#THEY CAN'T KILL ME LIKE THAT WITH JAMIL'S CARD

[takohebi]

they can't do this to me............

[yuri-is-online]

Hi Yuri! Have you ever considered the idea of there being an alternate version of the twst boys in Yuu’s world? Since we have no clue if it’s just another planet or an entirely separate universe, it’s theoretically possible. Poor Yuu would think they are going crazy seeing a familiar face or hearing a familiar voice in another world. Perhaps it is even painful to the point Yuu tries to avoid interacting with the boy in question. - 🦐

(Also, I am well aware of how often I’ve been sharing these thoughts. If they’re annoying you or you don’t feel up to it, I don’t want you to feel pressured to respond or anything. I’m just spitballing and posting before I forget. 👉👈)

OH BOY DO I HAVE SOME THOUGHTS ON THIS!!!!! (first and foremost being that you are very much not annoying <3)

An alt version of a twst boy in Yuu's world is just so yummy. There's so much angst potential depending on what the relationship is/was. Did their boy die in some horrible accident? Is he waiting for them, anxious and terrified about where Yuu went? Does this imply that twst also has a version of Yuu somewhere out there in the world? Questions questions. I did sort of write about this idea in the tags of this yan version of the soulbound au, wherein a cursed Yuu driven insane by their curse kills their soulmate before being isekaid to Twisted Wonderland and finding a different version of him, horrified with the realization that they could kill him again... but I want to cook up some dynamics for what the dorm leaders/overblot boys could be up to in Yuu's world first sooo...

I had a hard time thinking about Riddle until I remembered he's a horse girl and cast Yuu in the role of bad boy ranch hand whose dad's got a job at the barn so they're forced to help take care of the horses and warn all the would be YA protags about the "special horse" who doesn't take orders from just anyone. Not that Riddle is the protagonist... he's more the well established rich petty bitch who looks down on the new girls and especially on you because you're never taking care of his horse in accordance with all his stupid rules. And in stereotypical horse movie fashion Riddle has a massive not so secret crush on bad boy ranch hand Yuu who just doesn't get why he keeps trying to talk to them.

There isn't much royalty left in the world, but imagine Leona as the son of some rich business magnate whose older brother got the company and left him with "nothing." Maybe Yuu works at a liquor store part time and Leona comes in to pick stuff up every once in a while. You wouldn't call him a friend, but you guys shoot the shit enough that you have a general feel for each other to the point he joins you on your breaks to keep up the talk and play chess.

I love the idea of student president council Azul. He's made for that trope. Born for it, he'd be such a terror with Jade as his VP and Floyd as well. Floyd. I can't see him really being a part of the student council but I had this idea the other day based off this instagram post I saw about this mom who sews right? Her daughter was running for class president and she made these bracelets with little shrimp on them and attached them to cards that said "Keep it shrimple! Vote for (kid's name)!" And I was struck with this vision of Yuu doing that so like. Yuu running against Azul with that campaign slogan and he's tearing his hair out over it being so popular because people like memes (the original idea had Floyd running as Yuu's vp but they both dropped out at the last minute because neither him or Yuu wanted to do the actual work lol.) I also like student council president Azul and delinquent Yuu... but that's because of Tsuredure Children ha

Kalim and Jamil are hard... but I think the same set up of rich businessman's kid and his bodyguard in training still fits. How Yuu meets them is beyond me, but if you were friends with either of them could you imagine how painful seeing the same tragedy play out in this new world would be? Jamil doomed to always be a servant and Kalim doomed to be betrayed by his best friend... that would be so painful for someone who cared deeply about either of them I could see it motivating Yuu to try and resolve things for twst Jamil and Kalim that much harder.

Ok so hear me out... Vil still wants to be an actor in your world but he doesn't have the connections to his dad and is working as a pharm tech with Yuu at your local drugstore while going to school and hunting for gigs. He mentions being interested in cosmetics and magical pharmacology in game... and he also mentions knowing nothing about his mom so like. Your world Vil ended up with his mom instead of his dad and you get to see him on the cusp of his big break as one of his number one supporters from the very start, only to get isekaid to a world where you get to see what things could have looked like. It's strange how similar and yet not both versions of Vil are...

Idia is the guy who comes in to buy snacks at your convenience store during the night shift who you start talking to when you notice him buying a game time card for something you also play. You're stupid awkward around each other at first, but it's nice to finally have someone to talk about your niche interest with once you've passed each other's sniff tests. You don't actually know him know him though... so getting sent to another world where there's another version of him makes you worried the more you learn about his backstory that maybe you should have been there for your Idia more. Is he doing ok back home? Did he think of you as a friend? You hope he isn't blaming himself for any of this...

Malleus is an old money trust fund baby whose family was absolutely royalty at some point and is still overly attached to it. He likes old buildings, cemeteries, long walks in the fog, you know all those good goth things. He's tall and socially awkward and so grateful for you, his first and best friend who he met one moonlight night he swore was a dream in his favorite abandoned building who spoke at length with him about all sorts of things he liked. So you know. More or less the same. Just without the world ending powers... I think this is another one that would be quite sad. Which version of Malleus needs Yuu more? Which one is the real one? I'd hate the idea of him being destined to always be lonely and lose the ones he loves.

As for Yuu avoiding them... I could see that. It would feel weird seeing someone you love so much only for it not to be them at all. I know that the Lovebrush Chronicles kiiiiind of deals with this??? I wish I had the patience to play through it has an appealing glasses wearing ro but it's a mobile otome :/ but still. It's a concept I promise I am totally normal about.

[lisaas2418]

Unique Magic against Yuu

So I got this idea from @lightvsdark18 and decided to do one for my Yuu as well. Basically, it's about if Yuu was able to withstand certain Unique Magic from the TWST boys. I will also include my Twst Oc's for the variety.

Disclaimer: suicide mention on Riddles part

Riddle Rosehearts "Off with your head"

It would not really work. Obviously, because they don't have magic. But it still remains tightly around their neck, just like in the Manga.

Non Funfact: In book 1 after getting the collar with Deuce and Grim, after Riddle went Queen of Hearts on the chestnuttart, Yuu had a panik attack because it was so tight around the neck it reminded them of a time they tried to off themselves

Deuce Spades "Bet the Limit"

It cannot work since Yuu doesn't have magic. I doubt he could return an attack twice fold that consists of blot.

Cater Diamonds "Split Card"

Since it's not a spell that has influence on Yuu, it is going to work. Can't stop the duplicates. But they can fight them just the same as original Cater.

Trey Clover "Doodle Suit"

Hair color change? Yes. More serotonin for a small time? Yes. Anything to the Blot? No.

Leona Kingscholars "King's Roar"

Yes, it definitely would, hence why Yuu is slightly nervous when Leona uses that

(Not as traumatized as Ruggie thoughbut seeing that was still awful)

Jack Howls "Unleash the beast"

He is a big doggie. He is getting pets.

Ruggie Bucchis "Laugh with me"

It can work, but it also can't. It depends on how much Yuu is willing to resist to the spell. Basically a test of willpower. If absolutely needed the Blot chimes in and absorbs the magic.

Azul Ashengrottos "It's a deal"

Yes, it does. Although there is a loophole they could use to avoid getting an anemone on the head. Since it's magic, the Blot could just absorb it and so the problem is solved.

Jade Leechs "Shock the heart"

Again, a battle of willpower and maybe the Blot has to get involved. On the bright side, if he tries that once he is not gonna be able to try again.

Floyd Leechs "Bind the heart"

No magic, no ability to divert it.

Kalim Al-Asims "Oasis Maker"

Yay! The water shortage problem can be solved finally!

Jamil Vipers "Snake Whisper"

If he were to ever dare try that again on Yuu, it would be the same as with Ruggie and Jade.

In addition to getting beaten up

Vil Schoenheits "Fairest One of All"

Just like with Trey, anything but the Blot

Epel Felmiers "Sleep Kiss"

Ah yes claustrophobia how lovely 😀👍

Rook Hunts "I see you"

It works, but if the Blot sees it as dangerous it will absorb it.

Idia Shrouds "Gate to the Underworld"

tackles Idia to the ground

Yuu: No way you are doing that again!

Idia: I wasn't going to!

Malleus Draconias "Fae of Maleficence"

Ah, jikes that opened up a wound. It would work unless with strong willpower or the Blot which would mostly be the latter.

