#a legendary god might be scary

[pokemon-ranger-booker]

why tf are ppl allowed to own legendary pokemon? you shouldn’t be allowed to just HAVE historical beasts following you like a lillipup

i think it's less that people own them and more that they're tagging along for the ride for funsies. i mean some of them are literally gods yknow. like I don't think some random kid named N currently owns a giant electric dragon god that could kill him in one hit, I think the giant electric dragon god is just vibing in this realm and probably enjoys a good spicy poffin that that kid can supply easily. IDK why the legendaries usually choose the child vigilantes to hang out with but my guess is that they're like, oh this child was traumatized by having to fight terrorists singlehandedly. they can have a little godly company, as a treat

[miss-anachronism]

for requests. i need. valen x male magister merlin. im a sucker for this guy. anything really. thank you!

Ooh, I’ve never read an x reader/MC fic, let alone written one! New territory, as exciting as it is scary.

I’m not so sure I have a good grip on Valen’s character, but I tried to write it from his perspective. I hope this suits your needs! It gets a bit philosophical. And sorry if its OOC :,)

He isn’t sure what to think, really.

They’re sitting around a dying campfire, just outside the borders of the Dark Forest. Lorsan is pacing somewhere in the distance, muttering to himself, or to the wind, maybe. Trying to figure out what’s happened to his home. Korin leans against a tree, tending to his wounds- courtesy of Merlin. The magister himself is across from Valen, wrapping his own wound and chattering with his hamsters.

Logically, Valen knows that the lesson he should have taken from this scramble is a lot more profound than what’s been on his mind. He should be contemplating the Wilders, the forest, their next steps, how to protect the refugees. And he’s trying to, but it’s just that something- someone- keeps catching his attention.

He didn’t know Merlin could bleed.

It’s such a silly observation. But as Valen watches the angry red wound on Merlin’s forearm, his gut twists. It’s like seeing a god’s flesh tear, and seeing that its blood is the same bright red as his own.

Valen isn’t sure what exactly Merlin is. As far as he knows, no one does, not even Merlin himself. But to the average young Lightbearer, he’s a myth. A legendary figure that you might glimpse once in your life, but would never get to meet. Never speak with, let alone camp alongside. Fight alongside. Merlin throws his head back to laugh at something Chippy has said, and something stirs in Valen’s ribs, something he knows is dangerous.

All of this is dangerous. Merlin is not someone to be loved; Valen has seen what happened to Mirael. Forgotten about, left in the dust, accidentally as it was. The way she watches Merlin, her face made of mixed admiration, bitterness, and regret. He wonders if she would take it all back, if she could. Scariest of all, when she bid them farewell, the look in her eyes sent an ugly pain of jealousy through Valen’s chest. And he doesn’t want that to happen to him, selfish as that may be. Every time Merlin falls asleep, he risks waking up knowing nothing.

Besides, what is Valen to a hero of myth? His whole life has been barely a blink in Merlin’s. Whatever he is, there is no reasonable way Valen could ever mean something to Merlin the way that Merlin is beginning to mean something to him. Merlin will outlive him a thousand times over. And he’s probably met a thousand different people, fallen in love with quite a few of them. Someone who has experienced so much life, so much loss, can they still love? Could they ever?

And yet, he bleeds. It’s such a human weakness that it seems impossible. Valen knew heroes could bleed; he didn’t know gods could. Merlin does not go about the world serene and calculating, watching every moment with practiced ease. He stumbles, laughs, misses with his spells. He jostles Valen’s pauldron excitedly when they win a fight, he’s the last to flee when they lose, ensuring everyone else has disengaged safely. He has only one dimple, on his left cheek. Sometimes he speaks so fast his words blend together, and Hammie has to remind him to slow down. It’s endearing. It’s human. Valen doesn’t know what to do with it. Because it was so much easier, to write off affection as admiration. When the pieces had first clicked, he thought it all made sense. The natural pull that the magister gave off- yes, of course, it was just Merlin’s nature. But they’re a week into this camaraderie, and Valen keeps noticing things like the lick of hair on his neck that doesn’t sit flat.

