#Splash doesn't have as much in terms of story but to me he's the most interesting in terns of lore

[the-sky-queen]

"I'm just a guy who loves adventure!"

Gale belongs to @son1c

Splash belongs to me!

He's here! My final boy is here at last! I spent so long on this drawing. I kinda ran away with the background and it ended up being more complicated than I thought it would be.

Introducing Splash the Hedgehog, Son of the Ocean! That's right, this version of Sonic doesn't fear water at all, unlike his main counterpart. In fact, he was raised by it. Through unknown causes, Splash was thrown into the ocean from his ship in a storm. The ocean itself took pity on him, saving his life and then raising him.

As he grew, Splash discovered the ins and outs of his connection with the ocean. (She goes by Oceana for convenience's sake and can also take the form of mobian made of water if she so chooses. She was kinda half inspired by Pandora from the Pandora AU comic created by @starrjoy ) Basically, Splash is a Waterbender/Hydrokinetic, but only because Oceana listens to him.

Splash spent his days exploring, running across the water from island to island. His speed and his water powers allow him to do that. Also, he can swim and even if he couldn't, Oceana gave him the ability to breathe underwater. Splash found himself lonely though and longed for company other than his mother and the various wildlife he'd encountered.

One day, he had a chance encounter with Dread and his crew. Splash, finally getting a chance to get his wish fulfilled, was unsure of things. This would really be his first time interacting with other people. What if he messed up? In the end, Oceana encouraged Splash to go for it and accept Dread’s invitation to join his crew. If anything went wrong, she'd be right there to help him.

(This part of the story may change, since this is supposed to happen after Sonic Prime ends. But with the stuff that happened in the new episodes, I'm not sure if Dread’s going to return to No Place, or if he does, if his crew will even let him come back to their new ship. We'll see.)

Oceana has an entire personality to her, which I will explain in a separate post once I've drawn her. For now, let's just say that if Oceana ever met Pandora, she'd immediately start battling her to get revenge for what she did to her version of Sonic. She's a wonderful overprotective mother. ❤❤❤

If Splash ever met Gale, I imagine they'd have a lot of fun adventuring together. They both love thrills and exploring. Gale might be a little put off by Splash’s innate connection to water, which he doesn't like very much, but I'm sure they'd still get along.

[allwormdiet]

Extermination 8.3

Oh fucking boy

This isn't a really revelatory passage, it's just like. Even more reinforcement that Leviathan is a fucking beast. More dead, more downed.

Taylor the fact that you even bothered to show up is above and beyond what should ever be asked of you, you are fifteen for fuck's sake, staking your life against the defeat of a hateful animate Splash Mountain is not your fucking purview! You should be playing Minecraft or something!

"Sorry I wasn't traumatized in a way that lets me save your life" Hello??

I can't imagine Taylor gets to feel like a part of most communities, honestly. Also I'm not sure that the cape community is any kind of monolith, so whether she "fits in" with them all is kind of moot.

Byyyye, Iron Falcon.

That's such a funny thing to ask somebody, honestly.

And then this is a crazy hardcore thing to ask somebody. This arc does a lot to establish that Skitter is just straight up on another level when it comes to comfort on the battlefield compared to even veteran capes, girl will nearly get pulped by Neptune's fucking wrath and then wonder why other people died while she's still conscious

Oh, Taylor. I'm so sorry, he only gets worse the more layers you get into him.

Also. Okay so Gregor the Snail felt like a pretty sympathetic perspective on how fatphobia stings people, but the life and death of Chubster in the realm of this story... kinda sucks. Like oh no, he's too heavy for Skitter to save him, have to leave him to drown I guess. I'm not saying it's an impossible circumstance, it just feels crass to have it in.

Hey Flechette, keep up the good work girl

The thing I keep coming back to with the Endbringers is that. Okay. These things have been causing horrific damage, mass death, and world-changing devastation for decades, and they've never been killed, and only one cape has ever meaningfully made the things fuck off in the history of ever. They are considered to be the most likely cause of extinction for humanity. Every time it seems like they're winning, even in the short-term, it's just the setup for another knockdown. It's giving them hope just so the despair hits deeper. What are the odds that's on purpose? What are the odds that everything the Endbringers suffer except Scion is just play-acting for them? Selling the capes' moves like it's a wrestling match, even as they don't feel a goddamn thing.

What if it's all just a sick game to an alien god?

This is so cool and so, so fucking dire.

God that's dark

Sacrifice play. Some desperate attempt to redeem himself in the public view maybe? A genuine belief that he can make this stick? I dunno. It doesn't matter, unfortunately.

What a way to sell the fucking outrageous devastation that this monster unleashes in the span of. What, an hour? Less?

Also hey what good is all the missiles and lasers and forcefields if Leviathan is just gonna pick the whole PHQ up and smash it onto the shoreline

So many goddamn downed, it's crazy. And y'know, knowing the rest of the arc we know Tattletale's still standing but of course Skitter is fucked up over losing Tattletale, that's the last person she's got who's willing to extend a hand towards her.

Most powers are dead useless here let's be real

Hey, good job Eidolon

Fucking brave of y'all to be shooting Bakuda bombs anywhere in the same ZIP code as someone you care about, but also god it would be so cool if this had actually worked. Just fucking lock Leviathan down in time out for a hundred years or so, buy that much time? Shame it fails.

Well. I'm not gonna miss the fucking Nazis, but rip in peace Dauntless, we hardly knew ye.

Triumvirate member tagged out. Alexandria was already down for the count, wasn't she? Or she at least stopped showing up at some point, so now it's just Eidolon repping the Big Three

although I guess if you asked Eidolon he'd call it "just Big Me"

First dead kid out of the lot, I think, if we don't count Falcon dying off the battlefield. Sorry, Shielder. I think Leviathan knew you were strong enough to keep being a problem. Gotta be fucking awful for Laserdream though, watching your brother die violently in front of you is. I actually can't imagine, thank fuck.

And then Sundancer down but not out. Honestly if anyone was gonna have decent odds of doing damage I'd have given it to The Fucking Sun, but that doesn't do much for defense does it.

Fucking outrageously brutal, god.

Man. I didn't even think about the fact that this thing is silent the entire time. No Godzilla roars or shit the entire time, nothing except for the rush of water.

Clockblocker keeps coming in clutch to save the day against citywide threats... Someone please for the love of god stop putting these children in the line of fire.

Also interesting that Taylor might be the only one here whose first response is to get him out of the water, for all that he's been her enemy.

Clever.

Taylor can be really harshly judgmental at times but I'm gonna be real I'm with her on this one, Trickster what the actual fuck is your problem. Like good job I guess but what the hell.

Y'know, the fucked up thing is that Armsmaster actually isn't wrong here, and his plan could've worked if he was, uhh. Genuine about it.

Does everybody's ability to give a speech go down the fucking toilet when an Endbringer is within half a mile of them? Is that what it is?

Current Thoughts

Wildbow really fucking knows how to put a battle together. Our POV character isn't actually fighting through 95% of this entire arc (and maybe shouldn't have been fighting in that 5% but we'll get there) but you feel just totally surrounded by the death and devastation that's raining down on all sides.

Unfortunately, I think it's about time for Armsmaster's big reveal on how to lose an arm and a shitload of credibility in record timing.

[esta-elavaris]

From @softdandelion for this writing ask ✨ (thank you!!)

hc + 🐈 for a pet/animal-themed headcanon

Early on, the dogs would be one of the few points of actual contention in their relationship - the kind that leads to arguments rather than just their usual love language of bickering.

When they get them, Theo would absolutely see them in a modern sense "these are my babies, they are to be treated as such" from a standpoint of like, pampering them (but she'd also have them well-trained because she's not one of the stupid types who's all "let's get a BIG dog and then let them be insanely aggressive and pretend it's cute, y'know?) -- and James would uhhhh disagree. He'd have much more of an "these are animals" view rather than Theo's "these are members of our family."

Lots of "if you're going to let the dogs sleep in the house that's one thing, but for the love of god they're banned from the bedroom - why...why is the dog on the bed? No. Absolutely not. This is ridiculous." while Theo insists that it's just as much the dogs' house as it is their house, and not allowing a pet on the furniture is basically fascism.

Eventually, though, I think James would have big "dad who said he didn't want a dog" energy. Theo would catch one (or both) of the puppies sleeping on him and just give a look while he's furiously pretending he hasn't grown stupidly attached to them.

I do think he'd be less permissive with them than Theo, but I also think he'd come more around to her way of thinking than vice versa, not just from being actually convinced, and not even from a weird boomer "happy wife happy life" thing, but because it would matter more to her than to him and he knows which hills to die on. I also don't think he'd have much of a heart to really fight her on it, because of how stupidly happy the dogs would make her.

But he'd still be adamant about keeping them off of the bed.

Any time he goes away for a few nights and then returns, it's a habit that has to be trained out of them once again. Theo pretends she has no idea how it happens.

hc + 🗡 for a weapon-themed headcanon

Theo never actually ends up with any kind of big weapon attachment in CTW. Like, you know how there's the thing with James' sword, and Jack's hat, and there are certain items you see in fiction and just associate them with their owner? That doesn't happen with any swords for her - although it might in As It Was, because it feels like a missed opportunity.

There just wasn't room for it in terms of plot and logistics, based on what happens she really would just need to get by with what she had available to her (which is a strong Theodora-ism, anyway).

Seeing as the action doesn't completely stop for them after the events of the main story - they can still sail with their company's ships any time they have a hankering for adventure - they'd definitely have to end up splashing out for a proper weapon for her. Like, one made to her preferences/measurements, and one that's meant to be hers, rather than just whatever she can grab and cause damage with.

At some point, James would also take it upon himself to see her fitted with a firearm. Probably because he'd despair at how happy she is to abandon "proper" fighting methods and dive in for close quarters in order to grapple with an opponent, because that's where she's comfortable and that's where she has the upper hand. She kinda sorta uses a gun in the final battle, but by that point everything's been done for her and all she needs to do is point, aim, and make the most of the shots she has because there's no chance of reloading. So I think they'd make A Day of seeing her educated on that. James would have a "well, that's awakened something in me" moment watching her fire it, but he's late to the party considering she had that moment all the way back during the battle at the end of the first movie, when he shoots the member of Barbossa's crew who's attacking her.

[badbookworm]

Small Cursed Fates rant/appreciation? (overall ZA book 5 thoughts)

For a dark romance/fantasy, the best parts of Zodiac Academy rly are when nothing dark is happening, huh.

Just finished book 5. And like. Within 5 books, they have undoubtly build very solid and detailed characters, and all who have interesting and different dynamics with each other. I love seeing them interact and hang out since book 1.

Most of book 5 is heavily character focus. The heirs and the twins started the book on a neutral ground, entered a truce, and the heirs plot is coming to terms that they actually like the twins' company, and to hangout with them. And that's cool as fuck, it was very fun to see the friendship develop, the plan to get Darius and Tory together, it was straight up good. I ate that shit up.

