#I mean i have a natural resistance to spoilers that’s hard to explain

[clownowo]

Can someone kick me out of the p3 tags I haven’t finished the fucking game. I keep going into the character tags like. Buddy. There are fucking SPOILERS here

[sugar-omi]

tags : NSFW, all readers, multiple choice dialogue, mean dom cove, cove is STILL horny 20 years later, quickie, bickering (you're picking on cove sm, you're so tired of his shit💀), no wedding dlc spoilers <3, i think thats everything...

synopsis : to celebrate being married for 20 actual years, you and cove have a party with your close family and friends on a boat. but cove has a more private celebration in mind before the party.

you're having a party to celebrate your 20th wedding anniversary, a much anticipated event since you're celebrating on a boat this time. it wasn't a small price to pay, but you'll survive.

besides, in comparison, it's nothing to the 30+ years you've spent at cove's side.

somehow, you two haven't had enough of each other. if anything, cove is even more obsessed with you. which would explain why he's pulling you into the cabin and giving you those damn bedroom eyes.

"what- *kiss* are you- *kiss* doing?" you gasp, fishing cove's shirt when he grinds his hips into yours.

cove kisses down your neck, taking advantage of your half buttoned shirt. / summer dress.

you push against his shoulders, although there isn't any force to it since you aren't trying to push him away like it seems. "don't leave marks, our family is coming soon..."

cove stops himself from sucking any marks into you, pulling away to look you in the eyes. he puts your foreheads together, holding your face in his hands.

you huff, slipping your hands into his back pockets. "you're still a horndog even after all these years."

cove laughs, smiling that damn smile. it's a bit full with smugness and definitely flirty but it just makes the fire in your stomach stir.

"indulge me?" cove purrs. fuck he knows what he's doing. "and why should i?" you smirk, acting as if you weren't compelled to indulge in your desires.

cove shrugs, "i don't know. it's our anniversary?"

you laugh and roll your eyes, "whatever, there's no time to listen to your pitch." you pull cove into a feverish kiss, palming him over his shorts.

you move down to his neck, pulling his shirt collar to bite his shoulder enough just to tease him. cove huffs, grumbling about something.

"these shorts are ugly." you bicker, as if you aren't undoing his belt and throwing it somewhere to the side. cove laughs, "khaki shorts are in!"

you roll your eyes, biting your lip to keep a laugh or any smart comment from coming out when cove slaps a hand over his mouth to muffle a loud moan when you dip your hand into his boxers, giving his cock a tight squeeze and pumping to get him fully hard.

"god, you're such a dad." you tug down his bottoms enough to pull his dick out, making quick work of pulling your bottoms down / lifting up your skirt around your waist.

cove doesn't say anything else. instead, he materializes a lube packet and condom from his wallet, and you have to keep from howling in laughter.

you go to say something about how you're gonna absolutely clown him after this, but cove slips his slick digits into your hole easily, and this time it's your turn to stifle the loud moan threatening to burst from the base of your throat.

"y-you..." you growl, licking your lips and trying to resist pushing your hips back on his digits.

"me?" cove mocks, lining himself up with your entrance when he deems you sufficiently prepped and kissing your cheek.

you pant, "just.. just move, asshole." you hang your head, gripping the table as cove's cock drags against your sensitive insides.

cove lifts your torso up so your back is against his chest. he tilts your head to kiss you, trying to stifle both of your moans as he starts fucking into you.

its not a wild pace compared to as when you were younger, your bodies are a bit stiff in some places.

something that naturally comes with age and having a child to take care of.

something that naturally comes with age and having children to take care of.

something that naturally comes with age.

you break apart when cove's tip hits your prostate / cervix, a sharp gasp escaping your wet lips. "cove-!" you breathe out his name, covering your mouth with your hand.

even though you can't fuck until sunrise, you have to admit you and cove still fuck like dogs sometimes.

"harder.." you pant, bracing yourself so you can meet cove's thrusts, the sound of your skin smacking together barely, uselessly, dulled by cove's shirt hanging down. "or- ahh. are you too old?" you gasp, mumbling curses under your breath when cove picks up the pace.

cove rolls his eyes, not that you can see, but you can practically feel it. "43 isn't old." you can hear the smirk in cove's voice, and to vote back your clench around his dick, grinning when he groans and curses.

"really? then why can't you stay up past 11, huh old man?" you bicker.

maybe you're picking on him too much, but you've known each other for years and if anything the snide comments always make cove fuck you harder, deeper.

cove wraps his arm around your body and grips your hip, keeping you pressing against him, the strength of his hand holding you down makes you squirm.

cove tugs on your earlobe with his teeth, growling lowly into your ear. "can't you focus on taking my dick?" you pinch your lips closed, your muffled mix of a moan and a whimper making cove laugh.

you glance at the clock on the wall, gasping out. "h-hurry up and come... before someone sh-shows up- oh fuck!- early!"

cove mumbles, reaching between your legs to tug your sensitive cock / rub circles around your sensitive clit.

you whimper, grabbing cove's wrist. "i'm," you swallow. "i'm gonna cum!"

cove mumbles into your shoulder, "that's it, so good for me.."

cove's thrusts lose rhythm and become shallow, grinding his tip against the sensitive spots buried deep in your poor insides. his hips stutter as you finish together, burying his face in your neck and pressing wet, open mouthed kisses against your neck.

you pant, your breathing synced.

once your senses come back to you, the sound of the waves sloshing around the boat, you push cove off you.

"geez.." you fret, fixing your clothes and turning to the mirror besides you to fix your appearance. you huff, seeing how fucked out you look.

cove slides up behind you, wrapping you in his arms, having the nerves to look sheepish.

you smack your lips, turning around to fix his hair. "don't act shy now."

cove laughs and smiles. you stop rearranging strands of hair to admire his face, your hands falling to his shoulders.

now that you're older, the crows feet by his eyes and the surprise strand of gray hair look pretty on him.

"what? do i look that bad?" cove laughs, looking over your head at his reflection.

"no.. age just looks pretty on you." you whisper, tender and full of love.

cove looks down, a blush on his cheeks.

"i love you."

"i love you too." you indulge cove in stealing a kiss from you, letting him take 2 more for the road before you push him away and usher him towards the deck.

"now get outta here and make sure the boat isn't floating away, and go get the cooler out the trunk! i thought you brought it in here already like i asked?!"

yeah, there's a lot more years of quickies, tender compliments, and bickering ahead of you.

[ckjbun]

Jouno - the epitome of nurture over nature?

Let’s talk about Jouno again. He’s such an intriguing character. Chapter 92.5 gives us an important insight not only into his past but also into the psychology of many BSD characters.

Asagiri sensei has again made it clear that there is no entirely good or evil characters. It might be a bold statement but in my humble opinion, what we witnessed in this chapter is that the environment might even have a greater influence on your behaviour and attitude than your nature.

Furthermore, Jouno's development makes me extremely optimistic in regards to Dazai's. But let me explain all my thoughts down below the cut.

First, chapter 92.5 surely had me surprised. Although I was thinking about the possibility that Jouno would temporarily work with Fukuchi and then turn against him, I would have never guessed his reason for doing so. 

Jouno was once an executive of a criminal organization. Six years ago, he was brought to the Hunting Dogs by Fukuchi. Though he is working for justice now, he still has a sadistic behaviour and likes to torture people psychologically. He says it himself in chapter 92 that he doesn’t care about whether the ADA is innocent or truly evil, he just wants to hear the voice of someone suffering. He wants to hurt people under the name of law, hear their sound when they break (according to @buraihatranslations ).

In chapter 92.5, we get a flashback of Jouno forcing a burglar to kill himself. But instead of stabbing himself, this happens: 

(translations by @buraihatranslations ​)

The burglar tries to stab Jouno instead. But the sword goes right through Jouno without leaving a single scratch (which is probably thanks to his ability). Jouno is clearly enjoying this scene in front of him and thanks the burglar for the “good sound”, which probably refers to the scream of despair, the sound when the burglar “broke”. 

You get what I'm trying to say. Jouno is highly immoral, one might say he is evil (depending on the definition of evilness). So when I said I could imagine Jouno betraying Fukuchi, I meant he would do it out of purely sadistic reasons, out of pleasure from toying with people. 

But no. I was wrong. 

Right before Jouno betrays Fukuchi, we get this scene:

(translations by @buraihatranslations​)

It seems that Jouno has genuinely felt appreciation coming from the words of this old lady. Her gratitude has surely made him feel a kind of responsibilty towards society.

Would he have betrayed Fukuchi if the latter asked him that six years ago? Probably not.

Jouno is someone who knows how to differentiate between good and bad, but he didn't care about it in the past. He committed crimes and likes to see people suffering. He is inherently bad. Fukuchi has addressed this in chapter 92.5:

(translations by @buraihatranslations ​)

"Your true nature is on that side."

What Fukuchi probably means is that Jouno's nature is not on justice's side. It's on the bad side.

But after joining the HD, within only six years, Jouno has developed a sense of justice. Even though it's not a very strong one, it's still there.

We have seen on multiple occasions that circumstances plays a major role in where you end up. The Beast novel is the best example. Under different circumstances, Atsushi would be on the "bad" side and Akutagawa on the "good" side. But the characters themselves are neither fully bad nor fully good.

What we haven't seen yet until this chapter, if I remember correctly, is that the environment can influence you to act "against" your nature.

Jouno was kind of "forced" to be around people that fight for justice. And because of that, even though his natural trait of being sadistic persists, he has learnt that protecting innocent people brings much more joy as he has stated in the most recent chapter 93.

It's hard to get rid of your negative character traits, probably even impossible. But to act on them is a decision you can resist (oftentimes). Admittedly, it's extremely difficult but the right environment can cause you to form, shape and reinforce an attitude contrary to what you would expect based on your natural traits.

That's why I'm very hopeful in regards to future developments of the BSD cast, especially Dazai's.

(Spoilers for Untold Origin LN:) Ranpo has found a purpose to live thanks to Fukuzawa, namely to help and protect the simple-minded, ordinary people.

Yosano has found a reason to live on thanks to Ranpo.

Kunikida has his ideals and guide to life.

Atsushi's justification for living is saving people.

Being in this environment, I'm sure the ADA members can influence and affect each other in a positive way. Dazai is very similar to Jouno in regards to background. He also started off on the "bad" side, though he isn't as sadistic as Jouno. He tortured people not out of fun but rather to reach his goals.

Similar to Jouno, he doesn't really care about good and bad. I believe Jouno still doesn't care but he has come to enjoy the good side. And that's what I'm hoping for Dazai too. I wish for him that he will find the "good" side, the side that saves people, more beautiful, more enjoyable and maybe even find his own purpose for living.

Well, that were my thoughts on this topic. Happy to hear your opinions!! I'm sorry I didn't incorporate much of the most recent chapter 93. Idk why I'm always almost done with an analysis when the new chapter drops.

Anyways, thank you for reading!!

[lipstickchainsaw]

Kris...?

I finished Deltarune chapter 2 a couple of days ago, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since, so now you all get to share in some of those musings!

Spoilers for Deltarune chapter 2, naturally.

The situation surrounding Kris is a little complicated, because we, as the player, as explicitly possessing them against their will, which means most of the actions they take are not theirs, they are ours.

This dichotomy is present in each of the protagonists of this series, but Kris is most clearly unhappy with our presence. Frisk seems to have very little of an opinion on our actions (to the point where them not being us is a reveal), and Chara’s relationship with the player is too complicated to really delve into here, but there’s some mutual egging on happening in that relationship. (I doubt I will be able to avoid Chara as a subject entirely, given the similarities between them and Kris, but this isn’t primarily about them.)

But our control over Kris is not absolute. Kris is able to assert themselves in various ways, most prominently by literally ripping the player out of themselves, by ripping out the SOUL, but this is where the interesting things start:

For one, the battered birdcage suggests that Kris has ripped their SOUL many times already, which means they’ve done so before the player turned up to take possession of them. This would imply that someone else has take possession of Kris before. The first save we override when playing Chapter 1 is Kris’, which means that they resisted that possession and took control over themselves back before we showed up.

Secondly, Kris willingly puts the SOUL back in in chapter 2. This is either because Kris recognises that they need that SOUL, even if it comes with possession, or because it offers some other advantages that make the possession worth it in some sense, but we’ll get into that later.

 Who is Kris?

So, we know Kris does not like the possession (his response to the Spamton fight makes this exceedingly clear), but beyond that, there are a lot of details we can fill in about who they are.

For one, Kris has really grown to like Susie. They protect her entirely of their own volition when fighting the King, and the Susie Tea heals Kris the most (Ralsei Tea notably does not, but we’ll get to that). Maybe it’s because Susie gets to be as rebellious as she wants, and Kris appreciates having someone around to call out the bullshit they see around them that our control doesn’t let them comment on, maybe it’s something else. It’s hard to tell, because Kris’ relationship is filtered almost entirely through us, but their other relationships aren’t.

Berdly acknowledges that Kris is the third-smartest person in class (which means Kris is the second-smartest, depending on how much help they’ve received from Toriel), and we know from basically everyone that Kris has been a little creepy, unsettling and quiet for a good long while now. They used to do a lot of mean pranks (especially targeting Noelle). One could argue that these pranks went a little too far, but Noelle doesn’t seem to be that upset about those pranks anymore.

This is made more interesting when looking at that moment in chapter 2, where you, as the player, can prank Noelle on the forcefield puzzle, but then, when Noelle pranks Kris back, Kris looks very upset about this. This either means that Kris has gotten over their pranking days, or it’s the unfairness involved that makes this specific instance unpleasant.

We also know that Kris really, really loves Asriel, and wanted to hang out with Asriel and his friends a lot as a kid, even if that meant people like Catty and Bratty taking advantage of them, and we know Kris studied the occult with Catti at some point. Kris also likes to play the piano, and is very frustrated that we don’t know how to.

Oh, and there’s that weird (bomb?) shelter to the south of town that Kris apparently has a history with.

 What’s up with that?

The sound coming from that shelter is plenty ominous already, but Monster Kid and Snowy’s conversation in chapter 2 makes it very clear that Kris has gone in there, and the minor interaction with Susie afterwards indicates that this is not something that Kris likes to talk about.

Now, that shelter is pretty clearly associated with Gaster, and Gaster has been known to experiment with souls, so I do not think it’s much of a stretch to suggest that this is where Kris was first possessed, and things turned for the worse for them.

Kris and Noelle have also gone through something pretty traumatic, possibly involving Noelle’s sister Dess (likely short for December), and the location mentioned for this event makes it very likely that these are the same thing.

So Kris explored that shelter (with Noelle and December, perhaps), stumbled across something bad, and likely got possessed, which they struggled with for a while (turning quiet and strange in the meantime, and alienating the people around them), before fighting the possession off and being left depressed and exhausted, almost perpetually.

But then, there’s another side to Kris.

 The Knight

In chapter 2, we learn that Kris is the Knight, who has created at least two dark worlds, and creates a third at the end of chapter 2. Kris either cannot do this, or does not want to do this, while we’re possessing them, but what’s left of Kris after they rip their SOUL out is a shambling mess of a person, which goes some way to explaining why they accept the SOUL back after they’ve done their thing.

Now, we don’t know Kris also created the original dark world in the supply closet (and we know that one existed before the one in the abandoned classroom), since Ralsei never mentions the Knight creating that one, but, well, Ralsei has been keeping his information close to his chest.

It is interesting, however, that Kris created the dark world in the abandoned classroom before we showed up to possess them, so clearly we are not the (only) reason they’re doing this, but if we aren’t, then what is?

 Ralsei

Ralsei is always incredibly supportive of Kris, to the point of seemingly crushing on them over the course of the games, but Kris does not seem to quite return those affections (given the lukewarm response to the Ralsei Tea compared to the Susie Tea), regardless of whether we do.

Ralsei is also very mysterious, and has, so far, not shared everything he knows about what’s going on. There’s also some hints in the Snowgrave route that Ralsei knows the player and Kris are not the same person, and that he’s using our ability to switch perspectives to actually talk to Kris, which means he isn’t necessarily hiding things from Kris as he is hiding things from us. Just look at how quickly he tells Kris not to think about the Spamton fight, after Kris has their outburst (if you choose to let them say ‘no’).

So, I think Ralsei may be making plans with Kris behind our backs, which makes it very possible that Ralsei knows Kris is the Knight, and is creating these new dark worlds, which would seemingly contradict his desire not to blanket the world in darkness, but, well, there could be a lot he’s hiding from us still.

Does that mean we’re the bad guys? Does it mean Kris and Ralsei are the bad guys? Either is possible, I suppose, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable of Kris and Ralsei to keep information hidden from the powerful entity possessing Kris. We could be nice, sure, but at any point we have the power to do something awful (a fear the Snowgrave route proves to be very real), so I can hardly blame the two of them for not telling us everything immediately.

So maybe Ralsei’s relentless encouragement and pushing for pacifism is meant for us? To make sure our possession of Kris is as easy on them as possible? And on those occasions where our possession gets to be too much for Kris, they can rip their SOUL out and deal with all the bubbling anger and frustration by unleashing it on some tires, and creating a dark world, before putting the SOUL back and go on with whatever plan Kris and Ralsei have going on?

Do their choices matter, in the end? Do ours?

 I have another thing I want to write about that theme, but it’s not entirely related to this one, and this is long and rambling enough already, so let me know if that’s something you’re interested in and I might put it together.

[captainlevisteacup]

Oooh, an idea has struck. The brothers reacting to Dom Male!MC reuniting with his childhood bestfriend in the Devildom, only their bestfriend is now a high ranking/powerful incubus who has a fuck ton of influence & money. (Not nearly as powerful as any of the brothers or Diavolo, of course, but you get the point)

And while normally a simple childhood friend wouldn’t be enough to bother the brothers, DM!MC’s Femboy CH!Bestfriend is the optimum of gorgeous, with a lithe & toned body and an “innocent” charm to him.

Spoiler Alert, CH!Bestfriend has been in love with DM!MC since they were kids (though it was just puppy love back then) and is determined to never let him get away from him again, resulting in him being extra clingy and needy.

Another Spoiler Alert, DM!MC’s childhood bestfriend may or may not be a mix of a “Worship” & “Self Sacrifice” Yandere.. (Look up “The Dere Types Wiki” if your confused)

You have some very interesting ideas😂 im so sorry this took so long, I didn't want to post it until I was back up to my full working capacity after getting injured and after breaking up with someone😁

Anyways, without further ado, here ya go😘

The Brother's Reactions to M! MC'S Yandere Childhood Incubus! Friend

Warnings: Violence, Language, Blood, VERY SLIGHT sexual themes, some non-consentual touching in Levi's section, brief mention of drugging in Beel's

Lucifer

At first, didn't think twice of MC having a childhood friend

But when he heard the word incubus

He got the smile on his face

You know the one

Lucifer "innocently" is around whenever the incubus is around

Its starts off small

Little poisoned glances from the incubus here and there

But eventually it escalated and turned into him putting a possessive arm around MC's waist

Lucifer snapped

The second the Incubus was alone, Lucifer followed him down an alley

Slammed that fucker against the wall and held him there by the throat

The incubus started laughing, even when Lucifer tightened his grip

"You'll never get rid of me. I have connections to everyone, Fallen Angel. I've loved him since before you even knew he existed, and a prissy peacock like you isnt gonna stop me from making him mine, even if I have to drug and kidnap him"

Lucifer only smiled and released him

The incubus smirked, daintily dusting off his lithe figure

Thinking he won, he shouldered his way past Lucifer

Only to stop short in horror

Deep growls greeted him

Lucifer didn't even bother hiding the screams of the incubus as Cerberus ripped into him

After a while, he signaled Cerberus to stop

As the incubus lies on the ground whimpering, Lucifer calmly says:

"Now that I've shown you just what I'm willing to do to protect MC, I'll make you a deal. MC cares about you, as a FRIEND. But his heart belongs to me and me alone, and mine belongs to him. If you can understand and respect that, I'll allow you near him. But one wrong word, one wrong placement of a hand, and I won't hesitate to finish you off myself. And believe me," he says with a dark chuckle "I won't be as gentle as Cerberus."

Mammon

This man immediately is on high alert

Someone trying to take what's HIS?

The incubus makes him more greedy than ever

Decides not to leave MC's side for a second

Even when he's sleeping

When Mammon can't help the incu-bitch (his nickname for the childhood friend) being around, he acts sort of like a child, which makes him look like a dick in comparison to the incubus's calm and innocent facade

Mammon tries to tell MC there's something up, but he just chalks it up to Mammon being Mammon

One day, MC randomly receives news from the human world that his mother contracted something contagious and was placed in ICU

The incu-bitch was, of course, right there when MC started tearing up, letting him cry into his shoulder

Mammon sees this and starts to protest

This leads MC to snap and tell Mammon he's being a child

Mammon leaves them be and thinks hard

Comes to the conclusion that maybe MC is right, and he begrudgingly decides to apologize to the incubus

As he approaches him, Mammon catches a glimpse of the Incubus's *expensive* phone

Unable to resist, he throws a coin against the wall in the opposite direction.

When he turns to look at the noise, Mammon snatches the phone and yeets off to his room

When he gets there, he opens the phone- no lock- and is startled by what he sees

A fake texting app, along with the messages telling MC his mother was sick

Mammon was about to run to find MC, when he heard a slight chuckle

Looking up, he saw the incubus...holding a knife

"You just couldn't stay away, could you? You've been a pain in the ass ever since I got here. But no matter, once MC sees how *cruel* you are to his defenseless childhood friend, he'll want nothing to do with you. And he'll be mine to fuck and own as I please."

Mammon gritted his teeth and ground out "Making MC think his mother was gravely ill just to get close to him when he's vulnerable? You're disgusting. I actually care about MC, and I respect them more than you ever will."

The incubus snorted, and raised the knife.

"Oi! What do ya think you're doing with that?" Mammon yelled

He raised the knife....and slashed it across his own arm

He then threw the knife towards Mammon, threw himself to the ground, and yelled out in pain

Suddenly, MC burst into the room

Mammon sputtered out a panicked explanation, but MC cut him off with a stare

He kneeled down next to his friend, who reached up with a bloody hand to cup MC'S face

MC put his hand over the incubus's....and sharply bent it backwards

He leaned down and whispered into his ear: "I heard everything, you little shit. Now, get the FUCK out of my house and away from my boyfriend, and don't even THINK of defiling my life with your presence ever again"

After he left, Mammon cautiously said "boyfriend, huh..?"

"Shut up mammon"

Levi

Oh, this won't do

Immediately feels threatened and triggered

He is the avatar of Envy, after all

His response?

Prove to MC nobody can know him as well as he can

He does this every single time the incubus is near

"MC, I got you your favorite drink!"

"MC, I ordered you some food. Don't worry, I already know what you like"

Flinches whenever the incu-bitch touches MC. It literally makes him cringe

His suspicions are confirmed when the incubus shoots Levi a malicious glance next time he touches MC

Levi snaps

Challenges the incubus to a video game duel

He surprisingly accepts

He cheats like hell and beats Levi

Levi goes into his demon form and rages

But MC thinks he's just being a sore loser

He tells Levi to back off and to go cool down

Once Levi storms off, the incu-bitch thanks MC for standing up for him

Then, he promptly tries to make a move on MC

He reaches out a hand to unbutton MC'S shirt

MC slaps his hand away, but not before noticing writing on the Incubus's hand

Before he can pull away, MC snatches his hand and sees cheat codes written on them

Gets super upset and tries to get up to apologize to Levi

The incubus pulls him back down by his wrist and pins them to the couch

"MC, don't you realize? You're all I want, all I need. I WORSHIP you, MC. And you're going to be mine. Nobody else can have you. And you're going to love me, whether you realize it right now or not. You'll learn with time to need me just as desperately as I need you"

Starts to take off MC'S clothes in spite of their fighting and protests, the incubus shushing him

"Shhhh, I know you don't see it, but this will make you see."

Levi slams open the door, tail lashing and face white with rage

"Get your normie hands the fuck off of my human. Now."

The incubus nopes the fuck out. He may be a high ranking incubus, but he still isn't as strong as one of the seven demon brothers.

Levi holds MC tightly as they fumble over an apology

"Shhh MC, its okay. I'm here now. Let's watch some anime and calm down together, yea?"

Satan

Do I even have to explain this one?

