#Kate has seen this so many times and she relates

[jean-meowreau]

I typed out all of these mf tags and realized I'm quoting the wrong post but I kinda don't care and I'm gonna leave it lmao

"this is the most beautiful song ever!" shut up you people don't even fucking know about shim el yasmine

^^^^ this is actually required listening to visit my blog sorry. yeah its gonna take you 5 minutes and 9 seconds but its gonna be fucking worth it. yeah right now.

ps: if you like aaron minyard you should read my fic golden

socmed aus masterpost

my wip game

[snapghoul]

Why Twisters is an amazing movie

Brought to you by snapghoul and their film degree

I really love analyzing films and I need to talk about this movie so badly. Get cozy, grab a nice drink because this is a long one.

Spoilers below

[ Part 2 ]

1) Disaster film - Human vs Nature

Disasters films are one of the most difficult movies to write and shoot because it’s human vs nature and people can only do so much. They are to remind us that we are very fragile, nature very dangerous, and a visual metaphor for the illusion of control. Making a film like this also requires a lot of CGI or a balanced mix of practical effects which in most films today is not as common due to budget.

When looking at films like San Andres (2015) or Day After Tomorrow (2004), both films are more action based. San Andres is written worse to worse before it gets better which is externally common in films like these, the earth quakes that lead to a tsunami and so on. The film also ends with the hopeful “we won” with the American flag and everyone recovering.

What makes Twisters stand out is the presence of the disasters are there but they aren’t what drive the characters solely, the tornadoes themselves are actually a subplot. It’s not tragedy after tragedy, like there’s an ungodly amount of tornadoes at once and people are dying left and right. And when people died it wasn’t graphic, I appreciated that very much that it was only people being swept away and not bloody. The tornadoes themselves only take up about 30 minutes of the 2 hour movie, which is very little compared to other storm films.

The main story is Kate working to overcome her trauma and relearning how to love chasing and being in the field again. They are an obstacle that do end being the “antagonist” towards the end of the film where Kate drives into the EF5 to stop it. Twisters is more written in a way to respect nature, to see the beauty and the power of the earth. Twisters also ends more ambiguous, there is the moment of triumph but it’s very short lived before the resolution of Javi, Kate and Tyler at the airport.

2) Kate’s Character & Relationships

Kate is one of the best written female protagonists I’ve seen in a very long time. Through the film she is struggling to over come a lot of trauma while also trying to juggle her crumbled friendship with Javi and her disconnection with her mother. Her struggles are very real, they weren’t played down or exaggerated, she had realistic response to being in a tornado again after the death of her friends. They also show her reliving that event many times, in the beginning we see a “ghost” of Jeb telling she’s okay, the moment she sees a tornado with Javi up close, she stumbles back and the voices of Jeb as they’re riding out the storm in the pool and how she grabs Tyler’s hand for a second to see if he was still there.

I personally loved that she refused to acknowledge her fear when around others because that is a very human thing, many people do it which makes her very dimensional and relatable. How she didn’t give Ben her last name, how she told Riggs she wasn’t scared. It’s such a real things that it makes me froth at the mouth because it such good writing.

As many people are upset that Kate and Tyler didn’t kiss, I actually agree on why they cut it out, it’s not about their budding romance. In movies there are many different subplots, in Twisters, Kate and Tyler are I would say around subplot C. Which I LOVED, i loved that they didn’t have all her problems fixed by a love interest or how his character downplayed her intelligence. In fact he elevated her character, Tyler is there to remind her the passion and fun of their field, he is also a blank slate with Kate, he has no preconceptions about her or history which allows her to open up and reignite her passion she had before.

And her hair symbolism! How we see it slowly gets more brown and less bright beach blonde that we see in New York.

Kate and Javi’s relationship I would also place at subplot B, Javi trying to get Kate back in the field but doing it in a not so right way. They have some unresolved issues between them regarding the trauma they share and it rears its head multiple times. The line “three of my best friends died while you were trying to land a big fat grant.” Was a real nail in the coffin for them but also it opened Javi’s character development up for the end of the film. Not only that but they and audience known that he agreed to getting the money at the beginning. So them splitting up was good because neither of them could get what they wanted or process anything when they were together. And in the end the come back together when they grow and change.

Also have to mention Kate and her mom, because it’s more growth for Kate, her mom comes in as the mentor character type, she refused to let Kate throw anything away and pushed her and Tyler together because she saw what he was doing.

3) Tyler Owens & The Wranglers

Of course I have to talk about our favorite tornado cowboy. His character is so interesting, he adds so much to each character, like a said above he only lifted Kate up.

But what I loved most about him was the infectious enthusiasm and passion he just oozed about weather. Even with the cocky YouTube personality he was having fun which was a contrast to Javi and Kate who were there on business. He is also very bright, instead of having a self taught chaser he had a degree, he knows what he’s doing and how to be safe while doing stupid stuff. The scenes where we see him showing her science side were some of my favorites, seeing him geek out over the storms and setting up models just showed he’s as much as a nerd and Kate.

His character is also very compassionate as well as the wranglers. We learn they sell merch so they can provide free food and water to survivors, that Tyler and Boone spent a while looking for a dog and that Lilly offered Kate food before she left. We see Tyler put himself in danger for the safety of others many times but not in a hero archetype way, he’s not a hero in any way, he’s a man who deeply cares, understands tragedy and knows how important friends and family are.

4) Music & Sound

Oh my god, the music in the film is phenomenal. Sound makes up a good majority of a movie, without good sound a film can flop. What I loved most about it was a lot of the music was diegetic: taking place in the world and can be heard by the characters. Seen(or heard) Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma playing through the speakers as the wranglers roll up, accompanied by a shot of the loud speakers on the motor home and the audio editing to make it sound like it’s coming from said speakers. (Ghost) Riders in the Sky blasting while they go to shoot fireworks, seeing Tyler whipping the truck through the field very recklessly also sets up that these characters are wild and obnoxious. Boone singing along to Dead End Road while loading flares, it adds another element of fun for them to interact with the music instead of it there so let for aesthetics.

If there was music for the action scenes, it wasn’t overpowering, in fact i barely noticed it until my third watch through.

The soundtrack is also really good, I’m not a huge country fan but my god did I by that OST vinyl so fast.

5) The Trucks

This is an honorable mention, but the red sped up dually ram was a character in its self. Once again showing the rugged and fun loving wranglers when put next to StormPAR’s pristine white trucks which is also a metaphor for Javi that we see it gets dirtier and dirtier as the film progresses and his character changes. But also how the red ram represents Tyler, he’s very safety oriented and the truck is a part of him and protects Kate during the final storm. She puts her trust in it and lets nature run it course instead of fighting it, something Tyler was trying to teach her. Not to run from it but to ride it.

But also Tyler ripping that rig through fields going 75mph is also just so funny to me.

I love symbolism.

I’m gonna stop it here before I write a whole essay about this which I might. But if you haven’t seen this movie I highly recommend it, it’s PG-13 so I suggest being careful watching this with little ones if you have them, the CGI storms can get a little freaky.

(Please let me know if you want more, I will gladly talk more)

[judesmoonbeauty]

The Robin’s Unaware of Ultimate Evil Behind The Scenes: Jude Jazza Chapter 1

Fan translation only. Not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Cybird owns everything. Feel free to re-blog, but please do not post my translations elsewhere. Thank you, for you support! ☾.

It was extremely quiet that day.

I hadn’t heard the voice I normally do, and it wasn’t until sunset I noticed something was off.

(Come to think of it, I ain’t seen her today.)

Just as I noticed and started to consider the voice’s absent owner, Ellis opened his mouth like he was calling out my thoughts.

Ellis: Kate went out today.

Jude: Ha?

Ellis: Was I wrong? It seemed like you were looking for someone, so that’s why I thought that.

(Creep, ya misunderstood.)

(I ain’t lookin’ for her.)

Not bothering to respond, I pick up my pace when Ellis started talking about I didn’t ask about.

Ellis: It's a party she’s been looking forward to for a while.

Ellis: It was planned by a baroness who rose from the working class, and said that even working people need to have fun.

Ellis: I think she was invited by someone from her previous workplace, and she thought she’d give it a try.

Jude: Yer well informed.

Ellis: I just saw her off.

Jude: Oh, yeah.

Ellis: I said hello for Jude too.

Jude: Do whatever ya want.

As I walked faster to get back to my room —

???: Ah, you two!

I turned around to find pink hair in front of me, and sensing trouble I scowled.

Ellis: Liam, what’s wrong.

Liam: I was asked to deliver a message for you to go to the office when you returned.

Jude: It’s just to get another mission from her Majesty the Queen, innit?

Liam: I think so, but it seems like Kate might be involved.

Jude: ….Hah?

When I furrow my brow at the spun name, Liam quickly shakes his head.

Liam: Don’t worry it doesn’t seem like she was attacked or involved in any kind of incident.

Ellis: Okay, thanks Liam.

I quicken my pace as I glance at him leaving with a wave of his hand.

Ellis: I wonder what he means by it’s related to Kate.

Without even responding to Ellis’ words, I threw open the office door,

Victor: Welcome back, that was quick.

Jude: Whaddaya smilin’ for ol’ man.

Victor: Nothing, you just came much sooner than expected.

Victor: I just thought it was because of Kate’s name being mentioned.

Jude: I’m leavin’.

Victor: Wait, wait, it’s actually about a mission!

Victor seemed impatient with me as I mentally clicked my tongue, and turned to leave.

(Ya ain’t one to be in a hurry though.)

Ellis: So, what’s it about it?

Victor: Her Majesty the Queen has heard of a drug deals happening,

Victor: You’re ordered to go to the scene and secure the main culprit.

Apparently, a certain aristocrat living in London is supplying drugs to the working class.

The instant I learned about the venue, the atmosphere changed.

Victor: The site is at the party Kate’s attending.

Jude: …..What’s that idiot doin’.

Victor: It seems safe to say that the Baroness who’s hosting the party is the one running the drugs.

(I thought it was just some street party.)

She hosts parties for non-aristocratic working people.

Although she was formerly of the working class, I was puzzled as to why she did something that wouldn’t make money —

(So that princess joined without knowin’ nothin’.)

(‘Though you’ve seen so many people’s evil intentions with Crown, ya didn’t even question it.)

Victor: Infiltrate the party, arrest the drug dealers, and capture the baroness.

Victor: That’s the mission given you this time.

Ellis: Shall we kill those involved?

Ellis asked with an unchanged expression as usual,

Victor: I’ll leave it up to you guys.

And as usual, Victor leaves it up to us —

Victor: AH, BUT THERE’S ONE PROBLEM!

There isn’t.

Jude: Don’t speak so loud all the sudden, yer so noisy.

Victor: I’m sorry, I just wanted to say one thing.

Victor: I want you to carry this out without Kate finding out.

(Yer sayin’ somethin’ I don’t get again.)

Victor: Kate was really looking forward to today’s party.

Victor: You know that too, right Ellis?

Ellis: Yeah, she seemed happier than usual.

Victor: She always works so hard, but I want her to forget about work for today.

Victor: So, the plan is for you to work behind the scenes to complete the mission and protect Kate!

I clicked my tongue at Victor who clapped his hands excitedly which lured Ellis in to clap too.

Jude: I understand the mission, but why should we protect the princess.

Victor: What if she’s forced to take drugs….! You’d be worried right?

Ellis: I don’t want that to happen because I want Kate to be happy.

Victor: That’s right, isn’t it? So, we have to protect her!

And then as usual, the signal was given to start the mission, ignoring my opinion.

Victor: Now then, loyalty to your evil.

Along with a click of my tongue.

[Master List] [Next] Dividers: @.natimiles

Tag list: @sh0jun @theimaginativelyreticent @sapphire-323 @letter-from-afar @nateko @cosmowgyrall. @lunaaka

Please comment or DM me if you'd like to be added to my translations tag list.

[nightghoul381]

Ellis Twilight ~ Main Route Mad Love Chapter 22

Disclaimer for route warnings | Masterlist

Additional Content Warnings: None

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

Ellis: “I’m back.”