ALSO RANDOM NOTE, I DID NOT EXPECTED SETH AND CALEB TO ACTUALLY BE A THING?? AND IT WAS GREAT??? I made a bingo for this book with things I thought would happen, and one of them was just "Seth and Caleb do something gay". I marked that square 10 different times, it was wild 💥💥 I saw a goodreads review say that straight Caleb was his flop era, and now I GET IT. BC IT'S TRUE. Sorry Tory, but the Caleb and Seth side plot is much more engaging then Caleb being a 2° option plaything fr.

Ok, going back. With the comment at the start it might instigue a "it's a bullymance, what did you expect", but because the way the saga gone with turning the bullying into romance in taking it's time, along with all the fighting back and the leading to it is interesting, I'm hooked, genuinely interested and caring for these characters. It's all the other edgy fantasy stuff which stinks. The vibe was ruined the moment Orion was sentenced and it never picked back up. At least in this book, it was boring. I already don't love Orion character, he doesn't appeal to me in any way, and the though of him carrying a solo, brooding, plotline is the most boring thing this saga could've come up to me.

And then the ending came, it was like a cold water splash to remind me what kind of story this is, but it felt like "oh, the cool parts are over now?". I cannot give a shit about the whole thing going on with Clara, I'm sorry, I tried, it's so messy and nasty, and having to see Lionel be the villain for 5 books straight has drained him from any intrigue I had. He's just an villain shaped hole of a character. He's signifies a bad omen, not a character, you see Lionel and you know that something will go badly so the plot can progress, I cannot tell you 1 thing about Lionel besides he's evil. Oh, and the ZA finales are always chaotic and cramped with action and twists, the authors halt all the on-going plots so they can solve and drop them at the last 7 very short and fast chapters, but this one felt extra edgy and fast? I was so done with it with 4 chapters left still. And it feels like book 6 will keep on this trail of the edgyness.

I'm low-key scared of entering book 6 and being bombarded with any forced Tory and Lionel stuff, because I can't find any thorough review of book 6 to ensure there's no SA or anything like that involved with this plotline. The 1 thing that had kept me going with this saga was that, despite a lot of the nasty stuff, the sexual content has kept itself in a mostly consentual territory, sometimes vaguely consentual. But Lionel forcing Tory to say she loves him has already made me physically gag, and seeing Lionel and Clara (which also made me incredibly unfomfy and disgusted) makes me dead ass scared to see the next Tory povs. Non-con is my only big nono in taboo stuff.

Does it get the point across about Lionel being evil and all? Yes, ig.

Anyways, gotta finish what I started. BRB.

[squirrelno2]

Assuming that you play Swtor... Who are your main 8 Ocs and what's your favorite class/romance?

muahahaha so you have in fact met at least one of them via my sideblog, @relevant-url-incoming, because you asked about Kit there, but I always welcome the chance to ramble/infodump/annoy the shit out of people who are following me for not-even-star-wars-adjacent things SO:

(disclaimer: this may get spoilery. it's all very out of context spoilers, but if anyone reading this cares about swtor spoilers. be warned.)

Ven is a name some people following me here will remember, specifically as a four year old Nautolan who adopts Dogma, the clone. She also, in the grand scheme of my silly little swtor nonsense, is a time traveller who grows up to fuck shit up in the distant past. As one does. She's my trooper and my Alliance Commander and my precious baby girl mary sue beloved. She's also committed a few war crimes in her youth but what is a war crime to the star wars galaxy anyway? nobody knows. it's fine.

Nalyan is her brother, newly introduced in the same fic series i allude to above, and my smuggler. He is... grumpy. and an asshole. and also overall much more likely to save an enemy than most of my ocs, but that always surprises people due to the grumpiness. I ship him very hard with Corso and Risha who I do not ship with each other, which makes for a delightful dynamic in my head. sometimes besties just have sex with the same man it's whatever.

Kitiver is my Jedi Knight whose anxiety made him fall big-time, and he is full of self-loathing and self-doubt. He's overall kind of neutral in how the game sets up morality but when I write him it's the inwardly directed anger and the way that splashes out onto others that keeps him dark, even though all he wants is to be a good person. He doesn't really believe he's capable of that, anymore. oops.

Kaojacol is my Consular who went from a kind of coldhearted closed off person to the biggest softie who just wants to be a good friend and wife and mom. She's... a good friend? to be fair to her the wife and mom thing kind of got out of control with the whole zakuul thing. Sorry Felix and also the kid I made up for them.

Exchei is my Sith Inquisitor and she's so nice, for someone who'll shock you with Force lightning if you piss her off. Her backstory is always kind of fresh in her mind, and she really really wants to reform the Empire and stop slavery. also if you give her something nice and expensive and don't betray her she'll love you forever, which is how Andronikos sold her on the whole romance thing when she still wasn't sure if she could trust him.

Ri'gastio is a fucking asshole and also my bounty hunter. He's just. He's the guy who does every mean thing and kills everyone he can kill and makes everyone pay for everything he does for them because he figures if the world screwed him over there's no point in him being nice. He might as well do the same. I want to smack him so badly.

Tavansa is my Sith Warrior, she is my pathetic wet cat lesbian who just wants Vette to love her in spite of her many murderous tendencies and the fact that she's kind of unbearable to be around. A real attack dog kind of person, if an attack dog was also always calculating how people might perceive her behaviour so she can make sure the people (Vette) she cares about see her in the best light possible.

Sarrant is my Agent and he's... very hard to explain honestly? Like he starts out super loyal and that gets burned to hell and back, and he falls for fucking Kaliyo of all people even though he likes to let people live and help them out and generally enjoys being nice, and he also will just cut a bitch for looking at him wrong - man has issues. He's made lighter choices than his sister Tavansa but he is equally fucked.

As for my favourite class and romance uhhhh... story-wise it probably is Jedi Knight because that shit is juicy, though i think in terms of juiciness Agent is also up there. But if we're talking straight-up soft spots I really like the trooper storyline. I like that I got to force Ven to solve the trolley problem like twenty times. That was great. She names her kid after Jaxo, that's how bad that hurt her.

I also really like romancing Jorgan, possibly also because of Ven, but especially for Timothy Omundson's little voice crack when you reunite with him. Like damn. how can i resist that. I haven't romanced Elara in-game yet but the version of her that lives in my head and is married to Ven and Jorgan is great. kind of terrified to find out if the actual romance lives up to that but I adore her so if it doesn't I shall simply rewrite it.

[banannabethchase]

Take a Chance on Me - on AO3

Chapter 1: Prologue, I Have a Dream

~

Wheeler Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli have gotten engaged, and Wheeler's father, Jon, is elated. But there's one problem: 22 years ago, Mox was a bit...overcome by amorous feelings over a particularly crazy week, and doesn't know who Wheeler's other father is. The solution? Wheeler finds the three one night stands, and invites them to the wedding. Without telling anyone but Claudio. It'll be fine.

~

Okay. SO. A whole bucketload of disclaimers at the start of this. 1) There is a trans male character in this story who seeks out (rather irresponsible, but highly enjoyed) sex, and has penetrative sex (enthusiastically). Said trans character also finds himself pregnant and decides to keep the baby and carry it to term. If any of this is something that makes you uncomfortable, you can stop reading right now, no harm done. 2) Yes, Wheeler Yuta is actually Japanese and all dads involved are white guys. I know. We're suspending disbelief here because it's fanfiction and it's not real. Wheeler is still of Japanese descent in the fic. How? I don't know. I am neither a geneticist nor able to logic my way out of this, either. There appears to be no thread of logic in a Mamma Mia AU I came up with while driving home from a DnD party in February. 3) While this is a Mamma Mia! AU, it does not entirely align with the plot of the movie. I have taken liberties with much of the source material to make it match the characters, which I hope is acceptable.

Finally, I would not have been able to write this fic without the assistance of Bambi and Sarah, who have been the kindest sounding boards (and quality checkers) throughout this frenzied process. Thank you two <3

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy.

~

Wheeler swings their arms as they walk down the beach, hand in hand. Claudio’s been jittery all day, jumping at the most random of sounds, and Wheeler’s been – suspicious isn’t the right word, but something close to it.

“It’s really beautiful out here,” Claudio says, his voice squeaking on the last word. “The sunset, I mean.”

Wheeler nods, kicking at the waves as they slide up the sand to his toes. The water’s still a little chilly as it splashes over his flipflops, and he jumps.

“Cold?” Claudio asks.

Wheeler nods. “A little.” Claudio grins. “Don’t you fucking dare throw me in.”

“No?” Claudio asks. “What if –” He darts toward Wheeler to take him out at the knees, but Wheeler’s faster, spearing Claudio so he falls backward into the water, spluttering as the waves crash over his face.

Not for the first time, Wheeler finds his legs straddling Claudio’s hips. He grins. “We meet again.”

Claudio laughs, and then his face fades to something akin to panic. He starts patting at his pockets, practically throwing Wheeler off his lap as he sits up and scans the surface of the water. “Shit!” he yells, and Wheeler follows his hand as he grabs a little black box. “Oh, this isn’t how I. Oh no.”

Wheeler blinks. “Is that…?”

Claudio sighs, water dripping down his face as he pushes at Wheeler. “Stand up.”

His heart racing, Wheeler does so, the chill of the ocean water gone for the way his entire body lights up. “Claudio…”

A little labored, with his soaked jeans and shirt weighing him down, Claudio gets to one knee, holding out the sopping wet box. “Wheeler,” he says, lips presenting the name the way Wheeler likes hearing it best, “you’ve made me the man I am today, you knock me into the ocean and half drown me and I like it. You ruin my painstakingly designed proposal and are ten steps ahead of me at every turn.” He pops open the box, and a little platinum ring with black diamonds inlaid around the center makes itself known.

Wheeler’s heart has never beaten this fast. Not on the treadmill, not lifting weights, not in the ring with his dad. Not ever.

“Wheeler,” Claudio says, voice so soft it feels like silk, “will you marry me?”

He starts laughing, for some reason he can’t explain, and through it says, “Yes. Fuck, yes, Claudio, I’ll marry you.” Before he lets sense take over, he dives at Claudio, tackling them both back into the waves. He’ll find sand and salt all over himself for days, but so will Claudio, and it makes him want to catch this moment and trap it in the little box.

“Let me put the ring on you first!” Claudio laughs as he catches Wheeler and he practically tosses him back onto the sand. Wheeler gets a zing up his spine from it. He’ll never admit it, but being tossed around is part of the reason his yes was so immediate. Claudio’s hands shake, just the tiniest bit, as he slides the ring onto Wheeler’s finger.

“Can I tackle you into the water now?” Wheeler asks.

Claudio raises an eyebrow. “Or we go back to my house and,” he wiggles his eyebrows, “celebrate.”

Wheeler leaps to his feet. “Let’s go.”

The drive home is hands and lips making dangerous decisions, but, at the red light as the pass the gym, something hits him like a train.

“Oh, my god.”

“What?” Claudio says as they stop at a red light.

Wheeler’s eyes are locked on the Moxley Daily Fitness gym sign. “I gotta figure out who my other dad is.”

~

Wheeler is frowning at the ring on his finger as they drive home. Not because he’s annoyed at it, but because it has brought about a question he’d stop asking himself years ago.

