#OK this has been in my drafts since september...needs to go

[bballlvr8]

So I watched Genos interview because I wanted to get the context and pick up on the vibes in which he said everything here are my notes

- new players looked a little lost

- whole month of september hasn’t been anyone that separated themselves (freshman, and sophomore)

- sarah is just a great player, got a lot of skills to take advantage of

- kaitlyn her adjustment is ok because she’s aggressive and plays hard, she attacks.. transition is easier because she came from a winning program. Geno likes her approach and attitude.

- Jana and Yanna are doing ok getting back into full play.. they are over aggressive sometimes. Yanna looks great physically, had a pretty good september. Jana has been off and on. Geno is happy where they are at this point

- Nothing going on with the that group (Morgan, Azzi, Aubrey and Caroline) at different points of disrepair… said it jokingly

- Morgan has lingering issues from high school and is doing more and more everyday

- azzi is on her regular schedule, we won’t see her playing 5x5 for a little bit,

- aubrey hasn’t done anything really

- Carol is all guess work :(

- They won't be ready for exhibition game, Morgan will tho!

- Bigs are fluid with ball, need to get the chemistry right

- Not necessarily wanting to keep paige off the ball, he wants to see what happens. Thinks there is an advantage to both, lot of success playing with 4 guards last year.

- Guilty of not having the ball in paiges hands more last year

- Paige is living up to being more aggressive, and he's ok with her forcing some things. SHES being a ball hog lmaoo

- New basketball shot tracking info on the goals

- Expectations of KK and Ashlynn, go to another step, they will be a little more comfortable, theyve both improved. Ashlynn more defensively than anything else. KK understanding more on how to run a team.

- Needs Sarah to have a role that impacts winning for them. Not putting any limits on her, her role will be determined by what she does in practice

- ice is their “post” veteran lol — kind of gave a funny face lol

- replacing Nika and Aaliyah with players who haven’t played a lot of basketball so you have to wait out and see. they’ll be more aggressive than defensive like last year.

- Azzi will be back before everyone like we already saw, he said that she definitely wouldn’t be back the first week of November, but he wasn’t sure about the second week in November. Says they’ll know more when she starts getting out there. Hoping that she’s there before they get into their deepest parts of their schedule, keeping his fingers crossed. She looks great. She feels great and she’s confident. More of a lets be cautious thing with Azzi!

- so many things he likes about Kaitlyn and felt that if she was here since her freshman year, she would be an All-American and probably a very high draft pick.

-

[citrus-cactus]

Howdy, all! I can't post my art summary quite yet because it contains part of someone's Secret Santa gift, so I thought I would fill out the fic summary template created by @reliablejoukido (see her original post here!). Even though I didn't publish (or finish!) much, I did start writing again this year, and that feels like a huge accomplishment, so it seemed like it would be fun to look back and talk a little bit about what I have in the works.

First, the finished fic!

My er... grand return to writing (I wouldn't call it that, but I did have a lot of fun writing and drawing for it, even if it took 6+ months from start to finish ^^;). I love these three characters as a trio so much. It was really hard to pull out a quote I liked and have it make sense in context, so I put the summary in there... but since I brought it up in another post, I thought I'd share what one of my editing drafts looks like:

(ok, so maybe not the tiniest font imaginable, but sometimes there are cross-outs to the cross-outs and sometimes I DO run out of room near troublesome paragraphs and in the margins!)

Now, onto WIPs!

Hmm, well! That sure is a title, isn't it? ;) I wanted to write Junzumi and came up with this idea late last year, and finally started trying to figure it out. It's meant to be fun and flirty and a bit awkward, but the ultimate goal is to be kind to JP, because he (and his body) are given so little love overall. And even though JP and Zoe are not actually hooking up in this fic, it is meant to show the relationship between the two of them in college, and how they could start going from friendship to dating. There IS nudity, but it's meant to be tasteful and respectful, I promise!

Oof. I haven't forgotten this fic, I swear (even though I published Chapter 4 three years ago!). I got really excited to work on it earlier this year (flush with success from actually publishing something, rotfl!) and then let it continue to languish (orz). Upon reflection, the reason it's been stalled is I was having a hard time figuring out the flow of action, but after re-outlining it in September I think I know now what Maki needs to be doing in order to experience the emotions I always meant her to be feeling in this chapter. And yes, she and Meiko meet (yay!).

Chapter 6 has been done for YEARS, and Chapter 7's probably pretty close to done as well, so it really is just this chapter being the hold-up.

AKA, Garg Fic #1. Been mulling over ideas for fic for this fandom all summer, and finally decided to write one based on some minor characters from the SLG comics (that I didn't even read, and can't read now because they're out of print). But I AM reading the new Dark Ages comics, and I'm proving to be a really good guesser about certain details, so actually, I feel INCREDIBLY validated about my original vision and characterization, ahaha.

As you may be able to tell from the quote selection, this is not a happy story. But I believe it's a story worth telling. It's about preserving customs in the face of tragedy, and mourning, and extinction, and love.

AKA, the thing that pulled me away from writing Garg Fic #1. I was possessed. I was writing something in my head about Macbeth's relationship with Demona this summer, and suddenly (VERY suddenly) it morphed into this. Dang, but they're fun to think about. This fic is weird, it will contain one MAJOR narrative trope/cliche, and it's definitely going to be NSFW if I end up getting that far. But I reeeeeeally like this paragraph I wrote for it XD

Thanks for the template Zuz, and thanks to everyone else for letting me ramble about writing! See you again for the art roundup!

[thecopyeditorsdesk]

Posting from the app because, well, read on, you’ll see. And forgive any typos and poor communication, my entire crew of editors is off for five weeks so I’m winging it. :)

“No Deity is ‘Out to Get You’”

Finals week this semester was as terrible as the semester, and I suppose that's only fitting. It would probably be depressing if everything went smoothly the last week after the previous 15 weeks had been a waking nightmare. I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's been a challenging term for almost every student I spoke with since September.

Finals week for me, though, was a bit over the top.

OK, so to start and finish, when I submitted my final papers, the computer submitted only the first saved draft. I'm not sure if that is a stupid feature with auto-save or if it was related to my other fun moment, namely when my laptop fell apart. So I spent the week having mini heart attacks when I would see Fs on all my papers. Fortunately, most of my profs notified me. I suppose this is why some older profs still insist on a paper copy.

So, yeah, my laptop fell apart. Was that Thursday morning? I think so. Because Wednesday night, I was busy getting my van towed because it was dead too. I'm glad it lasted until I didn't need to drive to campus. I worked from home on Thurs and Fri; a good thing about modern life, if only it were all good, eh?

That's the short of it.

I was relieved, as I always am when life goes to hell, that I gave up religion. Fundamentalism makes you paranoid, and everything that goes wrong in your life is either a punishment or god "teaching" you to let go of the world and cling to him. *vomit* Of course, any atheist will say this is bunk. Still, when we leave religion, it sometimes takes religion a while to leave us.

After I left and started talking with other ex-religionists, I was surprised that they almost all said the same thing, "I miss the spirituality, the feelings of closeness to something outside myself." This sentiment is the sort of thing that confused me even when I was religious. I was surrounded by people who claimed to have been "touched" by god and felt his presence, peace, whatever you have, but I have never had a spiritual experience. I am not wired that way, and I'm too skeptical. Also, highly strung people hearing voices in their heads and feeling a physical touch from an invisible person make me more than a little nervous.

But I had my own religious hanger-on. I still carried the paranoia. Everything terrible that happened to us still felt like we were somehow singled out for the pain. It wasn't easy to deal with. When things went poorly, I reacted in the extreme because of the paranoia. I would be so angry and then strung out on the pain that I could barely function.

Finally, at some point during our time trapped in the house for nearly two years, it dawned on me that life just sucks. The US is a capitalistic cesspool. Everyone will suffer because no one who cares has the time or resources to do anything about the problems. The rich do not give a fuck about anyone but themselves. So, yeah, all of our lives are going to suck.

Why does this matter?

Well, it matters because when something terrible happens, and I have my mini heart attack, I can recover in a very short period of time. I was surprised, this time around how, after dealing with each problem, I was able to calm down almost immediately. It was nice.

It takes a long time to undo 45 years of brainwashing. But, eventually, it can happen.

[queenvalruna]

Artist log

StarDate: September 21, 2023

Subject: using mid journey , also America is a sinking ship

Currently, I am learning to utilize mid journey, AI. I was completely, and I totally against using AI art, however after seeing the abundant posts on Etsy of unedited six fingered stock art of pictures made with no editing that are actually selling …my frustration as an artist pretty much exploded. I made a clip art pack sometime ago that has never sold but once and see that people are with no artistic Ability ( and by ability I mean, they never worked at it therefore they can’t )throwing together these packs and selling them. It’s not to the similar from how I can’t sell an actual original acrylic painting mind you , well painted because people would prioritize a $30.00 pizza over a painting that last forever. So being a stay at home mother, and not have currently having a job because daycare cost as much as anything I can earn where I live., I’ve decided screw it I’m going to be using the AI to make clipart, but I sure as well I’m gonna be editing it. In this process I feel like in many ways it might overall be better to paint over all the original drawings over the AI rather than touching it up. I think AI as a resource used much like stock images are is perfectly OK and doesn’t conflict, too much on my moral compass. However, I’ve already started my first pack with just touching up the images. Mind you a lot …. So my first clipart pack for Etsy be of the AI I’ve touched up, I do believe I’m going to have to find a way to sync all the colors together, more seamlessly with some color touchups, and don’t get me started on having to individually crop them and put them into a file that is 600 dpi and more or less 6 inches for each file. That’s gonna be a real pain but ultimately I am learning from this experience. I definitely will be using the  Artificial intelligence as a tool to quickly make initial drafts for damn I’m not going to just touch it up because it needs to be redone entirely. That said, how are use AI for fanart is a whole different story since I won’t be making profit off of fanart , I’m gonna be abusing the living $hit out of it while I use the AI to actually learn from as I touch it up. I think I can study many different techniques that I prefer as a touch of these images. I would never probably use the AI for any of my own personal works that I would wanna make a profit from but since I have a one year old and I have never been able to make a profit off of my artwork that point is moot. I hope I can make some money off my Etsy store that for god sake, because groceries in America are ridiculous, almost all of the paycheck goes to the important bills we need and then we spend the rest of it on food? Like really? America is absolutely in the dump right now scratch that it is at the dumpster on fire part of me just wants to move to Scotland or Germany, because they at least treat their people better. it’s kind of ironic that we were Germany which we fought in and World War I and World War II is slowly becoming the new country of the free while America is enslaving their people with corporate bullshit. and we really don’t have that much in the way of fighting it either because we’re all poor and just trying to survive. I do think the people want the guillotine back though . I hope my fellow Americans learn to rise up to the power but right now we’re trying to get bread that is a moldy. Well, no more political thoughts they just spin me into a dark spiral.

Conclusion still mixed feelings about artificial intelligence art I do think it’s evitable though.

[avocado-frog]

hey i wanna talk about the halloween thing i wrote that one time

cw for child death + accidental suicide. all just briefly mentioned/not described in detail but it is still there

Ok so back in October I wanted to write this thing for halloween just for myself so I did and I haven't finished it but it's been on my mind like all day and so anyways, I wanna talk about it

basically the premise is everyone dies except for kai and marcy (who i sort of forgot about whoops) and that is All I Have because I haven't gotten past that part

Lily- December 16, 1916- August 15, 1931. (15) Bike wreck. Went too fast downhill, lost control, got tossed off, hit head on a curb

Logan- January 13, 1910- January 11, 1932. (22) Hypothermia. Window let a draft in during the winter, got trapped in the attic

Leo- October 23, 1961- July 4, 1977. (16) Burned. Poured gasoline into a fire, accidentally got it on her arm, caught fire, panicked, caught more on fire

Cass- October 23, 1961- December 3, 1977. (17) Accidental poisoning. Glasses dropped into the sink, accidentally used rat poison

Dylan- March 15, 1969- November 11, 1980. (11) Shot. Wandered in an alley at night, caught in a shooting

Ryan- April 11, 1972- June 1, 1982. Drowned. (10) Tripped and fell off a boat while no one was watching

Sam- April 11, 1972- June 8, 1982. (10) Hit by a car. Blindly ran into the road

Elliot- April 11, 1972- July 15, 1982. (10) Unknown

Jaxon- October 17, 1971- September 19, 1985. (14) Head wound. bonked by a telephone pole, electrocution

Most of the deaths have to do with their magic in canon (Leo literally burns to death, Logan gets hypothermia, Ryan drowns, etc etc) unless I genuinely couldn't figure out how to incorporate it. Lily's is vaguely related in she has rock magic tm in canon and in this she smacks her head on the sidewalk. Dylan's is just a version of the way they definitely could've died in canon (writing the scene as we speak) while Cass and Sam just get some random ones. Elliot's is the 'mystery' one, but it's fairly easy to figure it out. I just liked the idea of one of the kids being literally completely unidentified and not found. man just locked himself in the attic on accident looking for something lmao

Anyways, then we have Kai and Marcy, who are alive because they aren't magic in canon and I needed a couple of them to Not Die. Marcy is just a friend in this, not related for plot purposes.