Silvers "Meet in a dream"

Obviously, since they are trying to recruit people to stop the lizard dragon from killing everyone

Seek Zivvolts "Living bolt"

It would work and scare the living shit out of Yuu

Lilia Vanrouges "Far cry caddle"

Yuu ain't an object Lilia!

Prabirs "Red Flower"

Can't exactly defend themselves against fucking fire running amok by a blind dude.

Funfact: He once accidentally gave Yuu a slight burn on the hand. Prabir apologized profusely after that.

Udaars "Bare Necessities"

If Yuu and the Blot allow it it's all cool and well.

Kaushals "Swift as Night"

Yuu: Bruh he turned into black Sonic-

Sahats "Deadly Claw"

Yes it would work. Although it wouldn't have any effect on the Blot.

Jaakobahs "Trust in me"

The same as with the others who have emotion/mind related spells

Ahirs "I wanna be like you"

Again, with Cater, the spell doesn't affect Yuu themselves, so it is going to work

Hope this was entertaining for you guys

[soup-du-silence]

(I'm so sorry if this ends up being sent twice, the first time got a bad request error :'D) Top 3 favourite cards from twst? Be it for the art, vignette, clothing, etc!

jhsflaskhdh sooooo okay I've only been playing since november! so there are a lot of cards I've missed/havent even seen because....idk there's a lot of them and sure, I've gone and looked at my faves to see whats available but there's a lot of characters I haven't bothered looking at and

basically welcome to the kalim al-asim appreciation hour lmao

Jamil is actually my favorite boy, but I think a lot of his cards are kind of mid, and it's probably because he's one of the (many) characters they try to make, like, seductive looking, and. That doesn't really do much for me lol. I don't like Jamil because he's sexy, I like him because he always seems like he's one personal inconvenience away from killing everyone in this room and then himself. Objectively he's gorgeous but I actually like his live2D better than I like a lot of his cards, if that makes sense! (I actually had a laugh about his applepom card when it was announced because what are you DOING you doofus get off the GROUND you look like a FOOL!! The groovy is cute tho so it's fine haha)

And Kalim is not really a sexy-type character! He's just a plucky, fun-lovin' guy here to have a good time! That's usually the kind of character I gravitate to, so his cards are superior to me. (My top three boys are Jamil, Kalim and Ruggie, so Jamil is really the outlier haha)

anyway:

Pop music club Kalim!

Obviously since I just started playing, I missed this one and I'm devastated about it. All the pop music club cards are GREAT because their little battle sprites music the enemy to death and that's just amazing, but Kalim gets a grunge look and that seems made for me, specifically, because loving flannel is a native trait for my specific breed of lesbian. Combat boots too??? Thank you. I wish these cards had vignettes, I want to know who dressed him. (It was Cater.)

Tsumsitter Kalim!

Okay primarily I like the ungroovied version of this one (actually?? I usually tend to like the ungroovied versions better most of the time) because he is SO cute in it? His face?? Is adorable??? (Yknow how I said I like Jamil's Live2D better than his card art? Kalim ALWAYS looks more like Himself to me in card art and I dont think his Live2D ever really does him justice.) I have the same complaint everyone else does about the groovy, in that the lighting is weird and it makes them look unnecessarily pale. Otherwise it's alright! The TsumTsum events are very stupid but also very charming.

Playful Dress Kalim!

God I can't wait until we get this event in EN asfdskf at least I didn't miss playful land!!! They could give my man a break from the dropped-crotch pants now and then but otherwise this look is amazing.

Honorable mention to all of Ortho's cards, they all fuck unnecessarily, all the swimwear cards are a lot of fun (I also want this event in EN, it also looks stupid but charming), and I'm making one concession for Jamil's Birthday Jacket Groovy, it was his birthday and they let him commit one murder, as a treat, go off king, you deserve it (rip sebek):

[alxastrx]

Twst reasons to overblots & design rating !

Tw : SUBJECTIVE OPINION

Reasons to overblots :

1- Malleus

You mean to tell me that an almost immortal being is getting hate bcs he's loosing the closest thing he had to a friend and a father knowing that that'll happen to everyone he knows and can't take it like a mature adult ? When faes are canonically minors under the age of 200 and he's 178 and clearly struggling with his emotions since he was raised in loneliness ? Lmao. Okay. (I have to keep it short or I'll do a full Malleus analysis and no one wants that).

2 - Vil

I CANNOT put into words how much realism he was made with, and I could FEEL it through his overblot. Overblotting because no matter how HARD you try you'll always be second ? Because people will always prefer the other option because you're SO hard on yourself that you legit seems overworldly to others and it makes them feel intimidated ? Vil better than me I would've overblotted SO MUCH more in his shoes. And him being disgusted with his own actions because HE KNOWS THAT THIS ISN'T HOW HE SHOULD ACHIEVE GREATNESS OH I'M SICK. And the aftermath when Rook voted for the other team ? While I understand that it was logical and I don't blame him for that, it legit hurt me, so can you imagine Vil ? He literally almost fainted, and that's a tame reaction if you ask me. Vil overblot was perfect.

3 - Riddle

No need to elaborate I think. His overblot hit too close to home and I IMMEDIATELY loved him. Also while I love Ace he kinda deserved to be punished for the tart tbh. Like just don't steal what's not yours ? Use your brain ? Riddle punishing him was EXTREMELY reasonable, even more so when you know that he LOVES strawberry tarts, and Ace refuting that AND coming after his position when he could have just APOLOGIZED, is def one of the reason I wasn't fan of him for MONTHS. Not surprised that Riddle got very mad at him (I def would have too).

4 - Leona

Now his reason was very similar to Vil, but the reason I liked it less (doesn't mean that I disliked it) is because he knew he would be second from his birth, that nothing he could ever do would change that while Vil has the possibility to become first, and he's yet unable to do it and I find that even more tragic. Leona was literally doomed from the start and yet he still tried his best for years only for the people he would have been a king to if the successor was based on skills alone to be the one hating him ? Kill me. It caused him depression and ruined his life, so much that he gets held back on purpose to not go home ? Killed me even more. He deserved so much and he got so little hiahdqirongbzkzhzo.

5 - Idia

Listen, I understand the pain of loosing a brother, I lost one of mine, but never in my 20 years of life would I have ever thought of building an IA OF HIM ?? He kinda went crazy with this one. I wished we had gotten his parents' reaction to robot Ortho tbh. Him being unable to move on from Ortho was so good, especially when we know that he blames himself for his death, and getting CORRUPTED by og Ortho is perfect. I don't have a lot more to say, sorry.

6 - Azul - starting from here, there's a huge gap between the classements. The 5 firsts were TIGHT together.

He's an achiever who lost the empire he built, I get it. But like, just build it again. Stop crying and rolling on the floor, and get up and act like a man. Of course, I know he's still a minor too, so I understand why he reacts like that, but Idk. I didn't feel as attached to his overblot as the others, which I'm kinda sad about since I REALLY like him, he's just so enjoyable.

7 - Last and least, the bitch himself, Jamil

Could have prevented the overblot if he learnt what communication was and I'll stand by that. Tried to kill Kalim because he couldn't take his anger on their parents, the yk, lmactual reasons why he felt like this in the first place. And he held Yuu captive too. He has no excuses.

Design :

1 - Riddle

PERFECT. LITERALLY UNMATCHED. The cards, the dress, the makeup, the eye color change, everything was PERFECT !

2 - Vil

I didn't know I needed nun Vil before but I do now wtf. He made me think of Mary so much it's insane I was in shock. The spikes were GOOD.

3 - Jamil

Since this on design alone, this is the only time he'll ever be in one of my top 3. The color scheme was on point and the snake design was VERY fitting.

4 - Azul

It was GOOD. And since it gave us Azul in merform it's 🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️. The color was fitting once again and he just overall looked good.

5 - Malleus

I'll never say it enough but NEON GREEN IS SUCH A BAD CHOICE FOR DIASOMNIA LORD ! Forest green would fit them all MUCH better, and it's proved once again by his overblot design. The purple is good, but the green is such a thrown off dude... I also didn't particularly like the hair choice but I did like the tail. The rest of the design is just not very special.

6 - Leona (he's fighting with Idia for the last place)

The hair... the hair was not it. (I did like how it kinda matched Cater's (especially when you consider that Cater had called him sweatheart minutes before... my Leokei shipper sense is in action...)). The rest of the design was just meh.

7 - Idia

I'M SORRY BUT THAT WAS JUST HIDEOUS WTF. Idia with short hair is my nightmare dude.