Kate: “Welcome home, Ellis.”

Ellis: “Welcome back, Kate.”

Crown Castle has an imposing Gothic presence.

It was like being trapped in a cage with no way out, surrounded by forests and ponds.

That first night of despair seems like a distant memory.

Kate: “…I feel relieved to be back.”

Ellis: “Me too. I wanted to come back here with you as soon as possible.”

Roger: “Anyway, I’m gonna go drink a beer.”

Roger’s footsteps echoed as he walked toward the dining room.

Kate: “Oh, Roger, thank you for your help.”

Roger: “Yeah. The extent of you and Ellis’ injuries and how they’ve been healing won’t hinder your daily lives.”

Roger: “Just don’t be too ‘reckless’ when you’re making out.”

Kate: “Hey, Roger!”

Ellis: “How reckless can I be?”

Kate: “Ellis!?”

Ellis asked this with a straight face and Roger’s shoulders shook as he laughed.

Roger: “Just go easy on her so she doesn’t break.”

Ellis: “I think that’s okay then.”

Ellis: “I intend to be so gentle that Kate doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort.”

Roger: “Alright. I’m happy for you, little lady.”

Roger left with a teasing smile curling the corners of his lips.

(Ugh…)

As I looked down, blushing bright red, I heard the sound of other footsteps running towards me.

It was the maid who was assigned to my room and always looked after me…

Room maid: “Miss Kate, what on earth happened to you!?”

As she communicated with sign language, the maid’s face looked somewhat flustered.

Room maid: “Master Ellis, your shirt is wrinkled too!”

When we were rescued, our clothes were covered in blood, but Roger washed them lightly to remove the blood.

(But we haven’t ironed them, and at the doctor’s office, we only hung them out to dry somewhere…)

From the maid’s point of view, we may look embarrassing with our clothes all rumpled and tattered.

Room maid: “Both of you, please take a bath and change your clothes immediately!!”

Kate: “Y-yes!”

The maid’s face was so serious that I couldn’t help but nod—

While I was being taken to the bathroom, other maids gathered around me.

Before I knew it, Ellis and I were thrown into separate bathrooms.

Part 2

When I had changed into my clothes and went to the dining room, I found Jude smoking a cigarette in a sulky mood by the window.

Jude: “……”

Also in the dining room that night were Lord Elbert and Alfons, who were rarely seen in the morning.

I hadn’t had many conversations with Lord Elbert, but…

The way they stood next to each other, Alfons looked like the darkness to his light.

Elbert: “Al, is this teaspoon beautiful?”

Porcelain-white hands picked up the polished silverware on the table.

Alfons: “Well, what do you think? It’s not the most beautiful thing in the world, is it?”

Elbert: “What about this knife?”

The knife had a handle made of mother-of-pearl—

Elbert: “How about this?”

Sterling silver tongs and crystal jam pots,

There was also a pierced work cake basket with an elegant openwork design--

Every time Lord Elbert asked if something was beautiful, Alfons would find fault with each thing one by one.

Alfons: “The things here are all top-notch, but none of them are the exceptionally beautiful thing that you’re looking for, Lord El.”

Alfons: “That’s the end of the product review. Come now, it’s about time you had your meal.”

Alfons: “Before the food here gets cold and the chef becomes disheartened.”

Alfons began stuffing food into Elbert’s lustrous, apple-like red lips.

(Whaaat!?)

Elbert: “…Al, what did you feed me just now?” 6421 & 22

Alfons: “I don’t know? I’m sure Liam and Harry would love it.”

Elbert: “…Yes.”

The unfamiliar interaction between the two of them made me feel excited and nervous in a different way than when I was with Ellis.

Kate: “Um, Jude… Lord Elbert looks like he’s being force-fed!”

Jude: “……”

Kate: “This is…okay?"

Jude’s fixed gaze halted my words.

Jude: “Hah, what kinda question is that? I’m sure there’s something else ya meant to ask.”

Part 3

Jude: “Hah, what kinda question is that? I’m sure there’s something else ya meant to ask.”

Jude let out a sigh, and a round ring of smoke suddenly appeared.

(What I meant to ask is…)

Immediately, I look at Jude, who I hadn’t seen for a several days.

(Ellis came by himself to rescue me when I was kidnapped.)

Although Jude didn’t show up, it was hard to believe he didn’t know about the incident.

(That means…)

(Meanwhile, Jude was doing something—no way!)

Kate: “Jude, have you found out who was behind my kidnapping?”

Jude: “Of course.”

Jude, with his lips twisted like that, had never felt more reliable.

Jude: “When I tried to use Ellis to investigate, he ran off to help ya without even askin’ me.”

Jude: “It was a pain that I couldn’t use ‘im when it mattered.”

Alfons: “Jude’s been extremely busy lately with the company president’s assistant and personal assassin, Ellis, away from home.”

Alfons: “Apparently he was working twice as hard after investigating the Privy Council for releasing the gang members.”

It looked like Lord Elbert had finished his meat, and Alfons, who seemed to be in the mood, began to talk to me.

Kate: “Um, what do you mean, the Privy Council…?”

Alfons: “Oh, I see you don’t know yet, Kate.”

Alfons: “The Privy Council, advisory body to Her Majesty the Queen, is, to put it bluntly, on bad terms with Crown.”

Alfons: “They’re always looking for an opportunity to get rid of us.”

Jude: “The reason they kidnapped ya was to take down Crown.”

(It was the Privy Council that kidnapped me and tried to take my life…)

Ellis: “…So you’ve discovered the mastermind behind Kate’s abduction.”

At that moment, Ellis, who had finally finished getting changed, showed up in the dining room—

Part 4

Ellis: “…So you’ve discovered the mastermind behind Kate’s abduction.”

At that moment, Ellis, who had finally finished getting changed, showed up in the dining room—

Ellis: “Jude, give me that information.”

Ellis: “I intend to thoroughly investigate those involved in Kate’s kidnapping.”

His quiet voice was tinged with anger.

The moment I saw his expression, a chill ran down my spine.

(This is the first time I’ve seen Ellis look like this…)

Compared to the expression I saw in the blood-filled ruins… this was much colder.

Kate: “Ellis…”

Without thinking, I ran over to him and grabbed him by the sleeve of his shirt.

Ellis: “Kate, you took a bath. Mmm, you smell nice.”

Suddenly, Ellis’ expression changed, he hugged me and buried his nose in my hair.

Ellis: “Did you apply medicine to your wounds properly?”

Kate: “Y-yes, I applied it properly.”

Ellis: “That’s good.”

He smiled at me gently, and the cold, dark look in his eyes from before was gone.

Alfons: “Oh my, perhaps you two are.”

Alfons made a heart shape with his hands…

***CHOICES***

1. Feign ignorance

**2. Stare at Ellis +4 +4**

3. Get red

***

Kate: “Um, well…that’s…”

I glanced over at Ellis and he was looking back at me.

Ellis: “Fufu, should I tell everyone?”

(Is it better to let everyone know…?)

I thought I’d managed to hide it somehow, but my behavior may have been obvious to everyone.

(I am somewhat aware of that…)

Ellis: “Kate and I became lovers.”

As I fidgeted beside him, Ellis declared it matter-of-factly.

Kate: “Ah, Ellis…!”

Alfons: “Well, Congratulations on that.”

Elbert: “…I thought you’d been together for a long time.”

The congratulatory applause from Alfons and Elbert somehow tickled my heart.

(But, if I’d taken one wrong step…I wouldn’t be enjoying this happiness right now.)

Part 5

(But, if I’d taken one wrong step…I wouldn’t be enjoying this happiness right now.)

The realization that I had been saved and the happiness of being able to be by Ellis’ side once again welled up inside me.

(And… I haven’t spoken to Jude yet.)

Kate: “Jude, and Ellis… I’m truly sorry about what happened.”

Kate: “I regret leaving the castle without permission and getting kidnapped, and putting Crown in danger.”

I once again apologized to the two of them for the inconvenience I caused.

Jude: “Verbal apologies won’t do ya any good.”

From my deeply bowed head, I heard the sound of his tongue clicking above me.

Jude: “You were just dragged into this ‘cause of a grudge against Crown, it ain’t on ya to feel responsible.”

(--Huh? What just happened?)

I thought for sure he’d say something like ‘If yer truly remorseful, show it ‘n work like a horse.”

Jude: “Although, ya know…”

Jude: “Ellis abandoned his guard duty. The princess’s actin’ selfishly.”

Jude: “I don’t really care about Crown. I just want ya to pay me for all the trouble you’ve caused me.”

Jude: “Yer gonna hafta work twice as hard to make up for the time ya missed. Ain’t ya just so happy ya could cry?”

(Well, it’s just as I expected after all…!)

Kate: “Y-yes!”

Ellis: “You can work me harder too.”

When Ellis and I both nodded, Jude smiled, the corners of his lips curling up.

Jude: “—In that case, let’s get started right away.”

Jude: “I’ve a direct order from Her Majesty the Queen to kill the Councilman who released the gang members.”

(The Councilman…the mastermind behind my kidnapping?)

I was left speechless when I heard that the order for the assassination came from Her Majesty the Queen.

Ellis: “Can I kill him with my own hands?”

Jude: “Do whatever ya like.”

(…)

Kate: “Please wait a moment.”

Kate: “Even if that person was the one who tried to kill me this time, and the mastermind behind trying to eliminate Crown…”

Kate: “Isn’t it a bit of a leap to give an order to assassinate someone just for that?”

Jude: “I confirmed he had ties to gangs. He received a lot of donations, ‘n had some bad blood goin’ on.”

Jude: “Oh, there’s more.”

Jude: “He had a keen sense of Crown’s presence regarding the kidnappin’.”

Jude: “He’s the one who plotted to use this incident to undermine Crown.”

Jude: “What’s more, he even pressured the police to turn a blind eye to the incident. He’s a really smart man when it comes to protectin’ himself.”

I was left speechless by the facts that Jude had discovered.

Jude: “No matter how ya look at it, he’s a right villain, aint’ he?”

Jude’s smile said the man’s condemnation was justified.

I had no more words to argue.

--It’s time for Crown to defeat evil with evil.

After hearing the truth that Jude had uncovered, I was in Ellis’ room.

When I tried to put down the cup of piping hot milk that I had wrapped in both hands, our hands touched…

Ellis: “…”

Next Chapter

[nica-my-beloved]

This is just my impression so far on the MCs of Ikemen Series. I have seen posts about Ikemen MC not having enough spite, dumb, damsel and distress etc etc....and to some point I do agree with it. Even I made a post about MCs being overly positive. But at the same time I feel like this is done on purpose from the writers' part.

Let's just say it, the MCs are not really that relatable even though they try to make it look like that. MCs in these games are very kind-hearted for no reason, overly positive and lack basic common sense. For example, take this scene from Harry's story event:

Harry did mention to her before this that he can detect if a person is lying or not when he makes eye-contact. In the scene mentioned above, a person with common sense can easily tell that Harry lost on purpose. But for some reason Kate thought he lost because she was able deceived him. It is only later that Harry told her and Kate looked genuinely surprised. I don't think Kate is dumb. But I feel like the writers think we players are not that smart enough to distinguish between Harry's lies and truth. It makes me laugh some times.

I just honestly feel like MCs are portrayed this way so that we players could understand the game and its characters better. Like Paimon from genshin, who repeats everything in baby terms so that we could understand what we have to do (even if her screechy noise is annoying). MCs here are played by us, so when male characters has a plan that they don't reveal, MCs try to find out what their plan is so that we could understand. That's it. MCs are here just simplify the story to make us understand the character's better. They'll only ask the male characters what's needed to know right now and not anything extra. If it where a realistic MCs, she would ask more logical questions like:

Is Victor also cursed?

If Crown consists of only 'cursed' people and Victor went around to search these people, are there any 'cursed' people out there who rejected his request?

More questions on their abilities like: Can Harry still detect lies if someone closes their eye? Can Elbert trigger sad memories if a person doesn't have a sad memory? etc etc...

But we don't see Kate asking these questions.