Is hostile as soon as MC even MENTIONS a childhood male friend, let alone an INCUBUS

Honestly, the Incubus is a bit scared of Satan

But, he decides he wants MC more than he fears Satan

So, he swallows his fear and patronizes Satan in tiny, unremarkable ways

Ways that would only be noticed by Satan

A stray hand here and there that lingers a LITTLE too long

Wiping a crumb from MC'S lips during a meal

Tucking a stray hair behind MC'S ear

Every last one of these actions makes his blood boil

It gets so bad that Satan is just in a perpetual state of rage, never leaving his demon form

Satan starts passive aggressively insulting the incubus's intelligence

"Oh, you mean you don't know how disestablishmentarianism impacted the overall congruence of Midwest society? Thats odd, its fairly simple. Practically common sense."

Is shocked when MC got livid at him, because he was being condescending for seemingly no reason

Starts to get angry at MC

"Can't you see? He's trying to turn you against me. Just LISTEN, DAMNIT!" He says as he grabs MC'S shoulders

The incubus barges in and shoves Satan away from MC

"Are you ok, MC? Did he hurt you?"

The amount of white hot rage in the room was tangible

He can't do it anymore

Slams the incubus against the wall

Knocks him to the ground

But when he falls down

A bunch of photos fall out of his jacket

Not normal photos

Horrifying ones

One of MC while he showers

One of MC sleeping

One of MC changing

Even one of MC and Satan having a steamy moment

MC goes still...and then SLAPS the shit out of the incubus.

He wordlessly turns to Satan, eyes pleading

"It would be my pleasure, MC" *evil grin*

Cue Satan dragging the incubus off by his hair

Asmo

P A S S I V E A G R E S S I V E

He sees this lovely incubus with NEARLY perfect hair, a lithe and toned body, and a seemingly innocent attitude, and he just wants him gone

He's been with plenty of Incubi, so he knows what they're like

Because of this, he doesn't want this one anywhere NEAR his darling MC

Comes up with a plan to use all his fashion design connections to outdress the incubus

He knows they're vain by nature, so he comes to the conclusion that this is the best course of action

But there's a problem

"Is that a statement piece from Priya Lacroix? She hasn't even released her collection yet"

Asmo.exe is not responding

He knows that HE is the only one Priya would ever give an early release to

So why does THE INCUBUS have her statement piece?

And WHERE is his phone?

Complains to MC, but MC doesn't take him seriously because he's too busy catching up with his friend

Asmo gets jealous and storms off to do a stress relieving skin routine

As MC and the incubus hang out, the incubus's phone goes off

Only...the ringtone is sinful indulgence

Mammon storms into the room

"AHA! I FOUND YA ASMO, YOU ANNOYING LITTLE- huh?"

"I/N? Why do you have Asmo's phone?"

"MC, you have to understand, I just want you to realize I'm the only right one for you. You NEED to realize you can't be with anyone else. Because you're mine, MC. You always have been."

Screeching could be heard in the distance, then footsteps quickly getting closer and closer

"THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY" Asmo yells as he slams open the door

"As if MC would choose a crusty, obsessive, STEALING, lying, probably STD having Incubus like you over me! Now give me my phone back and get out of here. And while you're at it, take off that Priya piece. There's a reason I'm the only one allowed early access."

Beel

Honestly doesn't think that much of it at first

He thinks its nice MC reunited with one of his childhood friends, and an Incubus at that

But when he meets the friend, something just feels off

He gets a weird sensation, and its not hunger

Its like his senses are on red alert

The incubus was nice enough to Beel, seemingly charming and genuine

But Beel couldn't help but feel rubbed the wrong way, with a sensation similar to seaweed against legs in the ocean

He doesn't want to mention this to MC, because he's convinced he's just overreacting

He feels a little sad that MC is too busy for him, but he does his best to give them time together

One night, he had made some food in the kitchen and decided to bring MC and I/N some

When he neared the door, he almost dropped the plate

He heard a loud thud, and MC saying "Hey, I said no, okay?"

He gently opened the door and looked at MC, who immediately forced a smile to his face

"Hey MC, I brought you guys some food. Is everything ok?"

"Thanks Beel, that's sweet of you. Everything's fine, I promise"

Beel relaxed a bit, although he still knew something was off.

The incubus excused himself to use the restroom, encouraging MC to eat without him

Beel and MC sat down, and Beel scarfed down his portion

Chuckling, MC offered his plate to Beel, who gladly accepted

The incubus opened the door shortly after with an expectant look on his face, as well as rope and a gag in his hands

Upon laying eyes on MC, a shocked expression came onto his face as his eyes darted between MC and the empty plate

"How are you still conscious?" He blurted

Confusion flashed across MC'S face. "What do you mean, I/N?"

"You drugged it, didn't you?" Beel spoke up.

"I thought it tasted odd," Beel continued "but I never would have guessed you would actually drug MC. I'm guessing you couldn't handle that MC rejected your advances, so you drugged the food while MC was distracted talking to me. Am I right?"

The incubus chuckled. "Guess I was wrong about you. You are more of a threat than you seem. Heh, I guess you're not just a talking stomach after all."

A loud smack could be heard shortly thereafter.

But the devastating blow didn't come from Beel

It came from an enraged MC

"Trying to drug me I could keep my cool over. If thats all you did I would have just told you to stay the hell away from me. But the SECOND you spoke to Beel like that, you signed your own death warrant."

Before he could react, MC summoned the brothers one by one, Beel explaining the situation.

"Well, MC, perfect timing as always. I was just beginning to get bored" Satan drawled

*screams*

Belphie

It takes a yandere to know one

Belphie doesn't want to alarm MC though, so he decides to outmaneuver the incubus without him noticing

It starts small, with I/N reaching out to put an arm over MC'S shoulder, and Belphie's arm already being there

Eventually, they start glaring daggers at each other the second MC looks away

After a while, Belphie decides to up the ante

Religiously falls asleep on MC when I/N is trying to spend time with him

Goads the incubus so much that he corners Belphie when he snaps and can't take any more

"Listen, I know exactly what you're doing. But if you think that YOU can take him away from me, you're sorely mistaken. MC is mine whether he likes it or not. And if it turns out to be the latter, well, let's just say he won't have much of a choice in the matter, nor will you have any control over it. Got that?"

Belphie does the one thing he knows will get the outcome he had painstakingly built up to the past couple weeks: he laughs

"Ah, you have a good sense of humor, know that? Funny stuff. All kidding aside, MC already belongs to me. So your child's play isn't gonna cut it. Got THAT?"

With a choked cry of fury, the incubus pulls out a knife and stabs Belphie

Belphie, having planned this, falls to the floor just as the door opens to reveal a shocked MC.

"BELPHIE! Shit, please be okay! What the FUCK is wrong with you, I/N?"

The stunned Incubus could only stammer out a couple words

"I- he...was gonna...tried to take what was mine. Tried to take you..."

MC laughed bitterly and shoved him to the floor.

"I don't know what sick world you're living in, but I belong to Belphie. I love him. And I hate YOU. Now I'll leave you be so you can deal with THAT. Ta ta." He says as he scoops up Belphie and heads out the door

"Deal with what?" I/N nervously asks after him, backing up warily

The incubus stops when his back hits something hard.

Gulping, he looks up...

"Hello, I/N, I'm Beel."

"Nice to...meet you? I imagine you're one of the brothers?" He replies shakily

Beel smiles. The light doesn't reach his eyes.

"Yes, I'm one of the brothers. You see, I'm Belphie's twin."

Across the house, Belphie smiles at the faint screams, MC curled up next to him after patching him up.

He succeeded in protecting what was his. He deserves a good nap. Holding MC tighter, he goes back to sleep.

[sairenharia]

Sentimonster Adrien Theory 2

Spoilers for all of Season 4 as of 8/31/21

For my previous thoughts, and the validity of at least SOMEONE on the cast being a Sentimonster, refer to: Here

As a note, my previous theory was written after Ladybug and BEFORE Chat Blanc, and Felix. I will be retreading ground for Adrien specifically, but basic belief in there being a sentimonster is there.

Something I just want to say, I don’t think Adrien being a Sentimonster negates the abuse Gabriel inflicted on him. What it does is explain why GABRIEL is able to justify it, but seeing where someone is coming from does not excuse them of their actions. Gabriel has to repent. The fact is Adrien is a person even if Senti!Adrien is true, and that doesn’t change just because he’s not human. Treating someone who can think and feel cruelly is never a good thing.

That being said, evidence and why I think Adrien really might not be human.

A: The Wish

We know Emilie is in the basement. She is in some kind of stasis. We know the Wish involves her.

We do not know Gabriel’s wish. We very deliberately do not know Gabriel’s wish, because we, the audience, hear him talk about it a lot, but only in vague terms. He wants his wish, he wants to change time, he wants to achieve a goal.

But he’s never said he wants to wake Emilie up, fix her, bring her back. He wants to do something for her sake, but its not the most obvious thing.

So its NOT the most obvious thing. There is no reason to be vague about this unless its to elude to a deeper meaning. The obvious wish is too obvious to be obtuse.

And more importantly, we know Emilie and Gabriel wanted something fifteen years ago thanks to the Shanghai special. Something to do with the human virtues, potentially.

We know Marinette is fourteen now. So Adrien’s birthday in Bubbler was his fourteenth birthday. 

The want for something started around the time Adrien should have been conceived.

B: Ask for Forgiveness, not Permission.

Adrien doesn’t like to ask his father for things. We see this over and over again with him sneaking out to things like the Startrain, or say he’s going to fencing with Kagami, and other excuses. Sometimes he does try to do things in the straight forward way, but when there are things he really wants to go to, things he doesn’t want to have to accept a no, he sneaks out.

Like the class trip. Like going to see his mother’s movie.

And when Adrien is told directly ‘no,’ he will often listen. For Adrien. Chat Noir, however, is a different entity, and he often uses it for a reason for why he can go out. Chat can, Adrien can’t.

To date, the only time Adrien has gone against a direct order from Gabriel is in regards to going to school.

And Chat Blanc.

I’ll get to Chat Blanc.

Adrien was told he could not attend school, and he accepted that. Until he became Chat Noir and only then did he rebel. Interestingly, when he was pulled from school after the book incident, he didn’t plan to just run away again. We know he was willing to disobey to attend, so why did the ban take this time?

Perhaps because Gabriel made it a thing that was allowed. It wasn’t an outright rebellion, it was a thing earned and then lost.

C: What Is The Amok?

Its the rings.

Not ring.

Its BOTH RINGS.

Which may or may not be magic items in of themselves, but there is not enough information for that.

When Gabriel transforms, there is a distinctive beep. When we first see the basement, we hear that beep again. We we see the rings in Felix, we hear that beep yet again. This beep is a sound cue of significance in regards to Gabriel and Emilie.

And here is the thing. If Adrien is a Sentimonster, he’s meant to be their child. Which comes into some questionable things, ethically speaking, for his free will. They don’t want Adrien to know he’s a Sentimonster. They could tell him to always hold onto his Amok, but he’s the son of very wealthy people. Even without being a model, there is every chance his Amok could be stolen because he’d be a target for theft.

But just having the Amok sitting somewhere is dangerous.

And what if it gets broken?

The only way to keep Adrien’s Amok safe is for one of his parents to have it....or both.

Crocoduel has shown us an item can be Akumatized and taken apart at the moment of enchantment and exist as two separate things. And a bonus, the item has to be put together and THEN broken to break the magic.

And here are the twin rings that are perfect copies of each other and get clean together really nice and maybe they attach a little bit? Having two rings stay together that well while cleaning is quite the party trick if there isn’t something to that. But visually speaking, it tells us, the audience, these are two halves of the same whole.

And it allows a little bit in the form of free will. Because if someone does not possess BOTH rings, they cannot control Adrien completely. Its still incredibly hard for Adrien to resist, but he IS capable of disagreeing at the very least.

Of course, when combined with the home atmosphere, his ability to resist doesn’t account for much without extreme circumstances, but still.

We can see this with Sentibubbler. The moment Ladybug had the coffee cup, he changed tracks without a sign of hesitation or confusion. Because he just had the one item. Even though Ladybug was ordering him with more autonomy then Shadow Moth. (I will also get into that.)

This is also why in Felix, Gabriel immediately goes to retrieve Emilie’s ring to wear. Sure, accusing Felix of stealing the ring gets into a whole legal lawsuit that makes it complicated and would make it difficult to retrieve the ring. Its a whole hassle, but it doesn’t explain why he needs to wear Emilie’s ring.

Except Felix has the ring that is one half of Adrien’s Amok.

Gabriel HAS to wear the ring, because Emilie cannot influence Adrien in any way, but Felix can. Gabriel has to balance out whatever Felix may do to Adrien, so he takes his wife ring. And its why he can’t get into the legal battle because he has to wear the ring to protect ADRIEN, and if they see him with the ring, there will be questions he can’t answer.

This also may explain Gabriel seems even more harsh to Adrien after Emilie’s disappearance despite some oddities.

Adrien wasn’t allowed to go to school while Emilie was around. But Gabriel granted it. When Adrien wants for things he wasn’t allowed before and is willing to fight for it, Gabriel grants it.

I don’t think Gabriel’s authoritative nature has truly changed that much. I think what changed was Adrien’s PERSPECTIVE of it. Because before, Emilie was a constant counter to his need to obey. Now he doesn’t have that, so being told what to do feels more absolute. I think the thing that truly changed was how much time and affection Gabriel was willing to show Adrien in his pain, not how much he restricted him.

Which still ain’t great.

Though that is a thought. Maybe Gabriel avoids Adrien because he knows he’s a commanding sort and he’s trying to not do overly much. Which is why most of his time around Adrien is when he can critique him, because it gives him a focus for orders? It would be a twist.

D: What About Chat Blanc? Or rather, what about Plagg.

So I’ve heard people say Chat Blanc disproves this theory because that is certainly a time to command Adrien to obey with his Amok! Which true, except for two things.

One, the end of Felix has little reason to change in the new timeline. Adrien and Marinette dated for at least a little while which was shortly before Felix happened. Felix still visited.

What might have changed was what kind of terrorizing Felix did on Adrien.

What has no reason to change is Felix stealing the ring.

Which means Gabriel DIDN’T have the means to absolutely command Adrien to do anything, we only had half the Amok.

And the fact the Amok was in two pieces is why Chat Blanc didn’t destroy himself if Gabriel’s ring was still capable of being destroyed while he was transformed, and if London still got wrecked. We saw in Crocoduel the item has to be COMBINED and THEN destroyed. Destroying both at once doesn’t count.

And it would explain something in Chat Blanc.

We know the move he TRIED to do was kill himself. He engulfed himself in the power before it went out of control.

We also know, officially of Guilt Trip, that cataclysm DOESN’T KILL SENTIMONSTERS. It makes it so the Amok doesn’t control them, usually go crazy. We saw Chat Noir get Cataclysm’d in Miraculer, but he didn’t turn to ash. We don’t even know if he truly died. He was suffering, to be sure, and we see Sentimonsters take damage. He could have been damaged.

But Chat Blance is a Sentimonster AND an Akuma, so he was able to take the damage more and went absolutely off the rails instead, and instead of blaming Gabriel, like he should have...

He blamed Ladybug.

Because he was no longer connected to what gave Gabriel control over him. The only ‘control’ over himself he recognized was Ladybug’s influence and his own love.

And then there’s Plagg’s influence, which ties into Cataclysm. Sentimonsters cannot be killed by Plagg’s magic, but they can be FREED of control thanks to his magic. As I said in my first post, the one time we see Adrien disobey as direct order, its after he meets Plagg and goes to school. He uses Chat Noir as a means to disobey all the time.

In being bonded to Plagg, Adrien is given genuine free will and freedom, over the manufactured version that his parents made with a split Amok. He is able to decide things on his own, because he has the chaos magic that grants him the ability to SAY NO. To develop his own means of rebelling.

Ask for forgiveness over permission. And sometimes, learning to say no anyway.

This doesn’t change the conditioning Adrien has been through. He’s obedient to a fault because that is all he’s ever known. Its just instead of fear and gaslighting having trained this into him, it was magic. His parents never NEEDED to be cruel, Emilie COULD be as kind as Adrien says, because they never needed to use negative reinforcement on him.

They had magic.

And that was able to do the job just as well.

Plagg is able to naturally counter the magic. And he’s giving Adrien the unconditional love and support to help him learn, but Adrien is still a person, still has a personality. And the mental bars he has around his head are just as effective as the magic ones were.

E. Shadow Moth vs Mayura

There is something I’ve noticed between how Shadow Moth and Mayura operate.

Mayura made Sentmonsters for others, but she did make one for herself: Ladybug. But here is the thing about Sentibug, she gave her orders. Gave her a general guideline. And then she let Sentibug take those orders and just go.

Shadow Moth, when he makes an Amok, does not do this. He allows others to control Sentimonsters as they will, and often Sentimonsters are just given general guidelines, but not Shadow Moth’s Sentimonsters. Sentibubbler, SentiNino, SentiAlec are Sentimonsters Shadow Moth made.

And he didn’t give them orders. He didn’t give them guidelines.

They were Literal Puppets.

He controlled their movements. He SPOKE THEIR WORDS FOR THEM.

Out of all the Sentimonsters, Gabriel is literally the only one who has used his Sentimonster this way.

And I think there’s a good reason for it. I don’t think Gabriel is capable of making an entity that can act on its own, but is still a complete slave to his will and be okay with it.

Because what does that say about Adrien?

Akumas are fine because those are PEOPLE. People he manipulated and coerced, people he threatened, but they are still people. They can still refuse him and he knows it.

Puppets are find because that’s all they are, puppets.

But this middle ground that Sentimonsters are, that is what Adrien is. And Gabriel is unable to cope with that because it means seeing his son as a tool and despite how much of a genuinely terrible person Gabriel is, that is not something he’s willing to see in himself.

So he hyper controls the Sentimonsters and Does Not Think About It.

F. Wishmaker.

Listen, its valid to have a wish as a child to be what your parents wanted to be. Depending on parents, it could be a perfectly healthy wish.

Here’s the thing.

Everytime Wishmaker granted a wish, we saw people at the age they wanted that wish granted. They were children when they had this wish.

ADRIEN WAS AN INFANT.

And here’s the thing.

Infants don’t think of others. Infants are a bundle of vulnerability that is very curious about the world and don’t want to die and is trying to figure out how to make its wants known. Infants are selfish beings because they are just trying to survive in this world they’ve shown up in.

An infant doesn’t think about what its parents want.

Adrien should not have been CAPABLE of having that wish as an INFANT.

Not unless he wasn’t human.

A Sentimonster sure does want to do what its Amok holder wants.

And what his parents wanted was a son. What they wanted was Adrien.

So that’s why Adrien appears as Adrien for the wish, because for all he has doubts, the Sentimonster in him knows that is what they wanted.

F2. Gabriel and Emilie’s eyes.

....idk, fam. The fact their eye colors were switched FEELS important and we’ve supposedly seen Emilie at seventeen with green eyes and her sister has green eyes, so what’s up with that is wei-

F2. GABRIEL AND EMILIE’S EYES, A THOUGHT I LITERALLY HAD RIGHT NOW.

The Amok is both rings. Gabriel and Emilie have their own rings. The rings they have always worn as their own.

Felix, with green eyes, has Gabriel’s ring.

Gabriel, with blue eyes, has Emilie’s ring.

The reason the eyes are switched in Adrien’s memory is because he associates the eyes with the ring and the current holder of the specific ring have THOSE EYES. He knows the faces they SHOULD be, but the eyes are DIFFERENT because the holders are DIFFERENT.

G. Allergies.

Its still funny if a boy made out of a feather has a feather allergy. It may also be a defense mechanism put in. Logically, any peacock user will have feathers. Maybe he’s allergic in case they ever lose the peacock, he’ll avoid the holder while they’re transformed at least. Maybe it could even distract the holder from noticing anything off about him.

H. Obedience.

Adrien is obedient. Which is one of the reasons he’s a suspect Sentimonster. I won’t go into this because I already talked about his Permission versus Forgiveness thing.

I. Taking Charge

I talked about before about Adrien taking charge and struggling with it, but I also have another point about it.

The thing is, we see Adrien excel at second in command....but also when he’s Chat Noir.

Adrien did BADLY as Mister Bug and as Aspik. But the thing is, Plagg wasn’t there at the time. As Mister Bug, Plagg was with Marinette. As Aspik, the ring is in the weird pocket dimension things are bamf’d away and while Plagg is around, his power isn’t bonded to Adrien.

Adrien has proven able to figure out Ladybug’s plans with minimal instructions. The fact Mister Bug couldn’t even get to step one is weird.

He tried being Aspik for months and was unable to figure out what he needed to do, focused solely on the objective of protect Ladybug. Unable to step back and think beyond his goal. Three months is a long time to not come up with ANYTHING.

Its like Adrien’s ability to decide things on his own was compromised. Like his free will was stripped away, hindered by the rings that control him. He could try to focus on protecting Ladybug, but he couldn’t figure out a good way to take down the enemy on his own.

His father didn’t want him to.

We do see Adrien can lead well. When he wanted to talk to Juleka in Guilt Trip, HE was the one making the right decision. But he was unable to overtake Marinette’s charisma, so even if he could think of what to do, how to handle the situation, he doesn’t have the force of personality to overtake a true leader.

We see Chat Noir have plans and direct a crowd.

With Plagg granting him agency, he’s able to make good decisions, good calls, able to use that brain of his well. Its when he loses Plagg he struggles the most.

J. The Need To Be Useful

Adrien thinks he needs to be useful. He needs to be good and perfect. And yes, this is reinforced by Gabriel’s treatment of him, always criticizing him, but it is a kind of curious fear.

Adrien has two great fears.

The fear of trapped isolation and the fear of rejection.

The fear of trapped isolation is the one Gabriel has reinforced. Adrien has only shown a fear of his father rejecting him once, during Christmas, when he was frustrated in the idea Gabriel would not spend time with him, and even then, Adrien chose to make it a reality on his own first.

And its very likely Gabriel was affectionate when he was younger.

I think the fear of rejection from Gabriel is a newer one that Adrien is aware of. After Gabriel has refused to be around Adrien.

But I think the fear was ALWAYS there. Because he is an Sentimonster. If a Sentimonster isn’t useful, then they have no reason to exist. And the thing is, while Adrien fears this, there is also a strong part of him that is RESIGNED to it.

Which makes it even weirder in that Gabriel’s behavior should make this a NEWER fear...unless it was part of Adrien’s natural existence. One of a Sentimonster. He’s afraid of it, because he wants people, he loves people, but there is a part of him that just....accepts it as a natural consequence.

One that isn’t worth fighting.

Like he isn’t in season four right now.

K. Memories

Adrien couldn’t remember having childhood dreams. We know he used to play with Chloe and...that’s it. There’s even implication his modeling is a Newer Thing instead of being a child model.

We know he didn’t have a childhood dream. He never had a childhood wish. Which is weird because Adrien is the biggest romantic dreamer of the series save for ROSE. He never thought about being a charming knight, a magical girl, even just being a superhero? He was all on board with being a superhero when offered, like he’s thought about it a lot!

But it wasn’t something he called a childhood dream.

But you know who probably did have being a superhero as a childhood dream?

Chloe.

If Adrien has two Amoks to make a facsimile of free will, it may have been impossible for him to truly ‘dream’ in the sense Wishmaker was talking about. It was too deep of a want for him to truly conceptualize enough to count.

But he played games with Chloe, he still saw the wishes and dreams and fantasies that he could enjoy with her as a proxy.

Perhaps that is why they were such good friends. Chloe wanted things so fiercely that for Adrien, who struggled to want, he was able to figure out how to do it with her influence. Not enough for a childhood dream, but enough to know how to want enough that it gave him a love for people. A need for more in his life beyond the perfect son.

L. Emotions.

Adrien is the heart of the Ladybug and Chat Noir duo. The Peacock is the Miraculous of Emotions. Adrien has shown a difficulty at controlling his own feelings. He can control his REACTIONS, but its hard for him to figure out what to do about his feelings beyond ‘conceal, don’t feel.’

Which is weird, because he’s extremely empathetic. He’s very good at judging others emotions (save for Marinette ‘Just A Friend’ Dupain-Cheng.) He can offer comfort and figure out is they need space or help. The fact he struggles with his own says maybe his are just too strong.

Like he’s a being Made Of Emotions.

M. Narrative Foreshadowing.

Just saying it again.

It comes up a lot with Adrien becoming some kind of puppet, copy, impostor. It happens so much. SO MUCH.

Also he was the first one to think Sentibug was a Real Person.

Then there is the end of Mega Leech.

Could it just be another example of Adrien being emotionally abused? Sure.

However, considering how often this series genuinely glosses over abuse (Adrien, Chloe, Kagami, even Zoe to an extent), its weird to just throw that in at the end of an episode that, frankly, barely involves Adrien’s emotions.