[mellosdrawings]

I hope you’re having a good day! 💕 I shall ask questions 6, 9, and 25~

6. First SSR? Most recent SSR?

My very first SSR was Dorm Uniform Leona who still, to this day, tends to carry my team (except at STYX. Surprisingly Leona and Jamil kept dying even though they were together and my two strongest cards while Azul and Cater carried the two other teams :'D)

My most recent is GloMas Azul!!!

9. What changes would you like to see implemented in the game?

Well, the game is very stingy with rewards. Not just gems. It takes forever to reach friendship lv 20 and forever to max spells for SSRs and forever to have a hundred pulls to have at least a guaranteed on banners and forever-

I like the pacing, it's slower than other games so I can take my time, I don't feel drained because of the constant onslaught of events (I'm a completions sadly) but that also means rewards are even more absent. Plus that means reruns are very few and far in between.

I'm also terribly bad at the Twistunes that ask you to tap precisely on the notes. I just can't finish Scarabia's twistunes at 100% because of it (and, once more, I'm a completionist TwT)

Other than that... I like the game well enough. Maybe a few other gameplays here and there? I liked the minigames in Book 6 (even though I also can't complete them x') (yes I am a completionist xDDD))

25. Which character(s) would you actively avoid?

IRL?

Ace. I don't take shit from people anymore so I would've blocked him immediately. Can't be bothered with his mean tsundere stuff.

Idia would be a hard one too for my own mental health.

And I could never manage Sebek's loud voice. My hyperacusis would kill me immediately around him.

(Also Crewel. I already had a teacher pull a baseball bat while in class and it fucking terrified me. I couldn't handle the whip.)

Other than that, while I would probably keep some distances at first, I think I could manage. Maybe.

Also I am having a good day! Thank you for asking!

[ryuichirou]

Replies

A couple of replies today.

Anonymous asked:

Hell yeah, I’d get a daki from you. Also, Edmund as a body pillow? I’d eat that right up! (You can take that literally or figuratively.) Also a Lilia daki would be sexy af. Hmmm, depending on my cash situation later, I’d love to get an Idia dakimakura. The thought of his over flustered face makes me positively FERAL.

Ahh thank you so much, Anon! <3 Of course, feel free to message me about an Idia dakimakura or anything else whenever you want. He is the most perfect fit when it comes to characters to be put on daki, to be honest…

I am also very happy to see you feel that way about the possibility of Edmund as a body pillow hehe I would also love to eat it up both literally and figuratively. This boy is very eatable.

eh-nonnie-mouse asked:

I am sending this ask in super late but your guys piece with mountain Jade killed me. Like seeing the canon art was so cute and handsome and then the groovy had me on my knees clutching my heart and then your interpretation just KO'd me , just like he probably KO'd the poor soul who found him. I could see that one sketch (I think it was you two) where Jade and Rook pass each other in the woods with unidentified long black bags that suspiciously look like people.

But I was revived with the latest cute fucking Octo Trio in Isle of Lamentation and ASFGKJ I am so FERAL for that group of characters. (Not me up here crying in the club at Orthos HUMAN?! cute excited face omg 😭)

Is this Idia's dream and that's why he looks so shocked or is he super concerned because EELS are going to corrupt his baby bro!

Oh and how soft Azul looks at Idia, like they are group of highly disfunctional people who are a little (a lot) crazy for each other in all sorts of ways 🫠 but they are so pretty!!!! and WHY can't Floyd keep his clothes on ahahaha. He's just waltzing around half naked like a gladiator of old and everyone else is dressed appropriately. Orthos excitement over shoes is so cute! Is he looking at Floyd showing off his cool kicks (cause that eel is a certified sneaker head(?) Shoe fanatic?)

And as a last thing. Kalim is like an Asian parent in the way they show their affection through 'You vaguely like something? Here's a lifetime supply because I don't know how else to show my feelings'. Like I know it's just how Kalim is, very open with his affections for Jamil and he probably thinks money and gifts are the best ways to display that. Especially if Kalim can't get as touchy feely and handy as he would like but it just reminded me of that behavior.

No worries, thank you for sending asks!! I am always replying after like 4 months, so “late” doesn’t exist here; time is a flat circle lol

I am very happy you liked that Jade drawing, and YES it was me who drew that doodle of Jade and Rook lol We really love a forest as a creepy setting in general, so I just keep defaulting to something spooky whenever I draw anything related to it. And Jade’s new card was the perfect opportunity!

Jade really is a cryptid from the mountains… And apparently a very charming one 😭

Igni+Octa is such a good combination, I can’t get enough of them! I’m happy you also like them together!! <3 Ortho would always get along with Floyd lol The Tweels are bad influence on him.

It isn’t necessarily Idia’s dream, it’s kind of like an AU? We just wanted to put them in a setting that has vibes similar to Ancient Greece. But you are right: Idia is terrified because while he was talking to Azul, Ortho got completely enamoured by a pair of cool sandals… what else these creeps (fellow shoe fanatics!) are going to give him??

It’s so funny that you noted that Floyd just can’t keep his clothes on, we were wondering the same thing. I drew this sketch a while ago and coloured it the day we posted it, and the entire time I was unsure if I should dress him a little… I guess nah… he really is a gladiator at heart lol

You also completely nailed it about Kalim! I do think that he would love to shower Jamil with gifts, and to him it’s just like little ways to show appreciation and affection… when you are used to your family buying a whole-ass amusement park for one day just because you wanted to hang out there once, getting your beloved Jamil a lifetime supply of chocolate doesn’t feel too crazy at all!

Thank you as always for your kind review of everything that we post <3 I’ll reply to your other ask too!

eh-nonnie-mouse asked:

PEAKED NIPPLE ALERT!

ok sorry sorry but is Deuce going to get stuck again? Because that would be hilarious. Jack can't help himself when his Athletic rival is under him. Do you think they do this frequently? Working out does increase the blood flow and those running outfits are pretttttty tight.

YES!!

Also yes, this is very likely lol It’s a bit difficult to say if it’s them getting too riled up because of them training together, or it’s because Jack would develop a Pavlovian reaction at some point… He sees Deuce in those shorts – things happen :”( <3

Anonymous asked:

If Deuce tugs on Jack's tail, will Jack-

1. Yelp

2. Growl

3. Moan

:3

Anonymous asked:

Hi, I'm the "Deuce pulling on Jack's tail" anon. I forgot to add-

He does it at a random point during the day. Like, just walking behind him and just grabbed it and pulled.

(forgive me for forgetting to add this, I feel bad for sending in two asks for one question....)

I think it depends on what is on Jack’s mind at that time. It’s not entirely impossible for him to produce a sound that is too close to moaning… that would be embarrassing…

But in all honesty, I think he would yelp. Which would also be embarrassing because this is too much of a puppy-like reaction. He isn’t a kid anymore..!

If it’s someone else or Jack doesn’t see it’s Deuce who’s touching his tail, I think he’s going to growl though. The boy’s ready to attack lol

[thepageofhopes]

Does anyone still do these anymore? Either way I updated my fav character bingo since it's been a bit. Characters under the cut (numbers from left to right, top to bottom)

Ink!Sans, Underverse. Scene chosen here is because he looks cute, but the cut off speech bubble is him being nonchalant about betraying all of his friends

Sayaka Miki, Madoka Magica. It's hard to find a good happy picture of her so Magia Record gacha animation will have to do.

Utena Hiiragi/Magia Baiser, Gushing over Magical Girls. Can't go wrong with the phenomal 'are you sorry' scare face.

Mion Sonozaki, Higurashi. I love her especially in her goofier times.

Subaru Natsuki, Re:Zero. Scene chosen here is one of my favorite moments of him from Season 1, the moment where he chooses to throw away his chance at a peaceful life to save those literally trying to kill him.

Gamzee Makara, Homestuck. Scene chosen because it's what sold me on Homestuck and him in general.

Rui Kamishiro, Project Sekai. While I could use the upgraded pretty cards, the moment where he coldly defends his friends is my favorite moment of him in the entire game so far.

Bete Noire, Glitchtale. Not the scene that made me want to cosplay her, but still one of the scariest looks in the animation.

Suika Ibuki, Touhou. I sadly can't put a gif of her swaying back and forth due to being drunk af, but imagine it there.

Azula, ATLA. Gotta love the smirk as she's captured.

Kaiji Ito, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor. Had to get a scene of him whith those nice scars, they really show his detrmination through everything.

Keiichi Maebara, Higurashi . While I haven't seen Gou, this is a great shot of him. I love his determination and trust in his friends even in the darkest moments.

