#Red garden ep 5

[docholligay]

Also how I deal with any given nervous breakdown.

So if she wears amber and oriental notes, we're probably not looking at Vera Wang Princess, which is a pretty fruity-vanilla frag, as were many many popular perfumes back in My Day (and still are popular with many young women today) So what do I think it is? I thought of Dior Poison, but that's very much a classic scent and I don't think a lot of young women wore it back then, or even now. I looked up Opium, but that didn't come out until shortly after this had aired. So, I think probably Alien by Mugler? She would have to be very on top of trends and the perfume world for that to be true, since it was very new at this time, but Rachel being rich and trendy, I don't think it's too out of bounds to suggest that.

Alien is also very STRONG, and polarizing, and I think she'd really like that, it's much more mature than the so-called 'cupcake' perfumes that are very popular with the 15-22 set. I would, personally, be impressed by a 17 year old wearing something like Alien, but that's just me.

[dragon-creates]

She Was Like A Sunflower

Read on AO3

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

UM!!! EP 2 WAS SO GOOD!!!!! GUMMI GOO😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭!!!!!!! Um yeah that's all I have to say, sorry this is late lmao. Hopefully I'll get back to a better schedule soon. Also, trigger warning for child abuse in the first few paragraphs in this chapter as it does go into detail with Jack's backstory. As always I will put (1) when it starts and (2) when it finishes. All I want is for my audience to feel safe so if this is something that you know you can't read please don't feel ashamed skipping this. Stay safe xx.

3. Seven

And I've been meaning to tell you I think your house is haunted Your dad is always mad and that must be why And I think you should come live with Me and we can be pirates Then you won't have to cry - Seven by Taylor Swift

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(1)

“Jack! Jack! Get out here you little shit!”

A five-year-old boy whimpered at the loud voice, crouching behind a garden shed in the backyard. He held his breath, begging for the voice not to find him. In his arms he held a small, trembling baby rabbit, its nose twitching in panic as they hid.

“You can’t hide forever Jack!”

The young boy had come home from school, wanting to get into the house and not bother anyone. He had to be good, he will be good! But sometimes, good didn’t seem to be enough. Even when he was ‘good’ they still hurt him…

That was when he saw Luke, kicking a baby rabbit in the front yard. The poor thing was limping, it had probably wandered too far from its mama, now Luke was torturing it for his own amusement. He begged Luke to stop, to do something else, but the teenager had gripped his face and growled at the child to mind his own business. Jack didn’t know why he did it, maybe it was a reflex from the sudden fright he felt, but he kicked Luke in the stomach, leaving the older boy winded. There was nothing but red-hot rage in Luke’s eyes, that’s how Jack knew how much trouble he was really in.

So he picked up the rabbit, ran through the house and out into the back garden, now he was here. He heard Luke’s footsteps on the grass. Jack held his breath, forcing himself to not make any sudden noise. The seconds were achingly long, his heart pounding against his chest as he tried to hear if Luke was approaching or not. The footsteps stopped, Jack squeezed his eyes shut, as though this were all a nightmare and he would be waking up soon.

Unfortunately he was very much awake when a hand grabbed him by the hair and through him onto the open ground, forcing him to drop the baby rabbit. “You think you can get away with that?! Huh?!” Luke mocked, kicking the boy in the stomach as Jack let out a cry. “Come on! Finish what you started!”

“I’m sorry Luke! I’m sorry!” Jack wailed as the teen kicked him in the knees. “It was an accident!”

Luke paused, a sadistic grin creeping on his face as a vile idea came to mind, “Accident? Heh, I’ll show you an accident.”

His eyes darted to the baby rabbit still limping on the ground and marched towards it. Jack looked up from the ground, pushing himself up as he scanned the grass for the rabbit. It was only when he heard a crunch and a distressed squeak did his heart plummet to the pit of his stomach. Luke stomped on the little rabbit over and over again, little squeals leaving it as it writhed in pain. “No!” Jack cried, trying to stand despite his aching limbs. “Luke, stop it! Please, stop!”

Luke ignored him, continuing his attack on the poor creature. Jack tried to stand as quick as he could, the blood rushing to his head as he swayed on his feet. By the time he was fulling standing it was too late. There was nothing left of the rabbit but a mangled corpse and a manic sneer on Luke’s face. The blond teen turned to the young boy, shrugging as it he only flicked a piece of dust off his shirt, “What? It was just an accident?”

Suddenly, Jack didn’t feel the lightness in his head anymore. He squeezed his fists, a rush of adrenaline rushing through his veins as he screamed, running to Luke and tackling him to the ground. The blond wasn’t expecting this reaction, letting out a screech as he felt sharp nails scratch across the skin on his face.

“How dare you!” Jack screamed, not ceasing. “He did nothing to you! Why did you kill him?!” There were stains of red, Luke grunted as he tried to stop the scratching but Jack’s hands were too fast for him to catch. “I hate you!”

When Luke finally caught one of Jax’s hands, did clarity start to fill the young boy, along with the fearful dread. He tried to run, but Luke’s grip was firm and bruising as he stood up. With his other hand, his fingertips tapped against the blood on his face, inspecting it closely. A small chuckle left the blonde, lacking humour and filled with nothing but bad intentions. And little Jack had nowhere to run and no chance to hide now.

“Luke, please don’t do this,” Jack whimpered, trying to pull away from the older boy’s hold on his upper arm.

“Too late,” Luke hissed, his head turning back to the large, ivory house. “DAD! MOM! COME SEE WHAT JACK DID!”

Jack’s blood ran cold. Luke was already a bitter, vile person, but even bad people had to learn their behaviour from somewhere. As for Luke, he had received it from his parents. The only people – other than Luke – Jack feared the most, “Luke, I’m sorry! I’m really sorry!”

But his cries fell on deaf, ignorant ears. Two adults rushed out the house, a man and women in their mid-forties with scowls that seemed to be printed onto their faces. Luke’s parents, the ones who had also adopted Jack.

The woman let out a sharp, horrified gasp, “You! What did you do to my son?!”

“Little bastard attacked me out of nowhere,” Luke threw the child forward, making him fall forward and land on his palms.

Jack barely had any time to gather himself before a rough hand grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and lifted him up. Luke’s father glared at him, a cigarette hanging up his lips as Jack tried to not breathe any of the smoke being forced down his nostrils. “You think I accept that behaviour in my house?!” He glowered.

“I-I’m sorry sir!” Jack wailed. “But he killed that bunny! He stomped on it till it couldn’t move! I just wanted to protect him!”

“All this over a stupid rabbit?!” The foster mother screeched. “You’re nothing but a little monster! Hurting my boy over a useless rodent!”

Jack’s eyes widened at what she had said. How cold and callous her words were. How she devalued the life of an innocent creature who couldn’t take care of itself. He turned his gaze to Luke, the boy holding a t-shirt his mother fished from the laundry basket and held it to his face. He was still grinning, blood staining his teeth, looking more like the monster that his mother was talking about.

“Get in!” The man growled, dragging the boy into the house again. Jack grunted as his feet scrapped against the ground with the sudden, harsh movement, feeling Luke’s eyes on him as the blonde’s father kept pulling him.

He didn’t stop until the boy was pushed into the kitchen and the door was slammed shut behind him. The man’s grip moved from the back of his shirt to his foreman, nearly cutting off the child’s circulation.

He took the cigarette out of his mouth, “This is what happens to little brats who act out of line.”

Jack gasped, the realisation of why they went inside finally setting in. His foster father didn’t want to risk any prying eyes, any witnesses to see what he was about to do next.

Jack struggled, trying to escape, but the man struck him across the face, his ring leaving a mark in the child’s delicate skin.

The cigarette moved closer to his arm, the young boy crying and writhing. The blunt hadn’t even touched him yet somehow he could already feel it.

The flaming end met his skin.

And Jack’s scream echoed throughout the empty house.

(2)

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Jax gasped, sitting up straight in his bed as he clutched his hand to his chest. He scanned the surroundings, even putting a hand to his forearm to feel for any scarring. His breathing slowed, relief settling when he saw that he was in his own room, and that there were no scars to be found. Just an armful of purple fur instead.

He felt a body stir next to him, Pomni had the blankets tucked around her like a cocoon. Jax didn’t mind, he got too warm most nights anyway. He settled back down, sliding and arm round her waist and pulled her close. He felt her chest against his, rising and falling with each breath. He matched his own with hers, letting it calm his racing heart. His eyes began to droop when he heard a small voice.

“Did you have a nightmare?” Pomni asked, peering up at him with sleepy eyes.

Jax sighed, he promised not to lie to her and he wasn’t going back on it now or ever, “Yeah, I did.”

“Are you okay? You wanna talk about it?” She attempted to sit up. He patted his hand against her waist, reassuring her that she was fine where she was.

“It was about my old foster family,” he told her. “Way before I met Winter.”

“Oh, babe,” she tucked her head under his chin, snuggling close. “You didn’t deserve anything that they put you through. I’m so sorry that you had to relive that in your head.”

“There’s nothing you gotta apologise for,” Jax kissed the top of her forehead. “Honestly, I don’t think about them a lot anymore. I know that sounds ironic cause of Luke confronting me back then. But they don’t mean anything to me, they don’t matter…but you do, more than anything.

He felt her lips smile against his chest, pressing a small kiss next to his heart, “You mean more than anything to me too.”

Jax pulled her closer again, feeling his eyes fluttering shut as sleep came for him once again, “Thanks little lady.”

“I am not a little lady,” she mumbled causing him to chuckle, his voice vibrating against her ear.

The nightmare was at the back of his mind, his eyes gazing on the small jester curled up beside him. Luke didn’t matter anymore, his old foster family didn’t matter anymore. Thinking of them never did anything good for him, there was no need to focus on his past when his future was right next to him. He would talk about them if the situation occurred, he didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of secrets, but Pomni was all that mattered. And that was okay.

With one last sigh, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, joining her in a peaceful, blissful sleep. His dreams for the rest of the night were filled with the smiles of a certain brunette.

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Another day, another adventure. Everyone already had the same shared opinion of Caine’s adventures, but one of the worst things they all agreed on had to be mentally preparing themselves for whatever it was going to be. It was a process that had each one of them dreading for whatever Caine had created for them. Sometimes they were the most thrilling and exciting experiences they ever had, others were boring and had them wanting to go back to their quarters, but the worst ones had to be when they were left emotionally or physically scarred with the most haunting imagery that would be stuck in their minds forever. They never understood why Caine would create such adventures like those, how could he ever think they were fun?

Jax shuddered, hoping for at least a boring adventure instead of the awful third option. He turned to Pomni – who was busy talking to Ragatha – he definitely didn’t want her dealing with that type of adventure. She had already been through enough as it is. He knew that they were to keep a low profile, but he also knew that Caine was unpredictable. Whatever adventure was chosen, he was going to stick as close to Pomni as he could. The last time they were separated she nearly…

“Good morning my superstars!” Caine beamed, a juxtaposition to the circus members sleepy and dreary attitude. “Don’t I have just the perfect adventure for all of you today!”

“Wow, such a surprise,” Jax grumbled under his breath. The jingle of Pomni’s giggle at his sentence made him smile, making sure it was hidden from Caine.

The pair of dentures didn’t seem to notice, simply continuing with his speech, “I know you all miss your old lives as boring humans, so being the gracious ringmaster that I am, I decided to base our new adventure around one of your earthly activities I heard one of you mumble about – though I can’t seem to remember who said it.”

Everyone gawked at that. Caine so rarely laid any notice or curiosity to what the outside world was like, stuck in a firm belief that the circus was the greatest place to ever reside in. This was the first time that he mentioned basing an activity on the real world, what could he even imagine what said activity involved? But more importantly, what activity did he pick?

“I’ve done the amount of research that I felt bothered to do and created this!” With a snap of his fingers, there was a flash of light and the walls of the tent disappeared. Each member blinked, rubbing their eyes from the sudden bright light. When the brightness faded, they let out a small gasp at the scene around them.

An orange sunset, tall and long hedges and miles upon miles of fresh golden corn. Caine had created a cornfield maze. Other than the vegetable, Jax felt a tingling familiarity at the sight of the maze, the memories of falling asleep with a certain jester and dreaming about his best memories of his past in a place just like this. He looked to Pomni, she seemed to be having the same familiar feeling too. She turned her head to him, her eyes twinkling and her smile sweet. He returned it with the same warmth.

“Your goal is simple!” Caine interrupted the couple’s train of thought. “It will be a race between each one of you! Whoever collects the most corn by the end of the adventure wins…oh I actually haven’t thought about that. Um, what do humans usually win at these things?”

“Oh, well it ranges from a lot of different things,” Ragatha piped up. “It could range from prize ribbons, stuffed toys, sometimes even food. Something that most people can enjoy!”

Caine hummed, tapping a finger against the bottom of his jaw, as though he were deep in thought about a life changing matter rather than a prize for a silly game, “Aha! I’ve got it! The prize can be…water! Everyone likes water! Right?”

Ragatha cringed, not surprised in the slightest from his answer, “Sure Caine.”

“Well then, I’ll you all to get started superstars!” the ringmaster grinned, about to snap his fingers. “Oh I should mention, you’re all going to be separated until all of you have found an exit! Okay, bye!”

“Wait, what?!” Pomni paled, but her question was cut short but the familiar snap of Caine’s fingers.

Jax whipped round, his heart pounding. No, no, no! He promised her he would stay! He promised to protect her! He let his feet run as fast as they would take him, not letting the red and blue woman leave his sight for a moment. But she was quickly replaced by green, towering hedges covered with the yellow vegetable he had to collect.

Jax begin to pant heavily, panic filling him from head to toe. Would she be alright? They hadn’t left each other’s sides ever since they got their memories back, too afraid to let go as if they were afraid this were only another hope filled dream. Was she alright being on her own? What is something happened to her?

He took a breath, smoothing his hands over his ears until they sprung back up, picking up the basket placed next to him. Curse Caine and his sudden stupid rules. It didn’t matter, all he had to do was pick a few pieces of corn and find an exit. Maybe he would run into Pomni as well? Yeah, that’s what he had to focus on. Finding Pomni.

He plucked a piece of the edge, placing it inside the brown woven basket before walking down the path. He would find Pomni…

He will find Pomni.

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Knock, knock

“Come in!” a woman’s voice called through the door.

Riley’s wrapped her hand around the knob of the captain’s office door, with it creaking as it slowly swung open. A slender woman with warm, dark skin and brown locs sat at a table, reading through the files on her desk. Ever since Penny and Jack’s disappearance, it had thrown their entire case for a loop. But that was part of the reason why Riley was here.

“How can I help you Agent Reed?” she asked, looking up briefly before returning her attention to the papers.

“Good afternoon ma’am,” Riley stood straight, hands clasped together in front of her. The perfect picture of professionalism. “I’ve just come to receive a warrant to do a search.”

