#WAY too many guys and movies for me to tag individually

[marinerainbow]

OK BRO I NEVER THOUGHT OF THIS BUT THIS IS SO HILARIOUS AND NOW IT'S BEEN PLAGUING MY MIND ALL DAY

Ok, I got to put this all under the readmore, because it is A LOT of thoughts. I'm sorry for the huge message but your post unleashed the floodgates XD

For starters. I love how the TP just lock away Greasy XD I can just imagine them desperately reading Spanish books in hopes to understand their buddy, but of course, the magic prevents their understanding. And Greasy is just yelling at them all like "¡Les dije a todos que lo memorizaran! ¡pero no! idiotas saben todo!" (Let's say he doesn't know that they are magically unable to understand him or something)

The TP can't understand him, but they can tell by the tone of his voice that he's trash-talking them, so they react accordingly, and it just spirals from there XD

Eventually they're just like

(If you've seen this movie and get the reference, I'll be so happy)

Oh my god. Clayton acting like he knows his shit. At least Rouke comes by it honestly! I hope. He's just like:

Rouke: "Yeah, I've traveled around too. I've heard all these languages."

Cruella: "Oh that's just marvelous!" *gives Clayton the stink eye* "At least SOMEONE here knows what they're doing."

Clayton: >:(

Rouke: "You kidding me? I don't know a damn thing anyone here is saying."

All the other English speaking villains: "What? But you-"

Rouke: "I go places to make money, not attend a God damn language course."

And then everyone is right back to square one.

THE ENGLISH/BRITISH VILLAINS WOULD NOT BE IMMUNE! They wind up speaking Ye Old English. You know, all the "Thy" and "Art thou" stuff. Since they can magically understand this old language, they aren't too shocked. But it must still be jarring to say the OLD old English. Except for Ratigan. I'm convinced he learned the Ye Old English just so he could feel smarter than his fellow Londoners.

The Queen of Hearts though? I'm not sure if she'd follow this. Alice in Wonderland takes place in England too, but she's also from a whole other world, created in Alice's head. And Alice made that world to not make sense in any way. So does the Queen speak in Wonderlandian? Does she speak English but backward? Is it random words? Is it different every time she speaks!?

In New Orleans, French is a second language spoken there (if I'm correct). Which hopefully means that Dr. Facilier gets to speak French AND English. So now, he has to translate for the French and English groups and he's just suffering going back and forth between them all.

And don't forget Yzma and Kronk! Who, if my research is correct, would now speak Quechua. Yzma hates that no one understands her now, but she is- arguably- a scientist. So while everyone is arguing, she's in the back taking notes to see if she'll be able to undo this curse herself. And figure out a way to recreate it so she can use it as bargaining power.

Meanwhile, Kronk is just using the second universal language to communicate: cooking. He may not understand Spanish, but he can tell when someone is enjoying the food he makes ^^

(Bonus: Yzma caused all this. She decided to test out a new potion on everyone- because of course she would- and somehow she and Kronk ingested the potion, and everything backfired and now she's trying to make sure Kronk keeps quiet so nobody finds out and turn on her)

McLeach!!!! Oh dear God, this poor man is suffering. He's been surrounded by animals for the better half of his life. Which makes him perfect for translating animal languages! But when it comes to everyone else, he's... Damn, he's just lost XD he could barely understand the Britain's on a good day, NOW they're speaking all this "Twas art thou" crap? No. Nope. Nada. McLeach is going back to the forest for the month. He'll have better luck translating for Madam Medusa's Alligators than even bothering to try to understand everyone.

(On that note, can you imagine his first meeting with the Toon Patrol? Like they're toons, but they're also animals, so McLeach is just all condescending like "Don't worry guys, I know how to speak weasel." And gets ready to show the other villains how to understand animals... Before the weasels completely destroy his chances by speaking perfect English, adding Spanish in there too to rub salt in the wound XD)

All the animal villains stuck talking like... Well, their species. And since there are different animals (mostly cats, but there are also other animals), almost none of them can understand EACH OTHER. Iago is just squawking about how Scar looked at him funny, and Scar the whole time was just grumbling about being unable to understand his hyena squad anymore.

Actually, wait, McLeach can translate for the animals villains. MCLEACH GET BACK HERE WE NEED YOU-

AND FINALLY!!! If the Pixar villains can get involved, The Toy villains from Toy Story becoming universal translators for everyone. Why? Well, a toy is universal. Any child can play with a doll or teddy bear. So, I imagine naturally, they have some understanding of all languages.

As such, all these villains, who have committed so many crimes and atrocities, are now carrying around living teddy bears and Ken dolls just so they can understand each other. Some are cool with it, some consider it IMMENSELY beneath them. Meanwhile Lotso and friends are just so God damn tired of all this and are just counting the days when they will be free from this torture XD

Oh my god, I'm sorry I just love this idea so much XDD thank you for posting this! And I hope my thoughts got a laugh out of you XD

Disney Villains Only being able to Speak their First Language to Eachother

Hey fellow Hetalians (No such thing as an ex-Hetalian, y'all know that), remember that post about all the characters only being able to speak their countries official languages for a day?? And the chaos that would've ensued?? This is inspired by that post XD

Imagine the Disney Villains getting hexed by like, Mama Odie or Merryweather or Merlin or someone, so they can all only speak and understand their first language for a month.

Yes. A whole month.

The Toon Patrol are seriously struggling because Greasy keeps talking really fast Spanish at them but the rest have no idea what he's saying. Eventually Smartass decides to lock him in a separate room until this can be figured out and you can just hear banging and vague Spanish coming out the crack.

Ernesto is trying to figure out what some of the English speakers are saying because every 11th word is kinda familiar and they speak slow (Especially the rotund, yodelling fellow) but he keeps getting distracted by this faint Spanish yelling coming from another room.

Hades and Jafar stand off to the side near a wall just watching all the mess. They cant understand each other of course but no one else can understand them either so there's really nothing else to do. Hades will occasionally point something out, like Gaston leaning his sweaty arm on Frollo's shoulder and Frollo struggling to not buckle under the weight, and they'll chuckle. (Yes, laughter. The universal language XD)

Speaking of the French speakers-- they're suffering. Frollo hates his fellow French speakers for all being such sinners, Lady Tremaine hates the others because they're idiots or they have too much attitude towards her (*Cough* mal), Maleficent looks down on them all because they're all magic-less plebs, Edgar hates them because they all have money, and Gaston keeps talking about himself and someone is going to hit him. But they all try to keep it together, keep it classy, though most of them have elected to just not talk except for Gaston.

The oddest pairing is probably Hans and Ursula. She speaks Danish, or a dialect similar to it, and he is either Norwegian or Icelandic. If he's Norwegian, they're trying to figure out what the other is saying. Its mostly Ursula flirting with him and him carefully deciphering her words... and then facepalming. ikke til å tro (Unbelievable). But she keeps making like she has something important to tell him, like how to fix this huge predicament, and he keeps falling for it XD

Hilda and Mother Gothel speak German together and basically check out of this mess- like, do they want to understand what insanity Gaston and Jafar are saying again?? Or Frollo?? Haha, No...

Scroop speaks a harsh alien dialect and Silver's just standing next to him like yeah, yeah... you know i dont understand a word you're saying? *... realises scroop cant understand him either and sighs* Ahhh... *Rubs the bridge of his nose*

Rourke approaches the Horned King, curious why he's just standing there doing nothing and gets a string of growly Welsh and promptly... leaves... Like nope. Not today. That crap sounded like an ancient curse and that is not on todays schedule, thanks.

Clayton claims to have visited half these countries (Truth) and could figure out what many of the other villains are saying if he wanted (Exaggeration) so Cruella's like okay great... go and Captain Hook's like that's marvelous! go ahead then my good fellow!. He goes up to Shan Yu and immediately fails.

Shan Yu is usually pretty quiet around the other villains, so him standing there unreadable though faintly amused by them all is... not out of the ordinary XDD

If you have more to add, please feel free! XD

[cinerins]

In Another Time - Star Wars AU

A brief overview of my worldbuilding and relevant character notes for a setting combining parts of the Legends and Disney canon, with emphasis on the former.

I'm considering to write a few time-travel scenarios in this AU, the primary one being:

The twins end up in the middle of the Clone Wars, accidentally plucking an unlikely ally out of time along with them, but from 30 years in the opposite direction. When Jaster Mereel set foot on Korda Six that day, he'd been certain the job would be easy. What in the world is a Force Nexus, anyway?

Yeah, so, not only are Luke and Leia absolutely lost, but the one guy thrown at them has even less of a clue (though it did subsequently save his life)

Check out some of my general thoughts below 👇

(warning: it gets long)

Index

• General Info • The Force • Jedi Order — Structural Changes — Relevant Members — Affiliated Characters • Clones — General Notes — Coruscant Guard — Deserters • Mandalore — New Mandalorians — Death Watch — True Mandalorians — Nite Owls — Red Blades — Journeyman Protectors — Old Mandalorians • Darksiders • Dathomir • Tusken (Ghorfa)

General Info

I grew up with the franchise and love many aspects of it, but honestly can't keep track of everything going on in there, especially the later additions. Majority is based on my understanding of the old movies, parts of TCW, Bounty Hunter, the 2003 Clone Wars micro-series (which I adore) and pieces of Legacy I've picked up over the years.

Overall direction and setting are a collaboration between myself and two friends. Any art and designs shared here will be made by "V" while I and "R" handle the world and writing. Our projects will be tagged as #vcr works.

The main events of the story take place in the middle of the Clone Wars (late 21 BBY) but since certain aspects have been changed, we'll also go into some of the altered and adjusted backstories of characters prior to that point.

Main premise:

About two years after Endor, Luke and Leia get sucked into the past while investigating Korda Six and accidentally save the life of none other than one Jaster Mereel. Unfortunately, it's not his correct time either, so the three of them have to figure out their way through the Clone Wars, in a galaxy both so familiar and yet foreign.

The Force

For the sake of simplicity, I'll leave it relatively vague in its exact machinations and the way the characters interpret it depends on their individual beliefs.

Honestly, I still have no idea what the deal with the sides is, exactly. And I'm almost too afraid to ask at this point.

The way I've chosen to interpret the "dark side" is that it's inherently unnatural - a corruption. In my mind, I see it like a loophole that's easy to exploit, but comes with a certain cost. It's backwards to the way the Force/universe works and to "restore balance" would mean getting rid of this corruption. Jedi use the Force by reaching out and connecting to it, allowing it to guide them, while a Sith takes control of it, bends it to their will.

Somewhat similar to the way each handle kyber crystals - Jedi bond with their crystals, but Sith simply "bleed" them.

The biggest point for me would be that "falling" is a conscious choice you have to make and continue to make yourself.

On a side note: I don't like the idea of eye color suddenly changing to yellow/red - kind of an obvious tell, if you're trying to hide your status as a darksider. (Not to mention the whole Blue Eyes = Good Guys thing that's uhhh. Yeah.) In Palp's case, it's quite deliberately his Sith Lightning disfiguring and partially blinding him.

Jedi Order

Following the Ruusan Reformation, there was a push to train initiates from a young age* and keep familial ties minimal, as a means to prevent any Jedi from holding strong attachments or falling for Sith ideology. Although rare, some exceptions are made when necessary. Official marriages were no longer permitted, as every Jedi was expected to fully commit themselves to the Force and so could not promise commitment to a single person. They could love and have children, but it was always expected to put their love for and duty to the galaxy at large before any such ties.

If someone can't follow that idea, they're free to leave the Order, but will still always be welcomed as a friend. (Which was the case for Dooku, before he outed himself as Evil.)

Jedi wouldn't really place the same kind of importance romantic and familial relationships have in most cultures over others, if they really believe in their teachings. I think, to be a Jedi means understanding that your partner or mother can't be more important than, say, your neighbor or a random stranger on the street. You kind of have an equal duty to all of them. For children raised in the Order as babies, I can see them never truly grasping the concept of a traditional family and likely comparing the bond between a parent and child to that of a Padawan and Master.

It's easy to see how this attitude could be perceived as "cold" or "un-feeling" by other people, but I'd argue it's the opposite - Jedi simply don't really draw a line in the amount of love & compassion they have for different beings or even the world itself. (At least ideally, can't guarantee it works for everyone.)

*young age implies newborns to 6 years or equivalent, which I think is still a very impressionable range and could explain differences in accents and cultural nods.

Involvement with the GAR came to be, due to the clone army technically belonging to the Order. So, the two major problems were:

1. To amass such a military body is against the Ruusan Reformation and could be considered an act of war. Hence, ownership needed to be transferred to the Republic.

2. Knowing the Republic doesn't view clones as people and the kind of damage naval officers could do in the name of efficiency, Jedi needed to step in and ensure there wasn't any more suffering than strictly necessary.

Their inherent ties to the Republic have many benefits as well as disadvantages for the Order. They are offered resources, support and certain immunities within Republic space for their service. Yet this binds them to the Senate's interests and limits them in their work across the galaxy; stunting their potential by focusing majority of their efforts in maintaining the status quo of the Core.

