearby approached the vehicle, the blond was worried while the taller one was chuckling.

On the inclined passenger seat, as they were grinding their crotches, about to undress each other, they were barely interrupted by a knock on the window until it was harder.

"Ugh, we're in the middle of- Oh fuck." America uttered while he was below Ivan who was still licking his nipples.

"Привет, America!" A familiar voice, muffled, from outside greeted.

"What the hell is going on?!" The blond, who looked so much like America, said bewildered, as he opened the door, good thing it was unlocked in the first place.

"Oh, hi Alfred." America waved awkwardly while his lookalike was still in shock.

"Huh?" Ivan stopped and looked at America, annoyed because of the interruption.

"Здравствуй, Vanya!" Russia sing-songed while Ivan became finally aware with his surroundings.

"Что за блять?" The Russian man couldn't believe his eyes. The man before him could be his doppelganger, because they look so much alike that they could trade places… wait. Alfred? No.

"Who the heck are you?!" Ivan jumped away from America, then stood outside with Alfred and Russia.

"I cannot believe you could do this, America! Do you miss me that much?" Russia joked which ticked off America.

"Wait, America? Is this some kind of joke?" Ivan interjected, and then looked at Russia. "Does this mean you're Russia?" He turned to America and said, "Is this why you called me Russia? Who the hell are you people?" He looked to the both of them, while Alfred was scratching his head. He was secretly amused by his boyfriend's reaction.

America had no clue how to handle this situation, especially seeing Russia amused like the little shit he is.

"Great. Fucking great."

.

.

Translation:

Привет, Здравствуй Hi, hello

Что за блять? What the fuck?

Какого хрена ты вытворяешь?! Почему так поступаешь со мной? Fuck, I cannot believe you, why the hell are you doing this to me?

(Thank you, yantiskra, for helping me with Russian dialogues!)

So basically this is a crackfic ahaha I’m so sorry to those who spent time reading this.

Not-so-fun facts!

1. I had met someone who looked like me, although they’re more attractive.

2. My ex and I used to drink ‘vodka-coke’ in the movie theaters. (Although, it’s not vodka but brandy, and it’s not coke but sprite, so it’s actually brandy-sprite.)

3. The title is a lyric from 27 by Fall Out Boy.

4. To be honest, I found it hard to decide on the title. First, it was ‘Two Pairs of Dorks’ ...but they’re not really being dorks in this fic ahaha. Second, I thought of ‘What a Drag’ in reference to America smoking and being dragged along, but it felt ‘mediocre’ or ‘ordinary’ sounding. Lastly, I settled on ‘If home is where the heart is, then we’re fucked.’ Even though it’s long, it kinda works as a pun to the fic if you think about it, well, so far for the next chapters ahaha

[thelonelyrdr-blog]

Thoughts on the Heroes of Olympus series (Part 3)

(The ending is somewhat spoiled in this one, so if that bugs you, read with caution.)                      Apparently, yesterday was Percy Jackson's birthday. So he's a Leo. Makes sense, I thought, and set to integrating this piece of trivia with my mental image of Percy, but then I realized that I already knew it from the following exchange in The Blood of Olympus: "Like the zodiac sign?" Percy asked. "I'm a Leo." "No, stupid," Leo said, "I'm a Leo. You're a Percy." The bad puns in this series are so real, guys. Anyway, given that it was Percy's birthday, it would've been neat if I could've posted this review yesterday, but alas, I just didn't have the energy after work. But hey, my lateness won't stop me from tagging this post with #happybirthdaypercy in a shameless attempt to increase my readership. Happy Birthday, Percy! I know you won't mind my using your birthday as a marketing tool.   The Blood of Olympus  Reyna and Nico are by far my favorite parts of this book, both separately and as a pair, but especially as a pair. Both are characters with deeply traumatic pasts who feel a respect and kinship for one another that eventually evolve into familial affection. Hazel may be Nico’s sister in name, but Reyna seems closer to filling Bianca’s role as big sister to Nico: whereas, historically, Nico has had to protect and guide Hazel, Reyna is someone who will not only do the same for him, but who will also worry for him. She has the magical ability to literally empathize with his need, as a boy who has lost a mother and an older sister, to feel cared for and considered, and is therefore uniquely qualified to respond to it. Nico’s bonds with both Reyna and Hazel, though, are beautiful.  As for Reyna herself, as much as I love all of the female characters in both this series and the original, in my estimation, she's the best, simply by virtue of being the most complex. Riordan's skill with developing characters through their internal struggles shines in Reyna's chapters. Let's not kid ourselves like the other characters do: she killed her father, even if it was in self-defense and even if he'd degenerated into a mania, giving her what is certainly the darkest backstory of any character in this series and probably of any character in any middle-grade series ever. I'm surprised that the publisher didn't insist on cutting the murder, though Riordan does gloss over its moral ambiguity somewhat. Nico's pretty terrifying in that one scene, too, and in his case, Reyna and Coach Hedge fully acknowledge the immorality of his actions. You all know the scene I'm referring to, or will if and when you read this book. Can I get some Dark!PercyxDark!Nico fanfics in addition to the Dark!Percy ones I already tried to commission in my previous blog post? (Oh, and if you're wondering about my thoughts on Reyna's sexuality, as I know many have imagined her as gay or bisexual, I personally ship her with herself regardless of her sexual preferences. To be clear, I have nothing against either interpretation of her character, but I got a little disenchanted with every character being or wanting to be in a serious romantic relationship as the series progressed. There are single teenagers, you know. I was one of them.) Before I conclude my discussion of Nico and Reyna, though, I have to mention the scene where Nico finally confesses to Percy that he once had a crush on him. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one cheering for him and wishing that I could be that cool while simultaneously laughing at Percy’s confusion and Annabeth’s amusement. And oh man, that high five between Annabeth and Nico. Perfect.  But it's time that I commented on Leo’s happy ending, in which he fulfills his role in the prophecy by dying (but not really) and keeping his oath to Calypso to free her from Ogygia.  Their whole relationship is comprised of moments of subtle tenderness, but the line in the last chapter that struck me most was:  “Leo Valdez,” she said. Nothing else - just his name, as if it were something magical.  I fangirled when I read that line, and the entire last chapter, for two reasons. The first is that, no matter how I try to deny the tendency in myself, I’m a hopeless romantic (yes, I’m a hopeless romantic who doesn’t read straight romance and who wants to see more single characters in middle-grade and YA novels. Everyone has their contradictions) who was invested in this couple from the start. However, the second reason pertains to Leo’s character. He’s the “seventh” wheel of the group, who’s spent the whole series doubting his own merits and developing crushes on girls who either take no interest in him or take no interest in him and seem interested in one of his friends instead. To be fair, one of these girls is a villain anyway, but her rejection still validates Leo’s insecurities. Even Calypso herself has a history with another of the Seven (Percy) and initially reacts to Leo's arrival on Ogygia as though it were a cruel joke of the gods'. The fact that the other characters largely disregard Leo - even I've ignored him until now, ironically, despite how hilarious I found his dialogue and narration - is what makes Riordan’s positioning him as the hero of the series so emotionally and narratively satisfying. He forms a plan to defeat Gaea without even consulting the others (might it be said that his inherited tendency to work independently and in isolation, which he and dad Hephaestus both perceive as a flaw, is what enables him to save the world?); he breaks Calypso's curse without leaning on the gods or on Percy's bargain with them. He goes from being the most overlooked of the Seven to someone whose very name inspires awe (and you can't tell me that Calypso's awe results solely from romantic feeling - I'm sure that, when she utters that line, she's also thinking of how Leo is the first and only person to manage to free her, to even remember her after leaving Ogygia). His is an underdog story done right. Overall As I hope you've gathered from my individual comments on each book, there's a lot to appreciate in this series: it's by turns light and funny and dark and morally ambiguous; it's smart and subtly overturns stereotypes and prejudices; and, perhaps most importantly, it's full of likable, relatable characters who feel distinct and real. It's self-aware too: as in the original series, Riordan raises the question - here, most notably in Arachne's version of her myth - of whether the gods are truly good or merely better than the alternatives of Gaea and the Titans; whether theirs is the side the demi-gods would willingly choose or merely the one they happen to be on because of their parentage. It's not often in children's adventure stories that the heroes consider that the villains may have a valid moral point, and beyond that, one that invalidates theirs. Even the last two Harry Potter books don't go as far with humanizing and demonizing Voldemort and Dumbledore, respectively. Unfortunately, the narrative does not adequately answer this question or many of the others that it raises. Take, as another example, Percy's "fatal flaw," loyalty, which I noted in Part 1 of my review never seems to result in negative consequences for either the Seven or the quest, despite being talked up by both gods and monsters throughout the series. Were the repeated warnings about it supposed to be foreshadowing Percy's decision to fall into Tartatus with Annabeth? If so, that makes no sense, as at least one demi-god was needed on each side of the Doors of Death, anyway, and Percy and Annabeth were obviously more successful as a team than either would've been alone. Or, as is more likely, was Percy's "fatal flaw" part of a larger plot thread that was dropped due to time and space constraints? But if that's the case, then why couldn't the first two books in the series have been condensed into one, or the series extended to include six or seven books? Surprisingly, considering how tightly plotted the original series was, the plot in this series fizzles to near nonexistence by the end of The Blood of Olympus, the tension building inconsistently as the climax approaches. Compared to the final battle in The Last Olympian, which engrossed me even more than the Battle of Hogwarts did (fellow Harry Potter fans, you don't have to call me a traitor; I assure you, I already feel like one), the stakes in the battle against Gaea and her army seemed the equivalent height of those in a fight involving elementary school children wielding sticks. Riordan's failure to deliver in this respect was especially glaring considering that he'd promised readers not one major battle in The Blood of Olympus, but two. Instead we get a one-on-one fight between Reyna and Orion that feels more internally than externally resonant and forestalls Major Battle #1, the Roman attack on the Greeks, before it even begins; a fight with the earthborn during which no one but Jason is really needed, as he's shown to be tremendously overpowered; and a fight between Leo and Gaea, which should've been Major Battle #2 but which is over within a page or two. The characters reiterate throughout the series how powerful Gaea is and how much more substantial of a threat she is than the Titans, but even the lowest monster in Tartarus was scarier and took longer to defeat. Hell, the Minotaur in The Lightning Thief would've been a worthier opponent for our heroes. The only explanation I can think of for the disappointing finish to this series is, again, that Riordan must have run out of time or space to give readers a proper final battle (though he hinted at two, I would've settled for one). Or possibly steam.   Still, although the series as a whole has a rushed and sloppy quality to it, I would still highly recommend it, both for the reasons listed above and for its resemblance to fanfiction. Yes, sadly, only in fanfiction would I expect to read a continuation of Percy Jackson's story with as many minority as white demi-god protagonists, whose cultures, used respectfully by Riordan, inform rather than define their identities; a gay character who is revealed to be in love with the protagonist of the first series; and an emphasis on female empowerment and the glorification of the feminine. There’s even a character -  arguably the most physically attractive of the Seven, might I add - who discovers that he needs glasses! I was shocked, albeit pleasantly so, to find a published series containing all of these elements, and I'm not even gay or a minority. If you pick up these books for the representation alone, you won't regret it.     But that won’t be necessary: there are a multitude of other fun reasons. 