“Wheeler.”

He snaps his head up to look at Claudio, who appears a bit concerned. “Yeah?”

“You do not need to find your other dad if you don’t want to,” Claudio says, and it’s clear he’s doing his best to stay neutral on the position. Wheeler would like him to have an opinion on this, just to have a better idea of what he should do next. “It’s okay to just have your dad walk you down the aisle.”

“No, because he’s going to marry us, duh,” Wheeler says, fidgeting with the ring on his finger. It fits perfectly. Almost too perfectly. “How did you figure out my ring size, exactly?”

Claudio’s grin is so knowing and smarmy it makes Wheeler want to blow him just to make his brain fall out so he forgets how to speak English. “Brought your dad into it. Remember when you were trying on his class rings the other day?”

“Son of a bitch,” Wheeler says, quietly.

“Wouldn’t that be calling your grandma a bitch?” Claudio asks. Wheeler pokes him in the ribs. “What I’m saying is that you may be able to sneak one by me, but I can surprise you, too.” His smile at the red light, directed right at Wheeler, is almost paralyzing. He almost forgets to berate him about the ring thing. Almost.

“Okay, speaking of which, are we actually going back to your place to bang, or are you bringing me to some sort of surprise engagement party?” He only feels half smug at the surprise on Claudio’s face. The other half is disappointed – his dick was very interested. “See, now I have a boner that’s going to go to waste.”

“It is not,” Claudio says, rolling his eyes as he turns back to the road. “Just. Keep it for…later? I guess.” He exhales. “I had a whole plan for this evening, and you knocked me into the ocean, so if either of us is going to be petulant tonight, it should be me.”

Wheeler shrugs. “You ask my dad first?”

Claudio barks out a laugh. “Yeah. Like Jon Moxley wants me to ask him permission for his son’s hand in marriage.”

“Maybe he would!” Wheeler asks. “I don’t know. Every once in a while he gets weirdly traditional about things.”

Claudio laughs even harder. “Your dad is as far from traditional as you can get.”

As they pull up in front of Claudio’s house, driveway full of cars, Wheeler’s not sure that’s true.

“Wheels!” his dad says, walking down the driveway with a big grin on his face. “How’d it go? You say yes, or do I have to take down the decorations?”

“You decorated?” Wheeler asks, letting himself be drawn into a familiar bear hug from his father.

“Course I did, buddy, my son’s getting married.”

Wheeler stares him down.

“Okay, so I had Renee and Britt help decorate,” he hedges, shrugging. “So sue me.”

“Meaning they insisted and you didn’t think of it until Renee came in with supplies,” Wheeler says as his dad gives him a noogie.

The house looks incredible – the hallmarks of Renee, who always decorates her station at their gym’s front desk impeccably for every season, all around. Wheeler gets pats on the back and congratulations from his friends, people who work at his dad’s gym, everyone. But Claudio never lets go of his hand.

“We’ve got snacks in the back,” says Britt, hustling them toward the back deck, “your dad had no part in making them.”

“Oh, thank god,” Claudio says on an exhale.

Wheeler can’t blame him.

The party’s not too raucous, with most of the people here sober or on diets requiring them to count macros, but Wheeler has a blast throughout the night.

“Did you see it coming?” Danny asks, running into him.

Wheeler shakes his head. “I had no idea.”

“Fuck yes!” he says, punching the air. “I helped make sure you weren’t busy today, so, really, this is all me.”

Wheeler pie faces him.

The party isn’t too big, thank god, and as the sun sets, Mox gives a toast to his son and his soon to be son in law. “To a growing family,” he ends, and they all clink glasses filled with nonalcoholic beers, soda, and hope.

~

Planning a wedding, Wheeler discovers, is hell. Without Renee and Claudio taking point, he’s pretty sure he would have settled for a backyard shindig or, hell, a courthouse afternoon. Instead, they’ve set it up so they have a hotel a few blocks down from their gym, right on the beach. Claudio and Wheeler, despite having a place nearby, have booked a hotel room from Thursday into Monday, just in case. They’ll have the ceremony in the courtyard, photos on the beach, and a reception in the hotel ballroom that overflows onto the sandy shores.

It helps, Wheeler muses, that his dad was able to coordinate with the Jacksons to use their hotel and give them unlimited access to the gym for a year in return.

“Well, Matt and Adam kinda saw you and Claudio and thought you were adorable, so,” Mox says. He’s convinced he sucks at the people part of the job. Wheeler’s not so sure his dad could suck at anything he cares about. “Only thing is, I gotta be nice to them all for the next few years.”

“You could always apologize for stealing Mr. Page’s car that one time,” Wheeler suggests.

His dad’s face darkens. “No. That was justified and he shouldn’t have tried to park overnight at the gym.”

Rolling his eyes, Wheeler goes back to the invitations. They’ve still got about two dozen to go.

The date creeps up slowly, with his phone calls across the country and across oceans to make sure everyone is available.

“Why is this harder than having a full time job?” Claudio complains as he falls back into bed. He splays across the width of it, so Wheeler just flops on top of him. Claudio lets out an oof.

“It feels like a full time job,” Wheeler mutters into Claudio’s chest. “We should’ve gotten married at a courthouse.”

“You say that all the time,” Claudio says, and Wheeler can practically hear the pout in his voice.

He lifts his head up to look a into Claudio’s eyes. “It’s because I care about marrying you,” he says firmly. “Not about all the other stuff.”

Claudio shrugs. “Yes, of course. But I also am really looking forward to that cake.”

[princesscolumbia]

OP is right and should say it, and I hope nobody minds that I dovetail this with some thoughts on a related piece of media; the Ranma 1/2 reboot. (There were Ranma 1/2 video games, it counts!)

So, yes, by this point we have decades of history and fanfiction. There's not a single square inch of the manga or frame of the anime that hasn't been poured over by fans that support the idea that Ranma is Very Gender™ and pretty much the only online space that doesn't support this is the r/Ranma subreddit. (...there's something wrong with that site, it's like you can find so much good information there and then someone has a "hot take" that gets forty-bajillion upvotes and is one of the most rancid piles of garbage you've ever read)

But here's the thing; Ranma 1/2 was originally started in 1987. To give you a little more context; Crystal Pepsi wouldn't hit test markets for five years, the Berlin Wall wouldn't fall for another two years, and Ronald Reagan was still president of the USA!

We didn't have the words to describe the gender experience at the time, especially in the public lexicon. Japan was toying with the word "newhalf." For the majority of people, even in the trans community, you were a boy or a girl and which you were was determined by the contents of your underwear and how many phallus-insertable holes you had. There was no "transgender" label as we understand it today, you were either a transexual or a crossdresser/transvestite. Transgender wouldn't be used as (to quote wikipedia) an 'umbrella' term until the 90s. And, yes, R.5 was animated in the 90s, but the core story was unchanged from the late 80s black-lines-on-newsprint manga content (the "Does Ranma canonically have black or red hair?" argument is proof enough of that)

(...in the manga, everyone has black or blond hair because the 'black-lines-on-newsprint' nature of manga meant that nobody had different colors of hair. Prior to the whole neighborhood realizing that Ranma has a gender swapping curse, Ranma's able to fool people into thinking that s/he's just really good at 'pretending' to be a girl because people see a person splashed with water and their sex presentation inverting and their rational brain says, "That can't possibly happen," and see that everything but the physical sex of the person remains the same and if said person insists that they're 'still a guy' and nothing's changed, the sex presentation inversion becomes a 'somebody else's problem' and they resume their lives blissfully ignorant of the fact that actual magic happened in front of them. When the transition from manga to anime happened, girl-Ranma suddenly had red hair for no explicable reason other than aesthetics. Red hair changes the game and the fact that people see Ranma's entire physical presence alter including the NATURAL hair color and nobody thinks, "...waaaaaait a minute!" is never addressed in canon.)

(Yes, this was a HUGE point of contention in the fandom for, like, five years.)

(Ask me about the Churches some time if you want to hear exactly how petty the 90s Ranmafandom could get.)

Ranma's behavior is so incredibly problematic from an analysis standpoint because it could be either a boy who's been raised by his father as a completely insulated experience deliberately denying him access to anything resembling females or femininity and leaving him completely unprepared for dealing with actual girls or a hard-closeted transgirl who's internalized all the toxic masculinity her father poured into her for 10+ years on the road with no influences to tell her that there's any other way to perceive the world.

S/he lives in a world where one can only be a boy or a girl and if you're a boy who shows any girly qualities than you're a weak sissy and if you're a girl who shows any boy-ish qualities than you're a tomboy lesbian. Weak sissies are the lowest rung on the masculinity totem pole and exist to be trod upon, they have no life, no prospects, and no future. Tomboy lesbians are ugly parodies of masculinity and exist purely to lure sweet, innocent girls away from the manly men they really want and are shunned by society and have no life, no prospects, and no future. Ranma has ONLY THIS NARRATIVE in which to frame their experiences as a Jusenkyo victim and when Ranma looks at the spread of options before them and sees that every possible choice presented to him/her/them by a toxically misogynistic, compulsively heteronormitive world and sees that every option but 'manly man' would severely limit their choices and freedoms and options and tell them that their very life's purpose is only available in the ONE option of 'being a MAN,' then no FUCKING SHIT the phrase, "I'M A MANLY MAN!" is gonna fall from their lips on the regular!

(This isn't even talking about the seppuku pledge, btw.)

BUT!

Let's side-step this entirely and take a look at another character entirely for a moment...Shampoo.

Shampoo seems to be just an airheaded bimbo on first glance. And, maybe, the second. She's stacked, the very image of what a teenage boy is known to lust after, physically powerful, and cares for her physical appearance to the point she could be a pin-up model. She looks good in a swimsuit and knows it, flirts shamelessly, and her best use of the common tongue is 'pidgin' levels, at best.

But she's NOT JAPANESE. Why does this matter? Because it completely re-frames the presentation of her character. If Shampoo had been born Japanese and raised Japanese and still acted like she did and talked like a bad parody of a Chinese national, then we could dismiss her as a particularly dim bimbo and move on. She is, however, Joketsuzoku, a member of a tribe of warrior women who don't even consider themselves to be Chinese, even if their home is within the geopolitical boundaries that the PRC claims as theirs. She learned enough Japanese in the space of a few weeks to go from, "Doesn't understand the language at all," to "Capable of working in a punishingly demanding fast-food environment for 12+ hours a day." She's not being hounded by the Japanese immigration authority about attending school (and you KNOW how much of a lense Japan puts on foreigners), so she likely took some education tests and passed at a high enough grade level that the Japanese government didn't even bother with a student visa, she understands chemistry/alchemy enough to use "traditional Amazon" formulas and techniques, and defers ONLY to her great-grandmother. Literally nobody else is able to tell her what to do.

And the whole, "flirts more shamelessly than a street hooker" thing you're probably thinking? Guess how many people she actually has sex with, canonically? Zero. She's in Ranma's bed an awful lot, but there's never a moment where she actually has sex in the manga, even with Ranma.