So all of the kids died in or around the same building, so they're all haunting the place, and Kai can see them because he's supposed to die but he keeps repeatedly not dying in increasingly impossible scenarios

Here are some little headcanons and stuff Kai uses Leo for math homework. She has been dead since the seventies. She doesn't have the heart to tell him that she's awful at math

and most of these kids have no idea what a microwave is

and in canon Dylan's special interest is spooky ghost shit so they're having the time of their life right now. absolutely thriving

-The kids all using super outdated slang and Kai nearly having a heart attack

-Leo KNOWS what the Kids Say Nowadays but she says shit like "the bees knees" to fuck with him

-Alternatively Sam says "radical" "groovy" "gnarly" unironically, has no idea what anybody says anymore, Leo encourages him

-And also Leo is so angry about being a ghost because That Is Not Scientifically Possible and Kai's like "u died in 1977 u JUST got computers slow down buddy"

-The kids all go to school with him one day and he's trying to focus but they're all talking shit about his teachers and asking questions about his school stuff and giving him the wrong answers on quizzes and overall just being terrible

-They cause problems on purpose

-They're all trying to stop Kai from dying but he's just super oblivious and keeps accidentally avoiding it

Kai: Oh look a dime!! *moves slightly to the left* Kai: *narrowly avoids a fallen air conditioner* Kai: oh shit could've died Jaxon, who is currently The Babysitter: Oh god oh shit he's gonna die on my watch lily is going to kill me forever what the fuck-

the kids eventually believe that he is immortal. Leo of course would like to test this theory and the others have to stop her from stabbing him

Kai: *google search* my house is haunted by nine ghosts who don't leave me alone and never shut the fuck up what should i do -Kai also spends a while managing to get Elliot found

-Turns out he is a skeleton

-Kai keeps finding skeletons

Kai, in the attic: That's a dead person!!! Elliot, owner of said skeleton: no fucking shit??? There's a dead person here?? when did that happen?

Kai, days later, swimming: there's another skeleton in the lake what the fuck Ryan on the docks: oh my bad sorry for drowning. i guess i'll learn to swim next time.

-The twins are really salty because their deaths were literally so preventable and stupid

-Jaxon would technically only be a year older than the triplets because the timelines are a little wonky + he lived three years longer than they did

-Kai becoming increasingly concerned over the rest of the kids: Leo: accidentally set myself on fire Cass: dropped my glasses in the sink and accidentally ate poison Jaxon: I got hit with a telephone pole lmao Kai, distressed: it is not a competition??? stop???

-Logan died two days before his birthday so he calls himself 23 but he isn't

-Absolute Dumbass Jaxon + Completely Oblivious Kai

-Tired of This Shit Lily + Scares People for Fun Leo

-Throws Rocks at People Dylan + Throws Rocks at People Elliot

-Also autistic Leo autistic Dylan autistic Elliot autistic Ryan

-ADHD Jaxon and ADHD Sam and ADHD Lily

-Dyslexic Cass (she was dyslexic in every draft except the most recent because it was only ever mentioned one time and i completely forgot)

-Logan is the token neurotypical of the ghosts

-The kids are all just fascinated with modern technology

-Kai sometimes just leaves scooby doo on for Dylan and Sam because they like it

-Kai also frantically watching every ghost hunter show *finds out that jax + lily are dead for the first time* *immediately turns on Buzzfeed Unsolved*

-But mostly scooby doo

-The kids making death jokes

-oh one final thing is that this is a no magic version so none of the backstories related to magic apply

[mrbinglee]

joni mitchell, “the circle game” // jānis tīdemanis, carousel // gregory alan isakov, “big black car” // j.d. salinger, the catcher in the rye

[professional-idiocy]

On Thin Ice - pt. 2

I am a master of procrastination so this little piece has been sitting in my drafts since last Sunday while being nearly finished. I don’t exactly like this piece but oh well, my inner perfectionist is always mad at me. 

Here’s pt 1 and here’s art of Colby, Kevin and Rosa - Next

Taglist: @cupcakes-and-pain, @whoopsalittlewhumpy (Surprise :3)

CW: Colby and his thoughts may be a bit upsetting. He has a lot of self-worth issues. Still references to torture also injuries but really just confused villain wondering why a stranger is so nice to him.

Colby didn’t know what was happening. Someone had just picked him up and taken him away from that hellhole. It was honestly confusing. The man clearly knew he was a villain, so why didn’t he just leave him there? He was a monster and clearly deserved it.

He pulled the coat tighter around him as the thoughts became too much. The coat. The man had even given him his coat. He was a terrible person. No, he wasn’t even a person. He was a monster who hurt others for no reason.

Well, he did to be useful for Alaric. Alaric might be a supervillain, but he just wanted to be useful to someone who had saved him. It wasn’t wrong, right? Alaric had even praised him on multiple occasions. He was doing good, according to him.

Colby let out a small yelp of pain when the car bounced on some bump in the road. No, even the universe was telling him he deserved it. He was nothing more than a monster lucky to be alive.

“Sorry about that” The man said as the car stopped. Colby looked at him puzzled, why did he apologize? He was a monster and deserved the pain.

“Good news is that we’re home now, so we can clean up your wounds” He flinched at that. It would hurt, it always hurt. Miss Rosa always threw some salt in the wounds to avoid infection and that was it.

He should be grateful she had been kind enough even bother with it.

The driver’s side door closed, and he flinched, was he going to be left here? He couldn’t see the man and it was driving him crazy. Miss Rosa had mentioned he would be returned if he was boring. Had he already been boring? He could be entertaining. He could do things. He could be useful. He didn’t need to go back.

He sighed in relief when he could finally see him through the window. He hadn’t been abandoned. The man opened the door and smiled softly.

“Can you walk, or do you want me to pick you up?”’

“I can walk, sir” Colby said softly, he really couldn’t, but it might be entertaining to watch him struggle. He whimpered softly as he tried to get up, wincing in pain as he put pressure on his leg. He pushed himself forward, only for his other leg to give up. He expected to hit the pavement, but the man caught him.

“I can still try—”

“No, you can’t” he said picking Colby up like it was nothing. He really could do it if he tried, it just might take a while. He was held close for the first time in ages. It was warm and the closest thing to “safe” he’d experienced in a while. He closed his eyes leaning into the warmth enjoying it. It felt nice. It almost made him forget he’d be hurt. Well, he had to pay back the mercy he’d been shown.

He stayed still hoping to enjoy the warmth for as long as possible, but much to his surprise he was gently set down on the couch. Instead of being dropped on the floor.

“Wait here while I go get everything” Colby nodded as the man disappeared into the kitchen. He knew he’d just fetch the salt, it would hurt, but he deserved it.

Colby sat there waiting for him to come back, he’d gone into the kitchen and the amount of time he spent there made him worry. It shouldn’t take that long. He should be back here. He felt relief wash over him as he saw him come back with a first aid kit.

Why would he waste that stuff on him?

He set it down on the coffee table and started to dig through it for everything he needed before he paused.

“Oh yeah, I’m Kevin Mills, sorry for not telling sooner” he said sitting down next to him with a bunch of supplies, none that seemed to include salt. He sat there waiting to figure out what he wanted.

“Do you mind if I take pictures to document the injuries?” Colby nodded without hesitation. He didn’t know why Kevin wanted to do it, but it was better to just agree.

He held out his hand letting him take the photo and then begin to gently clean the wound. It felt weird that someone treated him with kindness. He obviously didn’t deserve, but it still felt nice. He really wanted to show how grateful he was, but he didn’t know how.

He let Kevin clean the wounds trying to hold back tears as some warm emotion he couldn’t name washed over him. He sat there getting used to the steady rhythm that was accompanied by soft praise. It was surprising when the wounds were carefully cleaned before being bandaged. He was a villain, but Kevin was still treating him like a human.

He didn’t deserve it but it didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the brief moment of kindness. Much to Colby’s surprise, the cleaning process was over faster than he’d anticipated, but he couldn’t help but to feel sad as everything would soon return to normal.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how long were you in there?” Colby snapped back into reality, watching Kevin curiously before shrugging. He didn’t know.

“Since 5th of September, I think?” Kevin seemed to freeze before cursing. Colby flinched back in terror. He’d said something wrong. He hadn’t meant to make him angry. He couldn’t help as tears began to fall and he knew what was to come.

“I’m sorry” he said bringing his hands to shield himself as Kevin looked even more hateful, he knew it meant pain.

“I didn’t mean to— please I’m sorry” he said hoping begging might help but it never did.

“Shh, It’s fine. I’m not angry at you” Kevin said softly as a small flicker of hope ignited in him. He really hoped it wasn’t a lie.

“You— You’re not?” Colby asked peeking out from behind his makeshift barrier as Kevin tried to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“Of course not, it’s just that I could’ve helped you sooner if I’d known. I was there at least 2 times before today” Kevin whispered his voice growing quiet as Colby just lo­­­oked surprised before nodding. Kevin was sad. He didn’t want Kevin to be sad. He had been so nice to him. He wanted him to be happy.

He laid his head on Kevin’s shoulder curling up next to him. He’d smiled when he did it before so it should be good now. He snuggled closer getting comfortable hoping it would help Kevin. He couldn’t help but to smile when it worked. Kevin chuckled and gently pet his hair, actually thanking him. Most importantly Kevin didn’t push him away.

He couldn’t help but to feel proud. He’d been good for Kevin and if it continued. He might even be allowed to stay. He snuggled closer to Kevin, he really hoped he would be able to keep it this way.

[cotncandyboifics]

1989 [High School AU]: Chapter 1

AO3 Link

Masterpost

Chapter 2 ~ Chapter 3 ~ Chapter 4 ~ Chapter 5 ~ Chapter 6 ~ Chapter 7 ~ Chapter 8 ~ Chapter 9 ~

Pairings: slight Logince, eventual Prinxiety & Logicality

Word count: 1,780

Story summary: Roman Prince is your stereotypical Jock, with everyone swooning after him. Every day a crowd of people follow him around, only to disperse at his personal whim. In reality, he's lucky to have such good acting skills that help him cover up the disdain he has for his life. He only wishes he could use his skills properly.

Patton Whitelock's always there to lend a helping hand, no matter who you are. If you need a favor or just need someone to talk to, go to him. In reality, he's been taught from a young age that kindness should be held above all else. No one suspects that he took it the wrong way.

Logan Montgomery is the smartest boy in the Senior class. He's stern, and most people are too intimidated to speak to him. In reality, he despises most all of his fellow students. He sticks to his studies and doesn't stray, for fear of being stuck in his father's shadow his whole life.

Virgil Black is the most emo kid in school, let alone 12th grade; everyone knows to leave him be. In reality, he's very fortunate. He has two parents who love him dearly. But everything beyond his life, everything within his mind, is utter chaos and turmoil.

what will happen when they're assigned a biology project together?

General CW: food, swearing, implied s-lf h-rm, non-graphic descriptions of s-lf h-rm scars, graphic and non-graphic descriptions of anxiety attacks and panic attacks, drug abuse, minor character intoxicated on heroin, non-graphic drug overdose description, sickness/description of sickness, blood, non-graphic descriptions of needles, (will be added to as I write more)

Chapter CW: <none> (let me know if i missed anything please!)

Author notes: hook chapter go brr

...

Nice to meet you, where you been?

I can show you incredible things

Magic, madness, heaven, sin

Saw you there, and I thought

"Oh my god, look at that face

You look like my next mistake"

Love's a game, wanna play?