[crimsonrevolt]

Congratulations April you’ve been accepted to Crimson Revolt as Arthur Weasley!

↳ please refer to our character checklist

Arthur is a character that I adore already -- but your application made us fall in love with him all over again. From your reasons for choosing him, to the in character questionnaire, and all the way to your para sample -- you portrayed him with such genuine love and warmth that there is no doubt about the fact that you’ll do him justice. That he’s hung up on the little decisions, that he’s got a little muggle watch that he’s enchanted, that he’d want a magical potion that removes powers from wizards -- they all fit into the character we already know, and expand on them with little quirks and traits that make him utterly unique to you. I know we can’t wait to see him on the dash! *we’ve already messaged about this, but molly and arthur are already married and have kids in this rp, and we’re glad you’re alright with discarding the ship headcanon to reflect that.

application beneath the cut

OUT OF CHARACTER

INTRODUCTION

Hi! I’m April (She/Her), I’m 22 and in the CST Time Zone.

ACTIVITY

Hi! I work full time at an amusement park and have a really wonky schedule, so most of my activity will take place at night. I like to hang out and try to plot with people or reply to new starters if I have the time and energy, but if I don’t I at least try to reply to conversations I’ve already started. So I think that would be about a 6 or 7 out of ten.

TRIGGERS

*removed for privacy

HOW DID YOU FIND US?

My friend is applying for Rita! We’ve both been looking for a RP, specifically HP for me, and she found this one.

WHAT HARRY POTTER CHARACTER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH MOST?

Neville Longbottom is the character I’ve always identified with most. He was, in the beginning, the underdog. Neville has always been kind of dorky and nerdy. He’s never been the most popular character in the book or the chosen one (Although he was very close to being just that…), but he was important to the story and there was more to him than people realized.  He’s extremely loyal and genuine to his friends, which is what I think are some of the most important qualities in life. Neville is also extremely passionate about what he likes. Sure, herbology isn’t the coolest thing a character could be good at, but he owns it. He was the character that taught me it’s important to be genuine no matter what.

ANYTHING ELSE?

IN CHARACTER

DESIRED CHARACTER

Arthur William Septimus Weasley

FACE CLAIM

Josh Dallas

REASON FOR CHOSEN CHARACTER

What draws me to Arthur is his ability to go through hard times and come out on the other side not completely broken. That is not to say that he isn’t affected by war and the side affects of something as terrible as conflict and fighting, however Arthur is the type of person that finds the positive in things. I think that’s an extremely relatable trait right now that I could really tap in to and am excited to explore.

Also, I like Arthur a lot because he’s kind of dorky like me. He doesn’t have the best social skills, but he’s extremely good so I think that draws people to him as long as they don’t care about his blood-traitor status. Which he earned just because he’s a total geek about things. I for one am a huge geek and have a slight obsessive nature when it comes to TV shows and books and movies, so I can totally channel that into Arthur’s muggle love.

Speaking of Arthur’s muggle love, I really just want to explore the beginning of that and how it’s grown since then. It’s funny because I’m a muggle obsessed with wizards and here I am trying to write a wizard obsessed with muggles. Which is kind of cool if you think about it!

I really just love this character because he is unregrettably himself and good and loyal and all the positive things I want to see in myself. At the same time, he’s a little bit of a challenge for me because he wears his feelings on his sleeves. He is affected by the actions happening around him and very empathetic towards other people’s thoughts and feelings. While I am not like that personally, playing someone who’s more sensitive and emotional will be great opportunity for character development.

PREFERRED SHIPS // CHARACTER SEXUALITY // GENDER & PRONOUNS

I mean, I love Molly and Arthur so I would probably go canon with this, but this rp isn’t canon so…

Arthur is not so much focused on getting laid as he is about finding someone to start a family with because that’s something very important to him. He’s a hopeless romantic. Part of him feels like he’s starting to run out of time, but with the tense relations in the Wizarding World he’s worried about starting a family in tumultuous times. If he finds his person though, he will fight for them whole-heartedly and probably not take things slow (Not in a casanova way, but in a “I know she’s the one” kind of way). He’s very loyal and loving, but only after getting to know someone. Arthur is also extremely protective of all loved ones.

He/him pronouns and I don’t think Arthur really labels his sexuality… Prefers women, but almost borderline demisexual due to his obsessive nature and generally awkward personality.

CREATE ONE (OR MORE!) OF THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR CHARACTER:

- Playlist (A little all over the place like Arthur): https://open.spotify.com/user/hahahahailey/playlist/0aGvYbtppLNHEJEkNf9ueA

- I also decided to dive into his name meaning a little because, as we know, no names are coincidental in the Wizarding World.