(There's some soft-canon implications that she's slept with Ukyo in the anime continuity, but even that supports my contention, which is...)

Shampoo, as a character, is an incredibly deep and intriguing inversion of the Japanese prejudice against foreigners, especially Chinese nationals.

So if we look at Ranma with the same examination, s/he is no longer just an angsty teenage boy bitching about hormones and a problematic love-life, s/he's a clever mirror shown to the face of 1980s Japan's views and expectations of their youth growing into a society that has specific demands of them as they grow to maturity and realize that maybe they aren't going to fit neatly into the boxes of 'boy/man' and 'girl/woman'.

This makes, IMHO, Ranma at least NB. By the end of the manga they're flat out stating that 'the cure doesn't matter' and they 'were only doing it for Akane.'

(I've written about anime-Ranma being a transwoman thanks entirely to THAT episode elsewhere, so I won't expound on that here.)

Even in the USA we didn't have the proper words and framework for actual trans people to describe their experience well and properly that we have today. Even today's tools for communicating our experience are evolving at a frantic rate and no one trans person is ever going to be up-to-date because it's a RAPIDLY shifting lexical body.

So why in the world would we expect a 1980s Ranma to have the right words to say, "I'm enby" or "I'm trans"?

Which brings me back to my point; the reboot has a fine line to ride. If they don't ride that with the care of an Olympic's-quality snowboarder grinding on a five-mile long rail, and I mean staying on that edge and never falling off once, they're gonna fuck this up. On one side, they've got the land of "safe, non-threatening" language where they're going to buff out any hint that Ranma "could be" NB or trans and alienate their entire queer audience. On the other side, they've got the heavily queer-phobic, trans-misogynistic language of the 1980s that only allowed characters like Konatsu to exist as an extreme form of transvestite and they're only there for the lulz...and alienate their entire queer audience.

They have a shot to do this right, and if they thread that particular needle it will be as epic as The Battle of Phoenix Mountain and Mt. Horai all in one.

If they biff it, it'll be as tragic as Ranma's attempts at kissing Akane during the Shakespeare play.

The problem with debating whether a character from a twenty or thirty year old video game is "really" trans or merely a cross-dresser is that mainstream video games from the 1990s and 2000s just plain didn't care about the difference, for the most part.

Basically all gender-nonconforming characters in video games of that era are treated as jokes to some extent, and their gender from moment to moment is whatever it needs to be to make the joke land. Can you cite textual evidence that they're trans? Yes, absolutely. Can you cite textual evidence that they just like to play dress-up? Also yes. The writers typically weren't distinguishing the one from the other, and many of them probably didn't even understand that there existed any distinction to make.

Sure, the source texts are of historical interest, but pedantic textual originalism in itself isn't terribly interesting because you can usually twist it around to support any conclusion you want. A better question is what our motivation is for favouring a particular conclusion – and there just aren't a lot of ways to make favouring the funny-man-in-a-dress reading into a good look!

[dinnerwithrefi]

11.2 - Dedication to Lost Appetites

Dinner: chicken tender wraps w/cheddar cheese, baby spinach & kale, salt, pepper, mayonnaise & a splash of Louisiana hot sauce

I'm sorry about Claudio.

I know it isn't much consolation coming from someone you barely know, but it's the truth. No one should have to watch somebody wilt away like that from a terminal illness, and while I understand grief of that nature, it is uniquely shaped to the individual and the relationship they shared. Still, from what I know about him now, he seems like a really lovely guy, even if your personal account of his accent as "a Muppet soaked in pomodoro" made me snog my iced coffee. I can understand why you have a soft spot for the Giants, even if you're not a big fan of the pigskin. Then again, maybe soft spots aren't exactly something I should bring up, given how shaken you got when we talked about him in his last days, how the most vivid images are when he looked more lesioned than lively, more purple and grey than olive, the cheery anecdotes replaced by incoherent anguish. It's awful how we're forced into being an unwilling audience member in these theatres of decay, surrounded by feuding one man shows of desperation, departure, and what comes after.

I think more than anything, though, it helps us reach a common ground of sorts. I was the same way with my grandmother, though she at least had the ability to go peacefully in my aunt's home. I couldn't see her as Grandma in that moment, though, that wasn't her. That wasn't Grandma's hand I was holding when I heard her breathe her last, the sagging, frail freshness of death in front of me couldn't possibly be the sweet, lovely Grandma who'd warble "Happy Birthday" to my voicemail every year, even if I was seeing her just a few days later for the conglomerate birthday-Thanksgiving hybrid meal my dad's side of the family held after the separation. It didn't feel real. Part of it still doesn't, honestly, but I drank so much alcohol that I honestly couldn't tell you where the clinical noises of the hospital started and the waking nightmare of two deaths close to me ended.

But that's what was bothering you yesterday, and I'm glad you told me about it. You heard desperation in facing yourself and others in the wake of tragedy and terminal illness and that somehow mutated into a form of jealousy, didn't it? At least with that album, Halsey was able to leave something for when the end comes, a connection for both those they found important and the multitudes who felt that same level of import towards them. It's funny how art remains the greatest dedicator for the world. We build monuments and erect statues, write poems and sing songs, sew clothes and knit quilts, paint murals and spread genius across paper and canvas alike - all in the sake of getting the chance to show the magnitude of their worth to not only that individual, but to the entire world. We never got that chance, though. At least, you and I never took the opportunity to do so in a timely fashion.

Besides, you argued, how could your cousin's commemoration at his funeral, the stirring piece from a grieving daughter that brought a church to tears, or the shrine built to the buzzer beat three point shot your brother made the night Claudio died, which he claims he dedicated to him as he threw it, compare to the short story you wrote about the persimmon tree your aunt planted in his honor a few weeks after his death? From your account, it had been two months after his death that grief notched its arrow and struck inspiration in the hopes of achieving resolution. It must feel disingenuous to revisit it now, assuming you still have a copy. You never got the chance to tell him how much you valued him, no matter the lack of closeness between you two, and I suppose there's a sort of guilt seared into you that you'll never get rid of now.

I wasn't the same way with my grandma, though I wish my goodbye could've been on the terms I had imagined them being. She always wanted me to sing her "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert at some point. I would've done it for her if my dad hadn't been right behind me while she was in her final moments. Then again, we wouldn't have been there in the first place if I hadn't told him to prioritize seeing her. While I try to love him in the ways that I can, I shouldn't have had to tell him that spending a small amount of time while his mother waned away was more important that a trip to pick up fucking bulk lumber for his front porch project. Still, it was that simple round of cussing that got him to take the exit and end up getting home late in lieu of actually missing out on saying a proper goodbye, regardless of her comprehension. She was able to go after that, and I think seeing her son might have sparked those last moments of lucidity before she closed her eyes one last time. I broke a month of sobriety because of it, but scolding her son to pick up the damn beams later was probably the best dedication I could've given to her.

Unlike you, though, I have a lot more people living that I'll never get the chance to do that for as time goes on. You seem to have a tightly knit circle of friends that, while countable on one hand, they drive you to keep making strides towards self-betterment. I'm not really the same as you in that regard. I somehow end up in people's lives not on the whims of fate or by a stroke of luck, but rather sheer meteoric impact, cratering them on first meeting, almost helpless as I watch the slow crawl of personal extinction around them, to the point where I just end up just a giant rock in their life, sometimes cumbersome and earth-shattering, others groundbreaking and life-altering, but always indelible. I always end up disappearing, though. I know why that is, and I wish it hadn't bled into my life from trauma inflicted by those monsters from my teenage years, but that's just how I end up. There's a part of me that wishes I could be like you, able to hold tightly to the three people you seem to value most, the motley ensemble that you are. That's my own jealousy, though, and I hope it's one that I can get over.

Shame that the wraps got cold, but I guess we have leftovers for breakfast before we job hunt tomorrow morning.

[rescuefield]

❛ i’ve never cared for anyone the way i care for you. ❜

by the time her underground adventure ( for lack of better terms ) was over, claire was already out the door. then out of the hospital. then out of an office room that should have listened to her at least a week prior except for the fact that things never fo the way she wants. in all this, nothing could have prepared the world for the loudest fuck bomb ever dropped in history - courtesy of a police officer reminding her that they're still waiting for her to swing by the station for her deposition. how could she even begin what a huge conspiracy is hiding behind the false idol that is actually the story about the hero of penamstan?

yet claire stays compliant throughout all of it, setting her record straight about it... with a little sprinkling of lies here and there - wanting to reach out to the mad dogs to talk about their contribute in penamstan, see if by any chance they would have liked to vouche for her project. it's a dumb story, fallacious at best and stupid at worst, but they don't question her: it makes claire wonder how much they know if they do, or if they're only letting her off the hook easily because they know one call to chris would have this circus over in less than a minute.

either way when she leaves, claire feels very little relief on her heart. the thing that makes her mad the most is that for budgeting reasons neil hadn't wasted a second to tell her the motel room rented through the ngo card could not sustain anymore expences for her detour, leaving claire trapped to stay over at leon's apartment until she was cleared to go. the silent tratment she's been giving him surely doesn't make things any easier, well aware that one of them will eventually have to say something else beside can i stay over? and yeah, no problem - but claire's never been good at keeping thing easy, let alone when her heart wiggles its way in the middle of them.

she doesn't expect to find him home already by the time she arrives, awkwardly trying to take off her jacket from her good shoulder now that other arm is blocked in the sling the hospital gave her. when leather lifts up and a splash of red comes into view against white wall, claire's breath hitches - of course he'd swing in to help her, god forbid leon ever stops treating her like she's always in need of him ( which could be talked about, if only she wasn't so proud )

I'VE NEVER CARED FOR ANYONE THE WAY I CARE FOR YOU. she almost misses it when leon speaks, barely leaning into her yet she can feel his breath against her ear. it makes her mad really - does he truly think she doesn't know already? that she doesn't feel the same toward him? men, unbelievable. "your caring is borderline babying," she counters, glimpses of their reflection caught in the mirror, fingers accidentally brushing against his hand. "if you love me, you should trust me." a pause, body leaning back just enough to initiate an attempt of embrace. "i sure as fuck trust you."

[allnewalldifferentwildspider]

Zuko & Katara's Relationship Dynamic

This is like the third or fourth time I've tried to write up this post so please bare with me.

Oh wow. That video. Hopefully everyone has seen it now. Not only did it articulate arguments I've been making for years, but it also brought up ideas I had never thought of or noticed before. Watching that and watching the second half of Book 3 again (because it's my favorite) made me want to redo my zutara dynamic post.

I'm going to be using the tiny bits and pieces the show gave us to see how Zuko and Katara's relationship looks and how it would look if they gave us more because...Bryke really fucking hated zutara. I mean, I guess they did.

Katara is compassionate; Zuko is empathetic

A lot of anti-zutara arguments have said that Zuko and Katara could never be together because they would constantly fight and hate each other and it end sooner than later. Not only does this actually describe maiko, but that argument would need to ignore the characters' actual character.

One of Katara's biggest character traits is how compassionate she is. She has a drive to help others and ease their pain. Whether it's getting Aang out of the iceberg or healing a Fire Nation fishing village, Katara will go out of her way to help someone in need.