Kallen Kouzuki, Code Geass. The scene here is her about to use the Guren on Orange-kun, which is one of her best moments season 1 and is just a great shot of her in general.

Rose Lalonde, Homestuck. I actually quite like her Pesterquest art, and it screenshots the best.

Junko Enoshima, Dangan Ronpa. Her reveal and arrogant form is my favorite of her sprites.

Helen Richardson, Magnus Archives. Great depiction by theoldkyokodied since there's no official image!

Undyne, Undertale. Her True Hero form is what sold me on the game, and was also my first true boss I faced since I did a genocide run first.

Katara, ATLA. Love this scene where she confront the one who killed her mom and shows just how powerful she is.

Kaguya Shinomiya, Love is War. Hard to choose a pic here since there's two sides to her personality and I love them both, but I really love the fireworks episode and her escape is great.

Tahani Al-Jamil, The Good Place. She's so pretty but also her arc and personal troubles really resonate with me.

Kabru, Dungeon Meshi. Great colors and expression from the anime here, really showcasing his manipulative edge.

Tsukasa Tenma, Project Sekai. Very Subaru like character, I love how much he grows through the game and the moment where they get the entire park together to put on the huge event is probably my favorite sekai moment.

Lord Dominator, Wander over Yonder. I do love me a villainess who loves being evil, and the scene here of her manipulating hater is great.

Lelouch Vi Britannia, Code Geass. While the scene here is of his more evil/manipulative side, I actually really love him because of his humanizing moments.

[fictionfixations]

Out of Context TWST

imgs are from:

Prologue Book 1 Fan translation of Cater's ceremonial robes vignette Rook's ceremonial robes vignette Book 5 Book 6 Book 7 Spectral Soiree Tsumderland 2 A Firelit Sky Jade's Halloween Groovification Message

and then i gave up (was gonna go in order after laughing at the first img. now its a mishmash of me randomly remembering some bits i wanted to add, and removing the ones that didnt mesh too well)

recently finished book 6 and starting book 7 so there's a bunch of book 6 imgs in here

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

(note: I can't find the lashing of love line when we encounter Crowley for the first time?? I swear it was there before but now its just not??)

[Lilia: What's this? You'd really turn down my juice?!]

[Vil: WAAAH!]

you get no context whatsoever except that he's sobbing (for three long hours.. its funny i swear). i refuse to show you the visual if you haven't seen it yet.

["I shall even spare it from being served as dinner."]

[Crowley: If you're not satisfied with my offer, I can arrange to have you thrown out again.]

[Grim: Not more lashings of love! We gotta get outta here! Ace: OW!]

[Deuce: Because I'm going to launch you.]

[Epel: You're...hurting me. Please, let go?]

*proceeds to beat everyone up* /hj

[> Then it's kill or be killed!]

[Grim: I'd recognize that collar anywhere. It's the same one that psycho stuck on me at orientation!]

[Cater: Aww yeah, I am getting my paint on!]

[Cater: Even so, he'll have a mom.]

Context because I can't share more imgs: In his Ceremonial Robes vignette, he's basically guessing what people's dorm will be with Trey. When they get to Epel, he goes,

[Cater: He's by far the cutest~! If he had an older sister, don't you think she would be a total stunner?

[Insert Trey's response]

Cater: Even so, he'll have a mom.]

He clarifies that he's joking but still LOL

(this was changed in the eng localization to a comment about washing dishes)

[Vargas: Great sorcery begins with a great physique! Behold the muscles you can build with a diet of raw eggs!]

[> Muscly dog man, sure why not.]

[Ace: A painting? Hard pass! I don't care how cute she is if she's two-dimensional!]

[Riddle: It's not absurd! It's literally the law!]

[Leona: Hey, I'm into it.]

[???: *sniff* *sniff*]

[Floyd: Whaaat? Sorry, can't hear you, man! Hair dryer go brrrr!]

[Deuce: You don't get to call my eggs stupid. You don't get to call ANY eggs stupid!]

[Grim: So you were only a little more annoying than you are now? > I did notice you had that vibe...]

[(Jade) "Oooh, I love it when you flee in terror. It makes me want to chase you!"]

SS from:

But I found what card it's actually from by the wiki

[Malleus: Oh, now I have to clean up your waste? You little scamp.]

[Deuce: For sixteen years, I was so sure...]

[Cater: Ooh, it's almost time! Okay, all you sexy body doubles, that's a wrap!]

[Deuce: I fell and got a boo-boo. Ouchies. *sob*]

[Jade: Oh dear, how did I get into this mess? Don't tell me you planned for me to get caught this whole time...!]

[Jamil: So I made wet burgers.]

[Grim: What if there's an assassin out for our blood?!]

[Lilia: "Lilia. When I woke up this morning, Drago was gone. Now there's this egg in his place. What should I do?"]

[Vil: EEEEE HEE HEE! YEEESSS!]

i cannot explain the utter joy contained within that one voice line. It's just pure exhilaration.

this lives rent free in my brain (along with the kiss. you get no more context besides that)

(it looks funny without the voice attached tho LMFAO. it's like a "Kyaa~! Yatta!" as in like a scream/yell and then 'hurrah/I did it/yes/sweet'! ehh, basically joy when things go well)

there's a limit to how many images you can put in one post. oops.

[icharchivist]

I'd ask for all the characters you would like a card from, but then we'd probably be here a while

oh god we'd be here forever yes. And i mean you already saw a bit of my stash and it's not even enough

like, if budget wasn't a problem? i'd take any of those:

like one top The Dragon Knights, The Wales Brothers + Tor, i'd also consider the Dalmore Gang (Gawain&Florence&BERTILAK) as well as the Chickadees (though especially, Arthur, Mordred, Cruz.). And maybe even Merlin.

WMTSB: Lucifer, Lucio, Sandalphon, Michael, Gabriel, Shalem, Belial, Beelzebub, Lucilius, Sariel, Cosmos

Dragons: Ewiyar, Wilnas, Lu Woh, and both Orologia

Marionette Stars: Randall, Feather, Fiorito, Ragazzo, Tikoh, Troue ( :( ), Manamel

Eternals: Seox, Feower, Tien, Seofon

The whole Fox Gang: Kou, You, Societte, Yuel, Sui

Special: Lyria, Vyrn

I'll pick Meg and Mari too even if Mari will murder me.

Random Humans: Silva, Cain, Nicholas, Albert, Altair, Cagliostro, Illnott, Jamil, Cordelia, Ryan, Icas

Random Erune: CATHERINE, Elmott, Sen, Nehan, Yuisis, Eustace, Seruel, Lowain, Elea, Krugne

Random Draph&Harvin: Ladiva, Reinhardtsar, Mugen, Garma, Lunalu

Random Primals: Grimnir, Noa, Lich, Rosetta, Colossus, Enyo

and it's ONLY for the ones i can think about. i'm sure there's many NPC i would kill to send cards to but i can't remember them rn.

.... but yeah therefore it's just, pain.

there's def charas in those lists i feel stronger than others but i'd definitely want a card of most of them. god.

[twstgameplay]

I'm struggling to crack 17k on Cosmic Basic. I can't tell if I'm too powerful or what. My core team is: Dorm Vil, 107, 10/10/10 spells, all buddies maxed Dorm Leona 90, 10/10 spells, all buddies maxed Dorm Epel, 84, 10/10 spells, all buddies maxed Dorm Rook 95, 10/10 spells, Epel maxed, Lilia at 9. I've tried using Groom Lilia (73, 10/10 spells), dorm Jade (80, 5/5 spells) and Birthday Jack (80, 5/5 spells). I have Dorm Jack (90 5/10 spells) but worried he might be too strong, I'm struggling to NOT over kill but most attempts end during round 3 or first turn round 4. I also have Harveston Epel (88, 5/10 spells) and Camp Trey (85, 10/10 spells). I tried using them and despite all the advice saying Harveston Epel is great for Cosmic I couldn't get better than 15k. I just don't understand what cosmic wants from me, I thought we needed strong cosmic attackers, yet I got a better score using the Dorm Vil/Leona/Epel/Rook. I'm starting to feel like I've wasted resources. Please help?