“State the place and case Reed, and I’ll see what I can do,” Rae nodded, sifting through the dozens of notes.

Riley bit her lip, praying this would work, “C&A industries ma’am, for the Penny Reed and Jack Bloom cases.”

Rae paused, the silence was somehow more deafening than Riley ever imagined it could be. The captain placed the papers down, looking back up at red-haired woman, “Weren’t you there a while ago for your case? Something about seeing if a possible witness was involved somehow?”

“Yes ma’am,” Riley nodded. “And I believe that he might be right. Which is why I’m requesting the warrant.”

“It’s also funny that you mention the case for your sister and Mr Bloom,” said Rae.

Riley raised a brow, “What do you mean?”

“We just received word this morning that the files for the missing persons cases that were related to C&A went missing. I was about to make an announcement but as you can see, because of the recent incidents I’ve become more swamped with paperwork that usual,” Rae sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Riley cringed, “It’s really become that bad?”

“Since Jack Bloom was connected to C&A, it’s opened a whole pipeline,” Rae told her. “Apparently, the company is extremely defensive with being accused of these sorts of things, and it’s not the first time someone disappeared on their property on in relation to them. However we haven’t found any proof that they were involved, so we’re still stuck in limbo until we find something to shut them down.”

“That’s why I’m asking for this warrant ma’am. There might be a chance that C&A have these files,” Riley explained. “Some of the cases had this company involved before, right? Not all, but some? Maybe this could be a good chance to see how they were connected to C&A?”

“You sure you got the right plan for this, Reed?” Rae questioned, raising a brow. Her tone was stern but not demeaning in the slightest. “C&A have a pretty tight record. One slip from us and they’ve got lawyers, attorneys, everything coming after us.”

“As long as we have the warrant, we have the right to say we’re allowed to be there,” Riley said. “I’m not going into this blind ma’am, I’ve got a plan and I know what I’m doing.”

“It’s not that I doubt you Riley, but I do know that this case is personal to you. Since it’s your sister going missing as well,” Rae took note of how the redhead tried not to stiffen up at the mention of her sister. “I just don’t want you going into this with wool over your eyes. I’ve been seeing how you and Winter come into work sometimes. Both of you would never stop grinning and smiling at one another, now it looks like you two have become strangers. I don’t want these cases getting to you to the point where you feel like you’re losing yourselves.”

Riley crossed her arms over her chest, gazing down to the floor as though she were a child being scolded. Every time she saw Winter’s face - downed and saddened from the past few months - she wanted nothing more than to kiss every inch of it. She knew Winter wasn’t ignorant to her attempts to avoid anything that attached Penny’s name to it, like retracting a hand from touching a burning flame. But she saw how it was affecting Winter. She knew that she was only trying to help, yet Riley kept turning away, kept refusing any conversation about how she was feeling. It was making things worse, she knew that. Yet the fear of watching Winter tear herself apart from grief and pain had imprinted itself on her mind, and she just couldn’t muster the courage to try and talk to her wife.

One day Riley promised herself, one day I’ll say something. Just…not now.

“Everything is fine ma’am,” she reassured Rae. “These cases are stressful, but not impossible.”

Rae hummed under her breath, fiddling with her ring finger before saying, “Okay, I’ll send to you later today. You better know what you’re doing.”

Riley grinned, a sigh of relief escaping her, “I do ma’am.”

She gave a quick nod to her superior, turning on her heel and grabbed the door handle before Rae called her one last time, “Riley.” The redhead faced her boss again. “I’m serious, be careful with this. C&A aren’t to be taken lightly.”

The captain’s voice was stoic, serious, holding deep truth that Riley was slightly nervous to ask about. But she knew that Rae was right, they had to be careful with this. “I will ma’am.”

With that, she walked out the office, straightening her blazer. She whipped her phone out of her pocket, typing quickly once it was in her hands.

I got the warrant Samual

Be ready

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Riley had told her to wait, just until things were set in stone. But Amber had never felt so restless in her life. Here she was, waiting in her living room by her old computer, with both of her daughters out of reach. Was this really what was expected of her to do? Nothing? For god’s sake! Penny was trapped inside a literal video game and she was supposed to wait?! How could any mother simply do that without complaint?!

Amber groaned, burying her face in her hands before standing and walking to the kitchen. She at least had to do something to keep her mind busy, maybe some tea would help. After all, if she had anymore coffee she was sure she would only get more agitated. She opened the cupboards, her eyes roaming each corner before landing on a familiar yellow box. She reached her hand in to fish it out, sighing with slight melancholy when she saw what type of tea it was.

Chamomile, Penny’s favourite.

Penny who completed half of Amber’s heart with Riley. Penny who wanted others to see the best in themselves when they weren’t able to do so. Penny who had gone through hardship after hardship only to end up in a place that forced her away from her family and into a state of terror.

No. Amber wasn’t going to stand by. She slammed the box onto the counter and marched out the kitchen and up the stairs into the hallway. She could figure out a way to help, even if it was just a little bit. When she made it up the stairs, she reached up to a little strong connected to a trapdoor on her roof, pulling on it carefully as a ladder slid down.

Amber couldn’t remember the last time she had been up the attic, it had seemed it had been decades ago since she stored the last childhood memory of the girls up here. But it held what she needed with the plan in her head. She climbed up the ladder, poking her head up through the trapdoor as coughed from the leftover dust from the wooden floorboards. It had definitely been a while since she had been up here. She lifted herself up inside, taking out her phone to turn on her flashlight. Despite the length of time, she knew where everything was placed and kept in here. Time to get to work.

In a few minutes, Amber had packed a box full of long-lost belongings way back from her time, hopefully it was what she needed as she climbed down the ladder and shut the trapdoor. She made her way back downstairs, placing the box on the coffee table once she was in the living room. She placed her hands on her hips, where would she start? She peered down at the box, filled to the brim with gadgets, old software and objects that she and the girls used to use in a time where technology wasn’t so advanced. She picked up a walkie talkie and a string of fairy lights, perhaps she could start with that. Amber had a long way to go, but still, at least she wasn’t waiting anymore.

She just hoped that this would work a little bit, as long as it helped bring Penny home.

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Pomni sighed as she picked up another piece of corn, placing it in her basket. She did panic when she was separated from her fiancé and the others, but so far the adventure didn’t seem to be too hectic. Just a peaceful stroll in the fields while picking corn. She smiled, breathing in the fresh air – as fresh as simulated air could be at least. Doing this reminded her of similar activities she, her mother and sister used to do when they were younger. To get away from work, school, chaos, her father. To just have a day where they could focus on making happy memories. Well, it worked.

It almost felt normal, but…she wished this was something she was doing with Riley and her mother. Riley would lift her onto her back for a ride, despite her younger sister’s protests of not being a child anymore yet would still cling to her like a koala. Amber would be pestering the girls in a way to make them smile, perhaps picking up one of the pieces of corn and waving it like a sword as she chased her daughters.

Pomni gripped the handle of her basket, a shaky breath leaving her lips. She missed them so, so much. She just wanted to go home. She wanted to feel the waft of the warm oaky smell that hit her every time she entered her mother’s home. She wanted to be squeezed in one of Riley’s protective hugs. She wanted to explore every area of her childhood home, to make sure that each place was burned into her mind so she would never forget it ever again. “I miss you guys,” she whispered under her breath, despite the isolation of where she stood.

She shook her head, she had to get a grip. Right now she had to focus on completing this adventure so she could get back to Jax and figure out the next step of their plans. Just as she was about to reach for another piece of the vegetable, a small blue butterfly fluttered out from the leaves and stems. Pomni let out a yelp at the sudden appearance, tripping and falling back, the corn spilling out of the basket as it toppled to the ground. She kicked her feet, backing away from the bug – the last time she was near a butterfly she nearly…

She started to tremble at the memory, internally scolding herself for getting frightened by a single insect. But the feeling of the cold water forcing her down, down, down – burning her lungs as the simulated feeling of being unable to breathe wouldn’t leave her brain. Her chest started to heave with each panicked pant as the butterfly inched closer, fearing that it would glitch if it touched her again and send her into another spiral.

It got closer, she shut her eyes, bracing for that painful static when-

“Don’t be afraid.”

Her eyes snapped open, scanning the area. She swore she heard a voice, like it belonged to an older woman. But it was just her and the butterfly.

“It’s not going to hurt you dear,”

There it was again, “Who’s there?!”

“Just someone who wants to help.”

Pomni scoffed, disbelief curling her lips into strained smile, “How can I trust you if I can’t even see you?”

“I’m sorry. I wish you could, but the rules of this game won’t allow you to see my face. Not anymore.”

The jester raised a brow. Here was a voice, a voice so different, so foreign and unlike anything she had ever heard in the circus before. But for some reason, it didn’t seem bad to trust it. Despite it not actually being her, the voice reminded her of the soft tone her mother used to use to comfort her.

Pomni gulped, looking at the butterfly again. It was simply floating there, no threat lingering in the slightest. Maybe, just maybe. She lifted her hand, her face cringing as she turned away, shoulders stiffening in case that glitch did happen. The tiny feet of the bug landed on her finger. Nothing. No pain, no glitch, just the butterfly resting there as it waited for the jester to make her next move.

She opened her eyes, she was okay. She looked up, trying to detect where that voice came from, “Thank you.” It felt silly, sitting in the dirt as she called out for someone she couldn’t see, but sillier things have happened in this circus. She looked back at the butterfly, letting it crawl across her hand, “Sorry for getting scared earlier. You seem like a friendly guy. I’m sure Kinger would like you.”

The butterfly seemed nice, and it was gentle, but why did the one from before glitch? And why was there a voice this time telling her not to be afraid? With each passing day since she got her memories back, more questions kept opening up. She stood up, picking up her basket and placing the small bug inside, “Guess we’ll need to figure you out later. Hope you don’t mind the corn, I don’t want Caine finding you just in case anything happens.”

The butterfly didn’t seem to mind, already laying down on top one of the vegetables like it was a bed. Pomni smiled, lowering the lid and continued her trail. Now this was definitely going to be an interesting story to tell Jax. She just hoped he was okay.

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Jax grumbled as he hit another dead end. He had given up picking up corn a long while ago, settling for trying to find Pomni instead. But each path he took only seemed to lead him down the wrong way, as though the map of this adventure was mocking him. He gripped his ears, pulling slightly. “Easy adventure my @ss Caine,” he muttered under his breath. This was just getting tedious now.

He heard a rustle behind him, making him jump like the type of animal his avatar was. Perhaps it was one of the others? Or maybe Caine added a last-minute boss to try and make things more interesting – yet harder for them. But no, instead it was…him?

At least it looked like him, but much younger. He looked about he was no older than three, his hair shorter while wearing soft clothing stamped in little train patterns. What was going on.

“Come on sweetie!”

A new voice rung out. He looked up, a young couple came up behind the boy, reaching out their hands to him. “We have to start the maze!” the woman said, smiling at the child.

“Okay mama!” the young boy giggled, clutching his hand into hers as the wandered further into the maze.

Jax blinked, his feet trailing behind the trio. He felt like a dog on a leash going after them. Who were these people, why didn’t he remember this? Were they his…his parents? But they couldn’t be possible, his parents left him in social services ever since he was, well, the age the younger version of him here was. But then again, his earliest memory was him in a car going to his very first foster home, nothing before that.

Maybe, just maybe. They weren’t like anything like he pictured them to be, they seemed nice to younger him. Perhaps something else happened, perhaps he really used to be loved.

And so, he followed them. Tracing their lefts and rights, wherever they would go. They seemed like good people, laughing at their little boy’s antics and playing along with whatever imaginary game he came up with. He even felt himself smiling, a tear even escaping his eye at the long-lost image of the family in front of him.

Eventually they stopped, the couple sharing a look before starting down the young boy. Jax froze, what was going on? There was another rustle, a small rabbit jumping out of the stems of corn as it ran down the path. “Honey look!” the mother pointed with a grin. “What’s that?!”

“A bunny!” the little boy replied with excitement, jumping up and down on the spot. Jax’s stomach began to churn.

“It wants you to play tag with it,” the father said. “Don’t leave it waiting.”

“Okay!” the boy nodded, taking a few steps but pausing when he saw his parents weren’t following along. “Aren’t you playing as well?”

“We’ll meet you at the end of the maze,” his mother said, her tone loving despite the dread of this situation building more and more. “You’re a big boy now, I’m sure you can do it on your own.”

“Oh yeah, I can!” the young Jack looked so happy saying that, so unknowing of the true danger he was put in. “I’ll see you soon! Come back little bunny!”

He ran off, chasing the small rodent down the path. Jax shook his head, this couldn’t be happening. Why would they let a kid go off on his own?! What were they thinking. As the boy wandered further down the path, the smiles on the parents faces dropped, grief and tearful fear replacing it instead. The man placed a hand on the woman’s shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly to try and rid some of the guilt that was possibly building inside her.

She nodded to him, taking a deep breath before turning on her heel and walked away in the opposite direction of her son, her husband doing the same. Jax’s heart plummeted, “No, wait!” He cried out, but it only fell on the deaf ears of a forgotten memory. “Don’t do this! Come back!”

He turned in the other direction, that younger version of him was on his own, going after the rabbit in a wild goose chase, to never see his parents again. He chased after him, there was no way this could be true, there was no way.

He saw the boy in front of him, his small form contrasting again the setting sun in the distance. Though this time he wasn’t chasing a rabbit anymore. “Mama! Papa! Where are you!” he wailed, rubbing away tears on his chubby cheeks. “I wanna go home!”

Jax began to shake his head in disbelief, this couldn’t have happened. His parents, they really…left him.

His eyes darted back to where the boy was, but he was gone too, leaving him alone in the field. No parents, no younger him nothing. He was completely and utterly isolated. The rabbit from earlier suddenly jumped out in front of him again, making eye contact with the taller avatar. His nose twitched as the two maintained eye contact, Jax’s eyes blurring with panicked tears.

The rabbit tore off again, leaving him stunned in place, “W-wait! Where are you going!” He chased after it again, just like how his younger self did. “Why are you doing this?! What’s going on?!”

The rabbit didn’t make a noise, it only kept running. Jax did the same, his lungs burning and mind spinning with more questions building as tears streamed down his cheeks. Why was he remembering this now?! How did he even get these memories?! Why him?! Why was this happening to him?!

Why did his parents leave him behind?! Did they just not love him enough to keep him?! But they were crying! They had to have loved him, right? Otherwise they wouldn’t have done that! Or maybe they just couldn’t have them in their lives. He didn’t have a place with them, in the world outside or this world in this game. He was pathetic, useless, he deserved all the bad things that happened to him. HE DESERVED EVERY PAINFUL THING THAT CAME HIS WAY-

“GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” he screamed, his fingers pulling on the fur on his scalp.