Katara: No. I will never ever turn my back on people who need me.

Zuko is very emotional and passionate person. As much as he tried to hide it to appease his father, Zuko does want to open up and connect with people. Unfortunately, aside from his uncle, most of the other people he knows are like Zhao and Azula. Not the most understanding of crowds. But because of this he can pick up what people are really thinking and feeling. Think of it as a defense mechanism he developed growing up around people like Azula.

Get these two kinds of people together and you get the crystal catacombs scene. Katara lashes out at Zuko until she breaks down. When she does Zuko opens up with empathy since they have something in common. This creates the beginning of an understanding between the two. Zuko uses that to finally open up to someone who isn't his uncle and Katara listens and reaches out to help. Contrast to the first episode of Book 3 when Zuko tries to voice his thoughts and concerns to Mai and she...doesn't really care.

Something similar happens during The Southern Raiders. Zuko figures out that Katara is taking out her anger of being separated from her father by The Fire Nation onto him and even connecting her mother's death to him.

It's not the first time Zuko has done this either. He easily figured out that Sokka was planning on going to The Boiling Rock. He does it again during Sozin's Comet when he tells Katara that Aang needs to figure out what to do about Ozai by himself.

There's a noticeable pattern of behavior by the time Sozin's Comet arrives. Zuko voices his concerns about meeting his uncle again and Katara is right there to help him through it.

Zuko's empathy combined with Katara's compassion creates almost a cycle of understanding and emotional vulnerability that the two can't really get with anyone else. One notices the other having concerns or problems and goes to give comfort by words or by actions.

Zuko still has a temper but so does Katara

Even after Zuko's fever dream character change thing, even after The Day of Black Sun, he still has it in him to yell at anyone who commits even the slightest transgressions against him:

Aang: That one felt kinda hot. Zuko: Don't patronize me. You know what it's supposed to look like. Aang: Sorry, sifu hotman. Zuko: And stop calling me that!

Sokka: So all we have to do is make Zuko angry. Easy enough. *pokes him with his sword* *annoying laugh* Zuko: All right! Cut it out!

Maybe it's the firebender in him or maybe he really is just like that. Basically if you annoy him, he'll let you know. What people sometimes overlook is that while it takes Katara a bit longer, she also gets worked up when people upset her.

Toph: What's the matter? Can't handle some dirt, Madame Fussy Britches? Katara: Oh, sorry, did I splash you, mud slug?

And remember, it was Katara getting angry at Sokka that even broke the iceberg that revealed Aang.

Katara: Ugh, I'm embarrassed to be related to you! Ever since Mom died I've been doing all the work around camp while you've been off playing soldier! Sokka: Uh... Katara? Katara: I even wash all the clothes! Have you ever smelled your dirty socks? Let me tell you, NOT PLEASANT! Sokka: Katara! Settle down! Katara: No, that's it. I'm done helping you. From now on, you're on your own!

The point is that it is both Zuko and Katara that are very passionate and emotional people. One of them isn't emotionally dominating the other because they both wear their emotions on their sleeves.

This also comes in to play when they set goals for themselves. When Zuko sets a goal, he puts everything into it. Katara is the same way. The difference is that Zuko's drive sometimes gives him a one-track mind while Katara is more flexible. Like for example Zuko being so focused on finding Aang before Sozin's Comet that he ignores Toph's story about her childhood versus Katara wanting to go to the North Pole but taking time to stop and help whoever they come across.

This passion also fuels their values and how strongly they stand by their beliefs. I already put The Painted Lady quote up above but Zuko's morality is what is making him so angry at himself during The Beach. He knows what he did was wrong, but he couldn't face it yet.

Sometimes their emotions get the better of them, but it's only because they are passionate about what they're doing.

Their natural teamwork is amazing

I can't provide a lot of clues in this bit because it's more of a visual thing. Just consider how flawlessly their plans worked during their attack on The Southern Raiders. Especially when you consider that it was a stealth mission so they barely even said anything to each other during and it still went incredibly well.

You could see it again during their mock battle with The Melon Lord. Sokka must have noticed because he paired them together to deliver some "liquidy-hot offence." And they pulled it off, again, without having to say anything.

They've only been a team for a few weeks(?), days(?) but they act as if they've been doing it for years.

They trust each other's judgment

Piggybacking of the previous point, Zuko and Katara have only been a team for a while but there seems to be a level of understanding in terms of judgement. They both know that whatever the other chooses is going to be a well-thought out decision. Maybe it's because they see each other as the mature members of the group even though Sokka is the same age as Zuko? I don't know.

Aang disappears right before they embark on their fight against the Fire Lord, and out of nowhere, Katara puts Zuko in charge.

Zuko: Get out of the bison's mouth, Sokka. We have a real problem here. Aang is nowhere to be found and the comet is only two days away. Katara: What should we do Zuko? Zuko: I don't know. Why are you all looking at me? Katara: Well, you are kind of the expert on tracking Aang.

and that wasn't the first time in that episode that she went along with one of Zuko's decisions

Katara: Aang, don't walk away from this. *She begins to walk towards him as a hand touches her shoulder to stop her from doing so.* Zuko: Let him go. He needs time to sort it out by himself.

As a lot of people have pointed out during the entirety of The Southern Raiders, Zuko never gives a suggestion on what he thinks Katara should do. Aside from making it a stealth mission, he follows her lead the entire way.

Katara teases Zuko (and he lets her)

The fun one. This one has two parts: pre and post The Southern Raiders.

Before The Southern Raiders, Katara was tolerating Zuko. She was still angry with him about the betrayal at Ba Sing Se. Getting little jabs at him was the only thing that was really helping her from loosing her cool around him.

Katara: I'm sorry. I'm just laughing at the irony. You know... how it would have been nice for us if you lost your firebending a long time ago? Zuko: Well it's not lost. It's just weaker for some reason. Katara: Maybe you're just not as good as you think you are. Toph: Ouch.

He just finished yelling at Aang and Sokka but all he does is glare at Katara. She does it again, but to be fair, he kind of set himself up for it.

Zuko: It's a sacred form that happens to be thousands of years old! Katara: Oh yeah? What's your little form called? Zuko: ...The Dancing Dragon.

Then comes post The Southern Raiders and...yeah, she's still picking on him and he still lets her. Granted it's a lot more playful this time around.

Zuko: They make me totally stiff and humorless. Katara: Actually, I think that actor's pretty spot on. Zuko: How could you say that? Actor Uncle: Let's forget about the Avatar and get massages. Actor Zuko: How could you say that?! (Cut back to Katara wearing a satisfied grin on her face and she looks to an expressionless Zuko as he slouches in his seat.)

I love pointing it out every time. She teases him and he does nothing about it.

Katara: Er, no. I was looking for cooking pots in the attic and I found this. Look at baby Zuko! Isn't he cute? Oh lighten up, I was just teasing.

And she admits it!

-

So what can we take away from this? From what little time they were given together (thanks, Bryke) it seems that Zuko and Katara really understand each other on an intimate emotional level. They can sense when the other is distressed and offer comfort. They're both passionate in and out of combat, for better or for worse. They're comfortable with each other as if they've known each other for years even though it's such a short time. Katara also likes to add a little bit of playfulness in there with Zuko letting her have her fun, again, showing how comfortable they are with each other.

I do think their relationship could have gone to romantic sooner than later if you would have given it a bit more time. Like first half of a hypothetical Book 4.

To me, at least.

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Eda's Requiem" from The Owl House

Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons.

...

...

...HOW IS SEASON TWO SO GOOD?! WE'VE HAD SEVEN EPISODES SO FAR, AND EACH ONE OF THEM WAS A HIT!

Take "Eda's Requiem," for example. It's yet another episode where I have NOTHING bad to say about it! That's two weeks in a row where that happened! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!

HOW!

HOW!

...But anyways, "Eda's Requiem." It's another fantastic episode, and I'm about to dive into explaining how and why. Just keep in mind, it's gonna require spoilers to do so, so be wary of that as you keep reading.

Now, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Eda’s Checklist and Grom Photo: Within the first second, "Eda's Requiem" perfectly sets up Eda's central conflict in the episode. Despite spending years being on her own and looking after herself, she now has two kids that she's constantly caring over. Eda can try all she wants to say that she doesn't care, and I bet she has in the past. But given the hard work she's putting into getting King and Luz what they need and having a grom photo of the three of them together pinned in her mirror, it's pretty clear that those two knuckleheads wormed their way into her heart and are never getting out.

Eda’s Worried About King and Luz Leaving: And thus, that's precisely why something like this bothers her so much. Eda inadvertently adopted two rambunctious rapscallions (Yeah, I know. I'll get to it), so the idea of them not being around her anymore is going to be terrifying. That is a situation most parents, especially mothers, can identify with. It’s called empty nest syndrome and it proves just how much Eda loves Luz and King that she can't stand the thought of her babies leaving the nest. It's yet another well-made, wholesome, found-family moment that this series continues to excel at each week, making me extra excited for more like it to come...while also readying myself for heartbreak when one of them eventually does leave Eda.

Eda and Raine’s Music: Ok, I don't know the exact instruments that were played during this episode, but I also don't care because it was all (for lack of a better term) music to my ears. Every time Eda and Raine played resulted in melodies that are so beautiful and filled with so much emotion and feeling that I'm honestly tempted to listen to them again, multiple times, on repeat. Shows rarely do that for me, as background music doesn't always draw me in as much as lyrical songs do. Usually, it takes something so extraordinarily composed to give me the desire to listen again, and that's the case here. So huge congrats to Brad Breek for doing so. Seriously, the man's been killing it this season.

Eda’s Bard Magic Causing Things to Turn to Ash: This was assuredly a surprise side-effect of the curse. The fact that Eda can sort of do magic at all was its own shock. To then reveal that a specific type can do dangerous things to people and environments is...Well, it definitely brings up its own fair share of questions. Like, how can she do this? Will she do it again, one day? And are there other types of spells that can be negatively affected by Eda's curse? We don't get answers for any of these questions, and odds are, we never will. But that's alright with me. Because if a show makes me consider these many possibilities after a brief amount of time, it is a show that has to be doing something right. Even if I don't get the answers I want, the fact that it caused such a reaction makes me less willing to care.

Raine Whispers: Hey, would you look at that. Another fun, interesting, and compelling character added to the list of this shows' other fun, interesting, and compelling characters...how is this series so good at this!?

Joking aside, Raine's pretty good. I like Raine. They could have been this super serious leader who lost all their fun after years apart from Eda, but I'm glad that they're not. There are moments when Raine takes their job as leader of the BATs seriously, as one would, but I still prefer the fact that they kept a jovial nature despite how grim their situation is. It's an admirable trait to have, and it avoids the trope of making leader characters boring just because they're the ones who have to take things seriously.