I feel like the reason why we feel sometimes frustrated when MCs act in a certain way is because these MCs are not at all realistic. I'll never believe that someone with common sense did not try to run away after watching a murder happen. I'll never believe that someone with common sense falling into easy traps. Like this one scene from Silvio's story where, Silvio's daddy visits Rhodolite because his lost son is found and he also wants to know if Rhodolite King is dead blah blah blah...you guys know that story (I assume). Emma has to choose the next King without Silvio's dad knowing and they wait for Sariel's call. A servant comes to Emma's room to call both her and Rio. This servant itself is sus because Emma clearly states that she hasn't seen that servant before. When I read this, I immediately knew it was red flag. But even so, Emma and Rio ignores the red flag and goes with the servant and what do you know? They get kidnapped. The scene was very predictable. But it's so frustrating because, realistically speaking I think normal people would feel a little bit suspicious about the person given the situation. Maybe even question the servant. That's why I'm saying...I do feel MCs are not realistic enough. I don't think anyone is overly-kindhearted to the point that they would accept insults from the male leads and be like "I'm going to prove myself to you!". Normal people would just be like "fuck off!" and won't listen to their insults. No one is so dumb it fall into easy traps and no normal person is like "I will work hard to get to know them better." Majority of the people are way smarter and way selfish (not in a bad way though!). Many people have attitude, not everyone are kind to strangers. That's why MCs are not realistic, so there is no use in comparing MC to your personality or your intelligence. They are just tools for explaining the story in a simplified way and moving the plot forward. Because like I said, if Emma and Rio didn't go with the servant and get kidnapped, Silvio's story wouldn't move forward.

That's all. This no hate, this is just how I felt after reading quite amount of stories both in-game and on tumblr. MC's don't have much background because the writers don't really put too much thought about their personality. MCs are basically last on their lists. They just make sure that she's an adult, working woman (doing some odd jobs like a flowershop lady or something, because I've never seen a CEO MC), and they are very kind for some reason. They don't have family (except for Emma), they don't have a story, they don't have anything that impacts their personality. At least it would have been nice to see why a MC is so kind-hearted would be nice. But otome games' main selling points are the male leads. The male leads falls for MC's purity in their dark world.

[andreafmn]

I'm Not Afraid | Chapter 26

Word Count: 4.8K

Story Description: (Y/N) Argent arrived at Beacon Hills to put to rest her father’s sister, Kate Argent. For the first time, her family has decided to settle down and sustain a life in this interesting small town. After 17 years, (Y/N) has the opportunity to establish interpersonal relationships but will she be ready to face the complications that come with relating to her cousin’s, Allison, friends; especially, the infamous Derek Hale. She will face the adventure of being associated with the Derek and McCall pack, as well as being faced with the discovery of certain aspects of her life she never imagined.

<- Previous | Next ->

There was no mistaking what had happened to Raina and her pack. Someone had been running them out of the town purposely, and they were taking innocent lives with them. But there was a theory Henry did not want to voice, yet he couldn't help it from popping into his head.  

Henry's family had not been known for taking the high road or playing fair. His father had a way of bending the truth to fit his narrative, and he definitely had people who would do anything they needed to do for Gerard's bigger plan to come to fruition. He had witnessed planted evidence, false testimonies, and even the occasional dead body that belonged to no one but the hunters. And he couldn't help but think that the bodies in Fort Kent were victims of Gerard Argent's plan.  

But why? What could his father possibly gain from hurting Raina and her pack?  

“Everyone!” Raina called as she reached the cabin where she and her pack were staying. “Please, gather round.”  

“Who is this guy, Rai?” A man asked, joining her side in a split second. “He smells like trouble.”  

“Calm down, Marcos. I know him, okay?”  

“Well, I know an Argent when I see one,” the man grumbled. “I don't trust his kind.”  

“I know. And he is an Argent, but he's... he's a friend,” she smiled. “And he's gonna be staying with us.” 

Mumbles and arguments erupted across the camp. Over a dozen people gathered around the pair, their eyes focused solely on Henry. They all shouted their grievances toward their alpha, yelling their distrust and disgust for people like him. The last thing they wanted was an Argent in their midst, and he could understand that.  

“Alright, everyone. That's enough!” Raina exclaimed, her voice booming and echoing across the forest. “I understand your apprehension, and I hear your concerns. But Henry is nothing like his family, and he needs a place to stay.”  

“How do we know he's not here undercover?” Marcos continued. “He could be a plant for his family, and you just brought him straight to us.”  

“He's not like that, Marcos.”  

“How can you know? You haven't seen this guy in years.” 

“I know him.”  

“How well?”  

“I...”  

“We're not gonna get anywhere like this,” Henry interjected. “You can have my phone and dispose of it. You can double-check my car for a tracker; there isn't one. You can triple-search my things and throw out whatever you don't want here. But the only reason I am here is because something inside me led me here—led me to Raina. Now, you may hate everything about me, but I am only here for her. And if she wants me here, then I'm staying.”  

Raina and Henry's eyes met, and there was an unspoken agreement between them. Like many years before, their connection was undeniable. They didn't need words or even gestures to know what the other was thinking—even after so many years and so much distance. They just knew.  

“Henry is staying,” Raina stated, standing between him and her pack. “And if anyone has a problem with that, you can go ahead and take it up with me.”  

After that, the pack disbanded begrudgingly. No one trusted Henry, and he could understand why. But their alpha had given an order, and unless they wanted to find another pack, they needed to follow her rules. And it seemed like they all agreed. They were fine with staying for Raina's sake, but that didn't mean they had to be nice about it. There were dirty states, under-their-breath comments, and a tad of shunning.  

Still, Henry couldn’t care less that the only person who had talked to him in seven days had been Raina. When he’d deviated from the hunters, he had no idea what awaited him in the forests of Maine, but he’d be lying if he said he regretted it for a moment. He believed there would be a period of awkwardness and anger from the distance and misunderstandings—it was only logical given the way things had ended between them. Yet, no matter how long it took, he was willing to wait until she was ready to let him in once more.  

But Raina surprised him. Instead of pushing him away or simply being cordial, she welcomed him like no time had passed at all. For the first time in a very long time, Henry felt happy. All it took was a few seconds in her presence, and all the pain and hurt that had festered in his life for the past few years had instantly dissipated. Everything that had occurred had led him back to her, and he could never take it for granted. 

“Can't believe you're here,” Raina smiled as she sat on her bed. “I mean, if anyone told me this morning I'd be running into you, I'd probably laugh in their face.”  

“Well, I was supposed to be almost four hours away and most definitely not in this hidden cabin surrounded by wolves that want my head on a stick,” he grinned. “But I guess the universe does work in mysterious ways.”  

“Henry Argent,” she chuckled.  

“Raina Shetty,” he said as he sat beside her. “Is there a... a Mr. Shetty?”  

“Wow, you're just getting right into it,” she laughed loudly. “But no. There is no Mr. Shetty.”  

“Oh. Well, that's good to know.”  

“Yeah?” Raina grinned. “And what about you? Did Gerard finally arrange the newest Argent acquisition?”  

“I'm pretty sure he was trying to,” the man laughed dryly, scratching his neck as he felt warmth rise under his skin. “But I couldn't quite connect with her. There was always someone else in my mind.”  

Henry couldn't help but let his eyes roam across Raina's features. So much had changed, and nothing had changed at all at the same time. Her eyes were just as warm and inviting as they had been the day they had met; her smile was still gleaming and infectious; her body... Well, he had been lacking in the bedroom department, but that had never stopped his imagination from remembering his past. And now she was sitting beside him like no time had passed at all. She had welcomed him with open arms—albeit after a small defensive fight—and had offered him a place to stay when he had left it all behind to follow an unknown flutter in his heart.  

“What are you thinking about?” Raina asked, bumping his shoulder to break him out of thought. “You disappeared there for a second.”  

“I was just thinking about how much I want to kiss you right now,” he breathed. “And how I'm not sure I'm allowed to think about that.”  

“If we aren't, then I'd be failing, too,” she said, her gaze switching between his eyes and his lips. “Because that's all I've been thinking about s...”  

Raina's words died in her mouth as Henry cradled her cheek and crashed his lips to hers. They molded into each other like the gods had carved them specifically for one another. They fell into a perfect rhythm, finding the matching melody that united their song. They breathed life into each other, feeding a fire that had been dormant for years. It spread from their lips to the tips of their toes, drenching them in a yearning that had brought them to that moment.  

“Hey, Raina, I...” Marcos' voice filled the room before the sound of the door hinge alerted them he was there, startling the pair apart as he entered the room. “Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt.”  

“No, uh, it's fine,” Raina said, fixing her slightly tousled hair and crinkled shirt. “What's up?”  

For days, that was the way things went. Every moment Raina and Henry found to be alone, one person or another would interrupt or find a way to whisk her away. There was not a minute where he was able to do much other than share a few words with her and a couple of kisses before she was pulled from his grasp. It was a constant show of who had her ear and priority. Henry was an outsider, and they were all letting him know.  

Still, he tried his best to show them his intentions were nothing but good. He cleaned what needed to be cleaned, he cooked what needed to be cooked, he found what needed to be found. Henry tried everything he could to make it known that he wanted to be a part of them, and he was willing to wait however long it would take. Raina was there, and he wasn't planning on giving up on her ever again.  

Raina, on the other hand, had quickly started to grow tired of her pack's antics. She had prided herself in welcoming anyone who needed a home and guidance, no matter who they were—with the occasional exception, of course. Lost souls could find a place to rest their heads for the night or for the rest of their lives. It was the way her father had lived by, and it was the way she would, too. So, for her pack to reject the one man who had stolen her heart from the moment he had said hello to her.  

The last thing she had expected when a motion sensor was triggered on the outskirts of the property a week before was to find the very man she had lost close to a decade ago. When he had seemingly disappeared right before their senior year was set to start, she believed it would be the last time she ever set eyes on Henry Argent. Despite their predisposition to hating each other, they had pushed through their taught bigotry and found something stronger to unite them—love. It was that simple emotion that had kept her hoping rather than letting anger fester deep inside her, for it wasn’t his fault he was born into a hunter family, nor was it hers to be born a wolf.  

Henry had been the one who got away, and he had been for a long time. Since his vanishing, Raina hadn't been able to get him out of her mind, constantly reminded of the boy who had seen her at her very worst and had loved her even more. She couldn't imagine herself building another relationship like the one she had cultivated with the Argent boy—even if it had been her first, she had truly believed it would be her only. And when she had decided to desist from the idea of a happy-ever-after with him, he crashed right into her life once again.  

“I just don't understand why he's here,” Marcos grumbled as he chopped firewood. “No one just happens to stumble across their long-lost love like this. Much less a hunter like him.”  

“He is not like his family, Marcos,” she sighed in frustration. “If you give him a chance, you’ll see he’s an amazing person. You would have seen that if you and the whole pack hadn’t decided to avoid him and ostracize him the entire time. I trust him with my life. And if you trust me as your alpha and as your friend, you would too.” 

“That guy is a hunter, Raina!” the man exclaimed. “Not just that, he’s an Argent. How can you trust him after what his father did? You should hate him just as much as we do.” 

“Henry is not his father,” she responded through gritted teeth. “What Gerard did…” 

Suddenly, a voice started, and then it interjected. “What did he do?”  

“Henry, I…” 

“Tell me what he did, Raina,” he said. “What did my father do to you?”  

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know,” Marcos spat. “You probably helped him do it.” 

“What is he talking about? Helped him do what?” 

Marcos took a step toward Henry, ignoring Raina’s deadly grip on his arm. “Your dear old dad killed Rahul and a few of our pack members,” he seethed. “A year after you all left, Gerard came back to finish a job he had started when you all left. Set fire to the house after dosing them with wolfsbane. Now, he didn’t get Raina that time, so I’m almost certain the killings at Fort Kent are just his excuse to send you to finish the job.” 

Dread washed over Henry as Marcos’ words sunk in. He had known his father to be cruel and violent, but he never thought Gerard would go that far. He had tried his absolute best to keep the Shetty’s identity a secret—even when his father had literally tried to beat information out of him. Everything he had done to protect Raina had been for nothing. And him being close to her again would only put her in even more danger than she already was.  