He skidded to a halt, gawking at what was in front of him. His old foster house, where he grew up. It was tattered and broken, the complete opposite to how it looked way back when in appearance, but remained exactly the same with how it made him feel. He sniffed, his hands clutching at his chest as his heart squeezed painfully. There was a reason he was here, wasn’t it? To finally get his comeuppance for every bad deed he caused in his life. For how he acted to others in his past life, to how he treated the others in the circus, and how he hurt Penny.

The house creaked along with the stinging wind that made Jax shiver, as though it were whispering him to go inside. He should go inside.  He lifted his foot, about to take another step-

“Jax!”

He stopped, turning back. Pomni’s voice rung out to him in the distance, “Jax! Where are you?!”

She was looking for him.

She cared about him.

She loved him.

Jax smiled, rubbing away the access tears that stained his cheeks. Maybe there was a reason for him to hurt like this, but there was also a reason to keep fighting. Pomni. He looked back to the house, the churning feeling ebbing away slowly though not fully disappearing. Perhaps forgotten things were meant to be forgotten.

He turned on his heel, running back into the maze. He had a jester to find.

The house abandoned once and for all.

.

.

.

“I’ll say it before and I’ll say it again,” said Samual. “This feels just like a movie.”

Riley rolled her eyes as the car pulled up to a corner near the building of C&A. She was fully aware of the déjà vu she was getting, but this time she had the proof in front of her and a case to fulfil. “You go in first and go to the room where the files are. Wait for five minutes then text me to come in,” she instructed to the boy. “If we’re gonna do this, we need to make sure that Jason doesn’t get suspicious.”

“He might be already,” Samual admitted. “After I brought you here, he’s been acting kinda funny.”

“Well we’ll just have to be as careful as we can,” Riley said. “Just do what I told you and come to me if anything happens, I’ve got your back.”

Samual exhaled, mentally preparing himself as he stared at the building ahead of him, “Alright, here goes nothing.”

He climbed out the car, making his way over and inside the tall building. Riley waited until her phone pinged before jumping out herself and making her way over. She did the usual routine of what she would do whenever she got a warrant - go in, check in with the receptionist and have free reign of her search. She took a mental note of how uneasy the receptionist looked when she saw the agent again, Samual was right about Jason being at edge since her last visit. His glass house didn’t seem to be as stable as he wanted it to be anymore.

She made her way to the elevator, checking her phone to see where Samual said he would be waiting for her as the doors shut behind her. As the elevator creaked and shifted as it lifted up, the looming hidden threat of this place started to dawn on the redhead. This company had possibly managed to cover up the disappearances of so many people for nine years, including its own CEO and his wife. And now Penny and Jack were in the belly of the beast as well.

She understood why Rae was so worried with messing up, one mistake could quite literally cost someone their life. Hers, Samual’s, her mother’s, anyone. She had to be careful. The elevator dinged, opening their doors as she stood out and saw Samual at an open door down the hall, signaling for her to come towards him.

Riley nodded, remaining as casual as possible until she reached the room and Samual shutting the door behind her. “Alright, where do we start?” Riley asked, clasping her hands together.

“It should be on this computer,” Samual told her. “Jason doesn’t like keeping stuff like that on his own computer in case he gets caught.”

“So he’d rather have someone else take the fall, how chivalrous,” Riley muttered sarcastically.

“Tell me about it,” Samual muttered. Riley looked over at him with amusement, this was the first time she actually heard him have a bit of an attitude. He sat down, cracking his fingers and rolling his neck as he logged onto the computer. “Okay, I can do this.” He pulled a bag onto his lap, the C&A logo on top as he pulled out a USB. “I snuck into his office the other day. And before you get on at me for doing it before getting the warrant, Jason was gone for the day and it was the only time in the security guards schedule where they weren’t watching his office the whole time.”

“Holy shit kid,” Riley laughed. She should be mad, really she should. But goddamn she couldn’t help but be impressed. “You have guts. So, where exactly are these files in the USB’s?”

“These USB’s have old games codes,” Samual replied. “Sometimes if we have any unfinished demos, we store information in them to make sure other competition don’t try and steal it, to put it in a place where no one would think to find.”

“And if the case files in the USBs, then Jason can carry them around wherever he wants,” Riley finished.

“Yup,” Samual sighed. “Okay, I think I know what to do here.”

In just little time, the kid had managed to open a whole different part on the USB, old coding and files appearing and scattering over the screen. Riley felt as though she had to take a step back from how intense it seemed, but Samual was unfazed a focused, still clicking and typing as though this were as simple as clicking a browser away.

“I got it,” Samual spoke up eventually, turning to Riley and holding his hand out. “You got the other one?”

“Uh, yeah,” Riley reached into her pocket, taking out another USB and placing it into Samual’s hands.

“If we take everything off this, Jason’s gonna get more suspicious,” Samual told her. “I can make copies for you to take back and from there we’ll try and figure a way to get it loaded into the game back at your mom’s place.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Riley agreed, watching him work as she glanced at the door every so often.

It felt as though hours went by, but eventually, Samual had done it. The files were copied and put into the other USB. They had done it. “We got it!” he exclaimed, a small cheer in the back of his tone.

“Looks like it,” Riley grinned, putting the USB back in her pocket. “I gotta get going, before your boss finds out what’s-”

The door slammed open, another feeling of déjà vu and piercing cold fear shooting down Riley and Samual’s backs. “What are you doing back here?!” Jason growled.

Riley sneered at him, crossing her arms as she stood in front of Samual. She wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice, “I have a warrant to check this place out since the files for our cases went missing. And since your name is the main one on Jack Bloom’s case, that means I have to search the place. AKA, doing my job.”

“What gives you the right to speak to me that way,? Jason sneered.

Riley scoffed, “Other than the fact that I’m trying to find people I care about, you don’t get to speak to me that way either.”

“Oh really?” Jason raised a brow. “I’m sure your boss will disagree.”

He stepped aside, revealing the disappointed face of Captain Rae, almost looking tired as she stepped into the room. Riley paled when another face appeared in the door – Winter. “Winter, Captain Rae, what’s going on?” Riley asked.

“We got a call from Mr Wood that you came here under the guise of a warrant to steal game codes for their rival companies,” Captain Rae sighed. “And since I’m your boss, I had to be taken away from work to make sure my agents aren’t fucking up.”

“Excuse me?!” Riley’s eyes widened, appalled as she started at the man beside her boss, who seemed to be getting smugger when Winter spoke up.

“One of the employees here managed to find Samual taking out property from Mr Wood’s office before calling you,” Winter told her. “They were concerned that you were using the cases in order to make C&A look bad.”

“That’s bullshit!” Riley snapped. “My sister is involved in these cases, do you really think I would risk her safety over fucking game codes?!” Riley was treading on dangerous waters, and she knew it. But no one messed with her sister, especially not some big shot who believed he could get away with this.

“And what exactly is in that computer over there?” Jason pointed out, his tone slightly mocking. Riley’s face fell as she glanced towards the monitor. While she was glad that he didn’t know about the spare USB, she knew that this looked really bad.

Samual stepped forward, “It was my idea!”

Everyone turned to him, even Jason – his face darkening.

Samual gulped as he continued, “I wanted to help Miss Riley with the case and decided to do some unethical routes in order to help her. You can even check the USB, the game codes are still there.”

Jason hummed, pushing past Riley as he, Rae and the others made their way to the computer. Riley nearly sighed with relief when the appearance of the game codes was still there. To the others, it looked like normal files that you expected to find at this company. But to Jason, it meant that his secret was still safe. He straightened his back as he turned back to the others, a faux grin on his face, “It seems that I was mistaken. I do apologize for wasting your time Captain Rae. I just wanted this whole mess taken care of, we wouldn’t want to go to court over this after all.”

“No, we wouldn’t,” Rae retorted in a monotone voice. “We’ll be on our way, thank you for your apology Mr Wood.”

The four walked out the room, Jason’s stare burning on their backs as the door was shut behind him. Rae halted, spinning back round as she went face to face with Riley, “I told you not to be stupid!”

“I wasn’t ma’am,” Riley froze, immediately reverting back to the professional position she was back when she was asking for the warrant. “I did as you told me to. Search with the warrant and try to find out what was going on. I didn’t know he was gonna pull that shit.”

“This isn’t a game Riley, Jason Wood can and will do anything he can in order to keep himself and C&A at the top!” Rae hissed. She stepped back, rubbing her temples to dispel the approaching headache. “Did you at least find anything?”

Riley opened her, mouth about to reveal what she found when clarity struck her. How exactly could she explain this without sounding crazy? She almost didn’t believe Samual when he told her about this, so how could she explain this to her captain? And the files still looked the same as they did from the computer, no other person would be able to tell the difference about how they looked unless they had the tech knowledge that Samual did. All it would show was exactly what Jason had tried to frame her about, “No, I’m sorry.”

Rae exhaled sharply, “Next time you’re gonna be reckless, think twice before landing yourself in hot water, Reed.”

Riley lowered her head to the ground, “Yes ma’am.”

Rae sighed turning back on her heel and walked away.

Winter came up behind her wife, sharing the same scowl as their boss, “We’re talking about this when we get home.” She didn’t let Riley say a word, already walking away and towards the elevator.

Riley rubbed her eyes, this was not how she wanted her day to end. Samual came up, fiddling with his ring finger awkwardly, “I’m really sorry Miss Riley.”

“It’s fine kid,” she mumbled. “You just get home and call me if you need me.”

Samual nodded, not wanting to prod any further as he walked away as well.

Riley just wanted to fade into nothing there and then. What type of hell was she getting herself into?

.

.

.

Winter tapped her foot as she waited in the living room, dressed in a pyjama tank top and shorts with her hair tied into an uneven ponytail. Riley was half an hour late. She already had a habit of obviously avoiding a situation, but this was out in the open with how hard she was trying now. Winter groaned, picking up the bottle of wine of the coffee table in front of her and poured it into a glass, she didn’t want to be sober dealing with this.

She let the liquid run down her throat, relieving some of the stress when she heard the door open. Finally.

Riley shut the door behind her, setting down her bag when she noticed Winter eyeing her down, “Where’s Percy?”

“Asleep,” Winter retorted, setting down the glass. “We need to talk.”

“Listen, I know how that looked back there,” Riley started. “But it wasn’t what you think it was.”

“Really? Riley a CEO of a billion-dollar company almost got you fired!” Winter exclaimed, setting down her glass. “What am I supposed to think?!”

“Everything I’ve been doing was to find Penny and Jack,” Riley told her. “And you really think that I would so something like that?”

“Of course not, but you’ve put me in a corner ever since Penny went missing and left me to gather dust!” Winter cried. “Now all of a sudden you’re sneaking into buildings and won’t tell me why, other than to just blindly trust you! Riley that isn’t fair! You have to tell me what’s going on!”

Riley peered behind her, grimacing at the empty wine glass on the table, “Have you been drinking on a work night.”

Winter placed her hands on her hips, refusing to back down, “I only had one glass, you know that’s all I have on work nights. And it won’t be enough for me to be distracted from this conversation.”

“I’m just thinking about Percy, okay?!” Riley groaned. “Sorry that I want to protect our son!”

“Oh please, not everyone is your father Riley,” Winter growled.

The redhead stiffened, her jaw tightening, “Back down, now.”

“No!” Winter shook her head. “You’re hiding something from me and I know it. All I want is to help you, but you act like I’m nothing but an annoyance to you. And now you’re pulling this shit and nobody will tell me why, not even you! You never keep secrets from me.” Winter’s voice broke, clutching the fabric of her tank top on her chest. “You’re hurting so much and it’s killing me seeing you like this. So why?! Why are you hiding things from me? What did I do?! Why are you allowed to protect me but I’m not allowed to do the same for you?!”

Riley wanted nothing more than to cry and bring Winter into her arms. Everything her wife said was true to a fault. She wanted to tell her about Jack, she wanted to tell her all her plans, she wanted to tell her how the grief and fear of Penny disappearing had been eating her alive for the past few months-

Percy’s cry broke her from spiral, alerting the two mothers. Riley sighed, “I’ll get him.”

Winter tried to stop her, “Riley-”

“Winter, please,” Riley’s voice was soft and desperate. “Please. I just want some silence.”

The other woman sniffed, backing away from her wife. Guilt churned in Riley’s stomach as she watched her wife face away, hearing her light sobs. This was for the best, at least she’s safe. With that, she went up the stairs to her crying baby.

Winter curled up on the sofa. Never before had she wished for her brother as she did now.

.

.

.

Jax gasped as the maze disappeared. He was still chasing after Pomni’s voice, but apparently Caine had announced that Gangle was the winner and brought them all back. He nearly fell to his knees when he saw the jester, she was okay.

“Well that adventure was certainly…an adventure!” Caine boomed. “I don’t fully understand your silly human activities, but tomorrow we’ll return to our regular schedule of fun, fun, FUN!”

“Yeah, yeah, great,” Jax said absentmindedly, his eyes still on Pomni as the jester looked at him, relief in her eyes as well.

“Good to hear your positive spirit Jax!” Caine grinned, about to lift his hand and pat him on the back when the rabbit flinched, arms arched over his head to protect himself.

Everyone gaped at that, Jax never flinched. Pomni brought her hands to her mouth, she knew what that meant.

“I, um. Jax, are you alright?” Caine asked, his tone much softer than it usually was.

Jax blinked, everyone was staring at him. He lowered his arms back to his sides, “I’m fine.”

Pomni bit her lip, he was anything but fine.

Even Caine was surprised by the rabbit’s actions, “Uh…right. Anyways I’m gonna…yeah I’ll just go.” The AI floated away, leaving the group in their stunned silence.

Jax ignored them, rushing to Pomni and dropped to the ground, wrapping her tight in his arms. He was shaking like a leaf, whatever he had seen in that corn maze had left its mark on him. She uncurled herself out of his embrace, holding his face in her hands as she lightly stroked his cheek. “Come on,” she held out her hand.

He hesitated for a moment, before his fingers intertwined with hers. She pulled him up, picking up both of their forgotten backets as she led him back to her room. The others were still staring, but she didn’t care. Right now, Jax needed her.

She shut the door behind her, letting him get comfy on her bed as she put the baskets back down and joined him on the red and blue mattress. “What happened?” it was only one question, but he could hear so much behind it. I’m here for you, tell me anything and everything, you’re safe.

“I-I think I saw myself in that maze?” he said. “Well, myself but younger, much younger. And my birth parents were there. I know, its stupid and stuff like this happens sometimes but…why do I remember this now? I thought I was okay with my past. Now seeing them, it only what makes what my foster family did to me even worse.”

Pomni was silent, taking in every part of what he said, “Show me where it hurts?”

He peered up at her, it had been a while since she said that to him. But both of them knew that what she did next helped more than he could imagine. He raised his arm, the same one that his foster father used to burn his cigarettes on. She held it gently in her hands, pressing gentle kisses to the appendage.