Oh, and also, Raine's Disney's first non-binary character who has a stake in the plot. This is a tremendous deal, as you don't usually see that many non-binary characters in children's animation, let alone ones that hold importance to the story. So it's pretty cool for the writers to feature Raine, as it helps several kids feel as though they're finally seen and respected. And the fact that Disney of all companies gave the thumbs up is even more impressive. I hear people say that Dana Terrace should have pitched The Owl House to more progressive networks to avoid pushback, and while I absolutely see your point, I'll have to respectfully disagree. Disney is the largest entertainment industry of all time, so if you want to make LGBTQA+ representation normalized, you gotta stop making splashes and start making waves. Because if the same company that made three racist cats in the span of a few years manages to say that being gay is a-ok, then you know there's something wrong with you. Yes, Disney ended up screwing over the show anyway. But for that one moment, when kids felt pride after seeing a character like Raine, then, in the end, it's kind of worth it.

Also, if you're still having issues with more representation like this popping up in kids' shows, then allow me to redirect you to the complaint department.

...I made that post earlier today for this bit. YOU HAVE BETTER APPRECIATED IT!

Day of Unity is meant to be a Secret: At least, that's what I got when Raine stumbled over their own words. So if it's true, then I wonder why? Why does Belos want to keep the most critical change in the Boiling Isles a secret? Does he want to make it a surprise for his grateful subjects, or does he not want to spread worry and fear amongst the wild witches? It has to be something big if he doesn't want his followers to even say the words "Day of Unity." Whatever reason he has, we most likely won't know until the future. A future that I grow more and more afraid of each week.

Hooty Eating Echo Mouse: My heart sank in that brief moment when I thought that Hooty intensely screwed Luz over in getting back home. But looking back...it is pretty funny.

Just the suddenness of Hooty eating the poor creature that Luz desperately tried to earn its trust is priceless in how shocking it was. And also, Luz's expression.

That was the look of a young girl who immediately shoved her hand down an owl demon's throat the second the scene cut away. The Owl House may not always be a hit in the comedy department, but scenes like this prove that when it's funny, it is hilarious.

Luz and King Entering the Grand Prix: Not much to discuss here. It's just a cute subplot that adds frivolity to the intensity of what's going on through Eda and Raine's story. But I will say that I love how both stories occasionally interconnect with each other through the many moments of Eda being worried about King wanting to leave to find his father and avoiding any conversation about it. It helps both plotlines feel like they belong together, without being something like "Through the Looking Glass Ruins," whereas both stories could have been in their own episode. Which is neat.

How Bard Magic Works: I really love how this season is diving into how the other magic types work. More specifically, the ones that seem a little vague. I mean, stuff like healing, potions, and plants are easy to figure out, but what does it mean when a witch's talents are construction, beast keeping, and bard magic? We've been getting a lot of clearing up lately, with bard magic looking like a witch can control their environments and enemies through the power of music. Which is fair. Music is pretty powerful in the metaphorical sense, and I actually love that it's powerful in the literal sense when in the Boiling Isles.

The BATs: Not much to comment on these three either. The BATs have the potential to have an entertaining dynamic, but they do very little in this episode that I can't say much other than I hope they make a return in the future. But I will make this claim: Amber is my favorite. I'm sorry, but her screaming "You're not our mom!" to then go, "Bye, mommy Eda" is just too precious for me not to love.

I'm a simple man who falls for cute s**t. Leave me alone.

Raeda (RainexEda): Well, EdaxCamila, you were a fun crack ship while it lasted, but I'm afraid that this is now goodbye. The current canon has provided an incredibly adorable and believable relationship that I would be a monster not to support with my whole bi-heart. It's been real.

Ok, back in serious mode: I love these two together. Eda and Raine are grown-ups, and they still act all flustered near each other as if they were still Luz and Amity's age. It's definitive proof that you're never too old to get flustered near a crush, and seeing them interact adds a sense of wholesomeness when seeing them together as well as heartbreak when they're forced apart. Plus, we get confirmation that Eda's LGBTQA+! Whether she's bi, pan, or whatever, now that we know Eda can catch feelings for someone like Raine, it's yet another case that The Owl House is the most important series to the community. Because having the main character be queer is fantastic in its own right. But having the same apply to the motherly mentor figure? That's is an extra bit of normalization that anybody would be willing to appreciate.

Unique Guard Designs: Not many fans are going to appreciate this, primarily compared to everything else this episode does perfectly. For me, I actually like that you see a few Coven Guards looking differently from the others, as it helps make them less like clones and makes it seem like anybody of any body type could be a part of the coven.

Gus Looking Uninterested when Presenting Grand Prix with his Dad: I am positive that you didn't notice this (I didn't even notice it until someone else pointed it out), but there's something to dissect here. It hints that perhaps Gus isn't as interested in his father's field of work as one might think. If he did, he would look a lot less bored and much more excited to be helping Perry Porter present the race. It could just be the race itself, but judging from Gus' expression, it really seems like the kid would prefer to be anywhere but there. And why would he have that reaction to a race that his best friend is competing in? To me, this seems like an inkling of what Gus' relationship with Perry could be, which may not actually get time to shine, what with how little wiggle room the series has now (Thanks Disney). Regardless, it is interesting to notice, and it will certainly have fans thinking for a while.

Bump Being Smug of Luz Being in the Lead: That's it. Principal Bump looking smug as his human student is beating the students of his rivals is yet another moment that proves why Bump is easily the best cartoon principal.

Darius: First of all, this guy is f**king fabulous, and I love him. *Snaps*

Second, he is definitive proof that you do NOT want to f**k around with Coven Leaders. Lilith may have had her intimidating moments, but none of them compare to the guy who can turn himself into an abomination monster where only magic that hasn't existed before can take him down. It's genuinely scary to see Darius lose control, and I fear for the day when Luz inevitably ends up in his crosshairs.

With that said, Darius' still a ton of fun! He may be threatening, but he's just a flamboyant guy that hates the idea of getting his outfit the tiniest bit dirty. And I love that. I love that these Coven Heads have actual personalities instead of being generically evil. I consider it preferable to make villains entertaining rather than blatantly scary as I'll remember the personalities first and the villainous acts last.

Eberwolf: But this one's my favorite. I told you: I'm a simple man who gets easily swayed by cute s**t. And Eber? I mean, just look at her:

She's just a cute widdle rascal! I just want to pinch her cheeks, give her a belly rub, and--

...Eberwolf is not a cute widdle rascal. She is a strong, independent woman, and I will respect her as such from this moment forward...lest I feel her wrath.

That is all. Let's move on.

Eda and Raine Attempting a Final Performance: This was the best scene of the episode. It looked gorgeous, it shows the dedication Eda and Raine have for stopping Belos, and it says so much through so little. Go back and look at how Eda and Raine regard one another when performing Eda's requiem. Through their expressions and a few short words, you know they understand that if they complete the song/spell, they probably won't make it in the end. And yet, they don't care. They both know bad stuff will happen if Belos wins, so Eda and Raine put everything to the side, both their feelings for one another and the people they leave behind if it means putting an end to a tyrant. That level of dedication...Words can't fully describe how powerful that is.

Raine Sacrificing Themselves Instead: But in the end, Raine can't do it. Not when they know the life that Eda has and the people she'll be leaving behind. It's an extra bit of nobleness to the character seeing that Raine refuses to take away a woman from two kids who need her the most. A tad bit selfish, sure, knowing what Belos has planned. But when it comes to love, the romantic, familial, or platonic, the best decisions aren't always the logical ones.

Eda Crying: Luz crying tears me up, but seeing Eda cry is a whole different level of heartbreak. Like Lilith, Eda has her emotions locked up tight, with the closest she came to weeping were those two tears in "Young Blood, Old Souls." In "Eda's Requiem," she cries but almost quickly stops herself. As if she knows that doing so isn't going to save Raine. That is...even worse than seeing Luz break down after losing Eda. The fact that Eda refuses to give herself time to mourn losing someone she loved is tragic because crying is the most natural way of showing grief. Turning that off isn't healthy, and seeing her do it with little resistance is sad to me. It's sad to see a character I love can easily shut off all emotions despite how badly she may want to embrace them. It's one of those moments that, again, by doing so little, it shows so much.

“No one watches Crystal Balls anymore. It’s all about streaming.”: Oof. Even I felt that burn towards cable.

King’s Message: King's message was the pick-me-up I needed after the heart-wrenching sadness this episode put me through a few minutes ago. Seeing King say who he is and listing all the things he loves is nothing short of adorable. On top of that, I adore that Eda willingly recorded the whole thing. She may not want King to leave, but that doesn't mean she'll sabotage the one thing he wants. Especially not after Raine gave up everything so Eda could be with her kids. The opening scene may prove how much Eda cares about a rascal like King, but this heartwarmingly sweet moment reveals just how far she'll go to make him happy.

King’s Dad Reveal: ...ok, I'll be honest, I did not think we'd get that reveal this soon. Dumb of me to say, considering the number of times I've said that these writers don't waste time getting to the s**t, I know. But still, it's pretty cool knowing that King's dad is alive and well, added with the fact that we've got a fair idea of what he looks like. At this point, it's only a matter of time before we see him figure out where the Clawthorne residence is and witness the tear-jerking moments that will follow.

King Changing his Name to King Clawthorne: Not the official adoption I was expecting Eda to make...but DANG IT, is it still diabetes-inducing levels of sweetness!

Personally, I feel like the main reason why Eda breaks down this time is not only because she shouldn't be worried about King leaving her life, but also because Raine's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Her kids really do need Eda because no matter how far apart they'll be, she will always be a part of their life...dang it, I'm going to cry too!

What those Coven patches really do: Well...that was horrifying to see.

...Writers, if you kill off the best non-binary character in animation (it's a short list, I know), we are going to have PROBLEMS!

IN CONCLUSION

"Eda's Requiem" is--surprise surprise--another A+. The emotions hit hard, the representation hits harder, Raine is a fantastic addition to the cast, and it was all surprisingly cute at times. Season Two is currently on a hot streak, constantly winning with every episode that's come out so far. When a bad episode does eventually show up (IT'S GONNA HAPPEN!), I'll be sure to sing my requiem then. For now, I'm just gonna enjoy the ride.

[cellard0ors]

Ficlet: Beneath The Blue

Mermay isn't over and people enjoyed Part 1, so here's some more...

Rhett has a bit of a gambling problem.

No, that's not quite right. More like a gaming problem. He likes games. He likes the rush of winning and it's not so much about money as the thrill of nailing a dart on a bullseye or getting a hole in one or - well - being right.

He really loves that one. Trivia, guessing games, riddles - lucking out on the right answer or just knowing it, always makes him feel fantastic. He's had marginal luck in his life. With basketball, with singing, and now - with his new current career - fishing, but games?

Rhett's always mastered those, rarely ever a loser. But the thing is, to do those things, he tends to have to use cash as an entry to play, thus - a sort-of-not-really gambling problem.

And winning in those kind of situations is also a problem, because, after some time - it tends to attract...attention. And usually the bad kind. Recently it was very much the bad kind, because he was at The 101, engaging in his normal play only to be snatched up by some very rough looking characters.

Ones who took him into a backroom and decided to skip right over the 'broken knuckles' threat and jump right into the 'you're going to go sleep with the fishes' threat.