Roman checked his watch discreetly as he walked down the hall toward his first class. 7:58. He was almost late, but not quite. As he walked in, earning a glare from Mr. Berry and a few students, he glanced at the whiteboard. It read: "Tuesday, September 3 / Classwork: OT essay workday / Homework: OT Analysis and Essay due FRIDAY". The word "Friday" was written sloppily large and underlined. Roman just kept his sleepy poker face and walked to his desk, in the second-to-last row in the middle. He'd not noticed the shrunken figure at the desk next to him, whom everyone knew but no one liked. Virgil Black.

New money, suit and tie

I can read you like a magazine

Ain't it funny, rumors fly

And I know you've heard about me

So hey, let's be friends

I'm dying to see, how this one ends

Grab your passport, and my hand

I can make the bad guys good for a weekend.

Virgil shoved his hands in his hoodie pockets as he glared in Roman's general direction from behind bright purple bangs. His scowl deepened as Roman pulled out his notebook but didn't take his single earbud out, proceeding to doodle on the margins of his notebook.

Roman propped his head up on his right palm, tilting his head carelessly as he drew stars around a stick man's head. By this time, the plump red-faced man known as Mr. Berry, teacher of English 12, had taken his respected place at the front of the class for a quick lecture before they began classwork.

So it's gonna be forever,

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over,

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cus you know I love the players,

And you love the game

"Good morning students," He said in a blubbering gritty voice, the sagging skin below his chin bouncing comically as he did so. "I trust you completed reading the rest of the book. Now, as I'm sure you've noticed, the Analysis and quotes along with your essay's final draft are due - both printed - on Friday. If you turn it in on Monday, it'll drop two letter grades, and any time after that is a zero. I should hope this first assignment will get you in the punctual mindset for my class." The large man was walking about the room, between desks checking for cheating or kids working ahead. He was strict, and didn't tolerate out-of-line behavior. As he completed his sentence, his eyes fell on Roman, who was still slouched apathetically, doodling, earbud in. The students watching Mr. Berry saw his face somehow achieve a deeper hue of red and his eyes bulge, as a bull does when it spots it's target. Roman however, didn't notice; a pale-faced Virgil tried to get his attention without the teacher noticing.

'Cus we're young and we're reckless,

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless,

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I've got a blank space baby...

And I'll write your name.

"Psst. Roman." he hissed in vain. Roman's earbud was in his right ear, the same side Virgil was sitting on, so quiet noises from that direction were inaudible to him. Despite the class's uneasiness as Mr. Berry made his way to Roman's seat, and though Roman was fully aware of the fat fuming man advancing on him, he made no change in expression or focus; merely, filled in the dark half of the yin yang he had sketched next to his name as he lightly mouthed the words of the song.

Mr. Berry stopped right in front of Roman's desk, looking down at him furiously. When Roman ignored him, he took further action. Just as Roman had completed the yin yang, a fat red hand came down loudly on his desk and a sudden "MR. PRINCE!!" Erupted from the old man's gullet.

Cherry lips, crystal skies

I can show you incredible things

Stolen kisses, pretty lies

You're the king baby I'm your queen

Find out what you want,

Be that girl for a month

Wait, the worst is yet to come... oh no.

Roman looked up at him slowly, but no trace of fear could be found on his face. Even, a slight smirk hinting at the corners of his mouth. But, not enough for the old man to notice.

"What sort of media is emitting from those... earphones?" Mr. Berry said, bug-eyed.

Roman held up the earbud that wasn't in his ear, looking at it. "You mean these?" He said.

Mr. Berry simply sighed and rolled his eyes frustratedly. "Yes, 'in those', Mr. Prince. You'd better have an adequate response."

Screaming, crying, perfect storms

I can make all the tables turn

Rose garden filled with thorns

Keep you second guessing, like

"Oh my god, who is she?"

I get drunk on jealousy

But you'll come back each time you leave

'Cus darling I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream.

Roman held the old man's gaze, as if searching for something within his grey-brown orbs. After a moment, he sighed quietly and said, "Taylor Swift."

His response earned a few snickers from other students, to which Mr. Berry scanned the room to see if he could bust two students in one go.

Most of the students thought he looked like Napoleon from the 1954 animated movie based on Animal Farm, a fair comparison. His balding head and fat body gave him an appearance that was quite comparable to a pig.

After a moment of glaring at a few of the known renegades of the class, he returned his focus to Roman. But, this time, he didn't appear as angry; rather, he was smiling gently, but his eyes still held an angry glow. "Since you see no point in listening to my lecture, I'm sure you wouldn't mind showing the class a sufficient outline for your first draft essay? Along with the requirements, of course," the senile man's smirk curled up into a grin as he spoke, tilting his head a bit. Roman merely smirked himself, and stood.

So it's gonna be forever,

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over,

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cus you know I love the players,

And you love the game

Mr. Berry watched in moderate surprise as Roman walked swiftly past the rows of desks to the whiteboard, uncapped an expo marker, and began writing in neatly printed lettering. "Ok, so the final draft is due on Friday," He began, "So you should have your first draft completed by tonight. The essay must have at least five body paragraphs, a minimum of two quotes each-" Virgil watched, shocked, gripping his pencil so that his knuckles paled. "So I hope you've picked out your quotes already. The thesis needs to answer the prompt, obviously. Conclusion should be at least five sentences. So overall, about two or three pages. I'd recommend using this class time to create an outline in your notebook, and typing up a first draft. Have your second draft done tomorrow, and final details on Thursday. And because Mr. Berry is too... behind the times to use Google Classroom, you'll need to print it out and hand it in physically. I'm sure Mr. Berry isn't partial to the trees we're killing, so if you're in Environmental club, I'd not bother complaining." And with this final sentence, Roman touched up his writing on the board and walked back to his seat, never taking out his earbud.

'Cus we're young and we're reckless,

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless,

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I got a blank space baby...

And I'll write your name.

Mr. Berry was still standing over Roman's desk, now staring down at him with large eyes. He opened his mouth slightly to say something, but was interrupted by another student asking a question. From then on, Mr. Berry ignored Roman, which was an easy feat, as Roman did the same.

After a little over half an hour, the bell rang, and Roman slung his backpack over his shoulder and walked out. Mr. Berry considered asking him why he'd only doodled for the entirety of the class period and not worked on his essay, but his pride got the best of him, and he watched as the young man walked out of the room confidently.

Virgil had slipped out before Roman, and was now pretending to exchange things in his locker, which was unfortunately right next to Roman's. The tall jock walked up to his own locker, earning a scowl from the darker boy.

"What? Enjoy the show I put on in Mr. Diabetes' class?" Roman said, leaning against the lockers as Virgil shut his own. The dark boy just grunted and walked off, feeling Roman's eyes watching as he turned a corner. Roman smirked for the hundredth time that morning when he was gone and turned to open his own locker. When a few girls from the cheer team started to linger, flipping their hair and puffing out their chests, and Roman actively ignored them until he walked past close enough that a few of them let out squeals. He heard the usual murmurs from behind him, "he's so hot," and "I'd kill to be his date to Homecoming." He smirked to himself again, making his way to his Physics class.

...

Virgil spotted is best friend Patton in his usual seat as he walked into his second period Economics class. The boy smiled at Virgil up on seeing him, and waved happily.

"Hello Virgil!! how are you feeling this morning?" He said cheerily as Virgil took the seat next to him, sliding his backpack under the desk.

"Alright I guess." He thought about telling Patton about Roman, but thought better of it; Patton had enough on his plate to worry about as it was.

As for Patton, he had already taken to pulling out his notebook, preparing for a long class of note-taking. Economics was one of the most note-heavy classes either of the boys had, and usually required all their focus. As the teacher stood from his desk and turned on his projector, Virgil could've sworn he saw Patton staring at someone, but as soon as he looked, Patton focused on the teacher, readying his pencil. But, Virgil being the parano- vigilant person he was, followed what he thought was Patton's line of sight to... Logan Montgomery? What? Upon realizing who he had thought Patton was looking at, he brushed it off. There's no way Patton would be looking at him. is there?

[stiltonbasket]

Twelve Moons and a Fortnight wrap-up Q & A!

(brief note that this post does contain spoilers, so don’t click past the cut unless you’ve finished reading!)

__

1. Hi Stilton! I love you and TMAAF! The way you write the letters really feels organic and like people writing letters to other people in a time where communication wasn't instantaneous and thats a pet peeve I have with some fics that treat letters like text. I don't know if you've been asked this but what's your inspiration for the letters? Did you just make them up as they are? Did you look at old letters and studied the tone? @iwillbetrash4eva

I made the letters up as they are, but it was essential for me to keep in mind that the characters are all highly educated, and that Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, and Nie Huaisang in particular are very accomplished in the arts. Letters written by someone who composes music and poetry in their spare time aren’t going to be the same as emails and text messages written for the sake of raw information transfer, so I made sure to incorporate that into the letters; they’re written on pretty paper, usually in the sender’s best calligraphy, and it takes time to sit down and write them, so there’s an aspect of aesthetic reflection there that we rarely notice in modern communication.

I also felt that the characters would include snapshots of their lives and feelings while writing; this was more important with Wei Wuxian, since he throws himself so deeply into his daily life, but I also had to remember how important the past is to all of the characters and how enmeshed it is with their relevant current events. Ultimately, each letter serves as an extra look into the characters’ state of mind, which is something the narrative might not give us. 

2. What was your favorite scene in TMAAF, and which OC was the most fun to write? @keela1221

My favorite scene was Wei Wuxian’s departure from Lotus Pier in chapter 46, especially the part when everyone chased after him! I planned it several months in advance (sometime last summer, I think?) so finally getting to write it felt amazing.

Surprisingly, my favorite original characters to write (besides the main additions of Xiao-Yu, Yu Zhenhong, and Li Shuai) were the Jiang juniors. They love their Wei-zongzhu so much ;~;

3. What made you think of writing this fic? And would you consider a special epilogue because I don't think 50 chapters were nearly enough for me.❤ @avezevin

I think I just wanted to speculate about what cultivation politics might have been like after Jin Guangyao died, and TMAAF was born! And I most likely will be posting an epilogue, since I realized that the Zhenqing wedding works best as a coda instead of as a fic of its own.

4. what's your research process for tmaaf? the worldbuilding is so detailed!!

I read posts on tradition and culture and use them as sources if the chance ever comes along. A significant portion of the lore was entirely made up, but @light8828 helped me with some of the language, and offered so much guidance on cultivation worldbuilding <3

5. I really like the way you write the dynamic between Wei ying and lan zhan with their kids in all your stories. Xiao-Yu is a very lovable character and his relationship with his parents is something I go back to read many times. What do you use as inspiration when writing his, or any of his siblings, relationship with their parents?

Real life, I guess. Some of my older friends have recently had children, and they’re very good parents. :3

6. Where will you be going with the series? I need to prepare myself for heartbreak if the end is approaching, (its ok if you dont know tho! Idk is an optimistic answer, its just that you seem to have many things plotting away in that brain of yours)

Up next, I’m going to finish all the fics in the series that are still in progress, and then I’m going to write Lan Xichen’s fic, maybe a fic from Wen Qing’s point of view, a fic focusing on a reincarnated Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen, and a fic from Jin Yun’s POV focusing on his relationship with LXC and the latter’s death and ascension. This doesn’t count all the fluffy wangxian oneshots still bubbling on the back burner, so I expect this series to keep me busy well into 2022. *sweats*

7. TMAAF Q&A: when did you decide you were bringing wen qing back? what led you to making her return a result of the soul-summoning array, rather than having her have survived by some other method? @mischief7manager

I decided that Wen Qing would be returning sometime between chapters 12 and 15, since that was when I knew I wanted her to be the one to cure Wei Wuxian. And as much as I liked the idea of Wen Qing surviving, I didn’t want her to be imprisoned for the 16-year interim; it was important that she appear in TMAAF as she was before her death rather than having over a decade of character development off-screen. But she wasn’t a fierce corpse that could just be put to sleep for all that time, hence the soul-summoning.

8. For the Q&A: Stilton, how did you come up with such an adorable perfect little child like Xiao-Yu?? You write him so well it really does seem like it’s a child talking!! @whereisyourcahier​

He’s partly based on a real baby I know. :P It might sound impossible, but he’s even cuter than Xiao-Yu is.