(not much of a change and more just me tapping a sign)

Structural notes:

Masters count as Generals in the GAR

Knights count as Commanders

Padawans count as Captains, but are usually not meant to get directly involved (if their Masters can help it)

Every eligible Jedi with the necessary skill and knowledge is assigned their own clone regiment or brigade

The rest are exempted or serve as agents/specialists aiding the Republic in the war effort

Jedi luminaries are those who go on to become Padawans, Knights and Masters

Jedi votaries are former initiates that ended up joining the Service Corps instead

On the Council:

The High Council features 20 active members at all times (when possible)

-> Master of the Order -> Caretaker of First Knowledge -> Speaker of Reconciliation -> Minister of Reassignment -> 16 Masters of the Guardians, Consulars and Sentinels

Temporary positions may be filled by additional Masters to act as support in times of need (such as Yoda during the Clone Wars)

On Padawans:

Padawan Trials are (currently) taken at 13 or equivalent

They are usually chosen by their mentors during the trials, or if there's already an established synergy between them

Initiates don't receive lightsabers until after becoming a Padawan

The pilgrimage to find their kyber crystal(s) is very personal and usually undertaken with the guidance of their Master

Jedi may "outgrow" their kyber crystals due to changes in their character or life and later search for new ones

Padawans receive a bead from their Master for each trial they pass until their knighting

I want to clarify that the Order is only one of many ways Force adepts around the galaxy practice their beliefs and skills. Being a Jedi of the Order is a full-time commitment, which can be quit at any time, if one chooses to dedicate themselves to a different path - such as family or politics. You don't have to stop serving the Force in your own way, or using it, you just shouldn't misuse it.

Some character notes & changes:

Yoda

Has been living hidden on Dagobah for centuries, but occasionally returns to the temple when the Force calls for it (or is requested)

Was once the Head Master of the Order in his youth, takes up the title again during the Clone Wars

He's kind of weird, cryptic, and likes to mess with people, while also being the most legendary Jedi alive

May trust in the Force to handle everything a little too much

Yaddle

Shadow Master of the Order - This may be a piece of popular fanon I've absorbed at some point, but I do think it's perfect

More of a calculating, quiet observer, yet fierce and ruthless when she needs to be

Has much experience dealing with Sith artefacts and darksiders

Didn't believe the Sith were ever truly gone

Not dead (yet)

Plo Koon

(chronologically) practically ancient, but only became a Jedi in the past three decades (-> going with 383 Kel Dor years, which we've decided equals about 505 Standard in this setting)

Had already mastered the Force, but wished to follow the Order, so an exception was made by Tyvokka, who decided to tutor him

Only member allowed to (officially*) wield Force Lightning, the technique otherwise forbidden (*unofficially: Shadows)

Thanks to his long life-span, he's studied and followed many different Force-philosophies throughout the times

Doesn't always agree with the Council, but doesn't outright deny them either

Obi-Wan

Keeping some parts of his Legends history, though a little more sensible in his overall Padawanship and relation with Qui-Gon

Him and Feemor are good Padawan-brothers and occasionally work together

Was more involved in The Phantom Menace as a fresh knight and the one to save Anakin, urged by his own (relatively brief) experience as a slave when he was about that age

Really does take on Ahsoka as his new Padawan - I just don't think it's fair to throw her at Anakin of all people as a way to "fix" him

On Tatooine, he kept in touch with the farm and Luke would learn much from him, but remain unaware of his powers

Also kept up with the Organas and often acted as Leia's bodyguard and teacher

Ahsoka

Don't really have much I'd change for her characterization, but will add that I think her lightsabers should be yellow

Became a Padawan a year before the Clone Wars, a few months after Anakin's knighted

Being under Obi-Wan's tutelage makes her look to Anakin as a fun (if stubborn and reckless) Padawan-brother

Develops proper friendships with Barriss and other peers throughout the war

Plo Koon and Anakin will usually act as her temporary teachers (she gets to co-captain with Rex)

Anakin

His character is a mix of both Clone Wars series and the original draft for The Phantom Menace ("The Beginning")

Was found and made a Padawan at 12 years old and seemed wise if dangerously reckless for his age

Was knighted at barely 21, after facing off against Ventress a year before the Clone Wars

Really wants to leave the Order but feels obligated to stay and fulfill his destiny duty, especially with Padmé's insistence

He totally eats bugs and all manner of critters

His initial lightsaber was blue but he later gathered a new crystal once it fell out of tune (his current one being orange)

Barriss

We sort of tried to blend the different versions of her character, so she's still a Padawan but aiming to become a Jedi Healer

Her Padawanship is quite different from Ahsoka's and as they grow closer, it also sparks a certain resentment for her and the Order

The war really takes a toll on her faith and while she doesn't turn to the dark, she still struggles with fighting for the Order/Republic

Luminara's more pragmatic Jedi philosophy ends up clashing with her sentiments and ideals as a healer, eventually becoming a tipping point after a particularly harrowing incident

Wanted to give her more of a red/green look, so her and Luminara have switched lightsaber colors in this

Feemor

Former Temple Guard, later Jedi Investigator

More pragmatic, grounded, and direct compared to Obi-Wan

Handled a number of Rim worlds, but focused more on the Core after taking on a "Padawan" (in secret) (if you thought he'd be an outlier in the Disaster Lineage, think again!!!)

Mostly deals with the underbelly of Coruscant these days and is familiar with the Guard

Affiliated:

Kilindi

Yes, THAT Kilindi Matako, because years ago I once saw art of her as a kickass Jedi and never forgot. And I love her (that said, if anyone here knows of that, please tell me where)

Was saved a year prior to the Orsis massacre by Feemor, who recognized her latent Force-sensitivity and after learning of her background, offered to train her in secret

Initially merely aiming to develop her skills, she began taking genuine interest in Jedi philosophy the more she learned of the Force

Additionally trained by the Fallanassi, she became adept in Force Immersion and illusions

Operates independently from the Order, but often works with Feemor

Luke

He may be a Jedi, but isn't really part of the Order (acts independently)

I can't stress enough how weird this guy would be to any other Jedi, he's got an amalgam of saber forms that's closer to a bar brawl and can even fold space (among other things)

Following the fall of the empire, he went on a "pilgrimage" seeking to better understand the Force and his role as a Jedi

Spent much time learning anything about the Order and other Force-religions he could find

Found particular interest in the ancient "Way" and humorously calls himself a "Wayseeker" (by coincidence)

Leia

Although having no desire to follow their traditions, she's a definitive ally of the Order

Luke trains her in the Force and with lightsabers to a point where she grows on par with him, but still prefers blasters

After the death of the emperor, she chose to dedicate her time helping to build up a new, better Republic

She never married Han Solo, having more of an On-and-Off relationship due to her convictions and his flighty nature

More than anything, she seeks to rid the galaxy of corruption and help those in need

Update: We've decided to make Aunt Beru Anakin's step-sibling for this setting, instead of Owen. Meaning Shmi Skywalker married Cliegg "Whitesun."

Clones

-> Clones Overview

-> GAR Structure Jedi & Clones

To summarize some points in the links:

In this AU the Kaminoans agreed to grow experimental units (Alphas) before the actual clone production was scheduled, since Tipoca City was specifically made for this project and still under construction. It would place the eldest clones around 22-23 (developmentally) during Geonosis, while the rest of those ready to be deployed ranged 18-21—including the commandos.

The point is that they're all insanely young when they're shipped out and I can imagine with rising demand, there's gradually more pressure to send them out as early as they can afford. In this setting, it means by the second year of war, there would be active troopers as young as 16—to put into perspective just how "shiny" some of these guys are.

Decommissionings did occur—much more so before the Jedi's arrival—but mainly within the first years of development, or if a trooper was deemed "unsalvageable" in the field. There was a lot of reprioritizing and wrestling of opinions involved, but eventually the Kaminoans could be convinced to let certain things slide if the benefits outweighed the cost. Reconditioning and termination are more of a last resort, but some "defective" clones may be kept around for other uses.

They're making soldiers, so they don't need exact copies of Fett, but they do want consistency at a higher "quality" and efficiency. That said, there are little to no significant physical differences among the clones beyond what might change once they've been deployed. (Sorry, but Rex is very much a bottle blonde lol.) Besides personality, behavior, scarring & moles; I think it's reasonable for the greatest natural differences to be their voices/speech and physique, as both are extremely adjustable via training or other factors. Trends like hair dye and tattoos only really become an option after the first few months of war and even then it's only after they leave Kamino.

After Geonosis, the first few months of the war were comparably "messy" to the later organizational structure of the GAR. This adjustment period relied heavily on the trained ARC troopers to take charge and lead difficult military operations alongside Navy officers and the Jedi.

Some time following missions after the first battle of Kamino, Alpha-17 and a number of other Alpha-class ARCs were selected as instructors for the new ARC training program. Commanders—as well as standard clone troopers who had shown potential, such as Rex—received additional training for up to three months. It promoted individuality and independence through difficult battlefield scenarios, resulting in increased creativity and resourcefulness. The commanders of Rancor battalion were among the first graduates and would continue the ARC program while stationed on Kamino.

Coruscant Guard

There's a slight difference between the Guard and shock troopers deployed through Homeworld Security. The former is focused as a military police on Coruscant, with duties that cover matters regarding the Senate, the war effort, high-security prisons, off-world escorts, and urban control in high-risk situations. The latter, on the other hand, deploys Coruscant-trained shock troopers as security forces stationed around important facilities, patrol routes, and orbital stations—even on other Core Worlds.

They operate differently to the GAR in both structure and conduct. These clones are trained to be loyal to the Republic and follow orders without question, regardless of their moral judgement. Needless to say, giving lab-grown, highly effective super-soldiers such a degree of power and authority over the general population isn't a particularly great idea.

Since the Coruscant Guard was established a couple of months into the war, there's a mild disparity in behavior and way of thinking between the clones who were present for initial battles, and those who graduated from Homeworld training facilities. It was deemed necessary for cadets to be transferred and trained on the planet, to better prepare them for the urban setting. These facilites are overseen by Homeworld Security officers, with regular inspections by a number of selected Jedi Investigators (on the Council's insistence).

The Deserters

Honestly, I have a lot of mixed feelings and opinions regarding the whole Kyrimorut operation in the RepComm books—mostly that the setup had potential but was also a pretty bad idea.

I'd like to explore the concept of clones choosing to leave either the GAR or the Republic as a whole for various reasons, and particularly in the form of an independent organization that fights for their own—without being under the direct thumb of a natborn, especially a (former) superior officer/trainer.

Mandalore

The planet itself isn't as inhospitable as it's made to appear, much of it has managed to heal after the Dral'Han, though large wastelands still remain. Sparse forests cover portions of the northern hemisphere, while the south is filled with tundras and marshes. The New Mandalorians chose to remain in their domed cities within the wastes out of a mix of pride, convenience, and fear—knowing they would make easier targets attempting to build up settlements out in the open. Frequent sand- and electrical storms usually help to deter any unwanted guests. Because of that, they are relatively unaware of the exact number of survivors and re-settlers residing in the old cities or wandering as nomads.

The Civil War—also known as the Clan Wars— is still quite active and has taken its toll on both the people and their planets, scarring worlds many times over after skirmishes and raids. It has marked Mandalorian space as best avoided by the rest of the galaxy, while pirates see it as an opportunity.

New Mandalorians

Referred to as the Evaar Mando'ade, or simply Evaar'ade by other Mandalorians. Led by Duchess Satine Kryze, after having spent a year on the run due to the ongoing hostilities. Following republic occupation, Kalevala is one of the few worlds which began heavily incorporating non-Mandalorian customs and ideals found beyond the sector, such as concepts of nobility and gendered presentation. These notions developed on a significantly larger scale, however, among the citizens of Mandalore, resonating with the more comfortable, metropolized life seen in the Republic.

Originally from Kalevala, Satine underwent diplomatic training on Coruscant and through Republic aid spearheaded the modern civil movement. Believing the change was necessary to ensure a stable future and prevent another Dral'Han, the New Mandalorians declared themselves as the face of Mandalore, despite strong opposition. They hope to gain political allies and secure their position in the galaxy using diplomacy and trade agreements, even if it means forsaking their cultural heritage.

Death Watch (Kyr'tsad)

Lit. "Death Society" - Once a splinter group of extremist criminals founded by Tor Vizsla in response to Jaster Mereel's rise in popularity back in 60 BBY, Death Watch has since grown into a full-blown political faction in direct opposition to the reforms introduced by both the New and True Mandalorians. Wishing to return to their "days of conquest", Death Watch pillage and murder their way through the sector and its neighbors, seeking glory and control.

Tor was succeeded by the then barely 17 Pre Vizsla, who quickly garnered respect thanks to the Darksaber handed to him by the Sith as part of a deal. The mythology surrounding the ancient weapon and his vision for Mandalore allowed him to sway a great number of clans. Over the years, his cunning and vicious nature would come to serve the group via carefully planned, underhanded tactics. 

Despite claiming to represent what it really means to be Mandalorian, the majority of its members have shown to abuse the power and authority given to them, even among their own. They've gained a reputation as crafty and ruthless killers, loyal to none except their leader. Since the faction sprung from Vizsla and his sympathizers, its members came to base the right to lead on whomever possesses the mythical blade. As it can only be won in a duel, it's symbolic of their prime ideology: Only the strong survive and are worthy.