Pretty fucking annoying, that’s what it is. Valen’s always prouded himself on his ability to swerve out of love’s path. He can flirt and charm all he wants, but at the end of the day all the love letters he receives are ink and paper, nothing more. Whenever someone seriously reciprocates- god forbid- he disengages as smoothly as he can, lest they get the wrong impression.

But Merlin has changed all that, somehow. Impossibly so. He supposes it’s in his nature, to take everything and turn it upside down. Valen doesn’t want to flirt with the Magister, to laugh as he flushes under his praise. Well, it would be nice, he always has liked the attention; but the thing is, that isn’t the point. With Merlin, he just wants to be. No performance, no elaborate courtship. Just… be. Together. All this, for someone who is more myth than man.

It seems like the scariest thing he’s ever faced.

“Valen?”

He jumps as the magister suddenly speaks, and realizes with mounting embarrassment that he’s been staring the whole time. Luckily, the magister grins good-naturedly- and ah, there’s that dimple again.

“Lost in thought?”

“You could say that.”

He leans back on his hands and forces his face into a smirk. It’s easier than he anticipated; despite everything, Merlin makes it simple to be around him.

“I’ve been meaning to say,” Merlin mirrors his position as Chippy and Hammie scuttle away, the former setting off on a quest to climb the nearest tree, “I really appreciate your help in all of this. Coming along, and aiding me- far past your assigned duties. It isn’t lost to me.”

Valen gives him a look. “Of course, magister. I’m not one to leave danger to fester; I’m sorry you ever had that impression of me.”

“No, it’s not that, it’s…” Merlin’s brow furrows as he collects his thoughts. “You know, you seem so… charmingly nonchalant. Like nothing bothers you. But that clearly isn’t true. You care a lot, Valen, and it’s really, really nice to see. You’re someone who is just… good, you know? And I appreciate it.” He grins sheepishly. “Sorry. Kinda cheesy compliment. I’ve lost all my memories, you know, but being around you- and Lorsan, Cassadee, Mirael- honestly, I don’t feel like I’m missing much of anything. Everything I need is right here.”

He shrugs and turns back to the fire, as if he has not sent Valen’s mind reeling. Functionally, Merlin has been aware for only a week- one week out of thousands of years. He’s wondered how he’s been so calm about the whole thing, and…

And it’s hard to believe, but it’s much harder to doubt what Merlin says, not as he stares into the fire with that soft smile. It dawns on Valen that he probably knows more about Merlin than Merlin does- all of the legends, at least. And yet, despite that insurmountable legacy, despite the name and title that bears unimaginable weight, Merlin is… content. Content in just moving forward, and hoping he’s doing the right thing.

And isn’t that all that Valen’s doing, as well? He doesn’t deserve all this praise; he always shies away from large displays of gratitude, loathing how awkward they make him feel. Because he’s just moving forward, and trying to do the right thing. It’s a simple motive, really. Faith, and what effort it takes to retain it. He always thought Merlin would have some deeper, existential knowledge of the world that would put all else to shame- access to the secrets of the universe, and what not. And, certainly, his magical capabilities are second to none- but his philosophy, the way he lives; it very well might be human after all.

Maybe the usual Merlin, the one with all his memories, is the knowledgeable, immovable sage that Valen grew to look up to. Maybe, once restored, Merlin will become that god-like fairytale hero, wisdom surpassing all others, power knowing no ends.

Selfishly, Valen hopes that never happens. That the Merlin in front of him stays the same, annoying dimple and all, and keeps looking at Valen like that. Like he sees something in him that Valen never knew was there. He hopes Merlin never raises above their quips, their banter.

He know’s it’s all in vain. But god, he hopes.

[hotvintagepoll]

Sid James (Hell Drivers, Carry On Camping, Carry On Doctor, Three Hats for Lisa, Bless This House)—Sid James has the kind of scrungly face that looks like a guy has spent his youth boxing but now breeds canaries. Yes, he became legendary as the kind of bloke who is always happy to eye up the ladies and pull a fast one on the system, but he could also do terrifying gangster and comforting dad who might grumble a bit but will always be there for his family.