“I-I-I have to go,” he stammered as he rushed inside the cabin. His vision was blurred from the tears in his eyes, and he was sure that if he stopped walking, he’d drop. Raina’s voice followed him all the way to her room. “Don’t try to stop me, Rai. I have to go.” 

“What, why?” she inquired. “I can talk to the pack if that’s the problem. I know they’ve been hard to crack, but…” 

“I’m dangerous for you, Rai,” he sighed. “My dad killed yours. You should want me as far away from here as possible; you should despise me.” 

“Why would I hate you for what your father did? I would never punish you for your father’s sins.” 

“Maybe you should,” he mumbled defeatedly as he sat on the bed. “If I had never fallen for you, he would have never set his sights on your family.” 

“How can you say that, Henry?” Raina softly asked, taking his hand in hers. “You had nothing to do with your dad’s hatred. If anything, you tried to change his mind about wolves.” 

Henry struggled to find the words as tears fell down his cheeks, his shoulders shaking as the sobs took over his breathing. Guilt swam through his veins, squeezing his throat and chilling his bones. “It’s my fault he came back, Rai. It’s my fault your dad is dead,” he cried. “If I had just stayed home and done what he asked, your dad would still be alive.”  

“What're you talking about, Henry?”  

“After Maine, we settled in Washington, but I never felt at home there. My dad cut out every channel of contact that I had here, and as the days passed, I found it impossible to be away from you,” he started. “I held out during the school year, but once I graduated, I had no reason to stay there. A week after graduation, I tried to run away, and I truly underestimated my father's need for control. I only made it across Idaho before he found me, and I can tell you he was not happy about it.   “He forced me into his car and drove me back home,” Henry recalled with a shaky breath. “When we got there, he told my mom to take Chris and Kate out of the house before dragging me to the basement. I tried my hardest to remain quiet. The last thing I wanted was to set his sights on you and your family again, but I wasn't strong enough.”  

“What did he do to you, Henry?” Raina asked, her voice broken and horrified. “Tell me.”  

“He kept asking where I was going. Pushing and pushing to get the answer he wanted, but he quickly gathered I wasn't going to give an answer willingly,” he shuddered as he remembered that day. “When he grew frustrated, which didn't take long, he decided to use other methods—ones he would normally use on werewolves. He beat me until I was choking on blood, he shocked me until I couldn't stop twitching, and he waterboarded me until I couldn't stop coughing up water. I had a broken rib by the time I finally gave him what he wanted, and that's what sent him here.   “I told him I would never stop trying to get away from him to get to you,” Henry sniffled, his head dropping in shame. “He took me to his doctor after and made a deal with me—he would leave you and your family alone if I didn't try to find you again and became an exemplary hunter. And, well, I agreed because I thought it would keep you safe. But all I did was give him the perfect excuse to target you guys. If I had just kept quiet...”  

“If you had kept quiet, you'd be the one dead now, Henry,” Raina cried, cradling his cheek to force his eyes back to hers. “Your father would have never stopped hunting us, and he made sure to let my dad know before you left. None of this was your fault, Henry. We are simply the children of a war that doesn't belong to us. It would be easier to just hate you for what Gerard did to me and a lot of people in the pack, but you bear no guilt in this. And my heart can't do anything but love you.”  

“I don't deserve that, Rai. I don't deserve your love.”  

“Why not? Why can't you just accept that I love you, and I would never blame you for what your family does?” 

“Because I am my family, Raina,” he exclaimed. “I have hunted; I have killed. I became the man my father always wanted me to be, and it was all for nothing. I should have known he was lying.”  

“You were a kid, threatened by the one person who's supposed to love you unconditionally,” she cooed. “You had no reason not to believe him, and I’m grateful you did, Henry. You wouldn't be here right now if you hadn't.” 

“I don't deserve this. I don't deserve you.”  

“Henry, you deserve more love than I can give,” Raina said. “The universe has given us another chance to make this work, and we shouldn't ignore it because of mistakes committed by other people. Don't give up on us before we have given it our all.”  

“I don't want to, but what if Marcos is right?” he questioned. “What if it's my dad or someone working for him that did the slashings up in Fort Kent? That would mean he knows you're still here. And now that I've run away again, he’s gonna stop at nothing to find me.”  

“Then, let’s test out that theory,” she mused. “Stay here; be with me. Whatever happens after, we can deal with it. Just give us another chance, Henry.”  

“You have too much faith, Rai.”  

“And you don't have enough,” she chuckled. Raina decided then to test the waters. She placed a knee at either side of his legs, straddling his lap as she circled his neck with her arms. “You wouldn't be here if you didn't believe in us, even just a little bit.”  

“I will admit you make a really good point there,” he breathed shakily. “I just don't want to put you in danger... again.”  

“You do know I am an alpha with quite a big pack?” she grinned. “I can take care of myself, Henry.”  

“Of course,” he chuckled, letting his hands roam her back. “It won't stop me from worrying.”  

“Who said I wanted you to? I just want you to stay.”  

“I will,” he smiled. “They'll have to pry you off my dead, cold hands if they ever want to get me away from you.”  

“Kind of like the sound of that,” she teased. “Also like the sound of cementing this little promise.”  

“What did you have in mind?”  

“Well...” Raina placed a kiss on Henry's lips before kissing his cheek and then his jaw. “We could start with something like...”  

Before she could finish, a knock interrupted them. Someone from behind the door called for Raina, telling her she was needed. It pulled a sigh out of the pair before they slumped onto the bed in frustration. "We're gonna have to do something about that,” Henry muttered. “I haven't had more than a few minutes alone with you.”  

“Don't worry,” she smiled. “Things are gonna change around here.”  

And change they did. In the coming days, Henry grew on the pack. They started to see the difference between him and the rest of his family. He was helpful, he was useful, and he was staying. Slowly but surely, he became one of them. Especially as his relationship with Raina grew. 

A month and a half later, when they finally got the privacy they had wanted, Raina had fallen pregnant. After eight years of distance, they were set on the fast track, and they couldn't be happier about it. Everyone rallied around them, excited about the new life they were bringing to the pack. In their long trek of darkness, a baby was just the sign they needed that things were looking up.  

By Raina's eighth month of pregnancy, Henry decided it was the right time to get down on one knee. Nerves shot through him as he prepared for the day. He knew love lived between them, but only for the second time in his life; he was doing what he wanted to do and not what was expected of him. He had found happiness once more, and he didn't want to lose it.  

“You know she's gonna say yes,” Marcos chuckled as he snacked on a bag of chips. Surprisingly, the one who had hated him the most when he arrived had become his closest confidante. “I mean, she's already knocked up.”  

“Hey, that's my possible future wife you're talking about,” Henry said. “And I know she's gonna say yes—at least, I hope. But I can't help but feel nervous.”  

“Well, you are doing things kind of out of order,” Marcos shrugged. “You should have gotten married before your dad killed hers and then have kids.”  

“That's not funny.”  

“I think it's hilarious,” he laughed. “Almost as funny as it is that you're nervous.”  

“Nervous about what?” Raina asked as she walked into the room. “Is there anything to be nervous about?”  

“Oh, nothing really,” Henry chuckled awkwardly. “Just preparing for tonight's bonfire.”  

“And that makes you nervous?”  

“You know, Henry,” Marcos teased. “It'd be weird if he wasn't.”  

Marcos’ jokes aside, Henry was truly nervous. The ring burned a hole in his pocket for the rest of the day as they went about their normal chores. He couldn't handle the wait. Every fiber of his being yearned to ask the question, to fortify the commitment they had made to each other. Even if they were never legally wed while they remained hidden, he and everyone he now considered family would, and that was all that really mattered.  

That night, everyone gathered around the bonfire, thankful winter had broken and they were able to make fires without calling attention to themselves. There were drinks, food, and music—anyone who saw them would never know they were a pack terrified of being found by hunters. They were merely a group of people celebrating and enjoying each other's company, buzzing from a secret everyone knew except their alpha.  

“Everyone seems happy, huh?” Raina asked as she swayed to the music with Henry. “I just wish we could be in an actual house where we don't have to be on high alert.”  

“I'm sorry,” he sighed into her hair. “It's my family's fault we can't leave just yet.” 

“It's okay, sweetheart,” she chuckled. “I kind of like it here. And our baby will love the woods. She'll be one with the earth.” 

“She? She could be a boy, too.”  

“No, I can feel it,” Raina smiled. “She's a girl.”  

“We're having a girl then,” he laughed. “And she'll be just as beautiful as her mother.”  

“As long as she has her father's brain.”  

“I wouldn't mind that,” he said before turning her to face him as he got down on one knee. “I also wouldn't mind asking you something very important.”  

“What are you doing, Henry?” Raina beamed. “Is this really happening?”  

“Raina, meeting you changed my life forever,” he started. “The years I was forced to spend without you were the longest I've ever had to live, and now that I have you, I don't plan on letting you go. I would have never believed in soulmates or even love before I met you. You gave me a reason for living, a reason for fighting. So many things have tried to keep us apart, what we were born as being the biggest. But our love surpasses werewolves and hunters; it transcends everything life has tried to throw at us.   “Now, I know this is not the flashiest ring,” Henry said as he pulled the piece of jewelry from his pocket. “I don't have the money or the access to the outside world to get you the ring you deserve. But I worked on this with Julian, and I'm quite impressed with how it turned out. I found the sea glass by the river and then we took some silver spoons and...”  

“Henry, honey,” Raina laughed, interrupting, “you're rambling.”  

“Right, yeah,” the man chuckled before he continued. “What I'm trying to say is that I don't want to spend another day of my life away from you. It's you. It's always going to be you for as long as I live. So, Raina Shetty, love of my life, mother of my child, will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife?”  

“It's about time!” she exclaimed as she pulled Henry's arms. “Now, get up here so I can kiss you.”  

Everything was all right at that moment. It's as close to perfect as it could be. The baby was close to arriving, Henry and Raina were set to marry soon after the baby was born, and there were plans to move the pack to another state. Everything seemed to be falling into place close to a year after they had found each other again.  

But perfection didn't fit into the universe they lived in. When everything was going well, something had to disrupt the peace. It seemed it was the only way life knew to keep balance.  

A week of pure bliss had passed since their engagement, and Henry and Raina were excitedly waiting for their baby to be born. In just a couple of weeks their little family of two would quickly become three, and they were ecstatic. There was a corner of their room designated to whom they were calling baby girl Argent, complete with a wooden crib and a mobile of butterflies and crystals Henry had gotten when he felt safe enough to venture into the “real” world. Ten months had to be long enough for his family to stop looking for him.  

Or so he thought.  

“There's movement in perimeter four,” Marcos called out one day. “But the cameras don't seem to be picking anything up.”  

“Could be an animal,” Raina offered. “Still, someone should go check out what's happening there.”  

“I'll go,” Henry announced as he strapped his rifle to his back. “Might get us some fresh dinner for tonight.”  

“Be careful, Henry. We don't know it's an animal for sure.” 

“I'll be okay,” he smiled before kissing Raina's cheek. “Not the first time I've hunted before.”  

“Almost like it's in your blood,” Marcos teased.  

“Wasn't funny the first time,” Henry smirked. “Might just be funny the hundredth time.”  

Henry took off to the eastern side of the property, keeping in mind the traps the pack had set for outsiders. They had never caught an actual person anywhere near the place, but it did help when they were in need of fresh meat. Yet, as he neared the area where the motion sensor was tripped, a chilling wave rushed through him. Something didn't feel quite right. And if there was anything he had learned in the past year, it was to trust his instincts.  

Granted, he could never have guessed what he would face. Whoever had tripped the sensor had done it on purpose. There was no sign of movement anywhere near where the sensors were, which could only mean there was a person knowledgeable in hiding. That, coupled with Henry's bad feelings, could only mean one thing.  

“Come out,” he called out loudly. “I know it's you, so just come out.”  

The bushes rustled with movement, unveiling who was camouflaging themselves in the foliage. Anyone else would have been surprised, but not Henry. No. Henry was annoyed.  