Pre's Death Watch initially used abandoned mines on Concordia as hideouts, but with growing support (and enough pressure), the larger clans would use their homes and additional resources to establish forts, eventually securing the moon for themselves. Most of the children are enlisted into the faction's Fighting Corps, raised into effective and loyal soldiers from a young age.

True Mandalorians (Haat Mando'ade)

Also simply called the Haat'ade - all of the original True Mandalorians may have been killed, but their ideology—emphasizing honor, justice, and to care for one another—is still carried by former sympathizers and allies. The actions of both New Mandalorians and Death Watch since have only shifted other clans' views on Jaster Mereel's vision into favor, even marking him as a martyr to some. His Supercommando Codex is still being passed around by a number of mercenaries, while the rest began adhering more closely to the Resol'nare.

However, beyond a handful of individual covert operations, very few are banding together and standing against the Duchess or Vizsla, instead choosing to keep a low profile or leave the sector. For many years following their fall, calling yourself a Haat Mando'ad was a surefire way to get yourself and your loved ones killed, as Death Watch made it a sport to hunt any of the remaining members and supporters.

Nite Owls (Ca'haaise)

Lit. "Night Eyes" - a group of elite soldiers originating on Kalevala, especially skilled as pilots and close-combatants. Valuing justice, loyalty, and authority above all else, they once upheld order around their home. It was seen as a noble commitment for a time, until New Mandalorian policies called for the Owls to disband. Some deferred to Kryze's authority out of respect for her clan, which once harbored many of its members within their ranks. They were hired as official security forces in the form of the Mandalorian Guard, along with members of similar groups, like the Journeyman Protectors of Concord Dawn.

The rest refused to give up their vows or traditions and left Kalevala in their ships, becoming semi-nomadic, still patrolling the borders of Mandalorian space out of a sense of duty for their people.

When Bo-Katan Kryze rose to be leader of the Nite Owls, she agreed to join Death Watch as a means to remove the New Mandalorians from power and restore their ways. Some members would eventually splinter off and return to patrolling the sector, put-off by the dishonorable and often cruel actions typical of the extremist group.

A defining feature of the Nite Owls, next to their shoulder-emblem, is the distinct helmet. The narrow, angled visor and leaf-like "bladed" dents in the cheeks are meant to inspire the image of a bird and serve to set them apart from other Mandalorians, regardless of clan. Some lean even more into it, by painting wings or a stylized owl face over the brow. Their armor mostly features blue, teal, and black, with accents of white.

Red Blades (Tal'kale)

Built on the ideals of the Haat'ade, similar to the Nite Owls not loyal to Vizsla, these soldiers serve all of Mandalore and its people as protectors and emergency responders. These can include Supercommandos, or will be joined by them on missions, if their goals align. The Blades, however, generally do not expect compensation for their work and are fairly self-sufficient.

The Red Blades were founded by a number of the clone deserters who had fled into Mandalorian space, with other Mandalorians soon joining their cause. They aim to fight back against Death Watch and the corruption invited into the sector, as much for the good of the people as it is for the chance of a home and chosen purpose. Refusing to let their skills go to waste, they wish to help wherever they can—landing somewhere between organized vigilantes and relief workers.

Their emblem depicts crossed swords, with a triangle above and a drop below. True to their name, most of their armor is painted red to honor each other and to be easily recognizable. Other common colors used in combination mainly include: black, white, and green.

Journeyman Protectors

The law enforcement agency fell under jurisdiction of the New Mandalorians when Concord Dawn's govenor joined the movement in response to increasing attacks by Death Watch. Some of the constables would go on to become members of the Mandalorian Guard issued by Satine—the stability and payment favored by most, while younger recruits often wish to enact law and order beyond the confines of the farm-world.

Old Mandalorians

These encompass any of the neutral, independent, or un-involved Mandalorians adhering to the Resol'nare. Most of these clans and individuals have chosen to distance themselves from the civil war, leaving the Mandalorian sector to settle somewhere else, or wander around the galaxy as bounty hunters and mercenaries.

Colors

Most, but not all Mandalorians, use colors to signify their core traits and values. From painting their armor, to the shade of their kute—the way they choose to present themselves can say a lot about them as a group or individual.

Black - Justice

White - Vision, Forethought, and later Death

Gray - Mourning a loved one

Silver (light) - Purpose

Gold (sand tones) - Vengeance

Red - Honoring clan, heritage, or leaders

Orange - A lust for life and much more

Yellow - Honor, Integrity

Green - Duty

Teal - Cunning

Blue - Reliability

Purple - Freedom

Pink - Tenacity

Brown - Valor

Darksiders

Ventress

Based on her appearance in the 2003 cartoon, she's got those glowing white eyes and buff shoulders, ok?

Actually Rattataki instead of a Nightsister and is only 21 at the start of the Clone Wars

Ambitious, arrogant, immature but focused, and eager to prove herself with a certain dramatic flair

Appointed herself as Dooku's Apprentice (pending), with a desire to obtain and understand the power of the Sith and "punish" the Jedi for their arrogance etc.

The thing is that her heart really isn't in it, even if she acts that way and what she really wants is the strength to make a difference when it matters (trauma alert)

She follows as a student, not as a pawn, her loyalty only to her own belief

Maul

Survived getting bisected, as usual, but it was mostly thanks to his training at the Academy, the Force and a whole lot of help

It took a while for him to start walking again and by then, the thought of facing Sidious after his failure made him hesitate

Masking his presence even from Palpatine via a nodule of the Force dragon he once killed in Coruscant's depths

Once possessed by ideas of revenge, his focus eventually shifted as his needs did, later becoming a skilled slicer and assassin

He would learn to grow beyond his conditioning, while accepting the darkness as an inevitably inherent part of him

A decade later as an ex-Sith, his greatest desire is to see his fromer Master's house of cards fold into itself and watch the old man trip and die

Would be reasonable for him to hold some grudges against everyone who's wronged him, including Obi-Wan... And yet, it would be kinda funny if Maul barely even gives a damn anymore and is just being petty, but Kenobi still has nightmares about him.

Grievous

Also based on his 2003 CW appearance - that guy was Menacing

Dangerous, unpredictable, and a force to be reckoned with, despite being as Force-sensitive as a rock

Definitely ups the horror factor and plays with his opponents before viciously striking them down

Doesn't really do the whole hacking, coughing, or weird villain accent, sorry.

He's like a creepier, slightly more unhinged version of Vader; really displaying that "more machine than man" theme

Has been killing Jedi since he was brought into this war and is an actual major threat

Dooku

Joined the Sith after becoming disillusioned with the Republic and sees the grand plan as the best way to "fix" everything wrong with the galaxy

Has the full intention to overthrow Palpatine once all the pieces are in their place

He's in a weird position where he's very much aware of the corrupting power of the dark side and has fallen to the same kind of greedy ambition he hated, but also can't see any other way to achieve meaningful change

Inevitably trapped himself in a downwards spiral where he continues to struggle with his attachments to others

Especially when it comes to Yoda, Kenobi and eventually even Ventress, whom he can't help but harbor a certain fondness for

Dathomir

The Dathomiri are a hybrid-species born from the intensely force-sensitive natives of the planet and a group of Zabraks, who once settled there. The original population strictly divided themselves into female witches and male hunters, the practice persisting even after contact. Key features include a lack of hair, glowing eyes, and a crown of horns found more prominently (though not exclusively) among males. Time also brought a significant dimorphism in color: majority of the women bear cooler skin-tones, while men tend to have more intense, warmer shades.

Majority of the witches on Dathomir are part of the Nightsisters, led by Mother Talzin. Some of the other clans remain, though they are few and far between. These witches still practice their old traditions and cultivate close bonds with the native rancors.

All covens delve in illusions, visions, and echoes, but have also developed a Force technique allowing them to manipulate temperature - freeze objects solid or set them on fire. They tend to make for exceptional Force healers, too.

The Nightbrothers aren't entirely subservient in this, it's a more complicated relationship. They live a largely nomadic life on the surface of the planet, moving with the seasons as hunters and honing their skills as warriors. The 'Sisters live in hidden, vast underground networks, to be "closer to the heart of Dathomir, the darkest shadows." While both have night vision, the 'Sisters usually can see in complete darkness, although it tends to make them sensitive to light. The hunters both revere and fear the witches, typically offering tribute and sometimes trade - supplies for potions and help.

While the greater majority of Dathomiri are force-sensitive to some degree, the hunters usually go without proper training and their connection often fades as they grow older. Sometimes a child turns out too strong in the Force to ignore, and is taken by the Nightsisters to be trained as a "Shade" - warriors skilled in the Force, often given to outsiders as assassins and soldiers (particularly the Sith).

The full-body tattoos is a tradition shared by some other Zabraks, either as a rite of passage, or to denote belonging to a clan or family lineage.

Tusken (Ghorfa)

Among themselves and some groups of Jawa, they are still known as the Ghorfa, who once lived in the ruins built into canyons and caverns. Many of the settlers on Tatooine are not aware the "Sand People" of the Dune Sea are the same ones as the "Lost Architects" of their archaeological finds, or simply choose not to see it.

"Tusken Raiders" initially only referred to tribes with a similar appearance as the group that once attacked Fort Tusken, but some—particularly off-worlders—use it as a blanket term for all Ghorfa. Through the generations, an ever-increasing number of people have taken to calling the nomads of the Wastes simply "Tusken."

There are many different tribes, with various traditions and opinions, most of which keep to themselves and are simply trying to survive, keeping their culture alive. However, there are those who carry more resentment towards outsiders for driving them from their homes and killing their people. These are better known to the settlers and off-worlders, due to frequent skirmishes and raids.

Tuskens use little, if any, metal in their tools and wear; the sand and heat would make it too much of a hazard. Of course, there's always outliers and exceptions, but majority of the hard materials they use are bones, wood, stone, and clay or glazes. Many have a disdain for the technologies of settlers, either drawing back on old beliefs that such technologies caused the downfall of their civilization and killed their world, or simply finding them ill-suited for the desert. Not all share this view to the same degree, as some are seen making use of scavenged items and have even left the planet via ship.

Born of the need to protect themselves from harsh conditions, the practice of covering their entire body in robes eventually became a sacred tradition. Showing any skin outside of clan members or healers is considered a great taboo, although the exact rules can vary among tribes. The design of head gear is not only essential to their survival, but also signifies their tribe and sometimes even profession. The language is a mix of spoken words and hand signs; keeping sentences short and frank. Their vocalization is nearly opposite to the Jawa, with strong and deep voices to be heard through wind and robes—they have a surprisingly easy time conversing with Wookiees.

The greater majority of them are noted to be exceptional navigators and mathematicians; according to myths, the Tusken "never lose their way." We've also decided making them a longer lived species with an average of 250 years or more in better conditions. Also, I don't care what canon says, these guys can be Force-sensitive as well. Those who are, usually become known as Guides, Seers, and Healers and are regarded with the highest respect across tribes.

That's all for now.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know!

I'm also not as well-versed in Mando'a, so I appreciate any pointers thrown my way 😅

[hotheadedhero]

I really don't know how to react when people absolutely love on my stuff. For those of you who know, you know. Judge, allow me to speak my peace because it's gonna be lengthy boyos

'Like 'em Big' and 'First Date' continue to get so much love and I am just FLOORED OMGGGG YOU GUYS 😭😭😭❤️

Truly, I am just... lost for words by how popular these two stories have become and continue to be. This isn't just a one-and-done deal either, I want- NEED to write more about our red angel because he deserves so much attention and love. Genuinely, if I had the ability to draw, I would have already made art related to these stories because it's so so clear in my mind, CHRIST

I think, yes, I think I have once again been inspired 😤 Merely wip ideas that I'm hoping to develop and flesh out completely for your reading and my writing pleasure; two ideas mainly that I want to treat with a lot of care and attention because I think it's so important to get it right for him. I love him so much and I know so so many of you do, too

Yes, I will essentially make it a series as many of you have asked heheh because I've noticed how the reader in those two fics appears to be very coded to a lot of you guys (it's me, lol! you guys are like me, I love it). Plus, I think it would be nice to expand on that relationship, the journeys taken etc etc

Just so I can be clear about why it may take a while to get these stories out, all I shall divulge about these ideas is that one will touch upon his ptsd from the movie and the other will be an 18+ story. Again, two areas I feel need a lot of time devoted to them because I want to get them right

To finish my little love rant, I want to thank all of you. Reading the comments and tags that are now so beautifully associated with all of this makes me wish there was a way I could thank all of you individually. A lot of my inspiration for my writing feels very personal and is often the product of whatever daydreams bless me but to be inspired purely by the appreciation from everyone on this platform is truly, truly special and means so much to me

I can't thank you guys enough and the best way I can do this is by doing what I can to make more stories and sending out virtual hugs!! I love ALL OF YOU ❤️❤️❤️ Don't forget to give yourselves some love too because you deserve it!!!!!

Okay, I think I'm done :)

<3

[skullunter]

I have been tagged once again by @celestialboundx so… you know the drill 🫶

What’s the origin of your blog title?

well the user ‘skull’ is derived from my disc user ‘skullmaster’ which was one of my main ocs in 2020 still don’t know where the ‘unter’ part came from but… oh well lmao

• OTP(s) + ship names

… ahaaaa you know.