Save one.

Adrien was told it was a perfume commercial. He was Lied To. He was told One Thing was Another.

And there is the framing. There is the double focus on the ring, the focus on the words. There is so much focus on this being a command that could not be denied, and that doesn’t need to involve the ring AT ALL if it was abuse.

Unless, of course, the ring was an Amok.

Then the visual cues make a whole lot more sense.

N. The Wild Mass Guessing.

Now what is the wish.

Clearly Emilie’s use of the peacock is what made her sick and it made her sick for years. Now whether the peacock was ALREADY BROKEN or Emilie broke it is up in the air. Either way, we know she used the peacock longterm. Since there is no talk of supervillains or previous superheroes, it seems highly unlikely she was granting people super powered monsters.

So, her use was for a Sentimonster. Perhaps trying to split the Amok broke the peacock. Perhaps that one use was enough to make her sick, but because it was just the one time, it took years for the magical sickness to take her down. That is all up in the air.

What we do know, the crux of the wish is fifteen years ago. Which means it involves Adrien’s existence in some way. It likely involves rewriting time a bit.

And here is the thing.

Gabriel loves Adrien. He does. He’s a trash person, he’s toxic at best, abusive at worst, but HE LOVES ADRIEN.

What if the peacock was broken when they found it. What is Emilie DIDN’T break it?

‘I wish the Peacock was never broken.’

Fifteen years ago, Gabriel and Emilie were trying to have a baby. But they were unable to conceive. Amelie had her own baby boy, and he’s beautiful, and Emilie and Gabriel just hurt more at their inability to have a child.

(This is why adoption should be seen as more valid, folks, but that’s neither here nor there.)

But Emilie’s family knows of magic. Because let’s be fair, there is something truly suspicious about that lot and it screams they know magic stuff. Emilie has heard of grand artifacts and magics and maybe there is away around this limitation.

They explore the world, research magic artifacts, until they finally find the Peacock and Butterfly Miraculous. They are able to learn what they can do, either from Nooroo and Duusu. Clearly an Akuma does nothing for them, but a Sentimonster?

That had possibilities.

But the Peacock is broken.

Emilie doesn’t care.

They experiment. She uses the Peacock more and more, but she figures out the trick. She figures out how to make a child, how to make him SAFE.

Adrien is created, using the sign of their union, and the Miraculous are locked away.

But Emilie is still sick from figuring out how to create Adrien. And the years go by and she doesn’t get better, but she doesn’t care. She has her son. A son both her and Gabriel love, but they have to be careful. He’s not human, after all, just a little off.

Let him meet Chloe, because the Bourgeios are hardly normal. Slowly socialize him. Keep him inside so no one sees how odd he is. Keep him safe. He grows, happy enough, independent ENOUGH to believe.

Then Emilie collapses.

And doesn’t get up.

Gabriel is the only one with active control. He keeps Emilie’s ring on her finger and hides her away, but now, he’s the only one who can order his son. He doesn’t want to destroy what independent thought Adrien has achieved, doesn’t want to destroy HIS SON, so he keeps his distance. He only interacts in ways where he can be silent, or criticize what he has always criticized. Doesn’t even dare to get him a gift for his birthday because what if that becomes far too important?

As Adrien shows a rebellious streak, does things for himself, asks for things HE wants, things that Gabriel will sometimes give if its deemed safe, and Gabriel tentatively shows a little more attention. Goes to a few events, goes on a few trips. Not for long, brief amounts of time, hoping that Adrien keeps being Himself.

Because he can’t take off the ring.

Taking off the ring means leaving Adrien vulnerable.

And he fights Ladybug and Chat Noir for his wish.

If the Peacock wasn’t broken/didn’t break, then Emilie wouldn’t have gotten sick. She would wake up and Adrien wouldn’t be erased by his sole control. Maybe if he’s bold enough, he can just make sure Adrien was never at risk of being a puppet again. Take the Amok’s out of the equation, make his son real.

And if time is altered then....then it doesn’t MATTER if Adrien is hurt NOW. If he hates being alone. If Gabriel fails, at least he doesn’t erase what little will his son has left. If Gabriel wins, then literally nothing done matters!

Sometimes he forgets that. He sees Adrien in danger, and he feels that fear, that need to save his son.

Sometimes he remembers, tells himself if he wins, then any harm he caused Adrien with Riposte, with Style Queen, WITH CHAT BLANC, will no longer matter. He just had to win, he has to win, he has to win because it will return Emilie, and it will ensure his son is never lost in the magic that makes his soul.

It doesn’t matter who he hurts. It doesn’t matter how villainous he becomes. None of it matters as long as he achieves his end.

Once, he even thinks of explaining it to Adrien. Tell him he’s Hawk Moth. Tell him he’s a Sentimonster. He knows the distance hurts his son, but if he knew why, then Adrien would understand just how much he loves Adrien.

He keeps his distance so he doesn’t accidentally change Adrien.

He’s Hawk Moth so he can save Emilie and Adrien.

He will fix everything once he wins, and he regrets how often he had hurt Adrien until then.

And then Adrien talks about how he’s noticed Gabriel and Nathalie becoming closer and Nathalie has the Peacock. Adrien is switching his loyalty from Emilie to Nathalie, he’s changing due to MAGIC and Gabriel is furious because he’s been too lax, been too kind, he needs to WIN.

When the Peacock will no longer hurt, when Nathalie will stop fighting him on him using it, he takes it. To keep Adrien from changing more due to magic.

There are times where Gabriel’s heart remind him of his love. He can’t hurt his son then.

There are times where he remembers his goal. If he wins, whatever harm he caused Adrien doesn’t matter, and he HAS to win.

And he throws himself more and more and more into the fight, into winning because if he can win, then he can save everyone important to him.

What does it matter if Adrien suffers now as long as its undone?

[skampi835]

Good morning Kisses

As a new resident to this household, you're about to fulfilling your tasks, helping Sebastian with his duties. You just didn't knew that one of them is a full sleepy head with strange habits in the morning. (Man I wished someone had told MC!)

Language: english

Starring: Napoleon x reader x Isaac

Genre: Fluff / Comedy

Word count: 1.610

Light spoilers for Napoleons story ahead!

I'm hoping I can entertain you with the story.💕

"So Sebastian, what next?" You ask with a beaming smile on your face. Ambitiously you’re taking the tasks pretty seriously. Today is your first day, helping Sebastian with his duties, after you’ve arrived in the mansion and you are SO grateful he’s going to let you help. How else should you overcome your staying here for a whole month, without any task at all? Besides, Sebastian certainly was the safest way, not meddling too deeply, with the vampiric residents. -- Oh well, you’ve been in situations worse than that before.

Amazed Sebastian blinks at the sparkling sink. When he had left the kitchen before, it was like a bomb had explodet and now everything was neat, even he can’t find words. Just for a few secounds though, as he wiped one gloved finger across the tap, examining it. "I must say, well done! You didn’t miss a spot.”, hearing his praise, you feel weirdly proud. “Thanks. See? You can count on me. And cleaning isn’t merely my only talent. I'll be very helpful to you.”

Crossing your hands behind your back, you await your next task. The day had just started, yet you got a good view of how many things Sebastian actually has to handle in the mansion -- and with the residents. It was a bunch and you admired him for his ambition and his reliability. You would be drowning in the sheer amount of duties and responsibilities for sure. Besides, as long as you can help Sebastian, the time here will certainly flew by in an blink.

Sebastian nods thoughtfully, looking at the kitchen clock. “I showed you yesterday, where the laundry is, didn’t I? Collect them and bring it in the garden. Meanwhile I’m going to dust the foyer.” His scrutinizing gaze meeting yours, as you eagerly nod. “Sure, are you helping me, hanging the sheets, later, Sebastian?”

“Yes.” Sebastian says in response. “Oh and while you’re bringing them, do a stop at the room from Monsieur Bonaparte and wake him up.” You blink puzzled, inclining your head slightly. “Waking him up? He surely wouldn’t sleep that long?”

A small smile curves on his straight features. “To be clear, he’d presumably sleep till past noon, if nobody wakes him up. Monsieur Bonaparte is a late riser.”

“A very late one!” Surprised your eyebrows raise. It's naturally for someone like you to rise early, to get your things done. But what if you just had a little eternity of time? Maybe you would just oversleep the days, as well. “Well okay, I’ll stop by his room, when I collected the laundry. I think I can handle Napoleon.” At least he was the only - or just the first one - who offered help to you, when you stumbled into the estate of le Comte. “I’ll see you in the garden. See you later, Sebastian!” With that, you dashed the stairs up, entering the hallways.

"Ah- Mademoi-!" But Sebastian's words no longer reach you, for you've left so quickly. Reflective his gaze turned back to the clock. “Maybe I should have told her?” He muttered, shaking his head a short while after. “Ah no, she’ll do just fine.”

___

Waking up someone up? What could possibly go wrong? With the laundry basket under your arm, you’re hurrying trough the hallways. You didn’t even need that amount of time, finding the way, Sebastian had shown you yesterday and swiftly you’ve picked the laundry for today. Making a stop at Napoleons door to wake him up, will be some piece of cake. You are in a pretty good mood and hum gently the melody of ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’. Damn, this song is so catchy!

As you reach Napoleons room, you’re raising your hand and knock against his door. “Napoleon? It’s time to wake up!” You say with a happy tune in your voice and wait.

… And wait…

Huh? “Napoleon?” You raise your voice, louder than before. “Morning is over! Time to rise!” But there still wasn't response, like before. You knock again, more urgently this time.“Napoleon?!”

Bewildered you put the basket down, wondering if something happened. “I’m coming in, Napoleon!” You shout through the door and reaching for the knob you slowly opened it.

You blink a few times, for the room was plunged in dim light, because the heavy curtains excluded the daylight from the windows. Quietly you're stepping through the room and when you reach the bed you looked puzzled down at the sleeping man. He had to be kidding, it surely had been almost noon by now! Still Napoleon lays sleeping in his bed, with an pretty peaceful expression on his face.

You really shouldn't watching people asleep, so you hesitantly reach out your hand, softly touching his shoulder. "Rise and shine, sleepyhea-!"

After you're touching him ever so slightly, Napoleon suddenly jerked up, catching your hand and pulls you with him down again, as he rolls to the other side. His grip was surprisingly adamant and you had to give in gravity, falling halfway over him, with a muffled cry. "Don't be so loud..." Napoleon tiredly nuzzled your cheek with his lips, his breath sending prickling shivers across your skin and your head heated immediately, as he pressed his soft lips on yours.

Something dies inside you and at the same time a delightful, giddy sensation dwells up as your head quickly burning up. When Napoleon finally releases your lips, he's bedding his head in the crook of your neck, holding you firmly, pressed against his body. You are left speechless and even breathless, for you hadn't breathed at all, while his lips lingered on yours and now it was even worst, because his soft, sleeping breaths sends frequently shivers through your spine. Your body’s tensing because of this sweetly heat creeping through every muscle and your mind almost kills. Finally you are carefully breathing deeply in, hoping that he'd wake up. But he didn't.

Helplessly you’re stammering: "N-napoleon?!" But just constant breaths are answering. You could swear your heartbeat pounds even louder and your cheeks are still flushing. Unsure of the meaning, you ask again, keenly this time: "Napoleon?"

"Hush." Is the soft quiet answer Napoleon’s giving you and then again, the room fell silent, besides the loudest heartbeat in your chest, which hammers in your ears and the soft breathing of Napoleon.

How on earth did he fall asleep again?! Irritated you try to unchain his arms of your body, but his grip was adamant and got even tighter by your desperate tries. Napoleons warm body is pressing against yours, while he’s sleeping the sleep of the death. How did you end in a position like this? And why had nobody warned you about this sleeping kissing-jerk?!

"Ah-!" The baffled noise escapes from the door and you had a hard time, lifting your head, spotting Issac standing in the doorway. He had muffled the sound with the hand above his mouth, eyes widening quite startled. "What by the heavens...?"

"Isaac!" you fizz with relief, your cheeks still are blooming rosy. "Don't just stand there! Please help me out!"

Facing your desperately demanding stare, Isaac had no chance to flee the scene. "H-how did you end like this in the first place?" He agitatedly asked, while stepping to the bed at your side, looking as flustered as you feel.

"Sebastian told me to wake Napoleon up." You explained quickly. Your embarrassment rising endlessly, but your proud had to be put back. Instead you should thank the Lord, that Isaac came by! "How the heck should I know, that Napoleon's being that resistive and is fighting my efforts with kisses?" A hot blush’s creeping your face again, when you tell that exasperatingly.

Isaac answers with an exhausted sigh: "Napoleon always does that. He's got some awful habits if you try to wake him up before noon." He shakes his head. "Seeing your dilemma, I'll try to help."

Isaac carefully climbs over the bed, grabbing Napoleons arms, to release you. For a moment you felt freely enough to crawl from him, when Napoleon surprisingly doing another one of his sleeping twitches!

"... Stop pulling." He grumbles, catching Isaacs wrist and pulls himself over. Isaac is more resistant than you before, though he's losing balance on the soft bed and slips halfway over you, ranting "Bollocks-!" Napoleon sleepily is pressing a kiss on the side of his mouth, wheras you’re getting sandwiched between them, holding your breath in disbelieve of what the hell is happening right now.

“God! Stop it, already, Napoleon!” Isaac's screeching disturbinly, ever so flushing like you before, giving Napoleon a good shove, which is sending him away from you and you finally - finally! - can catch your breath again.

Rapidly blinking, Napoleon stares at Isaac tiredly and then he yawns: "You didn't have to shout so loud, you know." Lazily he lowers his look towards you, still in a sort of somewhat in his embrace. His eyebrows are rising in astonishment. "Oh…"

"I should not shout? Then get finally a regular wake up routine!" Isaac snarled exaggerated, as he withdraws from the bed. His cheeks still blushing. “Really? Why am I even friends with you?”

Shortly Napoleon releases you from his grip, stretching himself wearily, like that was not the most embarrassing situation in your whole life. With you cheeks still burning with fire, you hastily crawl out of his bed. "Now that you're awake, I have to leave." You hustle while staring on the ground and shoo out of the room.

Isaac's giving you a pitiful look, meanwhile you scamper, fleeing this awkward situation. Nobody can ever accuse, that you’ve left the basket with the laundry on its spot.

We all remember this time, when Isaac said in some other route, that he’ll get Napoleon, bc’s he’s probably still sleeping... poor Isaac! Every frkn time!

[obeyme-kaidii]

Lesson 44 Summary

In which we learn a lot about what the boys were like as angels, plus some foreshadowing as to the main plot of Season 3.

***SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT***

Mammon, MC, Beel, and Satan rush to Asmo’s room to see why water was leaking from the ceiling into the living room below. Asmo doesn’t respond to them, so they start searching for him. He’s soon found unconscious in his private bathroom, and the tub has overflowed. Satan asks MC if they remember the healing spell they learned during the exam prep in Season 2, and Asmo is healed (either by MC or Satan depending on the options you pick). 

Asmo still tries to milk his illness though, and asks MC for a “healing kiss”, which greatly annoys both Mammon and Beel. Satan says that if he’s feeling well enough to joke around, then he must be okay. Asmo starts whining, and Satan relents - telling MC to stay with Asmo to keep an eye on him while the rest of them clean up the mess and get him some soup to eat. 

While everyone is gone, MC tells Asmo about everything that happened earlier that day and how they ran into Simeon and Luke. Asmo laments the fact that he wasn’t able to go since Simeon makes such good coffee, but MC is given the option of inviting him to go again in the future and he’s very excited by that idea. 

Asmo then begins to share about the dream he had while he was unconscious. He says it was a memory from his time in the Celestial Realm. He mentions being glad to see Michael, and also brings up another angel - Raphael whom Asmo apparently is afraid of. As he is talking, MC starts to get really sleepy, and they struggle to stay awake. Eventually MC passes out completely, before Asmo can finish his story. 

When MC wakes up, they are no longer in Asmo’s bedroom, but in what looks like a forest. In front of them is Asmo in his angel form. Asmo doesn’t recognize MC, and asks them if they are ok and why they are sleeping where they are. 

MC is then given the opportunity to re-introduce themselves to Asmo. Asmo then asks MC if they work for Raphael. The other day Asmo had gone to his very first human realm “party”, and now Raphael was looking for him to lecture and/or punish him, which is why he was hiding in the forest where he found MC. Asmo admits that he had a lot of fun at the party, but that Raphael insists that parties are immoral.

(At this point, I think it’s safe to say this “dream” is occurring shortly before the fall since Asmo is already starting to get interested in the human realm and is resisting authority. This becomes even more obvious as we meet the rest of the brothers.)

Beel then appears, surprising Asmo. Just like Asmo, Beel doesn’t recognize MC. Asmo introduces them and gives a quick explanation of how he found MC. He also explains that Beel is a cherubim, and that there is a rumor that Lucifer has recommended him for a promotion to seraphim. Beel ignores the rumor that Asmo mentions, turning to MC and asking them if they are alright. 

Even as an angel, Asmo is still rather flirty. He explains that it’s because he is able to see the good in everyone, so he naturally loves everybody. It’s not because he doesn’t care about who it is he’s with. Beel ignores Asmo’s explanation again, and offers MC some sweets that Michael had given him. MC is shocked that Beel would offer them, and Beel explains that he’s not in the mood for sweets (and that he is trying to watch what he eats since he gained some weight recently). 

Asmo then asks Beel why he is out in the forest to begin with, and Beel tells him that he’s looking for Belphie. Beel then shakes a nearby tree, and Belphie comes tumbling to the ground having been asleep in its branches. When he stands up, he also doesn’t recognize MC - but he immediately realizes that they are human. Asmo and Beel both insist they are an angel and Belphie admits he also senses a bit of an  “angelic vibe” from them as well. They decide it’s just Belphie’s love of the human realm making him think they are a human, and Belphie admits that he wishes he had been born a human. Asmo tells Belphie to be careful saying such things because it would make Raphael angry, and he’s already mad enough at Asmo for his trip to the “party.”

Beel then mentions that they need to do something about the “lost angel” (MC), and they all discuss whether or not they should bring them to Lucifer. As they are talking, Mammon shows up. 

Mammon asks who MC is, and they are introduced to him. Beel explains that Mammon is a “throne”, and that he works as Lucifer’s assistant. Beel says that he’s the one Lucifer trusts the most, so MC can relax and trust him too. 

Asmo then brings up how Mammon used to be quite the troublemaker when he was a younger angel. To the point that they even feared he’d get cast out. Now, he’s someone who is considered very capable, probably more so than anyone else. (Can we just talk about how fucking sad it is that Mammon went from being someone esteemed by even his brothers, to being constantly taunted and mocked for how incompetent he is?)

MC is given the option of asking more about Mammon, and we learn that he used to be an archangel but was given the position as throne due to Lucifer’s recommendation. Belphie says he’s actually impressed with Lucifer for how he was able to turn Mammon around. A couple stories about the minor pranks Mammon used to pull are shared, including Mammon ordering around angels to play a game of “angel chess”. 😂

(I also think it’s worth mentioning here that Mammon seems much more confident and does not act like a tsundere. He openly acknowledges that he likes MC and thinks they are “cool”, but he does still blush easily when MC looks at him for too long.) 

Belphie asks Mammon if he actually wants to become Lucifer some day, and Mammon reacts defensively. It sounds like Belphie is insulting him at first, but he’s actually paying Mammon a pretty large compliment - essentially telling him that it’s better for him to be himself than try to be someone he’s not. It goes over Mammon’s head though, and he insists that he’s going to be just like Lucifer one day. 

Beel then steers the conversation back to why Mammon was out there to begin with, and he explains that Lucifer had sent him to find them after Beel had taken too long to come back. Mammon says they should all head back to the Celestial Palace (presumably where Lucifer is), but Asmo is worried about how much trouble they’ll be in - especially since they still have MC with them. Beel suggests they hide MC for the time being, until they can talk to Lucifer, and Belphie says that there is really only one place to hide them. 

The group takes MC back to (what I can only assume is the angelic equivalent to the House of Lamentation). Mammon makes a comment about how they stick out simply because of who they are - especially since they are all together. (It’s not really explained what he means by “who they are”, but I feel that it’s safe to assume it’s because they are all high ranking, powerful, and well known angels.)

Asmo reassures MC that they are ok because Lucifer and the other angels are on the upper floors, and the seraphim (whom they are avoiding) never come around where they are. He and Belphie explain that that makes this location ideal for hiding when they want to avoid work, and Asmo points out that the seraphim are extremely bossy and controlling. 

Beel asks MC if they are close to any other angels, thinking that perhaps they could hide with them instead, and MC is given the option to ask about Luke or Simeon. Luke however hasn’t been born yet, so no one knows who he is. Simeon they note is rather laid back for a seraphim, which is probably why he’s friends with MC. But Belphie says it’s not that Simeon is easygoing, it’s just that the other seraphim are too hard on them.

(NOTE - in Lesson 43, we learn that Simeon is currently an archangel, meaning he was demoted from one of the most powerful positions (as a seraphim) after Lucifer’s fall.)

Realizing that they wouldn’t be able to make it to Simeon without being spotted by the other seraphim, they take MC to their “secret room”. When MC opens the door, however, they are drenched in water. 

Now inside the room, it’s explained that Levi was already hiding inside and had spelled the door so that it would dump water on anyone who tried to open it that didn’t use the “secret phrase”. He claims it’s a protection measure against making sure seraphim stay away.

Levi then turns his attention to MC, and they are introduced. He asks them if they are sure MC isn’t an agent of Michael’s. Apparently, Levi used to be a great general, commanding armies and even Lotan, against legions of demons. But now that things are more peaceful with the Devildom, he essentially has nothing to do and is thus feeling very bored and insecure about his future as an angel. 

Asmo explains that the reason for the peace is because Diavolo has now come into power. He’s not officially the ruler yet, but has been given a lot of the responsibilities and is already making changes. Mammon suggests that Levi just enjoys the peace, but Levi snaps at him - saying he doesn’t want to hear it from “Lucifer’s favorite”. (It seems angel Levi is a lot like Season 1 Levi when he’s just angry all the time, completely consumed with jealousy and self hatred.)

MC tries to encourage Levi, suggesting that he find a new hobby to be interested in. They are given the option of mentioning anime and manga to him, and he claims he doesn’t know what those things are but doubts he could ever find something that a “boring angel like him” could be passionate about. Just as Belphie and Asmo begin to discuss the fact that it’s very interesting how MC knows so much about the human realm, Lucifer enters the room and wants to know what everyone is doing there. 

Lucifer then looks at MC and asks who they are. Asmo introduces them, and Lucifer then realizes why everyone was hiding in the “secret room.” 

Mammon then asks Lucifer about his upcoming trip to the Devildom (a reference to the Devilgram “The Glory Days”). Diavolo has requested to meet with Lucifer, and Lucifer got stuck with the job, much to his chagrin. MC is given the option of encouraging him to be friendly with Diavolo, which strikes Lucifer as incredibly odd since it sounds like MC already knows the Prince. Lucifer then observed that it seems like he’s known MC for much longer, even though they have only met. The rest of the brothers are also quick to point out they felt the same way about MC, and Levi asks if it’s because they have just met someone similar before. Just as Belphie starts to suggest that perhaps MC reminds them of Lilith, MC passes out and hears a voice talking to them. 

(It’s not revealed who the voice belongs to, but it’s suspected that it’s likely to be Michael.)

Michael explains to MC that Solomon is to blame for their current experience. Turns out, he’s not so much a shady sorcerer as he is a bit of a ditz, and he accidentally created a magical concoction that sent MC back into time thru a dream to interact with the brothers when they were still angels. Apparently the situation with Solomon’s immortality also came about in a similar fashion and was completely unintentional. 

Michael then goes on to explain that it’s likely they won’t remember the details of the dream when they wake, but that the impact and influence they had on the brothers will remain. He then informs MC that he intends to keep an eye on them to make sure that this influence won’t have a negative effect. He then sends Mc back to their own time, where they awake suddenly and find themselves once again in Asmo’s room. Asmo is asleep again as well. 

Beel then enters the room to let MC know that he’s done cleaning up the mess in the bathroom. It seems it hasn’t been that long at all that MC had fallen asleep, and when MC tries to talk to Beel about their dream, they find they can’t remember much - only a vague feeling that it was fun/weird. 

Later, Mammon, Satan, Beel and MC are hanging out in the living room. Mammon bribes Beel into giving him a shoulder rub (and honestly this is the cutest interaction I think I’ve ever seen between the two 🥺). Lucifer then storms into the room. He’s feeling better now, and is looking for Satan to punish for what he did to him earlier. Satan makes a run for it, and Lucifer chases after him. 