9. Thank you for doing this Q&A! Was Xiao Yu always part of the story? (Ilhim so much!!)

He was! I always wanted Wangxian to experience parenthood together, so Xiao-Yu’s entry was planned long before he actually appeared in the fic.

10. how did you deal with any writers block that came up?

By reading comments!! I have all of you to thank for that <3<3!!!!!!

11. What was the process for plotting each arc of tmaaf? & when did you decide on what the storyline was going to be? Did you know when you started or did you incorporate stuff as you wrote?

I hashed out the whole plot at once sometime last May, and that was when I laid down the rough storyline. The overall plot was finalized by the time chapter 18 went up, though I did add further details as I went along. In particular, the mini-arc of Wei Wuxian investigating the Yangshuo plague was mostly written on the fly.

12. how long have you been planning the wen qing lang xiyan reveal? has it been something set in stone from the start?

I’ve been planning it since last April, though the exact circumstances weren’t clear until around August or September. Originally, Jiang Cheng was going to ask “Lang Xiyan” to marry him after her mourning period was over, only for her to reveal herself as Wen Qing before accepting, but I soon realized that this wouldn’t fit either of their characters. Wen Ning recognizing her was the only way the reveal made sense (both emotionally and logically) so I had to find a reason to bring him to Yunmeng at exactly the right time.

13. I just want to ask two little things (well three). Where we will be able to read the wedding of baby Zizhen and A-Qing? Will there be Chengqing? And with the last question, if it's yes, will you write a one shot, drabble or something like that?? 🥺🥺🥺

I’m going to post a 51st chapter to TMAAF with the Zhenqing wedding as an epilogue, and Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing are married by then! Wen Qing will most likely be getting a fic of her own, focusing on the time between her revival and her engagement to Jiang Cheng.

14. I just finished reading your fic and let me tell you it's one of the best I have ever had the pleasure to read :) For someone who wants to start writing, how did you start the story? Did you wrote everything with a little scheme or you just leave your brain to work in the document?

I wasn’t planning to write fic for MDZS/CQL at all, and then I randomly ended up outlining, drafting, and posting the first chapter of TMAAF within the span of around two hours. When starting a story, I think it works best for me to just let my brain work in the document without worrying too much about how it might turn out--outlines and schemes tend to come later, after I’ve gotten a feel for how the characters act and laid down some dead-basic worldbuilding.

If you’re just starting out, make sure you’re having fun and that everything you write is as self-indulgent as possible! Enjoying the process is the most important thing, worrying about all the specifics can come later. <3

[ayuuria]

Yashahime Translation: NewType Magazine October 2020 Issue

Please do not repost this translation without my consent! This includes screenshots of any type and amount. If you wish to share this translation, simply link to this post.

For more information regarding the use of my translations, click here.

This is an old article that was published back in September of 2020, before Yashahime began airing so please keep that in mind as you read this.

REBOOOOOT!! The Challenge for the Next Generation

The Half-Demon Girls Who Fight in the Modern and Feudal Eras

“Inuyasha” is an original story by Takahashi Rumiko that was adapted into an anime in 2000 and became a worldwide hit. The story of the fierce battle with the demon, Naraku, centering around the “Shikon Jewel” said to grant any wish, was put to an end by Inuyasha and Sesshōmaru with the assistance of Kagome and others. After the battle ended, Inuyasha and Kagome married and with the conclusion that they were starting a new life, the curtains on the story drew to a close.

10 years have passed since then. Now entering the Reiwa era, production on a new story about the daughters of Inuyasha and Sesshōmaru entitled “Hanyō no Yashahime” has begun. Production of the anime is being done by Sunrise, who also produced the Inuyasha series. Satō Teruo, who was the assistant director in “Inuyasha The Final Act”, will be taking on the role of director. With series composition being done by Sumisawa Katsuyuki, animation character design by Hishinuma Yoshihito, and Wada Kaoru overseeing the music, the “Inuyasha” staff have gathered once again. The perfect production set-up as been put together with Takahashi Rumiko herself drawing the main character design.

“Hanyō no Yashahime” is an original story by Sumisawa. The protagonists are three girls. Towa and Setsuna are twin sisters and Sesshōmaru is their father. Moroha is the daughter of Inuyasha and Kagome, but she has lived alone since childhood, so she does not have any memories of her parents for the most part. Looked down upon by demons and shunned by humans, what will the girls, who are “half-demons”, battle and what sort of future will they strive for? We had producer Naka Toshikazu and animation character designer Hishinuma Yoshihito, talk about the composition of the plan and their feelings on the production.

The New Charms Coming from the Girls

Higurashi Towa A half-demon girl who has Sesshōmaru’s blood and is extremely skilled in martial arts (possibly inherited from her father). In order to take back her younger twin sister, Setsuna’s, “sleep”, she decides to return to the feudal era.

Towa wears a uniform with slacks, but one can tell she is a girl by her body line and facial expressions. The white hair she inherited from her father, Sesshōmaru, and the red streak in her hair are characteristic.

Setsuna Sesshōmaru’s daughter. She makes a living as a demon slayer. Having had her sleep stolen by the Dream Butterfly, she does not have any memories of her childhood and has forgotten her elder twin sister, Towa.

Setsuna is calm and collected. One can sense that personality from her cool expression as well. She wears a white fur just like her father, Sesshōmaru.

Moroha Wielder of the demon sword, Kurikaramaru, and known as “the monster killing Moroha”. A bounty hunter who specializes in slaying demons. Inuyasha and Kagome’s quarter-demon daughter.

Moroha, who’s characteristic black hair is similar to Kagome’s, wears a big ribbon on her head that is like Inuyasha’s ears. Her mischievous facial expression vaguely feels like her father’s.

[There are bios on their weapons as well, but it’s information that’s already known so I’m skipping it]

It Started with Wanting to do “Inuyasha” Again

— Where did the plan for “Hanyō no Yashahime” stem from?

Naka: Even after production for “Inuyasha The Final Act” ended, the staff and cast headed by producer Suwa (Michihiko) (associated with Yomiuri TV at the time) gathered and continued to go on once a year trips with Rumiko-sensei. There, Suwa-san said, “I want to do an “Inuyasha” TV anime again.” and it seems that was the start. Then the conversation went to if it’s a story about the second generation, we can make it an original story. Sumisawa-san came up with a number of different story concepts and proposed them to Rumiko-sensei. After much back and forth, it was ultimately decided that the daughters of Sesshōmaru would be the protagonists of the story. The anime adaption basically began to proceed immediately after that.

— What do you think is the secret to “Inuyasha”’s popularity?

Naka: It boasted top class popularity not only in Japan but also on major American streaming service, Hulu, and its popularity overseas was very high. This means that the content (of the story) is strong. During a time when Sumisawa-san wasn’t making a concrete move, a fan at an overseas event that he attended said, “I would love for you to make another “Inuyasha” anime.” and he said that that has been one of his driving forces. Currently, it has been streamed and broadcasted in over 30 countries, so in a broad sense, it’s a title that can be dispatched worldwide.

Hishinuma: The setting is the feudal era, but it doesn’t follow true history. In the end, slaying demons is the main (focus), so you can enjoy without having any knowledge. There, it has Rumiko-sensei’s serious drama with the periodic love story and comedy mixed in. That gap is what I think makes it fun. Most likely, the number one reason why there were so many young (children) fans was because the story was easy to watch and understand.

— Regarding the production of “Hanyō no Yashahime”, what points of the previous work were you conscious of?

Naka: Putting together components that were different from the “Inuyasha” charm in every sense. In the previous work, it was a story about a son surpassing his greater demon father. If Inuyasha’s son was the main character and the parents made appearances, the parents would take all the juicy parts. No matter how hard the son tries, he could never surpass his parents. Hence, when we were told that the protagonist would be Sesshōmaru’s daughter, I myself was able to accept it without issue. Moreover, I felt that that would be more fun. It’s easy to imagine what Inuyasha and Kagome’s child would be like, but you could say Sesshōmaru’s children, twins no less, stir up the imagination. Rather than following the structure and story of “Inuyasha” as it was, we thought we could create a work that those who watched the original story could easily accept.

— What sort of meaning is behind the strong impacting catch phrase “Sesshōmaru has a daughter” shown in the teaser?

Naka: I think the appeal of “Inuyasha” is the love triangle between Inuyasha, Kikyō, and Kagome, as well as Sesshōmaru being very cool. That being said, it’s no use tracing the same love triangle structure. Thus, by hitting the spot of sisters Towa and Setsuna being separated, there’s a prominent difference between the previous work, and above all, it would grab the interest of fans who wanted a new work. We’ve remodeled the setting and story, but from a picture and production perspective, it has inherited the comedic feel and screen tempo of a Rumic work.

— Hishinuma-san, what did you think when you saw the drafts that Rumiko-sensei drew?

Hishinuma: I instinctively thought if the lineup was these three, then something fun could be created. Rumiko-sensei advised me not to be too conscious of the “parent” when designing the character’s facial expressions and movements. If these kids were around 20 years old, they would’ve had aspects similar to their parents, but they are simply 14-year-old girls. As I drew, I thought about what these 14-year-old girls, who are a little than what Kagome was back then, would think about as they lived their lives.

— In what way did you make revisions using the draft as a base?

Hishinuma: Setsuna and Moroha, who live in the feudal era, were just like the draft I received, but for Towa, who lives in the modern era, I had to redo her hairstyle a little bit. She has short hair so thinking about how she moves, I did things like adjust the placement of the highlight (in her hair) and add a few details to her uniform. Also, she wears male clothing so in a sense, I tend to draw her roughly, but I consciously make sure that the look in her eyes and her actions are that of a girl.

— What did you enjoy during the character designing process?

Hishinuma: Coming up with the grown-up versions of characters that appeared in the previous work like Kohaku, Kagome’s younger brother Sōta, and Miroku and Sango’s son Hisui, was a lot of fun. Kohaku is set as the head of the demon slayers, so I imagined he built up a lot of experience and matured into an adult. However, he may have let his guard down which could be the reason behind the scar (on his face). I imagined those kinds of things as I drew.

Naka: We’ve put in many different components that both new and old fans can enjoy, so it would make us happy if you could look forward to the broadcasting.

To Fans! Two Points!

It is OK If You Don’t Know the History

The story itself is created in a way that one can enjoy it without having any knowledge of “Inuyasha”. In addition, Naka stated “You don’t need to have any knowledge on the feudal era, so please enjoy it leisurely.” Towa and the others who run around between 2 eras; the expectation of the three girls’ activities heightens!

Pay Attention to the Characters Aside from the Main Ones As Well

Other characters like Miroku and Sango’s son, Hisui, as well as others connected to “Inuyasha” will make an appearance. In addition, there will be designs aside from the main characters that will make one go “They look similar to someone from that work” …? Enjoy Rumiko’s work in every nook and cranny of the screen!

[alexiessan]

Never alone - Chapter Two - Soulmate AU

AO3

Previous - Here - Next

Master List

Hello! Faster than ever before, I present you the second chapter of Never Alone!

I chose to not describe Marinette with her clothes or hairstyle so that you can imagine her as you want! In my mind, since she's a fashion designer, I imagine her always changing her clothes and very fashionable. I don't see her with her pigtails either. But it's up to you as to how you see her!

Also, I'm French, so if there are any grammatical mistakes, do not hesitate to tell me so I can come back and correct them!

Two months in the new school year, and Marinette was already exhausted. While she had a very calm summer filled with outings with her friends, she was now drowning in work. Jagged wanted her to design his newest album cover, and Clara Nightingale has asked for a new outfit for a music video.

 At school, Alya and Marinette were doing their best to find a good trip for the end of the year. The school had a decent amount of money that was set aside specifically for their class trip, but they would need to organize an event or two if they wanted to go somewhere outside of Europe. They were lucky enough that their class’ trip was set for their first year of high school: Mrs. Mendelieiv’s class’ trip was set for the next year, right before the first set of exams for the baccalaureat. 

 Along with all that, there was also her duty as Ladybug. Hawkmoth has been relatively calm during the summer, but as soon as school started again in September, he released his akumas again.

 Except, now, they were more brutal than ever before.

 Ladybug cursed as the Akuma managed to deeply cut her on her left side. She watched as Chat jumped in as she collapsed on the roof they were battling. True to his promise, Chat took his job more seriously and only joked during patrols now. He also stopped to jump mindlessly in front of her to save her from a hit and actually tried to get both of them out of the way.