• Favorite color

anything pastel idk what to tell you i love em all

• Favorite game

a game called Shadow of The Colossus it’s been my favorite ever since my dad introduced me to it when i was young really emotional charged narrative and the music still brings me to tears <33

• Song stuck in your head

ah. a ton… but right now it’s the slowed version of hexxedlove by karmadiesz 😭

• Weirdest habit/trait?

UHH SO MANY I’ll say prancing around the house with a drink in hand though just for now

• Hobbies

listening to the same playlist on spotify and drawing.. and writing now ig 😭

• If you work, what’s your profession?

unemployed individual. shocking ik

• If you could have any job you wish, what would it be?

I’ve never been super ambitious with my job goals but it has always been and still is a professional artist

• Something you’re good at

ehhh. art?? wouldn’t call myself good at it but it’s fun so hey

• Something you’re bad at

everything in regards to sports or a field where i have to physically exert myself

• Something you love

drawing ig, talking to people online about crazy plot lines and theories

• Something you could talk about for hours off the cuff

THE STUPID FUCKING NARRATIVE I’VE CREATED

• Something you hate

being ignored I don’t mean that as like in the clingy ‘text me back immediately’ nice guy kinda way but more like my presence has gone unacknowledged and underappreciated for too long kinda way

• Something you collect

i used to collect toys and plushies but i’ve kinda stopped here recently on that grind yeah yeah ik I’m too old but hey it’s fun to look at and remember my youth

• Something you forget

TO CHECK MY DISCORD NOTIFICATIONS LMAOOO

• What’s your love language?

ehhhhhh probably quality time idk i like when people decide out of their own volition that I’m somebody who’s worth talking to

• Favorite movie/show?

not sure about this one… sorry 💔

• Favorite food

idk man never really thought about it

• Favorite animals

polar bears because I’ve done a school project on them years ago and maybe horses too < used to be obsessed lol

• What were you like as a child?

very reserved and polite especially with adults I was always super polite to whoever I interacted with and would be this off the walls batshit insane lunatic at home… as my parents say

• Favorite subject in school

none lmao…. probably art again it used to be social studies

• Least favorite subject in school

MATH AND GYM LIKE PREV SAID

• What’s your best character trait?

i don’t appreciate this game’s need for any good qualities i have because you ain’t gonna find none probably patience i wanna hear different views and opinions on things without making a baseless assumption

• What’s your worst character trait?

jealousy/ envy it’s gotten the best of me in the past and it makes me physically grimace at old messages because of it

• If you could change any detail about your day, what would it be?

CAN IT PLEASE STOP BEING WINTER SO I CAN RUN OUTSIDE. PLEASE.

• If you could travel in time, who would you like to meet?

anybody from the distant past (heh) who hasn’t committed the worst act known to man seems really cool to interact with tbh

• Recommend one of your favorite fanfics (spread the love!)

oh there’s this one fic called ‘nearly ninety thousand feet’ on ao3 really really recommend it if you love gay stupid men <33

thank you celestial for the tag 🥳 I’m tagging @pitchforkhead, @thatfoxdog, @qwertyfingers, @hellkitepriest and anyone who sees this

[icemankazansky]

Being a newbie in the TG fandom is hard. There's the burnbook, the callouts blog, there're people lurking to start shits everywhere, all I want to do is to discuss characterisations and ships with someone and to post my works. And I do look up to the elders of the fandom because I think you guys are cool, I enjoy your fics and edits, I know maybe it's just the overthinker in me but sometimes it feels like the likes of me are not too entirely welcome for some weird guts feeling reasons.

I want to say first and foremost: You are entirely welcome here. I can only speak for myself and the pre-TGM Top Gun fans who I know personally (which is most of them), but we are thrilled you are here. We want to talk to you about characterizations and ships. We want to see your works! We are very excited to have new people with whom to share this fandom we love, and we are so, so fond of so many of the new people we've met already.

But I will also say: I understand how you feel. I have been in fandom for a long time, and honestly, I have never seen anything like this. Honestly, I think it's a tiny part of this fandom who are running these nasty blogs, starting these fights, and terrorizing people on their blogs and in their asks. But they're LOUD. It was a complete surprise and very upsetting when this stuff started. It was kind of like this: The Top Gun fandom was this small, old neighborhood fairly removed from major cities. We knew all our neighbors; some of us lived there for over a decade; some of us helped build the neighborhood. It was very peaceful, warm, and inviting. Then we heard they were building some big suburbs nearby, with all the things that come with it: New schools, shopping complexes, chain restaurants, automatic car washes. It was going to be a change, but we were excited to have new neighbors, and we welcomed them. They moved in, and for a while everything was nice. There were growing pains and more traffic, but there were fun, creative new people to meet, and Starbucks and big movie theaters and cupcake boutiques.

Then things began to shift. Some people in the big, shiny new suburbs began to look around this huge city they had built up all around us, and decided, "You know, this town is great, except for that old section. It's an eyesore, so rundown, dated ... it's affecting our property values, and it's the cause of everything that's wrong around here." And they didn't just whisper about it between themselves. They held town hall meetings and posted public declarations about it all over town. (It wasn't just anonymous people bitching about us on those cruel, cowardly burn book blogs. They were in the tags on their private blogs talking about how the older part of fandom was ruining everything, how there had been no good fanfiction written before TGM came out... They named us individually in hate posts. They came in our asks and left harassing comments and death threats.) And we're just sitting here in our cozy little cottages where we've lived for years, like ... you don't need to come here. You can stay in your shiny suburbs and just ignore this part of town, instead of throwing bricks through our windows and graffitiing our houses. But they don't. They haven't.

And so we've had to put bars on our windows and hire a neighborhood watch. I understand that, as a newcomer to fandom, it can be intimidating to see fandom elders making posts addressing new people in fandom and asking them to respect our neighborhood. But we're addressing a very small percentage of fandom who are actively terrorizing us, who are actively working to make this fandom a negative place. That's not you. You are welcome here. We want you here. Please post your work. Please come talk to us. We will help you find your way around if you like. We'll introduce you to our friends and good restaurants. We are happy you're here.

This is an open invitation to you and anyone who needs it, but please always feel free to send me an ask or message me privately if you feel unsure about how to make your way around this fandom, or if you just want to talk about Top Gun or anything else. Honestly, I am so happy to speak to you, and I want to help in any way I can.

Carly

[paulmescalsnose]

thank you for tagging me, @onehelluvamarine 🩵

A band you don’t like that many others do: I cannot think of any bands right now but there are so many solo artists like the entirety of the current Top 20 Billboard Hot 100, I do not keep up with new music in any way.

A childhood memory that you remember vividly: riding a scooter down the front steps at my grandmother’s house for some reason.

Least favorite animal and why: gonna say it and be honest and take the hate, dogs. I think there are some nice individual dogs but overall I find them loud, annoying, messy, too needy, too disruptive. I refuse to ever live with one. I do have a phobia of another animal I won’t say because I don’t want people to send me pictures of it lol so I probably hate them more but I encounter dogs more so they’re on my nerves more often.

Hot fandom take: Aragorn is not THAT hot. there were hotter guys in those movies.

Do you wear any jewelry, if so, what’s your favorite piece: I don’t. I wish I did! I have a nice ring and a nice necklace but I don’t really wear them. I wish I had a like, a signature piece or something.

A movie others liked but you didn’t: recently, which I know I’ve mentioned, Past Lives is so well-reviewed and god I just really hated it, I’m sorry but I did.

Three things you love about yourself: I was once bold enough to sing Let No Man Steal Your Thyme a cappella in front of a group of strangers at a hostel. I once took an 18-hour bus ride just to see a movie (and then another 18-hours back). I’ve read all the Hercule Poirot books.

A place you hope to visit in the future and why: Wales. I think it just looks lovely. I was supposed to do a semester abroad there once but couldn’t swing it financially. I’ve been to England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland so I’ve got to go to Wales. I wrote a story that is set so much there! I need to see it for myself.

An actor that gets on your nerves and why: RDJ because he made terrible comments about Alejandro González Iñárritu, he defends the worst Chris, and he’s going to win an undeserved Oscar this year.

Things you’re excited for in the nearby future? I’m almost done the first draft of a novel/story I’m working on, so I am excited so have a first draft and then I’m excited to start the second draft.

Least favorite ship in a fandom you’re in: I never shipped Ted/Rebecca from Ted Lasso, never once even for a second.

What’s the most toxic fandom you’ve been in? I never wrote in it, just read and observed, but The Old Guard by far by faaaaaaaaar.

List three things you find beautiful about life: my nephew’s wavy red hair, when a cat comes over to you for pets, and watching someone hit a home run.

Any dreams for the future? I’d like to see my favourite football club, Man City, play live someday. I doubt I’ll get to Manchester maybe ever, but they’ll be playing in the US soon-ish so it will probably be a lot easier to see them there.

How are you really feeling today? I genuinely struggle with life every day. I wish it was in a cool way that made me stronger on the other side but it’s not. today was okay because I got to talk to a coworker I like (I WFH so I don’t talk to people a lot) and I went to the cinema that has the best popcorn in the world but I also am never actually happy and am always lonely which is a tiring existence.

[withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus]

Part 2 to the question about an all in visual kei movie (repost)

I know I said that posting the 2nd question would be the last time I terrorize the visual kei tags, but apparently it wasn't even visible through my adding it to the 1st's post's reblogs so I have to repost. NOW is the last time, cause I've had it with how posting works on tumblr at this point.

This is what the 2nd question I had posted under the 1st one was:

Alright this is scary, but I have to ask one more thing, cause power lies in numbers and I really want the collective's opinions. Like I am seriously shaking just trying cause like...I want you all to take this as a joke, but it's no joke for me xD. Please keep taking it as a joke cause it is indeed very ambitious.

If we had the script to at least 1 movie like that...how would you think one could possibly convince all these people work together in such a big project? Money and exposure to a larger crowd aside, I mean, cause some jrockers have money and that isn't much of an appealing reason. This question is mostly for adult fans who've had a few years in their respective fields and know how various businesses work.

It gets crazy as an idea I know, that's why I said take this lightly, but think of the just as crazy possibilities. You might ask "why, what could I possibly get out of this for helping you or throwing ideas, or even knowledge" if you are in the same field...ahm...apart from entertaintment and getting a nostalgia trip and the possibility or reviving bands that gave up because of money (cause some don't give a damn how old they are and neither should you, like, both in your own life and when pointing your fingers on people like them, we only live once, we might as well try to live how we want), well....if you are an artist of any film field you could work with your favorite artists and get precentage of the income. If you aren't an artist, well...I don't know, that's why I said it's crazy. You get to share sth that once or still matters to you with a larger crowd. You get to see "weirdness" being represented in a way that encopasses many types of people that aren't considered minorities per se but still get shat on for what they choose to wear, believe and dream. Cause like who fucking cares if you have piercings, tattoos, if you want to wear crazy clothes, a dress down the street...maybe you want people's individuality to be represented, right? Maybe you too felt pushed aside once cause of this. This is about celebrating that I mean. Being who you are no matter what.

But yeah anyway....ideas? I know btw that some jrockers have said they are into the idea of playing a role in a movie but never had the opportunity and some like the idea of being villains (Ruki and Mahiro Kurosaki being 2 examples (also in case sb wishes to bring up Mahiro's condition, no worries, every single medical condition has been taken into consideration in case this was possible, and he or anyone else agreed.).

I hear you people. All gens in, again. Any ideas, even crazy ones are acceptable. Again if such project was a thing, the bands and artists will get the most out of it. If nth comes to mind, it's ok. The answers to the first question were more than enough for science. ^^

(and yeah this is the last question, i won't be spoiling visual kei and band tags with any more nonsense scenarios after this. The reason I even made a second question was because you guys seemed interested and also because, if I take into considerations which vkei pics I post get the most notes, many of you seem to still want to see sth long gone back, even for just a little, so yeah..i think we get each other one that one. And probably so do they. Who knows.)

[scribe-of-stories]

15 Questions 15 Mutuals

Rules: Answer the questions as yourself or as an OC of your choice

The always friend shaped @vicstmichael tagged me, and you can read her lovely post here.

I'm going to be answering for both myself and Lexical's oldest OC, Samuel. (I'll be responding like this) meanwhile Sam like this.

The lightest of tags towards: @sunset-a-story @squarebracket-trick @valanke @pure-solomon @captain-kraken annnnd I know it says to tag 15 people but I've got other tag games so I'm going to save some mutual. Alternatively if 10 more individuals could do this so I don't become cursed that'd be grand.

1. Are you named after anyone?

I think I was named after one of my grandfathers, who was named after some biblical character. Someone who broke pillars? Or was that another guy? (To shorten a long story: Sam predates Lexical and is technically two older characters mixed together. One was an unplayed FATE character named Smith of Masks, who was a spooky manakin looking monster that was also a journalist. It wrote under the pen name "Sam Smith" as a loose reference to it's acronym [SoM] and the generic last name Smith [which was also already part of its name]. The other was a short story I wrote over on Reddit, but that has little to do with the name.)

(Meanwhile I was named after a Frenchman in space. Or two books of the bible. I claim the former, but my religious [secretly trekkie] parents claim the later.)