Conrad Veidt (The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, The Man Who Laughs)— oh my god look at him in Caligari. I specifically said that he's from this because him as Cesare is just. MMMMM. he's so wet and sad and scrungly. and little. he's like a kitten left alone in a dark alley except he's also killed people (not his fault). something wrong with him (Cesare). as for Conrad himself. oh my god look at him... them big ole eyes and the walk of some fucking thing creature

This is round 2 of the contest. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. If you're confused on what a scrungle is, or any of the rules of the contest, click here.

[additional submitted propaganda + scrungly videos under the cut]

Sid James:

Conrad Veidt:

I mean just look at him. The wet cat energy. The ghostly eyes. He did the monster mash before anybody. Where would we be today without him, he even has one (1) song on spotify. I regularly forget he's dead and wonder what his next movie will be. He slays in any role. The Ultimate Skrunkle.

He's the ultimate scrungly to me, the basis for many of our scrungly guys today. he's so skinny and pale and he wears so much eye makeup

He was THE bisexual goth tumblr sexyman of early film. Seriously the old timey Tumblrinas would send him fanmail about wanting him to choke them. He inspired the designs for the Joker and Jafar,and was nicknamed the “Demon of the Silver Screen” for his horror roles. His first wife divorced him for crossdressing. Hitler sent him hate mail for speaking out about antisemitism. He really loved his wife and told the Germans to go fuck themselves when they threatened his job if he didn’t divorce her for being Jewish. Just look at me and tell me this guy isn’t scrungly he’s like a personification of the emo kid from Horton hears a who

[cw the below clip depicts assault/abduction and could be scary for some viewers]

[absolutelynotararr]

HISTORY HAS ITS EYES ON YOU but this is EPIC

• Imagine the conversations between Telemachus and Odysseus, where the former continues his legendary-dreams, telling his father how he wants to go on the same journey to become great, to prove that he is also strong, smart and cunning, that he wants to lead soldiers, and so on...

• And he kept talking with the same youthful desire, without really thinking about the deeper and darker meaning of such desires and journeys. But Odysseus didn't share his desire very much

Odysseus: Let me tell you what I wish I’d known, when I was young and dreamed of glory...

and then he begins to tell Telemachus for several hours how everything is not so simple. That leading a large number of people is difficult, that maintaining their fighting spirit and driving all possible thoughts of mutiny overboard is also difficult ,that it is hard to lose dear people cause of your orders, decisions, actions or inactions; that trying to regain people's trust when someone dies during a trip and you return is a real torment, both for the parents of the deceased son and for you, who lost him, no matter under what circumstances.

• He talked and talked, but he himself went deeper and deeper into memories, as if into a black swamp. He no longer assumed what could happen to Tele during the journey, but spoke directly about what had happened to him.

"I led my men straight into a massacre"

"I witnessed their deaths firsthand"

"I made every mistake"

"I felt the shame rise in me"

"And even now I lie awake"

Odysseus: "You cannot escape the attention of the gods, especially the attention of angry gods, cause they has its eyes on m-...you."

"I know that greatness lies in you. But remember from here on in they has its eyes on you."

And he spoke not only about the gods and how they always watch from the shadows, but also about his people, about strangers, about kings, about enemies and friends.

He understands what lies behind all this glitter of "glory" and "eternal memory", brighter than any cleaning product. And he wants to dissuade him with all his might, to warn his son, cause he doesn’t know whether he will be luckier if he goes traveling or, on the contrary, whether all the misfortunes will fall on him in one big pile of shit from death, pain and a broken psyche.

Tele: I know life and fate are scary, but I wanna be legendary!!!

°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

Ody: Oh, my sweet sunshine, no, you don't want to be legendary...(ಠ 益 ಠ ) *All kinds of flashbacks*

[ghostkingdoesstuff]

A friendly reminder I am not to be held accountable for the things I'm about to say. Percy Jackson Season 1 FINALLY (SPOILERS BUT THAT'S THE LEAST OF YOUR PROBLEMS)

The visceral noise I made eating popcorn as Luke said "look you didn't ask to be a half-blood" caused an earthquake in Alaska, I'm sorry I was facing northwest.

"Riposte" I'm sorry, no I'm sorry no-

Also, the background of the sword fighting scene was very pretty.