“Hey there, Argent,” the person said as they took off their mask. “Didn't think you could hide forever.”  

Next ->

A/N: well, one more chapter and then back to present time for some much-needed Derek Hale If you’d like to be tagged in this or any other story: click here Make sure you have my notifications on so you know every time I post!

Tag List: @hellowinterlane​ @lokisgoddesofpower​  @mersuperwholocked-lowlife@malar-region@sunshine-flower@lilstanxd@sunsetcurvej @malar-region@heyitsaloy@blackbluerose666@bellabadacadabra@winter-soldier-101@zheezs14  @sunsetcurvej  @mushroomelephant  @she–walks–in–moonlight @Gracelynn318 @skyesthebomb@esposadomd@blueshoelaces@then-worship-at-my-altar@six-call@yuki254@honeylovemoon  @Beckiej0073-blog  @baebeepeach  @cecehensonn  @catgirlpwr@magimtz23@perle-noir@adaydreamaway08@hufflepuffobsessedwithmarvel@thatgirljayy@sugasthreedollarkookie  @laylaskywalker  @fandomonetwo@fruitylilfuck@haroldpotterson  @gangstalicious06  @elijahssuit@ellabellabus07@scarletdfox@halleest@sunflowerleii@shara-ne@nngkay  @mar  @saltedcoffeescotch  @thecollectorofwords @gabi-princesada1d  @zealouscookierebeltrash@sleepilysworld@laylasbunbunny@treatiseofselena  @american-staness  @cevans-winchester@brittany-appleyard24@avada-kedavra-bitch-187@ivory-raptor@euphoria1992@mrknightsgirl  @hopexargent  @druigsluver29  @Fresita1218  @sunsetmaverick@rebelbagel@mrknightsgirl@missfunsize

@the-house-of-rose-and-ember@elizabeth916@heccatee@cerejinha@caosfanblr@heartfilia01@shadowwolfqueen-blog@jinxxangel13@arcaurix@cheshirecat484@alyeskathewave@yourfavelili @moonynaturesethetic @gh0stgurl @jjpogueprincess @xshortputax @divergentalwaysandforever-blog @Sobsasifsworld @bigbonenative

[kingdom-of-sins]

Things I didn't like about Bridgerton season 3 part 2

I don't know how you all feel but to me it felt like Polin were not given enough screen time. They felt like side characters in their own season and had far less screen time than Daphne x Duke and Kate x Anthony.

What was the point of Lady Danbury's brother? To show Violet's garden is in need of a gardener? But I kinda like how Lady Danbury was scared her brother is going to ruin the life she has built. I have seen many posts that say that her brother was only 10 when he told their father she was running away, and that she should forgive him, but she was a girl who had no freedom and no say in her life and had to marry an old man against her will. She had valid reasons to be skeptical of her brother even after so many years. Some traumas and betrayals just don't heal even after a lifetime. From her point of view she was being forced to marry against her will while her brother was the favorite, had all the freedom and inherited everything.

Kate and Anthony's chemistry has been through the roof.

Francesca and John had such a sweet build up but the show just ruined it in the last episode.

I have no problem with Michaela but I was really looking forward to Michael since their book was the first one i read from the series. It would be hard to get over that disappointment unless Michaela is portrayed amazingly and doesn't make us feel that "Michael" would have been better.

But seriously, Francesca just got married with the one person who understands her silence and loves her. Was it really necessary to show that she was disappointed in the kiss and immediately started batting for the other team? They could have shown Francesca gradually being attracted to Michaela. How they executed it was disrespectful to John's character.

I was expecting an epic showdown between Penelope and the Queen...not really. But I feel like Penelope meeting the Queen before the public reveal would have been nice. It would have been an interesting scene. And then the Queen coming to reveal her publicly, showing support indirectly.

Too many Mondrich family scenes. Makes me think they might make one of their kids Gregory's or Hyacinth's love interest. I know Hyacinth's love interest is related to Lady Danbury but the show is changing things already so it might be possible

Benedict is still floating around aimlessly. At least his friends with benefits are hot

Colin gave me the ick most of the season. Was expecting a lot more from him.

I kinda feel bad for Cressida but also hated her even more when she started blackmailing Penelope. Lol Colin only made it worse. Would like to see her return to society in a more positive role.

And Lord Debling just disappeared? Did he marry some plants or animals?

Overall an underwhelming season for me. I think next will be Benedict's season and hopefully it will be better

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

How are the suitors relationship with Kate in ikevil? Like can you describe it if you have leisure time?

If we put the whole creepy aspect aside, all the male leads are extremely kind towards Kate. They don't want her to be a part of their dark world so they all make sure she's safe and happy as long as she is with them.

Now this is just my general view about the characters based on William's route.

William- He wants Kate to be more open and more selfish of her desires. He doesn't want her to shut herself inside her room for the whole month until she leaves. He wants her to enjoy herself, eat her favorite food, do her favorite things, say whatever she has on her mind etc. He talks to her in a very gentle tone with a smile, not ordering her around, and instead, comforts her like she's a child. He finds her asking him so many questions really cute. He finds it funny when she openly admits that she loves food. In the end, all he wants is for Kate to get along with everyone in the Crown.

Liam - Liam is also very considerate of Kate. His lovely child-like personality eases Kate very much and it feels like Liam, according to her, is the easiest one to get along with out of all the Crown members. He has this very charming aura that attracts people. Liam sees Kate as his friend and was also ready to help her with her 'mission' in William's route. He was worried about Kate when she was stabbed in William's route. He kept telling Roger that he couldn't protect her when she was stabbed right in front of him and William.

Harrison - So far Harry's role in William's route is to warn her about things. Like saying 'William's affection is like rain'. There is no biggg role like saving her from the jaws of death or something like that.. He's there in the background with other members. He also doesn't see Kate as some kind of burden when she comes with them on their mission. Like when she doesn't understand something, he doesn't mock her or leave her in the dark but instead explains what they're doing and why they are doing and when she thanks him politely, he's stunned. Later she also asks if Harry telling lies is his own way of protecting his loved ones and Harry was again stunned.

Elbert - This man does some things in William's route, which if you look out of context, it's hella creepy. But when you find out that he did it with pure intentions, you'll think it's a little too much. Elbert is still so confused because he thinks Kate is beautiful but doesn't know if she is the 'most beautiful thing' he is looking for. Therefore El keeps asking Al if Kate is actually beautiful or not and Al keeps saying 'No, she isn't' because if he by chance he says 'yes' El would be literally ready to lock Kate in his room and also kill William. Yes, I'm not joking. Al literally says "Let's not have bloodshed within the Crown, shall we?"

Alphonse - This guy has a confusing personality. I haven't yet seen a scene where he shows genuine care for Kate. Yes, he also comes to help Kate with her mission along with Liam and Harry, but not because he wanted to, but because El forced him to. Other than that, he just teases her by saying some creepy things and that's about it. I don't know if he actually cares about her or not. Maybe he does and I just didn't notice it.

Roger - He was the one who took care of Kate when she got stabbed in William's route. After that they all have a party to celebrate, Will's return and Kate recovery and Kate thanks Roger for saving her, and Roger just shakes his head and congratulate her. That's all I can say about him.

Jude - This guy has like two whole scenes with Kate in William's routes, but I know this guy better than any other Crown members. He's a cocky bitch. Yes, he is arrogant, swears a lot, and acts like he doesn't care. There is one scene where Kate goes with Jude and Ellis to persuade Brian for a story-related purpose and Jude tells her that she has 3 minutes to persuade Brian and if she can't do it within that time limit, he will persuade Brian in his own way and she will have to stay quiet. No exceptions! But even after 3 minutes he still kinda lets her have her way because she tells him that she wants to persuade him without using violence and Jude is like 'Yeah, whatever'. That's all. He doesn't treat her like she is less than him or anything. He treats her equally as he treats all the other members of the Crown. If anyone tries to attack, he will stomp that guy unconscious and then acts like he didn't do it for her.

Ellis - Like Liam, Ellis is also very caring towards Kate. He keeps on worrying when she is not happy, so he does everything he could to make her happy. Like when they went on a mission to kill Avalus, Kate faints, and when she woke up in Roger's lab, Liam and Ellis were ready to bawl their eyes out because she didn't wake up for a long time. Ellis also gives her a chocolate, saying that something sweet will make her happy. The 4 of them, then spend time together talking about random things so that Kate forgets the gore she witnessed in their recent mission.

Victor - He's more like the dad of this game. He is the one who asks how Kate actually feels about William. He also cheers her up with his magic trick when she feels down. Victor is also the first guy that comes to Kate's mind when she wants someone to talk to and he is always ready to listen to her. He also encourages Kate to go and save William if she wants to and not only that, but he also encourages some of the Crown members (indirectly) if they want to help Kate with her mission. Then he also prepares a party for all the Crown members and Kate later on. SO yeah, he also cares about her.

[yukine-sakamoto]

More Shadows House: I’m near the end of the debut arc (ep. 7, 8, & 9). I suppose I should start tagging these for spoilers so: spoilers

I’m loving how Emilico helping everyone comes back to her in so many different ways, and how it disarms everyone and allows them to help and be helped as well. Honestly makes me feel a little bad for ever assuming the worst of someone. I’m glad we saw John panic over what he said to Kate, too. It was adorable and grounds his character, plus he did go a bit too far. We basically get confirmation that all shadows have soot powers but with different strengths, and that does seem to be part of the test. It was also interesting to see the interaction between shadows of different rankings. The third floor crew basically treat the other shadows as servants, not quite to the degree of living dolls but more than I would have expected. I suppose they need servants since their living dolls are… consumed, I guess. I did not expect that reveal at all. Kind of throws most of my theory out the window (unsurprisingly), but I still wonder what they do with all the soot, especially since it relates to negative feelings.

I definitely underestimated Rum. I mean I was rooting for her, but I’m so glad Emilico was able to support her and give her a little self-confidence, so she could really show her strengths. The moments of her figuring out the map and the maze and being reassured about Shirley, so good. More than that though, I think I underestimated Shirley. I had assumed she was shy like Rum, and that we never saw her produce soot because she was used to being on the sidelines. But knowing that Rum has never seen her make soot at all and that her room is always spotless makes me think there’s a lot under the surface. Even someone with weak soot powers would normally give off a little when they feel negative. Shirley must be content and likely confident/above-it-all in order to never make soot. I bet she’s super smart like Rum. She knows something the others don’t, or has figured something out. She’d rather observe and learn more than engage in posturing for the competition. (Also, very into the theory I saw that Shirley somehow created Rummy through soot powers, and has been talking to Rum this whole time.)

I really wish we heard what was said between each pair when Rum rescued Shirley and when Ricky rescued Patrick. It would’ve been very revealing for each of their characters, but especially since we haven’t heard a word from Shirley yet. I’m guessing they’ll show Rum/Shirley later though.

I’m glad they had the third floor crew talk about how strange this test is and how biased Edward clearly is. It’s a lot of what I was talking about in my last post, so it was satisfying. Still, they seem content to just be entertained and not worry to much about the validity of the test, which is expected but disappointing. Actually, they seem really eager to see someone, anyone fail and die. I think they probably care very little about the event as a test and focus on the spectacle. It was interesting to hear I think Ryan say something like “do we want a bunch of star bearers?” I was confused initially because I thought that was a title of honor and authority, but it was said with distain. It was during the conversation about dolls and individuality, though, and I saw someone guess that star bearers are shadow & doll pairs that can’t or won’t merge, which makes a lot of sense to me. I think due to Emilico’s influence none of this cohort will be willing to merge. They are all learning to be kinder and less competitive, which breaks down the walls separating master and servant. Certainly Kate and John wouldn’t. Louise might since she is clearly obsessed with Lou, but depending on their relationship she might actually prefer Lou to have a body.