2. When was the last time you cried?

I don't know, not like I keep track of these things. Probably the last time I had a bone broken. (It was when Ashley gave him his birthday gift).

(Last night I was meditating and talking to myself and we felt emotional. It was a good cry.)

3. Do you have kids?

Biologically no, but there is a worryingly growing group of young and wyrd individuals that I keep either saving or having over for dinner. I, uh, well they know what they mean to me. I think.

(Nope, not yet at least. That said I had been working in some form of child care most of my career life.)

4. Do you use sarcasm?

I would Never do such a thing. Words have power after all, imagine if I didn't mean what I say. (See: Umbra wyrdling)

(All the time, though usually for me it walks the fine line between sarcasms and lying/gaslighting as a bit. I never let it go too far though, and only do it over un-important topics.)

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

How many limbs they have. Jokes aside, how they are presenting themselves: they way they walk, talk, stand, etc. Got worse/more noticeable recently.

(Usually their hair. I'm slightly face blind and find myself relying on the hair/dress of people I only slightly know to recognize them.)

6. What's your eye color?

It changes, but I think I was born with blue eyes? Can't exactly remember.

(Very Brown.)

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings any day of the week. Love me some sappy romance where everyone's just content at the end. Besides I see enough horror in my work life, don't want to bring that shit home. Hell it usually doesn't have trouble finding my house anyways.

(Both? Both is good. If I had to choose horror since I see that as being capable of exploring things a lot of fiction can't, but I wouldn't want everything I consume to end with "then everyone was bound to super hell for eternity".)

8. Any special talents?

Surviving things that should have killed me. My more magically inclined friends have taken to referring to me as a "Community College Wizard" so I guess I've got that going for me too.

(I've been told I'm a divergent thinker, so I think that's special. Also I'm fairly good at most video/board games. Might be linked, idk?)

9. Where were you born?

Dalas, Texas. Don't intend on going back any time soon though.

(South Carolina, though I moved to Kentucky before I started being old enough to remember things.)

10. What are your hobbies?

Reading. I've got this lovely pile of shitty novels I collect that I'm slowly working through. No rhyme or reason to what's in them, just slowly bought them on discount from local book stores. Romance is my favorite genre.

(Games, I love games. TTRPGs, video games, tabletop/board games. Anything with a rule system that I can learn and play with in unique ways. I'm usually drawn to things that are turn based, but the video game I have easily put the most time into would be Warframe. Also, uh, writing.)

11. Have you any pets?

I've got a half dozen Wyrdlings I have to babysit and at least 2 minor thought entities living in my house. Yes I consider all of them effectively Pets.

(Not currently, but I used to have a turtle named Ruto.)

12. What sports do you play/have played?

Used to place baseball back when I was a kid, but that fell off when I graduated.

(Back when I was a child my parents had me try nearly every form of sports there was. None of them stuck, and I never joined a school related team.)

13. How tall are you?

It changes, or at least I suspect it does. Around 5'8 last I checked but I swear I'm getting shorter.

(5'10)

14. Favorite subject in school?

Took a semester of forensics back in high school. It was taught by a couch who was just reading a chapter ahead of the class, but the topic was fascinating.

(Psychology/Philosophy in that order. I didn't properly start learning either till I was in college. Got some regrets that I didn't take more than 1 philosophy course; even more upset that I only ever took 1 writing course.)

15. Dream job?

What I'm doing now: private investigating. Though in a perfect world I'd deal with a few less monsters on a daily basis. I guess it's more interesting then just spying on people from inside a car. Some days I miss not knowing about the Wyrd; but other days balance it out.

(Still trying to figure that out. Ended my career as a behavioral therapist a while ago [moral/stress issues] and kinda now figuring out what I actually want to do. Would have said being a Therapist a while ago but I'm not sure.)

[eyepatchdate]

Writers tag game

Prompt: share some writing

tagged by @roseofcards90! thank you so much!

I'm going to share some of my current project...but since I'm so close to being able to actually post the first 22k words, I won't be taking anything from there. So here's a snippet from a concept scene for my DC fic based on the Batkid Tim Drake ending in the 'Death in the Family' movie.

The central thesis of this fic can be simplified as 'killing people doesn't stop evil, it just makes an empty place for someone else to fill'. The only way to truly make change is to actually redeem individuals, and to bring them away from evil. And so this is my concept scene for the introduction of the successor to the Joker (who in the movie is killed by Jason).

The lights went out with a heavy click. Batkid and Robin reacted instantly, turning and backing into each other, standing back-to-back, eyes flickering in the darkness, not to be caught unawares. It was only a few mere seconds before another loud click sounded, the lights flickering back, white turning to pink, new lights sparking out along the walls, twirling glitter and pomp, the sort of lights one found at a party. The stage, which had been previously empty, now had an impossibly large present placed upon it, green paper and violet ribbons.  There was no sign of anything else, any other changes or threats. Batkid’s eyes narrowed.  A bomb?  Seemed too simple. A voice spoke, echoing with a megaphone, “Stop me if you've heard this one before.”  A female voice, young, high-pitched.  There was an unnerving undercurrent of mirth in it, a level of excitement that seemed terribly wrong somehow. “So, there were these two guys in a lunatic asylum, and one night—” Batkid felt Robin suddenly shift, standing straighter.  His left hand grabbed Batkid’s arm, keeping him in place, as if he were afraid he would move. Tim’s brow furrowed under the cowl, the lenses narrowing.  “Robin?” he whispered, barely a sound but one he knew Jason would be able to hear. “Stay behind me,” Jason replied.  There was an unfamiliar tightness in his voice, a slow rumbling river a—Tim’s mind skittered to a stop. It was the same tone Jason used when he spoke of his guilt, of when he wondered if he were irredeemable.  It was a tone he reserved for raw fear. Batkid barely registered as Jason slowly turned them, his left hand pushing Tim along with the movement, until Jason was the one who faced the present on stage, Tim now unable to even see it. The voice had continued all this time, her strange words echoing around the warehouse, “They decide they don't like living in an asylum anymore.  They decide they're going to escape. So like, they get up onto the roof and there just across this narrow gap—” “Robin?  What's happening?”  He tried again, voice a little louder.  He kept his tone as unemotional as he could, but despite his efforts, he knew his worry bled through.  Not at the situation, Tim had put his life on the line so many times at this point, but for Jason. Something was wrong.  Terrifyingly wrong. Robin’s grip on his arm had tightened, like he thought someone would rip Tim away.  This wasn’t—Robin didn't get scared like this. Tim’s stomach churned at the thought of it. “Him,” Jason breathed, voice darker than Tim had ever heard. And slowly, the picture clicked into place in Batkid’s mind.  The case linking together, a final central piece slotting in, creating— The most grotesque image he could imagine.

Tagging....anyone else interested in sharing some writing!

[questinwitchface]

Writing Pattern Tag Game!

Rules: Share the opening of your last ten published works or as many as you are able and see if there are any patterns!

Thank you so much for tagging me @sambambucky !

The Offering

Sam has had a very tiring day. He’d gone to work at the Vampire Assistance Agency at seven PM, just after the sun had set. He’d gone to a meeting at 7:30 for training on new services the VAA will be offering next year and review training on the services they currently offer. When the meeting was over at 8:37 (because these things always run long), he’d gone straight to his office to organize his case notes and prepare for the day. He’d made it to one of the group rooms and run a group session for elder vampires at 9:15, spent fifteen minutes cleaning up the room, and then run the group session for recently-turned vampires at 10:30. He spent another fifteen minutes cleaning up the room, and then he’d finally gotten to take his lunch break at midnight. He was finished by 12:45, which gave him enough time to prepare for his individual sessions, which went throughout the early hours of the morning and finished at five AM.

Falling/Already Fell

Sam’s head is once again spinning at how much older his nephews have gotten. Cass had just recently turned thirteen, and that would be a lot on its own, but Sam and Bucky are playing chauffeurs for his very first date. They’d taken the truck from home to Sarah’s to pick up Cass, who looked nervous and was wearing too much cologne—since when did Sam’s nephew even wear cologne? Then they’d picked up Tia, who seemed shy and quiet and sweet, with her hair in a fancy configuration of braids that must’ve taken forever to do and braces on her bright smile. Cass and Tia had talked in awkward, stilted conversation in the backseats of Sam’s truck while they drove to the movie theater, and then Sam and Bucky had dropped them off and headed to the mall to give the kids their time together.

Bucky and His Books

They’re in Sam’s truck, driving back home from Sarah’s after a long day of helping her with the boat and the boys, when Bucky turns to Sam with a guarded sort of frown.

There Was More Than One Bed (But Who's Counting?)

Sam is not okay.

The Guy Next Door

“Hey, you’re bus fight guy, right?” Joaquín asks, watching his new neighbor stare forlornly at the boxes he still hasn’t moved into his room.

Dear Sam

Dear Sam, This is a stupid exercise my therapist recommended. Apparently, I struggle with expressing my emotions verbally, so I’m supposed to try writing out my feelings. I hate this idea. I think it’s dumb. Sorry to drag you into it.

The Pirate Fic

Bucky folds his arms over his chest. The sun is particularly brutal today, beating down on his head, and he’s glad he’d worn his hat this time. He surveys the tiny island his ship is docked at. It’s little more than a stretch of sand with a dock built on it, big enough for one ship to dock at. A craggy rock face looms at the other end. There’s a small, dark cave entrance in the rock face that connects to the cave network the mermaids come from whenever Bucky and his crew meet with them to trade.

The Valentine Struggle

“I need a valentine that says, ‘I adore you, and I want you in my life forever,’ but in the most platonic way possible,” Yelena tells the store clerk. She’s in a Hallmark store, a store dedicated entirely to cards and gifts, and yet she hasn’t been able to find valentines that express how deep her love is without making it romantic.

Date Night

“So, the thing is, I really need your help,” Sam tells Jay before Jay can even get his usual greeting out.

Bucky Barnes Hates Christmas

Bucky Barnes hates Christmas.

Analysis: So it seems like my openings are either a single sentence or pretty long, with not much in between. Shorter works seem to get the shorter openings. Also if the beginning chapter is going to be angsty, it seems like I enjoy starting with like a single angsty sentence (i.e. "Sam is not okay.") and then further explaining it in the next paragraphs instead of cramming all the characters' feelings into the opening paragraph. I like opening with dialogue, but I didn't do it as much as I would've thought I had, but both of the rareship oneshots started with dialogue, which is interesting because I view the rareship fics as being more "for me" than other fics I write, so maybe I have more fun with them and don't overthink the openings as much as I do with SamBucky fics? Anyway, this was a fun little exercise. If you catch any other patterns, feel free to let me know!

No-pressure tagging @allcolorsoftherainbow and anyone else who might want to do this!

[ashacadence]

Part of the difficulties I have with just design in general being “okay how can I make this character mine and not accidentally or unintentionally look like someone else’s” but it’s just a forever spiral of ‘everything has been done more or less.’ It’s gunna look like something to someone at some point. Nothing can be done other than just having your own style and differences/nuances to go “ya that’s mine.” Plus just always nice to see people coming together with similar ideas and talking to one another and gushing over similar interests. But as far as design I try to picture them by face first then down. From how do they smile to their personality or vibe I want to portray. From there it’s about body then potential abilities/skills/career whathaveyou then build up a mini background then expand. Sometimes a world is created around them or they are just another addition to something I’ve already made. Sometimes I get a head of myself and think of too many things at once and I need to do better at writing them down rather than keeping it in my head and eventually losing it. XD the hazards of memory.

It would have to be Vivienne. I love vivienne. She’s that nice brain rot I can fall back on and indulge in different alternate universes while main bigger main stories and hers are taking a back burner. It’s just nice to have a very freestyle and adaptive character to bounce around with.

My most difficult character to draw or write would maybe have to be Alraeon. He’s got a vocab list and the brains that I don’t have and imagined him having.

Art or talking to friends to splurge ideas with or listen and also media usually to like movies or games usually help light a fire in me to do stuff.

Dr. Lancet, he is a doctor that runs his own clinic in the lower ends of the city with affordable services for those in need and living in poverty. I created him maybe two or three years ago. He was actually an adopt and his design was a bit different. He has a glass like faceplate and slightly different structure and color placement but still same palette.

6. Lancet usually goes thru difficult decisions as a medic/nurse and doctor all in one from how to save a person’s life from human to alien to running his own business and even having interpersonal relations with some unsavory patients that test his patience too. He’s got his own baggage and sins but he is rather blunt with a soft heart at least even if he tries to hide it under a reserved mask. Hard to express without a face but words and hand gestures do get his points across. But he will face difficult things unflinchingly and just soldier through them like a chore.

7. Either his face or his legs. He sounds like a horse coming down some hallways with the way his feet are shaped. Lol

8. I want him perceived as not only as a caring individual who does good work but someone who has some demons that he can’t face alone. For all the help he does he tries to mask a lot of his pain and self hatred. He’s not a very sharing guy.

9. Well 8 kind of answered that but I would say his lack of openness and maybe a bit of a control freak about his business and the way some operations are done since he was programmed to do things a certain way. He is capable of learning a new method by research or on the fly from someone too. He may argue with the latter throughout on effectiveness but if it works it works then it’s just added to his options list.