Tears trailed down the dried stain on his cheeks, his arm trembling slightly. She was so careful with him, giving him the kindness that the adults who failed him could never give him. “I know this isn’t much,” she mumbled against his fur. “But I love you more than anything. Those people never deserved you. I wish I could erase all the pain they caused you. All I hope than when I do this.” She pressed a kiss to his wrist. “You know that I’ll be with you despite everything.”

His breath staggered for a bit, it was so long since he felt the overwhelming feeling of being genuinely wanted by someone. His hands cupped her cheeks, pulling her closer and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was messy, frantic but neither of them could pull away, they needed each other.

They parted when the need for air was too strong, with Jax holding her close so Pomni could hear his heartbeat. His head was still swarming, spinning. But her simple touch was all he wanted to think about. All that he needed. The bad stuff wouldn’t go away. However for now, this was enough.

“There’s one more thing I need to tell you,” Pomni mumbled.

Jax pushed off her hat, pressing his nose to her hair as he hummed, “And what’s that?”

“Well,” she separated from him again, the rabbit already missing her warmth as she picked up her basket from the maze. Lifting the lid, she picked up the little butterfly as she cupped it in her hands. “I found this little guy during the adventure. But the way I found him? You’re gonna want to sit back for this…have invisible people ever spoke to you in this place before?”

.

.

.

Fairy lights were strung up, an old tape recorder and radio were placed together on the coffee table, and a walkie talkie was held in Amber’s hands. Hooked into the recorder and radio was a large wire leading to the computer. Amber clenched her fists, it was now or never.

She turned on the walkie talkie, “Penny? Are you there?”

[the-firefly-jar-system]

a fragment/EP (Lola) fronted by herself today— although only for 5 mins- but I think she’s pretty interesting so I’m gonna make her an intro post

Lola is a fragment in the Breezy subsystem. She holds a small range of emotions/feelings, including grief, melancholy, and sadness. in the inner world, she lays in a bush of red zinnia flowers- occasionally wandering around the garden. She doesn’t appear as a photorealistic person, but as a moving painting. We don’t know what memories she holds, besides the fact that they are about loss and grief.

here is the faceclaim source (THANK YOU so much to thew1tness for finding it for us!)

[gifmourningu]

Yes! Precure 5 Gogo! Episode Guide

In case you want to watch Otona Precure but completely forgot what happened in the Yes! 5 series, here's a refresher on the eps that are actually important. Season 1's list has also been updated.

Plot is bolded. Recommended filler (character development oriented) is italicized. Skippable episodes grouped in block quote. For insight into how I decided what was what, look at the read more.

1 — Start

2 — So what even is going on, anyway?

3 — Syrup & Mailpo (+Komachi highlights, Emerald Saucer)

4 — Urara’s audition pt 1... +1 Monarch, get! (+ Syrup focus, Prism Chain)

5 — JK the Monarch’s snoozing. Here’s Karen’s student council duties (Sapphire Arrow, some Syrup focus)

6 — Donut King wakes up (Rin + Syrup focus, Fire Strike)

7 — Visit to Palmier Kingdom (Milk focus; Nozo x Coco, Koma/Nuts bait) Main thing that’s important (blue seed) is flashbacked to later. 

8 — Letter from an unlikely sender (Syrup focus) Anything important is covered again in ep 13 

9 — Detective Komachi (comedic)

10 — Milky Rose

11 — First Henchman defeated

12 — Kurumi joins school 

13 — Syrup lore

14 — Kurumi’s identity 

15 — Childhood Best Friends Refresher #1: Rin & Nozomi (+1 Monarch, get!) More of Rin protecting Nozomi (like her first Cure episode in S1) 16 — Childhood Best Friends Refresher #2: Komachi & Karen Basically S1 Ep28, which they directly reference. 

17 — IRL comedian propaganda (not really funny)

18 — Urara trying at her job pt 2 (Urara + Syrup focus)

19 — Karen writes a letter to her parents (Karen & Kurumi focus)

20 — Komachi & Madoka

21 — Group cooking (Rin & Nozomi focus)

22 — Nozomi teaches Rin’s siblings (Nozomi, Syrup, Coco focus)

23 — Midseason Crisis

24 — New Finisher

25 — New henchmen, Syrup moves in 

26 — The Precure save a city

27 — Komachi conducts exposure therapy on Rin

28 — Monarch #3...and she’s really annoying...and in love with Coco. And doesn’t say anything new lore wise.  29 — Yet another new henchman who plays tennis. (Rin & Karen focus) 30 — A wonky Kaguyahime (Nozomi & Kurumi focus)

31 — New powerup for Milky Rose (Kurumi & Nuts focus)

32 — Ant-sized Precure  33 — A friend's curry shop needs to curry favor with the public! (Urara focus)

34 — Goodbye annoying Monarch (Nozomi x Coco) Honestly, I feel like this is skippable too but if you don’t watch this you won’t have any episodes with this Monarch according to this guide.

35 — Bunbee Cringe Reel

36 — Rigged Quiz Show Part 1 (Karen & Kurumi focus)

37 — Rigged Quiz Show Part 2 (Karen & Kurumi focus)

38 — Red & Blue Rose Powerup that is never seen again (Kurumi & Nozomi focus, henchmen defeated)

39 — Last Monarch (Karen focus)

40 — Urara’s audition part 3 (Urara + Syrup focus)

41 — Tennis/Magician henchman finally reveals his identity to them (Rin focus)

42 — Goodbye Evil Granny (Komachi focus)

43 — A visit from the Director (Nozomi focus)

44 — The Precure act as Santa (Syrup focus) The fight with the henchman is basically all that’s relevant, since it alerts him to the existence of a letter

45-48 — Finale

Long explanation of methodology below:

When I make these guides, I generally aim for the least amount of required episodes to follow major developments. If an important fact is introduced in one episode and then is flashed back to in a subsequent episode, I'll just mark the second as plot instead of the first because the necessary information is repeated. As such, I may mark the introduction (and sometimes death) of a villain as non plot if they don't actually introduce any new mechanic or real threat and are just showing that they exist or don't exist anymore. This is also because most villains in Precure don't actually get a development arc.

In this season, plot refers to Syrup's storyline, the rose garden, and any new major Precure powers. I also bothered to mark villain defeats for this one since they seemed to be trying a little more than normal to show us villain relations (primarily in Anacondy's cruel desperation). And the ones that had nothing to do with anyone's character development got vaporized in new powerups which would have been marked as plot anyway.

As for the monarchs, well. They're technically plot since they need 4 of them to open the road to the rose garden, but they also don't add much to the show in terms of character development (besides the first one, Donut King). At some point when it feels like a "gotta catch 'em all" situation like in S1, I really didn't feel like people would be missing out on much by not seeing all their introduction episodes.

Recommended filler indicates one or more of the following:

There is some form of character exploration here, whether that's development, talking about their past, or showcasing a new relationship dynamic between multiple characters. Basically, if I feel like it's somewhat new to them and not just reaffirming the status quo at the end of it, I mark it as recommended.

They get some small new attack that didn't have a ton of buildup to it. (If it really feels like it's pulled out of nowhere I may just mark it as filler, though that didn't happen in this season.)

The episode is particularly comedic (these are always marked in case you still want to skip them.)

The episode is strangely well directed and yet it isn't a plot episode, or it generally stands out in setup

They had some plot information that is sort of repeated in the future but not completely flashed back to. In which case it's a gray area and I just threw it in here and probably left a note.

And filler is everything else. Maybe it's really boring or annoying to watch, maybe it's just an okay episode that would be enjoyable for someone who isn't looking for much character development. Maybe it's a character learning the same lesson over again and was marked as filler for repetition. You can always watch the previews from previous episodes to see if the content piques your interest.

[sunnysolebunnie]

Floral Sims Legacy Challenge

Welcome!

Welcome to my sims legacy challenge! I know a few challenges have been made around floriograhphy but hey, I wanted to give it a go too! All the sims are based around an aspect of nature within the sims - some more obvious than others. The most important thing is enjoying this challenge - don’t worry if things go awry and you don’t complete it all! A flower can lose a petal and still flourish, as can you with this challenge! 

Some general rules here, no big deal if you bend them a little

Cheats can be used, just not excessively

If you have an extra traits mod, spouses can have more traits but please keep to just 3 with the heirs!

The heir can be any gender unless stated otherwise

With each gen, start with 20,000 - spend as much as you want building/furnishing a house or move into a premade starter and save your simoleons

Please use the lot traits if specified however if none are you can use any! If there are traits specified feel free to use any more around it, but give priority slots to specified ones!

There is a little hint for each generation

{source for flower meanings: ‘Floriography’ by Jessica Roux}

Packs needed for this challenge:

Sorry, there are quite a few, originally this was going to be just for me! I might one day make a base game version!

Get to Work [EP:1]

Get Together [EP:2]

City Living [EP:3]

Cats and Dogs [EP:4]

Seasons [EP:5]

Island Living [EP:7]

Eco Lifestyle [EP:9]

Cottage Living [Ep:11]

Vampire [GP:4]

Parenthood [GP:5]

Dream home Decorator [GP:10]

Nifty Knitting [SP:17]

G1  Bluebell

 Flower meaning: Humility; faithfulness

Colours: Lilac, pale blue

Just as many generations before you, you’ve always longed to be a housewife. The idea of serving your family is a dream and now you are finally an adult, it’s time to achieve your dream. You set off to find the man of your dreams. The only problem? You’re deathly shy!

  Traits: Family-oriented, Loyal, and Loner

  Aspiration: Big happy family

  Career: Stay-At-Home-Mother

  Rules:

Must start with a Female, young adult

Must complete aspiration

Must marry before adulthood

Max cooking, parenting and knitting skill

Never get a job - the husband can

Have 5+ children - knit them each an item of clothing for each birthday

Have a large garden of vegetables

Hint:  Children with level 4 mental skill can help plant - all children can water plants

G2  Snapdragon

 Flower meaning: Presumption

Colours: Red, pink

Growing up, you saw your parents care for the garden and longed to do the same. Now you’re older, your dreams of being a farmer can finally come true. You love your plants and animals - they are your only friends after all! Though some may say your prioritise them over your family…

  Traits: Animal lover, Loves outdoors, and Loner

  Aspiration: Country caretaker

  Career: Gardening career - botanist

  Rules:

Win a chicken competition

Always live in Henford-on-Bagley once a young adult

Have a large garden - always have at least 1 farm animal once a young adult

Only adopt children - have a better relationship with animals than children

Max gardening career (botanist branch)

Max gardening and handiness skill

Befriend a rabbit, bird, and fox, and have them help with gardening - have no sim friends (Not including family sims)

Hint: Dogs can help scare off foxes if there are too many

G3  Honeysuckle

 Flower meaning: Devotion; affection

Colours: Yellow, peach

Your parents spent much more time caring for their garden when you were younger, and so you spent much more time making friends within the neighbourhood. However, you could never deny the beauty of seeing all the flowers blooming during the summer. Now you’ve moved to a near by town and are living in the heart of the city. Times might be difficult but you always have your friends to care for you.

  Traits: Dance machine, Insider, and Lactose intolerant

  Aspiration: Leader of the pack

  Career: Gardener (Floral designer branch)

  Rules:

Live in the main town of Windenburg once a Young adult

Once a teen, go to the cafe at least once a week, and go to the club every friday night

Join at least one club

Max Flower arranging, charisma and dancing skill

Own a retail store selling flower arrangements

Have 5+ friends and maintain good contact

Have lots of partners when a young adult, but once an adult fall in love with and marry your childhood best friend

Hint: Buy a completely plain lot to start your retail - all you’ll need is 1+ flower arrangements and a cash register

G4  Daisy

 Flower meaning: Innocence; childhood; purity

Colours: White and pale yellow

Your parents were always very popular, growing the most beautiful flowers. This inspired you to want to center all decor and rooms within your home around beautiful plants. Now, you have the opportunity to bring the joy and beauty of flowers and plants into the lives of many sims.

  Traits: Maker, Art lover, and Vegetarian

  Aspiration: Master Maker

  Career: Interior Decorator

  Rules:

Max fabrication, floral arrangement and photography skill

Always live in an apartment with a balcony - grow flowers on the balcony

Have lots of floral prints

Make floral arrangements with your parent every sunday whilst still living at home

Fall in love with your childhood sweetheart and get promised whilst a teen

Use candles as your main source of lighting within the bedroom and living room

Attend the romance festival everytime it is on (unless impossible eg on holiday, a death etc)

Hint: The romance festival is in the fashion district - living here might make it easier to visit

G5  Zinnia

 Flower meaning: Everlasting friendship

Colours: Bright Orange, Bright purple

Ahh, the city. What an inspiring place. Full of people who really grind your gears, but hey! At least you can always trust your little cat and dog friends to be there for you. But seeing them hurt? Now your heart is set, it's calling you… you need to be a vet. You set off with a little cash to set up your own vet clinic, but now you seem to be gaining a good reputation with the animals, because they keep showing up at your home…

  Traits: Animal enthusiast, Vegetarian, and Hot-headed 

  Aspiration: Friend of the animals

  Career: Vet

  Rules:

Open a vet clinic

Max pet training and veterinary skill

Achieve a 5-star level vet clinic

Always have the lot traits cat and dog hangout once moving out

Finish the feather collection

Conceive your child in the lighthouse

Once a young adult, always have at least one plant of catnip

Hint: Feathers can be collected by both Sims and pets

G6  Ashphodel

 Flower meaning: My regrets follow you to the grave

Colours: White; Dark Blue

Being self-sufficient when it comes to food has always been a dream for you. Unfortunately, when it comes to your families lineage of green thumbs… you fall a bit short. In a burst of anger at your lack of gardening talent, you go to the nearest water bank, and see a fish. This lights a spark in you, and now you seem to always be fishing!

  Traits: Hot-headed, Loves outdoors, and Slob

  Aspiration: Angling Ace

  Career: Fisherman (part time)

  Rules:

Finish the fish collection

Max fishing, cooking and gourmet skill

Cook using fish at least once a week once a young adult

Enter and conceive your first child in the secret lot in willow creek

Fall in love when a young adult/adult but don’t marry until an elder

Always have a pond in your garden, but never any plants

Become best friends with a mermaid and have an affair with them

Hint: The secret lot is by a very special tree in the cheapest area of willow creek - the fish there are worth more

G7  Sweetpea

 Flower meaning: Thank you for a lovely time

Colours: Mauve; lavender

Watching those cute little fish as a child was always resonated with you maybe more than others. But seeing the way your parent would end up killing them? That made you M-A-D! Now, you’ve gotten a fresh start - its time to relax in the fresh seas of Sulani and befriend the natives! Hey, maybe you might even discover something about yourself whilst you’re there too…

  Traits: Child of the ocean, Hot-headed, and Child of the island (and Mermaid)

  Aspiration: Beach life

  Career: Conservationist

  Rules:

Befriend a dolphin

Complete the seashell collection

Achieve a 4+ star rating on doing odd jobs

Save the world by being a conservationist

Grow a coconut or pineapple! Or maybe even more than one…

Always live in Sulani once a young adult but choose to sleep in water

Befriend all village locals Sulani - its good to be friendly

Hint: You can clean up the beaches without being a conservationist - it might be a good idea to get a head start and start as a teen!