Yikes! Cosmic basic test is literally the unwanted guest whenever it comes around. Like, read the room already, nobody likes you fr 😭

Since you didn’t mention Bday Suit Lilia, I'm guessing you don’t have him? It’s important to have a 5 duo team to get the most pts in cosmic basic test, but besides that, you also gotta rely on #RNGesus unfortunately 😔

Honestly think it’s the lack of a 5th duo that’s holding you back right now! (and a stronger Dorm Rook will always help!) So I wouldn’t say your team is too strong per se for this exam since my team is not much different from yours (DormRook[104 10/10], DormEpel[85 5/10], DormLeona[100 10/10], DormVil[95 10/10] and B.dayLilia[76 1/5] 5 DUOs) and managed to get SS (17.3k+) on the first 5 tries, but lady-luck wasn’t on my side after that. It’s especially more finicky this time round ‘cause of the HP bar and well…Leona heals on questionable turms (T1) or just doesn't at all! Sheesh. Talk about uncooperative. SO on brand

What other SSRs do you have? There are other team comps that can get you SS but on a basis, you really gotta MLB at least your finisher (lv110 preferably) and have 5 duos for the team.

An example of a different team I saw that got SS (17.2k+) had DormRiddle[110], DormAzul[100+], DormCater, DormTrey, and Grooms Ace[100], but that's a lot of mlb cards 😣

Harveston Epel is the literal goat 🐐 on cosmic basic tests, 😎 especially if you want a shot at getting SSS in the future!

With the current EN cards available, a team with these guys would easily get you SS if you can limit break him further(MLB preferably!):

Dorm Jamil Dorm Kalim Dorm Idia Dorm Ortho Haveston Epel

So don’t worry! You didn’t waste resources by working on him 💪 I mean the #legends that cracked SSS on JP all use Harveston Epel as their finisher! Although their teams all have one card that’s not avail on EN atm. Which is Masquerade Idia, so just keep that in mind for your further pulls 😉 

-♦️

[d4rk-x-w0lf-17]

TWST characters as Sonic fandub quotes

MC/Yuu: Can you guys stop having relationship issues while I'm on the phone with my dentist?

Ace: Top 30 reasons why Sonic is sorry. Number 5 will surprise you.

Deuce: I'm going to kill you...........and then kill you again.

Cater: You fool. I have 70 alternative accounts!

Trey: Ahahaha...! .....fuck

Riddle: I love seeing people suffer when they've wronged me; even if it's minor.

Jack: WHO posted my NUDES on Twitter dot com?!

Ruggie: I can't believe he came to his intervention drunk.

Leona: The desert....count how many sand is here, Omega. That's your first mission.

Floyd: So this is the fabled Tilted Towers.

Jade: You feeble minded little gay....I am so beyond Fortnite!

Azul: I'VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT. SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG IS A BITCH-ASS MOTHERFUCKER

Kalim: We need to go over there, and just like—fucking chill the fuck out. Everyone is so tense!

Jamil: Get the fuck out or I'm gonna shoot Amy in the fucking face! I swear to GOD, I'll DO IT you BITCH! GET OUT!

Epel: SHUT THE FUCK YOUR MOUTH YOU PIECE OF SHIT

Rook: I'll let you out if you take my 'I'll Fuck You' card.

Vil: I didn't go to college for 3 years to get called a dusty bitch.

Idia: I don't feel so good. Why are all my limbs slack? Why can't I move my eyes? Why can't I move my mouth? Is this an internal dialogue? I can't see the end of the horizon-- HATSUNE MIKU???

Ortho: Beep. Borp. Instant ramen. Beep. Borp. Robot noises. Anyone here got weed?

Sebek: okay everybody shut up, shut up. shut up. Shut up. Shut up! SHUT UP!

Silver: Oh, I just wanna sleep, Blaze. I'm so tired of taking melatonin. It makes me tired all the time.

Lilia: Do you know where the nearest Hot Topic is?

Malleus: I'd like to be in the friend zone. I'd like friends.

[alpacahat67]

TWST ch6 on EN and TWST EN's censoring - How the HELL?

Below the cut is spoilers for some major parts of TWST's storyline, particularly books 4 + 6 and miscellaneous spoilers for stories/events that aren't story-important (such as Ruggie's backstory and the Phantom Bride event)

There's also a mention of attempted sewer slide stay safe guys

Hey, Alpaca's back again with a TWST rant! So... with the leaks I've seen of the February schedule, we're probably getting Ignihyde dorm cards in February. Which means book 6 soon!

As an Idia Shroud enthusiast, I'm PUMPED for that dorm card and to be able to play TWST for an extended period of time because my attention span just can't sit there and grind with no purpose. However, I've also read translations for book 6, and with my combined knowledge of book 6, the backstory of the Shroud brothers, and the themes in the translation of TWST EN, I'm also scared.

Death and grief are a HUGE part of Idia and Ortho's characters. Ortho as we know him wouldn't even exist without death and grief. However, EN has a tendency to censor things regarding death and murder. [1] This is most notable in their censoring in the Phantom Bride event, where Idia is dragged into marrying a ghost named Eliza against his will who ends up ditching him for another ghost. In the Japanese version, they seem to be very on the nose with the fact that if Eliza were to marry Idia, he would die. But on the English version, if my memory suits me right, it's said that Idia would join Eliza in the spirit realm and not much else. They've even censored parts in Ruggie's story where it's mentioned that his mother died shortly after giving birth to him.

With their aversion to talking about a concept like death... censoring book 6 would completely undermine everything about the Shrouds. From Ortho's reason to even exist to why Idia overblotted. The entire book surrounds death to such a degree that separating the concept from the book will COMPLETELY alter the Shroud brother's characters.

I believe it'd end up similar to book 4. Book 4 also had an essential part censored - Jamil and Kalim's master/servant relationship. Their relationship is the entire reason why Jamil tried to usurp Kalim, it's the exact reason why Jamil holds a grudge against Kalim, even if their relationship isn't Kalim's fault. TWST EN avoids Jamil referring to Kalim as his master and avoids him referring to himself as a servant. I can't think of a solid reason as to why this change was made, maybe it's North American culture, but it just undermined Jamil's motivation for everything he did in book 4. If Jamil just worked for Kalim and wasn't born into being his servant, why was his jealousy so strong?

Just as the erasure of Jamil's role as Kalim's servant altered his motivations, Ortho not dying or the idea that he is dead would alter Idia's motivations. The loss of a loved one is the entire reason why Idia rebuilt him, accepted the fact he'd never be free from the curse, locked himself away, and basically attempted to kill himself just to be with his brother again. The "real" Ortho's death is why Ortho teams up with his other self in book 6 in the first place, he wants to be like the person he was modeled after so he can see his brother happy again.

If they remove death from the story of Idia and Ortho, they might as well make them different characters.

However, I can imagine one way that would be remedied. If Idia remembers that he "lost" Ortho in some way, didn't remember how, yet still felt responsible for it, the extent of his grief likely wouldn't change. Of course, it'd be a little upsetting they're erasing such an integral part of his character, but if they're going for censoring without altering the story, that's their best bet. Even then, Ortho dying would have to be somewhat implied. How else would he be in the underworld? How else would he have that conversation with Idia after his overblot convincing him to stay? (Oof... that whole convo would be censored too, wouldn't it? This entire book is DARK.)

I didn't proofread this, so sorry.

EDITS:

[1] Correction; Phantom Bride was not as censored as I thought. I completrly forgot any Idia saying he would "literally DIE" if him and Eliza "smoocharoo" which is bullied him relentlessly for. Tbf... I didn't read it as intently and I read Firelit Skies or WUAS lmao. I think I was extremely loopy when I wrote this.

[fruixtii]

Sigh. Please tell me about twst

AS YOU WISH

sorry I didn't see this sooner, today is my dad's birthday so I was eating dinner with him :D

anyways!

basically Yuu (the MC/player) is magically transported to Twisted Wonderland, the world of Disney characters. They are stuck in a highschool with characters based off of disney villains. In their school they basically idolize the villains the they have statues of "The Great 7" and dorms modeled around each one. In parentheses are what they are called in game. Each character is based off of a disney character from their stories. And not all of them are villains, or even people! The head of each dorm will be first and vice dorm leaders will be in italic.