10. What would be your oc’s favorite ice cream?

-dr. Lancet can’t eat ice cream but if he did he’d probably like vanilla.

I tag: @squigglysquidd @wafflesrock16 @dexianylilia @cold-neon-ocean @generation1point5 @relay314

Anyone else is more than welcome to partake if I haven’t tagged you.

Thought I’d try a little something but also just answer or reblog and/or store and such. Thought I’d start a oc questionnaire and world building train.

What are some difficulties you had/have when coming up with designs and lore for your character vs now that you find yourself may or may not be struggling on? Could be personality to design traits/style to progression in story. Anything.

Favorite junk food oc of yours you like to indulge in. Why?

Least favorite/most difficult?

What gets your creativity juices bubbling?

Introduce an oc. How and when were they created?

If said oc above was given a difficult situation how do they handle it?

What’s the most notable feature about your oc?

How would you like your oc to be perceived?

What’s a flaw of theirs?

And finally…just tag people. And come up with a random number ten question.

That’s the skeleton above.

[nevermindirah]

Do you have any thoughts on the use of AAVE for Nile (or lack thereof) in TOG fanfiction? I've been reading some Book of Nile fic and some writers seem to write her as a Millennial™ (using words like "fave" and "woke") but never acknowledge her Blackness in her patterns of speech. I know we don't see her use as much AAVE in the films, but I would argue she's in situations where code-switching would be valued (first in a "professional" environment in the army, then around a group of non-Black strangers).

Hi anon! I have many thoughts on this and I'm honored you asked me! But I should start by saying I'm white and any thoughts Black fans and especially Black American fans have on this that they want to share would be beyond lovely. (I'm not gonna tag anybody bc that feels rude but please add onto this post if any of y'all see this and want to!)

The main reason I personally avoid AAVE for Nile in my own fics is because I'm not Black. But Nile-centric fics by Black writers tend to avoid using much of it too, at least from what I've noticed/understood, and my guess is it's largely for the reason you mention, that she's in situations that encourage code-switching.

In movie canon Nile is highly competent at tailoring her language to each situation she finds herself in. This fantastic linguistics analysis meta shows how skillfully Nile chooses her vocabulary and grammar to meet her goals with different conversation partners in different contexts. In comics canon Nile had a bunch of different civilian jobs before joining the Marines, so she would've had experience code-switching in the ways that made sense for all those different contexts as well as the Marines and her family and high school and wherever else she spent her time before we met her. And now she's spending her time with a handful of immortals none of whom are native English speakers and a fellow Black American but one with a Queen's English UK accent whose professional experience is in the CIA where high-status code-switching is often an absolute must for success or even survival.

Fics featuring Nile are charged with extrapolating from that to how it might show up in her use of language that she's coping with a traumatic separation from her family and her career and pretty much everything she's ever known and now she needs to be able to make herself understood to people who seem to care about her and each other but are super duper in crisis, three (soon to be four) of whom predate Modern English entirely and the only one who's anywhere near her contemporary she's not supposed to talk to for a century. All of these people are telling her that pretty much any contact with any mortals poses an existential threat to her and the rest of the group. How the FUCK is she supposed to cope with that, like, generally? And would it be a more effective way for her to cope if she talked to Andy Joe and Nicky using the speech patterns that she used to use with her mom and brother, to at least retain that part of her identity even if it means having to do a lot of explaining, or would it meet her needs better to prioritize Andy Joe and Nicky understanding what she means with her words over using the particular words and grammar forms she used with her family?

I've seen several fics, both Nile-centric / BoN and otherwise, explore this a little bit in how/whether Nile uses Millennial™ speak. It's often a theme in Nile texting Booker despite the exile because of the popular headcanon that he as The Tech Guy is the only other immortal who understands memes. But Nile's much-younger-than-Booker mom probably uses Boomer and/or Gen X memes and Andy has been adapting to new communication styles for forever as evidenced by her canon high level of fluency with standard-American-accented English.

Which brings us back to people avoiding AAVE because they're not Black and they don't want to make mistakes (or they're not Black and they don't want to get yelled at for making mistakes, though I think many people overestimate how much they'll get yelled at while underestimating how much these mistakes can hurt). I can imagine some Black fans hold back from using much AAVE in fic because they don't want to share in-group stuff with white people who are likely to then adopt and ruin it, as white people so often do with Black cultural stuff. Some links about this including a great Khadija Mbowe video. I'm saying this gently, anon, because you might not know: woke, an example you cited as Millennial™ speak, is AAVE, and that's gotten erased by so many white people appropriating it and using it incorrectly online.

And also there's the part where fandom is a hobby and you never know when you're reading a fic that's the very first thing someone's ever written outside of a school assignment. This cultural considerations of language shit takes a level of effort and skill that not everybody puts into every fic, or even could if they wanted to because they haven't had time to build their skills yet. It's definitely easier for non-Black fans to project our millennial feels onto Nile than to do the layers of research and self-reflection it requires to depict what Blackness might mean to Nile, and it's not surprising that often people sharing their hobby creations on the internet have gone the easier route. There's not even necessarily shame in doing what's easier. It's just frustrating and often hurtful when structural white supremacy means that 3-dimensional Black characters are rare in media and thoughtful explorations of them in fandom are seen by the majority of fans as not-easy to make and therefore Nile Freeman, the main character in The Old Guard (2020) dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood, has the least fic and meta and art made about her of our 5 main immortals.

I've been active in different fandoms off and on for twenty years and I barely managed to write 5,000 words about Sam Wilson across multiple different fics in the 7 years since I fell in love with him. There's an alchemy to which characters we connect with, and on top of that which characters we connect with in a way that causes us to create stuff about them. Something about Nile Freeman finally tipped me over the edge from a voracious reader to a voracious writer. It's not for me to judge which characters speak to other individuals to the level of creating content about them, but I do think it's important for us to notice, and then work to fight, the pattern where across this fandom as a whole Nile gets way less content, and way less depth in so much of the content that's in theory about her, than any of these other characters.

Anyway, back to language. My two long fics feature Nile with several Black friends — Copley and OCs and cameos from other media — but all of those characters except Alec Hardison from Leverage aren't American. It's very possible I'm guilty of stereotyping Black British speech patterns in I See Your Eyes Seek a Distant Shore. I watched hours and hours of Black haircare YouTube videos in the research for that fic and I modeled my OCs' speech patterns on what I heard from some of those YouTubers as well as what I've heard people like John Boyega and Idris Elba saying in interviews, but the thing about doing your best is you still might fuck up.

I'm slowly making progress on my WIP where Nile and Sam Wilson are cousins, and what ways of talking with a family member might be authentic for Nile is a major question I need to figure out. For that, I'm largely modeling my writing choices on how I hear my Black friends and colleagues talking to each other. I haven't overheard colleagues talking in an office in a long-ass time, but back when that was a thing, I remember seeing a ton of nuance in the different ways many of my Black colleagues would talk to each other. Different people have different personalities! And backgrounds! And priorities! A few jobs ago my department was about 1/3 Black and we worked closely with Obama administration staff many of whom were Black and there was SO MUCH VARIETY in how Black people talked to each other, about work and workplace-appropriate personal stuff, where I and other white coworkers could hear. There are a few work friends in particular who I have in my head when I'm trying to imagine how Sam and Nile might talk to each other. From the outside looking in, God DAMN is shit complicated, intellectually and interpersonally and spiritually, for Black people who are devoting their professional lives to public service in the United States.

One more aspect of this that I have big thoughts on but I need to take extra care in talking about is the idea of acknowledging Nile's Blackness in her patterns of speech. There's no one right way to be Black, and Nile's a fictional character created by a white dude but there are plenty of real-life Black Americans who don't use much or even any AAVE, for reasons that are complicated because of white supremacy. (Highly highly recommend this video by Shanspeare on the harms of the Oreo stereotype.)

Something that's not the same but has enough similarity that I think it's worth talking about is my personal experience with authenticity and American Jewish speech patterns. My Jewish family members don't talk like they're in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and I've known lots of people who do talk that way (or the millennial version of it), some of whom have questioned my Jewishness because I don't talk that way. That hurts me. Sometimes when another Jew tells me some shit like "I've never heard a Jew say y'all'd've," I can respond with "well now you have asshole, bless your Yankee-ass heart," because the myth of Dixie is a racist lie but I will totally call white Northerners Yankees when they're being shitty to me for being Southern, and this particular Jew fucking revels in using "bless your heart" with maximum polite aggression, especially with said Yankees. But sometimes I don't have it in me to say anything and it just quietly hurts having an important part of me disbelieved by someone who shares that important part of me. The sting isn't quite the same when non-Jews disbelieve or discount my Jewishness, but that hurts too.

Who counts as authentically Jewish is a messy in-group conversation and it doesn't really make sense to explain it all here. Who counts as authentically Jewish is a matter of legal status for immigration, citizenship, and civil rights in Israel, and it's my number 2 reason after horrific treatment of Palestinians that I'm antizionist. But outside that extremely high-stakes legal situation, it can just feel really shitty to not be recognized as One Of Us, especially by your own people.

It can also feel really shitty to be The Only One of Your Kind in a group, even if that group is an immortal chosen family who all loves each other dearly. Sometimes especially in a situation like that where you know those people love you but there are certain things they don't get about you and will never quite be able to. I'm definitely projecting at least a little bit of my "lonely Jew who will be alone again for yet another Jewish holiday" stuff onto Nile when at the end of I See Your Eyes Seek a Distant Shore she's thinking about being the only Black immortal and moving away from the community she'd built with a mostly-Black group of mortals in that fic. Maybe that tracks, or maybe that's fucked up of me.

Basically, this got very long but it's complicated, writing about experiences that aren't your own takes skill which in turn takes time and practice to build, writing about experiences not your own that our society maligns can cause a lot of harm if done badly, it can also cause a lot of harm when a large enough portion of a fandom just decides to nope out of something that's difficult and risky because then there's just not much content about a character who deserves just a shit ton of loving and nuanced content, people are individuals and two people who come from the exact same cultural context might show that influence in all kinds of different ways, identity is complicated, language is complicated, writing is hard, and empathy and humility and doing our best aren't a guarantee of avoiding harm but they do go a long way in helping people create thoughtful content about a character as awesome and powerful and kind and messy and scared and curious and WORTHY as Nile Freeman.

[itsaship-literally]

WHOEVER PUT ‘MY BOYFRIEND’S BACK’ IN THE MUSICALBABES PLAYLIST KNEW WHAT THE FUCK THEY WERE DOING IM QUAKING

As someone who’s tryna get into the beetlebabes vibes YALL ARE SO NASTY but in the good way thank you so much for blessing me with the playlist ily guys

Why thank you! I always got the Babes vibe from that song

Song - Movie (I loved that movie too, btw. Not many people know about it so here is the trailer)

My playlists are kind of my fandom obsession gone into overdrive. I will make them in times of hyper fixation with pretty much any ship.

For those of you interested in my playlist posts, search the tag OTP Playlist on this blog, or even just playlist. It should bring up a bunch of music posts.

As for being Nasty… well that song is in there too lol

Also, there are four playlists in total that are associated with this blog. The main one that features vibes and inspirations for all versions of the ship and three individual community playlists for each version.

Verse specific: Movie - Musical - Toon

I leave them open to the public so folks can pop in a tune that maybe we missed or is brand new. We don’t all have the same genres. Also this is a request from me, try not to spam those playlists. Pop a song in only once in a while so we don’t flood.

And as always, I encourage you all to make playlists for your ideal Babes dynamic! Share them on tumblr and if I happen to see the post, I’ll reblog it.

[shannonallaround]

I posted 532 times in 2022

63 posts created (12%)

469 posts reblogged (88%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@shannonallaround

@punkinspice

@candycatstuffs

@larabar

I tagged 527 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#sonic the hedgehog - 280 posts

#sonic fanart - 250 posts

#queue - 192 posts

#shadow the hedgehog - 98 posts

#tails the fox - 83 posts

#amy rose - 70 posts

#miles tails prower - 59 posts

#sonic movie 2 - 57 posts

#sonic frontiers - 54 posts

#sonic wachowski - 39 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#sa2 shadow was mad and sad and that’s why he acted the way he did now give me sweet shadow that cares for people please and thank you 🙏

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Okokokokokokokok. Ok.

So I just went and saw the sonic movie sequel a second time.

And I adored it 10 billion times more.

The first time I saw it, the pacing felt a little off, and I felt like we didn’t get enough sonic and tails time together for them to bond.

However

The second time around (when I wasn’t just trying to take in all the information because a lot was happening the whole movie), the pacing felt right. I felt like sonic and tails totally had enough time! The dancing scene in Siberia didn’t feel too long anymore. It instead felt like it was part of sonic and tails bonding. The whole marriage thing with Rachel and her secret agent fiancé actually felt like it was needed to balance out the action scenes, and it was genuinely funny! Honestly, the whole movie was even more fun the second time around. I was just able to notice so many nuances throughout the movie I hadn’t seen the first time that made it so funny and deep. And super sonic was even cooler the second time I saw him!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t know what it was, but I loved it. It just felt like it worked :)

189 notes - Posted April 12, 2022

#4

I found a month-old doodle :)

240 notes - Posted August 2, 2022

#3

I know that this will never happen in the 3rd sonic movie in a million gazillion years BUT WHAT IF

Individual images under the cut

See the full post

766 notes - Posted May 10, 2022

#2

See the full post

1,188 notes - Posted August 23, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Guys LOOK at the ANIMATION QUALITY

See the full post

1,850 notes - Posted August 23, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[watevermelon]

Cheater!Akaashi x Reader

✧ Summary: (Continuation) Akaashi is still in love with you and begs for your forgiveness.