To be fair, they probably went quickly into the decision once he started fighting back. Rhett's not much of a brawler, but he's a big guy and that in and of itself can create...issues. Especially if his temper is up.

Long story short - Rhett's bit of a gambling problem led him to being clonked over the head (more than once, matter of fact) and taken out to sea. His last real memory before hitting the water was that he'd been amazed at the boulder they'd found to attach him to - where had they gotten such a huge rock from? A landfill?

Not that it mattered - rock, rope, and Rhett all went overboard and into the deep. Rhett tried not to hold his breath, to struggle enough just to get loose, but, in the end - he'd been lost.

Except he hadn't been.

He'd awoken to find the setting sun bathing him in golden light and, above him, an angel. Because only an angel could have such eyes. Eyes as blue and deep and mysterious as the sea he was supposed to have died in.

His throat ached from damn near drowning but he'd still managed to ask the angel for his name. And he'd gotten it.

Link.

But then the angel had turned, vanished, and Rhett had seen that - while he was right about his mythical savior - he was not at all right about what kind.

Because Link had a tail.

A fish tail.

One as sparkling blue and captivating as his eyes and he'd disappeared into the surf so fast, Rhett began to question his sanity.

Had he imagined it all? The entire experience had been traumatic as heck - maybe it was just a coping mechanism for his mind? But then, far out, he'd seen a head appear above the waters.

Seen it and a shy wave and he'd waved back, because what else could he do? He wasn't dead and he wasn't crazy. He'd been saved. Saved...by a mermaid (merman?) named Link.

Which leads to now and his camping out full time on this small rocky stretch of lonely beach. Rhett made sure to check in with the local marina, see if it was okay for him to dock his tiny fishing boat, The Bluegrass, nearby. And 'nearby' was about a mile or so away, because this bit of land is pretty unoccupied and small.

...the perfect place for a merman (mermaid?) to drop off someone they saved. And, hopefully, return to? Rhett's not sure - honestly, this whole thing might be a fool's errand, but either way - he has a tent pitched and is waiting.

Waiting to see if Link returns.

Night after night seems like a failure. Still, Rhett doesn't mind. He can be patient. His last haul (fish-wise, not gambling-wise) earned him a considerable amount, so there's no harm in waiting.

Still, as he sits here now, the sky a lovely lilac as the sun dips low beneath the horizon, he can't help but feel like time's running out. Honestly, what did he expect? For Link to return and want to...what? Be best friends?

The person...creature...per-creature? Did what he could and Rhett should just be grateful and move on. But there was something about him...and those eyes...and that voice...

Rhett cracks open another can of soda, takes a deep sip when he hears it. The water's waves have become almost a white noise at this point, so consistent, but this...this is different. Just a little splish. Or splash. Or whatever.

And it's close. He puts the can down and quickly surges to his feet, looking out intently over the water and then he sees it. Just the top of someone's head. His head. Dark wet hair and blue eyes behind...are those glasses? And Rhett can't see his nose or anything else, but he can see enough to cry out, "Hey!"

The head rears back, sinks some, and Rhett feels a surge of panic, not wanting to lose this opportunity, "No! Wait, wait! Link! I-!"

The head stops, goes still. Rhett continues on, desperate for this to continue, "Please...don't go."

He doesn't.

Bolstered, Rhett continues, hoping he's heard, understood, "I...I just-? You saved me."

Link simply blinks.

"Thank you."

There's a bobbing in the water around him and Rhett's pretty sure Link nodded. Rhett edges just that little bit closer, "I...I'd hoped you'd come back. Not only so I could thank you, but so...um...maybe-? Maybe we could-? Could talk-?"

Link sinks a little more again, but Rhett can still see his eyes and, as long as he can see those, he feels okay, "I mean...you-you came back. Right? So-so maybe you'd-? You'd like to talk too?"

Link's head disappears.

Rhett feels his heart break. But then he notices that the water is moving. There's a rippling, the kind he sees when fish swim close to the surface. As if to punctuate that thought, the broad tip of a blue tail rises up and out, pushing against the waves.

He's swimming closer!

Rhett resists the urge to hoot in delight, to pumping his arms in victory, as Link pushes forward and, on the next movement of water, he surges upwards - his whole head visible now.

Link's entire face is nice.

A strong jaw, a good nose, a very fine mouth and yeaaaah, Rhett doesn't want Link to swim off, so he's going to do his very best not to focus on that mouth too much as he says, "I'm-I'm Rhett."

Link licks his lips, dips his head shyly, "I'm Link."

"Y-Yeah, you-you said..."

They both just sort of eyeball one another, both clearly unsure of what to make of the other. Of how to proceed. Eventually Rhett does, "So, ah, you're-? You're a mermaid?"

Link's eyebrows rise.

"Merman?"

"Just Mer," Link clarifies, "Our kind doesn't really attach those bits on the end there."

"Really?"

Link nods, "Humans came up with that one."

"Oh? We-we did?"

Another nod, "Back when we first used to come across one another."

"...take it that doesn't really happen now?"

"Not really. No."

Another awkward silence falls. Rhett scratches at one cheek, struggling for something else to say when Link blurts, "You're hairy."

Rhett lowers his hand and - much to his own surprise - he bursts out laughing. Link colors some and he gives a bashful smile and okay, Rhett said he wasn't going to pay too much attention to that mouth, but it's hard when it's so danged cute, "Yeah, yeah I am, brother."

"Bro-ther?" Link repeats and it's clearly a word he's unfamiliar with. Rhett beams, "'Brother'. We use it for family members. Y'know, the boys born from the same Momma and such. Can be a term of endearment too."

"Oh..." Link seems pleased with this and Rhett grins, "You got one?"

Link's eyebrows knit together and Rhett explains, "A brother? Or-or some other family or-?"

"I was spawned from another Mer. She came to shore to give birth to me."

Rhett's eyes grow wide, "You-? You were born on land?"

Link nods, "Most of us are. Mers walk between both worlds more often than not."

Rhett lets that one wash over him even as Link comes closer. Rhett can see his tail better now. It's amazing. Glossy and sparkling blue, the scales tightly knit. Rhett's first reaction is wanting to touch it but he quickly shutters that idea - recognizing it as beyond rude. They've just started talking to one another, for goodness sake!

Still, seeing it rest against the wet sand of the shoreline is tempting and seeing it move, more so. It slides and slithers, but in such an enticing way. Rhett moves a little closer, foam teasing at his toes as Link looks up (and up) at him, "Hard to talk at this level..."

Rhett realizes he probably looks like a giant at Link's angle, the Mer practically lying at his feet, so he lowers himself down until his butt hits the sand, crossing his legs at the ankles, "Better?"

Link nods and Rhett does a bit of a wiggle backward to avoid getting his khaki cargo shorts wet. There's an amused smirk around Link that says he recognizes that action. But of course he does - Mers, apparently, can traverse between land and sea.

So, Link is probably aware of how clothing works. Has he ever worn clothing? Come to the shore? Rhett wants to ask so many questions, but isn't sure what's appropriate and what isn't, but Link beats him to the questioning, "Are you a fisherman?"

Rhett lets out a strained 'Ah-?' as he immediately realizes that the true answer will no doubt insult his new acquaintance, but, again, Link beats him to the punch, "You've got the attire for it. Flannel shirt, baseball cap..."

Rhett frowns, "You think fisherman have a particular attire?"

"To my recollection..." The remark makes Rhett chuckle again, unable to help himself, "'Recollection' - you sound so danged southern. Just like me. I was born and raised in North Carolina."

Link beams, "That's where I was spawned! My sire came from the same location. Not all Mers are from the sea. Some reside in lakes, rivers - any water deep enough to conceal us, but a lot of us return to the ocean, considering its the biggest body of water."

Rhett lets that sink in even as Link again asks, "So, you are a fisherman, right?"

"Um-?"

"It's okay if you are," Link assures him, folding his arms and resting his chin there, "It's not really a proud profession amongst my kind, but it's understandable."

Rhett's lips twitch from side to side, "So I'm not, like, catching up your friends or something?"

Link snorts, "What - you think we talk to them?"

"Heck, man - I don't know how it works," Rhett lets out a peal of nervous giggles, getting the idea that Link is teasing him. Link returns the laugh and Rhett relaxes as a realization settles in.

Whether or not Rhett wants to admit it, he did want Link to return. He wanted him to return and be his friend and it appears that that is indeed what is happening.

It's happening and Rhett couldn't be any happier.

[fridaandnigel]

As a man I observe that radfems take account of context WAY more than other types of feminists and they refuse to accept that female liberation is associated with being 'like a man', since, for women, a man is not the gold standard of anything. Rad fems also eschew performance femininity which is great; they are skeptical of femininity and masculinity because of the inherent inequality and oppression that these descriptors too often embody and perpetuate. They do not celebrate choice without reference to the context and how the context shapes, imposes, and oppresses women for certain choices. Opposition to porn and prostitution are case in point. Radical feminism makes so much sense to me in these kinds of ways. When radical feminists are not deriding "all men", they seem to agree that 'different-but-equal includes equal'. But then.... an unwanted pregnancy still happens.

At this point I am mindful of the vast differences between a man and a woman in terms of the reproductive consequences of sex/unprotected sex. A man (like me) has no idea what it must actually be like to carry such vulnerability with you, mixed in with the longings of her heart, her thorough objectification in the eyes of too many men, the stories of her countless ancestors, the leanings of her flesh, and a biology that reproduces with sperm but without permission. Given this heritage and inheritance, why should he ever call the shots? You have to include The Man in any discussion on this topic because that's where it starts. Too many men splash their sperm around inside women with reckless abandon, overbearing coercion (physical, PIV obsessional, financial, societal, status-driven), and all with a societally enshrined lack of consequences - some gold standard to find freedom in! But the patriarchy wants it that way. "She touched it last" means that it is her fault, her problem. Of course, a baby is rarely a problem - it's the other stuff.

Coerced and careless sex and abortion are both steeped in oppressive patriarchal context and a denial of equality and choices, but when it comes to abortion radical feminism doesn't want to help us. It seems stuck as a package deal-definition with in-built gymnastic maneuvers to affirm even sex-selection abortion (which makes an artform of killing unborn women) as a woman's healthy "choice". They proclaim it like it is obviously an exception to the patriarchal context-as-oppression dynamic that they often notice and describe so well. Perhaps this part of context can not be questioned because of the risk of further oppression to women as a class - women raising children is big, expensive, lonely work, and it must seem so much easier to just dismember her in utero without anesthetic one Wednesday afternoon - quickly; before she has a voice. And see? - it's done.

Radical feminism appeals more to me than other types of feminism but not when it comes to abortion. Surely I am not alone because it is common sense that a woman should not have to kill her offspring (especially the female offspring) in order to be successful/happy. At the moment it seems like too often she thinks that she does have to do exactly that, and most feminists just cheer it on. It starts with men.

LMAO why is that whenever the rad cult is freaking out at my pro life posts I always get a whole new flock of followers??

why do I have the feeling some rad-leaning feminists are actually pro life but keep it on the low to not be repudiated by the coven, faking being mad on my takes like

....and then starting following me on the low lmao

[whimsically-ominously-auspice]

A lot of control freaks are at risk. Mostly,control freaks

The ones that must invite evil into other's lives.