Arthur: “Many scholars believe that name comes from the Proto-Celtic arto- meaning “bear,” which later became arth in Welsh. Given that most of the evidence for the name comes from Wales, a Celtic route seems quite obvious. The name was made famous by King Arthurian tales, where Merlin himself comes from!” That being said, I totally see Arthur being this papa bear character, extremely protective of his “cubs” and tough when he needs to be.

William: “From the Germanic name Willahelm, which was composed of the elements wil “will, desire” and helm “helmet, protection”. Saint William of Gellone was an 8th-century cousin of Charlemagne who became a monk.” Arthur has the will to protect his loved ones, so I think that one is pretty obvious.

Septimus: “Means seventh son”. While Arthur is not the 7th son, Septimus is his father’s name. He comes from a huge Wizarding family on both sides and that is important.

IN CHARACTER QUESTIONNAIRE

♔ If you were able to invent one spell, potion, or charm, what would it do, what would you use it for or how would you use it? Feel free to name it:

“I’ve always played around with the idea - what if I didn’t have magic? What would my life be like? And I’ll honestly never know unless I create this potion that temporarily takes away a Witch or Wizard’s magic. Subdues it in some way so that a wizard is unable to tap into their magical reserves. I could also see it being used as a way to teach young children a lesson that magic is something not to be taken advantage of. Or possibly use it to subdue the powers of powerful, evil wizards in prison or other situations. However, I could also see this potion being used by the opposition which… would not be good. In the right hands though, extremely useful and interesting.”

♔ You have to venture deep into the Forbidden Forest one night. Pick one other character and one object (muggle or magical), besides your wand, that you’d want with you:

“Oh, oh… I’ve heard rumors of these muggle objects. They’re goggles and they allow you to see in the dark without any lights. Called a Starlight Scope I believe. One would be able to see people and creatures without them seeing you, which would be extremely useful in the Forbidden Forest. Oh! And I would probably take Alastor. Fellow Gryffindor and a brilliant wizard.”

♔ What kinds of decisions are the most difficult for you to make?

“Surprisingly, I think the small decisions in life are the hardest to make. The big ones, well they’re so big usually you sway one way or the other. The small decisions… What to eat and where to go, they don’t have big ramifications so you don’t really care which way things go. Until the small decisions lead to big changes in life. Then they don’t seem so small anymore… What was the question again?”

♔ What is one thing you would never want said about you?

“Well, people already say quite a lot about me. Terrible things really, but it doesn’t bother me too much. I think one thing I wouldn’t be able to handle is someone close to me saying that they don’t know who I am anymore. That I’ve changed too much. I don’t want to be that for anyone. I want to be able to be someone’s rock.”

WRITING SAMPLE

Flashback!

“Okay, Arthur, you are ready… You are very, very prepared. No reason to be nervous, eh?” Looking down, Arthur adjusted his robes before glancing back up at the grungy mirror in the bathroom of the Ministry. He had arrived about an hour and a half too early for his interview with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.

On his wrist was a plain watch with two hands that he had bewitched to vibrate about 15 minutes before his appointment time. It was starting to get warm on his wrist, a side affect of his magic not going just quite right on the muggle object. If he was to give his best guess, Arthur probably had about twenty more minutes to find where he was supposed to go. With one last look in the mirror, he gave himself a nod of encouragement before setting off to find the interview location.

In the hallway, wizards and witches rushed past him a brisk speeds. Everyone seemed to be running late which only heightened his nerves. “Excuse me,” Arthur spoke up, trying to get someone’s attention but it seemed to be no use. He’d start with the elevator then. That seemed to be the most logical point of action. There, after giving the Goblin his intended location, the creature actually chuckled before sending the machine down into the depths of the Ministry of Magic. “Level three. Go down the hallway and turn left. Third door on the right.”

“Thank you. Thank you sir,” Arthur ducked his head before leaping out of the elevator, his briefcase in hand.

Having no where else to go now but forward, Arthur followed the goblin’s instructions and found the office in complete and total upheaval. Papers were scattered everywhere, flying from empty desk to empty desk. There was a coo-coo clock in the corner continuously going off. It was a sensory overload that Arthur hadn’t experience since his time at Hogwarts when some of his friends had set off fireworks in the Gryffindor common Room. “Oh my… Hello? Anyone in here?

“You’re early,” a man observed behind Arthur, making him jump. He hadn’t even heard any approaching footsteps or breathing or any clues of an approaching figure. “But let’s get started. I don’t have much time and we need someone to take over this office. It’s a mess.” The man pushed his way into the office, a disgusted look on his face at the chaos happening inside. So they would be skipping pleasantries today then.

Arthur followed behind the dark-haired, lanky man that seemed to hold some kind of leadership position in the Ministry. “Why, I would love the position and feel very qualified for it. I got “Outstanding” grades in Muggle Studies and Muggle Art and Muggle Music. I also have an interest in muggle objects being bewitched. Not that I’ve done that before!” His hand absentmindedly grazed over his watch. “Was there a question in there or was I just bragging on my own?” Arthur chuckled trying to connect with the other wizard on some level, but the other man seemed extremely disinterested. Feeling on the edge of exasperated, Arthur let out a huff while the Ministry worked waved his wand obviously looking for something. “Do you need help finding the questions you asked the other applicants?”

“Other applicants?” The older man chuckled as a candy bar flew into his hand, “Mr. Weasley, you’re the only applicant. You’ve got the job in this windowless hell for all I care. We just need someone who can confiscate muggle objects that no longer belong in the muggle world. You seem a little overqualified for the job really.” He took a large bite out of the candy bar, chomping on it in Arthur’s face.

“So you won’t be giving me a proper interview?”

“Ain’t that a good thing Mr. Weasley? You’ve got a job! So let’s get you upstairs to sign some paperwork shall we?”

“Well, what if I’m not qualified?” Arthur’s words stopped the other man in his tracks. “I mean, I am. Extremely qualified, really.“ He frowned. “ Look, I have spent time and energy preparing for this interview. I have a lot to say about the muggle world and how I can impact the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. I have a lot of ideas. So if you would please sit down and ask me a few questions, we can make sure I’m the right person for this job. Not someone who will mess up this office even more.” Arthur waved his hands around the chaotic room.

The other man had the dignity to look almost take aback. Arthur nodded, his light hair bobbing up and down, proud that his Gryffindor traits were shining through in moments even after his time at school was over.  “Now, did you see that article in the Daily Prophet on all those Muggles claiming to see a flying car? Because I have some ideas…”

[captainblogger100posts]

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston http://www.nature-business.com/nature-ayanna-pressley-seeks-her-political-moment-in-a-changing-boston/

Nature

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Ayanna Pressley, a Boston City Council member, is running against a 10-term incumbent congressman in the Democratic primary in Massachusetts on Tuesday.CreditCreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — It’s not a sight you see every day, certainly not around Boston — a black woman mounting a plausible challenge to a 10-term white congressman from her own party, a politician with vast connections who votes the progressive line and opposes everything Trump.

But here was Ayanna Pressley, a Boston City Council member and rising Democratic star, exhorting volunteers in a Cambridge restaurant with an impassioned performance style she learned as a child at her grandfather’s storefront Baptist church in Chicago.

“This is not just about resisting and affronting Trump,” she declared, garbed in a flowing red jumper. “Because the systemic inequalities and disparities that I’m talking about existed long before that man occupied the White House!”

The crowd went wild.

“Change can’t wait!” she shouted, echoing her campaign slogan, her voice raspy as it took on speed and urgency.

Ms. Pressley is herself an emblem of change that can’t wait — and isn’t waiting. She is part of a rising tide of women, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cynthia Nixon in New York and Stacey Abrams in Georgia, that is challenging historically white male power structures in politics — not only to advance their policy ideas, but also to reflect the changing diversity of their constituents, who have long lacked one of their own in congressional seats or governor’s offices.

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A supporter sent Ms. Pressley a gift with her campaign slogan.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

In doing so she is taking on a well-respected Massachusetts Democrat, Representative Michael Capuano, who was expecting to coast once again unchallenged for re-election in the Seventh Congressional District, which includes much of Boston and its suburbs. The primary election on Tuesday is one of the last marquee Democrat vs. Democrat battles of 2018.