➳ A/N: It surprised me how many people wanted a part 2 to Akaashi’s initial cheating imagine, but here we are!!  Ask and you shall receive. People want good things for the reader and I agree -- that’s too bad this is what we got instead LMAO ➳  Masterlist ➳  Part One 

--------xXxXxXxXxXx--------

You could’ve gone the rest of your high school career without ever having to hear the word volleyball ever again. The only interest you had in it was from your ex-boyfriend and now any reminder just left a bitter pang in the pit of your stomach. 

Thankfully, Akaashi was not in your class and there actually were not any volleyball players in your homeroom. But that didn’t stop them from popping up in your peripherals or in some rumours around school. 

Some of the members of the volleyball team would shoot looks at you, whether out of pity or curiosity, you couldn't care less. You fostered your own relationships with the athletes individually - whether it was Haruki’s strange brand of humor, Sarukui’s constant references to memes, or Wataru’s lopsided smiles - you knew them. 

You shared, or rather suffered together, in a class with Konoha the year before. A bright first year with no friends yet, Konoha was a nice person and the first one of the entire volleyball team to actually speak to you. He was even the one to introduce you to both Akaashi and Bokuto.

Out of the bunch, Konoha was often a tag-along when it came to hangouts. Whether it was to the arcade or the movie theatres, you and your (ex)boyfriend were quick to include the others. And usually Bokuto and Konoha would come along as well. Looking back, now you felt like an idiot, Konoha was one thing, but Bokuto was always there.

Nonetheless, as a member of the volleyball team, you knew Konoha was close to Akaashi. And there was no doubt which side he would be taking, no matter the moral high-ground. 

There was too much history there and there would be no attempt on your part to salvage the friendships you had with the volleyball team. 

There was no doubt of the curiosity in everyone’s minds the moment you and Akaashi were broken-up and there was a new person he was holding hands with. It went from general confusion to malicious rumours. Akaashi was the silent boy next door, the person everyone thought to be the perfect boyfriend without a bad bone in his body.

Some said that he broke up with you because you were too mean, too boring, or he simply lost interest in your boring lifestyle.

If only other people knew what he had done to you and Bokuto.

You didn’t believe this was the hill you wanted to die on. And so you ignored the carefully whispers that followed you in the hallways. Your best friends urged you to clear your name - you were the wronged party so why must you be the one to continue suffering? But this was not something you wanted to bring up again, not something you wanted to think about and relive after how painful it was the first time.

But it seemed the volleyball Gods really hated you.

Konoha approached you one day, after class had just ended but before extracurricular clubs were about to start.

“Hi.” He stood beside your locker as you organized your things, “Can we talk?”

You nodded wordlessly, packing up your bookbag and following him out the door. He guided you toward the outside fountain by the athletic building, not many students passing by as they rushed home through the main entrance. A part of you worried that some of the other volleyball members would pass by as you sat there together, but then you realized that it was no longer your problem.

You were seated on the edge, silently watching his pensive expression before he finally turned to you.

“I feel like I owe you an apology.” He started.

“What, why?”

“I could’ve told you a year ago that something strange was happening between Akaashi and Bokuto.”

You felt a lump in your throat, not sure what to say.

He shook his head and turned away, “There was something there even before you two were dating. And so even when Akaashi asked you out, I bet you were surprised?’

You frowned, but agreed quietly with a nod of your head.

“We barely knew each other at the time.”

Konoha scoffed, you were unsure why exactly, but he continued, “Out of curiosity, why did you agree?”

You smiled back wistfully at the memory, remembering how you had excitedly texted your friends on how the Akaashi Keiji had asked you to be his girlfriend.

“It was so simple back then.” You explained, “He was the kind, pretty setter of the nationally-ranked volleyball team. It was shallow, based off of what little I heard about.”

“But you grew to love him.”

“Yeah.” You scoffed, “And look what that brought me.”

“I’m sorry.”

Haruki passed by, texting away on his phone, mind on something else before he spotted the two of you. He waved at Konoha first before his eyes landed on you, widening in obvious surprise before he shot you a genuinely wide smile.

“A lot of them miss you too.” Konoha explained.

“Well sorry, I tend to avoid anything regarding the volleyball team these days.”

“Don’t worry, as much as this sucks, we understand.”  Konoha frowned, clenching one of his hands into a fist in annoyance at the situation.

“But I do miss you guys too.” You added.

Konoha smiled, fondly remembering the last time you had all gone to the arcade, “Who could forget the time you beat Haruki at Dance Dance Revolution?” 

“He certainly did not.” You recalled, “He kept challenging me all the way up to mid-terms.” 

Konoha laughed, no one on the team was able to defeat the libero. And yet here you were, all smiles and confidence radiating off of you, bringing the third year to his knees. It made Konoha wonder if the last year could have been different. 

When Akaashi had approached you, Konoha had dutifully stood to the side. The setter was one of his closest friends and never had he approached anyone in the past. He was often busy with the team or Bokuto. And for Akaashi to have asked you, it meant he was serious. And so Konoha had stood to the side, his crush on you mollified if that meant you’d be happier with the setter your age.

If Konoha had the courage to ask you out instead, would you still be close to the volleyball team? Would you be celebrating an anniversary together rather than crying over some lecherous bastard he called a friend?

You sighed and turned to Konoha, registering his earlier words. “Why are you sorry?”

“What?”

“Why are you sorry about what happened with Akaashi?”

“Ah.” He raked an open palm through his hair. “Maybe I could have stopped you.”

“What?” You asked, a confused smile on your face.

“I introduced the two of you after all.” He explained.

“Shut up.” You said in a teasing tone, “No one could have stopped it. I was just dumb enough to fall for him.”

Konoha shot a small grin back at you, “Yeah, you were.”

Sighing loudly, you made sure you had all your stuff before standing. “I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah.” Konoha held out a hand for you to shake, “I hope we can still be friends.”

It was odd, to feel the small blossom of something in the pit of your stomach. This was Konoha, your friend of two years at this point. This was nothing more than him trying his best to affirm your friendship, you reminded yourself.

“I hope so too.”

And, to his credit, he really did try. It was simple things - you had each other’s chat ID’s from your shared class together and, every once in a while, he would send you a meme or a small tidbit of information. You still had things in common, subjects ranging from the current shounen anime and TV shows you kept up with.

It was refreshing to talk to him. Your friends had your back, but the school’s curiosity was not easily satisfied with time. People were naturally nosy, eager to know the true reasons behind your failed relationship. Both you and Akaashi had yet to even address it and it only got worse with Bokuto’s increasing PDA.

Thankfully, no one was audacious enough to actually approach you about the situation. No one else was involved in your relationship and they had no right to actually point fingers.

That was until someone had the audacity to come up to you during the free period, most of everyone on campus enjoying their lunches.

You were sitting at your usual table, waiting for your friends to come from their respective classrooms when one of the more annoying third-years came up to you.

You recognized her as president of the Fukurodani Volleyball fanclub, this should be fun.

“I think you should apologize to Akaashi-san.”

You closed your book and looked up. The usual bustle of the lunchroom was dying down, many people silencing as they turned to the interaction. 

“What?”

“For wasting his time - he deserved so much better than you.” She bit out cruelly, the other girls behind her nodding in agreement. “And we all think it’s high time you beg for forgiveness.”

You stood up, pure annoyance rolling off of you. “You don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh? I don’t?” She challenged, “Why would Akaashi date you of all people? And now that the two of you are broken-up he’s been sadder than I’ve ever seen him! This is your fault!”

You slapped your book down and raised your chin, “If that’s what you honestly think then you’re as ignorant as you are a meddling piece of shit.” 

The murmurs that followed were obvious, people listening in to your harsh response.

She raised her hand as if to slap you, obviously offended at being called out to the entire lunchroom. “Why I outta --”

But the offending hand never came.

“Leave her alone.”

You could recognize your ex-boyfriend’s voice anywhere. Turning, you saw Bokuto enter your field of vision and grasp at her wrist in a tight hold, held high above your head. Akaashi was standing on the other side in front of you, an arm-outstretched as if to protect you from the group of girls.

“She didn’t do anything wrong.” Akaashi stated clearly, his gaze was unwavering from the girl, but you were sure that the entire room was now listening in. “It was me.”

She stuttered, attempting to save face, “Akaashi-san, surely that’s not true.”

He turned to her, his blank expression now marginally colder. “You have no idea what you are talking about.”

The mean third-year visibility recoiled, turning to you and apologizing under her breath. Bokuto swung her arm away, his glare enough to scare away the rest of the group, but the room was still obviously silent. Bokuto scanned the rest of the room with his tough stare, many people turning away and vainly attempting to restart their conversations. 

Akaashi turned to you, an unsure expression on his face. There were words on the tip of his tongue, you were sure, since he looked as if there were a thousand things he wanted to say.

“I’m not going to say thanks.” You decided to start for him.

“I know.”

You wanted to turn away from him again, no words left for you to say or even scream at him through your anger. This was more than just some ex, you genuinely loved Akaashi and thought he was going to be your future. And from the way he acted, it seemed like the setter wanted that as well.

“There’s something I want to say.” Akaashi stated before you could flee.

“Maybe not here.” Bokuto tugged at your elbow, motioning to the nearest hallway with his chin. 

You followed Akaashi wordlessly, Bokuto behind you to make sure you didn’t just run away. You sure that there were more than a few dozen pairs of eyes sticking to the backs of your strange trio.

Akaashi led you to a corner, no one to spy on your conversation unless they hung outside the building from the window. He moved to gently grasp your forearms, but you pushed him off before he could get a firm hold on you. 

He frowned, but looked at you intently. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

“Okay.” You stated back plainly, “I can’t forgive you.”

Akaashi hesitated, a dejected look on his face. “I know.”

Every bone in your body was screaming at you to walk away, to stop looking at his despondent pout and not fall for his sad look. You remembered the first time you fell in love with his smile - how easy he would flash that beaming expression at you. How Akaashi would tell you how much he loved you and it filled your heart until it overflowed.

And now all of those memories were worth nothing.

Screw being a bigger man, your heart had a thousand things it wanted to say.

“I really loved you, you know.” You pushed at his shoulder, “And now I can’t look at you without feeling like I hate you.”

“I know.”

“I was so in love with you I thought this would be it.” You felt your heart crying, but urged the motion down. “Why kiss me and tell me you love me when you had someone else on your mind the entire time?!”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Akaashi looked just as anguished, trying to reach out to you with shy hands on your shoulders. “Please just listen to me.”

But you shoved him away this time, “What could you possibly have to say to me?”

“I love you.” 

His blue eyes bore right into your own, determined and sure of his previous statement. Looking over his shoulder, Bokuto was standing to the side, his gaze stuck on you as well. How the hell was this normal?

“What?”

Akaashi paused, hands coming up to hold you but stopping short again when he realized that was the last thing you needed. “I’m in love with both of you.”

You huffed and took a step back, what could you possibly say to that? There was a sudden flurry of emotions just whirring around your mind -  a rush of elation at being loved, immediately squashed down by the annoyed at Akaashi’s selfishness.

You turned to Bokuto, “You believe this?”

The wing-spiker frowned, but affirmed it in a loud voice. “Yes.”

“No.” You started back quickly, shaking your head. “I refuse to be part of this.”

“It’s true.” Akaashi pushed, moving toward you with an ernst expression on.

“I don’t care if it’s true or not.” You moved away again, but this time Akaashi did not let you evade him. Putting firm hands on your shoulders, he pulled you against his chest. “Stop.”

“I’m so sorry I hurt you, but I can’t.” Akaashi continued, “I love you and it hurts me so much that I hurt you in the process.”

You struggled against his hold until he let go. “How could I listen to you be so selfish?” 

“I know.”

“Don’t involve me in this.” You motioned at the both of them in a wide circle. 

“(F/N).” Akaashi stressed, eager to get you to see his side, but you wanted nothing to do with him or Bokuto. He broke your heart enough, there was no way you were willing to entertain him back in your life.

“What don’t you understand about leaving me alone?” You raised your voice, annoyed that Akaashi was asking anything of you after treating you so cruelly.

“Please let me explain.” Akaashi kept repeating.

There was nothing, absolutely nothing that Akaashi could say that would ever make you think about introducing him back into your life. He was terrible for lying to you for months, maybe even as long as a year, but you didn’t want to exactly ask the length of his infidelity. He was a terrible boyfriend and an even worse person - you were ready to raise hands at both boys if they didn’t let you go this instant.

Bokuto blocked your path this time, “(L/N), come on we just -- “

“What’s going on here?” A gentle hand fell on your shoulder, pushing Bokuto aside as a new person entered your conversation.

Konoha stood tall behind you, his sudden appearance quelling your rising anger. If not, you were sure that you were going to throw hands with the volleyball boys. Bokuto would probably fight you off, but slapping Akaashi would feel cathartic in a way.