 The Akuma they were fighting was a dangerous one. His arm has been transformed into two big shears, and they hurt like hell.

 Ladybug watched with fascination as her hand was tainted with her own blood. She couldn’t remember if an Akuma had hurt her that much before… She knew for sure that she was bleeding too heavily and she was getting a bit dizzy. They would need to end the fight very soon.

 Standing up, she took advantage of the distraction Chat provided to trip the Akuma with her yoyo, succeeding in tripping him. Quickly, Chat snatched the man’s bow and used cataclysm on it.

 As she cleansed the Akuma and watched the light heal Paris and herself as she cast the cure, the red-clothed superhero couldn’t help but think it was time to contact the Justice League again.

 Back when they got their miraculous, she and Chat had contacted the Justice League of Europe to ask for help. They were just teenagers without any training entrusted to protect a whole city as big as Paris, and it was clear to them they couldn’t possibly do that alone.

 The person they had talked to at the moment had listened to them, took note and told them they would come back to them after informing the heroes of the issue in Paris. It was a month later that one of the heroes contacted them, informing them they would not intervene in Paris, as they have been doing a good job up until now and the miraculous cure healed everyone and repaired everything. They then give them words of encouragement before they cut the connection.

 Ladybug had then wanted to contact the Justice League of America before remembering they wouldn’t be able to do anything as France was certainly not under their jurisdiction. 

 And thus, there they were, still two untrained teenagers, acting on instinct against people with magic powers.

 Great.

 She let Chat take care of the victim, still feeling the pain on her left side, even though it was healed and there was not a trace of blood left on her person.

 “Are you ok?”

 Ladybug watched as the victim was taken care of by some policemen and turned her attention to her partner.

 “I’m fine Chat. Sorry I had to let you handle everything.”

 “Hey, you were hurt and losing a lot of blood. It’s a wonder you could even stand up afterward.”

 The girl smiled. “Should we try to contact the JLE again?”

 Chat Noir sighed. “Even though they won’t intervene, they are watching closely what’s happening here. If they haven’t decided to step in yet, contacting them won’t change anything LB.”

 Ladybug sighed. “You’re right. Of course. I should go Chat, I’m about to transform back.”

 “Sure thing. I’ll see you later, then.”

                                                                                               Back in her room, Marinette winced as she sat down on her bed.

 “Are you really ok Marinette?”

 Tikki was looking at her with her big, wide blue eyes. She was obviously worried.

 “I’m fine, just a bit sore. I’m lucky that the cure healed me, but I think I’ll still feel the pain for a few days.”

 While the cure healed her, the pain stayed for some time after, varying on the severity of the injury. Since her latest injure was pretty severe, it would hurt for a little while.

 “Alright, I still have some homework to do for tomorrow. You should eat something and go to sleep Tikki, you must be tired after today. There should be a cookie or two on my desk.”

 The kwami looked at her for a moment before flying over her desk, knowing it was useless to insist and there wasn’t anything she could do anyway. Even if she wished she could take Marinette’s pain away.  

                      “Alright girl, you said you found something for the trip?”

 It was early December now, and Marinette had asked Alya to join her in the school library to discuss the trip. The fashion designer took the laptop out of her bag and opened it to show her what she found.

 “So, you know how the trip also has to be educational? This is the Wayne Career Program. It’s designed for high school students. Each one of us would shadow someone in the firm as a sort of internship to learn about different professions.”

 “Putain, girl! That’s amazing. Wayne Enterprises have a lot of different sectors. I could totally work with the PR team if we can manage to secure a trip there. Plus it’s in Gotham, in America!”

 Alya literally squealed at the idea of traveling overseas.

 “Yeah, I’m a bit worried about that actually. You know it’s not really the safest place on Earth.”

 And what an understatement that was. Gotham was probably the city with the most crimes in the world. It would be a miracle if the school allowed them to go. But then again, the school board would do anything to up their reputation and a class winning an internship at WE… The principal would boast about it years after they had all graduated.

 “There is an essay we have to write to apply. I suggest we write it before we present the idea to Ms. Bustier. We also need to prepare arguments for her and the school board.”

 “No problem girl, I already have tons of arguments there.” The reporter showed her her notebook where there were two pages filled with arguments. The class president nodded, those were really good. She could really rely on her friend.

 “Well, that was quick. Those should be enough to convince them. On to the essay, then. ‘How do you think you can change the world?’”

 They spent hours after that, taking notes and making several drafts of the essay. It took them a week to have the actual final product and when they handed it to Ms. Bustier, she was delighted. It was decided they wouldn’t announce the destination of the trip to the class until they were sure it could be a possibility.

 Alya and Marinette had dropped hints about the destination though, to see if the class would actually like to go to Gotham.

 After a week or so, they knew they had chosen well.

 On Marinette’s birthday, on the 16th of December, after lunch where the whole class sang Happy birthday to her, the class president and the class deputy had a meeting with the principal and the board of the school.

 It was tough to convince them, and the meeting actually lasted the whole afternoon, but at the end of the day, they had all signed the papers that confirmed that the trip would happen in Gotham, should the two girls won the contest. They even agreed to unfreeze some more funds for it. This program would really look good on the school’s record. 

 It was with a bright smile that they returned to class ten minutes before the end of the day bell and announced to everyone that the trip to Gotham has been confirmed. Using the classroom’s computer, the whole class witness as the two girls applied to the Wayne Career Program.

 Now, all they had to do was wait for an answer. 

                                                                                 Life after that was a bit calmer for Marinette, if you didn’t count the Akumas. She worried that they were more and more violent, and more often than not, she had lingering pain from injuries she got at Ladybug.

 But life was good. Lila had even stopped lying and was herself. Even if it means that she wasn’t very kind to anyone, even mocking all of them at times, the class would just scoff and roll their eyes at her antics. The designer still wouldn’t talk to her, but the atmosphere in the class was lighter than the previous year, and for that Marinette was grateful.

 They were all at an outdoor ice rink at the end of January when Marinette’s phone beeped with a notification. 

 “Oh fucking shit, guys!”

 It caught everyone’s attention as the tiny Dupain-Cheng was not one to curse like that.

 “I just got an email for Mr. Wayne’s secretary! Our class is among the nine others to have won the contest! We are going to Gotham in May!”

 Everyone cheered at that, hugging each other and even going as far as carrying Marinette and Alya around, as it was their doing.

 “America, here we come!” shouted Kim.

 “You do realize that you will have to work extra hard on your English, right?” teased Max.

 “Oh, shit.”

 Everyone laughed at that, but it was agreed among themselves and their English teacher that they would all stay for an hour and a half after school to learn the language, up until their trip.

 “I can’t wait to see Gotham’s heroes in action!” squealed Alya.

 “Aren’t they vigilantes?” asked Mylène.

 “Same thing!”

 “Not quite, babe.” grinned Nino.

 Even Lila was smiling with them, and it was huge progress in their book.

 Marinette smiled, “We’ll be there for two weeks. The first week, we’ll be visiting around, and the second week will be dedicated to our internships. I will have to send a list of all our careers of interest to Mr. Wayne’s secretary, so they can organize who we will be shadowing. So, I’ll need you to send me those pieces of information this weekend, so I can send it on Monday, okay?”

 “Roger that, boss.”

 As Alya took her hand to skate with her around the rink, the baker’s daughter couldn’t help the huge smile on her lips. A year ago, there was a lot of tension in the class, and here they were, all laughing together and talking excitedly about the upcoming trip that their class president and deputy won them.

 She could hear Rose talking excitedly about the things she wanted to see in Gotham. She watched as Kim challenged Alix on God knows what and laughed as Max stated that he had a two-percent chance of winning that bet. She smiled as Adrien, with them at an outing for once, fell on his butt and Nino laughed as he helped him up. She even grinned as she watched Lila having a conversation with Nathaniel without being mean or mocking him once.

 She had thought a year before that Lila would never change, but she was wrong. And she was happy that she had been, because even though Lila wasn’t very nice, well, all her classmates were kind enough to make up for it.

 Yeah, Marinette thought with a smile, life was good. And she had a feeling that it would be even better.

Tag list: 

@bigpicklebananatree @animegirlweeb @crazylittlemunchkin @northernbluetongue @cutechip @justafanwarrior @iloontjeboontje @resignedcatservant

[ettawritesnstudies]

How do you pick out your goals for the month? It's always so interesting to see those posts of yours!

Thanks for the ask! That's a good question, idk if I ever actually explained that!

I actually keep goals lists somewhere in the 20-30 items range, and they include all the stuff I want/need to accomplish in the next month. I just post about the creative ones because that's what's actually interesting lol. I've been keeping these since 2018 so I've gotten pretty good at estimating what I can do, and I "win" and treat myself to something if I mark off over half of them.

They usually vary depending on what time of year it is, for example, setting smaller word count goals or less creative goals overall during the school year and piling them on during breaks. As for how I pick the specifics, I try to go by priority. This is also the order in which I normally mark them off!

1) What needs to be done? My blog isn't my job, but I like to treat it like one so I can be an author one day. So writing articles + scheduling social media content is usually a goal. If there's a quarterly newsletter coming out that month (like for September!) I have to write a short story to include there.

2) Sometimes I set myself deadlines on writing projects based on yearly events, like: Finish the draft before the semester starts. Finish editing Storge by the end of the school year so I can print off the manuscript with my unused points. Finish Runaways by October so I can give to beta readers for Halloween because that fits the ~spooky vibes~. These sorts of goals get the next highest priority, but the WIP can change.

Since Storge is so big, I usually just try to make constant slow progress towards the end like a marathon, whereas the others are more like sprints. After a while, and a lot of tracking, I can generally estimate how many words I can do a month. Summer: ~20-30K total is a safe bet. School year: 10K is lucky. So once I have my WIP priorities, I set a number to them based on what's feasible.

3) Goals for when I can't write: I spend a lot of time in the car/bus, 15 minute stints between classes, and doing chores/cooking - which is time I can't be writing, but I can be doing something less attention demanding. These are goals like reading, sketching, brainstorming, music, or other creative stuff that fills up my inspiration, and keeps me from just mindlessly scrolling. Because of the priorities, I know I won't procrastinate writing by doing this stuff, because other time is set aside for it, if that makes sense.

4) Extras! In case I'm miraculously super productive and mark off all of the above, and still have time in the month, these are the "nice to haves" that are low priority. Fanfic, making moodboards, extra sets of 5k words on my main WIPs, or non-essential tinkering with my website/social media all fall into this category. These might broadly overlap with cat.3 depending on what I'm dealing with that month.

This category also explains the "you win if you fill out half of the goals" rule, because most of these don't get marked off lol. And that's ok! If they don't happen I still win, and if they do, then I feel super accomplished. It's also a more flexible category. So if I wrote down, "write a song for Weswin" (Laoche), but end up working on the magic system for Laoche instead, I might substitute one for the other and call it even.

Normally there will be 1-2 in each category depending on the month - school has more in cat.3 whereas summer had almost all 1+2. I also have to prioritize my irl obligations and those goals too, before I get to these, which is why the extras category doesn't get marked off too often, but I've learned to keep a good balance over the years! I haven't lost a month overall yet (though a few were cutting it really close), and only lost a couple months of creative goals in that time. See: March and November/December 2020 for good examples of why :P

I hope that made sense! Sorry it got so long!