Massachusetts is well known for deeply entrenched politics that favor incumbents, from the Kennedy dynasty to long-serving mayors, senators and House members. Mr. Capuano, 66, has widespread establishment backing, including Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, several labor groups, and prominent black leaders like former Gov. Deval Patrick, Representative John Lewis and Representative Maxine Waters. He also has an army of experienced election workers behind him, and a 13-point lead in a poll published in early August.

But Ms. Pressley, 44, may be the rare Boston insurgent whose ambition is in sync with a national political moment that has favored women and underdogs. Last week she achieved an unusual feat for a challenger: Winning endorsements from the city’s major newspapers, The Boston Globe and The Boston Herald. Her supporters are highly energized, and some polling in other recent races has failed to detect strength for minority female candidates. The congressional district is the only one in Massachusetts with more people of color than people who are white. While Mr. Capuano has his advantages, a Pressley win no longer seems far-fetched.

Their race has been hard fought but not particularly negative. The mere fact of Ms. Pressley’s challenge gives the primary its frisson. Mr. Capuano has tried to ignore her and focus instead on his years of experience, his reputation as a progressive and his opposition to President Trump. She has had the harder task of trying not to disparage a fellow progressive while still making a strong enough case for herself.

The puzzle for many voters is why Ms. Pressley is challenging a strong progressive in the first place, one who has brought home millions of dollars for much-needed transit, housing and health care projects. Especially when, as Ms. Pressley and Mr. Capuano agree, they are likely to vote the same way on most issues.

The answer says as much about Ms. Pressley as it does about Boston. For her, voting is where her representation would start, not end. She promises “activist leadership” beyond the votes, whether the Democrats retake the House or not.

“I’m not running to keep things as they are,” Ms. Pressley often says. “I’m running to change them.”

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Ms. Pressley was the first black woman elected to the City Council and for three elections in a row was the city’s top vote-getter.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

As for Boston, it is a city where wide disparities still exist between white and black residents in income, employment, housing and police stops, and where the political hierarchy has rarely welcomed outsiders. And until recently, “outsider” meant not just black people but women.

If Mr. Capuano is the consummate insider — born in the Seventh District, in Somerville, which he went on to lead as mayor before entering Congress — Ms. Pressley has been an outsider in many ways throughout her life. She was a struggling student of color, the daughter of a single mother, at her largely white, affluent, private high school in Chicago. She was a Midwesterner who moved East in 1992 to attend Boston University. And her life experiences are unlike those of many leading politicians: she has long spoken of being sexually abused as a child and raped in college, that her father struggled with drug addiction and spent most of her youth incarcerated.

“What probably makes me an outsider is my story and how I came to this work,” Ms. Pressley said in an interview. “I am probably an outsider because I challenge conventional narratives about who should have a seat at the table.”

Ms. Pressley has also been in the vanguard of a small group of women who have been breaking down barriers in Boston politics. She was the first black woman elected to the City Council and for three elections in a row was the city’s top vote-getter. Today, of the 13 council members, six are women of color.

“She didn’t grow up here, she didn’t have 14 cousins who ran different precincts for her, she didn’t have a mom and dad who went to high school with so and so,” said Jesse Mermell, a close friend, describing advantages of some native Boston politicians.

“There is a shift happening in this city,” she said. “Win or lose on September 4, Ayanna is the face of that shift — generationally, racially and in terms of gender.”

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By her senior year in high school, Ms. Pressley was a member of student government, as well as a cheerleader, and had developed a reputation for being politically inclined.

Nature Finding her voice in Chicago

Though Ms. Pressley left Chicago more than 25 years ago, her time there was transformative.

She was immersed in public speaking at her grandfather’s church, Rise and Shine Missionary Baptist Church. By age 10, she had volunteered on her first political campaign — for Harold Washington, who became the city’s first black mayor in 1983.

Ms. Pressley grew up on Chicago’s North Side in a Lincoln Park mixed-use apartment complex. With her father, Martin Terrell, absent, Ms. Pressley said she felt “a fragility of circumstance.”

“Coming home to an eviction notice on the door,” she said. “Coming home alone. I’m an only child. My mother was raising me alone. We couldn’t afford child care; child care hours didn’t work according to her schedule.”

Her mother, Sandra, a social worker, community organizer and legal secretary, was a ferocious champion for her daughter

“Everything she did was for Ayanna,” said Myrna Smith, a close friend of Sandra Pressley, who died in 2011. She said the elder Ms. Pressley made “personal and financial” sacrifices for her daughter.

Ms. Pressley recalled: “It was me and her versus the rest of the world. Cagney and Lacey. Thelma and Louise.”

Image

Ms. Pressley took a moment to herself after a day of campaigning last month.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

One of her mother’s achievements was enrolling her daughter in the Francis W. Parker School. Named for the founder of the progressive school movement, it is consistently ranked among Chicago’s best private schools. When Ms. Pressley attended, it was largely inaccessible to lower middle-class black children like her.

Daniel B. Frank, the longtime principal, said the school helped Ms. Pressley “try out another part of herself.”

“She had her own family struggles, but she found at Parker a place that would not only support her, but give her an opportunity to be something other than a kid who had struggles at home,” Mr. Frank said. “Here she could just be, and grow, and develop, and have voice.”

By senior year, Ms. Pressley was much less of an outsider. She was a member of student government as well as a cheerleader, and had developed a reputation for being politically inclined. At graduation she was named both class salutatorian and “most likely to become mayor of Chicago.”

“If nothing else, I am a survivor,” read one of her senior quotes.

“Oh, I do not talk loud, I just get my point across,” read another.

Mr. Terrell, Ms. Pressley’s father, recalled that as he watched her salutatorian speech, he realized his bubbly little girl had become a young woman with powers of public speaking that she could wield in a new, politically astute manner.

“She electrified her classmates,” said Mr. Terrell, who is now an author and retired director for the United Negro College Fund. “And I felt that, although she was a good writer, she was a great public speaker.”

Image

Ms. Pressley has had the difficult task of trying not to disparage her opponent, a fellow progressive, while still making a strong enough case for herself.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Nature A changing Boston. A changing of the guard, too?

Mr. Capuano, a mild-mannered man who speaks in a thick Boston accent, moves with the ease of a seasoned politician, talking knowingly about local issues with a range of leaders he has cultivated for years. He has opted to campaign only on his progressive record, rather than attack or insult Ms. Pressley.

“I don’t compare myself to the councilwoman,” Mr. Capuano said in an interview. “In my mind I’m running on the basis of my record both back in Washington and back here.

“We’re in the fight of our lives with Donald Trump in the White House, and this district — like all districts, but particularly this one — needs the best fighter we can get in Washington, someone who’s experienced.”

In Somerville, his hometown, Mr. Capuano has held nearly every political office of import — alderman, mayor and now congressman — and he uses his campaign stops to gently remind voters that his history of leftist activism could stand next to anyone’s. Mr. Capuano has stressed to voters that, if Democrats retake the House, his seniority and relationships with other lawmakers would make him a prime candidate to sponsor bills and serve on valuable committees that are critical for achieving results. Ms. Pressley would be a freshman.

Ms. Pressley has long been an advocate for girls and women. She volunteered at little-known nonprofits, served as a mentor and Big Sister and has been a regular presence at events like the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center’s annual Walk for Change.

It was this background that led some of Boston’s “kingmakers,” Ms. Pressley said, to suggest in 2009 that she not run for City Council and instead pursue a career with nonprofits.

Ms. Pressley ignored their advice. From her years of working for Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II and former Senator John Kerry, including as Mr. Kerry’s Massachusetts political director during his 2004 presidential campaign, she had built an extensive political network of her own. Senator Kerry even knocked on doors for her.

Ms. Pressley won that first race. And in 2011, in her first bid for re-election, she pulled in more votes than anyone else.