Heartslabyul - Queen of Hearts

Riddle Rosehearts [Queen of Hearts], Ace Trappola/Deuce Spade/Trey Clover/Cater Diamond [Card Soldiers]

Savanaclaw - Scar (King of Beasts)

Leona Kingscholar [Scar], Ruggie Bucchi [the hyenas], Jack Howl [unknown]

Octavinelle - Ursula (Sea witch)

Azul Ashengrotto [Ursula], Jade Leech [Jetsam], Floyd Leech [Flotsam]

Scarabia - Jafar (Sorcerer of the Sands)

Kalim Al-Asim [the Sultan aka Jasmine's dad], Jamil Viper [Jafar]

Pomefiore - Evil Queen (Beautiful/Fairest Queen)

Vil Schoenheit [Evil Queen], Rook Hunt [the Huntsman], Epel Felmier [the Poison Apple]

Ignihyde - Hades (God of the Underworld)

Idia Shroud [Hades], Ortho Shroud [some people think he's based off of hercules or megara. not sure though]

Diasomnia - Maleficent (Thorn Fairy)

Malleus Draconia [Maleficent], Lilia Vanrouge [unkown], Silver [Aurora], Sebek Zigvolt [apparently he's based off of Maleficent's lightning powers? I think it makes more sense that he's based off of her goons.]

Also Silver doesn't have a canon last name, but I think it should be Vanrouge because Lilia is his dad!!

Ok not that we've gotten past the informational stuff, let's get on to what I think about them!!!!!!!!!

DIASOMNIA OMFG. I love them sososososooooooo much. You don't know how much found family means to me like I would kill for them. They would kill for eachother actually. Lilia is like. who knows how old over 500 years apparently and he's also their dad. Both Malleus and Lilia are super old fae. Silver is a human and Lilia's adopted son, while Sebek is half human/half fairy. Sebek is Lilia's pupil and he's training to be Malleus's personal gaurd along with Silver. They also drew up together. AND fun fact about Lilia he's actually a war veteran and looked after kid Malleus (I'm telling you he's literally his dad). But they are so important to me like i can't even express it properly.

[louisvuittontrashbags]

so what characters do you like from twisted wonderland?

Top-tier: Leona, Malleus, Vargas, Crewel, Lillia, Idia, Sebek

High-tier: Jack Howl, Azul, Jade and Floyd, Crowley, Riddle, Karim, Jamil

Mid-Tier: Ace, Deuce, Trey, Cater, Silver

Ehhhh tier: Ortho, Grim, Epel, Ruggie, Vil, Trein

Never Speak to Me Tier: Rook

The rankings change all the time, I put Karim and Jamil in High because Karim used to be top and Jamil was mid but the rankings keep shuffling. But I can't wait to see more of their story as we go! Honestly I don't really hate anyone except for Rook, who is JUST... he literally just walks around with hunting boner out being weird and grossing everyone out LMAO. Maybe he'll magically redeem himself once I see more of him but so far every time he appears in a story he's just "TRE BIEN! OH THE LION MAKES MY HUNTER'S BLOOD BOIL! MAGNIFIQUE! I WISH I COULD LE KILLE YOU AT THIS VERY MOMENT! C'EST BON! NOTHING WOULD PLEASE ME MORE THAN LE SHOOTING YOU IN YOUR DELICATE NECK!" Like GODDAMN CALM DOWN YOU ARE AT SCHOOL WEIRDO LMAO

I really do wish we had more from the professors, I want Vargas and Crewel cards 🥺 This game has been unbelievably stingy to me with SSRs but I love the story and the chars so as long as they keep giving us story and cute events I'll live with it.

[caranfindel]

Recap/review 14.01: Stranger in a Strange Land

The Road So Far: Well, this montage pales in comparison to the one at the beginning of 13.23. Conspicuously absent: Sam being killed by vampires and resurrected by Lucifer. Also, it's set to an AC/DC song, and I dislike AC/DC, so let's just skip this, shall we?

(But Caranfindel! We thought you LOVED all that crappy old 80s music!)

You kids behave or I'll turn this car around.

Anyway. We open with Sam, driving the Impala alone through the night. He feels the same way I do about AC/DC, and turns off the radio (Sidebar: Have I mentioned before that I love when the soundtrack becomes part of the actual scene? Because I do.) Let's just take a good look at Sam here, looking magnificently angry and beardy. Because of course he's been too busy/depressed/other reasons to shave. And honestly, I'm not normally into beards. I love some heavy scruff, but a heavy beard doesn't generally do things for me. But this is just, rawr. I don't want him to keep it. Mama needs to see those dimples. But for right now? Let's enjoy it.

Mmmmm yes.

We cut to a (presumably) Muslim man being awakened by a call to prayers. He puts out his rug, begins to pray, and is suddenly shocked to see The Flying Squirrel sitting in his living room. Still wearing the hat, unfortunately. Michael informs Jamil that he's read about him, and quotes what is presumably the Koran (and Jensen speaking what is presumably Arabic isn't quite as hot as Jared speaking French, but is still very, very enjoyable). I wasn't aware that Gabriel and Michael were mentioned in the Koran. (Is this not actually the Koran? I'm going to feel like an idiot if it's not.)

Yes, you are the better one, but only because of your pretty, pretty vessel.

Michael is there to ask Jamil the question he's been asking a variety of people ("holy men, leaders, killers") for weeks. "What do you want?" (Sidebar: speaking of holy men, I still wonder where Michael and Lucifer found all the ingredients for the spell to open the rift in AU Land. How did Lucifer recognize that the blood came from a Most Holy Man and wasn't just average blood?)

Jamil says he wants peace and love, and Michael snidely points out that if he'd really wanted peace, he wouldn't have left Syria and abandoned his friends to die, and that's cold, man. That's really cold. He also tells him that if he cared about love, he wouldn't have gone into that broom closet with Darlene and his wife wouldn't have left him, and I'm with you on that one, Michael. Avoid going into broom closets with chicks named Darlene. Michael then throws Jamil about the room and tells him he's lost, and not worth saving. And for his part, Michael wants what he's always wanted: a better world. Oooh, like ours, maybe? Duh duh duuuuuhhhh!

New title card! I don't really like it. The blue flames are cool but the wings are too cartoony.

Bunker. The place is bustling with activity. A poor Sam substitute with long hair and a plaid shirt is laying out different types of bullets for Mary. Maggie is tending to someone who was injured by a rawhead. Someone shows up with food. Sam comes downstairs, apparently having just returned from Atlanta, and gets a hug. Aw. I guess the silver lining to Dean being gone is that Sam gets to be Number One Son for once.

His lead in Atlanta didn't pan out, but Mary reminds him that Ketch is working on a lead in London (and just like at the end of s13, there is no evdience at all that Mary remembers or cares what Ketch did to her in s12, so... okay then) and Cas is doing something in Detroit (Sidebar: How does Sam feel about Detroit? Can he hear Castiel's in Detroit without hearing Lucifer tell him I think it's gonna happen in Detroit?) and then she thoughtfully expositions for us that it's been three weeks since Dean... and she trails off without saying whatever she was going to say. I know it's awkward to say since he agreed to be an archangel vessel in an attempt to save your life but you could just say since Dean's been gone.

She assures Sam that "something will break; it has to" (and I'm thinking yes, and it will be Sam) and he says "yeah, you keep saying that." Oh, Sam. You used to be the one assuring Dean that you'd be able to fix/find/kill/save whatever, and now you're on the other side of that conversation.

He yawns, and she tries to get him to get some rest. Poor Sam never had a mother and now he's being mothered within an inch of his life. Then Not!Sam calls him Chief \o/ and gives him some soup and some bad news about vampires on I-90. Sam gives some instructions, because he's Leader Sam now, and then he asks Maggie if she can hack into the traffic cams and she says "Um. No."

I don't know if this is just supposed to be amusing, or if it's a sign that Sam is cracking under the pressure and has forgotten that this is Maggie, not Charlie. Or if it's just a demonstration of how useless Maggie is, although she's performing first aid so it's not like all she can do is sneak out to meet the cute guy at the Gas N Sip.

Sam hands his food off to Mary, because you can't hack and eat at the same time, everyone knows that, and sits down at the laptop, pointedly ignoring some mothering from Mary. "I'm good, I am," he says.

YES YOU ARE, MY PRECIOUS LITTLE LUMBERJACK, YOU ARE SO, SO GOOD.

He asks Mary about Jack, which is our segue to Jack sparring with AU Bobby. Jack's learning how much life sucks with no angelic powers. While Sam has ignored his grooming routine, Jack has changed his hair. It's shorter, without so much swoop in the front. It's okay.

Cut to a barbeque joint in what must be Detroit. We see a pair of shoes and too-long pants walking in, and then a guy wearing a pair of Agent Smith sunglasses says "Castiel, darling" and greets Cas, who is sitting at a conspicuous table right in the middle of the dining room. The fireplace behind him looks very much like the one we saw in President Lucifer's hotel room. Coincidence? (Spoiler alert: No, I don't think it's a coincidence that there’s a Fireplace from Hell in this restaurant.)