[firelord-frowny]

I’ve talked a little bit about how at least one ~negative aspect~ of white supremacy/racism that impacts white people is that it can be SO DIFFICULT to avoid being Accidentally Racist over something that really shouldn’t have been that deep, and WOULDN’T have been that deep if not for the pervasiveness of white supremacy in america, and this bit about the lil country band Lady Antebellum and the controversy surrounding their name illustrates that pretty well, I think:

The band members have always said that the band's name was chosen arbitrarily, complaining about the difficulty of choosing a name. Inspired by the "country" style nostalgia of a photo shoot at a mansion from the Antebellum South, they said, "one of us said the word and we all kind of stopped and said, man, that could be a name"[40] and "Man that's a beautiful Antebellum house, and that's cool, maybe there's a haunted ghost or something in there like Lady Antebellum."[41] Haywood concluded, "[We] had a lady in the group, obviously, and threw Lady in the front of it for no reason. I wish we had a great resounding story to remember for the name, but it stuck ever since."[40] The name was always controversial, with a critic in Ms. Magazine writing in 2011 that the band's name "seems to me an example of the way we still — nearly 150 years after the end of the Civil War, nearly 50 years after the Civil Rights Act; and in a supposedly post-racial country led by a biracial president — glorify a culture that was based on the violent oppression of people of color".[41][42]

On June 11, 2020, joining widespread commercial response to the George Floyd protests,[41] the band announced it would abbreviate its name to its existing nickname "Lady A"[43] in an attempt to blunt the name's racist connotations.[1] The band members stated on social media that, never having previously sought the dictionary definition of the word "antebellum", they now consulted their "closest black friends and colleagues" so that their "eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality and biases black women and men have always faced and continue to face every day. Now, blind spots we didn't even know existed have been revealed."[44] Fan response was mixed, with many decrying virtue signaling or even disparaging the protests.[41]American Songwriter said, "Given that the world knows what that A stands for, to many this change does little more than add extra insult to this ongoing injury."[45]

The next day, it was widely reported that the name "Lady A" had already been in use for more than 20 years by Seattle-based African American activist and blues, soul, funk, and gospel singer Anita White. The band again admitted ignorance of any prior use, which White called "pure privilege". Interviewed by Rolling Stone, White described the band's token acknowledgement of racism while blithely appropriating an African American artist's name: "They're using the name because of a Black Lives Matter incident that, for them, is just a moment in time. If it mattered, it would have mattered to them before. It shouldn't have taken George Floyd to die for them to realize that their name had a slave reference to it. It's an opportunity for them to pretend they're not racist". A veteran music industry lawyer observed that such name clashes are uncommon due to the existence of the Internet.[46][47] The band members contacted White the next week to apologize for having inadvertently co-opted and dominated her name,[48] saying that the Black Lives Matter movement had inspired them to a collaborative attitude. They nonetheless required retaining the same name, though she believed dual-naming is inherently impossible.[49]She said "We talked about attempting to co-exist but didn't discuss what that would look like"[48] because the band members would not directly respond to that explicit question three times during the conversation or in two contract drafts. She soon submitted a counteroffer that either the band would be renamed, or that her act would be renamed for a $5 million fee plus a $5 million donation to be split between Seattle charities, a nationwide legal defense fund for independent artists, and Black Lives Matter.[49]

On July 8, 2020, the band filed a lawsuit against White, asking a Nashville court to affirm its longstanding trademark of the name. The press release read: "Today we are sad to share that our sincere hope to join together with Anita White in unity and common purpose has ended. She and her team have demanded a $10 million payment, so reluctantly we have come to the conclusion that we need to ask a court to affirm our right to continue to use the name Lady A, a trademark we have held for many years."[50]

On September 15, 2020, White filed a counter-suit asserting her claim to the Lady A trademark and rejecting the notion that both artists could operate in the same industry under the same brand identity. She is seeking damages for lost sales and a weakened brand, along with royalties from any income the band receives under the Lady A moniker.[51][52]

Like????????? this REALLY didn’t need to be a thing. 

And one thing I think black folks and other poc need to chill out with is dismissing any white person’s attempt at Being Better in how they move through a white supremacist world in a way that seeks to undo or at least not exacerbate white supremacy. I can TOTALLY believe that, in their white ignorant bliss, this band really did choose their name without realizing for a moment that it might leave a fucked up taste in some people’s mouths. Honestly like... antebellum IS a cool sounding word lmfao and if it wasn’t so heavily associated with slavery-era america, i’d wanna name something antebellum, too! 

And like, yes, it’s true that it ~shouldn’t have taken george floyd’s death~ for anyone at all to suddenly decide that they want to go a little bit out of their way to denounce or at least not seem to promote racism in some small way. But it did. And it does. And every fucking time there’s a gross act of violence and injustice acted out on a person of color in front of the world, there’s always going to be a brand new white person out there who Sees The Light for the very first time. That doesn’t mean their new perspective isn’t genuine, and it doesn’t mean it happened All Of A Sudden. If anything, it was something they’d been thinking about for a long time, but didn’t know how to address it, or what to say, or who to say it to, or how to talk about it in their own community. OBVIOUSLY that problem is WAY LESS BAD than, ya know, actually experiencing racism, but it’s still a real thing that some white folks go through, and being mad about it isn’t going to make it NOT a real thing. it shouldn’t have taken george floyd’s death. it shouldn’t have taken trayvon martin’s death. it shouldn’t have taken the instatement of one of the most vile human beings to ever assault the face of the earth for This Person or That Person to finally want to make a positive and public change, BUT IT DID. It always does. That, unfortunately, is How It Works. 

And so, this band adjusts it’s name in an effort to not seem hostile. OBVIOUSLY it’s not a grand show of solidarity. OBVIOUSLY it’s not meant to convince anyone that they’re Super Amazing White People Who Will Stop At Nothing For Racial Equality. It was literally just a small, simple gesture. They’re just modifying their image, because they were no longer comfortable with knowing how that word makes a lot of people feel. Bc like... let’s be real: probably a solid ZERO of their fanbase would have given a shit if they’d just left the name as it was. Nobody who’s going to a Lady Antebellum concert was pouting about the name. And if anything, they prolly stood a better chance of LOSING fans for ~being politically correct~ than gaining fans for changing their name to something less annoying. 

And it JUST SO HAPPENS that the slight lil adjustment they made to their name steps on the toes of an existing artist, and it JUST SO HAPPENS that this artist is black, and is also an ACTIVIST in social and racial justice. 

Oops. 

And so, obviously people don’t interpret it as an honest mistake. Instead, it’s a result of white privilege. And I mean like??? ok, maybe it is. But I ALSO had never heard of Anita White until I read this fucking wiki page lmfao. So like... my ignorance isn’t due to no white privilege on my part. Maybe it’s a consequence of a white supremacist culture that wouldn’t glorify her and celebrate her and put her name everywhere... but that’s a different thing from privilege. 

So now not only are the bands efforts to adjust to a world that’s becoming more aware of racial injustice being dismissed as disingenuous or too-little-too-late, but now they’re ALSO being accused of Using Their White Privilege to trample all over an artist they’d never heard of. 

i DO think that after finding out the name was already taken, and after talking with her about it and determining that she wasn’t interested in sharing - as is her right - they should have just said “ok, sorry, thanks for talking with us about it” and picked something different. i think it’s kinda ridiculous that they think they should sue her and i think she’s HELLA right for suing their asses right back, and I hope she gets her damn money. 

But I’m also cognizant of how emotionally/psychologically upsetting it can feel to have to just Change Your Name after so many years of living with it. It makes sense that despite their desire to adapt and choose a new name that doesn’t make people cringe, they still want to try to hold on to the feeling that THEY associated with their own name. “Lady A” seemed like a happy medium: They can remain Who They Are while also showing that Who They Are is someone who’s not trying to glorify a disgusting era of history. But if “Lady A” isn’t an option... what’s left? What else could they call themselves that wouldn’t feel like a totally new, alien identity?? 

So, I understand how, on an emotional level, they want to fight to keep it. 

But uh. They really need to just Be Sad about it and let it go. Just consider it one of the small, upsetting sacrifices that white folks may sometimes have to make as we ALL struggle and stumble through this fuckin long-ass road of Making The World Less Terrible For People Of Color, and move on. 

But yeah, like. 

It’s fucking ridiculous that this was even an issue, and it was only an issue because of racism!!!!! If white supremacists didn’t manufacture a culture that oppresses people of color and glorifies the pre-civil-war era SPECIFICALLY for the good ol slavery, then perhaps people could wax poetic about the artistic and environmental aesthetic of that era without it being assumed that they Must Be Racist. Bc like??? idk if yall know this lmfao but i LOVE????? colonial american music. like, the kind of stuff with that Ashokan Farewell vibe. I think it sounds beautiful. And i really fuckin love the black spiritual music that was developed in that time. and i think so much of the architecture and fashion was so???? Nice. Just pleasant! But I can’t even get myself to fully enjoy it because of all the fuckin connotations that have been stuck to it. 

A band should be able to name theirself a name without it being such a goddamn fucking cultural crisis. 

But they can’t! And it is! 

Thanks, White Supremacy! 

[crimehathnofury]

Hey guys it’s Pike. I got a question for you. What comes to your mind when you think of Heaven's Gate? What pops in your mind? What’s the first thing you see? Shiny gates opening to the afterlife? Or is a really cool looking landmark that resembles it? Well one thing that pops into my mind is a California cult. One that has murder in it’s end. That’s my topic for today. The cult known as Heaven’s Gate and it’s leader Marshall Applewhite. So let's begin shall we?

I figure we start with a little information on Marshall Applewhite. He was born on May 17th 1931, in Spur Texas. He had 3 siblings and his father was a presbyterian minister. He had become a very religious child. So he went to school at Corpus Christi. He went to college at Austin College, where he was active in quite a few school organizations and only moderately religious. After he earned a bachelors in philosophy in 1952 he enrolled at Union Presbytrian Seminary to study theology. He got married as well to a lovely girl named Anne Pearce and later they had 2 children Mark and Lane. Early in his studies he decided he wanted to pursue music. He became the music director of a presbyterian church in North Carolina. He was a baritone singer and loved spirituals and the music of Handel. In 1954 he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Austria and New Mexico as a member of the Army Signal Corps. In 1956, he left and enrolled at the University of Colorado, got his masters degree in music. His focus was musical theater. He moved to New York where he was unsuccessful in becoming a professional singer. He then worked as a teacher at the University of Alabama. However, he lost that position after pursuing a sexual relationship with a male student. His religious education was not ok with same sex relationships. So of course that left Applewhite more than a little frustrated with his desires. In 1965 his wife found out about the affair and they got divorced 3 years down the road. He then left UA and moved to Houston where he served as the Chair of the music department at the University of St. Thomas. Students said that he was engaging and stylish. He was also a well known singer, served as the choral director of an Episcopal church and performed with the Houston Grand Opera. Apparently, while in Houston, he was out as gay. Although he still pursued a relationship with a woman. Who while under pressure from her family left him. This of course upset him greatly. This apparently caused him to have another affair with a male student.  In 1970 he left his job. In 1971 he moved to New mexico and owned a delicatessen. Though he was popular with his customers he moved back to texas later that year. A year after that his father passed. Then a year after that he met Bonnie Nettles.

Bonnie Nettles was a nurse interested in Theosophy and Biblical Prophecy. The 2 became close friends. Applewhite even went as far to say that he felt like he had known Nettles for a long time. That they even met in a previous life. Nettles told Applewhite that their meeting was foretold by aliens. She also told him that he had a divine assignment. Around this time, Applewhite began to search for alternatives other than the christian doctrine, like astrology. Also he had visions one telling him that he was made for a role like Jesus. Applewhite soon started to live with Nettles. Although they cohabitated, their relationship was not a sexual one. The relationship though did fulfil his longing for a loving yet platonic relationship. Before meeting Applewhite, Nettles was married with 2 children. As soon as she got closer with Applewhite her husband divorced her and she lost custody of her kids. Applewhite had closed himself off from his family. EVentually he started to see Nettles as his soulmate. Some acquaintances speculated that she had a strong influence on him. The 2 would then later together opened a bookstore called the Cristian Arts Center, that held a great deal of books from many spiritualities. They also started something known as the Know Place, teaching classes on theosophy and mysticism. They closed that business a short time after. In February 1973 they both decided to travel and teach their beliefs. Pretty cool. Not going to lie. Traveling sounds fun. Exploring faith and just having a great time. However with the little money they had led them to do odd jobs and even sell their blood. They only ate bread rolls, camped out, and sometimes skipped out on their lodging bills. A mutual friend from Houston corresponded with them, accepted their teachings, and in may 1974 she became their first convert. Sometimes while traveling Applewhite and Nettles they would poner the life of St. Francis of Assisi. They would also read books written by Helena Blavatsky, R. D. Laing, and Richard Bach. They kept a King James version of the bible and studied quite a few passages from the New Testament. They focused on teachings about Christology, asceticism, and eschatology. APplewhite also read a lot of science fiction books. June 1974, they had their beliefs solidified into a good outline. They had concluded that they were chosen to fulfil biblical purposes. They had been given higher level minds than other people. They had made a pamphlet that described Jesus as a texan much like Applewhite. They considered themselves the 2 witnesses in the book of revelation. So they would go to churches and tell people they were the 2 or the UFO 2. Applewhite and Nettles believed they would be killed and then would be restored to life, then transported to a spaceship. Not going to lie, their ideas were poorly received. 