Beel says he wants to check on Belphie, but when Mammon asks about Levi they all realize that no one has seen or heard from him all day. So the trio decided to head to his room to make sure he’s ok first. Upon arriving at his room, Levi doesn’t answer the door or respond to them. MC kicks down his door (or asks Mammon or Beel to do it), determined to check on the otaku. 

Levi though is perfectly fine, wrapped up in his own little world as usual. While everyone else was ill, he had spent the whole day playing a FPS game with a new friend he met online. Beel then turns to MC and tells them to “do their thing” and MC yells at Levi to “stay” - using their power to punish him. (Which I honestly didn’t like and I wish we had the option of not doing that.)

Favorite Scenes -

Healing Asmo

While I didn’t share a lot of specific scenes, it’s not because they weren’t good. The whole Lesson was excellent lore wise, and gave us a lot of vital backstory information on the boys and their time as angels. I did my best to summarize that information above.

[tokoyamisstuff]

Betrothed Ch. 9 - Illumi Zoldyck x Reader

Epilogue: Beauty and the Beast

Summary: Leaving the Zoldyck estate to search for your husband, what will await you once you find him?

Warnings: Angst, Violence.

Words: ~2500

Story Masterlist

A/N: The plot is connected to the “Phantom Rogue” movie. In case you haven’t watched it yet (no spoilers don’t worry): The antagonist of the movie uses Nen to create puppets taking after real persons, which even possess their personaliy and memories.

All I ever wanted All I ever needed Is here in my arms Words are very Unnecessary They can only do harm

Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence

People tend to say you should be careful what you wish for. Apparently they were right.

At least it worked...somehow.

The last thing you knew was that you had sneaked into Alluka’s cell, wanting to free her just as much as you wanted to find Illumi. Of course her parents weren’t really fond of the idea, so you waited for an opportune moment and asked for Nanika to appear before the family could realize and act against it.

Your wish was pure and without any ill intend - so there would be no consequences.

“Please: Bring me to Illumi. I need to save him!”

So she did as she was told.

You found yourself having been teleported to an unknown place, at bright day even though it was night at the Zoldyck estate. That means you’d be at least on the other side of the world, gladly far enough away for them to quickly try and retrieve Alluka.

All you could make up in between miles of nature was an old building, almost like a chapel.

And in front of it stood Illumi.

“These eyes are strange” he thought out aloud, taking in his environment. “Everything looks so bright.”

“Illu-nii-!” You put a finger in front of Alluka’s lips, signalizing her to stay quiet. Gladly you had appeared in somewhat of an hiding, so no one had noticed you up until now.

Something was off. That thing was surely not Illumi - even if it painfully appeared so.

“Gon!” a blonde girl shoutet in visible distress, “Hang in there! Gon!”

And then it dawned to you: A Nen ability.

Cloning? But why and how? It should be impossible to make such a perfect image of another person, which even seems to think and act on it’s own.

“Give gon his eyes back!” Killua demanded, but got shut down by the clone through a proper kick in his guts. “I can’t do that, Kill.”

You were too late to stop the poor Killua from running away, instead of chasing him deciding to follow the spitting image of your husband - but he had detected you earlier than you anticipated.

“Weird...” he spoke with the voice you had missed so much, staring at you with an empty glare. “You don’t look different.”

A surprised “Huh?” was all you managed to get out at his weird assumption, defendingly standing in front of Alluka.

“Those eyes make everything shine so bright. But you look just as always” the clone statet, almost as if amazed by your sheer appearance.

“You’ve always shined to me, Y/N.”

And like that, he was gone.

There wasn’t much time to think about it, since the screams of that unfamiliar girl got you down to earth again.

“Please, Gon!” she encouraged him as he tried to leave after she wrapped a bandage around his empty eyeholes. “Don’t-”

But he was already gone, chasing Killua to god knows where.

“What the hell...” you mumbled, still holding Alluka firmly in your arms.

Now the girl, which appeared like a puppet as well given a second look, turned to both of you. “Just...who are you? And where did you came from?”

“Long story.” Your answer was short, not wanting to tell anyone about Alluka’s powers. “But I’m a friend of those children. And...I need to find the man from earlier.”

“That was just one of Omokage’s puppets” she explained, pointing towards the direction Gon and Killua ran off to. “I can explain anything on the way. But we need to find them!”

It was already night when you found those two, because even with your superhuman speed you still had a child to take care off.

Seemingly, the two had resolved whatever internal trouble they were having, and much to your surprise Leorio and Kurapika had joined them as well.

“You guys...”

“Y/N?!” All of them went into a defensive position, ready to fight you in case you were a puppet as well. You weren’t mad, though. It was the only plausible reason for them to have magically appeared in here.

“Killu-nii!” Alluka cheered, approaching her brother as fast as her small legs could carry her. You wanted to prevent a reunion like that, but well...

Of course the boy broke out in tears as he remembered his sister he was forced to forget about all those years, the weight of his guilt crushing down on him once again. “I’m so sorry, Alluka...I think I was still under Illu-nii’s influence.”

Your lip began to tremble at his words, having to bite it so they wouldn’t notice that you were about to cry.

“Y/N? Is everything alright?” Damn. Of course they noticed the shift in your aura.

“Come to think of it...” Gon said, unusual sharp intellect considering his usual, blunt nature. “How come you accompany Killua’s sister? Doesn’t that mean you would’ve broken in Kurokoo mountain and fight all the Zoldycks for it?”

“I...uh-”

“Wait a second!” Good for Killua that he regains his cool so fast after having been emotional, but you wish it weren’t like that. “Isn’t that my great-grandmother’s ring? Did you stole it?!”

“Wha- no! Of course not!”

That wasn’t his greatest concern: Did you know about Alluka’s powers, and wanted to have them for yourself? Was that the reason? But how could you ever just invade the Zoldyck property and take what’s theirs without dying at their hands?

None of it made sense, no matter how much he racket his brain around the matter.

“Illu-nii gave it to Y/N for their wedding! Isn’t that cute?”

Everyone’s breath hitched at Alluka’s innocent words, and you could feel even those whose eyes were stolen widen in shock.

Before you could even defend yourself, Killua had tackled you down before sharpening his fingernails and pressing them against your neck, drawing blood.

“Why...?” Kurapika spoke the word that went through everyone’s minds, followed by Killua’s disappointed whisper “Traitor....”

“Because I love Illumi. That’s all.”

The boy then grabbed your shirt, shaking you as if to wake you up from a deep trance. “Love? LOVE?!? You know my brother, damn it!”

“Yeah!” Leorio joined the scolding. “You know very well what he forced Killua to do all those years, and that he tried to kill Gon!”

“I know very well what he’s capable of.” Against all resistance by your friends, you still remained calm and cheerful. “But he’s my husband, and I’ll fight for him until my dying breath.”

You’ve never seen Killua so furious and hurt in your life, and you could understand him:

The man responsible for all of his pain - and someone he considered a friend to fall in love with and defend him.

“Don’t give me that bullshit...” he growled as he let go off of you, tears of anger collecting in the rim of his eyes. “He obviously turned Y/N into a needleman!”

The only one to remain silent was Gon, knowing that he shouldn’t intervene until Killua was done having his rage.

Since the truth was simple, yet hard to accept for someone who had suffered under Illumi’s influence for that long.

“Don’t bully Y/N!” Alluka suddenly  blurted out, softly punching her brother’s back.

Killua then refrained from interrogating you any further, turning around to hug his sister once again. You knew the anger he let out was not just against you or your husband, but also out of wdisappointment in himself.

“I’m so sorry, Alluka...I should’ve saved you. Instead, I tried to leave my past behind and also left you alone!”

Alluka was a smart girl, at least emotionally - her mind worked different than the other Zoldycks. She gently put her hand on her brother’s hair, consoling him even though she never really understood how severe the situation at hand was:

“It’s okay! I was’t alone!” she cheered, smiling all innocent from one ear to another. “Big brother Illumi played with me all the time, together with Y/N! We had such fun!”

You smiled gently at the naive girl, knowing everyone would believe her to speak the truth. Picking her up and on your shoulders as she always wanted you to do, you waited for everyone to just process her statement.

“Alluka has spent almost every day at home with us” you proudly declared, as if you were actually her parent. “He’s a bit reserved, of course, but he loves her very much!”

“...that’s so fucked up” Leorio declared as he thought back to the creepy Gittarackur.

Killua was at loss for words, only managing to get out a consensual nod at Leorio.

“Hey!” you snickered mischievously, rumpling up his hair. “I’m your sister in law now. A little more respect!”

“Anyway” Kurapika interrupted, “Where’s Pretz?”

Seems like changing the topic was easier for the group than to keep thinking about that almost impossible constellation.

“She’s a puppet” Gon revealed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, just for you to confirm his thesis.

“And you let Illumi steal your eyes just to follow the nen connected to them?” Giving him a head-butt, you added. “Still the idiot.”

That wasn’t fully true: Those kids sure grew since the last time you’ve met them at the Hunter Exam.

You couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, feeling like a stone was falling off your chest just by being with them.

“I’m glad to meet you again. I’ve missed you so much, guys!”

Leorio had volunteered to take care of Alluka, so she wouldn’t get dragged into the fight, while the others of you headed for Okogame’s hideout.

It was a giant church, so old that it was on the verge of breaking down. 

Fitting place for a showdown, you thought.

“You don’t understand the beauty of my art!” was Okogame’s answer as Kurapika demanded for him to set his dead friend free.

“See?” he yelled dramatically as he revealed his puppets. “Pairo’s beauty together with Kurapika’s passionate eyes.”

To be honest, that wouldn’t revoke a reaction inside of you as your mind was always wandering off.

But then, he revealed his other creation.

“And Illumi’s madness, together with Gon’s pure eyes.”

“...”

“Still the damsel in distress, I see.” God, even his voice was just like him. “I thought I’ve teached you better than that, Y/N.”

“Here he comes” Gon stated the obviously, but you had something to tell Killua.

"This isn’t completely him” you whispered as the puppet slowly approached you. “I can sense it: He isn’t nearly as strong as the real deal. And do you know what? He’s influenced by our memories of Illumi. They shape this puppet. That’s why he’s so scary to you, do you understand? That’s just how you depicture your brother.”

Killua knew what you really wanted to say: As you were now, you could easily end this - but Killua needed to defeat his fears himself.

The puppet came to a halt in front of his younger brother.

“Emotions are obsolete.” Ironically, it seemed that the puppet couldn’t avert his gaze from you, only making you crave your husband more. “Don’t value any of those pathetic commitments.”

“T-That’s wrong.” You were so proud of Killua, because even though he was almost frozen in place out of fear he was able to talk back to his brother. “I made friends, and it’s a great feeling.”

“You’re being silly, Kill” he declared as he pointed at you. “Do you see Y/N over there? I tried it myself. And guess what: They betrayed me. Ran away from me, scared. And now I’m all alone again.

Ouch. Even the puppet was hurt by your actions back then.

“But killing is something we can always do. It gives us power, makes us feel alive. Fear is the only reliable way of controling someone. We don’t need friends. We can manipulate people. Otherwise they will only hurt and betray you. So if they disobey: Kill them.”

“S-Shut up!” both you and Killua shoutet in unison.

“Kill me, then” he whispered into Killua’s ear, “Come on. Prove that I’m wrong.”

So that’s the monster Killua saw in Illumi all those years...

“Lumi...” you couldn’t help but sob, “I didn’t want to let you down...”

“Don’t interfere” the puppet spoke, throwing several needles at you at once. “I don’t have any business with you anymore. This is a family matter.”

“I like the outfit!” you laughed it off, avoiding the needles as if it was nothing. “Feels just like sparring back then!”

“You’ve always been too careless, Y/N. Because I had a soft spot for you. But I’m not going easy on you now - my order is to leave none of you alive.

A few needles pinned you to the wall, making you realize you weren’t fully concentrated.

You didn’t want to fight your husband, even though that’s not really him, so you were unknowingly holding back.

“We knew it would eventually end that way” the puppet spoke, the dark void in his eyes reminding you of the Illumi you got to know before your marriage. “Even though I’m almost sad about it.”

Your head fell in defeat, too hurt to see the love of your life suffering for so long. May as well let him hurt you a bit, to punish yourself and feel what he felt.

“I’m so sorry, Lumi.” Your answer and lack of struggle actually made him taken aback for a second, until the mission that Okogame’s nen imprinted on the puppet forced him to continue.

“Hey!” Killua yelled as he kicked another set of needles out of his hand, “We are your enemies! You said it yourself!”

Of course they had their own intentions: Getting back Kurapika’s eyes, save Pretz, overcome the trauma Illumi had put on Killua...

But you were thankful that your friends tried to avoid you having to end Illumi’s life, even if only in a metaphorical sense.

The real fight didn’t even take a whole minute, with Gon and Killua only taking a few hits until they pierced the puppet’s heart with unified strenght.

Immediately, you rushed to his side, caughting the stiff body before it hit the ground.

“Why do you stay with me, Y/N...?”

You grabbed his hand, feeling honest compassion for the artifical being as you cried out “Because you’re being loved. By me, and Alluka and even Killua! I’ll find the real you, and save you no matter what!”

“I see...” The puppet robotically touched your cheek, movements not really different from the real Illumi at the beginning from your relationship. “Maybe I was wrong about trust after all.”

A small smile played on his face as your lips hesistantly touched, while you simultaneously pressed a knife inside of him to end it all.

“Rest now” you said what Illumi had always told you when you were upset. Okogame’s curse couldn’t force his will onto the puppet now that he wasn’t able to get up ever again.

And Illumi collected the last bit of strenght as his body slowly dissolved into nen.

At least in the end he wasn’t alone - until death does you part.

“I guess dying through your hands doesn’t feel all that bad.”

_____

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[sokayisaidiot]

Dream SMP Assumption #4

Today’s topic: Fatal Flaws and the things with it

Please DO NOT read if you’re uncomfortable with the themes of death, depression and suicide. It’s a very complicated theme. I did NOT study it and do NOT know some aspects of it. I just go off the things I saw in the smp and made my own theories about it. If you’re even slightly triggered by this, please stop and do NOT try to read it. Please do NOT put yourself in some kind of uncomfortable zone. 

Please do not. Thank you

(This is all assumptioning from the fictional world of dream smp)

(Heavy spoilers on the resent events)

(Mainly around the lmanburg way, sadly need to learn more about badlands ): )

(This Series is created by another person, that’s just too fuckin lazy to move her butt)

Trigger warning today:

“Betrayal”

Death

neglect

gray morals

Own thoughts 

Good and bad. Black and white. Typical Cliche, right? Well on the dream smp, theres a lot more. The person we watch is normally the side we are thinking is right, right? Well, actually yes and no. We see from many people their goal and respective ideals. So what actually is a good side on everybody? What are they doing wrong? But what does it show for us to understand?

Tommyinnit

Good things about him

He’s one of the most complicated characters. Many see him as the hero of the story and there not completely wrong. But Tommy’s fatal flaw is loyalty and recklessness. Why loyalty? When his life is on his line, he does not stand back, no he will throw himself at the front lines of a war, to protect the things he love. His family, friends, belongings. Thats great isn't it? 

The things he does wrong

But well, when he fights for those things, he leaves a mess others have to clean up many times. When you see the disaster with the railway war, the battle of the lake, burning Georges house accidentally. He is also stubborn, which comes with his loyalty but makes it for him worse to admit he’s doing something wrong.

What should we understand about that

Why is Tommy acting like this and right now not really on the way to be better? Well, Tommy isn't in a good place to get better. With his stubbornness and putting people and other things before himself, he didn't had time and now, with the manifesting of many negative traits he can't get himself really out. He needs people to help him. His father. Who left him, coming to him only once (in the lore). His older Brother. The one who betrayed him and blowing the thing up, which Tommy sacrificed a lot more than Wilbur and then died. His mento/brother figure, who is against the thing he wants to protect so bad. And with the people who manipulate him and the ones who don't think he needs help, he isn't in a place to get better or get some kind of good help. Being the youngest brings such heavy things down more and should actually explain, why Tommy has actually problems dealing with his problems, feelings and flaws.

Tubbo

Good things about him

Whats his fatal flaw? Its temptation to deliberate. For the time in Dream SMP, while being part of L’Manburg, Tubbo always relied on careful choices, compromises, and hearing both sides of a debate. He was able to take the decisions that Tommy couldn't make because of his stubbornness.

The things he does wrong

When he comes to make his own decisions, he makes them rather rash or out of emotions, which is shown when he exiled Tommy. The time he makes the decisions for a while, people don't listen to him. People turn around and forget about his ability to know how to make the right choices, and when he loses his temper once, it immediately backfires. He uses his emotions 

What we should know out of it

Its his fatal flaw that brings in the negativity. While being the choice of reason, he never chose what he wanted. He never knew where he wanted to belong. He followed the choices of the others and when he wanted to do his own decisions, he gets compared to past people with terrible acts. He is one of the youngest in the world of dream smp and he just gets used as a puppet for other peoples wanting. People see him for a young boy with no actual thought of what kind of experience he had gone trough. They expect and expect without knowing how broken they made a young person.

Wilbur

What he did good

His fatal flaw is hubris. Deadly pride. He will stand for his own side/arguments/meaning even if it kills him. And well, his pride in his son, brother, family, country and friends shows his his big heart and helpful hand, getting people out of trouble and being there for others.

What he did wrong

Hubris being is deadly flaw really is shown. The way he stood his way until its been fulfilled and then wanting to die with it, shows how he has fallen. He had his pride and part of stubbornness that let him think he could just host this elections without consequences. But those have been giant. His pride to admit he's wrong and there are others, who can lead a country good.

What we should know

Wilbur feeling neglected from Philza (presumably Philza doing more things with Techno as he grew older) left a hole for attention. He tries to find reasonable ways but with his own mental state not really helping, he tried his best to lead a nation. And hey, it worked (with the timeline in the lore, which I really try to figure out) it probably has been some years for him being president. Of course would people not listen to him, but what else could he do. There where just a freshly build country out of war. But then being exiled with his younger brother, who doesn't really knows his way of exile and causes some trouble with his stubbornness he's left to die by his fathers hands, only being a ghost of his former self.

Technobalde

What he did good

Fatal flaw? Instinctive inability to resist a challenge and wrath. Techno not really being able to resist a fight gave him probably his fighting knowledge and skills. It makes him a great rival and mentor. Its also nice to have something to charge for and being really dedicated to do it.

What he did wrong

Its seeable that he thinks that the destruction of L’Manburg is the only way to stop the bad things that has happened here. And the challenge they gave him to not destroy it. He gives in to the voices and closing himself in. He doesn't want a family for the way, that he doesn't want to betray someone close to him. Looking at Wilbur and Philza. Letting his anger control him to destroy the things he is against.

What we should know

The Voices are one of the problems. Screaming at him for blood or making fun of him for not being able to do something make hims even more wanting to achieve and becoming the best at it. He doesn't really like conversations and him closing in the people around him, not letting other people in and unable to control himself from his wrath, being the main factors that he needs help to fight against his anger and loneliness.

Philza

What he did good

The best take on Philza’s Fatal flaw is hubris. Why hubris again? Its the most common flaw of all of them. He shows pride of how Tommy is getting so far and is stubborn in a good way. Taking pride in how good skilled Techno is with everything. And by Wilbur being proud of his talents of making music and the way he has around other people.

What he did wrong

Taking too much pride in Techno and forgetting his other sons. He was shocked when he found out what happened to Tommy, even when it was a while ago. He only visited Tommy once (storewide) and not noticing the state of Tommy. Being around Ghostbur after he had killed Wilbur and trying to fix what had gone wrong in the past.

What we should know

Presumably Philza was thrown in a father state, without much knowledge on how being one. Constantly being surprised what the bois are doing, despite one of them being a teenager boy, he has to learn while having his sons (lore wise). Philza is also one to not be wishy washy with the children and is rather upfront with them. Which brings the problems for the children to know more the rough sides and being more stubborn. 

Nihachu

What did she good

Kindness is the thing that describes Niki the best. giving everybody a chance and believing hard and much. Its her fatal flaw and also best way to go around in the SMP. Giving other people more chances and showing the good in people. Making things easier around and helping others.

What she did wrong

The way kindness is getting wrong, is following and believing in the wrong people. Niki trusted, followed and believed Wilbur, only to realize much later, that Wilbur sunk deep into insanity already. Her kindness searches people to follow and to make a point to give out kindness. As she still followed Wilbur and he blew up L’Manburg, Niki was ready to give it all up, following the sentence “Its all gone” (I think).

What we should know

Niki believing in kindness and the things to get better, makes her an easier target to get. Thinking people would be kind and then getting ambushed is compared by the battle of the lake, that she didn't thought they would take her as a hostage, using her, for her own advantage. She being kind makes it also harder to be the person other people turn around to, since people prefer people with adamant sides.

Fundy

What he did good

When we think of his fatal flaw, then it should be hubris like his father. His has huge pride in the things he has done and will do other things when he sees his own way in it. He has his pride in his friendships and will defend them. Example with him defending Niki or visiting Tommy in his exile.

What he did wrong

Burning down the flag of the nation your father build for you isn't something to show your dad that you want him to respect you. His fatal flaw playing a role in it, is actually seeable. He had pride in the Manburg Flag he build and said that it looked good or when he choose to side with Manburg, seeing its ideals and seeing that it matched things he has taken with pride. Making Manburg a beautiful place or letting nature more happen.

What we should know

Lets just say, he was born in the nation thats destined to fall, you never really met your mum, your dad blew said nation up, your uncle and part uncle are really gone nuts nuts, your grandpa leaves you alone, your “father/mum”, that wanted to adopt you never showed up to your adoption and was also the one, who betrayed you in cold blood for a crown, your pets are brutally killed, the time your father was alive, he didn't take you seriously. Let that sink in. And you've already been in some wars at a pretty young age and you're getting harassed for being a fox. Fundy being neglected showed his negative emotions.

Jschlatt

What he did good

Fatal Flaw: ambition, the desire for power. He did have good plans (regarding making more beautiful nature, said by Fundy). He was able to start with many people, working on the things he said, not leaving it on the side. He did trust other people in their decisions of power. Tubbo staying in his positions, letting Fundy having a rank, that his father never gave him because he was never seen serious.

What he did wrong

Letting the power go to his head, he believed he did all the decisions alone, not letting another person decide in it, giving himself all the power and executing a child to show you who's in place, was his downfall. In the end he wanted ultimate control.

What we should know

There isn't much to say there, but being left alone by your hole party and the people who followed you really leaves an bitter aftertaste. After people see you're not in power anymore, they stop following because they don't see anything in you. And lets just say, do you like getting betrayed after winning an election. I mean your worker, secretary of state, he did trust him at the start, leaving Tubbo open to his own ideas. But then getting betrayed by him to overthrow you? Well for you it aint so good.

Dream

What he did good

Its actually really easy to say what Dreams Fatal Flaws are: hubris and instinctive inability to resist a challenge. We see that Dream is open to challenges and likes to win like Technoblade. He sees in Technoblade a good challenge and he takes pride in his SMP, his plans and his own IQ

What he did wrong

The thing with Deadly pride is, that you believe in yourself and your ways. You get ignorant, thinking you're better and that you already won. But then you fall on your face, because there is another way your opponent beat you. Seeing this in Dreams try to control Tommy, since Tommy is really the only one who will not let himself be a puppet to Dream. In Exile, Dream thought, when Tommy was clinging to him, that he won and he had him under his hand but ignorant that his opponent is Tommy and the person who is the most stubborn in the server. 

What we should know

To see that Dream was actually more peaceful before L’Manburg or Tommy makes you think who is actually in the right. Well, its both sides and not. Dream letting himself getting tangled up in the shenanigans of Tommy and the rest to the end where he wants to have control over everybody, can either be: 1. Being controlled by an Demon or the egg! OR 2. He lost himself, and got angry for someone like Tommy to outplay him. He wanted a peaceful place but when the chaos came, he wasn't able to resist

------------------

Well... Does this make up to the other things that have happened on the server? No, defiantly not. But nobody is really right either. Everyone has flaws and the conflicts come from ignorance, pride, false understandings or just misunderstandings. It shows us who's side can be right and what brings the conflict to the levels.

Please, I really tried my best, give your own two cents to it....

And Im sorry my brain just brought it up :I

You know what, screw it. Everybody’s just in need of Therapy and I’m on everyones side kind of.