Poseidon showing up for his son!!! Letts gooooooo! THE WEIGHT OF THE OCEAN UPON YEE!!!

Right in the heel, it's gotta hurt!

Percy asked his uncle to please return his mom, wholesome family gold.

"He'll kill you." "I done to stop running from monsters." "You're gonna need all the luck you can get." The show gets why these two work. Friends before anything else.

Glory as a theme is something that I like that the show highlights more. But Grover is right. at least send an insurance email or something. A quick "on my way, please don't kill anyone"

Dropping the master bolt on some poor dudes desk, legendary.

Olympus is so fucking beutiful omg

I'm gonna cry if Luke and Percy are in the same scene as each other in this episode again. ILL DO IT! THAT'S A THREAT!

The dead silence, I'm shitting omg... yes I know what happens and?

Followed by "I didn't steal it! Neither did any of my friends" IM GONNA CRY! IM GONNA DO IT

The pin strip suit, the sky blue paisley tie, the presence, the voice, THE KING OF THE GODS PEOPLE

Lotta talk for someone so small and scary

POISIDEN GETTING BETWEEN HIS SON AND HIS BROTHER I'M GONNA THROW UP

POSIDEN AND ZEUS SPEAKING GREEK I'M GONNA PISS

THE SEA DOES NOT LIKE TO BE RESTRAINED (🎶BRING ON THE MONSTERS BRING ON THE REAL WORLD!!!🎶)

SALLY JACKSON TEACHING PERCY GREEK I'M GONNA-

"Of course we dream. why do you ask?" "Do you ever dream about mom?" ;-;

Thalia looking strudy as ever.

"Ready?" NO FUCK YOU NO

Another reminder I am not to held liable for anything I might say, you need only see how many times I've listened to "Last day of Summer" from The musical to understand how much I've thought of this moment in fictional time.

Confirmation that Luke was indeed what mattered most in the end? I'm gonna make myself cry shit-

Honestly, this Percy might be too smart for his own good. Bro's never gonna live this heartbreak down.

"You...I'm here to recruit." I- fucking- AHHHH

"OUR WAY OUT" RICK YOU BASTARD I HOPE YOU ROT IN ASPHODEL

"Stop saying "we"!" "It’s the word Zeus fears the most."

AND SHE HEARD EVERYTHING! Wasn't she supposed to be watching Clarrise? He'll, if Percy could figure it out, I'm sure Annabeth would. It's worth it to see that LOOK on Luke's face. I'm sorry. Feel the weight of your actions, man.

Miss my old friend the pit scorpion but I also like my new friend "the first scars we gave eachother"

He knows Luke won't hurt him physically, but the psychic damage hurts more and has lasting status de buffs.

"Just be a kid" that's it

"I'll find you" that's it

Promising to meet again next summer...Percy just you wait.

THE FAKE OUT OF A LIFETIME

"Grandpa" "don't call him that"

They are the ultimate mother son duo

BLUE PANCAKES!

Kinda hate that Sally didn't intentionally do a murder, or at least she has a lot more possible deniability now, but I hope she still makes a sweet sale on that sculpture!

And that's it! Fuck it's over what to do now... RE READING THE LIGHTING THEIF LIFE BLOG COMING SOON! As well I'll probably drop a summary of my thoughts on the whole season at some point soon! Happy Finally, y'all! Can't wait to see the discorse!

[most-datable-datable-bracket]

ROUND 3 MATCH 17

Fawn propaganda:

“The golden retriever boyfriend you've been searching for your whole life. An anxious bean who deals with his fear of people and crowds to support the player character in his quest to figure out what the hell is going on”

"So my adorable boy ran away when he was just little and has been living with his animal friends ever since. He's convinced he can speak to animals but also they don't always respond to what he's saying and his theory to explain this away is "they're in a rebellious phase" like an absolute dork. Everything he owns is things that people have lost down the river. He loves his collection.

The first night (might have been the second) he meets Raen (PC), he sees how hard Raen has had it and decides to show him that even if there are scary and bad things in the world, there is also beauty

Like the true golden retriever he is, he immediately imprints on Raen and is determined to help him in his journey. Even if that means that Fawn has to go back into civilization and face his fear of people. He's so scared to the point of anxiety attacks but he's strong with Raen by his side

Also my boy can sing. So well in fact that it gets them a free room at the inn for the night (thank God because forest boy and two cult survivors definitely don't have any money).