In August 1974, Applewhite got arrested for failing to return a vehicle that he had rented in Missouri. Like really? He was extradited to St. Louis, and was jailed for 6 months. At this time he had said that he had a divine right to keep the car. While in jail he pondered theology and abandoned occult topics in favor of extraterrestrials and evolution. When he was released, Nettles and himself began to try and reach these extraterrestrials . As well as seek like minded people. They advertised for meetings to recruit disciples or what they would call the crew. At these meetings Nettles and Applewhite would promote themselves as being from another planet, The Next level, who needed people to participate in an experiment. They said that the people who participated would be granted a higher evolutionary level. At this point they were calling their group the Anonymous Sexaholic Celibate Church. But then changed it to the Human Individual Metamorphosis. Applewhite and Nettles sent advertisements to California. They were invited to speak to New Age devotees in April 1975. They were able to persuade half of the 50 that were there. They continued to have success in recruiting people. At a meeting in Oregon in September 1975 30 people left their homes to follow them prompting media coverage. It was a lot of negative. Not so shocking. Commentators and former members of the group mocked them and suggested brainwashing. By 1976, Applewhite and Nettles had decided to be called Do and Ti. And by 1985 Nettles had died. Applewhite had claimed that she had gone to her Next Level. After her death applewhite changed his view on the ascension process. He previously taught the group that they would physically ascend from earth and that death caused reincarnation. But Nettles death left behind an unchanged body had forced him to say that ascension would be spiritual. He concluded that her spirit traveled to the spaceship and she got a new body.

In the wake of Nettles death, Applewhite had become increasingly paranoid. He feared there was a conspiracy against the group. One member recalled that Applewhite didn’t get close to new recruits. He feared that the government was sending in infiltrators. The group increased focus on sexual suppression; Applewhite and seven others opted for castration.In Applewhite’s views sexuality is one of the most powerful forces that attached humans to their bodies. In the late 1980’s the group laid low as much as possible. Only few people knew it still existed. Then in October 1996 2 things happened. The comet Hale-bopp approached the earth. The other was the group renting a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe California and recorded 2 videos in which they offered their viewers one last chance to evacuate earth. Applewhite now believed that Nettles was aboard the spaceship trailing the comet coming to pick up the others. He stated to his followers that the deceased would be taken by the vessel. In March 1997 they isolated themselves and recorded their farewell messages. Then a mass suicide started on March 22nd. They took barbiturates and drank alcohol. Then they put bags on their heads. They wore nikes and all black uniforms that said Heaven’s Gate away team. 39 dead. It was one of the biggest group suicide since Jonestown in 1978. All I can think of is how this occurred? What do you guys think? If someone was compelling enough do you think you guys would follow without question? Even if it seemed wrong? Let me know. I’m all ears to hear what you guys think. Hopefully you guys like this. I’ll try to cover more cults more often. Bye for now.

[lunamanar]

Since it's Squall's birthday today, do you have any miscellaneous headcanons/essays/whatever about him?

So this is long after the fact. I wasn’t here for Squall’s birthday, for the first time since I signed up for tumblr. I wasn’t anywhere online, at all. It’s probably unsurprising that 2020 hasn’t been kind to me, or to most people. So, hopefully my answering late isn’t too disappointing. 

I have a lot of misc headcanons, a lot of unfinished essays (some of them are finished, but I’m unhappy with them, so they’ll sit and rot in my drafts until I die). It’s hard to come up with any particular one at the moment. I’m better when I have specific prompts. 

I guess one I’ve been thinking about recently (and I think I’ve mentioned it in passing before) is that, for my Squall at least, the concept of jealousy is almost alien. Not that he doesn’t get competitive, but his motivations for that have nothing to do with wanting what other people have. In fact, actively wanting things (or people) for himself isn’t...really something he thinks about. They’re not goals that concern him. 

I suppose, to be (belatedly) topical, it’s for this reason that Squall is an absolute nightmare when it comes to figuring out a birthday present. 

[Embarrassing old fanfic ramblings ahead]

I once wrote an old (and terrible) fanfic called The Birthday Present, actually, about a 13 year old Squall sparring with Seifer on the 23rd. Seifer’s ‘present’ to Squall was going to be to kick his butt, but it was (in that particular story) the first time Squall actually beat him, with some pointed retort about maybe not being able to think outside “the box” (god what an on-the-nose metaphor) like Seifer can, but being a hell of a lot better at working with what’s in it. Which, I think, is true, but hell if the writing wasn’t ham-fisted about it, and the conclusion really never felt right to me anyway. 

Actually, thinking about it, I never thought about it before, but it seems I have a pattern about this sort of story. I wrote another one, also bad, also archived to my Google Docs of Shame, called The 23rd Hour, which was 23 pages long in MSWord, written on August 23rd, 2004 (by my estimation, if you assumed 17 was his official age upon the date of development completion in 1998, he would turn 23 years old in 2004), and I posted it at exactly 11PM/2300 Eastern US. It was about Squall’s 23rd birthday post-game. It was...also awful, but I had fun with it and let myself be weird because it was just a challenge I made up with those specific time/number constraints. It ended with a giant mechanical Tiamat robot getting electrocuted in the water fountains of Balamb Garden’s lobby...um. I had less than 10 hours to write and edit it, start to finish, ok.

Anyway, the theory was much the same, in regards to giving Squall a good birthday present. It couldn’t be a thing. It had to be an experience. Which meant you had to know what his goals and frustrations were, and the best gift you could give him would be something that would help him satisfy one of those goals or address one of those frustrations (in this case, the mundanity of life when you don’t have an all-encompassing emergency to deal with. Selphie’s solution? CREATE ONE!). 

And I screwed it up twice, because even at age 20-22 when I wrote these things, I knew the answer intuitively, but not how to arrive at it. Squall wouldn’t see beating Seifer at sparring as a gift, because that’s not a goal with a purpose (it begs the question: now what, and Squall hates that question because it means the next step in his process is obscure, which is existentially stressful for him). He wouldn’t like people manufacturing a struggle for him, either, even if it was exciting and ultimately harmless, because he’d rather be bored than confused and people making decisions for him based on assumptions about what he wants is exactly the sort of mother-hen doting he finds both upsetting and offensive. Not to mention, it’s an interruption, keeping him from doing other things he’s planned. Sincerely, he’d be so much happier with a can of Break-Free than a fancy new toy or a paid vacation, or an exciting battle, or heaven forbid, a party. 

I think I finally got it concept right in Growing Pains, although that wasn’t explicitly about Squall getting a birthday present. It would have happened around August or September, the way my mind parses the passage of time in the game (you will never convince me, with all the ocean-crossing travel that was necessary, that the game’s events took less than 10 months in total...there were absolutely unmentioned birthdays happening throughout all this and almost everyone crossed 18 by endgame). Mainly: if you want to give Squall a gift, you have to know what he needs by listening to what he says and paying attention to how he reacts to his situation and surroundings, without reading into or speculating about his words and actions, which are usually pretty straightforward. It has to be a goal that he can’t or hasn’t been able to satisfy on his own, and if you decide to intervene, you have to do it in a way that isn’t an interruption of his current efforts toward that goal. TL;DR -If you want to figure out what to give Squall for his birthday, know him well enough to never have to ask. 

I guess that’s my headcanon of the day. 

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki SSL - Hakuo Gakuen Student General Assembly Track 3

well... i hit 300 followers. not sure if it’s a milestone worth mentioning (if you’re one who followed because of the musicals and hasn’t gotten a message, read what it says at the top of my stuff i have page) or not since i can honestly say that i only started this tumblr for myself and everything i translate was really only done for my own sake... and I really have no idea if that number is good or bad for the amount of time I’ve been posting lol.

Still, i’m going to use the fact that this happened as an excuse to post this since i couldn’t figure out where to stick it in my queue since i didn’t want to wait til september to post this lol.

Anyway, this damn track is 18 min long... and i’ll get to the video next month along with the Hijikata web drama (have to push that back cause i got a bit busy with some things). Please note that the text left in bold is when Amagiri’s conversation with Kazama gets overlapped by Shiranui speaking. 

As always, final edits will be done when I get to my subtitle video... need to double check that other video translation and the audio for a few things.

Enjoy~! and do not post elsewhere!

Hakuoki SSL - Hakuo Gakuen Student General Assembly Track 3

Translation by KumoriYami

Hijikata: okay... it's about to start.

Harada: Hijikata-san?  you okay? need stomach medicine?

Hijikata: no need... alright, start/begin.

Amagiri: The Hakuo Gakuen Student Assembly will begin now. All students, stand! .....sit down.

Kazama: Then, start with each club's budget report, Amagiri.

Amagiri: Yes. these are the draft budgets for the various clubs/departments.

Kazama: The arts and literature club, the calligraphy club, and the photography club last year all needed 10,000; the music club which won a competition, in any case, needs a budget of 50,000; the newly established broadcasting club/depart of broadcasting  to buy equipment, they need an increase of 20,000; the baseball team, soccer team and tennis team will be the same as last year with 50,000; the judo club, archery club, track and field team, and also the kendo club, given their achievements from last year......

What......100,000?! Oi amagiri, what's going on/what's this about?!

Amagiri: About this issue...

Kazama: I haven't approved of any of this!! any club/organization/group associated with Hijikata will not have its budget approved!!

Shiranui: Alright/Well, of the budget report was just read, the clubs that weren't named will will maintain the status quo this year, ok? If there's no problem, the draft proposal will be adopted directly.

(applause)

Kazama: Eh...... continuing on [next], regarding the cultural festival that is to be held in october.......Shiranui.

shiranui: hey, hey. But there's nothing much to say since it will basically be the same as last year.

Kazama: This year like previous years, Hakuo Gakuen will hold its cultural festival......

(Kazama voice's cuts out completely while Hijikata and Harada talk)

Harada: I originally though [he'd] poke a basket [probably blow a gasket], seeing him now though, it seems that things are going smoothly.

Hijikata: For better or worse, that's because he's the student council president. But, what happens next will be the real question[/test]......

Harada: Next...... you mean the matter of changing of school rules and regulations?

Hijikata: I don't know what sort of issues the students will raise, though it's better to keep an eye on them.

(aside ends)

Kazama: Read it out/This reading is finished [check video version. Alt: That will be all on/for that/Conclude with that]. Are there any objections to what was raised? If there are no objections then this proposal/motion will be passed/approved. the next topic of discussion will be pertaining to amending the school rules and regulations.

You should all remember/recall, the questionnaire about amending the school's rules and regulations that I had sent out.

Due to he subject of this questionnaire, we solicited opinions on the revision of school rules.

amagiri: kazama-sama, these are the results of the questionnaire.

Kazama: So many opinions were collected, this shows that everyone is quite diastisfied with the current school rules and regulations. I see I see.....

? ? ?: How about cancelling the classical literature class? As someone living in modern times, I cannot help but wonder if there is any real need to learn classical literature. I think the time for classical literature should be spent on something more meaningful. So I propose that the classical literature class be cancelled. ——Proposed by: Anonymous

Kazama: Hm, hahahahaha.... This suggestion/proposal/motion/draft truly is great! However I believe cancelling the classical literature class isn't enough, rather [we should be] abolishing the classical literature [teaching] position. Hm. This suggestion will be kept to discussed later.

Hijikata: oi!!! You've got to be kidding me!! Classical literature is a required subject for entrance exams! Really, it's already that Kazama is thinking about adopting this proposal,  and the one who wrote this sort of proposal is also ridiculous, Souji ! You two, [come] to my office later! [either that or the principal's office.... but im leaning towards 'my' since 我 is in the TL. reword later]

Okita: Wait a moment/sec Hijikata-san, why do you think I wrote that proposal? The questionnaire was anonymous, there's no evidence that says that I wrote that proposal.

Hijikata: Regardless if you try to be anonymous, a proposal for cancelling the classical literature, there's no one aside from you in the entire school who would propose such a thing!

souji: wah, you seem to be really self-confident in that~ However, don't you think that students find Hijikata-san's classical literature class boring, I've seen not a few of them [may be: i don't think anyone i've seen would disagree...? check video later]?

hijikata: you bastard!!!