G8  Edelweiss

 Flower meaning: Courage; Daring

Colours: White; cream

Your parent was inspirational - they saved your whole island! But… know the harsh reality of seeing the state of the rest of the world has dawned on you. Well, you know what they say, go big or go home! You want to bring this eco-madness far out of just Sulani!

  Traits: Green Fiend, Recycle Disciple, and Maker

  Aspiration: Eco Innovator

  Career: Civil Designer

  Rules:

Live in evergreen harbour and achieve all green zones

Live off the grid with the reduce and recycle lot trait

Own Beetles once a young adult

Max the juice fizzing and fabrication skill

Using influence and convincing, win the NAP on Modern development in [Conifer station / Grims Quarry / Port Promise]

Have a green eco print on your lot

Max Civil designer career

Hint: The natural well trait is really useful - as well as the dew collector and solar panels

G9  Clematis

 Flower meaning: Ingenuity; cleverness

Colours: Pale pink; pale purple

With the air finally clear, now you can see the stars. It’s beautiful, right? But you can’t help it, you are longing for more. What’s beyond our planet? Through hard-work and dedication, perhaps you can finally get up to space. Maybe it will be phenomenal? Who knows?

  Traits: Ambitious, Overachiever, and Genius

  Aspiration: Nerd Brain

  Career: Scientist

  Rules:

Go to SIXAM

Max rocket science skill and fully upgrade rocket

Woohoo in space

Finish the space rock collection

Grow a fang flower, glow orb and quill fruit

Befriend and take in an alien

Max the scientist career

Hint: To get to sixam, you need to be level 10 of the scientist career!

G10  Hellebore

 Flower meaning: We shall overcome scandal and slander

Colours: Black; ruby

You never were afraid of the dark, were you? I guess it’s hard to be when your parent lives up in the dark of space. But did you cross the boundary when you befriended a vampire, and asked them to turn you? Maybe… who knows? Thing is, drinking from people is so much more awkward than it looks. Luckily, plasma fruit and plasma packs are the best! 

  Traits: Clumsy, Music Lover, and Gloomy (and vampire)

  Aspiration: Master Vampire

  Career: None - part time jobs can be done if hours are within 6 pm to 6 am

  Rules:

Be turned into a vampire as a teen or young adult

Graft a death flower - save your lover from death of old age (or early demises) and then turn them so you can be in love forever

Resist drinking from anyone - only use plasma fruit and plasma packs (recommended to grow plasma fruit on lot)

Unlock the ‘guilty drinker’ and ‘sloppy drinker’ weakness

Max the vampire lore and pipe organ skill

Become a grand master vampire

Complete the elements collection

Hint: Vampires with a maxed vampiric strength skill can crush crystals and metals so you don’t have to send them to the lab -it's much quicker!

[basquerville]

The Circle of Needle & Thread as Radiohead songs

Inspiration has struck! I am obsessed with Candela Chapter 2 and also really like Radiohead so I kinda just had to. Dunno if this is for anyone but it fits so well!

1. The whole circle:

Pyramid Song

I jumped in the river and what did I see? Black-eyed angels swam with me

This one fits on vibes alone but also bc of the river in the last ep and the black-eyed angels could be the creatures if you squint.

The Gloaming

Murderers, you're murderers We are not the same as you When the walls bend with your breathing They will suck you down to the other side To the shadows blue and red.

We are not the same as you? I mean c'mon! The walls bending at the Fourth Pharos, They will suck you down to the other side, blue and red light! It just fits!

Spectre

I'm lost, I'm a ghost Dispossessed, taken host My hunger burns a bullet hole A spectre of my mortal soul

Because of the 'host-thing' and the romance themes, this feels like it leans more towards Marion. But it kinda is too dark for his hopeful personality. We also got lines like "anger is a poison" which feels very fitting for Sean. Sidenote: I still get so angry thinking about how they rejected this song for the Bond-movie wtf?

4 Minute Warning

This is just a nightmare Soon I'm gonna wake up Someone's gonna bring me 'round Running from the bombers

It's PTSD innit?

2. Jean "Jinnah" Basar:

Everything In Its Right Place

Everything in its right place Yesterday, I woke up sucking a lemon

This one is a given! Not much to say except that it speaks to Jean's exact and analytic nature.

House of Cards

I don't want to be your friend I just want to be your lover No matter how it ends No matter how it starts

Jean's balancing of Candela and EONS being like a house of cards. Her initial denial of her own guilt and relationship to magick. Her feelings towards Marion.

3. Marion Collodi:

Daydreaming

Dreamers, they never learn Beyond the point of no return

Also a given! This was honestly what inspired me to make this post in the first place. Both the vibe and the lyrics fit very well!

Desert Island Disk

Born of a light, born of a light The wind rushing 'round my open heart An open ravine with my spirit wide Totally alive and my spirit light

Marion and his soul, especially the speech in ep 3 where he says he feels whole without one.

4. Sean Finnerty:

2+2=5

It's the devil's way now There is no way out You can scream and you can shout It is too late now Because you have not been paying attention

Gaahh I am unable to be normal about Sean Finnerty! Can I appropriate a song written about George W. Bush to be about Dr. Oliver Nero? You betcha! To me this song speaks to the lies told by authority figures and how they have destroyed Seans life.

Ful Stop

You really messed up everything If you could take it all back again Strike up the tinderbox Why should I be good if your're not?

Why should I be good if you're not! Very much giving Sean in ep 3!

5. Beatrix "Auntie Bea" Monroe

No Surprises

Such a pretty house and such a pretty garden

Bring down the government, they don't speak for us! The rest is self-explanatory.

Give Up the Ghost

Gather up the lost and their souls into your arms Gather up the pitiful into your arms

Auntie Bea and all those she takes under her wing.

6. Nathaniel Trapp

Go to Sleep

Someone's son or someone's daughter Over my dead body This is how I end up sucked in Over my dead body

A song about the dehumanizing effects of war. Trapp's guilt over Marion and the Finnerty boys getting sucked into the military.

Glass Eyes

Hey, it's me, I just got off the train A frightening place, the faces are concrete grey In the oh-so-smug glassy eyed light of day

Get it? Because of his eye? And also anxiety... and trains!

Bonus: The Creatures:

We Suck Young Blood

Are you fracturing? Are you torn at the seams? Would you do anything?

The Candela vibes are strong with this one!

Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief

The ones you light your fires to keep away Is crawling out upon its belly And all you have to do is say yes

Both these songs remind me of the son trying to convince Sean to let him in.

Update! How could I forget:

Suspirium (By Thom Yorke)

When I arrive will you come and find me? Or in a crowd be one of them? Mother wants us back beside her No tomorrows, at peace

An anthem for the son!

[handkinkbis]

So much happened in this episode!!

I'm baffled by Shin Yu's problem solving skills, or rather lack thereof. They seem to consist of doing whatever the heck he wants, when he wants with little care for anyone else (dragging Hong Jo outside and outing their relationship to the whole office very publicly and forcibly WITHOUT ASKING HER was a SHIT MOVE) and that's not the only time he's done or said without considering Hong Jo's opinion or her feelings. He's hurt her quite a few times due to his inconsideration and honestly Shin Yu's got some growing to do before he's good enough for Hong Jo. YEAH I SAID IT.

But putting my annoyance at Shin Yu aside, this was a cute episode and I'm glad Hong Jo's finally able to return Shin Yu's feelings without feeling like The Other Woman or like an embarrassing secret of his. We're at episode 10 with 6 (?) more episodes to go, and the slow burn's been burning. Very slowly and teasingly. Had Shin Yu talked to Hong Jo about having an arrangement with Nayeon early on they could've been together much sooner and these past 10 episodes would've easily been condensed into 5-6. Shin Yu wouldn't have seemed like such a two-timer to Hong Jo and the viewers. But the writers made some risky choices and I can respect it, hah.

The journey here's been extremely confusing, but finally some pieces are falling into place. Flower creep's been casting dark spells and making the dolls, which was honestly to be expected given his stalkerish antics and the straw found at his greenhouse/garden. I was hoping for Witch Nayeon's appearance, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards (too bad).

I am SO GLAD that Shin Yu kinda grew a spine during this episode, though, because having Shin Yu and Hong Jo miscommunicate for several episodes would've been even more painful to sit through. At least some things were resolved in this ep, like Shin Yu's breakup with Nayeon and the reason why Shin Yu stayed with her for so long. Not a super satisfactory reason to keep it a secret from Hong Jo for so long, though, btw!

There were several cute and spicy scenes in this episode like the scene at the bridge, the little moment in the elevator and the 🔥🔥🔥scene 🔥🔥🔥 at Shin Yu's office, which I enjoyed a lot not gonna lie, even though it was very PG-7 in the end (boo!).

We had Hong Jo's confession scene and the comeback of the Red Hand, which was of course Hong Jo's as a couple of people had predicted since the very beginning. Which may or may not mean more unhappiness for our main couple.

The last point of confusion seems to be which spells are real and effective and which ones aren't. Also I wonder what Hong Jo told Jaekyung. And will Hong Jo come to remember her past self?

[kanthonyficrecs]

Masterlist: Canon Divergence (A-C)

updated 4/30/24

A Bee with Your Breakfast by LilyGoop Rating: G Status: WIP Summary: What would have happened if a bee had followed Kate into Aubrey Hall, and Anthony's reaction to Kate's bee sting had been witnessed by the family over breakfast, instead of hiding in the gardens?

A Candle Snuffed by LiveOncePure Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Upon return from Aubrey Hall, Kate is absent from events surrounding the wedding. The lack of her presence forces Anthony to a harsh realization.

A Charade of Broken Things by earthtomemily Rating: E Status: WIP Summary: An AU where Kate marries a rich aristocrat so Edwina doesn't need to rely on the Sheffield's for a dowry. Edwina is the diamond of the season- so of course Anthony decides to court her. Kate doesn't like the match- and makes it her mission to stop an engagement from happening.

a contemplation in red by anuglierend Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: Kate can see the red string of fate connecting her and Anthony, but he cannot.

A Different Outcome by rabbitmiss Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: What if Edwina saw Anthony and Kate's almost kiss in the garden at the end of the 3th episode? How would things have changed?

A Gentleman's Atonement by cyberlucy Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: A What if? story where Anthony decides to be a true gentleman and refuses Kate's request to continue to his engagement with Edwina at the end of Ep 5. And how the family helps him to win Kate over.

A Kind of Light by red_rocks Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: A "While You Were Sleeping"-inspired Regency era AU.

A Knock on an Office Door by lilybelle14 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: In which Kate returns to India and indeed, it is not far enough. But a certain Dowager Viscountess has a plan...

A long-forgotten dream by zipadeea Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: What if Anthony Bridgerton got his head out of his ass and said exactly how he felt during his first proposal to Kate?

A Love Found In Secret by LoveRemains Rating: E Status: WIP Summary: She breaks eye contact only long enough to look down and study his offered hand because she knows. She can feel it. Once she places her hand in his it’s all over. She’ll take his hand and allow him to hold her and she won’t be able to come back from it.

A Meeting Most Unsightly by cactusfinch Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: The Sharmas arrive in London one year earlier. Kate and Anthony suffer through a trio of meet-uglies.

A Midsummer Nightmare by SilverHallow Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: What If the Bee-Sting never happened? What If another man made Kate an offer? What would happen to our favourite pair of Idiots?

A Moment for Revelation by ALoveforJaneAusten Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: After almost kissing Anthony in his office, Kate runs into Lady Danbury. In tears, she tells her everything that has happened.

A Moment With Miss Sharma by caciopepebowl Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: What if Benedict was not completely oblivious to what was going on between Kate and Anthony in Kent? What if Daphne shared her suspicions with someone? What if Mr. Dorset was invited to Aubrey Hall with the rest of the ton?

A most ridiculous Tuesday by PenguinofProse Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: In which Kate and Anthony get stranded in a storm whilst out hunting.

A posy in the mud by PenguinofProse Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: In which Anthony gets some very bad news and tries to look unaffected.

A Promise Made In Haste by WaterlilyRose Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: An AU where Anthony actually goes through with marrying Edwina and Kate actually goes back to India. And Anthony and Edwina (after maybe a year or so into their marriage--which is going miserably by the way) go to visit her in India.

A Proper Amount of Affection by utterlycliche Rating: NR Status: Complete Summary: Anthony decides that Kate is the only woman fit to be Viscountess Bridgerton and catches feelings along the way. Fortunately, so does Kate.

A Raja for Kate by ronandhermy Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: At the Queen's Diamond Ball an unexpected royal visitor arrives who has his eyes on Kate. But when Kate is tempted to return to India, Anthony finds himself torn between causing an international incident and properly courting a woman who has royal favor.

A Rare Diamond, Indeed... by Natasja Rating: NR Status; WIP Summary: Choosing the Season's Diamond was no small thing, and Queen Charlotte did so hate to be predictable... Let that Whistledown wretch write her way out of this!

A Slip of The Tongue by Kanthony_lilies (Marisol31180) Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: In which Kate may or may not have an inappropriate dream about Anthony, and he, of course, finds out.

A Soul Awakened by RosesAtDawn Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: What lengths will our romantic hero go to find a comfortable bed for his heroine?

a thousand cuts by wall_e_nelson Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: Every single day, Anthony tries very hard not to walk directly into the ocean.

Affairs of The Heart by javajunkie Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: Kate Sharma learns of her sister's plans to elope with Anthony Bridgeton and attempts to intervene. However, when she and Anthony are accidentally caught in a compromising position, they are forced to marry.

After the Rain by Sarasunshine413 Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Everyone was mad at Kate. Her plans had spectacularly blown up in her face. So she did what she always had; sacrificed herself for everyone else's happiness.

All the world’s a stage by PenguinofProse Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: In which Anthony Bridgerton realises he has made a mistake or two, and has to face the consequences. How will he handle being obliged to marry Miss Kate Sharma?

A Song Between Two Souls by RosesAtDawn Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Viscount Bridgerton’s search for a society wife is proving futile until he meets a mysterious woman riding early one morning. Will he be able to find her again? Meanwhile a new governess starts at Bridgerton House. She despises the Master of the House, can she see through his vexing behaviour?

Alstroemeria by 55anon (Anon) Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: The Sharmas arrive a week before they do in the TV series and neither Kathani nor Anthony are self-sacrificing disasters.

An Adult Playmate by PenguinofProse Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: In which Anthony is unwell for the first few weeks of the season, so his family try to help out with his search for a wife.

An armful of thorns by PenguinofProse Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: In which Eloise and Edwina are both named diamonds, and Anthony makes a most helpful new acquaintance in a rose bush.