Also did I mention that he can cut a B if they're threatening Raen? This golden retriever has some hidden claws.

In conclusion, soft boy is soft, your honor, and you should vote for him"

Rafael propaganda:

“Rafael is the blacksmith and this dude really needs some rare ore so he can craft a legendary weapon. What an extreme nerd. He dislikes mushrooms, just like me. But he hates eggs, so we can never be together.”

[sannyo-appreciation-posts]

March Touhou calendar characters

Sannyo Day is approaching late this month.

btw: if you want to know the secret strategy to getting a Touhou day fast even if you are new, and a stage 3 boss; then be a demo character who has the syllables in your name line up with the date 3 days after your game's demo releases.

though getting a day really isn't hard at all, people love coming up with holidays.

Especially if you can make a pun. Japanese puns with numbers make up the vast majority of Touhou dates. But since artists more or less just invent them whenever, it makes sense.

And March is pretty well booked.

(Though very front heavy, so many characters in the first half)

On the 2nd we've got Sunny Day

March 3rd is Hina day, since it's literally the holiday she's associated with.

March 4th is Myon day

(Youmu's nickname but in the west we sometimes call Youmu's half-Phantom "Myon". Which is conveniently the easiest character in all media to make art for)

March 5th is Miko day.

Both Miko as in Shrine Maiden for Sanae and Reimu, but also an extra Miko day for Toyosatomimi no Miko (generally, the fanbase likes to use the birthday for Prince Shōtoku as a Miko day, but if you want to do Miko art it's always cool to have an extra excuse to celebrate again)

March 7th is Sanae day

Yes, technically Sanae just had Miko day but this is Sanae's day all to herself.

Except it's not.

Sanae shares March 7th with Captain Murasa

March 9th is Sakuya, Sagume, and Mishaguji day.....(Suwako's snake creatures)

Yes, the curse gods of the Suwa region got their own day. If you want to see some very weird and scary interpretations of them, check out how the legendary doujin artist "Zounose" likes to draw them

Could always just draw a snake through.

March 10th is Satori and Sarial day.

Satori makes sense, though the Sarial name pun confuses both me and the person who translated the calendar.

March 12th is MiToji day Miko x Tojiko

It reuses the Miko pun of "Mi" in 3 from March and adds the To + ji pun from 10 and 2.

March 18th is Inaba day

It uses the "I" and "ba" from 1 and 8 to form the pun for Inaba

March 20th is MikoFuto Day

Once again using the "Mi" from 3 to create another ship pun. Using it with "Futo" 20 this time.

March 21st is Sunny day

yes. That is correct. This might seem like a prank, but you can make a Sunny pun two different ways in the same month. But by cheating...

3 and 2 give you "Sa" and "ni" just like on March 2nd and the 1 gives you an "i". So instead of "Sunny" like March 2nd on March 21st you get "Sunnyyyyy" a prank Sunny Milk would be proud of.

Finally, the last character date of the month is March 24th.

Sannyo!

If you want to check out the complete list of Touhou days. Check this site:

[wishingtoflylikeabirdinthesky]

WISDOM SAGA THOUGHTS

Legendary

Omg Mico is the PERFECT Telemachus! He is such a Disney princess and it is perfect! I am vibing in the first half and then we get MAMAS BOY ACTIVATE which I love for him, Penelope got her boy drinking that respect women juice 100%

And ohhhhh Antinous might be the most scary villian. "Let us in her room" alone is the creepiest line I can't

Little Wolf

My gods I have been WAITING for this song since Cyclops saga and its here!!! Ahhh the animatic was amazing and again Antinous is the Scariest Villian Ever. And ATHENA ATHENA BADASS IN THE ARENA sweeping in and helping Telemachus not die!! Bonding!! I love the contrast between Antinous saying little wolf and Athena's little wolf. Antinous is taunting our boy but Athena is looking after the mini version of her bff!! It's perfect 10/10 no notes.