Cas is surprised Agent Smith chose this place to meet, and Agent Smith is surprised that Cas wanted to meet at all, considering that he's (dramatically removes the sunglasses) a demon. (gasp!) Cas asks if any demons know where Dean is, and Agent Smith says he's surprised that Cas lost him, considering that they're "joined at the... you know, everything." Oh, wait. Is Andrew Dabb a Destiel shipper? Because it's getting awfully shippy in here. I feel like I should complain about him pandering to the baser desires of a certain contingency of fans, but on the other hand, he's give me Bearded Angsty Sam, so let's just agree not to discuss our various base desires, shall we?

Carrying on. Agent Smith asks the eternal question, not "what do you want" but "what's in it for me," and Cas threatens to kill him if he doesn't spill. Oddly enough, even though Cas could tell if someone was evil or if they were lying in s13, he didn't realize that everyone else in this restaurant is a demon. Your powers are oddly specific, Cas. There's a fight, in which angels and demons use fists, because that's just what you do now, and Cas is predictably beaten to a pulp. (Also of note: one of the beer signs in the restaurant is for Fast Jack's Ale.)

Cut to a church. Sister Jo? We're back to that, then? Okay. Anael walks out, counting a wad of money, and meets Michael in a dark alley. He calls her Jo because... because that's how he was introduced to her? No. Because that's her angel name? No. There is no reason for any angel to call her Jo. What the fuck ever. She recognizes that he's not Dean, and then I don't know if he reveals his wings, or if she just sees him in Angel!Vision (Angel Radio is so old fashioned), but we get a special effect and she realizes who he is.

Do I like this or is it cheesy? 🤔

She even knows he’s not from our world. But I guess the AU angels recognized that Lucifer wasn’t from their world. Just not so quickly.

Oh God.

People keep calling me that.

Hee! (Although I don't think angels would use "God" like that but whatever.) She asks why Dean would have let Michael possess him, and Michael answers "love," and YES. I am here for Michael recognizing that Dean loves Sam (and maybe Jack but we know this was about Sam) and would have only done this to save him. Michael asks her his question, what do you want, and she spouts some designer labels. (Sidebar: What is the deal with her, anyway? Why does she need money?) He doesn't believe she's telling the truth, and I hope he’s right, because Show has given me no reason to think an angel would be interested in material things, even if they're covered with big tacky double-C logos.

Michael says he knows all about her, because "the other angel" knew all about her. Lucifer? Is he talking about Lucifer? (And one of the things Lucifer knew was that her name was not Jo, but whatever!) He knows that what she really wants is love, a home, a family. "It's very, very human of you." Hmmm. Interesting that Anael kind of liked that "almost human" feeling she got when Lucifer was sucking down her grace. Michael knows there are very few angels left, and thought he might be able to help, but if they're all as lost and fallen as she is, maybe they're not worth saving. Careful, Anael. The last person who heard this speech was Jamil, and it did not end well for him.

Bunker. Jack is sitting on his bed when Sam comes in. He's heard from Bobby that Jack had a terrible no good awful day (although I thought Jack was actually okay at the end of his scene with Bobby?), and he's so kind and encouraging about how hard it must be for him to be without his powers. "I have faith in you, Jack," he says. "And I believe in you." Which is basically the same thing but daaaaaawwwww! Mary interrupts to say "Sam, um, he's awake." Sam sighs and looks distressed and I know what you were all thinking. Who is awake and why does this distress Sam so much? He tells Jack "We'll talk later, all right?" but Jack stays in Quiet Angst mode and doesn't respond as Sam sadly creeps out of his room.

In the hall, Sam and Mary are talking about him.

Did he say anything?

I didn't talk to him. I can barely look at him.

Sam is clearly fucked the hell UP over him, and Mary peels off as Sam hesitantly opens the door. The room is dark, and a figure in a white shirt is sitting on the bed. Sam sighs nervously again and turns on the light and walks into the room. The man on the bed is facing away from us, but we can see his bed is in the middle of a devil's trap. Sam comes closer, radiating fear the way he did when he was locked in the jail cell with Jack in 13.01, and the figure turns around.

Hey, Sam.

Hey. Nick.

OH GOD, GUYS, NICK IS ALIVE.

We get a flashback of Lucifer convincing Nick to be his vessel, but we don't get Lucifer promising revenge against the people who murdered his wife and baby. I think anyone who hasn't been watching long would have benefited from knowing why Nick said yes. But maybe we'll get back to that later.

Sam and Nick discuss his nightmares, and I can't help wondering how much he remembers, if he knows what his body did to Sam, if he knows how many of Sam's nightmares feature his face. Sam cleans his angel blade wound, and they speculate on why the archangel blade didn't kill him. I assume they're setting us up to accept that the archangel blade will kill Michael and not Dean. Oh, those crazy archangel blades and their bizarre rules.

(Sidebar: Why is Sam the one taking care of Nick? Because no one else will do it? Because Sam won't make anyone else do it? Discuss.)

(I'm not crying, you're crying.)

Nick is a little whiny and "poor me, I almost ended the world." Okay, that's not fair, I can see why he'd be upset. But do not whine to Sam Winchester about it. Sam is so tentative and kind. When Nick says it must be weird to look at him, Sam surprises me by saying "yeah," instead of brushing off his own trauma. He asks Nick if he remembers anything, and Nick says it's still "bits and pieces" and nothing about Dean. He does remember Michael saying he "wanted to do it right this time." Duh duh duuuuhhhhhh!

We see Sam in the hall, shutting the door with a long shaky sigh and rubbing at his face, and STOP IT I CANNOT DEAL WITH THIS I AM ONLY HUMAN.

This is the sound of my heart breaking.

I have so many feelings about this scene. First, so much love for Jared, because he shows Sam's terror of this guy SO WELL. And, like 13.01, that conflict between his fear and his need to be nice to this person, to care for him.

And I have conflicted feelings about Nick being alive and well. First, it's bizarre, because (1) why would the archangel blade not kill the vessel along with the angel, because that was definitely human blood, and (b) why is he sane? Why would Lucifer have taken better care of his vessel than Raphael did? (And does it mean Gabriel's vessel is alive over in AU Land?)

And does it mean Lucifer is coming back? Because I DO NOT WANT. Although I have one tiny speck of hopeful joy, because if this isn't really Nick, if this is, in fact, Lucifer? Or if Lucifer's grace will grow inside him (because we know a bit of grace remains inside the vessel) and he becomes Lucifer? That means Sam could still kill him. (Oh, please, baby Jesus.)

But I also have a lot of anger. Because this should have been a shocking reveal, and it wasn't, because the SHOW ITSELF SPOILED IT. I don't know if this happened to everybody, but in my time zone, we had a commercial for the movie "Halloween" that was apparently a tie-in with the show, and it showed Sam asking Nick if he remembered Michael. AND THEY SHOWED IT BEFORE THE REVEAL. WHAT THE FUCK, SHOW??? I assume it was a mistake, and judging from my Tumblr feed, it didn't happen in every time zone. So to those of you who actually got to be surprised, congratulations. I'm sure it was awesome.

Carrying on.

Sam's phone rings. It's Cas's phone, but it's not Cas talking. It's Agent Smith. The next shot is Sam loading up his weapons bag, confidently agreeing with Mary that yes, it is a trap, but of course he's going anyway. He's bringing Mary and Bobby, which makes sense, and Maggie, which doesn't. I guess all the good hunters are off looking for vampires on I-90. Jack wants to come too, which Bobby finds ridiculous, but Sam explains that Jack needs this. OH SAM.

Back at the restaurant, Agent Smith gets a coffee refill and asks Cas if he's sure he doesn't want anything hot and black. Which reminds me... what happened to Michael's previous vessel? Shouldn't he be around somewhere? Agent Smith says he's trying to be a good host, "like mother would have wanted," which makes me think we're going to find out something interesting about his mother and/or a female boss, perhaps an awesome Queen of Hell. (Spoiler alert: false alarm.)

He expositions that he needs something from Sam, because someone recently asked him what he wanted (Michael! It was Michael!) and he didn't know. So he thought about it, and he realized he wants everything. Hmmm. Would Michael have accepted that as an answer? Apparently so, because Agent Smith still walks the earth.