If the outsider was now working on the inside, Ms. Pressley still focused her energies on helping marginalized people like those who were incarcerated, homeless or caught up in human trafficking. And while she doesn’t often talk in detail in public about her personal experience with sexual assault — “I’ve just kept going, like millions of people do every day, because life does not allow them to do anything else,” she said in the interview — she said she wanted to be a voice for those who have gone through traumatic events. It has given rise to a central point in her current campaign stump speech: “The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power.”

Image

Ms. Pressley with her husband, Conan Harris, during a service at Greater Love Tabernacle Church in Boston last month.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Ms. Pressley, who lives in Dorchester with her husband and stepdaughter, was so plugged in with her community that she was already meeting privately with some of Boston’s female firefighters before the media aired their complaints about sexual harassment and discrimination, said city councilor Michelle Wu. Just 16 of Boston’s 1,500 firefighters are women.

“Ayanna is in rooms that no other elected officials are in,” said Ms. Wu, who in 2013 became the first Asian-American woman elected to council and in 2016 the first woman of color to serve as its president. “Whenever she stands up and speaks on the floor, everybody stops and listens because she speaks with moral authority.”

Boston’s strong mayor form of government generally precludes City Council members from making much of a splash, but Ms. Pressley is credited with at least one major accomplishment: increasing the number of valuable liquor licenses so some could be distributed to help restaurants in disadvantaged neighborhoods become more economically viable.

“For the issues she’s speaking on, she does the work and is prepared,” said Sam Tyler, president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, a nonprofit research group that monitors council activity. “She has a penchant for coming late,” he added, “but she does come.”

Image

Ms. Pressley’s race against Representative Michael Capuano has been hard-fought but not particularly negative. The candidates acknowledge they are likely to vote the same way on most issues.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Erin O’Brien, a political scientist at the University of Massachusetts Boston, said there were two different assessments of Ms. Pressley’s standing in the council.

“Some people think she’s a showboat, that she likes to come in and give a speech and isn’t doing the nitty-gritty work,” said Ms. O’Brien. “But in many communities of color, she is viewed as incredibly exciting and voicing issues the council has ignored.” It was the “old guard,” Ms. O’Brien added, that viewed Ms. Pressley as a showboat. But, she said, its power was waning.

“If the old guard were in charge,” she said, “this primary wouldn’t be happening.”

Later, Ms. Pressley nearly erupted at the showboat suggestion. “I’ve not been a decisively re-elected city councilor and top vote-getter three times because I haven’t done the work and because I don’t work hard,” she said.

The old guard may be losing its grip in part because of demographic changes across the Seventh Congressional District. Once represented by John F. Kennedy, the district is now 57 percent people of color and 30 percent foreign born. Single women head nearly 40 percent of the households.

“What has shifted is the willingness of people who come from these backgrounds to step up and run,” Ms. Wu said. “We’ve now set a new narrative for what is possible in Boston politics and in Massachusetts politics.”

Image

Ms. Pressley’s supporters are highly energized.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Still, Massachusetts has never sent a black person to the House of Representatives. It was not until 2012 that it sent a woman — Elizabeth Warren — to the Senate. Two years later, Maura Healey, a first-time candidate, bucked the party establishment and ran for state attorney general against a fellow Democrat. She prevailed and became the nation’s first openly gay state attorney general. Ms. Pressley was one of the few elected officials to endorse her back then. Ms. Healey, now arguably the most popular Democrat in a state brimming with them, has endorsed Ms. Pressley.

At that rally in Cambridge, Ms. Healey stood by Ms. Pressley’s side and told the crowd that Ms. Pressley had educated her about trauma, sexual violence, domestic violence and gun violence. “Not only did she teach me,” Ms. Healey said, “she helped me come up with solutions and ideas.”

When Ms. Pressley took the stage, she acknowledged the forces arrayed against her.

“They might have you think we’re traitorous to primary a 20-year incumbent,” she said. “But that’s democracy, and choice. And after 20 years, this district deserves one.”

Image

Massachusetts has never sent a black person to the House of Representatives and did not send a woman to the Senate until 2012.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

A version of this article appears in print on

, on Page

A

1

of the New York edition

with the headline:

An ‘Outsider’ in Boston Pushes Change, Starting in Her Party

. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

Read More | https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/us/politics/ayanna-pressley-massachusetts.html | http://www.nytimes.com/by/katharine-q-seelye, https://www.nytimes.com/by/astead-w-herndon

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston, in 2018-09-01 13:40:58

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Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston https://ift.tt/2NzkKfA

Nature

Image

Ayanna Pressley, a Boston City Council member, is running against a 10-term incumbent congressman in the Democratic primary in Massachusetts on Tuesday.CreditCreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — It’s not a sight you see every day, certainly not around Boston — a black woman mounting a plausible challenge to a 10-term white congressman from her own party, a politician with vast connections who votes the progressive line and opposes everything Trump.

But here was Ayanna Pressley, a Boston City Council member and rising Democratic star, exhorting volunteers in a Cambridge restaurant with an impassioned performance style she learned as a child at her grandfather’s storefront Baptist church in Chicago.

“This is not just about resisting and affronting Trump,” she declared, garbed in a flowing red jumper. “Because the systemic inequalities and disparities that I’m talking about existed long before that man occupied the White House!”

The crowd went wild.

“Change can’t wait!” she shouted, echoing her campaign slogan, her voice raspy as it took on speed and urgency.

Ms. Pressley is herself an emblem of change that can’t wait — and isn’t waiting. She is part of a rising tide of women, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cynthia Nixon in New York and Stacey Abrams in Georgia, that is challenging historically white male power structures in politics — not only to advance their policy ideas, but also to reflect the changing diversity of their constituents, who have long lacked one of their own in congressional seats or governor’s offices.

Image

A supporter sent Ms. Pressley a gift with her campaign slogan.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

In doing so she is taking on a well-respected Massachusetts Democrat, Representative Michael Capuano, who was expecting to coast once again unchallenged for re-election in the Seventh Congressional District, which includes much of Boston and its suburbs. The primary election on Tuesday is one of the last marquee Democrat vs. Democrat battles of 2018.

Massachusetts is well known for deeply entrenched politics that favor incumbents, from the Kennedy dynasty to long-serving mayors, senators and House members. Mr. Capuano, 66, has widespread establishment backing, including Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, several labor groups, and prominent black leaders like former Gov. Deval Patrick, Representative John Lewis and Representative Maxine Waters. He also has an army of experienced election workers behind him, and a 13-point lead in a poll published in early August.

But Ms. Pressley, 44, may be the rare Boston insurgent whose ambition is in sync with a national political moment that has favored women and underdogs. Last week she achieved an unusual feat for a challenger: Winning endorsements from the city’s major newspapers, The Boston Globe and The Boston Herald. Her supporters are highly energized, and some polling in other recent races has failed to detect strength for minority female candidates. The congressional district is the only one in Massachusetts with more people of color than people who are white. While Mr. Capuano has his advantages, a Pressley win no longer seems far-fetched.

Their race has been hard fought but not particularly negative. The mere fact of Ms. Pressley’s challenge gives the primary its frisson. Mr. Capuano has tried to ignore her and focus instead on his years of experience, his reputation as a progressive and his opposition to President Trump. She has had the harder task of trying not to disparage a fellow progressive while still making a strong enough case for herself.

The puzzle for many voters is why Ms. Pressley is challenging a strong progressive in the first place, one who has brought home millions of dollars for much-needed transit, housing and health care projects. Especially when, as Ms. Pressley and Mr. Capuano agree, they are likely to vote the same way on most issues.

The answer says as much about Ms. Pressley as it does about Boston. For her, voting is where her representation would start, not end. She promises “activist leadership” beyond the votes, whether the Democrats retake the House or not.

“I’m not running to keep things as they are,” Ms. Pressley often says. “I’m running to change them.”

Image

Ms. Pressley was the first black woman elected to the City Council and for three elections in a row was the city’s top vote-getter.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

As for Boston, it is a city where wide disparities still exist between white and black residents in income, employment, housing and police stops, and where the political hierarchy has rarely welcomed outsiders. And until recently, “outsider” meant not just black people but women.