An urgent Message by TeaBrigadier Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Kate Sharma made a less-than-stellar first impression on her family’s hostess for the season. But there's just something familiar about her that Lady Danbury can't quite put her finger on.

anachronism by vonnegutdean Rating: NR Status: Complete Summary: Anthony Bridgerton travels through time.

And Here I Am After All This Time by Searching4paradiso Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: Anthony Bridgerton knew that life could change in an instant. Given his experiences thus far, he shouldn’t have been surprised when on a random Tuesday afternoon in early September his life changed once more and it seemed time had stopped. There she was after ten years, sitting before him in her sister's drawing room.

And I Will Descend To Dirt by Rharharha Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: After the death of their father Kate will do anything to make sure her sister is safe, even if it means she loses herself in the process. Anthony has accepted life as something dull and inevitable until he meets a mysterious woman that makes him think it can be something more. After a life of heartache will they be able to trust each other, and more importantly will they be able to trust themselves?

And They Were All Yellow by kanthonysharmaiii Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: It will become tenable, it will become bearable and soon enough, it will be as if we never felt it at all. Her words are selfish. He did not ask for these feelings either but he is certain of one thing. He will never be able to look at Kate Sharma and feel nothing at all.

and ye shall know the truth. by limeny Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: Kate takes Lady Danbury’s advice in regards to her sister. Everything changes.

As Simple as the Wrong Place at the Right Time by DariusSobreitus Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: When stung, Anthony and Kate find themselves improperly close, however they are found in that position. What becomes of them and will Anthony still pursue a safe, perfect marriage with Edwina, or will he and Kate find less excuses to stay apart?

At least I'm trying by kateandanthonyaremyparents Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: Encouraged by her husband, Kate tries to takes the necessary steps to rebuild her relationship with Edwina but at first all she gets in return is anger and rejection...

Becoming Me by kateandanthonyaremyparents Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: What if Anthony finds Kate before she took her morning ride? What if the accident never happened?

Best Laid Plans by voiceoftime Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: A delay in the ballroom means Kate doesn't hear Anthony lay out his list of requirements for a wife. In turn, he doesn't ruin his chances with her. Even the best laid plans can fall apart when love interferes.

Betrothal Ring by lushinstrumentals Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: Kate gets Edwina’s betrothal ring stuck on her finger and Anthony has to take it off for her.

Brother, Is There Something We Should Know? by HighFlyer695 Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: This is the story of Kanthony from the point of view of the Bridgerton siblings.

Bury me in your memory by wwlksj Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: Anthony and Kate are in love but neither told the other. What if there was no bee, and Kate had another suitor?

Carte Blanche: Allow me this by Zenia_7 Rating: M Status: WIP Summary: At the conservatory ball, Kate and Anthony embrace their freedom.

Carte-Blanche: The Choice by Mx Kate B (katelai) Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: The closet is a sanctuary to Kate, until Anthony follows her inside. As they argue, she begins to war with herself and her own urges and desires. After feeling like she has nothing for herself, Kate decides to take this one thing.

Carte-Blanche: Victory by Mx Kate B (katelai) Rating: E Status: Complete Summary: During the country visit, Kate and Anthony don’t return to Aubrey Hall with the hunting party before the storm hits. It’s okay, because they’re too distracted with each other to notice.

Choices by ronandhermy Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: After the disastrous dinner with the Sheffield's Anthony breaks off his engagement with Edwina due to her lack of defense of her family in the face of her grandparents’ scorn and insults.

Complicated by WithThisShip Rating: T Status: WIP Summary: Anthony Bridgerton, the Capital “R” Rake himself, has famously found his betrothed - newcomer to town, Edwina Sharma. However, spectators could swear they’ve caught the Viscount’s wandering looks to Ms. Edwina’s older sister, Kate Sharma.

Craving the Rose by RosesAtDawn Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: What if during the Hearts & Flowers Ball our dear Anthony just can’t hold himself back, and kisses Kate in front of the whole Ton. What a scandal!

[docholligay]

So, Rachel breaks her heel and falls, and everyone looks at her and then just, keeps walking. A similar thing happened to me once in Chicago and I was Not Fucking Impressed. Actually, it took me years to even brook the conversation about going back after that. i was so annoyed. ANYWAY, these people move along and she starts to see them as the enemy, she sees those headlight eyes everywhere.

Everyone is losing it, but maybe Rachel is losing it the most.

[angryikalgo]

I made a Trigun Stampede playlist! First track is the OP and the last track is the end theme. All songs in between correspond to episodes with 3 songs per episode (tracklist and EP guide under the cut).

Run Time 2 Hours 44 Min

Music genres include;

Post/Prog Rock, Metal, Emo, and Math Rock Instrumentals.

This one goes out to FIRICHERRY and Touma AMV on youtube. Your AMVs inspired this.

Feel free to let me know your thoughts on the playlist or the series! Love and Peace 🤞

[keep reading]

OP TOMBI – KVI BABA

- - -

EP 1 (Noman's Land)

Let's Go – Stuck in the Sound

Fear – CommonWealth

Deafening - Solence

- - -

EP 2 (The Running Man)

Corrode - Dearest

RatKing – Boston Manor

Synthetic Sympathy – Trash Boat

- - -

EP 3 (Bright Light, Shine Through the Darkness)

3days – Mitchel Dae

Are We Brothers? – Paper Rival

Lux - The Surrealist

- - -

EP 4 (Hungry!)

Native Tongue – My Kid Brother

The March – The Dear Hunter

Wormhole Traveler – I Built the Sky

- - -

EP 5 (Child of Blessing)

Becoming Closer to Closure – Of Machines

Try – Olly Steele

Fall Away - BANTAMWEIGHT

- - -

EP 6 (Once Upon a Time in Hopeland)

Almost Human - Maraton

Sword - Sufferer

Writhen - Soen

- - -

EP 7 (Wolfwood)

Everything Will Rust – Misery Signals

001 – Lop Abuse on Somebody

Open Water – Assuming We Survive

- - -

EP 8 (Our Home)

Waltz for Lilly – 3nd

In the Garden – Red Vox

Bloody Shirt – To Kill a King

- - -

EP 9 (Millions Knives)

Human Target Practice – Hail the Sun Teratology – The Physics House Band Camp Adventure – Delta Sleep

- - -

EP 10 (Humanity)

In Shallow Seas We Sail - Emery

Shelter – pg.lost

Ensom – Parting Gift

- - -

EP 11 (To the New World)

Killed by an Angel – Sunny Day Real Estate

Our Father is Missing – From Indian Lakes

Early Grave – The Contortionist

- - -

EP 12 (High Noon at July)

Singularity – Black Orchard Empire

Anything – From Indian Lakes

Stranded – Red Vox

- - -

END

Hoshi no Kuzu α - Salyu

[mysteryloversbookshelf]

The Afterparty Season 2: Midseason Theories

SPOILERS AHEAD

We are almost halfway through season two of The Afterparty and while I do have my theories I still feel as if I know nothing. I'm not even going to get into the mechanics of the puzzles because that's the subreddit's lane, but let's start with the solved "Not the ___" puzzles:

Ep 1: Not the Snorer

Ep 2: Not the Skater

Ep 3: Not Ey Suicide

Ep 4: Not Colonel

So what we do know is that Edgar did not commit suicide or fake his death. I honestly didn't think he did because from what we've seen he hasn't acted in a way that made it appear as if he would do so. But as I'm typing this I can't help but wonder if there will be another death before the season is over that will be another murder and this clue is a foreshadowing of that. I didn't realize Colonel was a suspect and I'm not going to lie that took me out because as aggressive as that dog is, it wouldn't make any sense whatsoever. I think Isabel is the snorer. She was drinking the whole time and on some substance that had her speaking gibberish at some point so I can see her crashing at the end of the night and being in a deep sleep. Skater is such a broad term that it can mean anything. Are they ice skating, in-line skating skateboarding or roller skating? Or do they play hockey? Hopefully next week will give us some answers. Until then, here are my theories and thoughts of each character in order of mind movies and since only four episodes are out, any character beyond Hannah is just speculation until I can see the episode and decide otherwise.

Aniq (The Sequel)

I see a lot of people suspecting Aniq and while it would be quite the twist I don't see this happening. I also really don't want him to be involved because he's the main character and I want to see him for many more seasons to come. When I rewatched his episode I noticed that in the brief moment he had a conversation with Jon Gemberling's character, Roxana disappeared. There's a theory that the staff are in on Sebastian's heist so I would not be surprised at all if Sebastian walked by and snatched Roxana while the waiter distracted Aniq.

2. Grace (Period Piece)

I think Grace is guilty. She's being painted as this naïve, fragile woman that has to be rescued and characters like these tend to be the main one pulling the strings. Her asking Zoë how she and Aniq solved the first murder was very suspicious to me and the reveal that she has an affair with Grace up until the last minute before the wedding shows that she is not only selfish but she keeps secrets. I feel like she's playing helpless so they can clear her of murder.

3. Travis (Noir Detective)

Travis is cleared as a suspect for me. I think he genuinely wanted to do the right thing and Edgar is worth more to him alive than he is dead. What I'm stuck on is who struck him when he tried to follow Edgar into the house. It could have been Isabel trying to protect her son or it could have been Sebastian not wanting Travis to get in the way of whatever was happening. When he was woken by Grace's screams there was no sound of the pistachios crunching so either the killer was very silent or he's a heavy sleeper. Wait, could he be the snorer???

4. Hannah (Wes Anderson)

I am a firm believer that Hannah is a red herring character. I know some people still suspect her but I think it would just be too obvious. Her quirkiness and love for the macabre makes her so fascinating and her stepping back and deciding to leave instead of crashing the wedding was so sad to me. Is her garden a death trap? Yes. But that doesn't mean she's the only one who knows how dangerous some of the plants are. Grace knew of some because she told Zoë to be careful when they snuck out of Hannah's yurt. Sebastian was around since Edgar and Hannah were children so he could also be aware of which plants are poisonous or not.

5. Sebastian (Heist)

It's clear that Sebastian is shady af. This man is really out here pretending that Edgar is still alive and trying to keep business deals going which is stupid considering that all of his lies will be easily debunked once the news comes out. All it will take is one google search by an investor to see that Edgar died sometime during the night after getting married. But I digress. We know that at some point in the night before the wedding, he went to Hannah's yurt with champagne. While Hannah did reject him and send him on his way I doubt he chose to retire early and I do believe in the theory that he is the naked man that ran by. By the end of the episode we learn that Edgar had fired Sebastian and while it's a strong motive, I don't think that he killed him over it. Sebastian gives me blackmailer vibes and if the fan theory about him being the one that actually was falsely inflating their bitcoin company is revealed to be true, it would be the perfect thing to blackmail him over in order to get his job back. Plus his episode is centered on a heist so his main focus was getting into that safe and running away with the money. The fact that he was drunk at the afterparty means he must have failed and was probably already scheming on how to move forward from there. Edgar's speech about devils could refer to him knowing that Sebastian was being shady and tried to steal from him.

6. Danner (Erotic Thriller)

There's not much to say about Danner. She needs to solve this case for more press despite not even finishing writing her current book about Xavier's murder. I'm curious as to what kind of erotic thriller they're going with for her episode but I also don't really care at the end of the day. I can see her flirting with Sebastian in order to get evidence though.

7. Ulysses (Epic Romance)

I'm not the only person who thinks this, but I think Funcle Ulysses is the biological father of Grace, Zoë, or both. Some people think that he may be just the father of Grace and I can see that happening as well. The strongest evidence for me is that conversation between him Feng, and Vivian about whether it was "too late" to reveal something and if it would ruin the family. A secret like that would definitely ruin relationships within the family. The fact that he was away so long could be a result of Feng forcing him to leave after discovering the affair between him and Vivian. I read a theory that the reason he took so long in the shower is that maybe Vivian was in there as well and if so that would be SCANDALOUS! Edgar is the one who tracked down Ulysses to be in the wedding and as far as everyone knew, Grace and Edgar were in love so I don't see any murder motive atm.

8. Feng (Found Footage)

Feng is an interesting character but a murderer? I'm just not sure. As of right now there just isn't a motive that's making sense. When he and Travis interacted, he was put off and went to talk to someone else so I don't think he would have known about the bitcoin scam. I guess there is a possibility that he tried to kill Ulysses and killed Edgar by accident. Ulysses was manning the bar so he could have spiked the drink, it somehow got mixed up and Edgar took drank it instead. He is definitely clever though as seen during the phone conversation to convince Sebastian he would be a good partner.

9. Isabel (Suspence)

Isabel is annoying to me and I think she's really odd but I still don't feel like she killed Edgar. She is emotionally disattached from her children but she's already wealthy so there would have to be some other motive that we have yet to see. It could be a case of an accidental poisoning meant for another person but she doesn't seem to care enough about anyone to want to poison the other guests. I wonder if she witnessed something without realizing it though. If I'm right about the Not Ey Suicide clue being foreshadowing maybe someone will try to poison her and she'll survive but they'll think that she tried to off herself out of guilt?

10. Zoë & Vivian (Camp Horror & Soap Opera)

Vivian is such a wallflower that I can see why people suspect her. Someone pointed out that she changed clothes between the wedding and the afterparty which could be a clue but I'm not sure. She is very vigilant and is always observing everyone so there's no doubt her mind movie will give away who did it. Zoë has been such a busybody this season and while extremely frustrating I don't think it's out of guilt but just her being overprotective. She's so blinded by her love for Grace that she's going to overlook something I can see it now. If she turned out to be the killer that would be really sad and I'd hate for this to be her final season so I'm hoping that's not the case.

One last thing I want to point out is that when Hannah is talking about the flowers at the rehearsal dinner, everyone is in attendance minus Grace who sneaks away to meet up with her later. Grace already knows about the flowers so her not being there doesn't matter, but anyone at that table could have been mentally taking notes or happened to remember enough of that info to use it as the murder weapon later. So either they at that moment decided they would kill Edgar (or someone else but killed Edgar by mistake), or something happened between the rehearsal dinner and the wedding night that made them snap. We've got six episodes left so I will post updates as my theories change. What do you all think happened?

[taylorslovesswifties]

BABYDOLL EP. 2

March 5, 2011

My brother would always arrange a meeting with his friends to practice at the gokart track, and every once in a while he would take me along he never used to take me along, but I think his respect for me had increased when he knew I was going to follow in his footsteps.