[fabelyn]

Equivalent Exchange

Pairing: Childe/Zhongli (chili)

Rated: T for language Warnings: spoilers for 1.1 update story Chapter: Oneshot Chapter Word Count: 2525

Link to AO3

Summary: Some would see Zhongli’s penniless state as the most pathetic oversight.

Childe sees it as an opportunity.

And maybe that’s what Zhongli is hoping for.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” Childe lies easily, having tracked his target to this location. “May I sit with you?”

He stands beside Zhongli, and is disappointed when he shows no visible reaction to finding him so close after they’d parted with no contact.

The tea table Zhongli sits on is clearly made for one, yet that doesn’t deter him from nodding and making a welcoming motion, and Childe pulls up a chair. The table is small enough that their knees are almost touching beneath it.

“I apologize, I did not realize I would have company and only ordered for myself,” Zhongli motions the leftover tea.

“I see you’re still keeping the finest of taste.”

“Shall I order more for you?”

“Hm, no it’s fine, for now.”

Zhongli smiles. “This is nice, I don't think we’ve sat down to talk since you introduced me to the Traveller.”

So, not beating around the bush too much . “Hm. We were all so busy with the…funeral arrangements.” He chuckled, and Zhongli joined in. Childe let the levity rest between them for a moment before sobering the conversation somewhat. “And I was unaware if you wanted another meal… after.”

Zhongli raises one perfect eyebrow as if completely baffled. “Now, why would that be?”

Childe couldn’t detect sarcasm in the question so he just nods. “True, you certainly did achieve success in your endeavors, so I suppose you aren’t angry with me, at the very least.”

“You sound as if your goal wasn’t reached.”

Childe shrugged. “It was, since the Tsarista was satisfied, although there was… a surprising development along the way.” I did not think I was so stupid as to be interested in the target I was using.

“Surprising development,” Zhongli quoted slowly, then smiled. “Yes, you could say I too had some of that.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes.”

Childe waited, but no further explanation was forthcoming. He shrugged, it was only fair.

“Alright, so neither of us failed. But now we no longer have need of each other. I did not think you had further interest in keeping up a sham relationship, Rex Lapis .”

Zhongli stared at him, then smiled thinly. His mannerisms were still as gentle as Childe recalled, but the look in his eyes were much sharper than before.

“A sham? And yet, you’ve come.”

“You all but called for me. I got curious.”

“Did I? I do not recall doing such a thing, as pleasant as your current company may be.”

“You told the Traveller that you, Morax , had forgotten to plan for having mora a your disposal after your defection from your Archon duties, and they mentioned such a ridictulous thing to me. And it seems others have heard a similar tale of woe from you, I not in so many words.”

“Signaling that I find myself without monetary recourse may mean I require assistance here and there, but not that you must come assist me.”

“And maybe I did not come to offer aid, much less friendship, but to simply laugh at your predicament.”

“Did you?”

“Hm, do you really have no Mora? I find it truly hard to believe that after that amusing plot you tricked me into, and successfully making a deal with the Tsarista, that you would truly not have thought such a thing through. Not to mention, your alias as Zhongli did have a job at the Funeral Parlor. A detail I cannot simply forget given that is how you roped me into contacting you before.” Childe smiles brightly.

Zhongli remains unmoved. “Perhaps after so much time as the Archon, the concept of needing currency to live had become a detail beneath me and I did not factor it.”

“Is that so?”

They stare at each other, a standoff where neither wants to be the first to cede. Childe resists the urge to laugh: it is fun to try the patience of an Archon, yet it is also so unbearably frustrating, perhaps he will lose on-

“I am not in as dire straits as I may have…. accidentally appeared to the Traveller and others.”

Childe blinks in surprise; he had not expected Zhongli to concede so quickly. Or for it not feel like he had won. 

“As you surmised earlier,” Zhongli went on, “my employment at the Funeral Parlor could always be taken up again.”

“And yet, you haven’t done so.”

“Indeed.” Zhongli drums his long fingers on the table. “Retirement does not feel right if I am simply taken up another task. Perhaps if it were something enjoyable...”

Childe is getting impatient. “Is getting on your knees enjoyable?” He asks, wondering if the language was too crude for the likes of Rex Lapis to understand.

Zhongli raises an eyebrow, Childe decides to explain.

“The two women who helped pay for you this week, surely you have not become so old as to not understand what they were asking for as gratitude?”

Zhongli’s reply is completely out of Childe’s expectation.

“Why do you assume I would be on my knees?” He asks simply, and, before Childe can recover from that, continues. “And why does that interest you? Is that what you’d ask as payment for helping me now? Oh, pardon me, you implied you only came to laugh at my predicament, not help.”

Childe can simply agree and excuse himself. End this and leave. But if he had wanted nothing, he wouldn’t have come in the first place.

“Did I imply that? I think you misunderstood. I did come to help you after all. Although, naturally, I should have some equivalent compensation, especially since, from my understanding, this monetary aid would prolong itself as you have no interest in getting a job any time soon.”

Zhongli’s perfect poise slips a little, almost as if his shoulders have sagged in relief.

For the first time in… possibly, ever, Childe feels a twinge of what may be guilt. Spurned by Zhongli’s surprising candor, he decides it might be best, afterall, to not trick the... man... further.

“Rex Lapis, Zhongli, I’m not sure you realize who you’re after.”

“Childe, Tartaglia , a Harbinger from Snezhnaya, correct?”

Childe’s fingers twitch at the name coming from Zhongli’s lips. “Our previous camaraderie was all but manufactured so I could attain my results. Had my Tsarista not demanded subtlety and diplomacy, I wouldn’t have sought out the Funeral Parlor, and simply brought pandemonium to Liyue from the get go. I’m not the affable young lordling I acted as. Even the youngest Harbinger is still a Harbinger. I attacked the Traveller, I nearly brought destruction to Liyue, and I regret nor apologize for either. The precious friend you made before, he doesn’t exist.

“However, in acknowledgement of our good… ah… companionship thus far, I suggest you reconsider, and leave.”

It’s actually insane that, after everything, he came to Zhongli to simply allow him to leave when the man had all but tactidly said he’d sell his body to Childe. 

But from the moment he had sat so near Zhongli he realized he could no longer wear a mask, not for this. He could not see himself starting anything with the man while not being himself.

And he knows he won’t bear rejection well if their acquaintanceship goes further.

Zhongli stares at him, then begins chuckling.

“Oh, it seems I came here not to laugh at you, but to be laughed at.”

“Pardon my manners, but really, I never expected such silly words from you.”

“Silly?”

“Hm, yes. Let’s see. First of all, the cute persona-”

“...Cute?”

“-You crafted as Childe here in Liyue, while it may have been a performance sufficient enough to trick mere mortals, was hardly that convincing to me. I could see the look in your eyes even as you smiled. I never expected you to be a gentle soul. And as for what you tried to unleash, your glee towards it all, and your lack of remorse now… I see it all, I have lost my gnosis not my eyes. Childe, Tartaglia, whatever name you give yourself, I am pursuing you, not your disguise.”

Zhongli raises a hand as if to stop Childe from interrupting. Childe, however, had no such plans.

“That said, underestimating my observational skills is not enough to make me laugh. What dumbfounds me, yet touches me at the same time, is that you just said you’ll allow me to leave, and I think you mean truly meant that.”

“What about that?”

“Were you aware that I was offered a bonus for my willing compliance towards my end of the bargain?”

Childe blinks. He had not, and shakes his head, confused at the sudden turn.

“Very well. it so happened that this boon would have been to… interestingly enough… deny a request you had made, just after everything was over. I refused it, naturally, else you would not be here.”

Childe stiffens, and Zhongli’s smile widens.

“As you said, even the youngest Harbinger is still a Harbinger. It is unthinkable that they would waste one of their most precious resources staying in Liyue and not going elsewhere to further your Tsarista’s objective. It would be quite the demotion, your staying here, if not for the fact you requested it.”

Childe tries to laugh it off. “I-”

“Pardon me, but I’m not done. Of course, as strange as it is, there are maybe some reasons for it. Spying on the Qixing and the nearby Mondstat. Planning or organizing a future invasion. Certainly there are excuses that could be sufficient enough to make it seem that you truly had no other motive to stay here, other than to serve.”

“Precisely, so-”

“Still not done,” Zhongli says, voice a little deeper, stricter, and Childe finds himself shutting his mouth in too much excited obedience at the tone. Zhongli pauses, as if gauging Childe’s reaction, but then continues. “I waited to see if you would come to reacquaint ourselves, for the sake of your new task. You did not. So I may have made comments to the Traveller and others mentioning a monetary predicament, to see if you would come then. You still did not. However… two interesting things happened, do you know what they are?”

Childe just stares. Surely Zhongli doesn’t know-

“The first kind lady that offered mora in exchange for ah… in your words “me on my knees” was sadly caught in bed by her husband with another man.”

Oh Tsarista, Zhongli knows.

“The other one… a fire consumed parts of her home -a candle gone wrong, such a normal thing- and while she is fine and not in any trouble, she no longer can afford to spend money on others, at least not for a while.”

At Childe’s continued silence, Zhongli leans forward, reaches across the table and tucks an errant lock of hair behind Childe’s ear.

It takes all of Childe’s restraint not to lift his hand to where he was touched.

“Perhaps a gentler, humbler, soul than I would simply assume coincidence. But I am not that humble, and I recall the look in your eyes. So it amuses me that here and now, you offer me freedom from you, yet you’ve been quite keen to stay near and ruin any chances I may have of leaning on other people. You claim I don’t know what I want, but it seems to me you are the one unsure.”

Childe opens his mouth, closes it, then throws caution to the wind. “Being willful is my forte,” he says with a small laugh to be master of himself again. “I didn’t like where that was going, so I cut it short with those women. But I’ve concluded I don’t want to live more of a farce than I already do, so I don’t want anything with you where I have to pretend to be, well, not me.”

“You wouldn’t have to.”

And Childe truly believes it. And because he does, he says something he had never expected to.

“But you know, paying for your lifestyle for an indefinite amount of time will be too costly. Make I should demand your heart along with your body?”

It’s cheesy but it does the trick. Finally it seems he has managed to disconcert Zhongli, who clearly had not expected Childe to say something so outrageous. Childe laughs, because he hadn’t expected it either.

Zhongli recovers spectacularly fast. “Well now, I think the grace of having the former Geo Archon’s body at your command is recompense enough.”

“Oho, so now you abruptly understand the value of money?”

“No such thing, it’s just that even someone so out of tune as I can tell this transaction of yours is too one sided.”

“So, after all of…” Childe waves at the table between them, “whatever this conversation was, is that where we stop? Your body and nothing else?”

Well, not that Childe, who had been bracing for less than that, wasn’t happy , he simply wasn’t satiated.

“Hm… I never said that. I simply don’t believe mora is sufficient.”

The electricity that’s coursing through him almost feels like Childe had accidentally ignited his Delusion. He tries not to shiver and remain composed. “Fair enough. Then, oh mighty Rex Lapis, what price would you place on your heart?”

Maybe this had all been another carefully crafted ploy by the Archon, and he was planning to entice Childe into obedience, or reveal Snezhaya’s secrets-

“Hm, I believe this sort of transaction can only be done if the same thing is exchanged in return.”

Childe blinks. 

Oh. 

He really should have seen that one coming, shouldn't he?

He can simply lie. But he won’t.

Hesitant for the first time, he looks down at the empty cup between them, and reaches out to play with it. “... That would be tricky. I don’t know if my… if what I have to offer has the same value of yours.” And because he really can’t seem to stop running his mouth today, he dares add. “It might even be more than yours. Or. Or maybe less, of course.”

Zhongli’s hand reaches out lightning fast to hold his own over the table.

“I highly doubt that,” he says softly. “However, we can put that part of the deal on hold for now and discuss the, ah, terms and values at a later time. Unless this needs to be a package for you?”

Childe snorts, no longer discomfited, but finds himself turning his hand to properly hold Zhongli’s. “Oh please, what kind of fool would throw away this deal? Alright, so according to our deal, you’re mine-”

“My body, for now. Don’t try to trick the God of Contracts so brazenly.”

“I am brazen, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. But fine. And in turn I am your walking wallet.”

“Are you not going to put a limit to how much I can demand from you?”

“Are you?”

“I can handle anything.”

“So long as you can, my wallet will handle your demands. And. I don’t see my tasks here in Liyue ending anytime soon, so we can discuss the rest later.”

“We have a contract, then. Ah, could you kindly start by dealing with this meal?”

“Certainly, but you’re following me tonight.”

*

*

*

Notes:

I did this in a feverish state after the new storyline dropped (this was posted to ao3 yesterday), so apologies if it's not that good. I did consider trying to extend it a bit so it did not feel too fast, but the last time I tried doing a "long oneshot" things, ah, backfired into a massive WIP and I did not want that again.

I hope it wasn't too bad. I've never written for this fandom before, so I don't know if I got them down correctly. My main concern was Childe, who to me comes of as slightly sadistic and I could see him being the possessive sort, if he ever came to care about anything. Plus he is unrepetant in his crimes.

[nissakii]

Is Nishinoya an ESFP? MBTI Analysis with Functions

With a height of 159cm and the number 4 on his back, our fierce libero of Karasuno has always a big presence wherever he is.

One of the manliest among the crows and with his apparent animal-like instincts he never fails to impress the people around him.

All those things are visible by simply looking at Nishinoya first hand by watching the anime or reading the manga.

But there is another thing: Nishinoya is an ESFP.

Something you cannot directly see on first glance.

ESFP?

Oh yes, for those of you who are not familiar with MBTI personality test, the MBTI personality test basically gives the tester four letters meaning you are either E or I, N or T, F or S, and lastly J or P.

Last time in our post we only covered those letters and didn’t go much deeper into the cognitive functions, we only went over the letters without making any connections to the stack.

As an supposed ESFP Nishinoya’s stack is the following: Se-Fi-Te-Ni.

Step by step we will cover each function, it’s meaning considering the position on the stack and also Nishinoya’s extroverted nature (E).

I will show you my deep analysis on Nishinoya’s personality type through my own observations until the latest season and the manga (status: season 3), showing you in detail why Nishinoya is potentially an ESFP. (Yes this is a spoiler warning.)

Let’s not wait any longer and dive into the journey of Nishinoya’s personality!

Extroversion:

Ever wondered that there are people who are either surrounded by a group or have someone else around, but you never see them alone?

That’s extroversion, the kind of person who feels the most energized and happy when they can be around others.

The E in ESFP stands for the trait that shows how someone ‘charges’ their battery, meaning if they get exhausted by spending time alone or with people. In case of an extrovert, they get easily drained when they are spending time alone and derive their energy when they are around others, seeking much more social contact to refill the battery.

And Nishinoya is just that kind of person if you observe him throughout the anime.

The very first indicator of his obvious extroversion can be seen right away when he is introduced in the series, someone who is very loud and open-minded, boldly saying anything that comes into his mind at the moment.

After Hinata talks to for the first time he shows an easy-going and open nature that seems ready to interact with even strangers. He gets easily excited as seen when Hinata called him senpai and he immediately got carried away by that offering him anything he wants in return, teaching him at any time he wants to.

Not only does he get excited over that single thing but in several other scenes you can see him as a moodmaker as he pushes away the most negative aura due to the excitement of a new opponent he can learn from or confront.

He doesn’t fear direct confrontation and speaking his mind, and even when got suspended, the others asked him how he was in such good form despite being absent. Nishinoya stated that he had trained with the neighborhood women and other people to keep his training on-going.

After returning to Karasuno and playing as a regular again, it’s seen that he casually talks to the new members as well as his upperclassmen.

Additionally Nishinoya is always standing next to someone, very close, jumps on their back or like in Tsukishima’s case even bites his shoulder despite the fact he isn’t that close to him.

A true extrovert through and through.

Dominant Se:

Our first actual function, the dominant Se.

What is Se?

Se is a perceiving function aka the S for Sensing and since we established Nishinoya is an extrovert the first function on his Stack is, to no surprise, also extraverted.

Therefore Nishinoya’s dominant function is extraverted Sensing.

What does that mean now?

Having a perceiving function as your dominant function can already say a lot how you interact with the world around you and it’s the first thing people will notice when they look at you without even having to interact with you.

Since the dominant function is the first one that develops in our functional stack it’s the strongest and the most natural one we use, meaning it’s the easiest to use.

The Se in Nishinoya’s stack being his first function represents a lot about how we perceive him as a person, it could also be seen as the function when you introduce someone and the first words you would describe a person with.

What are the first words you would describe Nishinoya with?

Probably a lot and I can tell you: all of them would fall into the Dom Se category!

Now after a long explanation let’s see what the Dom Se is actually telling us.

His dominant function tells us that Nishinoya interacts with the world directly as his relationship with the world is established through physical sensation, it relies on sensory experience meaning what is happening around me is a constant question that his subconscious is trying to answer by observing the things around him.

Stimulating experiences to get a kick of adrenaline and enjoying the world around him, taking any opportunity that comes his way as he spots them and takes advantage of them.

People with Dom Se can be described as adventurous, loud, bold, courageous, adaptable and entertaining.

They also think that actions speak more than words, does that ring a bell?

Starting with the most obvious part is his strong sense of focussing on opportunities as he brushes off worries and concerns that others might have by playing them off, especially Asahi is someone he always explains not to be a worrywart, he often scolds Asahi for whining a lot instead of properly doing something unlike some other Aces.

Another one would be wearing shirts with word plays on them, especially those which sounded manly to him, as he also is determined to become a manly man despite his height and does live by those principles to fulfill the desire of becoming what he wishes to be instead of simply saying it or pretending to.

This is not the only decision he made based on the excitement he felt, even joining Karasuno was due to the fact he liked the uniforms and wanted to wear them as he regarded them as cool and manly.

His way of intaking all the events happening is clearly shown in the anime many times.

Nishinoya never takes his eyes off whenever they are playing or watching someone, always having the people and events around him in sight.

In-game his reflexes are unmatched as seen in the first Dateko match in season one where he got the ball with his foot at the last second.

Shortly before the first Seijoh vs Karasuno match, Hinata and Nishinoya were sitting next to each other watching Oikawa serve against another team. Especially in the manga Nishinoya emphasizes his strong desire to receive one of his serves since he mentioned that in his middle-school years he heard about an extremely talented setter that had powerful serves, even though they were not that strong like the current Oikawa.

His adventurous and courageous side wanting to enjoy the challenges around him is seen here clearly. He never directly spoke to Oikawa and in the practice match he wasn’t there but immediately spotted him. He also got angry when Aone spoke to Karasuno before their first match as he still holds a small grudge against him, even though he wasn’t at the scene at that point he always looks around and spotted them talking, quickly joining in.

Nishinoya’s constant watch on what is happening around him is also shown when he receives during practice despite just arriving at the gym or training independently without anyone asking him to receive, he also looks out for his team members and has a close watch on his opponents all the time like Yaku from Nekoma who stated that people like Nishinoya who constantly watch others with the desire to grow are indeed scary.

Yet those parts also show us that Nishinoya’s Se can go into extremes that may be considered unhealthy.

We see that Nishinoya is very moody at times and his behaviour flips in an instant, which can be - in Daichi’s case f.e - very annoying and unpredictable.

Nishinoya is a serious player and we also see him being hard-working showing us that he actually cares about his team but at other times his simple curiosity and superficial mindset can cause more trouble, yet we see it rather off-court than on-court when he interacts with people.

Auxiliary Fi:

The second function on his stack: Auxiliary Fi.

The feeling side we can observe in Nishinoya without digging too deep is also due to the function being rather on the top of the stack as the second function works like a support for the dominant óne.

Fi stands for introverted Feeling which is one of the judging functions, since Nishinoya’s Dominant Se is a perceiving one the information he constantly gathers also needs processing to evaluate situations and develop a good moral judgement before rushing to things.

Therefore the Se-Fi works like that: Se intakes information that Fi is going to process and evaluate properly in order to reduce more damage and help his emotional state by not completely being too reckless.

Being the second function Nishinoya resisting his Fi would be quite hard so we can see a lot of moments he actually uses it in the anime as well.

We have different varieties were his Fi is present one would be when he sticks close to his Dom Se, his comfort zone and tries to ignore the Fi but it comes out in a way or another, which is displayed through brushing off important feelings or emotions, ignoring warning signs, the lack of understanding why some paths may be dangerous and unhealthy,looking down on those who are too earnest and avoiding responsibility by playing the victim.

While Nishinoya is earnest himself and also displays those types of behaviours rather than the beginning in the series we see those slight resists in some examples.

The first scene in which Noya appeared was showing that he broke a mop and was very angry as he lashed out due to his emotions. That very scene was due to Asahi declaring that he would stop playing which stirred him up, also showing that he stopped coming to the club as well (even without his suspension) because he just can’t play if Asahi is not around, making this decision heavily based on emotions only.

Nishinoya doesn’t need Asahi to play his position, rationally speaking and with his skill-level it wouldn’t be a problem at all to keep playing with other people instead, yet he simply was against it irrationally choosing what felt right to him as he tried to blame Asahi for the whole situation they were in.

We also see that when Asahi is overly earnest and tries his best Nishinoya tends to make fun of him or look down on him for his good-nature and soft heart which is one of Asahi’s good sides yet a weak point as well.

He doesn’t take any warnings either as he brushes them off easily one example would be when he ignored the warning that the vice-principle was coming and he still ignored that fact causing him to get suspended.

Still Nishinoya’s Fi also displayed itself in a manner that can be viewed as overindulging in Fi which means when still developing Fi and don’t knowing how to use it, Nishinoya for example can use it subconsciously in an extreme manner.

The Asahi example can be again taken for that.

Another one would be that negative feelings are kept unresolved and inhibit his judgement, one of that moments are few but in the case of season 4 we see that even Nishinoya can stop to function in his position as a Libero after meeting Atsumu Miya’s serve that made him remember how he messed up many times and how he used to fear everything at a point making him feel useless.

Nishinoya takes things too personally at times too, as he almost started a fight with Kageyama on the court when they played against Dateko in season 4 episode 6 and 7.

His first reaction was feeling attacked by Kageyama’s remark about him being in the way which was justified, after the matter being explained Nishinoya backed off but the immediate reaction showed his trait.

But most of the time, especially apart of the beginning where Nishinoya started to appear, we can clearly see him use his Fi in a healthy manner.

Nishinoya’s emotions are always authentic and he accepts emotions very well not making fun of them (in a serious way that is).

He wanted to play against Oikawa due to his respect to him and his immense development in that short time he had heard from him in middle-school, motivating him even more as he played against him.

All in all his emotions are easily spotted, genuine and he shows them openly. When he is sad or touched he easily cries, when angry he gets louder and yells at people, even when Hinata talked to him he got touched and therefore offered to help him right away, simply because Hinata said some nice words.

Especially when excited and happy he even jumps high and climbs on other people’s backs.

He is also very understanding towards mistakes and short-comings, being the first one to encourage his teammates no matter if it was a good play or a big mistake.

Even on the sidelines he is the first one to jump over and rush into a hug to congratulate the one who made a point.

His famous line “I got your backs”, also shows us his other ways of showing emotional encouragement and himself displaying his empathetic nature of thinking about others while pushing his own self-care of confidence.

Someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, that is Nishinoya Yuu.

Tertiary Te:

As his tertiary function is Te his balance consists of Fi-Te.

Even when someone with an auxiliary Fi tries to resist it or there is a lack in it, in Nishinoya’s case it being the second on his stack makes it hard so Te is the defense mechanism that comes in when Fi is in one of those mentioned states.

Te rewards the lacking Fi with a sense of competence and strength, this means the lacking Fi misuses the Te causing the person to fall into a Te loop that tries to find a short-term “solution” for deep-lying self-image or self-confidence issues.

Nishinoya is very stubborn when it comes to his own skills and competences, despite being an amazing Libero and proving that fact in every match he stills seems to be never satisfied with himself and always seeks to improve, as he does that in a very domineering way not letting anyone stop him or even gets angry and resentful when someones tries to threaten or advise him that he is fine as he is. He refuses help from others at those times and does what he believes his right, as long as he sees he is competent enough to reach his goal his Te rewards his Fi with that false sense of strength to make him more confident about himself for the time-being than he actually is.

When he tells himself that he can do a certain thing for sure and obsessively emphasizes that even when he is in a monologue it is mostly to negative emotions, f.e when he fails to get receives several times or especially when he is not confident.

In season 4 we also see him almost not doing an overhand receive because it was the more secure way despite Nishinoya clearly trained to do exactly that receive especially when it came to jump floaters after experiencing Hanamaki doing it in the game of season 2.

His negative emotions mostly are buried behind a facade of I got your back, I am sure I can get any receive and many other words that should express his power.