We'll Be Fine

Oh baby this made me FEEL

Again we have Bonding and we love Bonding. Athena calls Ody her friend 🫠 I'm fine. I fine!

And Telemachus doesn't know who she's talking about!! I love them being friends and love Athena looking after Odysseus's boy for him.

This song is my new favorite hands down and i want this in my veins direct to my heart

Love In Paradise

Ooooh BOY this was rough one

First of all, I survived the great live stream shutdown and all I got was this lousy t-shirt

Time Dive, perfect no notes we love a recap

Calypso my gods I have complicated feelings about you. You are so deeply creepy but also sickly sweet. I'm gonna need time to dissect you

And oh the cliff scene. The cliff scene. I... I did not see this coming. And it hurt and it hurt bad .I dont know what part hurt the most. Probably the whole being triggered by Calypso saying open arms . That hurt big.

He called for Athena. The last thing he clung to as he was literally on the edge of a cliff was his connection to Athena. Who he hasn't seen for years and he still reaches for her. He still trusts her.

I am Not Ok.

God Games

And we are back having fun!! (for now)

What can I say? This is hype. All the performers are great!! (Shout out to Mr. Jalapeno Sr. playing Hephaestus, we love you!!!) Athena fighting for Odysseus is such a good expression of how much she cares about him. He really is her best friend and this shows that.

Tied off with the end. Oh the ending.

I am fully convinced Athena isn't dead. I think she's hurt but I don't think she's dead. I'm 78% sure she helps during the fight with the suitors and it would also be waaaaaaaaaaay too mean to Ody to kill her now.

Am I being dululu? Maybe. But I'm ok with that.

FINAL THOUGHTS

this was so good. Telemachus my baby you are my new favorite character. Athena you have my whole heart and I love you and please please please don't be dead

I want Ody to be ok and not be sad.

10/10 I love this and need more pls

[khaleesiofalicante]

oh my god

Oh My God

OH MY GOD

This chapter was a ✨masterpiece✨

It was ✨art✨

The tension, the drama, the reveals ✨chefs kiss✨

Magnus Bane, the leader of the Warlock Council ✨legendary and phenomenal ✨. All hail our Lord and Saviour.

All chapters should be like this. I don't need therapy after reading them. Honestly, I am in awe of your writing skills. The planning you have done, oh my god. Dani, I would marry this piece of work, if I could.

The apocalyptic universe. I got chills reading about it. The way you managed to portray the eeriness of that universe is truly so amazing. Like, you can't help but feel chills when you read about it. The visualization was amazing. Then, I don't know if its just me, but the way you can feel that in that universe, there are so less people. It feels so desolate. You can feel it. When I'm reading stuff, there is a kind of color which is associated with that universe. This universe was black to me. Lbaf has been red at times,sometimes dark blue, but never black. Right now, it feels grey but the future universe is black. Almost obsidian. Everyone's desperation can be felt. Like you portrayed it so well. Max feels so similar yet so different at the same time. You can understand from the way he thinks that the past 700 years have weighed down on him. Magnus has also changed. I can't help but feel it's so cruel, the warlock's fate. Everyone else just died. The nephilim I mean. But the Warlocks have to keep living in that universe, deal with the aftermaths. Also, since it's been 700 years and Magnus was already 400, then that means he is more than a thousand years old.And now he has suffered so much, lost his best friends too. Magnus, in my interpretation of him, at least, has never been one who has a "we do what we need to do" mindset. To me, he's more lf a "do what's right" But now he's a leader and he has that entire thing to do what needs to be done. It's a bit scary.

Sorry for ranting so much. I just have so many thoughts about this chapter. In case in wasn't clear, I'm in love. I might be back later to spill more thoughts.

Keep writing such masterpieces.

Much Love💙

Thank you so much, bebe. All the glitter made me feel very warm and I had a very busy day (the irony of overworking women to celebrate women's day lmao) so this made my day 💙

I'm so glad that you picked up exactly what I put down. It was exactly the vibe I was going for and it was definitely interesting to write. I think in any post-apocalyptic world there are stages of existence (liek 5 stages of grief almost) and i think, if i may so, OM and the others are currently at the bargaining stage - so it's despair mixed with hope. they are literally clinging to it because they know there is no fixing this. We literally only saw his world for a few hours. but there is SO MUCH depth there.