But that being said I have to talk about Kate’s & Shirley’s prisons. There’s literally no way to properly free Kate except one random chance at the beginning. That’s not a test, it’s an execution. I mean I’m mad about the injustice of it, but it also would’ve been less of a show for third floor crew if things had gone to plan. I wish we had seen more about the intended solutions to the other prisons, too. Louise’s literally had instructions on it, clear bias and very stupid. John destroyed his, but I imagine it was similar to Patrick’s, which was very interesting to me. They kind of glossed over it, but I don’t think we’ve seen soot used that way before. I had assumed it would not be able to hold a shape on its own, or if it could, it would be too brittle to turn a lock. For Shirley’s, they explained how the soot mechanism that would kill her worked, but never said there was any kind of key or other mechanism. Kate was last in the ranking when this part started, so by Edward’s logic Shirley’s should be slightly easier than Kate’s. I think cutting through the plants was the only way, maybe that’s what the shears at the beginning were intended for.

Speaking of Louise and shears. I never thought Ricky had it in him to hurt Lou or Louise, and I mean that as a compliment, but I also don’t think he had a right to get mad at Shawn since he did think about it and it would be in line with his behavior thus far. Then again, being mad about it is also very in character for him. It was nice to see Lou show some initiative and give him the shears. (And very clever noticing the differences in the masters’ soot trails) I’m not necessarily on board with the little romance they seem to be teasing between the two though. There’s clearly something going on with Lou that needs to be addressed first. She’s growing, but she still seems like not all there at times, and it’s worrying.

Also John is a badass just punching that boulder to pieces. Is it bad that I was kind of into how excited Sophie got over “the volume of his soot”? *blush* Anyway, I’m always slightly frustrated by these boulder chase scenes because I feel like you could just lie flat in the corner and the boulder would pass over you. Or, he could hide in the turnstile. It’s metal, so part of me doubts the boulder would do more than dent it. Actually that whole exchange was silly. Once both pins are lifted, it looks like they won’t lock again until a full 180° turn. You could open it once and just pass back and forth freely without ever letting it lock again. I don’t know, maybe there’s more to the mechanism.

Also, back to Kate’s prison and the rescue. Kate and Emilico’s reunion conversation was so cute and yes wasted a bit of time but technically maybe worth it to calm down Kate and slow the soot mechanism. I did have trouble suspending my disbelief for the rescue sequence though. Emilico was very valiant running along the beam and jumping to save Kate, but the physics just don’t make sense to me. How could she leap forward over the lip, but somehow reach back far enough to grab Kate? And if the flower cart was there, did she need to catch Kate? I mean the flower cart felt a little convenient on its own, like, Emilico did not look before she leapt. But more than that, and it was hard to tell, but in certain shots the cage looked like it was over grass. It was definitely close to the edge, and it only looked about one story up. That’s a survivable fall. You couldn’t catch yourself if you fell with the cage, but if you hung on, as Kate did, you could just swing forward, land on the soft grass, and like tuck and roll. Very survivable. Still it was cute for them to land in the flowers together. Criminal that Emilico’s nickname was translated as sunshine instead of flower bed. So many good references to that name are missed.

Can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

(Also thank you to the person who reblogged my last one of these and said they wanted more. I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I’m new here, so that made my day.)

[gainesha]

still at Season 1 with my current BSG rewatch, going slower than I wanted, but

stray thoughts:

I have seen a lot of the episodes many many times, and I had one complete rewatch years ago with my family, but it is very exciting that I committed myself to do a full rewatch again. enough time has passed so that I can kinda see it with a new eye, even though most of the show etched myself into my mind and soul forever.

she is a big deal, but i still feel like we underappreciate Katee Sackhoff as an actor and Kara Thrace as a character in the show. she is just ELECTRIC. possibly my favorite fictional TV character, give or take a Nora Durst.

the David Weddle & Bradley Thomspon scripts sing like no others. Michael Taylor is going to be my go-to writer on the show later on, but they are indelible throughout, and the first ones to truly get the wavelength of RDM

i know many purists would rank the first season as the best, and i enjoy the very classical standalone structure and small-scale feel of it, but for me it's still probably at last place, even considering some rock bottoms of later seasons. also, I love the spiritual and theological rabbit holes the writers will write themselves into, and the show gets better for all the weird detours and strange turns of the worldbuilding and the narrative. I am very curious how the dead-ends and messiness of the overall arc will feel this time through, though.

Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down is by far the worst episode of the show thus far. I don't think EJO handles the screwball rhythms well as a director, and the characterization of Ellen this early in the run does not sit quite well with me, considering how they deepen her story later, especially in the New Caprica run. here it's just a crazy scheming bitch and a bros before hos posturing - her dynamic with Saul could (and will) be great and complicated, two people who get the very worst out of each other, which is spelled out in the episode, but isn't really depicted in an interesting way just yet.

also, can't wait for Tricia Helfer to really shine in later seasons. she is already amazing in her limited role of HeadSix temptress, and you can already sense the complexities behind her purr and anger and frustration.

Tahmoh Pennikett is not the greatest actor on the show, but he is amazing at giving a protector / big brother energy for Helo. he is just so rock solid. makes Helo a much better character than on paper, I think.

Flesh and Bone doesn't hit as hard any more (it was the episode that truly hooked me the first time, and one of my faves to revisit at earlier rewatches), but it is still the episode that has the first true glimpse of the thornier political and theological stuff that make the show reach next levels of greatness in terms of the cylon-human relations. Callum Keith Rennie is alluring and next to Tricia Helfer, the most un-human of the cylons.

the costumes in BSG are PERFECT. from the shiny chrome-silver flightsuits in the Caprica arc (both Helo and Sharon have such cute asses in those pants) to the standard blue uniform and the dogtag-sleeveless-tanktop combo of the pilots... so so so cool

the handheld camera shots really pay out whenever they zoom in a close-up of adama's pockmarked face or starbuck's trembling mouth. a huge reason of why Galactica (the ship, the crew) feels so lived in.

quiet moments like this one always make me cry:

[the-dairy-of-a-normal-person]

idk how to start but I am SO confused about that last look of a flabbergasted Francesca when she meets Michaela? WHAT WAS THAT? i haven't read the books so excuse me for that 😭

some thoughts-

+ they are wasting away Benedict. they are wasting his potential and story and what all he could be. he felt so...out of place, confused and useless this season. half of his scenes were of him having sex that was not going ANYWHERE. i love Benny so much but i want shonda to treat this President of Pookie Nation with care and love. I want the story to respect Benedict because his character has so much potential and so much to offer. He hides behind his charming smiles and taunts but his eyes are always sad. As if he is looking for something-this one crucial piece of puzzle and he cannot seem to find it. shonda babes you better sharpen your quill.

+ all the instances that were supposed to be happy for Pen- the marriage, the engagement, the wedding night, ALL OF IT WAS RUINED BECAUSE of that stupid LW secret.

+Kate and Anthony still the best couple i do not make the rules. i don't think even Polin is topping them. tho Kate is certainly topping Anthony tonight.

+ the season was good don't get me wrong but it felt..a bit... rushed and its like the writers are focusing more on the future than savour the present. everything is happening because of the future seasons. idk if that makes sense

+i DID NOT like violet's treatment of kilmartin. i like violet most of the time but she didn't have to act so "unsure", distant and sloppy with kilmartin.

+Francesca gave some slippery vibes as if she is hiding something. or is it just me?

+I don't know why everyone is bashing Eloise so much. I pity her so much. She has kept the sword aside, she stopped fighting but she looks SO LONELY. she is not always the easiest person and she is whiny but i wish i could give her the tightest hug and talk day and night. maybe I see myself in her too much that i am defending her.

+i like they included hyacinth and Gregory this season, they are so precious.

+ i liked cressida's redemption arc but I think Lady Featherington might have won this one. She made peace with Pen in her own tight lipped fashion but i love that for her, i am not going to lie.

+ oh, cressida. i feel too bad for her. i do. but I do not sympathise with her. i actually do not know what to think of her at all.

+mr and Mrs mondrich yassssss slaying as always so cool so suave i love them

+once again, KANTHONY💅🏻🕺🏻✨🥰✨⭐✨💫❤️❤️❤️ ALWAYS AND FOREVER

+ Best acting this entire season- Claudia Jessie. She is just too good.

Honorable mention- Colin and his rage when he finds out the real LW

+ Nicola is so real for baring her boobs we love a relatable queen and SHE MADE SO MANY WOMEN SEEN WHO DO NOT THINK THAT THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST BECAUSE THEY LACK CONVENTIONAL BODY TYPE. THANK YOU, QUEEN FOR MAKING ME FEEL SEEN.

+did I mention KANTHONY?

+LADY DANBURY' storyline was TOO DAMN GOOD. Her pain, the sweet moments between violet and her, how she confronted her brother. She is simply sublime. One of my fav characters. Again, i love my boy Benny but Lady Danbury had a better storyline than whatever the heck his story was trying to achieve.

okay, i ll stop. i am so sorry for making you read all this. i may not be as interesting as Lady WhistleDOWN.

Abt benedict : i'm afraid they are just going to use him off but apparently next season is about him so we'll, but yeah, appart from the sex scenes we had nothing more of him 🥲

Abt LW secret and all : I absolutely hated colin's reaction to pen's power and his stupid jalousy that he has all bc she is more sucsesfull than he will ever be and that she was able to build all of it by herself and her own labour and NO ONE praised her for that exept mme delacroix

Abt kanthony : i loved them sm but why werd they randomly popping on and out. I honestly lost track of them at some point

Abt the season writing : after discussing with a friend, we thought that the season did not have the same pattern as the others, especially part 2 which seemed a bit weird, as if not wrote by the same person

Abt violet : i used to be always like " i could never hate her " but now she just pissed me off. Girl, u can see that your daughter is happy and she found someone she's confortable with so why being such a brat ???

Abt Éloïse : i understand that she felt lonely and all but she is such a bad friend, took cressida for granted, just using her and not even caring for anyone but herself

Abt lady featherington : i had the feeling her "redemption arc " was forced and unatural

And finally, i agree with pretty much everything

Thank you for interacting ❤️

[deviiancetv]

Have You Experience Eusexua?

Eusexua, it’s a feeling you can’t fight, a feeling you can’t hide. It engulfs you into a small metallic orb that emits a glowing ray of light.

This masterpiece of a third studio album by the artist, FKA Twigs, has been released into the world as she’s shared 11 offerings of eusexual experience. These tracks are full of high amounts of bliss, joy, euphoria, melancholy, and industrial sounds of her path as an artist.

I’ve been listening to Twigs roughly since 2019, and she’s continued to exude ethereal, esoteric, otherworldly, and experimental. Her mixtape Caprisongs, was my personal favorite, but now this album for me has so much replay value.

You can hear hints of artists like Madonna, Björk, Kate Bush, and the collaborations of artists like Eartheater, Koreless, TinTin, and the interpolation of Aphex Twins in this project. The eastern inspired production elements is also chefs kiss!!!

“Eusexua (n) ~ it is a state of being. A feeling of momentary transcendence, often evoked by art, music, sex, and unity. Eusexua can be followed by a surge of bliss and feelings of limitless possibility. Also referred to as: the pinnacle of human experience.”

I’ve seen mixed reviews of this album from many fans, some thinking it’s not her best work or that it won’t exceed the quality of Magdalene. I view this album as a continuation of what she learned between the release of Caprisongs and her trip to Prague, where she experienced the most profound feelings of loneliness and deep connection between humans within underground communities; like the rave scene. She’s experiencing the fun and whimsy of creating art by taking the time to enjoy the beauties in life.

There’s been a small conversation about Twigs and her being “pretentious” about her art. Truly I don’t see it, but I get where the statement comes from because the people that make that statement are not connected with the arts or don’t consume the arts religiously or spiritually enough. We live in such a microwaveable, fast-fashioned, fast-processed, overly consumed, short-form content world. Substance and pure dedication to perfecting your craft have essentially become a lost art in itself.

Everything has become unserious and meme-ified beyond measure, to the point nothing is taken seriously or looked at from a critical and contextual perspective. Twigs is a part of the last generation of artists that seriously and consistently polishes her craft each album cycle— and that’s what I love about her work.

She’s an artist that intrigues me, and one that I relate to in little ways (we both have Capricorn placements and a Sagittarius moon). There's a free-spirited, childlike nature about us yet a dynamic and devoted side to perfecting and minting our crafts.