Since we saw in the manga part and anime in season one, in the first practice match against Nekoma that Nishinoya praised Yaku for his skills but didn’t recognize his own, Yaku mentioned that Nishinoya probably doesn’t even see it himself. It shows that Nishinoya might be aware he is not confident but subconsciously expresses confident manners when in a loop.

Inferior Ni:

Ni, the last one on Nishinoya’s stack and it’s also the function that could be considered the least developed one out of the four.

While Ni is there to learn about intuitive connections it’s there to encourage yourself to nurture the inner world and reflect on the things happening around you, as well as connecting them into a context so you can fill the unknown in yourself. It also provides the imagination of idealistic ideas and envisioning the future ahead of you all that is part of introverted Intuition.

Yet in Nishinoya’s case Ni is his last function on the stack, it means he is more prone to resist and ignore his NI, especially when his Dom Se is going to extremes, this can cause the ignored Ni to become louder and louder when the problems caused by the former and it even can be threatening over time.

And that’s where Ni grip comes in, it unconsciously tries to compensate for the lack of the Se or Se extremes, but since the Ni usually is still underdeveloped it doesn’t turn out well and then the so-called grip happens.

The grip can be described when people would say this isn’t like you at all since usually the one exhibiting the grip behaviour isn’t even aware of that fact.

Nishinoya in Ni grip would be almost the opposite of what he almost is.

Hard to believe that the upbeat Nishinoya could be anything but loud and excited?

Well very wrong, in season four we actually see Nishinoya in his best Ni-grip behaviour.

Where do you ask?

Atsumu Miya standing on the other side of the court.

Yes, Nishinoya may be really excited and loves the challenge but especially in the course of the match we see him being quite different than we usually know him and see a whole different side of him.

It’s almost as if he was isolating himself while he felt trapped, felt very gloomy, frustrated, helpless, unassured and doubtful which are all signs of Ni grip.

He was doubting himself over and over and panicked about not being able to move, totally frozen and paraylzed by fear.

It’s as if the Nishinoya who said I got your back was a whole other being in that moment, his calm and contemplating nature about all the mistakes he could make by getting targeted and not being able to even move for Atsumu’s serves started in entire flashback about how he used to fear everything in his life.

He himself explained he moved on from that point where he was scared and after a long time admitted he was scared yet again like he used too as he indirectly questioned his confidence, abilities and his own value.

Usually Nishinoya who might be stubborn when it comes to advice or help but still accepts that he has Daichi and the others next to him, felt totally alone and trapped in that situation, closed-off and being able to reach out if it wasn’t for Kinoshita getting him out of that wrecked thought-process.

But Nishinoya himself questioned if this is all he could do, if this is the so-called Libero he should be and was almost freaking out by not being able to do anything due to he fear that overcame him,

It was a rare moment but that vulnerable, deep in thought Nishinoya who was unusually quiet and almost going crazy due to his inability seeking much more in that moment - That’s also part of Nishinoya but only the part that comes up when he is at his lowest.

As we understand now we surely can say, it was a moment where Nishinoya’s inferior Ni worked against him in a stressed situation, seeing it not being as developed as it should be but since it’s his inferior function around his age it’s quite normal for him to subconsciously misuse it to compensate for his Se extremes.

Conclusion:

Nishinoya is the very depiction of an ESFP as he embodies all the traits that his functions should represent. His personality type that is called the entertainer fits his fierce and energized nature, unpredictable of what he is going to do next.

With his short height yet big presence, he always stands in the spotlight as his amazing skills, loud voice and strong personality overshadow his much taller allies and opponents.

Even his flashy way of talking, his hairstyle and confidence Nishinoya earns the title of an ESFP.

Never getting tired of what is possible and what has to come, and never stopping to explore much more to what is there in the world.

Can you agree or do you see other traits in Nishinoya?

Write it down in the comments!

Until next time, rushing for my tea with a rolling thuuunder!

Makii

[the-sympathetic-villain]

You Belong With Me - Chapter 30

AO3 | First | Previous | Next | Masterpost  

Description:  Much to his surprise, after being released from prison for a crime he  didn’t commit, Logan has been appointed as a the prince’s new advisor.  

Word Count: 7859

Chapter Warnings contain major spoilers so they’re at the end! Scroll to the bottom and check them if you need to! Thanks :)

-

    “Stay here and stay out of the way. I'll be back as soon as I know where princey is. Got it?”

    Logan nodded, stepping to the side of the door as he watched the flurry of the infirmary bustle around them. The atmosphere of the infirmary held a somber tone as people rushed back and forth past them. He could feel his hands shaking as he stared at the the nurses' faces as they silently moved around the room. Aside from the hushed whispers of the staff and the quiet tapping of feet on the stone floor, no sound filled the air and the silence was truly unsettling.

    “Patton, I'm going to find Thomas.” Virgil muttered, eyes tracing the various people shuffling about the room. “I'll try to keep him at a distance, but if I can't, you need to act natural and not draw attention to yourself.”

     “I know, kiddo. Don't worry about me.” Patton whispered seriously. “Go find him.”

    “I’ll be back as soon as I know something.” Virgil put a hand on Patton’s shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.

    Patton stepped back against the wall, pulling Logan with him. Logan numbly followed him as he anxiously ran his thumb along his wrist.

    “Why is it so quiet, Pat?” Logan whispered, looking down at Patton nervously.

    “I'm not sure, Lo. I've come up here before to deliver supplies and I've never seen this place so quiet before.” Patton whispered back as he watched the ominous procession of healers about the room. “That doesn’t mean anything bad has happened to Ro though, kiddo.”

    Logan paused, looking down at the nervous look in Patton’s eyes and guessed Patton was trying as much to convince himself of this as he was Logan. “What do you think he did to Roman, Pat?”

    Patton chewed on his lip nervously before looking up at Logan. “I think he compelled him, Lo.”

    Logan took in the serious look on Patton’s face for a moment. “What does that mean?”

    “The ability to compel is one of the main reasons many humans fear fae.” Patton muttered, peeking at a bundle of herbs in a nurse's hand as they passed by b looked up at Logan. “Fae are sensitive to the world around them and can manipulate nature to their will. They can make plants grow faster or elements obey them.” Patton sighed. “Compelling is when a fae uses that ability to control a human being.”

    Logan tensed, crossing his arms. “Control them how?”

    Patton looked up at Logan with a sympathetic smile. “Now, kiddo. Don't go jumping to conclusions. Compelling humans to do things is frowned upon, even by the fair folk. Most of them don't even use their abilities to control plants and animals because of their beliefs. Without a good reason for compelling a human, the fae courts will punish them severely."

    Logan remained tense, watching Patton carefully. “You didn't answer my question, Pat.”

    “I know, Lo. I just don't want you getting any ideas in your head that they're bad people just for having the abilities they do.” Patton’s lip curled into a small knowing smile. “Fae can compel humans to do nearly anything—”

    Logan grimaced.

    “—but Lo, that doesn't mean they use this power to hurt people.”

     Logan averted his gaze as he crossed his arm. “But this is what you think Dee did to Roman?”

     “Maybe, kiddo.” Patton frowned. “It's the only reason I can imagine that Roman would be resisting the king bringing him into custody, but it's a serious crime.”

    Logan sighed, feeling his muscles droop with exhaustion. “So is kidnapping the crowned prince, Pat.”

     “Not exactly, Lo.” Patton stepped out of the way as a healer hustled by, muttering under her breath. He turned to Logan and whispered quietly. “Fae are not bound by our law the same way we are. A human would be put to death for kidnapping Roman."

    Logan looked up at Patton stiffly. “And a fae wouldn’t?”

    Patton shook his head, keeping his voice low. “No. The Fae have their own courts. The king wouldn't risk the wrath of the fair folk by putting one of theirs to death.”

     “So, even the king fears them?" Logan’s skin prickled uncomfortably. "That’s—”

    "Hey!" Patton suddenly looked at him with a horrified expression. “Stop that, Lo!”

    With a pause, Logan looked up in surprise as Patton took his hand from his arm. He looked down to see he'd dug his fingernails into his arm. Thankfully, Patton seemed to have stopped the subconscious habit before he drew blood. He forced himself to relax, glancing up at Patton’s horrified expression.

    “Patton, I'm sorry.” Logan flushed with embarrassment. “I-It’s a bad habit.”

     Patton looked up at him . “What do you mean habit?”

    Logan took a breath as Patton gently rubbed his arm. “Our day was…eventful and I tried to sleep earlier, I really did, but I couldn’t seem to distract myself from thoughts of what may be happening to Roman while we slept.”

    “That doesn’t explain why you called it a habit, Lo.”

    Patton’s wide-eyed stare made Logan cringe with shame. Guilt made his heart beat quickly in his chest as Patton stressed over him. “I know it make no sense for me to be doing it now, but I got in the habit of digging my nails into my arm to keep myself awake—so Remus couldn’t catch me off guard when he came into the—

    A loud crash shattered the silence around them and Logan flinched as the loud sound racked his body. His knees nearly collapsed from the shock as the loud metallic clang echoed of the stone walls. Patton’s arms reached around him, supporting him.

    He glanced up. All movement in the room had stopped and everyone had stopped to stare at a very apologetic looking apprentice staring helplessly at the mess he made as the rest of the room watched him. Logan stared blankly for a moment before Virgil’s muffled voice filled the air.

    “What are you all looking at?” He growled at the staring crowd. “Get back to your jobs and leave the kid alone.”

    The crowd quickly dispersed at his command, hanging their heads as they went back to their work. The young apprentice collected the items from the tray and cleared the mess. Logan watched as Virgil stopped to briefly reassure the shaking child before turning towards to rush towards them.

    Logan didn't miss the way Virgil’s eyes looked him up and down as he approached. His eyes flitted to Patton for a moment, looking for answers before turning back Logan. “You good, L?”

    “I'm fine.” Logan stood up off Patton, forcing himself upright.

    “Are you sure?” Virgil stepped closer, putting a hand on Logan's shoulder. “You’re looking kind of pale.”

    “My discomfort is manageable.” Logan waved away his concern. “Where is Roman?”

    Virgil glanced at Patton for help, but Patton merely nodded with a subtle smile. “Fine.” Virgil sighed. “We're going to see him, but from what I've heard so far, he's really sensitive and we do have to be careful not to set him off.”

    “Do they know what the fae did to him, Virge?” Patton anxiously tapped his fingers on his forearm.

    “Thomas' healers have an idea, but I want to see what you think before we talk this through.” Virgil paused, crossing his arms as he looked to them both. “Sound okay?”

    For the first time, Logan noticed a hesitancy in Virgil’s demeanor as he shifted back on his feet. He straightened, watching Virgil carefully. “That sounds agreeable. Vee, is there something else?”

    “I'm not sure what we’re walking into, L. He's not in a good place." Virgil attempted a reassuring smile. "Thomas—uh, he had to have princey restrained.”

    There was a long beat before Logan could speak again. He stared at Virgil’s attempt at reassurance, noting the stiffness in his movements. “Why?”

    “Princey's been putting up a fight about being here. He hasn't said much about what happened, but he's hurting.” Virgil crossed his arms, glancing back over his shoulder.

    “Is it really best for us to visit him in this condition?” Logan wondered out loud, anxiety prickling under his skin he took on Roman’s words.

    “Yes,” Virgil stepped closer, whispering under his breath as he watched the rest of the room bustling around him. “Whatever happened was the doing of a fae. So, given this guy's treatment of me earlier, I assume we’re probably going to need a little fae intervention to remedy the situation.”

    Logan nodded stiffly.

    “I'm sorry to put that on you again, L,” Virgil put a hand on his shoulder gently. “but this bastard doesn't seem to want Roman dead, so my only assumption is that the game he's playing still revolves around you.”

    “Your assumption seems sound,” Logan looked over at Virgil cautiously. The level of control he had over his newfound abilities gave him pause, but much like Virgil before, Dee wasn't giving him another option.  Logan sighed before attempting a smile. “Of course, if I can help, I'm happy to do whatever I can for him.”

    “We'll figure it out together, Lo.” Patton whispered encouragingly.

    Virgil smiled, wrapping his arm around Logan as he started to guide them through the crowd. “Thomas agreed to give us a few minutes on our own with him. He's been in and out of princey’s room a few times, but leaving Roman alone seems to have been the only way they've been able to keep him calm.”

    “Is Thomas with him now?” Patton whispered seriously.

    “He'll be close. Chances are we good we'll run into him.” Virgil glanced at Patton’s nervous expression and slowed his pace. “It's okay if you want to keep your distance, Pat. I can come back and give you an update in—”

    “No. It’s okay, Virge.” Patton gently waved at him to keep up his pace. “I want to be there for Roman—and for Lo. I want to be there to help if I can.”

    “Okay." Virgil nodded, increasing his pace as Thomas came into view. “It’s your call, Pat. I just want you to be sure.”

    Logan lifted his head to watch the king pacing in the narrow corridor ahead of them. He demeanor seemed agitated, though Logan could hardly fault him for his apparent frustration.

    “Keep you voices down.” Virgil whispered. “Princey's pretty sensitive to sound at the moment.”

    Logan nodded, crossing his arms as they drew near the king. He snuck a glance at Patton as Virgil detached from his shoulder.  Despite his detached expression, Logan could feel waves of anxiety radiating off of him as he timidly stepped forward. With a reassuring smile, Logan reached out to touch Patton’s forearm. He smiled as Patton’s anxiety wavered and he looked up to return Logan’s smile.

    “Virgil.” The king looked up, visibly less tense as Virgil approached.

    “Thomas,” Virgil nodded his head in a quick bow and the others followed suit, stopping just behind him. “Has there been any change?”

    Thomas sighed, running a hand through his golden-brown hair. Logan noticed his appearance was considerably more disheveled since their last meeting. Stress flickered in his eyes as he looked at Virgil. “Nothing worth noting. He’s still being resistant, but at least for now, he seems to have quieted.”

    “We're going to help him, Thomas. I promise.” Virgil took a step closer and put his hand on Thomas’ shoulder. Logan couldn’t help but stare at the small act of familiarity, still mesmerized by Virgil’s openness with the king.  

    “Do you have a plan?” Thomas whispered. Logan could hear a tinge of sadness in his voice as he looked nervously at Virgil.

    “Not exactly, but Logan has had some experiences with this particular fae,” Virgil glanced over his shoulder and Logan tensed as Thomas’ gaze turned to him. “I think we'll be able to piece together a solution once we see Roman.”

    “You've met this fae before?”

    Logan nodded tensely, skin prickling at the hope in Thomas' voice. “Our interactions were not pleasant, but I can only hope I gleaned enough information to make a difference.”

    “It was Logan who tipped me off to the guy being fae in the first place.” Virgil whispered with a faint, proud smile.

     “It was noth—” Logan’s thought was stopped abruptly as the king's arms reached around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. He froze, awkwardly stiff as the king squeezed him tightly.

    “Thank you, Logan.” Logan relaxed slightly at the gentleness in the king's voice. Raw emotion radiated off of him and Logan’s breath caught in his throat as Thomas’ gratitude seeped into him. “You've brought my son home to me, not once, but twice now.”

    “Truly, it is my honor to serve him, your majesty." Logan whispered breathlessly as the king released him.

    “What you’ve done goes beyond service. It is kindness, Logan.” Thomas smiled gently at him. "and I couldn't be happier that Roman has you on his side."

    Heat rushed to Logan’s cheeks at the praise and he dipped his head. “T-thank you, sir.”

    “Please, call me Thomas. You've more than earned that right. If you ever need for anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He waited for Logan to nod before turning to Patton with a curious glance. “I don’t believe we've met.”

     “My name is Patton. I’m—” Patton whispered.

     “Oh yes! I've been meaning to see you for a long time!” Thomas exclaimed quietly. He paused as Patton flinched visibly at the sound. He softened his voice putting a hand on Patton's shoulder. “You're Danu's prodigy.”

     Patton stared blankly at Thomas until Logan nudged him with his elbow. His heart fluttered as he nodded slowly at Thomas.

    “I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting you.” Thomas smiled with a glance at the door behind him. “Every time I have tried, it seems that my son would bring an issue to my attention that demanded my immediate attention. I do apologize for my negligence, but the greenhouses have thrived under your care, and I've had no urgent reason to visit.”

    “Thank you, sir.” Patton whispered. “I am grateful you have agreed to let me continue to practice in my master's position.”

    “I must admit, I thought the underworld itself had frozen over when Danu told me she was stepping down, but I knew she would not leave the greenhouses in the hands of someone she did not trust.” Thomas paused with a sad smile on his face. “I do miss her presence in the castle, but she would be proud of the work you've done in her absence.

    Patton smiled proudly. He dipped his head in solemn fondness of the memories playing in his head. “I miss her too, but it is an honor to receive your praise for what she taught me.”

    “It is my pleasure,” Thomas smiled at Patton. For a moment, something more seemed to flicker in Thomas' eyes as Logan watched him, but as quick as it was there, it was gone, leaving Logan wondering if he'd seen anything at all. The somber expression was quickly replaced by a playful smirk. “I also assume that the many times my son and Virgil have disappeared from the infirmary, they were in your care?”

     Patton flushed nervously, dropping his gaze to the ground. “Yes, sire.”

    “Thomas is fine.” Thomas quickly reassured him. “Quite honestly, I feel better knowing they were with you. I have no doubt they were in good hands if Danu trained you.”

    Patton smiled and Logan feel a subtle glimmer of pride surge through Patton at Thomas’ confidence in him. “She taught me so much. I was lucky to have her.”

    Thomas smiled gently at him, before turning back to Virgil. “I hate to take my leave now, but I have to relieve my husband. Sending out the alarm on Roman upset some members of the court and I left him at their mercy. If they haven’t eaten him alive yet, I think he'd very much like to see his son.”

    “Go, Thomas. We've got princey.” Virgil urged. “We'll send word if we make progress. I promise.”

    “At least one of you will stay with him until his father arrives?” Thomas pressed. Logan shivered as the anxiety he had felt from Thomas before they’d arrived seemed to resurface at the prospect of leaving. It radiated off him in waves, nearly knocking the breath out of Logan.

    “You have my word, Thomas. Roman is safe with us.” Virgil reassured him.

    “Thank you, Virgil.” Thomas whispered gratefully. “All of you, thank you.”

    Logan smiled at the king as he turned to leave. The nervousness still radiated off of him, but he could feel that the king seemed to trust that Roman was in good hands. He made his way down the corridor, casting one last worried glance at the trio before disappearing around the corner.

    “Are you ready, L?”

    Logan’s eyelids felt heavy as he stared after Thomas, but his mind suddenly buzzed with anxious thoughts at the idea of seeing Roman again.

    “We're going to be with you the whole time, kiddo.”

    He felt Patton’s hand on his shoulder as he stared down at his trembling hands. He tucked his hand into his sides as he crossed his arms. “I’m fine. Let's help Roman.”

    “Okay. If you need to duck out, that's fine too.” Virgil put a hand on the door, glancing back at them seriously. “Stay quiet and be gentle with him. Whatever is going on, he's sensitive and we need to be careful not to antagonize his discomfort.”

   He waited for affirmation from Logan and Patton before turning the door handle. Logan watched as Patton followed him quietly through the door behind him.

    Logan stopped just behind Patton, pausing in the doorway as he allowed his eyes to gradually adjust to the dark room. His heart twisted with guilt as he took in the sight before him. The curtains were closed, allowing only the thinnest sliver of light to illuminate the room. He shuddered at the sight Roman was propped up stiffly on pillows against the headboard of the bed. The blankets beneath him were untouched as he sat on top of them. His muscles were tense and he was clearly awake, yet Logan was unnerved by the unnatural stillness of his body on the bed.

    He absently started to push the door shut, stopping immediately as Roman's face scrunched in discomfort at the groan of the door. Virgil's head snapped to Logan, waving at him to leave the door open. Logan nodded as he pulled his hand from the door, leaving it open as he stilled to watch Virgil step lightly toward Roman. Virgil stopped at the edge of his bed as Patton and Logan watched quietly from across the room. He’d only just opened his mouth to speak when Roman interrupted him.

    “I know you’re there, Virge.”

    The whisper was weak. Even from across the room, Logan could hear the exhaustion in his voice. His heart ached as he watched Virgil lower himself down into the chair next to Roman.

    “What do you need from us, princey?”

    “Quiet.”

    Virgil paused, before continuing in a soft whisper. “Do you want us to leave?”

   Roman stiffly shook his head. The movement was so minute Logan felt he could have blinked and missed it. Logan felt an ache deep in his chest at the pained expression on Roman’s face as he moved.

    “What happened, princey?”

    “Bastard caught me off guard.” Roman grimaced, face contorting in pain. “One look in his eyes and—”

    “Don't push yourself, princey.” Virgil leaned forward. “Let’s focus on fixing it and then we can worry about the details. What's wrong?”

     “Feel everything.” Roman whispered through gritted teeth. “Too much.”

    Logan watched as Patton perked up at that statement. He looked back at Logan before stepping forward, staying light on his feet as he approached the side of the bed. “Hey, kiddo. I think I know what happened, but I need you to answer a few questions. Did the fae control you with just a glance?”

    Roman gave a small pained nod.

    "Okay, kiddo." Patton thought for a moment. "So, he mesmerized you and got you away from Logan and Virgil, but this couldn't have started then. He needed you to be able to move while he had you." Patton paused. "Ro, did he tell you to open your senses just before they arrested him?"

    Roman sucked in a shallow breath as he gave another quick nod.

    “Good job, Ro. Just hold on a little longer." Patton whispered. “We can fix this.”

    A soft gasp of relief escaped Roman as he continued to sit still on the bed.

    “Don't touch him, Virge.” Patton smiled faintly at Virgil's worried expression as he turned and moved back to Logan. Silently, he pulled Logan out of the room and leaned into his ear. “I was right, Lo. That fae compelled Roman.”

    Logan scowled as he nodded along with Patton.

    “From what I can tell, He didn't order Roman to do anything,” Patton whispered bitterly. “but he seems to have altered Roman's perception of reality so that his senses are working at full capacity. You remember yesterday, when I hugged you, and you were overwhelmed by all of my feelings, because you didn't know how to control your new senses?"

    Logan leaned away and nodded solemnly.

    “That's what's Roman is feeling, but it's a lot worse, kiddo. All of his senses are overloaded and he can't dull the feelings at all.” Patton frowned as realization struck him. “No wonder he resisted being captured. All that noise and being touched. It was all hurting him.”

    Logan bristled at the thought, glaring at the ground. “Tell me what I have to do, Pat.”

    "I'm sorry, kiddo," Patton whispered. "but you're going to have to compel him."

    His arms went limp as he looked up at Patton’s words. “What?”

    Patton looked at him sympathetically. “What are you feeling, Lo?"

    “I don't want to force anything on Roman.” Logan pleaded quietly. “He already—"

    “You’re not forcing him to do anything.” Patton reassured him, resting a hand on his arm. “Please, kiddo. You’re the only one who can help him return to normal.”

    Logan bit his lip and looked up at him. “There's no other way?”

    Patton looked at him desperately, but sighed. “It can't last forever. The altered reality is running on the fae's magic. Eventually, his magic will run out and Roman will return to normal, but that could take hours or even days. We can't wait that long. He can barely move, Lo—”

    “Okay—” Logan held up as hand to stop him. “Okay. Just tell me what to do.”

    Patton paused with a hesitant glance at Logan. “Well, that part I'm not sure about, kiddo.”

    “Pat—” Logan hissed.

    “I haven’t exactly done it before, Lo. I don't have that kind of power,” Patton smiled sheepishly at him. “but magic is all about intention and focus. If you stay focused on what you want, once you feel the magic flowing through you, all you have to do is tell Roman what you want him to do.”

    Logan paused. “Which is what exactly?”

    “The words you choose matter,” Patton thought out loud. “but if you spend to much time thinking about the exact right words, you'll lose focus.”

    “So, what do I do?” Logan looked at him in disbelief. "Just make it up on the spot?

    “No, not make it up. If you’re focused, the right words will be there.” Patton smiled gently. “Can you do it?”

    “I'll give it my best effort, Pat.”

    “That's all we ask, kiddo.” Patton whispered. “Now, do you need a moment to center yourself?”

    Logan shook his head nervously. Patton smiled as he took Logan’s hand and led him through the door once more. He could feel his hands shaking as Patton dragged him into the room. Stepping back into the room, he could see Virgil leaned in close to the side of Roman’s bed, whispering reassurances as the prince sat stiffly in his bed.

    A desperate look filled Virgil’s eyes as he looked up at them, His voice shook with concern as he looked to Patton and Logan. “He's hurting. Please, tell me you have a plan.”