When we got to the track, my brother's friends had already arrived and were waiting for us in the garden. Pierre and Arthur were sitting on the benches, sipping energy drinks and chatting. Charles was busy pacing, and to be honest Charles was an asshole-okay, he might be handsome, but that doesn't change the fact that he was an asshole. Charles was always cold, there were times when he was funny, but he had a cold nature. I think he was like that with all Arthur's friends. Charles had always seen me as his brother's annoyingly talkative friend, or maybe he thought I was someone he could play big brother to, even though we were three years apart. My brother came over after dropping his bag in the locker room, and when we had finished choosing a car, I tightened the strap of my helmet a little tighter and settled into the car. Charles had won, as usual. But this time he didn't do his famous victory dance, he sneaked up to me when no one was around and started talking. He said I would never be good enough, that I would sit and watch him while he raced in Formula One. I squeezed myself and pushed back the tears that had built up in my eyeballs, I shouldn't have cried in front of him, I shouldn't have given him that leverage. He kept coming up behind me and talking, trying to provoke me even more with his words. I turned around and angrily punched him in the face. Charles clapped his hands over his nose and cried out in pain: the blood rushing between his fingers met the ground, his agonized moans filling the large floor. "Merde!" He mumbled a curse in French and continued speaking in his accented English.

"My God, are you crazy?!" Arthur and my brother came running to us and tried to stop the blood flowing. In a panic, I approached him and put my trembling hands over his red-stained ones.

"I swear I didn't do it on purpose, Charles, I swear..." Charles angrily pushed my hands off him.

"And you did it on purpose!" He spat the words angrily, couldn't he see me? My brother pulled a white towel out of his bag and handed it to Charles to stop the bleeding. We all took the taxi Pierre had called and went straight to the hospital. By the time we got there, the white towel had turned maroon. The moment we entered the emergency room was beyond catastrophic. Arthur had walked away to call his parents to come to the hospital; Pierre and my brother had disappeared down the corridor to find a doctor, leaving me with the boy who didn't want to spend another second of his life with me!

When my brother and Pierre returned with the nurse, we had to tell the nurse that Charles had been hit in the face by a ball. They didn't want to tell his parents that Charles had been hit in the face by Annabelle's fist. Charles looked up from the white stretcher he was lying on and looked at my lying brother with a puzzled face. No one expected him to lie for me, my brother had always been an honest man. Charles' beautiful green eyes were red and he looked disheveled. The nurse said that he needed an X-ray, that everything would be clear after the X-ray. She gently pulled the cloth away from Charles' nose and the bleeding finally stopped. As he went to get an X-ray, the sound of high heels echoed outside the emergency door of the hospital and a man and woman walked in. These were none other than Charles' parents, Arthur had to tell the same lie that my brother had told the nurse. His mother slowly sat down next to me and his father walked away with Arthur to talk to the doctor. His mother reached out to me and squeezed my hand gently.

"Stop crying, he'll be fine." She patted me on the back a few times as if to calm me down. Look at what's happening, I'm supposed to be suggesting her and she's suggesting me.

"I was just so scared for him." She smiled, her smile had the tenderness of a mother.

"I know Anna, but we have to stay calm. It'll be all right, trust me." Mr. Leclerc came to us and told us that he had taken care of the surgery and that we could wait in the patient room. The surgery could take more than three hours, so my brother called my mom to let her know we would be late.

Hours later, when Charles was brought into the room on a stretcher, we all got up and stood over him. The nurse rechecked Charles' IV drip and then turned to Charles' parents to talk to them.

"He is still under anesthesia, so he can't understand the questions you are asking. He can talk to himself, that's normal. If anything happens, just press the button here, get well soon." I smiled nervously as an idea came to me and I stepped back a little to let his parents talk to Charles - or at least try to talk to him. "Come on, let's give the boys some privacy." Pascale shooed her husband, her son, my brother and Pierre out of the room and winked at me. I slowly approached Charles.

"Charles, can you hear me?" She moaned hoarsely, and with a trembling hand I took her hand in mine, wrapping her fingers tightly around mine.

"How are you feeling? Are you okay? I'm really, really sorry, I really..." He mumbled something under his breath and squeezed my fingers again. He was looking at me but he couldn't see me, like he was staring into space. So I told him he needed to rest, he closed his eyes and after a while he fell asleep.

[iiotic]

｡‧General dating headcanons ༻༉

Alastor x Gn! Reader

༉‧.tw - Ep 5 Spoilers, slight nsfw, mentions of cannibalism.

༉‧.words - 0.7k

༉‧.a/n - Just general dating headcanons for my boy </3 I apologize for any mistakes English is not my first language

Alastor is such a gentleman. He'd treat you like royalty!!

At first you gained his respect for respecting his boundaries and not stepping over the line and in return he respects yours (not really). Somehow you ended up dating?? So lucky you.

He adores cooking for everyone but when he'd cook for you Alastor be extra careful to not fuck things up and add extra flavours. Loves making Jambalaya for you!! Would definitely tell you all the stories about him and his mom cooking together.

I bet he'd love to cook or bake with you. I mean just look at you smiling and giggling like a child!! Adorable (in a good way)

Would try atleast one time to make you try demon meat. If you like it he's very pleased but if not?? He's fine with it too. Not everyone likes the taste of it.

Your relationship would be private so PDA is off the table. Maybe linking your arms together, a hand on the waist or a quick kiss on the cheek when no one is looking. It doesn't mean that he doesn't love you but he has a high status in hell. He wouldn't want you to be a target for other overlords or sinners.

At first only Rosie would know about your relationship but as time passed by Charlie found out and passed the information to Vaggie then Vagatha accidentally fucked up and passed the information to Angel Dust and again and again. Mimzy somehow found out too.

And as a little revenge for Alastor from kicking her out of the hotel (ep 5) she passed the info to other overlords.

So now sinners are aware of you guys being together and The Radio Demon is not very pleased with it. He started to get a tiny bit more protective of you then he was before. However when someone saw you it leaded to them running off, scattering because they're absolutely terrified of what could happen to them if they did anything and I mean anything wrong in your presence.

They looked at you wrong.. Oops where did their eyes went? They touched you without your permission. Suddenly their arms are nowhere to be found! They tried to hit on you and now they are missing. I wonder where they could be??

As i said he is a gentleman!! Opening doors for you, lending you his coat when you're cold, pulling out the chair and kissing the back of your hand.

Every Wednesday he'd bring you a bouquet and each one of the flowers he'd choose has its meaning. Isn't it cute??

His love language is Acts of service and quality time. Alastor loves when you bring him black coffee or something to eat when he is broadcasting someone's screams on the radio when he didn't even ask you for it. Like what do you mean you remember his daily hours of his "work".

Takes you out on dates without an accasion though he prefers to keep it private then to go to a club. He may take you out on a walk in the garden full of red roses and a buetiful fountain however Alastor would also love to cook you your favourite meal and eat it for as an romantic dinner with youuuuu!!

I don't think that even in private he's a cuddler, he doesn't like psychical touch but doesn't mind it from people he is close with. Maybe if he is feeling a little extra today he'd let you hug him as a good morning. In return he'd kiss the back of your hand.

Not exactly much of a kisser either pheraps a quick peck on the cheek or on the forehead?? This doesn't include the times he's feeling extra romantic and dips you in a long passionate kiss. But he's not the time to do full make out session yk??

One day Alastor would tell you that he likes pineapples on pizza and if you're not a big fan of it (me neither) you would be like WHAAAAT.

Alastor loves seeing you in his clothes it's just looking cute on you and kinda turns him on

[weaversweek]

WXPN's Greatest Songs by Women - the 21st century cut

WXPN presented the 885 Greatest Songs by Women, by which they mean "songs with female lead vocals", and "as voted by WXPN listeners in Philadelphia and around the world".

Top ten: 1) Respect - Aretha Franklin 2) A case of you - Joni Mitchell 3) Jolene - Dolly Parton 4) The story - Brandi Carlile 5) Fast car - Tracy Chapman 6) At last - Etta James 7) Angel from Montgomery - Bonnie Raitt 8) Both sides, now - Joni Mitchell 9) The joke - Brandi Carlile 10) Crazy - Patsy Cline

Calibration: "I feel love" is number 108 here, number 1 on #Uncool500 last year.

To honour #FearOfMu21c, here's the top 50 from this century:

4/1 The Story - Brandi Carlile The Story 9/2 The Joke - Brandi Carlile By The Way, I Forgive You 26/3 Rolling in the Deep - Adele 21 28/4 Back To Black - Amy Winehouse Back to Black 39/5 All Too Well (10 minute version) - Taylor Swift Red (Taylor's Version) 58/6 Valerie - Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse Version 75/7 Rehab - Amy Winehouse Back to Black 91/8 Dog Days Are Over - Florence + the Machine Lungs 92/9 Someone Like You - Adele 21 96/10 Come Away With Me - Norah Jones Come Away With Me

98/11 The Mother - Brandi Carlile By The Way, I Forgive You 130/12 Right On Time - Brandi Carlile In These Silent Days 134/13 Heavenly Day - Patty Griffin Children Running Through 151/14 Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs Fever To Tell 152/15 You Know I'm No Good - Amy Winehouse Back to Black 158/16 Midnight in Harlem - Tedeschi Trucks Band Revelator 162/17 Make You Feel My Love - Adele 19 164/18 Hello - Adele 25 169/19 Don't Know Why - Norah Jones Come Away With Me 188/20 Motion Sickness - Phoebe Bridgers Stranger In The Alps

189/21 Red Dirt Girl - Emmylou Harris Red Dirt Girl 190/22 Avant - Gardener Courtney Barnett The Double EP: A Sea of Spilt Peas 193/23 Broken Horses - Brandi Carlile In These Silent Days 195/24 Not Strong Enough - boygenius The Record 196/25 Set Fire to the Rain - Adele 21 198/26 You and Me on the Rock (feat. Lucius) - Brandi Carlile In These Silent Days 200/27 Chasing Pavements - Adele 19 205/28 Dancing On My Own - Robyn Body Talk, Pt. 1 206/29 When I Was A Boy - Dar Williams The Honesty Room 209/30 Bad Romance - Lady Gaga The Fame Monster

211/31 In These Shoes? - Kirsty MacColl Tropical Brainstorm 214/32 Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse Back to Black 217/33 Rain - Patty Griffin 1000 Kisses 222/34 Fallin' - Alicia Keys Songs in A Minor 230/35 Work It - Missy Elliott Under Construction 234/36 Hallelujah - k. d. lang Hymns Of The 49th Parallel 235/37 Video Games - Lana Del Rey Born To Die 237/38 Love Is A Losing Game - Amy Winehouse Back to Black 244/39 Crowded Table - The Highwomen The Highwomen 255/40 Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae Corinne Bailey Rae

259/41 Fields Of Gold - Eva Cassidy Songbird 261/42 Poetry Man - Phoebe Snow PHOEBE SNOW 281/43 The Eye - Brandi Carlile The Firewatcher's Daughter 285/44 Born This Way - Lady Gaga Born This Way 286/45 Paper Planes - M. I. A. Kala 287/46 Formation - Beyoncé Lemonade 293/47 Shake it Off - Taylor Swift 1989 (Taylor's Version) 294/48 Emmylou - First Aid Kit The Lion's Roar 317/49 Paprika - Japanese Breakfast Jubilee 323/50 Essence - Lucinda Williams Essence

Breakers 338/51 Single Ladies - Beyoncé I Am…Sasha Fierce 340/52 Change the Sheets - Kathleen Edwards Voyageur 343/53 Crazy in Love - Beyoncé Dangerously In Love 347/54 Hold On - Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls

[whenimgoodandready]

🎶If today was your last day, And tomorrow was too late, Could you say goodbye to yesterday? Would you live each moment like your last? Leave old pictures in the past, Donate every dime you have? If today was your last day🎶 Yeah! I went there! I like Nickelback! If you knew I’d put in these lyrics for this finale opening review cuz of the title, then, like Tikki, you deserve a cookie!🍪 So, would you? Would you do all those things the lyrics sang? Did one of the characters do that? Maybe? A lot has happened since the beginning of the season, but the most important one was the time limit Gabe/Monarch set for himself and now, the last amounts of sand in his hourglass of life is finally coming to an end. What was his last act on Earth? You’ll see:

The Last Day

*Part 1:Conformation-Operation Perfect Alliance is the last attempt from Gabe/Monarch and Tomoes villainy and what did it come with? Well, it came with:Adriens worst nightmare from “Sandboy”, a global pandemic of mental manipulation, false projections of happiness, a “kidnapping” of a nonexistent ship, a faceless army of world wide brainwashed mooks, shocking reveals (one of which Marinette failed to pick up on during Feligami’s theatrical act (“Representation”)) and a unification of the two most powerful miraculouses!

———————————————

*Part 2:Re-creation-After 8 years and 5 seasons (and also much complaints of unruly fans everywhere), the final epic showdown between good and evil has finally come at last! The seasonal name changing, Monarch, vs. The combined forces of creation and destruction, Bugnoir, Smackdown! They weren’t the only ones, Su-Han (who FINALLY showed up after almost being gone to fetch “backup”!), The Resistance and the heroes from both specials came in for the big epic battle of them against the world, so we went back and fourth on that. What happened? Weeeeeeellll, let’s just say the latter of the fight was “better” cuz of the outcome of the main fight on hand due to a certain long desired wish happening. FYI, the wish wasn’t about turning garden peas red! Whomp! Whomp! Whoooop! If you wanna know how the final battle went? Let’s just say Marinette should’ve listened to the Kwamies (who by the way transformed into their true mystical (and very accurate) angel forms and became one as “Gimmi” which was pretty badass), followed her own advice from what she told Adrien ((“Revelation”) (sighs) Marinette, next time you think you’re getting through to someone, punch them in face….then face yourself in the face) and how it was vaguely similar to Tobey Maguires Spider-Man and William Dafoes Green Goblins last scene together…….yeah….like that. Guess that means Gabe is a mix of both Mr.Freeze and Green Goblin! How ‘bout that?

R.I.P. (rot in peril) Gabriel Agreste/Hawk Moth/Scarlet Moth/Shadow Moth/Shadow Noir/Monarch/Monarchbug, formally Gabi Grassette, and first villain of “Miraculous Ladybug”🪦The once humble and sane tailor turned heartless monster all cuz he couldn’t bare to live without his loved one. Definitely not like Adrien who was smart to move on and continue to seek happiness elsewhere like Emilie wanted and not be stuck in the past trying to retain what once was and succumbing to madness (like how Bugnoir said) and we’re supposed to believe Gabe’s sacrifice to take Emilies place (which by the way wasn’t even confirmed by Astruc if that was either her or Amelie in the end! Even worse! No emotional reuniting with her and Adrien! :P) was his way of “atoning” for his sins? BULLSH*T! This may have worked on the target demographic audience (ages 6-11), but not on older and mature fans of the show! MmmMm (shakes head) No siree Bob! No amount of “last act of kindness” is gonna be enough to make us forget how he ruthlessly terrorized Paris and horribly mistreated his son! You know who did forget? THE WHOLE WORLD! That’s right! Why the f*ck do you think the ep was called RE-CREATION!!!? Gabe’s wish must’ve not only modified Adrien from only remembering him as a “good” father, but the whole f*cking world (except for a few like Marinette/Ladybug) thinking he was a “hero”! Sh*t! The bastard even got an ugly a** statue of himself when it was said he “helped Ladybug defeat Monarch!”🤮He may have gotten what he wanted, but the only good thing that came out of it was he’s not there to be with Emilie (cuz we all know she would’ve given him a big a** slap in the face for what he did) and he’s finally dead so good riddens to him! Humph! Course being the “righteous” person that she is, Marinette honored his dying words to keep quiet about who he really was for Adrien sake (might make a post on why he (as Cat Noir) wasn’t involved in the epic showdown) Probably cuz in the end, the important thing is there’s no threat anymore what with Gabe’s wish including a utopia and all. No villains, no akumas, no nothing! Just laughter, joy and peace……..for now at least. This shows been renewed for a 6th-8th season (and possibly to 12!), so we’ll be expecting a whole new evil emerging from the shadows and it’s in the form of a “young and highly manipulative compulsive liar who has a multitude of identities to spare!” I’ll see you all next year fellow miraculars. Bug out!