The mom that doesn't care her daughter doesn't like her fiance and feels it a mistake to have gotten engaged. But continues to push her daughter, even planning the wedding for her to force her to marry someone whom will be unkind to her

The moms that get limited money welfare or child support and goes and gets her nails and hair done and leaves the children in rags.

The moms that force their children to be perfect at all times, children never had the joy of feeling free. Mud between their toys without receiving corporal punishment aka an ass whipping.

The "friend" always pushing you into drug use.

The "friend" bullying you to go out every night calling you a nerd for wanting to do homework or eat dinner with family.

The teacher that stuffs more and more work down your throat with nary an encouraging word nor tone.

The principal that beats students so hard with paddles it can be heard through the halls of the school and the child not being able to sit pain free without days.

The doctor that doesnt listen to your symptoms and sends you home without proper care Because they are too busy and overbooked.

The dentist that applies a chemical to rot teeth so that they can get money from repairing what looks like cavities in xrays

The adults breaking bones in others because they're "too" drunk or high or much of an ass hole not to be selfish jerks.

Bullies. People that don't mean well but we trust with our souls and lives and they purposely push advice or decisions onto others who dont want them.

Someone who doesn't allow you to breathe freely.

"You don't know how to allow us to breathe. So let us breathe for you" The Ventilator response to idiots and jerks who think they rule the world and you aren't allowed to think or breathe for yourself. In response to the person whom says "you don't know how to breathe. Let me do it for you"

Breathing the same term as live.

Its a beautiful virus Corona and COVID-19

Ironically it affects most Zulululu aliens... And they are the ones that created it.

Welcome to Eaerth. 🌎

COVID-19

Co Ventilator ID (children & adults as age) 19

Those of us helicopter parents ... Co parent the child with the world and the child as age 19.

Those of us helicopter children .... Co parent the parent with the world and parent as age 19.

Thus you see the equation is equality between children and adults.

I by far have raised more children than any other teacher taught for a maximum of 60 years and done it better than them by treating them as adults.

62% of negative comments about the way i taught the NHRA children said I needed to tone down sexual abuse and other information i gave them, the problem is As Adults we Learn that we were sexually abused and People KNEW at that time we were young that it was bad. So i had to tell them each and every thing that could be bad. Because they asked.

They asked me an "adult" question. I treated their questions as they were planning to go play with another child's vagina and wanted to know what the abuse part was.

Had I not explained in exact and general terms as I did they could become sexual predators themselves.

That is how i dealt with the situation. Because I was too afraid they would say "that happened to me" So i treated them as potential abusers. Because I would have ended up back behind that candy shack shaking and hysterical losing my mind. So i put up a barrier between their possible pain and myself.

And educated them in how not to become a sexual predator.

Of those NHRA children, in that sexual awareness class, 13 children only 1 became a sexual offender, repeat rapist and it was Ben who refused to listen and usually sat at his desk drawing. Of the kids that paid attention 0 became sexual offenders.

And if you watched the video they clearly focused on Ben to show he was not listening to the content nor context.

Furthermore. I had to teach them all the ins and outs so if perhaps they were an unfortunate victim they would tell me and we would have the CIA investigate so it would never happen to them

I didn't know if they asked because they were thinking about bodies and various ways they could be touched or if they were asking because they had been touched that way.

So had i shut down any child's question with that's too much information and not have a male come explain it and never have the question answered. I knew i would slam the door in the child's face from self healing from abuse or preventing it from happening to them or to someone else.

They needed all the information available. To understand that if they are touched wrongly they have to know it was wrong and that they could get help. They deserved help and someone would help them.

If i said generally "if you are touched here here or here and you don't want to be and so you were molested" then we would have a shit ton more false rape reports out there.

More lives ruined for lack of information

More lives ruined for lack of information.

Treating every one as age 19. Old enough to smoke. Old enough to rent their own home. Old enough to have their own car. Old enough to know better and too young to care.

50 year old ... "Oh sonny I can't do that I'm too old" no ya ain't old lady. You can do it too.

5 year old ... "My mom says I'm too young but i know I can" then it's something that age isn't discriminatory about.

One common thing is Learning. A child can go to an University class. 7,852,931,862,985,301 people signed up for the free wellness class at Yale of those people 76% were under age 18.

Yale. A top Ivey League school. A University most people are aged 18 or more to attend.

13% were age 50 and above.

Two different people age groups vastly far from one another deciding they could do the same exact thing a 19 year old can do.

COVID-19 surviving.

We don't take away Granny's drivers license simply because shes old. She has the same rights to decide her driving benefits as a 19 year old.

No putting granny in a nursing home when she can still keep up her own residence. She has the same rights to decide where and when to live as a 19 year old.

No telling granny and our son who they cannot or can date. When our 3 year old says "my soulmate Is here. I want to introduce you and myself to her" then you go as if they were 19 years old.

COVID-19 that term will allow us surviving the Apocalypse to survive our world that is leftover.

Corona Virus. Time down with Our Spouse and children. The difference between a child and adult is the adult can drink a beer because they are over the age of 21. So in the state of COVID-19 we still respect you're fucking old enough to have kids and we can't tell you what to do.

Wahu Virus. Whahoooooo!! The world will be a better place everyday.

We didn't create the virus. Only the names and chose to not prevent the disease to be released but to be available to be spread.

Nathaniel is always ordering the release of Viruses in China and Hong Kong. I over heard his phone calls and wrote them here. Only 62% of you remember.

He wanted a job...

So it was apparently a code. So our CIA went into the computer and advised them to release it into the Wahu zip code. Meanwhile our CIA on the ground prevented and arrested the ones spreading the disease and only allowed 25% of the virus to hit its targets.

We knew it would spread naturally and the thing was to make a big deal instead of a big virus splash into our air and land.

The targets were outlying rural areas that we allowed. Not deep city but because it was air based we chose to allow the open air places to receive the diseases.

So in a place where 500,000 people would be exposed we closed that to an area where only 5,000 would be.

So while we chose to allow a virus to spread we already had magic done to allow it to kill only EVIL HUMANS. as aliens are not ours to kill...

Except as it progressed evil aliens took too much joy and wanted to do destruction, too. So that is when Wendy and her Team changed the virus to include also Evil Aliens who have no right to be on Earth.

As People became concerned as to how to not catch the Virus COVID-19 became the name.

We never wanted China to be held responsible nor it be called The China virus so we never called it Wahu. Straight to Corona. We said we would back fold it to why we chose that location in particular.

Nathaniel's Zulululu lab is in northern China. So it would been in China it was released. We made up a huge event that was top secret about anti government assassins... People like me would be attending in the millions. And so this way we manipulated the Zulululu to believe it was the best place when really we Jist liked the name and it would suit our purpose to educate for future reasons.

We had to shut down the world's government. And this was simple.

To prove i do have control of the world and we don't want Zulululu here at all or other aliens. They don't fit. They don't live well here. We don't mesh. We aren't friends.

I'm not living on a planet that always deems killing and war necessary. For Some one to try to gain control like sport while hurting my friends I allow to live here, this is my planet it wasn't created by any another than me and Alex. Marc is a star from a collapsed galaxy. Its a long story. But we are a 3some.

When Venus was attacked. We allowed them a safe Haven. We invited them and changed our world to include them

Those some aliens that attacked Venus live here now.

I allowed them and all aliens from 1777 to 1977 to prove they have the ability to sustain their alien life here. Only 1 planet has proven they had the ability.

In the film Virgin River i once again visited to notify the leaders of Zulululu they needed to evacuate inn 1979. They instead said they would change me to rule the world. So i took that challenge. It is now 2020. And they have failed. All alien life has failed.

In the film you'll see I do things my way. To prove they are wrong and do not deserve a place on my planet.

You'll see i do allow friendly conversation and warmness between the community and I.

I get tired of the lying bitch ass mayor and i do strike her with a heart attack. You'll see me extra extra pissed off in those episodes.

So review those and realize I'm totally fucking pissed. Especially when i am standing in her living room after.

But i still remain friendly. I even bring the bitch her dam mattress down.

But i wanted to kill her and didn't. I could had but th3 point was to tell her to quit lying. She figured out who I was fairly early on and abandoned the baby to distract me. I was a trophy to be kept In the neighborhood. Not someone to listen to.

Look at Chloe's eyes. She's certainly of an alien quality..

I also knew what they were up to.

If you watch it seems things take abrupt turns ... Its research. Knowledge gained from patterns and observations.

Like now i watched and right away knew who was lovers. But it is not revealed until i figure it out then. So when she brings out the divorce I had only realized it after going into,her bedroom that the cabin was hers. And doctor had already yelled at her about me staying in his cabin. So in her bedroom I realized they were at one time living together due to her decor. And photos on the night stand on his side of the bed...

Point is we ghosted into alien communities refusing to leave to ask them to leave. Walked and existed in their communities as we did in our own with our True Loves, family and friends.

We proved they had not adhered to guidelines.

And this is why we have WWIII.

Because they are still here.

In the film you'll see phones like now to show them what we could be provided and would provide their home planets with to communicate on.

When they refused we took all our stuff away. And left them with nothing. If we replaced a TV with one of ours... When i left. They had nothing left. I took what was mine in a fit of rage. And didn't return what had stood there before.

We provided them with these items via magic 1-4 months before arriving so they would not suspect a stranger.

The first time we hadn't and in 1979 it was the second time we attempted to help them gently understand they needed other leave.

That is why what you see now in WWIII is so cold, calculated and done. Pissed off. No 2 ways. Fuck you do what i say.

33 years extra i tried different ways. Their recommended ways. To allow them one last chance..

Now in my mind these bitches are all dead. Cause im gonna kill what they live in and eject their souls.

Currently our galaxy is in a black hole. So they can't find us and how to return. Any Galaxy in a Black Hole means if you try to enter you will be killed upon sight..

No "are you lost can i help you?" Instant death.

And our planet is in a black hole within the black holes. It has been since 1817. That is why the only planet we see is Venus because we brought it with us.

Otherwise we could see almost every planet and moon in existence but we don't.

Because of rude ass alien invaders.

So with the Corona Virus we made rules that have punishment of death attached if they are not followed precisely.

To further protect us in the future.

"What's your parenting plan?"

"COVID-19 and if we don't do it we will die"

Aliens will think again about settling in if for some reason they happen to make it to Eaerth.

Then we ruthlessly kill aliens "that wasn't age 19" no second chances..

Loop hole is all ages are treated as 19. So if they do treat us as age 19 because they studied before trying to invade...,well that happened to so and so when,they were 10 --- "we are informed you treated him like a 10 year old. You must be executed immediately"

19 at age 10. 10 at age 19.

You see? Air and water tight.

No one is fucking with our planet again.

Simply they will learn to stay the fuck off.

Don't worry m I break this down to nano if ever we're invaded.

But I built it beyond xyano to prevent it.

So we will be okay.

Work on being safe and taking care and enjoying life. Memorizing your new parental models of COVID-19