Which is why i wanted to write the Diary of Other Max. I wanted to explore the Warlock Academy, Max meeting Story, the first person he killed, Max coming back to find the apartment gone, his first time portal and JUST EVERYTHING AH.

Your analysis of Other Magnus is quite on point. He is definitely a leader of circumstance unlike Rafael and Alec - who were groomed for it and genuinely wanted it. So, you can see that it's weighing on him and Magnus is as desperate as everyone else. I do think Ragnor was a big influence in Magnus taking up the position (Hermes must have def done some guilt tripping there hehe)

Thank you for the love x

[itskristal]

JOURNAL 18. LOCATION: BURNED TOWER

<<I'm not sure how to explain what just happened, but I'll try my best. I still can't really believe it...

Everybody that I talked to said that Gym Leader Matsuba was off in the Burned Tower looking for something, so I finally gathered up the courage to go inside. It was dark, it was a little scary, and it DEFINITELY felt like I wasn't allowed inside.

Matsuba was there, but he seemed really focused on other things and totally brushed me off. (He did snap at me to shut off Buena's Password on my Pokegear though. I get it, but come on--some of us need distractions when we're in some scary place!) At least the entire floor was lit up by all these crawling Slugma. I caught a really mellowed-out one and nicknamed her FLO. (Cute, huh? Hopefully Bill likes it!)

Matsuba wasn't talking to me, but the other person he was with definitely did. Have you ever been lectured about Suicune for thirty minutes straight? You haven't? Then you probably haven't talked to Eusine...

I told him that I'd read all about the myths in school, but he just scoffed! Said that the myths were very real, and he was going to find his answers right here in this old tower. He asked me to help out, and honestly? His enthusiasm was kind of contagious, so I said yes. Plus, I wasn't as scared because of all the people here now...

INCLUDING SILVER. Why was this guy here?! Why does he always show up at the most inconvenient times? And why is he such a jerk?!

Of course he challenged me to a stupid battle!! And before I could say no, or something about the rotting floor beneath us, Minerva flew out of her Ball to protect me...oh well.

Silver has a Houndour now. When he sent it out, I could feel my blood running cold all over again, but Mira bailed me out...and totally busted open the floor in the process. I thought that was it for me...

I can't really describe what I saw next. The myths that I told you about? They were THERE. They all took form in front of me...and bolted, except for Suicune. It almost glided towards me, blinked, and then took off with the rest of them. I could just sense its power...that aura...like I said, I don't know what exactly happened...

But Eusine was there. He had jumped into the hole after me and was looking at me like I was some sort of god. It was SO embarrassing, but he DID help me climb back up. He seems really invested in my success now, too--even telling me that Matsuba's whole strategy relies on putting Pokemon to sleep...

(Matsuba was UPSET about that little detail. I thought he was going to kill Eusine with his glare ALONE. I bolted before the tension could get any worse, but I had to promise to keep Eusine updated on the way out. I could hear them both start to argue as I left...)

The legendary myths are real. You might find this journal and call me crazy. But I know what I saw. They're out there somewhere, but right now, I'd better get to sleep. Thanking the world for DJ Mary's sleep mix.

We've got a big battle tomorrow.>>

[vierran45]

Animated favourites in 2022

The Tangjia Sanshao trifecta:

- Soul Land - A regular Saturday watch. Still, after all these episodes, I always play Angela Zhang’s theme song at full volume.

- The Magic Chef of Ice and Fire - It just moved to it’s 2nd season. Quite like it. Quality work like Soul Land and and Throne of Seal.

- Throne of Seal - Also just moved to it’s second seasond. Yes, I know the formula is familiar from Soul Land, but the romance between Long Haochen and Cai’er is what keeps me watching.

The Island of Siliang - Quite liked this. Pity it was so short.

Supreme Lord of Galaxy S1-2 - Fun 10 minute bits twice a week.

No Doubt in Us S2 - I loved the first season of this historical bodyswapping story, and the second season is just as nice.