If Mr. Capuano is the consummate insider — born in the Seventh District, in Somerville, which he went on to lead as mayor before entering Congress — Ms. Pressley has been an outsider in many ways throughout her life. She was a struggling student of color, the daughter of a single mother, at her largely white, affluent, private high school in Chicago. She was a Midwesterner who moved East in 1992 to attend Boston University. And her life experiences are unlike those of many leading politicians: she has long spoken of being sexually abused as a child and raped in college, that her father struggled with drug addiction and spent most of her youth incarcerated.

“What probably makes me an outsider is my story and how I came to this work,” Ms. Pressley said in an interview. “I am probably an outsider because I challenge conventional narratives about who should have a seat at the table.”

Ms. Pressley has also been in the vanguard of a small group of women who have been breaking down barriers in Boston politics. She was the first black woman elected to the City Council and for three elections in a row was the city’s top vote-getter. Today, of the 13 council members, six are women of color.

“She didn’t grow up here, she didn’t have 14 cousins who ran different precincts for her, she didn’t have a mom and dad who went to high school with so and so,” said Jesse Mermell, a close friend, describing advantages of some native Boston politicians.

“There is a shift happening in this city,” she said. “Win or lose on September 4, Ayanna is the face of that shift — generationally, racially and in terms of gender.”

Image

By her senior year in high school, Ms. Pressley was a member of student government, as well as a cheerleader, and had developed a reputation for being politically inclined.

Nature Finding her voice in Chicago

Though Ms. Pressley left Chicago more than 25 years ago, her time there was transformative.

She was immersed in public speaking at her grandfather’s church, Rise and Shine Missionary Baptist Church. By age 10, she had volunteered on her first political campaign — for Harold Washington, who became the city’s first black mayor in 1983.

Ms. Pressley grew up on Chicago’s North Side in a Lincoln Park mixed-use apartment complex. With her father, Martin Terrell, absent, Ms. Pressley said she felt “a fragility of circumstance.”

“Coming home to an eviction notice on the door,” she said. “Coming home alone. I’m an only child. My mother was raising me alone. We couldn’t afford child care; child care hours didn’t work according to her schedule.”

Her mother, Sandra, a social worker, community organizer and legal secretary, was a ferocious champion for her daughter

“Everything she did was for Ayanna,” said Myrna Smith, a close friend of Sandra Pressley, who died in 2011. She said the elder Ms. Pressley made “personal and financial” sacrifices for her daughter.

Ms. Pressley recalled: “It was me and her versus the rest of the world. Cagney and Lacey. Thelma and Louise.”

Image

Ms. Pressley took a moment to herself after a day of campaigning last month.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

One of her mother’s achievements was enrolling her daughter in the Francis W. Parker School. Named for the founder of the progressive school movement, it is consistently ranked among Chicago’s best private schools. When Ms. Pressley attended, it was largely inaccessible to lower middle-class black children like her.

Daniel B. Frank, the longtime principal, said the school helped Ms. Pressley “try out another part of herself.”

“She had her own family struggles, but she found at Parker a place that would not only support her, but give her an opportunity to be something other than a kid who had struggles at home,” Mr. Frank said. “Here she could just be, and grow, and develop, and have voice.”

By senior year, Ms. Pressley was much less of an outsider. She was a member of student government as well as a cheerleader, and had developed a reputation for being politically inclined. At graduation she was named both class salutatorian and “most likely to become mayor of Chicago.”

“If nothing else, I am a survivor,” read one of her senior quotes.

“Oh, I do not talk loud, I just get my point across,” read another.

Mr. Terrell, Ms. Pressley’s father, recalled that as he watched her salutatorian speech, he realized his bubbly little girl had become a young woman with powers of public speaking that she could wield in a new, politically astute manner.

“She electrified her classmates,” said Mr. Terrell, who is now an author and retired director for the United Negro College Fund. “And I felt that, although she was a good writer, she was a great public speaker.”

Image

Ms. Pressley has had the difficult task of trying not to disparage her opponent, a fellow progressive, while still making a strong enough case for herself.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Nature A changing Boston. A changing of the guard, too?

Mr. Capuano, a mild-mannered man who speaks in a thick Boston accent, moves with the ease of a seasoned politician, talking knowingly about local issues with a range of leaders he has cultivated for years. He has opted to campaign only on his progressive record, rather than attack or insult Ms. Pressley.

“I don’t compare myself to the councilwoman,” Mr. Capuano said in an interview. “In my mind I’m running on the basis of my record both back in Washington and back here.

“We’re in the fight of our lives with Donald Trump in the White House, and this district — like all districts, but particularly this one — needs the best fighter we can get in Washington, someone who’s experienced.”

In Somerville, his hometown, Mr. Capuano has held nearly every political office of import — alderman, mayor and now congressman — and he uses his campaign stops to gently remind voters that his history of leftist activism could stand next to anyone’s. Mr. Capuano has stressed to voters that, if Democrats retake the House, his seniority and relationships with other lawmakers would make him a prime candidate to sponsor bills and serve on valuable committees that are critical for achieving results. Ms. Pressley would be a freshman.

Ms. Pressley has long been an advocate for girls and women. She volunteered at little-known nonprofits, served as a mentor and Big Sister and has been a regular presence at events like the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center’s annual Walk for Change.

It was this background that led some of Boston’s “kingmakers,” Ms. Pressley said, to suggest in 2009 that she not run for City Council and instead pursue a career with nonprofits.

Ms. Pressley ignored their advice. From her years of working for Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II and former Senator John Kerry, including as Mr. Kerry’s Massachusetts political director during his 2004 presidential campaign, she had built an extensive political network of her own. Senator Kerry even knocked on doors for her.

Ms. Pressley won that first race. And in 2011, in her first bid for re-election, she pulled in more votes than anyone else.

If the outsider was now working on the inside, Ms. Pressley still focused her energies on helping marginalized people like those who were incarcerated, homeless or caught up in human trafficking. And while she doesn’t often talk in detail in public about her personal experience with sexual assault — “I’ve just kept going, like millions of people do every day, because life does not allow them to do anything else,” she said in the interview — she said she wanted to be a voice for those who have gone through traumatic events. It has given rise to a central point in her current campaign stump speech: “The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power.”

Image

Ms. Pressley with her husband, Conan Harris, during a service at Greater Love Tabernacle Church in Boston last month.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Ms. Pressley, who lives in Dorchester with her husband and stepdaughter, was so plugged in with her community that she was already meeting privately with some of Boston’s female firefighters before the media aired their complaints about sexual harassment and discrimination, said city councilor Michelle Wu. Just 16 of Boston’s 1,500 firefighters are women.

“Ayanna is in rooms that no other elected officials are in,” said Ms. Wu, who in 2013 became the first Asian-American woman elected to council and in 2016 the first woman of color to serve as its president. “Whenever she stands up and speaks on the floor, everybody stops and listens because she speaks with moral authority.”

Boston’s strong mayor form of government generally precludes City Council members from making much of a splash, but Ms. Pressley is credited with at least one major accomplishment: increasing the number of valuable liquor licenses so some could be distributed to help restaurants in disadvantaged neighborhoods become more economically viable.

“For the issues she’s speaking on, she does the work and is prepared,” said Sam Tyler, president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, a nonprofit research group that monitors council activity. “She has a penchant for coming late,” he added, “but she does come.”

Image

Ms. Pressley’s race against Representative Michael Capuano has been hard-fought but not particularly negative. The candidates acknowledge they are likely to vote the same way on most issues.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Erin O’Brien, a political scientist at the University of Massachusetts Boston, said there were two different assessments of Ms. Pressley’s standing in the council.

“Some people think she’s a showboat, that she likes to come in and give a speech and isn’t doing the nitty-gritty work,” said Ms. O’Brien. “But in many communities of color, she is viewed as incredibly exciting and voicing issues the council has ignored.” It was the “old guard,” Ms. O’Brien added, that viewed Ms. Pressley as a showboat. But, she said, its power was waning.

“If the old guard were in charge,” she said, “this primary wouldn’t be happening.”