Harada: Calm down, Hijikata-san! You need to calm down! you should treat this as Souji fooling around.......

Okita: yes yes, I simply wrote down my heartfelt and honest thoughts~ [reword later? check video tl]

Hijikata: Sure enough you were the bastard who proposed this/it!!

Amagiri: Kazama-sama. do you want discuss the motion for cancelling the classical literature class later? I think you should continue with the next proposal. Further discussion on this draft may cause delays.

Kazama: To dare give/Daring to give me advice, you truly are brazen/impudent——I was originally going to be saying that, now you do as you say/that. [check video for last sentence]

Amagiri: I sincerely apologize.

???: Classes are 50 minutes in length, and they're too long! So can they be cut down to 30 minutes? If that happens, then the lunch period can be extended, which would mean more time to eat or even take a nap right? I think that this would absolutely be better!

——Proposed by a hopeful anonymous person [double check audio cuz the text on the video just says 'proposed by: anonymous']

Shiranui: Cutting the amount of time spent in class, that has my support! Kazama, pass this proposal [approve of this]!

harada: oi, oi! Don't you know how bad it would be/about the adverse/negative influence/impact/effect it would have, if you cut down on class time?

Shiranui: Hah? How bad effect it might have?! Shouldn't this be something to celebrate [Not sure but it might instead be: something happy/good to look forward to. check video tl]?

Harada: Hah...... you may think that cutting on class time would mean more time for playing around, but that way of thinking is wrong! Don't you guys know that each semester, exams are regularly scheduled? If class time is reduced, I'm afraid that it might mean being unable to learn everything before taking those exams. If that happens, you'd have to sacrifice your weekend for make up lessons. Is that alright with you?

Shiarnui: If that's the case, it would be better to reduce what the exams cover then!

Harada: In school, there are "learning essentials." If you feel like causing problems, and ignoring the minimal learning requirements, maybe should try being a teacher. If that happens, getting passing post-secondary entrance exams will become a dream. So, Heisuke, this type of draft proposal would be something that we can't approve of.

Heisuke: EH?! Harada-sensei, how do you know that this is something that I wrote?

Harada: Think with your head, who else would have come up with such an idea. To really think that you wouldn't get found out, that sort of thinking is completely incomprehensible.

Heisuke: ergh...........

Kazama: This type of shortsightedness really suits your identities as small fry. If class time is reduced, it'd better to have the classes cancelled altogether. Final exams cannot be considered as something to worry about, if I was writing an exam, I'd be able to get a perfect score even if my eyes were closed.

Amagiri: That skill is something that only Kazama-sama has.

Shiranui: Mah... The outward appearance is [might be] human, but [I/who] don't/doesn't know how many times he's repeated the school year/about the countless times [he's] repeated the school year.

Kazama: Returning to the subject, are there any objections to this proposal? It seems that there aren't, then [we're] moving on to discuss the next proposal.

???: I've heard that many students go play at the rail station/bus stop after school. Although moderate relaxation is harmless, but isn't playing at the game centre and KTV all night, something that goes against the responsibilities that students have? In order to prevent problems from occurring, I think that students should get permission from their teacher for where they go after school beforehand. [^check video tl for this later]

——Proposed by: Saito Hajime.

Kazama: oh.....?  The proposals up until were all anonymous, it seems like draft is different. But, to have the teacher give permission approve of where one can go after school, what a stupid idea.

Saito: A stupid....... idea?! If one person disrupts the moral standards/discipline, it will cause a chain reaction. What's so stupid about a proposal to prevent that?!

Kazama: Just think about it for a little bit. Or is your brain too small so you can't [even] figure that out?

Saito: …………

Amagiri: Kazama-sama. Although it may be bold for me to act as your substitute/in your place, but may I be the one to handle this explanation?  

Kazama: Approved.

Amagiri: yes!...... saito-dono, your opinion does sound somewhat reasonable. Because the act of playing around after school is not praiseworthy. However, after studying hard in school, it is necessary for suitable entertainment to be used as an outlet for accumulated stress. Just monotonously going to and from school will affect the students ability to think independently. Only by enriching their experiences will their minds be able to grow [more literally this sentence is about experience becomes  the soil for minds to grow in... check video tl later].

Saito: But I never said anything about banning after school entertainment/recreation! I only proposed having teachers the approve of what can be done after school!

Amagiri: That will affect the students' ability to think independently. What is referred to as independence, requires individuals who think by themselves and make their own choices [says "to take action"]. I believe, that it would go against human nature, if a teacher was asked about for permission about being able to play in a certain manner [check video tl for this later]. What do you think of this perspective?

Saito: So it was like that. Just as you said. I actually proposed something that opposed Hakuo Gakuen's education policy....... I will accept this conclusion [word I have for this translates to 'reality.' check video tl later], and deeply reflect upon this.

Harada: But even though this has nothing to do with being self-reliant/independent, this sort of regulation is [would be] too harsh/strict.

Kazama: Hrm......is that worthless discussion finally over? Presumably everyone has already become tired of this sort of monotonous talk. Here is some good news. The draft I will be reading now, I will not be accepting any objections and [will be] pass[ing] it right away.

(students mumble in background)

Kazama: Hmph. I understand how you are all worrying about whether or not your proposals will be adopted. Ignorant fools! Get down on your knees/Grovel on your knees before me and pay attention to attention to what I have to say! "My wife must greet me every morning at my home. Although there will be difficulties in the implementation of this regulation, I will compromise in having my her greet me every morning in the student council room.

Hijikata: This terrible proposal, did you really think, that this wouldn't get vetoed! Don't you remember how the same draft was rejected last time!!!

Kazama: That's preposterous...... Didn't you hear me?! I remember saying "the proposal that I will be reading now, I will not be accepting any objections, and [will be] passing it right away."

Hijikata: We don't have even the slightest reason to accept the draft proposed by you! Really, originally I thought that this would be able to proceed smoothly, but I didn't expect for this to happen again. Furthermore, you need to restrain yourself, stop calling/don't call her "my wife!"

Kazama: Hrm~ I have no obligations to listen to your complaints. But....... it truly is a pity for my wife to not be here right not. If she was here, surely, she would be passionately watching me, and blushing shyly while crying tears of joy.

Souji: To be able to misunderstand to this degree, it's shocking to the point of laughter [hilarity?]. The content of this is the exactly the same as last time, and nothing's been changed.

Heisuke:  (Fortunately), ["fortunately is included in the text tl but not video tl. check audio later]It seems like that guy caught a cold, which is she isn't here today.

Harada: It's seem that you can also do something smart. Well done, Heisuke!

Heisuke: hehe, right?

Kazama: Che! Too loud! After I've announced the passing the adoption of these proposals, you all/all of you bastards [check audio] should just obediently behave......!

Amagiri: Then, read out the next proposal.

Shiranui! Oh! That looks pretty good. "I hope for winter vacation to be as long as summer vacation, please give us a month of vacation!" Summer vacation is indeed a month long, winter break is only have a month!

Amagiri: To begin with, the length of summer vacation isn't the same across the country. In colder regions with more snow, summer vacation may not be a month. On the contrary, that region's winter vacation may be relatively longer. Summer vacation was originally established for escaping the hot weather.......

Shiranui: I know, I know! I get it already! Stop talking okay?

Amagiri: No. I am not finished speaking....

Kazama: Amagiri, Shiranui! You've got some nerve to be interrupting me while I talk! This is all your fault that we've strayed away from our next topic for discussion!! The next time this happens/If this happens again, I will not spare you! Remember that/keep that in mind!

Saito: I believe that if it wasn't for your pointless proposals, the current topic of discussion wouldn't have been so derailed.

Kazama: Listen to me, no matter the objections against the following/next draft, I will still implement it! Now remember that and listen carefully!

"Female students must report to the Student Council room immediately after the bell rings for lunch. At the time [they] must also bring a hand-made bento..."

Hijikata: Veto!

Kazama: "Female students must go to the Student Council room after..."

Hijikata: Veto!

Kazama: "Female students must..."

Hijikata: Veto!

Kazama: Hijikata, if you haven't listened to everything that I've said, surely you have a reason for it [/how can you have a reason to interrupt me]?!

HIjikata: It’s because you deliberately targeted her by writing so many proposals, bastard. [alt: "because, bastard, you deliberately targeted her..." will check audio for this later]

School rules are not your toys!

Kazama: You don't understand the obvious! As Hakuo Gakuen's student council president, I am obligated to make the school rules and regulations perfect! Therefore, the current school rules must be amended with only this draft!

Souji: Saying/Having said such beautiful/pretty words, isn't he just making excuses for his wilfulness?

Saito: Because there is only one female student in the entire school.

Kazama: Keh! You bastards! Do you guys mean to do everything you can to obstruct the path of love between me and my wife!?

Heisuke: what path of love......

Harada: It goes without saying that she's not your wife! Having said that though, to say spout such nonsense without backing down in front of everyone, that courage is really admirable.

Kazama: How could I possibly give up! My wife and I have been matched by the red thread/string [of fate]! This profound bond, even if the world stands against me, I will never back down!

[While I usually see 'thread' associated with the Chinese version of this belief, I don't know if the Japanese version of it uses 'string' or 'thread'....]

Shirnaui: What red string...... this is clearly just Kazama's own unbelievable delusions and his own wishful thinking.

Amagiri: Shiranui. You cannot say that/That mustn't be said. there's no telling if a miracle will occur. [reword more formally later]

Shiranui: Ah, if the sun rises in the West and the sky rains red, perhaps that might be true.... but, I don't think it's/that's going to work/it isn't anything but hopeless.

Amagiri: Mm............

Kazama: Heh, you've said enough. No matter what you think, the final decision is in my hands. Amagiri, all the drafts that were just read have been approved.

Amagiri: But... isn't that too unreasonable?

Kazama: What's the problem. I am the the student council president. Even if the [my] methods are unreasonable, no one would dare object.

Heisuke: Who'd accept that sort of ridiculous reasoning?!

Souji: That's right, if you think that you'll be forgiven for doing whatever you want as the student council president, then you're gravely mistaken. Eh.... (goes up on stage) I see.... these were the drafts that were read right?

Kazama: What the hell are you doing bastard?

Souji: Of course doing this! (tears all the drafts)

Kazama: ...! You bastard! You two quickly help me stop him!!!

Amagiri: Kazama-sama. I do not think that those drafts are suitable to be adopted.

Shiranui: I also agree/Agreed. Say, I'm very tired can I go home now(/ Anyway I'm tired can I go home now? [2nd one sounds better])

Kazama: Not permitted...!

Hijikata: Anyway! If you continue being a nuisance, we also have our own ways to respond. I don't care about the power you have/ about the powers of the student council president, but I'd advise you to not look down upon us teachers.

Harada: That's right, Kazama. I advise you to retreat while you're still able. If this continues, those so-called rules won't be able to protect you.

Amagiri: Kazama-sama. Listen to Hijikata-sensei and Harada-sensei's advice right now. This commotion/disturbance is getting bigger, and continuing this may cause others to doubt Kazama-sama's ability as student council president.

Kazama:.....Kuh!...! Heheheheheh.... You guys, I'l remember this! The next Student Assembly, I'll show off all my power to show everyone in the world just who my wife belongs to [check video tl]! Look forward to it!

Souji:...This type of behaviour... is this what they call a "defeated dog's barking"? [if it's not this interpretation.... i'm assuming it means something like 'running away in defeat,' or 'having your tail between your legs'or 'turning tail' since this mentions a dog - 负犬远吠 in chinese. or maybe its 'barking dogs seldom bite' that was the only idiom i found that that mentioned dogs and barking that might have been in JP when browsing. either way, i'll go i'll go double check the other version of this that has been translated later].

Saito: Exactly/Absolutely/(indeed/It is).   I don't want to become like that person. /I don't want to be that kind of person, even if I walk astray/I don't want to be that kind of person, even if I'm not careful. [check video tl]

End

----------

well, this is now officially the longest thing I’ve translated... tho that won’t be the case when I get to Shinsengumi Oni-tan. i dragged this one out for a long time since it just looked like a massive wall of text in nimble... haaah thankfully all the other ssl dramas aside from “Another Chizuru?” are >15min... I think?

also no images being posted this time cuz i didn’t schedule this posting.