    “We do, Virge.” Patton rushed to his side, gently wrapping his arms around Virgil waist. Virgil hesitated before wrapping his around Patton sadly, worried tears glistening in his eyes.

    Logan hovered in the doorway, hesitating to approach. His gaze drifted to Roman, and his heart twisted with guilt. Knowing that Roman had done so much for him, and yet he couldn't himself to move, extending Roman's pain because he couldn’t control his own fear.

   “It's okay, Lo.” Patton gestured for him to follow him forward. "You can do this."

    Logan stepped forward slowly. Thoughts rolled through his mind absently pulling him in different directions as he moved to Roman.

    A sudden groan from Roman stopped him in his tracks. Logan let out a soft gasp as he stepped forward and Roman whimpered. Frozen with indecision, he watched Roman squirm with discomfort until Patton’s arms gently guided him backwards. Guilt burned in the pit of his stomach as the prince relaxed slightly with each step he moved away.

    “Lo, you have to focus.” Patton whispered. “You’re projecting your own discomfort and he can feel it.”

    Logan tore his eyes away from Roman to look at Patton. “I can't—"

    "You can, kiddo." Patton whispered patiently. "You just have to—"

    "My emotions are clouding my judgment—" Logan whispered. "I can't focus on what I'm doing—I'm useless—”

    “You’re not useless and neither are your emotions. You’re just focusing on the wrong ones.” Patton smiled gently at him. “We've seen how kind you are. You care about him. Let go of the fear you're feeling and focus on your good thoughts about Roman."

    Logan paused, looking at Patton. “Good thoughts?”

    “Yes. Let go of the future, kiddo. Whatever happens, Virgil and I will help you through it.” Patton smiled. “Focus on everything good you feel about Roman.”

    With a deep breath, Logan nodded slowly. He closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander through his memories. The air shifted gently at the memory of Roman’s touch. He felt a gentle breeze rush over his skin at the memory of the night before, curled in Roman’s arms as the fire crackled before them. The hairs on his arms raised at the thought of pulling Roman into bed with him.

    Memories of spending the night in Roman's arms.

    Memories of their first kiss.

    Logan sucked in a sharp breath as his first memory of Roman played through his mind. He could feel the air crackling around his body at the mere memory of staring up into the eyes of the man who saw fit to give him a chance when the rest of the world had abandoned him.

    A small crack of thunder echoed in the distance as Logan opened his eyes.  His pupils glowed a bright blue as he stepped forward. Virgil’s eyes trailed him as he skirted the end of the bed. He stopped at the edge of the bed, barely registering Patton and Virgil staring at him from across the bed. His focus zeroed in on Roman. Gentle energy radiated off him and he could feel Roman relax as he leaned closer. He could feel Patton tense as Logan reached a hand to the prince's cheek, but Roman relaxed into his hand with a relieved sigh. His eyes were still tightly closed as he leaned into Logan’s hand.

    “Roman, my dear.” Power flowed through Logan’s words as he whispered to Roman. “Please, I want you to perceive the world as it is.”

    Roman groaned softly as a shiver passed through his body. His shoulders slumped and he collapsed forward. Logan's magic faltered briefly as he leaned forward and caught Roman with a hand on his chest, gently pushing him upright against the pillows. Roman’s eyes fluttered on the edge of consciousness as his head rested back on the pillow. His eyes focused briefly on Logan with a confused expression, staring up into Logan's glowing eyes.

    “You’re a fae.” Roman's weak mumble resonated in his chest as Logan looked down at him.

    Logan smiled shyly and nodded. His eyes still glowed a vibrant shade of blue as Roman murmured and seemed to lose consciousness. Logan sighed, anxiety burning in his chest as he watched Roman drift to sleep.

    “Well, well, well…”

    Logan heart seized as he lurched back from Roman. His eyes flickered and faded to their normal shade as adrenaline rushed into his veins. Patton and Virgil turned their heels, spinning to the door.

    Remus.

    A sick smile spread across Remus' face as he stepped into the room with a guard on each shoulder.

    “What are you doing here?” Virgil hissed as he instinctively stepped forward between his friends and Remus.

    “My dearest brother was hospitalized. Of course, I was going to make an appearance,” Remus mused in an almost bored tone. “and good thing too, since it would seem my brother's favorite toy is content to let a fae control him—”

    Virgil stepped in front of Remus, cutting him off from advancing on Logan. “What are you playing at, R—”

    “Don't pretend you didn’t see the smoking gun, pet.” Remus cooed as Virgil snarled in his face. “His eyes were still glowing. I think the world should know my favorite little prison rat has been compelling the crowned prince, and—” Remus peeked over Virgil’s shoulder at Roman, deliberately invading Virgil’s space as he drawled his statement. “—seeing as Roman’s out of commission, it would seem the responsibility falls to me.”

    “What responsibility?” Virgil muttered, stubbornly holding his ground as Remus leaned closer.

     Remus smiled over Virgil’s shoulder, sending a shudder through Logan’s body as Remus' gaze locked in on him. “I'm going to arrest him, of course.”

    Numbness settled over Logan as he backed into the far wall. The meaning of Remus’ words sunk in as the sadistic smirk on Remus’ face widened. Logan' s fingertips tingled as a new wave of panic settled over him as a soft, pleading whisper escaped him. “Vee—”

    “You’re not going anywhere, L.” Virgil stated sternly.

    “Oh, come now, pet.” Remus sneered as he turned back to Virgil. “You've played this game long enough to know how this works. You don't have the power to stop me.”

    “The only way you’re getting to him is through me,” Virgil glanced up at the guards behind him with a heated glare. “and we both know you didn’t bring the manpower to walk out of here with him.”

    “Eh,you're right." Remus giggled as he glanced over his shoulder at the guard. He raised a hand to Virgil’s shoulder, smiling wryly as Virgil shrugged his hand away. “They're a dime a dozen compared to you, but you know better than to touch me. Roman has trained you better than that, pet.”

   “Try me.” Virgil hissed back.

   “Give me a reason to arrest you too. I dare you.” Remus chuckled manically as he surged forward, latching his hands onto the front of Virgil’s cloak. “Arrest the fae.”

    Virgil pulled back in shock, surprised by Remus grip. Remus’ men surged toward Logan as Virgil struggled against Remus' grip. “You bastard. Let me go—”

    Logan's heart sank in his chest as the guards approached. He shrank back into the corner, closing his eyes as he braced himself to be grabbed. “Please, no—"

    “Anyone who touches Logan will lose their head.”

    A soft gasp escaped Logan as the movement in front of him stopped. He opened his eyes, trembling as he stared at the guards towering over him.

    “I won't repeat myself.”

    The guards took a step back and Logan blinked, straightening up as he turned his eyes to a bleary-eyed Roman looking up from his bed. A furious looking Patton glared at the guards, standing over Roman's barely conscious form.

    A loud grunt from across the room tore his attention across the room as Remus tumbled back towards the door. Remus reached a hand to his face wiping the blood from his lip as he glared at Virgil. “You’re going to regret that.”

    “You don't hold that power over me, Remus.” Virgil spat back glaring at Remus as the guards retreated behind him.

    Remus scowled back at him for a moment, before glancing behind him to see a growing crowd that had been attracted by the commotion. Logan shivered as Remus turned to Virgil with a dangerous grin. “You traitor! You claim to protect my brother and you put him in danger like this?”

    “What—” Virgil growled.

    “You knowingly bring a dangerous creature into our midst.” Remus' dramatic gaze drifted to Logan as he continued his façade, playing up his dramatic gesture as the crowd behind him watched. “What game are you playing at? You play the loyal hero but you put this kingdom in danger by allowing him to control our dear Roman—”

    Virgil stood frozen, as the small crowd mumbled behind Remus. Suspicious glances fell on Virgil as Remus continued his tirade. "I'm not—"

    "Don't lie to me. It's eyes were glowing bright as I stumbled onto your plot. You're a traitor to the crown—"

    “Remus, enough.” All eyes in the room toward the bed as Roman tiredly turned his legs over the edge of the bed. “You will not question my leadership or Virgil’s loyalty again. Am I clear?”

    “Your friend here just gave me a bloody lip. Clearly, he's—”

    “From what I saw, you attacked him.” Roman stated firmly, pushing himself up off the bed. “The consequences that befell you are your own responsibility, Remus.”

     Remus growled as he started to lose control of the situation. His face became manic as he continued to push. “I was trying to protect you—”

     “Logan is my friend and personal advisor. You overstepped your bounds by acting as judge, jury and executioner, and you will apologize to him.” Roman commanded him as he rolled up his sleeves. “I will not ask twice.”

    Remus’ eye darted between Roman and Logan before settling on Logan with ice in his eyes. He growled, glancing at Roman staring at him in his periphery. “I apologize for acting with haste. I had only our kingdom’s safety in mind when I acted to your detriment.”

    “A good apology does not blame your victim, but I will allow your attempt to be difficult to slide because I have more important issues to attend to.” Roman stated dryly, gesturing to the crowd. “Now, take your leave. All of you.”

    Remus glared as the crowd began to disperse. An edge crept into his voice as he raised his volume in a final attempt to regain control. “Your friend is a fae who I saw compelling you and you plan to allow him among the general public? Do you care so little for your people?”

   Roman lifted his eyes to Remus in apparent annoyance. “He’s been falsely accused once and his actions have saved my life on multiple occasions. I do not doubt his loyalty. Nevertheless, I will allow your claims will be investigated for peace of mind of the people, but not to Logan's detriment. Virgil?”

    Virgil looked across the room to him. “Yes, Roman?”

    “When we are finished here, you will escort Logan to his chambers and he will remain there until I confer with my fathers.” Roman glared at Remus. "I will act on their advice to clear Logan of your accusations."

    A smile tugged at the corner of Virgil’s lips as he nodded. “Yes, sir.”

    “Are you satisfied?” Roman pressed Remus, signaling the end of the conversation.

    Remus snarled angrily. “Fine.”

    “Then, leave.” Roman commanded plainly, leaving no room for argument.

    Remus paused and his face shifted. His irritation disappeared as his eyes landed on Logan. The controlled, hungry look in his eyes sent new waves of fear through Logan's body. His smile widened, licking his lips at Logan before finally turning to Roman with a smirk and an exaggerated bow. “As you command, my prince.”

    The door had only just closed behind Remus as Logan’s knees gave out from beneath him. His knees hit the ground, barely able to stay upright as his breathing became rapid. His heart pounding in his chest nearly overwhelming all sound around him.

    “Pat, grab princey. Get him on the bed.” Virgil’s voice blasted overwhelmingly in Logan’s ears as he felt hands grasp him. “Come on, L. You’re—”

    “Virge—”

    “Don’t argue with me, princey.” Virgil cut him off with a huff. “You may have fooled Remus, but I can tell you’re still weak. Lay down.”

    “But—” Roman's voice became urgent and Logan could hear him take a step forward as Virgil waved him back.

    “I've got him, princey. Shut up and sit down.” Arms curled around Logan as he heard Virgil gently hushing him. “You’re safe, L. You were never going with him. We weren't going to let that happen.”

    Logan leaned into Virgil, shaking as he sucked in a sudden breath. He felt a lump in his throat as he breath caught in his throat.

    “Steady breaths, L. Match my breathing.” Virgil gently pulled Logan to his chest, taking exaggerated breaths as he held Logan close.

    Logan wheezed, struggling to steady his breathing. His hands clenched as tears streaked down his face. He choked back a sob feeling a deep ache in his chest as he tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

    “You’re doing good, L." Virgil whispered patiently. “He's gone. It's just me, Patton and princey. You’re not going anywhere.”

    Logan’s ragged breathing slowed gradually as he leaned to Virgil. When he finally calmed himself, he choked out a few words between strained breaths. “I'm sorry—I was on edge b—”

    “Don't apologize. None of us saw that coming, L.” Virgil corrected him gently as he squeezed his shoulders. “You’re fine. Really, if anything, I should be thanking you for giving me the opportunity to bloody that bastard’s face.”

    Logan smiled faintly, still shaking as he relaxed slightly into Virgil’s arms. “Please tell me you’re not going to face consequences for helping me."

   “Nothing’s happening to me because I helped you.” Virgil smirked back at him. “I might have if  it were my word against Remus', but princey woke up just in time to back me up. We're good now.”

    Logan blinked blankly at Virgil for a moment before a new wave of nervousness settled on his stomach as he looked up to where Patton and Roman stared at him as they sat on the edge of the bed. His face flushed at the sudden awareness of the attention in the room directed at him. “I'm sorry—”

    “L—”

    Logan glanced at Virgil before correcting himself with a downward glance. “I didn't mean to draw all of the attention to myself.”

    There was a long pause before Patton broke the silence. “You were scared, Lo. It's okay if you needed a moment—”

    “It wasn’t right for me to worry you—”

    “What are you talking about, Lo?” Patton jumped off the bed and took a few steps toward him. “You couldn’t control that—”

    “I'm sorry, Roman.”

    Silence hung between them as they all stared at Logan with wide eyes.

    “Why are you apologizing to me, Lo?” Roman watched him carefully.

    “I knew that you were leaving with the fae who took me—” Logan swallowed nervously as he met Roman’s surprised expression. “H-he said he'd kill you if I said anything, but I should have—” Logan’s face dropped as his words trailed off as he looked at the ground.

    “Should have what?

    Logan’s brow furrowed as he looked up, confused by the gentle smile on Roman’s face. He glanced at Virgil before looking back at Roman. “What?”

    “What should you have done?” Roman pressed gently. “You seem to be sure you had another option, Lo.”

    “I should have done something." Logan stated dryly, biting his lip. "After everything—"

    “Lo, I’m here and I'm okay,” Roman stepped off the bed, ignoring Patton’s protests as he came to kneel before Logan. “and it would seem that is only true thanks to you.”

    “I didn’t know, Roman.” Logan whispered, dropping his gaze.

    “Didn’t know what?” Roman took Logan’s hand in his as he moved closer.

    Guilt welled in Logan's chest as he stared at Roman’s hand. Finally, he looked up to Roman’s tired smile with a hesitant tremble. “About my true nature—I never intended to hide anything from you. I swear I didn't know—"

    “Logan, relax.”

    Logan kept his head down, staring at his hand as Roman cut off his rambling. He winced as Roman's other hand brushed his cheek and looked up to Roman’s tired, gentle smile.

     “Please, Lo. You’ve done so much for me.” Roman whispered. His voice held a hint of exhaustion as he glanced patiently up at Logan. “Whatever you’re worried about, I promise you don't need to be.”

    “But you said—” Logan whispered, stopping as Roman squeezed his hand.

    “I was angry you'd been hurt Lo.” Roman sighed as a small, adoring smile curled on his lips. “but what I said is clearly not true. You are the most admirably kind person I’ve ever met, who has seen fit to save me again and again. I'm sorry if I made you worry you were anything less.”

    Logan paused, looking up at him in disbelief. “This really doesn’t bother you?”

    “You just saved me from the most miserable pain of my life, and you did so at the risk of showing me a part of yourself you were clearly nervous to reveal to me.” Roman smiled faintly. “I'm nothing but entranced by your bravery, Logan.”

    Logan smiled shyly as redness dusted his cheeks.

    “Not that that's not sickeningly sweet, but you should probably be careful about the words you use, considering what just happened.” Virgil chimed in a bored tone.

    “Right." Roman glanced over at Virgil’s serious expression before watching Logan as he dropped his hand from Logan's cheek to behind his neck. "Remus may not have been successful in his plan, but he succeeded at stirring the pot. No doubt rumors are already spreading about you. The whole kingdom will be watching us.”

    “I'm sorry I wasn’t quite quick-witted enough to cut off the head of that snake before it got away.” Virgil growled. “Remus turned that situation around on me fast.”

    “It's not your fault, Virge.” Roman muttered. “He's got a natural instinct for making everything worse, but Logan?”

     “Yes, Roman?” Logan lifted his gaze.

    “I'm going to ask you not to share this with anyone, Lo. My fathers' leadership will fall under question for allowing me to fall victim to another plot to harm me. I know it's a lot to ask, but I don't want to make their job harder." Roman paused, looking up at Logan with guilt in his eyes. "Will you keep your true nature a secret for me?”

    Logan stared at him for a moment before nodding quietly. “Anything you need, Roman.”

    “Thank you, Logan. Virgil will take you to your room.” Roman leaned over to press his lips against Logan’s forehead before turning down to look at him. “I think you need to get some rest.”

     Logan nodded as Roman gently pulled him to his feet.

    “You need to do that as well, princey.” Virgil chided lightly.

    “I will once I talk to—”

    “Patton will send a courier for Thomas and stay with you until he arrives.” Virgil stated plainly, looking to Patton for confirmation. When Patton nodded back, Virgil turned back to Roman. “Stay here and rest. Don't go looking for trouble tonight. Got it?”

    Roman rolled his eyes with a smirk. “Perhaps, Remus was right when he said I'd given you too much control.”

    "You didn't give me this power. Thomas did,” Virgil smirked back. “and he did it for your own good."

    “Very well, go. I will rest and once I’ve cleared Logan with my fathers in the morning, I will stop by his chambers to release you both.”

    “Both of you, stay safe.” Virgil smiled as he stepped back, eyes flitting back and forth between Patton and Roman.

    “You as well, Virgil.” Roman nodded tiredly before turning to Logan. He smiled gently as he took Logan’s hand. “Until morning, I will say goodbye. Please know precious you are to me, Lo, and I'm grateful for what you risked for me tonight. I know it was not an easy thing to do.”

    Logan smiled as Roman’s arms wrapped around him and he leaned his head into Roman’s chest. “I would do anything for you, Roman.”

    “Rest easy tonight, Lo,” Roman whispered. "and know you are protected and loved."

    “I hope you do as well, Roman.” A smile spread across Logan’s face as he nodded gently into Roman's chest. Slowly, Roman released him and his heart warmed at the tired, adoring smile on Roman's face. His heart fluttered as he turned from Roman to follow Virgil out of the room.

-

    He ducked through the doorway behind Virgil quickly following him into the corridor. They wandered quietly through the halls as they made their way up to his chambers. Thoughts danced through his mind as Virgil led him silently through the halls. The long, empty hallways reverberated with their footsteps as they made their way through the dim hallways. Sounds of the night echoed in the hallway as he followed close behind Logan

    Logan glanced up as they approached his door. Nervousness bubbled in his stomach as he looked up at Virgil as he slowed to allow Logan to open the door. Logan hesitated, fidgeting with his key as he look up at Virgil. “Vee?”

    Virgil watched him carefully as Logan dipped his head. “Yeah, L?”

    “How long do you think I'll be confined to my chambers?” Logan whispered, staring at the key in his hand.

    “I'd be surprised if princey’s not here right away in the morning to let us know it’s resolved. Thomas likes you. I don't see why he would stall your release.” Virgil stepped forward to reassure him. “The court is in chaos at the moment though, and Remus could stall them a few days if he chooses to be difficult.”

    Logan stared down at the ground, lost in thought.

    “No more than a few days though, Lo.” Virgil reassured him. “I promise. You won't be stuck here for long.”

     “It's not that, Vee.” Logan whispered, not looking up from the ground. "I-I want to talk to him."

     “Roman?” Virgil leaned against the wall, still eyeing him cautiously. “He'll be here tomorrow, L. Regardless of anything, Roman is going to stop by to give us an update—”

    “Not Roman, Vee.” Logan looked up at him seriously. “I want to talk to Dee.”

-

Chapter Warnings: Anxiety, Angst, Unintentional Self-Harm, Overstimulation, Attempted Arrest, Minor Violence, Minor Blood, Panic attack, Romantic contact 

-

General Taglist:

@somehow-i-got-an-account @justanotherhumanstuff @im-an-anxious-wreck

You Belong With Me Taglist:

@cas-is-a-hunter @insert-cool-blogname @ironwoman359 @i-know-im-smart @imbadatnames8d @croftersphoenix @optimistic-violinist @chronicallynervouschild @croftersjam15 @actitus-hypoleucos @unbefuckinglieveable @justthatamount @eeveeeclair246 @taxicabinmemphis @theoddkidnextdoor @bluerosesbleedred @bowties--cool @lookingforaplacetosleep @xxpanic-at-the-everywherexx @007ardra @im-actually-ok @grayson-22 @dwbh888

[bronyinabottle]

Post-Trailer Generation 5 Thoughts

So, a trailer for the beginning of G5 has now been released. And as promised, I am having a supplementary post to my preliminary thoughts and concerns heading into G5. Though I do first want to answer something I’m sure some might be curious about and that’s if G5 will have any bearing on I Dream of Twilight Sparkle. Given the thing about it being supposedly being the same Equestria at least according to mentions of the Mane 6 as the ancient times and by execs.

G5’S EFFECT ON I DREAM OF TWILIGHT SPARKLE

I will go ahead and say that no, other then if there’s maybe a part of the movie and/or upcoming series I want to make some sort of reference to for any reason that G5 will not happen in the IDOTS universe. The thing about the premise of G5 contradicts a huge thing that’s part of Secrets of the Dragon’s Tear in that Life itself is Magic. With presumably years and years of no magic, G5’s world wouldn’t exist. It’d be the lifeless wasteland that was seen in the Season 5 finale. I will stay firmly on G4 characters as I still have plenty I want to do with them. I’ve once thought about ending I Dream of Twilight Sparkle on the 10th anniversary of the blog next year. But that might not be enough time to fully explore everything I want to do post-Secrets of the Dragon’s Tear. So rest assured I have lots of plans still without having to dive into G5 material.

Another huge difference in IDOTS case that I will point out is that thousands of years by now as I imagine is implied by G4 being Ancient Equestria in G5. Is that Twilight (and Spike too, who will probably be full size at that point) will still be around. And even the others of the Mane 6 and other characters of the G4 generation will likely be able to guide the living as summonable spirits. I doubt under that context that the world of Equestria deteriorates to G5’s situation with this all in mind.

(More after the break)

REITERATING THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE G4-G5 CONNECTION

But now to actually get the trailer itself, it generally shows what we know already but this is the first time we see a little bit in how they’re executing it in motion and acting. They are going to continue mentioning that G4 is the ancient times of this world with the only reason Pony relations that seems to have deteriorated is the long passage of time. Which seems like a terrible interpretation of time. Division still happens in our world especially in the politics side of things but thousands of years ago (or even just a few hundred years ago) it was far worse then it is now with authoritarian empires, monarchies, and enslavement of people everywhere. There’s not a period of history from thousands of years ago that most of us look to have again like Sunny will for Twilight’s reign.

If we are to take it at face value that G5 happened after G4, the peaceful world we saw in The Last Problem where not just all 3 pony types but even non-pony species popullate many areas of Equestria and live in harmony. Even if perhaps you’re not a fan of one or both of the final two seasons of the show, The Last Problem showed that Twilight’s friendship school accomplished it’s goal in helping Equestria reach out to other places in the world. It’s hard to see from that point how things can deteriorate where things seem to be far worse then Celestia’s sole rule of 1,000 years. Or to go even further, it seems to have gotten just as bad if not worse then the Hearth’s Warming story of the founding of Equestria. It’s arguably worse then even the Hearth’s Warming story since even if it was obvious the three types of ponies hated each other, they tolerated each other enough to bargain the necessities at that point. The earth ponies would make the food if the Unicorns move the sun and moon and the Pegasi help with the weather. But as seen in the trailer even one sighting of a unicorn in an Earth pony town puts the whole place in a panic.

Speaking of the Hearth’s Warming story they’re going to have explain why the Windigoes aren’t currently ravaging the planet in Ice and Snow like in the story if we’re to truly believe this is the G4 world we know. Somehow I feel they’re not going to for that deep cut in terms of the lore of G4. I think any connection to G4 is going to be treated more as an afterthought. References to Twilight and her friends, the toys in Sunny’s house, and murals to the past the only huge indications that G4 was the ancient past and never explaining how things got where they are now. I believe this is an attempt of Hasbro to bake it’s cake and eat it too. They want to try to retain G4’s popularity heading into G5 so they try to say G5 is the same exact world even when so much of the evidence we’ve seen so far is too different to be world we knew. (I know there’s a map that shows the Pegasi have what might have once been Canterlot. But there still needs to be more) I feel like most fans going into this should go into this thinking this is a totally new world despite the references to G4. Or even perhaps the ancient G4 isn’t the same G4 we saw in the show. Maybe the Friendship school never happened in this timeline for example. An alternate universe G4 where they never developed the school might make this at least somewhat more palatable. Though even then there’d still be questions.