P.S.:I’ll be back for that “Action” thing though

[newmusickarl]

5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – Episode 4 Out Now!

The latest episode of the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast is now available! As ever I take a seat alongside 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt and Check This Out’s Kiley Larsen to review five high profile album releases from the past month in music, and ultimately name one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion.

For our April review episode, the five albums discussed are:

Language by Circles Around The Sun

Fuse by Everything But The Girl

72 Seasons by Metallica

First Two Pages of Frankenstein by The National

Garden Party by Rose City Band (Poll winner, thanks for voting!)

If you want to listen to the latest episode simply click the link below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram and Twitter for more news and polls relating to the podcast, along with other great content like film reviews, sports articles and more.

Listen to the April 2023 episode here and vote in our June poll

Album & EP Recommendations

Lullabies From The Lightning Tree by Sad Boys Club

“As their name suggests, the London-based quartet very much wear their influences on their sleeve. At times you’ll find them channelling the goth-rock of The Cure, at others the melodic emo of bands like Death Cab For Cutie and Sunny Day Real Estate. Sometimes it may even be the shimmering indie-pop of more contemporary bands like Spector and The 1975. However, whilst the inspirations behind their music are always clear, Sad Boys Club’s uniqueness lies in them bringing together all these touchpoints to forge a genre-defying sound that is entirely of their own making.

Now Lullabies From The Lightning Tree may be their debut album, but the four-piece already feel like veterans at this point. Having formed in late 2017, the band have already built up an enviable catalogue of catchy singles and accomplished EPs, which can sometimes be a red flag that a band have burnt through all their material early doors. Thankfully that isn’t the case here, as Lullabies From The Lightning Tree is a treasure trove of a debut that presents an entirely new collection of songs and successfully builds on the foundations laid by those earlier releases.

Whilst it may have a couple of moments that don’t quite hit the mark, the high points here more than make up for any lows and it’s likely that we won’t get many debuts this year as sure-footed and impressive as Lullabies From The Lightning Tree. If this is your introduction to Sad Boys Club then you’re sure to be instantly won over and if you were familiar with them before, then you’ll likely come away from this debut with even greater admiration for them and their music.”

Read my full review for Gigwise here

Listen to the album here

That! Feels Good! By Jessie Ware

It’s only been three years since Jessie Ware set both critics and fans alight with her incredible fourth album, What’s Your Pleasure, but she is already back and doing it all again with her amazing new album – That! Feels Good!

Pretty much picking up the baton from that record, Jessie once again dives headfirst into the vibrant and flamboyant world of disco-infused pop, but this time with more elements of soul and funk thrown into the mix too. Somehow, it is a record that surpasses even the exceptionally high standards set by its predecessor with this album sure to be another big year-end contender.

The title track kicks things off with a bang thanks to an irresistibly smooth groove and plenty of rambunctious horns before the infectious keys of Free Yourself take over and send the album fully into orbit. With uplifting gospel vocals and an insanely catchy dance melody, it’s already a contender for song of the year. The rest of the album maintains that high standard too, with Pearls equally timeless and soulful whilst Beautiful People brings the carnival to your ears with its colourful rhythmic drums. Lightning then brings the tempo down with a sensual mood setter, before These Lips sends the listener off into the sunset with a steamy, horn-backed dance number.

If you enjoyed What’s Your Pleasure, then prepare to be blown away once again with what Jessie has put together here. Incredibly joyous and boasting some of the best songs of the year so far, this one is guaranteed to leave you with just the biggest smile on your face.

Listen here

ATUM by The Smashing Pumpkins

When Billy (or William as I think he prefers these days) Corgan stated that new album ATUM was going to be a three-part rock opera and sequel to the Pumpkins’ classic double album Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness, I immediately had my suspicions that he had already set impossibly high expectations that simply couldn’t be met. These suspicions were only further compounded when I saw that the record was 2.5 hours long and consisting of 33 tracks. With the Pumpkins’ recent reputation for overlong and dud-filled albums, this was surely just going to be another one to add to the pile. Well thankfully that’s not completely the case.

You see although ATUM is too long and has some filler as expected, there is a lot of worthwhile moments in here too. In fact, across part one there isn’t too many moments that I would mark as obviously skippable, with just Where Rain Must Fall and Hooray the main offenders. The rest is actually pretty awesome, as Corgan fills the space with shimmering synths, widescreen production and some soaring rock riffs. There are some clear standouts too with The Good In Goodbye, Embracer, Hooligan, Steps In Time, Beyond The Vale and The Gold Mask all impressing.

The second part however is where the issues really come in, as I feel like it re-treads the same ground as part one, only to lesser effect. If you’re listening through in one bulk too (this is not recommended!) you’ll almost certainly be fed up and switching it off before part two has even finished. Which is a shame because the third part may be my favourite, featuring the most epic cuts like Sojourner and Intergalactic, as well as highlights like That Which Animates The Spirit and their fantastic recent single Spellbinding.

So whilst it is still an overblown project that contains some of the recurring problems that have plagued the Smashing Pumpkins’ output since the new Millennium, there is actually some of their best work for a while scattered amongst the bloated tracklist here. If they had just trimmed it back to a double album with around 8 or 9 tracks on each side then they could’ve been on to a real winner, but as it stands it’s still a worthwhile project that fans of their previous work should make the time to dip into and explore. Just don’t try to do it all at once!

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Driving Just To Drive by Matt Maltese

As a huge fan of the debut album from singer-songwriter Matt Maltese, I must admit I struggled to get into his last couple of efforts. With Bad Contestant boasting instant classics like As The World Caves In and Greatest Comedian, subsequent outings Krystal and Good Morning It’s Now Tomorrow did have their moments but ultimately never quite resonated in the same way. Thankfully though, Matt Maltese is back to his best on Driving Just To Drive, which may just be my favourite album of his to date.

It starts strong with the opening ballad Mother and the timeless piano melody of Irony Would Have It, before kicking on with brilliant tracks like the bluesy Mortician, the Biig Piig featuring R&B groove Coward and the simply haunting, almost Radiohead-esque title track. However, the best moment is kept for last, as But leaving is soars with orchestral strings as Matt’s sublime vocal performance leaves a devastating, lasting impact.

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4:23 by Mike Dean

There haven’t been many more fascinating listens over the last few weeks than this captivating sci-fi concept record from legendary producer Mike Dean. Featuring some incredible vocal work from Abel Tesfaye on several tracks and mesmerising electronic instrumentals seemingly beamed in from another dimension, Mike takes you as the listener on a journey from our current AI-advent into the dystopian near future, via 40 minutes of mind-bending, synth-driven soundscapes. Once you’ve completed the trip, you may find yourself wanting to return and experience it all again.

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Nice Idea EP by Kae Tempest

Then on the shortplay front, wordsmith Kae Tempest recently released their new four track EP which comes fresh off the back of their outstanding 2022 effort, The Line Is A Curve. The chances are if you enjoyed that project as much as I did (it finished twelfth in my Albums of 2022 list) then you’ll likely enjoy this new EP too, with Kae spinning intricately woven bars over more masterful Dan Carey produced beats. Opener Love Harder encourages acceptance whilst the title track observes modern behaviours over a rampage of rhythmic drums.

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Everything Harmony by The Lemon Twigs

“It’s here on their fourth record, Everything Harmony, though, where The Lemon Twigs reach their fantastic potential by being no one else but those two brothers that devoured all of these influences from a time long before their existence. Sure, there are moments throughout, like the autumnal Bridge Over Troubled Water lost song in the opener, “When Winter Comes Around,” or the McCartney-esque highlight “Born To Be Lonely.” Still, there’s no denying the confidence in these distinctly D’Addario harmonies.

There are incredible highs in the power pop of “Ghost Run Free,” and the floating glam rock in “What Were You Doing,” but Everything Harmony is made chiefly of sentimental chamber pop, which provides the glue to create their most cohesive album yet.”

Read Kiley Larsen’s full review on Check This Out here

Listen to the album here

Bird Hour by 7ebra

“Making a case for endorsing the telepathy theory are 7ebra – 25-year-old Swedish twin sister duo – who this week release Bird Hour – an 11-song debut album demonstrating their complementary powers. Inez Johansson’s inviting guitar and vocal delivery spars beautifully with Ella Johansson’s assortment of keys, organ and mellotron, creating a bedroom indie album full of musical nuance and clear, yet vague, lyrics.

Yearning is a theme which crops up throughout the album and the twins are clearly seeking to make sense of the world at a time in their life when they are newly navigating adulthood. While some lyrics are easier to interpret than others, the Johanssons convey their feelings through their music convincingly and the 30-odd minutes spent in their world are worthwhile.

If a little unsure of themselves and the world around them now, what will they be capable of when they find their feet?! Along with Blondshell’s recent self-titled release, Bird Hour is likely to remain one of 2023’s best debuts.”

Read Andrew Belt’s full review for 5-9 here

Listen to the album here

An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros by Arborist

“With the brilliantly titled An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros, McCambridge delivers a record that is both experimental yet traditional. Adding his unique hallmarks to a sound born out of Richmond, Virginia where the record was crafted, he worked alongside producer Matthew E. White and his Spacebomb Studios band who helped put the magic into these nine songs.

With touches of Americana, folk and even the odd classical arrangement, McCambridge channels the likes of John Cale, Bob Dylan and Wilco, but also brings shades of more contemporary acts like Fleet Foxes and Midlake too. With the musical element richly textured, so too is the record’s thematic content. Across this collection of songs, McCambridge harnesses the fugue state of the early 20s to explore dreams, religion and family, crafting ambitious soundscapes around the words to help paint his picture to the listener.

Altogether this is another very strong outing from Arborist, with the whole record gifting a deeply layered, well-crafted experience that’ll keep you returning. With poignant themes and intricate arrangements, this is one fever dream from which you won’t want to wake up.”

Read my full review for HeadStuff here

Listen to the album here

Also worth checking out: The Rat Road by SBTRKT, Secret Life by Fred Again… & Brian Eno, Maps by Billy Woods & Kenny Segal, Starlight by Triptides, Become EP by Beach House

Tracks of the Week

Tattoo by Loreen

This week it was once again time for the most watched musical event in the world – the Eurovision Song Contest. As ever it was an entertaining show, full of the bizarre and the, well, Cha Cha Cha. It also saw a dramatic finish, with Sweden’s Loreen becoming the first ever woman to win the contest for a second time. Despite not enjoying the performance as much as some of the others on the night, her song Tattoo has remained firmly lodged in my head ever since Saturday night. Earworm!

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Lipstick Lover by Janelle Monáe

Then the big news this week was that American rapper, singer and actress Janelle Monáe is finally returning from her recent stint in Hollywood with a new album, The Age of Pleasure, which is due for release in early June. Accompanying the news is the album’s first single, Lipstick Lover, which is a sensual, reggae-infused track celebrating queer intimacy. Best experienced with the jaw-dropping NSFW music video, co-directed by Monáe herself.

Watch it here

Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo) by Daft Punk, Julian Casablancas & The Voidz

Although they technically split up two years ago, it seems that this new tenth anniversary edition of Random Access Memories will indeed be Daft Punk’s official final project – at least for now. Featuring previously unreleased demoes and outtakes, one of the main highlights is this song featuring Julian Casablancas, which even received a profound accompanying animated video, split into three acts.

Watch it here

Positive Charge by The Gaslight Anthem

Another huge comeback, American rockers The Gaslight Anthem returned recently with their first new music in almost a decade in the form of new single, Positive Charge. As expected, it’s a heartfelt Springsteen-inspired anthem and whilst there are no details of a full album yet, the band do seem to be plotting a world tour for 2023, with the North American dates already announced. Here’s hoping they come back to the UK later on this year too!

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On & On (Again) by Confidence Man & Daniel Avery

The competition for Sound of the Summer 2023 is starting to heat up and this transfixing collaboration between Aussie dance duo Confidence Man and electronic maestro Daniel Avery may be the latest contender.

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Tears can be so soft by Christine & The Queens

Chris continues to promote his forthcoming new album Paranoïa, Angels, True Love which is set to be a 20-song epic split across three distinct parts. This fantastic latest teaser track features shades of Massive Attack and comes accompanied by a visually striking noir music video.

Watch it here

LosT by Bring Me The Horizon

Sheffield pop/metal outfit Bring Me The Horizon have served up their first new music of 2023 ahead of their highly anticipated Download headline set next month. Carrying some heavy resemblance to My Chemical Romance but with some polished electronic production and a sprinkling of pop punk too, it’s sure to go down a storm at Donington Park.

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In My Head by NewDad

Also delivering their first piece of new music of the year are Galway-based indie outfit NewDad, whose latest effort tackles mental health and features noticeably glossier production that further highlights their dreamy guitars and vocals. With their debut album surely on the way, it’s a very promising next step up from their early EPs.

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King City (Jennylee’s Version) by Swim Deep & Jennylee

“Fuck your romance, I want to pretend, that Jennylee Lindberg is my girlfriend.” Lyrics that I have been singing every summer for the past decade and now Swim Deep’s timeless anthem King City has come full circle with a new remix from the Warpaint bassist herself, which continues the 10-year anniversary celebrations for their classic debut, Where The Heaven Are We.

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Video Games by Tenacious D

And finally this week, something a bit more light-hearted as comedy rockers Kyle Gass and Jack Black made their return as the mighty Tenacious D with their new single, Video Games – and no it’s not a Lana Del Rey cover. Namechecking God of War, Fallout 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2, with more references to other iconic games in the fun animated video, the duo somehow manage to get all their signature hallmarks and charm into this minute long track.

Watch the video here

Also worth checking out: Emotion Sickness by Queens of the Stone Age, Pegasus by Arlo Parks featuring Phoebe Bridgers, All of a Sudden by The Chemical Brothers, All I Wanna Do Is Hate by Coach Party, Midnight Ontario by Jessy Lanza

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2023 tracks through my Best of 2023 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.

Add the playlist to your library here