Later, Ms. Pressley nearly erupted at the showboat suggestion. “I’ve not been a decisively re-elected city councilor and top vote-getter three times because I haven’t done the work and because I don’t work hard,” she said.

The old guard may be losing its grip in part because of demographic changes across the Seventh Congressional District. Once represented by John F. Kennedy, the district is now 57 percent people of color and 30 percent foreign born. Single women head nearly 40 percent of the households.

“What has shifted is the willingness of people who come from these backgrounds to step up and run,” Ms. Wu said. “We’ve now set a new narrative for what is possible in Boston politics and in Massachusetts politics.”

Image

Ms. Pressley’s supporters are highly energized.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Still, Massachusetts has never sent a black person to the House of Representatives. It was not until 2012 that it sent a woman — Elizabeth Warren — to the Senate. Two years later, Maura Healey, a first-time candidate, bucked the party establishment and ran for state attorney general against a fellow Democrat. She prevailed and became the nation’s first openly gay state attorney general. Ms. Pressley was one of the few elected officials to endorse her back then. Ms. Healey, now arguably the most popular Democrat in a state brimming with them, has endorsed Ms. Pressley.

At that rally in Cambridge, Ms. Healey stood by Ms. Pressley’s side and told the crowd that Ms. Pressley had educated her about trauma, sexual violence, domestic violence and gun violence. “Not only did she teach me,” Ms. Healey said, “she helped me come up with solutions and ideas.”

When Ms. Pressley took the stage, she acknowledged the forces arrayed against her.

“They might have you think we’re traitorous to primary a 20-year incumbent,” she said. “But that’s democracy, and choice. And after 20 years, this district deserves one.”

Image

Massachusetts has never sent a black person to the House of Representatives and did not send a woman to the Senate until 2012.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

A version of this article appears in print on

, on Page

A

1

of the New York edition

with the headline:

An ‘Outsider’ in Boston Pushes Change, Starting in Her Party

. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

Read More | https://ift.tt/2LI3aEw | https://ift.tt/2fZEUPW, https://ift.tt/2NzkMnI

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston, in 2018-09-01 13:40:58

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Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston http://www.nature-business.com/nature-ayanna-pressley-seeks-her-political-moment-in-a-changing-boston/

Nature

Image

Ayanna Pressley, a Boston City Council member, is running against a 10-term incumbent congressman in the Democratic primary in Massachusetts on Tuesday.CreditCreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — It’s not a sight you see every day, certainly not around Boston — a black woman mounting a plausible challenge to a 10-term white congressman from her own party, a politician with vast connections who votes the progressive line and opposes everything Trump.

But here was Ayanna Pressley, a Boston City Council member and rising Democratic star, exhorting volunteers in a Cambridge restaurant with an impassioned performance style she learned as a child at her grandfather’s storefront Baptist church in Chicago.

“This is not just about resisting and affronting Trump,” she declared, garbed in a flowing red jumper. “Because the systemic inequalities and disparities that I’m talking about existed long before that man occupied the White House!”

The crowd went wild.

“Change can’t wait!” she shouted, echoing her campaign slogan, her voice raspy as it took on speed and urgency.

Ms. Pressley is herself an emblem of change that can’t wait — and isn’t waiting. She is part of a rising tide of women, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cynthia Nixon in New York and Stacey Abrams in Georgia, that is challenging historically white male power structures in politics — not only to advance their policy ideas, but also to reflect the changing diversity of their constituents, who have long lacked one of their own in congressional seats or governor’s offices.

Image

A supporter sent Ms. Pressley a gift with her campaign slogan.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

In doing so she is taking on a well-respected Massachusetts Democrat, Representative Michael Capuano, who was expecting to coast once again unchallenged for re-election in the Seventh Congressional District, which includes much of Boston and its suburbs. The primary election on Tuesday is one of the last marquee Democrat vs. Democrat battles of 2018.

Massachusetts is well known for deeply entrenched politics that favor incumbents, from the Kennedy dynasty to long-serving mayors, senators and House members. Mr. Capuano, 66, has widespread establishment backing, including Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, several labor groups, and prominent black leaders like former Gov. Deval Patrick, Representative John Lewis and Representative Maxine Waters. He also has an army of experienced election workers behind him, and a 13-point lead in a poll published in early August.

But Ms. Pressley, 44, may be the rare Boston insurgent whose ambition is in sync with a national political moment that has favored women and underdogs. Last week she achieved an unusual feat for a challenger: Winning endorsements from the city’s major newspapers, The Boston Globe and The Boston Herald. Her supporters are highly energized, and some polling in other recent races has failed to detect strength for minority female candidates. The congressional district is the only one in Massachusetts with more people of color than people who are white. While Mr. Capuano has his advantages, a Pressley win no longer seems far-fetched.

Their race has been hard fought but not particularly negative. The mere fact of Ms. Pressley’s challenge gives the primary its frisson. Mr. Capuano has tried to ignore her and focus instead on his years of experience, his reputation as a progressive and his opposition to President Trump. She has had the harder task of trying not to disparage a fellow progressive while still making a strong enough case for herself.

The puzzle for many voters is why Ms. Pressley is challenging a strong progressive in the first place, one who has brought home millions of dollars for much-needed transit, housing and health care projects. Especially when, as Ms. Pressley and Mr. Capuano agree, they are likely to vote the same way on most issues.

The answer says as much about Ms. Pressley as it does about Boston. For her, voting is where her representation would start, not end. She promises “activist leadership” beyond the votes, whether the Democrats retake the House or not.

“I’m not running to keep things as they are,” Ms. Pressley often says. “I’m running to change them.”

Image

Ms. Pressley was the first black woman elected to the City Council and for three elections in a row was the city’s top vote-getter.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

As for Boston, it is a city where wide disparities still exist between white and black residents in income, employment, housing and police stops, and where the political hierarchy has rarely welcomed outsiders. And until recently, “outsider” meant not just black people but women.

If Mr. Capuano is the consummate insider — born in the Seventh District, in Somerville, which he went on to lead as mayor before entering Congress — Ms. Pressley has been an outsider in many ways throughout her life. She was a struggling student of color, the daughter of a single mother, at her largely white, affluent, private high school in Chicago. She was a Midwesterner who moved East in 1992 to attend Boston University. And her life experiences are unlike those of many leading politicians: she has long spoken of being sexually abused as a child and raped in college, that her father struggled with drug addiction and spent most of her youth incarcerated.

“What probably makes me an outsider is my story and how I came to this work,” Ms. Pressley said in an interview. “I am probably an outsider because I challenge conventional narratives about who should have a seat at the table.”

Ms. Pressley has also been in the vanguard of a small group of women who have been breaking down barriers in Boston politics. She was the first black woman elected to the City Council and for three elections in a row was the city’s top vote-getter. Today, of the 13 council members, six are women of color.

“She didn’t grow up here, she didn’t have 14 cousins who ran different precincts for her, she didn’t have a mom and dad who went to high school with so and so,” said Jesse Mermell, a close friend, describing advantages of some native Boston politicians.

“There is a shift happening in this city,” she said. “Win or lose on September 4, Ayanna is the face of that shift — generationally, racially and in terms of gender.”

Image

By her senior year in high school, Ms. Pressley was a member of student government, as well as a cheerleader, and had developed a reputation for being politically inclined.

Nature Finding her voice in Chicago

Though Ms. Pressley left Chicago more than 25 years ago, her time there was transformative.

She was immersed in public speaking at her grandfather’s church, Rise and Shine Missionary Baptist Church. By age 10, she had volunteered on her first political campaign — for Harold Washington, who became the city’s first black mayor in 1983.

Ms. Pressley grew up on Chicago’s North Side in a Lincoln Park mixed-use apartment complex. With her father, Martin Terrell, absent, Ms. Pressley said she felt “a fragility of circumstance.”

“Coming home to an eviction notice on the door,” she said. “Coming home alone. I’m an only child. My mother was raising me alone. We couldn’t afford child care; child care hours didn’t work according to her schedule.”