I hope people enjoy this project in this current time of our world, we need feel good and freeing music as we go through such desolate times of change and tragedy. These past three days I’ve been listening it’s fully engulfed me, as I have been practicing my healing process known as The Acts of Sol, rebirthing myself this phoenix cycle. It’s taken me a short time to realize that you’re never truly alone when you’re experiencing Eusexua.

My Favorite Tracks:

Girl Feels Good

Striptease

Drums of Death

Childlike Things (the unnecessary petty hate is LITERALLY childish for this song)

24hr Dog

Sticky (wish the outro was longer!!!)

[houseofbrat]

Becky English coming in hot with all the personal deets from Liz Hatton's mom about Will & Kate:

Vicky, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, said: 'We are taking a lot of comfort from the legacy she has left for someone her age. And we really do have the prince and princess to thank for that. I mean before that there had been a little publicity about her bucket list but after they highlighted it, it just absolutely skyrocketed. 'I have seen things on Twitter (X) attacking them and saying they have only done it for the publicity but that is just such rubbish. It just makes me so angry. We gave them full permission to make Liz's story public in order to help her and others. No-one will ever know the extent of what they and their team have done behind the scenes to help us. They have all been unbelievably kind and they've kept in touch with all this time and looked after us so well. Liz wanted people to know that. 'She loved their authenticity. I think kids can sniff that out. A lot of the reasons she did the press afterwards was because she wanted to tell everybody how kind the prince and princess were. They were so sincere. Liz knew how hard chemotherapy is and was angry that some people had criticised the princess over how she had handled her diagnosis. It made her incredibly sad. She was furious that people weren't being kind.'

Um...guess what?

If William had taken a day out of his copious vacation time (20 weeks per year, don't forget!) and had his staff set up an engagement for him that Liz could have photographed during the summer, most of the criticism that is mentioned above would never have happened.

We gave them full permission to make Liz's story public in order to help her and others. No-one will ever know the extent of what they and their team have done behind the scenes to help us.

That's great. However, people take issue with the timing of these events. Kensington Palace didn't have Liz photograph William until he was doing an investiture at Windsor Castle, which was a few weeks after Kate romped around a forest in a dress on video.

By the time Liz photographed that investiture, plenty of people were already incensed that Kate had done nothing publicly for any cancer charity, research, support groups, and the like. Instead, many people were aghast at Kate's woodsy music video, including people who work with cancer patients.

Also, let's not forget that when KP made public Liz taking the photographs on the day of the investiture & hugging Kate, it took the public attention away from those who were being given their honors. KP could have waited a day to let those awardees bask in the sun for just a day, but no, they didn't. Instead, they took the spotlight away from them placed it firmly on Kate & Liz.

They have all been unbelievably kind and they've kept in touch with all this time and looked after us so well. Liz wanted people to know that....A lot of the reasons she did the press afterwards was because she wanted to tell everybody how kind the prince and princess were. They were so sincere.

Will & Kate being nice to your face, and their comms people using your story for a public relations are not mutually exclusive things.

Is that really so hard to understand?

Apparently so.

This is a reasonable opinion as Kate is not doing regular royal duties right now. She has the time to attend something like this. She attended part of the Qatar state visit; she should be able to attend a photo exhibit for however brief.

Except Liz's mom didn't like anyone stating the obvious.

Yeah, actually, royalinstablog on twitter DOES have the right to make that comment. She wasn't breaking the rules by stating the obvious.

In fact, being able to critique public figures is essential in a functioning democracy. (Looking at you, Chris Ship.) Being able to discuss issues in a public forum is important unless you want to end up in a police state. Just ask Alison Pearson...

It's only CULT MEMBERS who want to get rid of people who critique their Dear Leaders.

Wanting to kill someone over a TWEET!

Royalinstablog is a threat to the CULT'S DEAR LEADER, Kate.

See, in the US, we don't kill people over tweets. Instead, we have twenty-somethings assassinate CEOs who kill people by spreadsheet.

I mean, did royalinstablog hit a nerve in the Rich Party Girl Cult?

Apparently so.

Liz knew how hard chemotherapy is and was angry that some people had criticised the princess over how she had handled her diagnosis. It made her incredibly sad. She was furious that people weren't being kind.'

Oh, did Kate tell you her actual diagnosis? Yes or No? People aren't being "kind" because they suspect Kate sat on a bench and lied.

If you have the deets that can clarify what Kate went through such as a specific diagnosis, treatment regimen & schedule, and what pharmaceuticals she was given, then please, by all means, give us the details that prove us wrong. Otherwise, get off your high horse because you sound as if you're defending her solely because they did you favors. It looks a bit quid pro quo, which isn't surprising, because you said they "looked after us so well."

“A doughnut hole in the doughnut’s hole. But we must look a little closer. And when we do, we see that the doughnut hole has a hole in its center. It is not a doughnut hole at all, but a smaller doughnut with its own hole, and our doughnut is not whole at all!”

[maliciousalice]

Hii Do you have a fave Janeway out-of-uniform look?

Ohh this is such a hard choice! There are so many reasons I like her out of uniform-- A lot of the time it's because we get to see who she is behind the veil. That couldn't be more apparent than in Resolutions, she flirts, explores and relaxes while she struggles to maintain her identity. She has like, 5 costume changes in that episode, albeit modest in design, they are quite revealing in a sub-textual way. Funnily enough, I actually would like to catalogue each time she is out of uniform and break down how it relates to the narrative etc. I sometimes ponder about the choices that have been made with hair and costume. We don't actually know much besides a few articles and scattered pieces of media--Most behind the scene information is about set design, which in it's own right is cool, but sometimes feels like it’s highlighted due to the male audience and as a result the other artists aren't valued enough. In theory, I'd like to uplift them because their efforts transform the lack frontal, narrative-body of some characters- we consequently learn things such as the fashion of the era, character’s states of mind, setting, etc, simply through what they are wearing– Do I dislike that? No. Because I understand the format of Star Trek is limited by the nature of being a 24 episode per season show. Sometimes things appear rushed or incomplete but if you look in the right direction, the work that was produced is just as rich as most shows, if not more. For the most part don’t think audiences appreciate the conditions that this show was made under.

The whole show has certainly been more impactful on the cultural zeitgeist than others and I think the reason for that success goes beyond the surface level- It’s not just a simple miracle that it works as well as it does, talented teams of actors, writers and people in costume all combined their skills together to forge it. They did the best they could with what they were given, and I appreciate the costume designers and writers for attempting to provide some semblance of substance in the background. (On another note I wish Paramount had archived their costumes better. Evil that we only get high resolution photography when they're selling them to someone's private collection)

However, to answer your actual question, my favourite out of uniform stint is when Captain Janeway is modified to look like a Klingon in the Killing Game! The disguise worked so well for me that I didn't recognise her on my first watch through.

Interestingly in the brief scene with brainwashed Janeway, we see an acting side of Kate's that is pretty rare. She delivered a unique and entertaining performance. While she has had to get physical on a few occasions as Janeway, and even other roles, she has never had to go full feral mode and I love seeing her in a way that is untethered from all of herself, she yells, bares her teeth, barrels into others, and does somersaults without hesitation. It's delightful choreography, and It immediately makes us question what is going on. Who is this? Can’t possibly be our well-adjusted hero, because whoever this is, is brazenly-fierce and in Klingon attire! But yes we find out it is indeed her, arguably a repressed version of her mind but regardless Janeway is completely transformed both physically and mentally, and that’s shockingly fun. 

Lending to that idea of fun, is the juxtaposingly detailed presentation of the Klingon costume versus the Starfleet uniform. I love the overall shapes, matte qualities contrasting with the metal details, the decorative line-work that leads the eye around, and materials such as swinging chains and fur, that make it look good in motion. From what I’ve seen there is a difference in the female and male armour, with the breast plating and bodice design. The armour’s bulky top half with its shoulder pads deliver a signature look, and it looks great against the simplified bottom. Considering Klingon’s do a lot of close combat, my guess is that it’s design is more about manoeuvrability, and boasting intimidation, rather than heavy defence. Ironically after all that ducking and dodging, ho ho Janeway gets stabbed for leaving her guard down. If I looked, I am sure I could find something to back that up, since Klingons have extremely dedicated lore. 

The makeup on Janeway is really neat too, the orange tones they used on her face make her crystalline eye colour dramatically pop. There is also a delicious parallel to her styling and B'Elanna's mother from Barge of the Dead in the episode that I quietly indulge in BUT I DIGRESS.

Despite the unusual circumstances, I wish we had more photography done of Kate in the unique costumes she wore beyond a few on set pictures, because I want to ogle at a more editorial/detailed press presentation of each one and I believe that everyone should treasure all versions of Janeway.

Blah Blah Blahhhh haha

I feel a little vulnerable spreading my thoughts around but I really appreciate you asking me about them and getting me out of my shell <333.

[elizacarlsonwrites]

Thoughts on the upcoming title Wicked? Not sure if you've heard about it

(Pretending for the bit that I haven’t already been talking your ear off nonstop about this movie for Months)

Somehow this turned into the whole story of my obsession with Wicked, so here goes:

I have loved Wicked (musical) since I was maybe somewhere in the range of seven to ten years old or something (who knows for sure, I’m notoriously bad with the concept of time at this point). My mother had the CD from when she had seen the (I think) original Broadway cast, so the music was always Around as I was growing up. I remember also being quite fascinated by the cover art. At some point I was also quite fascinated by the Wizard of Oz stories and film, so that played into it as well, but eventually I’d effectively stolen the CD for myself (it’s still in my room at home somewhere, but I’ve just bought a second copy at a secondhand book store so I can give the original one back to my mother however many years later… whoops) and would listen to it All The Time.

The only memory I have of the first time I saw Wicked (it was a touring production) is a vague image of G(a)linda entering in the bubble, but I loved it. When I was twelve my family did a Broadway family trip and my grandfather surprised my mother and I with front-row seats to Wicked (we called him when we got there and found out and I couldn’t stop crying). I Vividly remember the smoke billowing out over us from the stage in Defying Gravity and As Long As You’re Mine and positively sobbing my way through For Good. It’s quite possible I’ve never been the same.

(I used to collect the big special programs with the fancy photos for Broadway shows, so the one I got at Wicked has been thoroughly studied and obsessed over in the years since then.)

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to have seen the show twice more (once with you over the summer and once with my family). (As a side note, it was Really fun to watch you react to seeing it for the very first time having only heard the soundtrack before - very happy you enjoyed it too, which I’ve already told you and will say again despite that.) I will also take this opportunity to say that Mary Kate Morrissey’s Elphaba has my heart forever. I was so enthralled by her performance. But. That’s another topic.

I’ve always related quite strongly to Elphaba in my own life for various reasons, and have found a great deal of comfort in the show over the years. So. This musical will always be very dear to me.

All this to say that I love Wicked very much. In all seriousness, I was extremely nervous about Wicked (movie/movies) initially for numerous reasons but especially because I’ve been burned by adaptations before and Wicked is Very Important to me personally as well as being tied for my favorite Broadway musical of all time. I’ve since decided to look forwards to the movie as its own separate thing from the show, and that I really am quite curious and excited to see how it will translate to the screen. It is a true favorite of mine, and it at least seems like a great deal of care has gone into the movie(s), so yeah. Interested to be seeing the story and the songs in a whole new form! I am now having a lot of fun, personally. This is basically the cinematic event of the year for me. I will be at the theater at the earliest possible opportunity, bursting with excitement and probably wearing a witch hat.

So there’s an incredibly long ramble of my thoughts! What are your thoughts on the upcoming title Wicked? :)

[bunnidid-reviews]

DID book Review

DID Book Review

Facts -

Book Title: Pieces of Me by Kate Mclaughlin

Publication date: 2023 (very recent!)

Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction

Was there a diagnosis of DID? Yes! And very carefully done too

Was the person with DID presented as evil for having DID? Nope!