Impala. Sam's driving, with Mary riding shotgun, and I guess everyone else is in Bobby's truck. Mary tells Sam again that everything is going to be fine, and he shocks me by saying "Stop saying that, please." He's tired of her relentless everything will be okay and says "Dean's gone, and we have no idea where he is, or if he's even still alive, you know? Michael could have burned him out, or worse..."

Mary says she knows that, but she has to think about the good, "because if I don't, I will drown in the bad," which reminds me of Sam once saying there was so much evil that he thought he could drown in it. And I like this scene a lot. I like Sam breaking, telling Mary what he thinks instead of burying his feelings. I like the fact that Sam knows so much better than Mary ever could what can happen when you're in an archangels hands. I like that Sam knows how Raphael's vessel ended up, alive but gone. I like that Sam's voice gets shaky when he talks about what could be happening to Dean. I like this all, very much.

In the other car, Bobby tells Jack that they've got his back. Jack looks sadly out the window. I don't know why. I don't understand what's going on here. Is he concerned that he's so useless, someone has to have his back? Is he having second thoughts about coming along? Is he regretting his haircut? I just don't know.

The gang arrives at the restaurant and Sam gives Mary the demon-killing knife. "They'll search me," he says, because he's so damn smart. Then he tells the others "you know what to do," which suggests some kind of plan, and heads for the restaurant. Once inside, he is patted down as predicted, and Agent Smith fangirls all over him. "You are a damn legend, Sam. An icon! The shoulders, the hair! You are my Beyonce!" Same, Agent Smith. Same.

Sam ignores him to ask Cas if he's okay. Cas says he's more embarrassed than hurt, and, well, he should be, because this is pretty embarrassing. Agent Smith introduces himself as Kipling, Kip for short, but I'm sorry, it's too late for that. He's stuck with Agent Smith as far as I'm concerned. Sam refuses to shake his hand. Don't feel bad, Agent Smith, he refused to shake Mick Davies' hand too.

Smith points out that Sam didn't come alone, as he was supposed to, and his minions drag Jack and Maggie into the room. "Found them outside," a minion says; "they didn't even put up a fight." I assume this is part of the plan, that Jack and Maggie are a diversion or something. Agent Smith says he needs more from Sam now. He wants to make a deal.

Turns out Hell is in "a bit of a pickle." Crowley is dead and Asmodeus is "Kentucky-fried" (see, it's funny, because he looked like Colonel Sanders) and Sam interrupts him to say "I don't care" but Agent Smith thinks he does. Or he will. He wants to be the new King, and he wants Sam to work with him. "You see, I want the Crowley deal. I give you information, a spot of help every now and again, and in turn, you choose to turn a blind eye to the crossroads deals, the demon-on-demon violence, etc." Well, good for you, Crowley. Your mother thought the Winchesters were your weak spot, but Agent Smith here realizes it was a mutually beneficial relationship. Sam tells him they didn't actually have that deal with Crowley, and also that he's no Crowley, and aw. I miss the little limey bastard.

Agent Smith doesn't appreciate this, and growls that in his day he rode with Genghis Khan. He pokes Sam's chest and says "If I had my way I would eat your heart," and I feel you, Agent Smith. If I had my way, I'd also be removing that unfortunate orange jacket and that shirt and nibbling at whatever I found underneath. It's a sad day for both of us.

Agent Smith tells Sam that he's not afraid of him, but his minions are, and he should take the deal before he "stops trying to be Crowley," which I guess means stops not killing Sam's friends. So, is Agent Smith going to be the new Big Bad? The new King of Hell? I mean, he's not the most boring demon we've ever seen, but he's not really grabbing me, either. On the other hand, a King who's more of a Sam fan than a Dean fan could be fun. (Though, let us never forget that no matter how much Crowley craved a bromance with Dean, he was still Not Moose in Crowley's phone.)

Sam acts like he's considering the offer and then calmly says "no," and then Mary and Bobby burst in and there's a weirdly long, weirdly slow-motion fight. Really, it goes on way too long. There's no reason for an extended slow-motion fight when there's no suspense about who's going to come out of it alive. The only person who might conceivably die here is Maggie, and even she survives. Jack defends a fallen Bobby, Mary tells Maggie how to use a knife (seriously?), Sam gets some nice hair-in-the-face action, but really, we could have skipped 90% of this melee. And I'm still confused about why sometimes demons can pin people against walls, and sometimes they can't. Or just choose not to.

Eventually Sam kills Agent Smith and then shouts enough! and oh, you know I like that, don't you. Everyone stops fighting, because Sam Fucking Winchester said so. "There will be no new King of Hell," he announces. "Not today, not ever. Anybody wants the job, he can come through me. Understood? So, what's it gonna be?" Apparently it is understood, because the demons immediately smoke out. The humans (and Cas) look at Sam, shocked, and he pants (hubba hubba) and says "that's what I thought."

Well. What do we think about this? I mean, on the one hand, it's awesome. It's Sam Fucking Winchester taking charge. On the other hand, the only possible way it makes sense is if the demons have a reason to fear him. And that would have to be because they see him as Boy!King Sam, not as Sam Winchester the hunter, right? There's no reason for them to fear him that much as a human hunter. But there's no way he's getting his powers back, so why is Show teasing us like this?

Carrying on. Sam is back in the bunker, wearing a dark shirt with rolled up sleeves showing his big veiny arms (YAAASSSSS), holding a beer bottle against his head. He's on the phone, telling someone to keep looking. Cas comes in and Sam tells him the call was from Ketch, who's in London looking for the pulse generator they used to remove Lucifer from President Rooney. Hmmm, I'd forgotten about that thing. So, is Ketch searching in the BMoL headquarters? Is he welcome there? Or are they dead/disbanded because of what happened over here? So many questions. No answers.

Mmmmmm... ❤️

Cas asks if he's okay, and since he's on an honesty streak, Sam admits he's been better. But also that he's been worse. Oh, Sam. Cas apologizes for going to the demons, and Sam says he'd have done it himself if he'd thought of it. "If it meant finding Dean, I'd work with... I'd do anything."

Have you considered watching The Weather Channel? They’ve been tracking Michael for days.

In the kitchen, Mary and Bobby drink beer and make cute googly eyes at each other. He calls her "Sunshine." They're precious.

In his room, Jack stares angrily in the mirror and tells Cas he's fine, which is obviously a lie.

All I did was get punched in the face.

To be fair, we all got punched in the face.

Hee! But Jack misses his powers, and the ability to actually do something. Cas tells him his grace should regenerate with time, which answers THAT big question. Jack complains about being useless without his grace, and this is a good opportunity for Cas to point out that no one else in the bunker has magic nephilim powers and yet they're not useless, even Maggie, so why does he think he can't do anything? But he doesn't. He just tells him he has a family, which isn't really what Jack's complaint is right now. Jack still looks unhappy, so I guess this is setting us up for some future conflict. Yay.

Sam goes into his room, empties his pockets (he still has the money clip from Tall Tales!!!), and gets a phone call from an unknown number. It's Jo. "We have a problem,” she says. I don’t know about you, but I think she’s working for Michael!

And finally, in a dank damp basement somewhere, Michael has finally found someone who answered his question correctly and knows exactly what they want. "You don't pretend to want to help people, or save the world. Your want is pure, and simple, and clean. And that's why you are worth saving. That's why we are going to work so well together. Because you? You just want to eat." Oh, because you're a vampire. Well. That's not good.

So! I know the first ep of the season needs to set up the story arcs, so it's not necessarily going to be great. It has a lot of work to do. And I think this one did okay with that. We've got some interesting irons in the fire - Angry Chief Sam and his Beard of Despair, who has (probably temporarily) stopped telling people what they want to hear, and is telling his truth instead. The Nick situation. Whatever conflict is going to brew with Jack while his grace regenerates. Michael's hunt for the perfect thoughtless killing machine. Sam as default King of Hell. There are things brewing that I don't like. Jack turning his self-loathing against Sam or Cas. The potential return of Lucifer. There are things that make no sense. An angel who wants designer bags. Michael's hat. Hopefully they will all go away. And there were things I adored, which is basically ALL THINGS SAM. Chief Sam, patient-but-angry Sam, lord-of-all-demons Sam, terrified-but-caring Sam, hair-in-his-face Sam, BEARDY SAM, ALL THE SAM, ALL THE TIME.

But I miss Dean. What do you think about Jensen as Michael? I think he's doing a pretty good job. I don't think he plays Not!Dean as well as Jared plays Not!Sam, but I do think he's doing well. It makes me wish we'd had more of Demon!Dean.

Please help me stay unspoiled, thanks!