“Ah, don’t worry about it.” Bokuto tried to wave away the other wing spiker. “We’re just talking.”

“(F/N), please. Let me explain it all to you.” Akaashi stressed, moving a step in your direction, to which Konoha challenged when he tilted his head upward. 

“Right, just talking.” Konoha murmured in disbelief before turning to you. “And how do you feel?”

“I’ve had enough of this conversation.”

Both Akaashi and Bokuto exclaimed your name in contrasting tones, but you hardened your expression before turning away from them. Konoha still had a hand on your shoulder as you walked back to the lunchroom.

Your friends were already at your table, some of them standing around pacing while others were angrily chewing into their food. A chorus of your name followed as the two of you neared the table, some of them getting up from their seats to give you a comforting hug.

“(F/N)!” Your best friend was quick to rush you, crushing you between her arms. “We heard that Akaashi and Bokuto basically ushered you away.”

“The whole lunchroom was basically watching that door.” Another stated, pointing to the one you just came from.

Your best friend put her hands on your shoulder, steading your attention back to her. “Please tell me you remembered that men ain’t shit.”

Konoha laughed as he put a mocking hand of offense over his heart.

“Yeah, yeah.” You assured her, “I’m not about to make the same mistake again.”

“Good.” She confirmed, before turning to Konoha. “Okay, only Konoha has rights.”

“Thanks.” He stated back half-heartedly, guiding you back to your lunch and taking the seat beside you.

“When people told us they took you away, we weren’t sure what to do. Go after you? Call you to give you an out? We didn’t even know how long you had been gone for!” She explained, “Thankfully Konoha here came to the rescue.”

You turned to the wing-spiker, smiling as you did so. “He really did, thank you.”

He reflected a similar expression back at you, holding your gaze before springing away to take out his own lunch out of his bag.

“I take it back, the volleyball team has no rights with the exception of Konoha.” One of your friends joked.

As for you, you could not help but think back to the fond expression Konoha just shot you. It was so quick, and yet so genuine, you felt it pierce your heart so suddenly just to rip away from you when he turned away. But not in a bad way, per se.

If anything, this was a nice feeling, for a lack of a better term, to have again. You were not totally healed, still angry at both Akaashi and Bokuto for being complete fuckheads. But a part of you was still alive, happy to see Konoha as your friend and just maybe… maybe something else.

Akaashi and Bokuto returned back to the lunchroom silently, having left their stuff at their now fully occupied table. Bokuto didn’t bother to even turn in your direction, but Akaashi shot you a devastatingly sad frown as he passed. 

A part of you wanted to comfort it, to leap out at the man who loved you for the past year. But you were thankfully steadied back to reality when Konoha put a gentle hand on your own. Akaashi’s gaze fell to the contact, making him stop entirely in his tracks. It was only when Bokuto grabbed his hand did the setter continue walking, but the shock on his face was palpable.

No matter, Akaashi was the last thing you wanted on your mind right now.

You upturned your hand and squeezed Konoha’s smiling at the third-year before turning back to your lunch.

The situation was far from resolved, you still had another two years at this drama-infested school and Akaashi seemed keen on explaining something to you. You were far from completely healed and it seemed the student body would not let this drama go unnoticed.

But you were getting there.

Little by little, you were re-learning to smile and laugh more. Places on campus were no longer bitter memories, but quiet lessons for you to remember. You had your loving best-friends and suddenly, the kind Konoha, at your side.

You had no worries about the rest of the school year, you would get through this with a head held high.

--------xXxXxXxXxXx--------

A/N: TBH for myself i could see this going both ways; reader saying nah OR reader entering a poly relationship. idk - i’ll write it if someone wants to see that ending but otherwise here we are :):

➳  Masterlist

[portsidewonderland]

Okay, I’ve been wanting to write this for the last three weeks, but I’m finally - finally - sitting down to do just that.

First, I’m a Rogan shipper. I’ve been a Rogan shipper for the last 20 years, but in that time, I’ve grown, I’ve experienced my own sense of love, and I’m a writer so I’d like to think I’m familiar with structure, characterization, and the like.

Second, I’m focused on the film franchise, strictly speaking. Just wanted to make sure that is clear.

Having said that, when I discuss how utterly wrong the X-Men franchise is, I’m talking about from a story standpoint. When I speak of Logan and Rogue, if that ship isn’t your jam, fine, but the points I make still stand.

Finally, spoiler alert for all of the movies.

Okay, I think we’re ready to jump in.

1. After the first movie, everyone forgot the heart of what made the first movie so special: Wolverine & Rogue

I don’t necessarily mean together. I mean, the movie focused primarily on Logan’s story and Rogue’s story. It was told through THEIR POV. This is important because, essentially, we’re asked to connect with these two characters AND WE DO.

The dialogue, the acting, and their stories (which reflect each other’s as well as stand on their own) draw us in and we are hooked.

Even the critics thought some of the best scenes are the ones Logan and Marie share together. Multiple critics discuss chemistry, how they add to the scene, etc.

Regardless of whether you ship them or not, there’s a compelling story between the two. This vulnerable, slip of a girl is the most powerful X-men out there (or one of) and this growly, fierce angry, broken man who’s been alone for so long that out of everyone he’s met and seen, THIS girl brings him to his knees.

And it’s because she isn’t scared of him.

Even after watching him beat the shit out of his opponent, even after seeing the claws threaten humans and slice through a barrel of a gun, she still thinks, I can trust him.

And when he catches her in his trailer, she STILL isn’t afraid of him. She gives him lip. She calls him out on his shit.

That’s how she manages to slide through the cracks.

And that is BEAUTIFUL.

I’m not here to talk about the performances, but Jesus Christ, I love this scene so damn much. The chemistry RADIATES. The glances, the confusion, the curiosity, and the attraction. (Sorry not sorry, it’s there on both parts, I’ll die on this hill.)

Anyway, the first movie is about how this girl brings the savage, feral Wolverine to his knees. How she gets him to STAY. How she gets him to open up.

Yes, Logan wants info on his past, but he’s staying for Marie. We all know it.

When he threatens Jean after first waking up, Jean is scared. And for good reason, obviously.

But Logan STABS Marie with his claws, and guess what? She’s still not scared of him. She’s worried about him.

This is THEIR story.

Do you really think Wolverine is going to go running around in leather for anyone but Marie? Yeah, I don’t think so. I mean, he literally STABS HIMSELF IN THE CHEST to free himself and get to her.

He PROMISES her that he’d take care of her. Do you think Wolverine bullshits? Hell no, he doesn’t.

And that’s why....

2. The whole Jean thing was just not great.

Okay, can I tell you something?

I don’t see Jean as a sympathetic character. She’s engaged to Scott and suddenly, Wolverine comes strolling in and she can’t get her shit together?

I mean, okay, I get it, let’s be real.

But Scott isn’t a bad guy. He nay be a dick, but he treats Jean well. Because we’re not in Cyclops’ or Jean’s head, we as the audience don’t see any marital/romantic issues between them. Hence, when Jean gets flustered by Wolverine to the point where she lets him goad her into reading his mind, she knows what she’s doing. She likes it. She likes Logan’s attention.

Not because she likes Logan.

(I read this fic where basically Jean tells Logan he could have been anybody, and I thought that was so perfect)

But because he’s giving her attention. He makes her feel desired.

And she leads him on.

Right there, I don’t like her, and I think that’s why a lot of Rogan shippers don’t like her is that she has no problem toying not only with Logan’s feelings, but with Scott’s.

But that’s not even the worst part of this.

At the end, when Logan asks for Marie and Jean makes her comment, she adds, “I think she’s taken with you.”

Like - why would Jean say that? Why mention it?

That’s petty ass shit right there.

To me, what she’s trying to do is align herself with Logan as adults and belittle Marie for having a little crush on him. Like it’s so juvenile.

And the worst line of this whole movie is when he says, “Tell her my heart belongs to another.”

Want to know why?

Because the writers/director haven’t SHOWN this. This line is forced here to TELL the audience that we should be shipping Jean and Wolverine. It’s sloppy writing. It tells me they think the audience are idiots.

Really, Logan?

Jean has your heart even though you completely go against Tall Dark and Feral to pick up a girl, then stay at the school with her, leave a fucking mansion to bring her back, make a promise to her, go after her after she’s kidnapped, stab yourself in the chest, fling yourself on the Statue of Liberty AND RISK YOUR FUCKING LIFE TO SAVE ROGUE’S JUST BY TOUCHING HER and you want me to believe your heart belongs to Jean????

Please, tell me, why the FUCK should I buy that?

Oh, because they’re the same age?

LOL no.

Anyway, I didn’t like Jean’s characterization because of that. Because she’s leading people on, because she needs to put down Marie’s feelings after her ordeal because of her insecurity, because of it all.

Which is why I’ll never ship them together.

Logan is at his worst when he’s around Jean.

Anyway.

And Jean is just the worst.

3. They took something meaningful and they fucked it

Logan promises to take care of Rogue. Do you know important that is for both of them as individuals and their relationship?

Rogue only goes back because of Logan. Not for anyone else. Not even Bobby. She comes back, she stays, for Logan.

Where do we see that after the second movie?

He’s so goddamned focused on Jean, on everything about her, that he barely notices that Rogue is ready to get the cure.

I’m GLAD they got a scene together. Because of their looks.

I am.

But shit.

It’s like Logan has completely forgotten all about Rogue, and I’m sorry, but after that first movie, I just can’t buy that.

I can buy that he leaves to check out his past. The dog tag scene is one of my absolute favorites. That’s perfect. Makes sense.

(Also, side note: Fic is so beautiful about this but he isn’t afraid to touch her. Like, he doesn’t HAVE to play with her hair but he does. It’s playful and flirty. It IS. He could have just said he liked her hair BUT HE HAD TO TOUCH IT. And this is HUGE for Rogue because honestly SHE’S afraid to touch and of herself but if Logan isn’t afraid, she stops being afraid - if that makes sense.)

But seriously? He’s not calling the mansion, not writing to Rogue?

I don’t believe that for one second.

This is why I will never watch The Wolverine after that first time (I refuse especially after the director said he was contemplating adding Rogue at the end and didn’t and FUCK EVERYTHING.) because he just leaves because he’s upset about fucking JEAN

I’m sorry but the Wolverine isn’t ABOUT Jean.

If that was the case, we should have had point of views between Logan and Jean in the first movie, not Rogue.

We should have SEEN their development, but we didn’t.

We’re TOLD it.

I’m sorry, but how do you want me to believe that the big bad Wolverine runs off to Japan because he’s sad about Jean? Like, so he’s just going to leave Rogue alone with all of those threats? Are you fucking kidding me?

Show them keeping in touch or SOMETHING. You can’t expect me to see such a huge transformation arc in Logan in the first movie that just gets shit on in every other movie (besides the second). Because that makes Wolverine look like a big, gigantic ASSHOLE and I get that he’s supposed to be that way, but NOT with Rogue.

Which is why Days of Future Past pisses me off as much of the rest them (I’m only discussing the Rogue Cut because I refuse to acknowledge that Bryan Singer - who gave us the first movies - regulated Rogue to such a fucking small cameo.) because Rogue was treated as garbage.

Now, I’m going to assume Logan doesn’t know about what really happened to Rogue because no one told him. But honestly? If he cares about Rogue the way I know he does, he should be asking about her every single time he and Xavier talk.

I love that Logan can sense Rogue when she steps in to help. I love that Rogue refuses to let go of Logan’s mind even in the heart of danger (@bigfrogbestfrogs has an awesome breakdown of these scenes). But I’m appalled at how Kitty is chosen before Rogue? Like, even when coming up with the idea for this movie, why not involve Rogue more?

I refuse to discuss Bobby and her together at the end.

Fuck that.

4. The timelines

Look, I’m not even going to go into the shit that is the timelines.

But honestly?

Fuck everything about that.

I get Singer wanted to retcon X3, but I don’t care.

Based on Apocalypse, the future still sucks so everything failed and then the movie LOGAN takes that shit and amplifies it.

5. LOGAN (the movie)

I’m sorry, but this movie is amazing in some ways and sucks in others.

Want to know why?

Because it takes everything about what made the first movie great and emphasized it.

Laura is too young to be a love interest, so clearly, it’s paternal, and I’m here for it.

But there are so many parallels between logan and Laura and Logan and Rogue that for Logan not to say anything or feel anything in a way tgat tells the audience he’s feeling something just boggles my mind.

Even if he carried HER picture or played with the dog tags and thought of her, something that shows the audience he remembers her, dammit, and she MEANT something to him.

But FUCK how could he NOT?

And that’s why the scene where he’s reading that comic book and he sees himself saving Rogue is so poignant.

Because his gaze lingers.

I mean, obviously I’m assuming she’s dead (which is bullshit but whatever). But still.

And then when he’s dying and Laura is holding his hands and you get that prophecy of him dying with his heart in his hand and I loved how they paired it with the Logan and Rogue song. I loved that callback.

And if the films in between them weren’t such shit, it would be enough.

But it’s not enough for me.

There was so much potential and everything got shit on and it angers me soooo much.

Anyway.

That’s me venting.

Luckily we have so many talented Rogan fic writers and that our ship has survived 20 years.

But still.

What could have been...

Shit.