Major Trigger warning list:

-          Mild sexual scenes/mentions of having sex

-          Mentions of alcohol and vape usage

-          A surprise suicide attempt (ch. 7-8) with descriptions of cutting and blood

-          Lots of time spent in a hospital/psyche ward

-          Loss of autonomy with lotsss of involvement with her family watching over her

-          Non-descriptive incest

-          Locking an alter away

Subjective Review(this is how I felt about it) -

Personal triggering scale from 1 to 10 (1 being not triggering at all, 10 being a badly overwhelming experience that might cause personal harm): 2 with the occasional 4-5(the surprise suicide attempt startled me)

Personal relatability scale from 1 to 10 (1 being unrelatable, 10 being OMG THAT’S ME!): 6

Personal avoidance scale from 1 to 10(1 being eager to get on with it, 10 being impossible to finish): 2, very easy!

My interpretation of the media(Includes spoilers):

The book opens with the main character waking up from a three-day long dissociative fugue state, beside a man she doesn’t quite recognize, but finds she can trust, beside her. Nothing dubious happened, there were no drugs or alcohol involved like she initially assumed (having a history with alcohol abuse and similar fugues). Our main character is sent into a spiral when her new friends address her as Lannie.. But her name’s Dylan.

We find out Dylan’s living a very idyllic life for the most part; her mother’s a semi-famous actress who’s able to give her two children a very comfortable life, including a nice house and letting them both study their respective arts. Dylan’s brother, Mark, is following in his mother’s footsteps into acting. Dylan finds herself to be the black sheep of the family in comparison, struggling with depression, anxiety and BPD all her life. There’s always something amiss with her that doctors haven’t yet figured out, particularly with the memory loss and dissociative tendencies. There’s obviously some tension in the family due to her having so many issues.

With this latest fugue state, it kicks off the search for an answer, any answer, as to why Dylan ends up in these situations. She finds art of hers in all different styles, and the characters she’s been drawing forever seemingly have a presence in her head. Her family and best friend become overbearing in the meanwhile, insisting she can’t be alone anymore, especially in the midst of her blooming romance with the mystery boy she woke up with, Connor. I appreciated that even in the book, Dylan finds it triggering to be so closely watched and loosing her autonomy, because personally that sounds like a nightmare.

After seeing some doctors in the search for something physically wrong with her, Dylan’s best friend suggests Dissociative Identity Disorder. Something she’d seen in youtube videos and did some further research into. She overloads Dylan with information, so she pulls away to process this all..

And wakes up again, this time evidently having attempted suicide in the bathtub.

That’s when the story cracks, and it’s taken from Dylan’s point of view to the other parts, as Dylan floats into the Inner world in a very vivid dream on the cusp of her attempt.

Her inner world is the same house she’d had some dreams of before, loaded with detail and personality that really makes the space her own, inside and out. She has a room of her own there, where she’s introduced to a host(ha) of new characters, like Lannie, Kaz, Dali, Alyss and Scratch. (Scratch being the one who evidently made the attempt on their life)

While in the hospital, Dylan goes through a carousel of parts, especially as her therapist works with her through taking the DES(Is that right? The diagnosis tests, all of em). Dylan is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, and she launches herself straight into trying to understand herself with this fresh lens.

She goes quickly into trying to figure out what was The Trauma that did this to her, and everyone around her hedges around the same question. As she switches through her posse of alters, what’s left behind paints(or draws in this case) a pretty clear picture of childhood sexual abuse.. By who? No one knows. Everyone wants to know

After about two weeks or so in the hospital, Dylan comes home and gently eases into a life with DID very quickly, smoothly, easily. She builds relationships with her parts, especially Kaz and Lannie, who hang around often for daily life things. Her family, best friend and boyfriend all accept and love her as she is, even if they don’t always get it. But they try, especially the boyfriend, who studies up on helping his new girlfriend ground. (I thought that was very sweet, R does that for me)

It's decided though that Dylan needs to be monitored through her fugue states, and has very little privacy. This is shown.. As a good thing, now that she’s been diagnosed and all.. (I will expand on my thoughts here in a bit)

Halloween comes, it’s the twin’s birthday. Things are going very well, Dylan’s feeling very close to her system as they’d communicated more and switched out less. Life is on a high! She meets with her father and her little half sister and is able to rule out her father as any potential of having abused her…

And then the Uncle Travis shows up to the party. She just knows in her gut, all at once, that it was because of him.

In an instant, Dylan’s pulled back into the inner world to a movie theatre-like room, where all the Main Parts are gathered there. Monet, the part who greets them there, declares that it’s time to know Everything. So they sit down and watch all the memories together on the screen as a different part, Vincent, takes over the front. All together, they remember all the abuse that took place. (It’s described very vaguely, but there’s enough indication to understand that it’s grooming and repeated sexual abuse that took place with Uncle Travis)

Understandably, Dylan is overwhelmed and stays inside a few days. Lannie takes over. No one but the boyfriend had picked up that it was the uncle that did it yet, so the people around her are confused by the sudden change and kinda nudge for Dylan to come back out as soon as possible and adding pressure onto the “What Happened To You” thing again. With the therapists’ help, Lannie is able to switch back to Dylan and communicate to her mother that she can’t be pressured about telling her trauma.

At a family dinner out and about, Dylan is starting to pick up more and more of what makes her uncle a creep. With some concerning mentions of her little half sister spending time with him, she starts to panic when she sees he sits a little too close for comfort with the little sister, and as a hand touches her shoulder.. Dylan cracks.

Scratch comes out immediately, walks straight over and threatens Travis to keep his hands off and that she knows what he’d done. It’s enough to shake him off, the day is saved. the abuser is confronted.

When they get home from eating out, Dylan sits down her family(minus Travis) and explains that she now knows it’s Uncle Travis that had hurt her, and expresses concern for him to continuing the cycle of abuse with other girls, namely the little sister. Everyone is very accepting very quickly for her accusation of incest, but her father and brother stammer in shock to accept. This is snapped down on pretty quickly, though.

Dylan reports the uncle to the police very easily. Evidently everything is very cleanly taken care of because Uncle Travis is arrested shortly after. He attempts suicide in prison, and Dylan only feels the correct feelings feels no shame or apprehension, because he obviously only attempted it because he got caught.

Dylan has the perfect night with her boyfriend. With some warming up, they have the perfect sex.

Dali(the gatekeeper) and Scratch(Persecutor) relent their now obsolete roles and have a very nice, gentle fusion.

Everyone lives happily ever after in the land of functional multiplicity after a month and a half of being diagnosed!

~~~

This book is a Good book. By that I mean that it’s very very carefully written to be respectful and cleaned up to have the right representation. The kind of book you pat on the head and say “Good book!” like a pet who’s successfully fetched the morning paper. It’s written to be very appropriate without any explicit details especially with the trauma memories, to be good for teens to read. I’m absolutely certain that YA DID books are a good niche for this to fill.

But it’s.. Very.. Very clean for a DID representation.

I think all the details for the diagnosis process and healing are correctly written.. For a character who has all the privileges in the world handed to her. A good, honest family who genuinely loves her. Financial support enough that no medical assistance is barred off from her. A good boyfriend who immediately understands. Communication that goes really fucking well right off the bat, the ability to traverse the inner world very quickly.

An immediate understanding of who did it to her. Confrontation of her abuser and his very squeaky clean arrest. All the Correct Feelings. There’s no fighting back from a family confronting the reality of incestuous abuse. There’s no questioning her own memories or real denial portrayed with Dylan aside from a couple of tiny instances sprinkled in.

This is a good book, I’m sure!! But when I read it, I came away feeling.. like I was the dirty one, someone who wasn’t doing it ‘right’, because my healing is incredibly messy and I don’t have an ounce of support from my family like that. I have all the incorrect, messy feelings that lead me to me wanting my own sexual abuser to confirm that I’m lying and that I’m actually the one who hurt him, and have this massive terror of him facing consequences or being hurt.  

I’m certain that a lot of the limitations to depth were due to a word count and a genre limitation, as well as the author’s inexperience with dissociation.

There’s a lot of leaning into some tropes that leave a slightly bitter taste in my mouth, like the insistence that Dylan is the Host and therefore Most Important Of Them All. The family having such a hands-on approach with how she heals makes my skin crawl(as I’m sure many others would feel, because a majority of childhood trauma survivors come from abusive, controlling families), as if Dylan is no longer trustworthy of her own safety because of her new diagnosis. The slap-on-the-persecutor’s-wrist-for-doing-their-job thing. 

(By the way, I want to add that anyone who needs extra support for having a CDD is completely valid!! I do too! But having the family partake in this just.. aaaaa it feels very scary to me!! Especially since Dylan’s persecutor part is an introject of her own mother, and that’s.. Really not touched upon much at all)

The book is Correct. But it’s also.. I don’t know, it leaves me wondering who it’s written for, with such a sanitized version of DID shown here. I’m sure lots might actually find this book empowering, especially if you relate more to Dylan. It’s also a very very easy read because the triggers are kept thankfully super minimal. Maybe this is the book for you? It might be good for you, or it might be alienating, only you can be the judge of that. It feels more like a curiosity for those without a CDD to read(like the author herself)

What they got Right in my opinion:

-          The research and terms used to describe trauma and dissociation seem all up to date

-          Dylan gets a formal, proper diagnosis with both her therapist anddd a phycologist. (It sounds accurate based on what I’ve heard)

-          Each of the Parts that part-take(hehe) in the book seem fleshed out and very well thought-through. They feel like very believable and real parts with believable attachments to each-other. The writer did really nice on building the relationships

-          I really liked the grounding exercises they used in the book! (I tried the one of thinking of animals for the first 5 letters of the alphabet, it really worked?) The boyfriend using multiple senses to calm her down from overstimulation was really nice(a lottt like what R does,..ahh I miss him so)

-          I liked that Dylan was an artist and had actually been drawing Lannie all her life.

-          Scratch being an introject of her mother and having references to the movie Coraline actually line up pretty well with the age Scratch probably split off from, so I found that a bit sneat

-          I liked that Scratch was the one to call out her abuser to protect her little sister, because Scratch was made of resentment for her mother’s not protecting her.

-          Subtle clues throughout that Dylan has trauma before the diagnosis(aversion to touch, inability to connect to people, past alcohol abuse)

 What they got Wrong in my opinion:

-          The extreme ease to which Dylan accesses the inner world, starts communicating and figuring out her memories within… 2 weeks…?

-          Hardly an ounce of denial, either from Dylan, or any of the characters around her. A lot of people aren’t open to understanding DID like that, or even accepting it as a reason for why the way you are.

-          I almost feel like it’s dangerous to insinuate that you should trust your family with so many details about your disorder. (Driven by DID youtube, I told my mom everything once and I’ve regretted it horribly since. This is a memory disorder!! BE CAREFUL OF WHO YOU TELL!! People take advantage of that!!!!!!)

-          Again, in the case of incest in the family, I highly highly doubt telling the family about it ever goes this smoothly. Especially since this is for teens, who likely still have to live with their families, I worry about the influence of ‘must trust your family with details’ might have (again speaking from experience :’) ) I really would have preferred if Dylan’s safety was a found family thing instead

-          The reporting it to the police and having everything solved extremely easily is just.. Insulting to anyone who’s actually had to go through that. Especially for those of who never could find the safe resolve they deserve :(

-          Blackout switches nearly every switch

-          The many mentions of locking away and punishing Scratch for attempting suicide was really difficult to read.. Especially when this was shown as a net positive

-          Host Is Most Important Part trope

-          Host is the only one who Doesn’t Know Yet trope

-          Everything happening in like 2 months???? Extremely easy healing

-          No conflicting worries or feelings about Travis, just all the Right emotions pretty much right away(hatred, desire for justice, ect)

-          A weird line of thinking about how Dylan Created this, as if she had any choice in splitting.

Would I recommend this to someone with DID to read?:  It’s up to you. In some cases, positive reps with happy endings might be just what you need, so I say go for it! But in other cases, it might fuel denial or feelings of self hatred for not being ‘easy’ like this.

If you choose to read, please keep these two things in your pocket: This story is about someone who’s incredibly privileged, and You are not Broken for not healing in 2 MONTHS