Another note in the story is as a sort of flipped from G4. Where Canterlot had Unicorns seem to make up most of the rich upper-class ponies. The pegasi seem to be the upper-class and/or royals this time while the Unicorns are actually the poorest of the three and Earth Ponies are middle-class. I slightly joked after hearing that maybe this is a universe where Cozy Glow actually got what she wanted given she was a Pegasus heh. Not that makes any sense either, as there’s probably no honoring of the Mane 6 if they got defeated by a Pegasus filly.

BOOK LEAK

On the same day of the trailer we also got something of a leak of book that comes out next week that recaps the movie in a children’s book style (Don’t worry I won’t spoil anything from it, but yes I did see the scans). Now naturally not all details of an entire movie is probably going to get in a picture book with small excerpts of text on a 32 page book. But it does generally give an outline of how the movie goes. The scans give enough of an outline of how the movie will go. I just have too much concern about G5 to resist knowing how the movie will go to wait until the movie releases. I still intend to see the movie itself but it’ll sort of give me an idea of what we’re in for. For a spoiler-free review of what I know, I think under it’s own merits if we ignore the G4 elephant in the room it’ll probably be a decent way to start things.

FANDOM REACTION

I think if the context was G5 was it’s own separate universe with no connection to G4 it could potentially have some standing on it’s own and will probably have young kids enjoy the movie that see G5 before they see Friendship is Magic. For older fans of G4 though, heading into this generation there’s going to be a lot of things preoccupying the mind before we even start watching the movie. Having G4 as the ancient past has something of a pro of at least getting some fans who liked FiM to at least give this a chance, but at the cost of leaving certain expectations and putting some of the creative freedom in a bind because to tell us this is the same world means you will have fans pointing out contradictions where as there would be no concern if this world was allowed to be it’s own thing The writers and staff of G5 are going to have fans that criticize them for any choice they make that doesn’t fit with G4 in some way. I’m not going to be one of them of course, as that’s annoying behavior even if I agree with the fan who’s criticizing them. And fans have plenty to already raise an eyebrow at, such as normal animals oddly having wings and/or horns when normal animals tended to be just normal animals in G4 (Albeit alot more sentient then real life animals).

LACK OF NON-PONIES?

There also doesn’t seem to be any sign of the other species that became more prominent in late G4. There’s not even a Spike from what we can see thus far. Unless maybe there’s a 6th main character that gets introduced in the beginning of the series that has a little dragon companion this would be the first time since maybe My Little Pony Tales that there was no Spike. I imagine we will get the return of some non-pony species.but it’s still going to be an elephant in the room because the end of G4 showed that basically all other species became allies to the ponies. Did relations to the non-ponies also deteriorate terribly? And there’s also the possibility that many of the Dragons have long enough lives that they remember Twilight’s reign. Maybe even a possibility of full-grown Spike making an appearance in the series. But then there’s still griffins, hippogriffs/seaponies, yaks, kirins, changelings, and more. You keep the world of G4 you have to keep in mind all the species that played a role at some point. If you ignore them for too long it’s another point to those who might feel that this isn’t truly G4’s world.

ALICORNS

I won’t say much on subject of Alicorns since I already mentioned that in the preliminary thoughts, though I will reiterate things like even if say we overestimated the immortality of Alicorns they may still need to point out that Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and probably Flurry Heart too are all gone. There doesn’t seem to be any signs of Alicorns at all. To be honest it might be that the only real Alicorn reference is the possibility during the scene where Izzy disguises everyone as unicorns. Someone manages to see either Zipp’s or Pipp’s wings and thus they get a lot of unwanted attention. (And in contrast probably one of the non-Izzy main characters horn disguise falling off)

CONFLICT AND HAPPY ENDING OVERRIDES

I get that the main response to concerns of G4 fans is there has to be some sort of conflict for this series to be interesting as otherwise you go back to the too saccharine days of G3 where the conflicts leave almost no danger to the world at large. But we can still point out that if this was presented as it’s own world separate from G4 this would be ok. But not the same world where Sunny’s goal had been more then already achieved. It doesn’t lay the blame at the Mane 6 for failing at the very least but it certainly looks down at all their descendants generations later of being unable to withhold the Mane 6’s lessons and keep the peace. They had the solutions for divisions mostly solved, yet it’s somehow squandered. It won’t be easy to swallow for anyone who loved the conclusive happy ending FiM got. And even for fans who weren’t as into the ending as others they’re only being vindictive if they say it makes their criticism of the ending valid.

The point is the series ended as happily as it could of gotten, and you will bug fans no matter what you do if you attempt a happy ending override. Just look at how for example the Last Jedi bothered some Star Wars fans with Luke’s characterization after the joyful end to the original trilogy.

HARD ACT TO FOLLOW & DIVISIVE FANDOM MOMENTS

Now, even if G5 had none of the pre-conditioned concerns it would have a lot to live up to. G4 is the absolute highest peak MLP has ever gotten to. Hasbro’s going to try to repeat the same success but it’s a lot more likely G4 remains a lightning in a bottle that can’t be repeated. And any attempt to recapture that lightning such as applying G4 as the ancient past is looking to backfire. It’s very likely that even if G5 is generally a success, Hasbro will not reap the same benefits that it got from G4. The cost of a big success is the pursuit of attempting to repeat that success but ultimately not working out quite the same way. I don’t wish any ill will of Generation 5, I want it to have an audience and the staff to enjoy themselves working on the show. I don’t think it will quite capture the same attention I gave to G4 but that’s ok. This is how Hasbro’s operated for decades, as I’m sure Transformers fans have gone through the same feeling.

There are shows that have maintained fandoms for years despite the show having ended more then 10 years ago. I don’t think Friendship is Magic is going to be forgotten anytime soon. There are sure to be clashes about G5 in the coming years as it’s impossible to control an entire fandom that will have it’s vocal parts at eachother’s throats. But I don’t plan on looking down on anyone who ends up enjoying G5, I hope in some way there are those who may enjoy G5 as much as we did G4. And also for said G5 fans to respect those who continue to do mainly G4 content. I plan to give G5 a chance to grow on me, I just know the G4 is the past concept is going to somewhat bother me in a similar way to how for a long while Starlight’s lack of a full-fledged backstory prevented me from looking at her character with nothing but lukewarm feelings (Until I expanded on her myself in a story after the show’s ending). But just like with Starlight I don’t plan to rain on the parade of those who did end up liking Starlight. Especially considering I’m probably among the fans that were on the other side of those arguments as someone who liked the idea of Alicorn Twilight despite how divisive it was. I’ve been somewhat on both sides of different controversies in G4’s time itself. As G4 itself had it’s own divisive parts in it’s own history. Arguably, G5 being the distant future makes it just another part of those fandom controversies.

Though even with everything that happened a positive side of all of those is there were many fans invested one way or another to get heated about the show. Not saying it’s a good thing to have fans at each other’s throats but it’s part of G4’s legacy that people cared when something disappointed them. I think while there were certainly a good number of fans that left the fandom over certain stuff especially in regards to Season 3 and the first Equestria Girls. Those who stayed generally still had good things to look forward to. I myself kind of feel like Starlight’s reformation was the closest to a jump the shark moment where Season 6 failed to capitalize on nearly all it’s opportunity of what Season 5 laid up for the show’s future. But there were still good episodes in Season 6, Season 7 had some pretty great episodes, Season 8 is a bit of a mixed bag but even that had it’s fun parts, and I’m on the side that I’m happy with how the final episodes of Season 9 finished off the show. I don’t think Starlight’s reformation was a point where the show never reached another high point and I’m happy it was successful enough to get a conclusive ending rather then either getting canceled after a finale that didn’t leave things off with a proper goodbye or ending too early. As if the show had not been as popular as it did, Magical Mystery Cure would of been the series finale. I’m actually one of those who loved MMC, but for the show not to get things like the CMC’s cutie marks and just leave things that Twilight is a princess and that’s it certainly would of been way too soon of an ending.

CONCLUSION

Obviously, the staff seemed to plan for more then 9 seasons as no doubt they probably had more plans for the Student 6 and/or Cozy Glow had they gotten the green light for Season 10 or more. But for what it’s worth, it still got an conclusion that not all cartoons like this get. For all it’s ups and downs, MLP retained my interest for the entire run that I started watching and I still intend to do fan content about it’s characters a few years after it ended, so G4 MLP continues to be retained in a special place in my heart. Perhaps that’s a big reason I have the concerns about G5 that I do that I’m attached to that universe and for it to say things go downhill even if it’s not really the fault of the Mane 6 or anything makes it hard to accept very easily. I do think my concerns about the G4-G5 connection have merit either way, but I will repeat that I don’t wish any ill will on G5. Whether fair or not, G5 has a lot to live up to after the success of G4 and the consequences will be there for fan expectations. I hope it finds a decent enough audience regardless, and I hope that if I try to ignore the baggage of the implications of an Ancient G4 Equestria being part of this that maybe there’s something there for me too. I never thought I’d be invested so much in a cartoon about magical talking horses to this point a long time ago, but gosh darn it G4 managed to do so. And the staff behind G5 will have a lot on their shoulders to try to maintain that interest. Even if that task is impossible, I hope they try their hardest. Even if I’m not as invested into this generation, I want to be able to respect a good try.

[99adelheid99]

cool so since I’m procrastinating anyways on my school work im just going to write a character study on beast! dazai

because I re read it and im sad and asagiri just loves to make everyone suffer

so spoilers for the beast au

((BTW IM SO SORRY TUMBLR MOBILE ISN’T LETTING ME CUT THE POST TO A READ MORE SO IM GOING TO TRY TO DO IT ON MY PC AND HOPE IT WORKS IF IT DOESNT IM SO SORRY;;;; ))

asagiri has already decided to make dazai a tragic character and break our hearts once, but he decided to also rip them out and spit on it.

in the canon world, we see dazai struggle through depression. ever since he was young he found there was no value in living as he says to mori in the fifteen arc. he tries throughout his life desperately to understand just why humans strive to live, why they fight so hard for their lives and work hard to live life to the fullest.

it’s no different in the many other worlds The Book had created, and that lonely hole in his chest is probably much bigger.

as explained by dazai in the light novel, the power of The Book does not effect him because of his ability, since The Book itself is an ability, dazai naturally cancels it out. because of this, dazai can practically “read his own memories” from the canon world. so he knows everything that happens in the original universe, that goes for every single dazai in every single au. every single one.

this in itself is probably one of the saddest things. if people not understanding dazai didn’t hurt enough in the canon world, imagine how horrible it is that the beast! dazai had suffer with this knowledge alone, because as mentioned, it’s not wise for a lot of people to know about The Book since the world they reside in will become unstable, and have a chance of disappearing.

at the end of the light novel we also learn of dazai’s plan. why he captured gin, and why he wanted to bring akutagawa and atsushi together.

it was for odasaku.

because dazai has the memories from his “original” self, he remember odasaku. he remembers how he died, he remembers that they were best friends, he remembers how odasaku was the only person who understood dazai to his core, he remember how much odasaku means to him.

but odasaku of this world doesn’t remember it at all. because to him it never happened. there is only the beast world and the beast world alone.

this is where the angst hits (harder lol)

dazai figures out (at some time idk when) that this is the only universe that odasaku survives (im not sure how exactly, im assuming he can read the memories of the other dazais? Idk)

he remembers odasakus passionate of becoming a writer, he remembers odasakus determination not to kill just so he could write his own novel.

and because I really do believe dazai has a heart shrouded in all that darkness, dazai wants the best for odasaku, dazai wants to make it so odasaku can continue to survive and write his novel.

so dazai being dazai makes this extremely elaborate extra ass plan to make sure it happens.

dazai knows that this world has a chance of disappearing since every time something is written down in The Book in any other au (I think? I believe it can be any one of them not just the canon one) The Book doesn’t create it out of nothing exactly, but borrows from other worlds to create what is written in the book to reality.

dazai’s afraid that this world might cease to exist, and if it does odasaku won’t get to write his novel in this only universe he survives in, odasaku won’t he happy and dazai doesnt want that.

now extra ass osamu here uses a lot of cruel tactics to get to his end goal, and it isn’t right at all, but I still have to sympathize because its just so painful lmao

during akutagawa and atsushi’s final battle, dazai goes to the lupin bar where he meets odasaku for the first time in this world. I feel like dazai fought with himself a lot not to visit odasaku during this time, probably wanting to do nothing else but to run to his old friend that he missed so damn much. and I think he couldnt resist in the end, I think he desperately wanted to see him one last time because from the very beginning he knew his own fate.

one of the many (lol) things that hurts me during this meeting is how dazai immediately jumps happily into conversation with odasaku when he sees him, how he invites him quickly to sit down with him (in which odasaku does but doesn’t sit right next to him, which seemingly hurts dazai, ouch my heart) and how he picks up conversation that dazai would normally have with odasaku in the real world, asking him if anything interesting happened to him that day or telling him about new suicide methods he tried, which leaves odasaku heavily confused as he kind of awkwardly replies to each question.

now because the pov during this scene is in oda’s, we don’t get know exactly what dazai is thinking, but oda describes his posture and reactions well for us to take a guess of how hard it is for dazai to not have probably the most important person in his life not know or care about him.

dazai tightening his grip around his glass, or dazai looking like a happy child in one second to trying to compose his emotion with a small smile in the next, these reactions happen when odasaku keeps bringing up how he doesn’t know dazai and how confused he is. and dazai trying to hold onto something, someone, who made him so happy. trying to ignore the pain he feels and grasp on to the good memories he has but odasaku doesn’t.

and then there’s the part in the bar that asagiri decided to write because he’s a writer and like all authors, lowkey likes to see his audience suffer.

when dazai calls oda by his nickname odasaku once again trying to get him to understand him, the man replies:

“Don’t call me Odasaku. There is no reason of an enemy to call me that.”

yeah I cried

I cried a lot

dazai’s reaction didn’t help either.

The young man suddenly seemed to have trouble breathing…He fought against something invisible.

in this world, dazai probably mastered concealing his emotions (he does in like every world, but he’s much more grim in this one so) he put up this wall and put on a mask for everyone but odasaku, he let his wall down and odasaku didn’t acknowledge it, didn’t bring him some sort of comfort like he did in the canon universe. not intentionally of course, not because odasaku was cruel, but odasaku didn’t know dazai as anything else but his enemy. for all he knows, dazai could be trying to manipulate him.

theyre enemies. they could never be friends in this world. but dazai seems to still try, even a little.

in the end, they part ways. dazai putting on that mask once again, and acting like this whole meeting didn’t just destroy him. because it would be worth it in the end, odasaku would live, be happy, write his novel.

dazai would suffer, but that’s okay. odasaku hates dazai, but that’s okay.

because odasaku is alive. odasaku is happy. and to dazai that’s enough.

we get to the ending that no one wants to read because we’re already in pain and we know asagiri is waiting there with a shotgun to deliver the final blow.

dazai arrives after akutagawa and atsushi’s fight to reveal his reasoning behind his plan. how atsushi and aku have to work together protect The Book to make sure this world doesn’t disappear just for oda, and he mentions how no more then two people can know about the existence of The Book also for the protection and stability of their world.

atsushi decides to so some quick maths then, and realizes in horror that dazai has slowly made his way to the edge of the building.

he pleads with dazai to not do it, but theres obviously no stopping him.

and in that moment I believe for the first time in a long time dazai is truly content.

the hatred towards him is heavy, but it doesn’t matter to dazai because odasaku is safe. he completed his mission.

dazai planned all of this from the very beginning up to his death. now, arguably, despite dazai’s heartwarming end goal he was still an awful person. he was abusive and manipulate. he hurt and killed others to get what he wanted. he was not a good person

but he suffered so much for the sake of one person, he knew his ending wasn’t going to happy, but the end goal was enough. the end goal made it worth it.

osamu could never tell anyone about his pain, not even his best friend. he had to instead put on the mask of the cruel boss of the port mafia. people either had to hate him or fear him. no one could ever love him, no one could ever care for him. and osamu knew that. from the very beginning. asagiri truly wrote a tragic but beautiful character.

now if you’ll excuse me im going to go cry :)))

[365days365movies]

February 19, 2021: The Phantom of the Opera (2004) (Part 1)

I love musicals.

Hands down, when talking cinematic adaptations of musicals, my favorite is Little Shop of Horrors. I’ve seen it MANY times, and will see it many, MANY more. And I’m not the only one. I mean, obviously, but in this case, I’m referring to my girlfriend. She’s chosen to represent herself with a GIF from her favorite musical, Hairspray. So, here she is:

Ravishing. Now, because it’s currently our anniversary, I let her pick today’s movie from my list. And so, she chose a musical that neither she nor I have seen: 2004′s The Phantom of the Opera. And some of you may now be saying, “What, this guy said he liked movie musicals, and he hasn’t seen TPotS? That’s like saying you haven’t seen Grease, or Singin’’ in the Rain, or, PFFT, West Side Story!”

...About that...

Yeah, yeah, I know! It’s insane, and I’m a hypocrite. I’ll be getting to the rest of those eventually, and one of them’ll be coming in the next couple of days, I promise. You can probably guess which one. Anyway, fact of the matter is that we’re gonna watch it tonight, and I’m looking forward to it. 

However, there’s another factor to this, and that’s the fact that this film...doesn’t have the best reputation amongst fans of the original musical. And, yeah, this should ideally be the Michael Crawford version, but the Butler version is the one I have access to, so we’re going for it. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (1/2)

Paris, 1919, back when the whole city was in black-and-white for a year. They lost the budget for color after World War I. Anyway, at an old opera house, an auction is taking place, and items found within the theater are for sale. One of these is a music box with a monkey on it, an item which sponsors a bidding war between an older woman, and an older man in a wheelchair. I’m sure we’ll find out who they are eventually.

Anyway, a broken chandelier is also up for option, and was involved in the mysterious disaster of the “Phantom of the Opera” fiasco. They turn it on with electric light, and as they raise it to the ceiling, the organist goes fuckin’ NUTS. The song’s so loud that it REVERSES TIME, and we’re now in color, in the year 1870 at the same opera house.

The theatre, managed by the soon-to-retire Monsieur Lefèvre (James Fleet), has just been purchased by Richard Firmin (Ciaran Hinds) and Gilles André (Simon Callow), who are there to observe. On stage, a rehearsal for the opera Hannibal is taking place, and the costume’s are already...like, a LOT, not gonna lie. The headliner for the show is soprano (and drama queen supreme) Carlotta Giudicelli (Minnie Driver), and is being funded by patron Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny (Patrick Wilson). 

The background dancers are instructed by Madame Giry (Miranda Richardson), and include her daughter, Meg (Jennifer Ellison), and her adopted daughter, Christine Daaé (Emmy Rossum). As the rehearsal takes place, an accident happens on stage, almost injuring Carlotta. Enraged, she leaves, and refuses to perform.

Meanwhile, Madame Giry finds a letter from the Phantom, who demands his normal monthly salary of 20,000 francs, as for Box 5 to be left open. While the new owners think that this is ridiculous, they also note that it’s pointless without a lead singer for their show. 

However, Christine is volunteered, and shows that she is indeed a talented singer. The show goes on, and Christine is a smash, much to Carlotta’s dismay. At this point, Raoul also discovers that this is his long lost childhood friend (and possibly long lost love) Christine, which she also noticed earlier.

But this is because of a mysterious teacher, who sings to her from the walls of the theatre. Meg comes in to congratulate her (through song), and asks who her tutor is. Meg responds...in song (”Angel of Music”).

Afterwards, Madame Giry also congratulates her, and tells her that the Phantom is pleased with her. Right after, Raoul also pays her a visit, and the two reconnect on shared memories of times in an attic in the summer. She tells Raoul that she is visited by an Angel of Music, and cannot go to the dinner that night with him. And the Phantom agrees, as he locks Christine in her room. YIKES. 

And as literally every person in the theatre except Christine leaves, the Phantom serenades her, angered by Raoul’s presence, and Christine’s potential dalliance with him (”Mirror”). And through the mirror, he takes her to a mysterious crypt beneath the theatre. And as they sing their strange duet in the form of the title song (”The Phantom of the Opera”)...I try to resist talking about Gerard Butler until later. And it’s hard. It’s SO hard, guys.

But, OK, he takes her away on a...sewer horse...how the FUCK did he get that horse down there? And wait, WAIT, does he put her on that horse to walk her, like, 20 feet to the gondola? Like...WHY DO YOU HAVE THE HORSE? That is...monumentally wasteful. Where do you keep the horse? Does he feed the horse? How much? How often? With what? Does the horse eat the sewer rats? Is there naturally growing sewer hay? Does the Phantom’s salary go towards buying food for the horse, or buying new horses when the original ones DIE OF STARVATION - WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH THIS HORSE?!?!? WHOMSTVE THE FUCK

And yes, I love this fuckin’ song (not the singers, but we’ll get there), but this is distracting me alongside the statues of naked men in the sewer, because...well, Joel Schumacher. What can I say, it’s kind of his aesthetic. Anyway, we get officially introduced to the Phantom of the Opera (Gerard Butler), a very handsome-looking man who likes wearing a half-mask.

I say handsome, because the Phantom in this movie, looks...fine. HE LOOKS OK. HE LOOKS LIKE A DUDE WEARING A MASK. What, did somebody throw a hot candle at his face once, and he freaked out over it and ran into the sewers forever...WITH A HORSE? NOT OVER THE HORSE SHIT.

Look, the Phantom is supposed to be HIDEOUSLY scarred. Famously, in one of the film adaptations of Phantom, actor Lon Chaney Jr. purposely distorted his own face using adhesive face in order to play the role of the hideously disfigured character. Now, other versions have just given him severe, and I mean SEVERE burn scars. But behind the mask, Butler looks...fine. HE LOOKS FINE GODDAMMIT. He looks like he’s wearing the mask because it looks edgy and shit.

But OK, what’s happening in the movie? Oh, right, more serenading (”Music of the Night”), with another song that I like quite a bit. This and the previous song were songs Id heard before, and that I’d already had on my playlist. They’re great, what can I say? Now is Butler doing it justice? Ehhhhhhh, we’ll talk about that in the Review.

During this song he kinda seduces her, or attempts to, and also shows her a wedding dress. She sees herself in it and IMMEDIATELY faints, Jesus!  Curtain falls on Christine while she’s in a bed, and we go back to her room, where Meg is looking for her. She finds the mirror, and is about to go back there, but her mother finds and stops her.

Meanwhile, stagehand Joseph Buquet (Kevin McNally) tells the chorus girls of the legend of the Phantom, and describes a physical description that doesn’t match him...even a little. We cut back to Christine, who wakes up in what my girlfriend refers to as a “bomb-ass HQ.” Which is fair, let’s be honest. Anyway, she heads over and tries to unmask her new masked lover (?).

He’s not the biggest fan of this, and he emos all over the screen (”Stranger Than You Dreamt It”). And then, as he puts his mask on, we suddenly (and I mean suddenly) jump to 1919, where the old woman, Madame Giry, bids farewell to...wait, that’s Raoul? HOW DOES HE LOOK SO MUCH OLDER THAN HER, WHAT???

Back in the past, inexplicably, the theatre owners and manager sing about the theatre and the Phantom’s demands ("Notes..."), and are soon joined by Raoul, who brings them a separate note, saying not to look for Christina any further. THEN, Carlotta joins them, delivering a letter of her own from the Phantom, warning her not to return to the theatre.

In his letters, he details how his theatre is to be run, threatening a disaster if Christine is not cast in the lead role, and if Carlotta is not cast in a silent role. However, the theatre owners and Carlotta refuse to obey, and Carlotta is cast in the role, as the owners try to appease her (”Prima Donna”).

That night, during a performance of Il Muto, Carlotta’s singing the lead role. Additionally, Box Five is full, and the Phantom is PISSED. So, like a Phantom do, it’s time for some good old fashioned petty revenge! He switches her throat spray, causing her to lose her voice on stage, and causing the audience to laugh when the show ends abruptly. They quickly and publicly recast the role, giving it to Christine instead. Well, mission accomplished by the Phantom! Guess we’re good without retribution. And then he hangs the stagehand.

Well...fuck, man. Realizing that the Phantom is EXTREMELY dangerous, Christine goes to save Raoul, who she...is in a relationship with now? Wait...wait, hold up, the fuck did I miss? I mean, yeah, he probably is gonna kill Raoul, but there is, like, NO lead-up to their connection before this point.

Anyway, as Christine explains that there is a Phantom when Raoul says he doesn’t exist...wait, WHAT? MOTHER FUCKER BUQUET JUST NOT MURDERED IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY WHAT IN THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN????? YOU LITERALLY HEARD THE...you know what? Break. BREAK. This is...this one’s tough.

See you in Part 2!