Her mother, Sandra, a social worker, community organizer and legal secretary, was a ferocious champion for her daughter

“Everything she did was for Ayanna,” said Myrna Smith, a close friend of Sandra Pressley, who died in 2011. She said the elder Ms. Pressley made “personal and financial” sacrifices for her daughter.

Ms. Pressley recalled: “It was me and her versus the rest of the world. Cagney and Lacey. Thelma and Louise.”

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Ms. Pressley took a moment to herself after a day of campaigning last month.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

One of her mother’s achievements was enrolling her daughter in the Francis W. Parker School. Named for the founder of the progressive school movement, it is consistently ranked among Chicago’s best private schools. When Ms. Pressley attended, it was largely inaccessible to lower middle-class black children like her.

Daniel B. Frank, the longtime principal, said the school helped Ms. Pressley “try out another part of herself.”

“She had her own family struggles, but she found at Parker a place that would not only support her, but give her an opportunity to be something other than a kid who had struggles at home,” Mr. Frank said. “Here she could just be, and grow, and develop, and have voice.”

By senior year, Ms. Pressley was much less of an outsider. She was a member of student government as well as a cheerleader, and had developed a reputation for being politically inclined. At graduation she was named both class salutatorian and “most likely to become mayor of Chicago.”

“If nothing else, I am a survivor,” read one of her senior quotes.

“Oh, I do not talk loud, I just get my point across,” read another.

Mr. Terrell, Ms. Pressley’s father, recalled that as he watched her salutatorian speech, he realized his bubbly little girl had become a young woman with powers of public speaking that she could wield in a new, politically astute manner.

“She electrified her classmates,” said Mr. Terrell, who is now an author and retired director for the United Negro College Fund. “And I felt that, although she was a good writer, she was a great public speaker.”

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Ms. Pressley has had the difficult task of trying not to disparage her opponent, a fellow progressive, while still making a strong enough case for herself.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Nature A changing Boston. A changing of the guard, too?

Mr. Capuano, a mild-mannered man who speaks in a thick Boston accent, moves with the ease of a seasoned politician, talking knowingly about local issues with a range of leaders he has cultivated for years. He has opted to campaign only on his progressive record, rather than attack or insult Ms. Pressley.

“I don’t compare myself to the councilwoman,” Mr. Capuano said in an interview. “In my mind I’m running on the basis of my record both back in Washington and back here.

“We’re in the fight of our lives with Donald Trump in the White House, and this district — like all districts, but particularly this one — needs the best fighter we can get in Washington, someone who’s experienced.”

In Somerville, his hometown, Mr. Capuano has held nearly every political office of import — alderman, mayor and now congressman — and he uses his campaign stops to gently remind voters that his history of leftist activism could stand next to anyone’s. Mr. Capuano has stressed to voters that, if Democrats retake the House, his seniority and relationships with other lawmakers would make him a prime candidate to sponsor bills and serve on valuable committees that are critical for achieving results. Ms. Pressley would be a freshman.

Ms. Pressley has long been an advocate for girls and women. She volunteered at little-known nonprofits, served as a mentor and Big Sister and has been a regular presence at events like the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center’s annual Walk for Change.

It was this background that led some of Boston’s “kingmakers,” Ms. Pressley said, to suggest in 2009 that she not run for City Council and instead pursue a career with nonprofits.

Ms. Pressley ignored their advice. From her years of working for Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II and former Senator John Kerry, including as Mr. Kerry’s Massachusetts political director during his 2004 presidential campaign, she had built an extensive political network of her own. Senator Kerry even knocked on doors for her.

Ms. Pressley won that first race. And in 2011, in her first bid for re-election, she pulled in more votes than anyone else.

If the outsider was now working on the inside, Ms. Pressley still focused her energies on helping marginalized people like those who were incarcerated, homeless or caught up in human trafficking. And while she doesn’t often talk in detail in public about her personal experience with sexual assault — “I’ve just kept going, like millions of people do every day, because life does not allow them to do anything else,” she said in the interview — she said she wanted to be a voice for those who have gone through traumatic events. It has given rise to a central point in her current campaign stump speech: “The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power.”

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Ms. Pressley with her husband, Conan Harris, during a service at Greater Love Tabernacle Church in Boston last month.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Ms. Pressley, who lives in Dorchester with her husband and stepdaughter, was so plugged in with her community that she was already meeting privately with some of Boston’s female firefighters before the media aired their complaints about sexual harassment and discrimination, said city councilor Michelle Wu. Just 16 of Boston’s 1,500 firefighters are women.

“Ayanna is in rooms that no other elected officials are in,” said Ms. Wu, who in 2013 became the first Asian-American woman elected to council and in 2016 the first woman of color to serve as its president. “Whenever she stands up and speaks on the floor, everybody stops and listens because she speaks with moral authority.”

Boston’s strong mayor form of government generally precludes City Council members from making much of a splash, but Ms. Pressley is credited with at least one major accomplishment: increasing the number of valuable liquor licenses so some could be distributed to help restaurants in disadvantaged neighborhoods become more economically viable.

“For the issues she’s speaking on, she does the work and is prepared,” said Sam Tyler, president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, a nonprofit research group that monitors council activity. “She has a penchant for coming late,” he added, “but she does come.”

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Ms. Pressley’s race against Representative Michael Capuano has been hard-fought but not particularly negative. The candidates acknowledge they are likely to vote the same way on most issues.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Erin O’Brien, a political scientist at the University of Massachusetts Boston, said there were two different assessments of Ms. Pressley’s standing in the council.

“Some people think she’s a showboat, that she likes to come in and give a speech and isn’t doing the nitty-gritty work,” said Ms. O’Brien. “But in many communities of color, she is viewed as incredibly exciting and voicing issues the council has ignored.” It was the “old guard,” Ms. O’Brien added, that viewed Ms. Pressley as a showboat. But, she said, its power was waning.

“If the old guard were in charge,” she said, “this primary wouldn’t be happening.”

Later, Ms. Pressley nearly erupted at the showboat suggestion. “I’ve not been a decisively re-elected city councilor and top vote-getter three times because I haven’t done the work and because I don’t work hard,” she said.

The old guard may be losing its grip in part because of demographic changes across the Seventh Congressional District. Once represented by John F. Kennedy, the district is now 57 percent people of color and 30 percent foreign born. Single women head nearly 40 percent of the households.

“What has shifted is the willingness of people who come from these backgrounds to step up and run,” Ms. Wu said. “We’ve now set a new narrative for what is possible in Boston politics and in Massachusetts politics.”

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Ms. Pressley’s supporters are highly energized.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

Still, Massachusetts has never sent a black person to the House of Representatives. It was not until 2012 that it sent a woman — Elizabeth Warren — to the Senate. Two years later, Maura Healey, a first-time candidate, bucked the party establishment and ran for state attorney general against a fellow Democrat. She prevailed and became the nation’s first openly gay state attorney general. Ms. Pressley was one of the few elected officials to endorse her back then. Ms. Healey, now arguably the most popular Democrat in a state brimming with them, has endorsed Ms. Pressley.

At that rally in Cambridge, Ms. Healey stood by Ms. Pressley’s side and told the crowd that Ms. Pressley had educated her about trauma, sexual violence, domestic violence and gun violence. “Not only did she teach me,” Ms. Healey said, “she helped me come up with solutions and ideas.”

When Ms. Pressley took the stage, she acknowledged the forces arrayed against her.

“They might have you think we’re traitorous to primary a 20-year incumbent,” she said. “But that’s democracy, and choice. And after 20 years, this district deserves one.”

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Massachusetts has never sent a black person to the House of Representatives and did not send a woman to the Senate until 2012.CreditKayana Szymczak for The New York Times

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An ‘Outsider’ in Boston Pushes Change, Starting in Her Party

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Read More | https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/01/us/politics/ayanna-pressley-massachusetts.html | http://www.nytimes.com/by/katharine-q-seelye, https://www.nytimes.com/by/astead-w-herndon

Nature Ayanna Pressley Seeks Her Political Moment in a Changing Boston, in 2018-09-01 13:40:58