Legendary Overlord (Lord Snow Eagle) - I watched all of it on WeTV even though it was MTL, which should tell you how much I liked the story. I understand there is also a live action drama called Snow Eagle Lord with Xu Kai and Gulinazha in production.

Spy X Family - Best new find! I love the Forger pretend (?are they really pretending any more?) family and also ended up ordering all of the English published manga as well.

Edit: How could I forget The Dragon Prince’s newest season. It continued the story in it’s twisty and addictive way. I continue to love all the lgbtq+ representation in it.

Also, Oni: Thunder God’s Tale was such a lovely story. I already recced it to my niece and my greatnephew, though it might be a bit too scary at his age.

[gorgugplushie]

Porter thoughts?

Ill be honest here . I kinda thought the whole revelation would have been wrong and porter secretly being the bad guy whe whole time would have been wrong and that it would have stayed a funny bit fig was doing!

So I WAS VERY SUPRISED BUT LIKE . HAPPILY SO . just . Very Very cool fucking set up and pay off!!! God!! It makes me feel silly for not holding to it but after 17 eps the wool was kinda pulled over my eyes since the bad kids have had somewhattt pleasant and normal interactions w him i thought like yeah . He might just be normal.

But christ very cool . Him casually doing a legendary action and stunning THREE of the bad kids . Fucking SCARY!! excited but terrified to see him in battle.

All his lore w the giant clans was so fucking cool!! Oh my god do i LOVEEEE spyers worldbuilding . ugh SO COOL . Etc etc .

[nocompromise-noregrets]

five good things

Because I really really need one of these today. Been a Day, for no particular reason (well, I've had to go in to work today when I don't usually work Fridays, having had Monday off to compensate, and now this weekend is looking short as fuck, yes I know this is a ridiculous problem and I should stop being such a wuss but I'm thoroughly out of the habit of having to Do Things on Fridays let alone be a Grown-Up about it...) so I am grumpy and tired and in need of cheering up...

The utterly legendary Ray Zell is following me on Instagram! *flails* I found his account the other day and followed, and he followed me back, I just discovered!! (He is a cartoonist and all-round rock n' roll legend who has been drawing the extremely kick-ass Pandora Peroxide, and later her niece Pandora, for the UK metal magazine Kerrang! for nearly 40 years, and I swear to god, PP was a huge influence on me in my formative years, I ADORE her. He also used to hang around with a lot of the bands I love, including Hanoi Rocks, and still occasionally draws my absolute hero Michael Monroe, and I absolutely idolise him) I'm going to have to think of something to post, since the last time I posted was Michael Monroe's 60th birthday gig in Helsinki this time last year XD

The reason I was working today was because we were having a special open day for county councillors and council employees at job number 1 - we are the archive service for the county and for the council, and we have been keeping a low profile for years because if we made a fuss about ourselves it was highly likely the powers that be were going to notice us and start wondering why they were spending money on us, but we are in a rather better position now, and so we've had this little jamboree to invite people over to see who we are and what we do (we are across town from the main council offices so most of them have no idea we even exist). So because I and my work wife Helen have done the most work on the council's own archive over the years, we got nobbled to sort out a display of relevant documents, come in on the day we don't usually work, talk to people, etc etc etc...and it went really well! The document display went over really well (we got out all sorts of random stuff showing the breadth of things the county council does, and the breadth of things we do and what we look after) and everyone was really interested. So it was worth hauling myself out of bed this morning. XD As much as I complain about it, I do actually quite enjoy showing people what we do and why we're so incredibly awesome, so...yeah. Just...my introvert-batteries are completely drained now. :D

Last Cat Standing is still doing really well, considering his overactive thyroid. His vet has left the practice we've been taking him to since he was a baby kitten (when he developed the thyroid issue we decided to have him only see one vet because having him passed round whoever happened to be on duty at our huge practice wasn't conducive to good treatment, and it didn't work for Faerie, our very lovely girl who we lost first, at the end of 2020), and we're almost certainly going to jump ship and follow her to her new place as it's still within reach and she's absolutely lovely and understands him so well. We sent her flowers for her last day and she sent us a really lovely text to say thank you so...yeah. Can't quite imagine taking him to see anyone else so I think we'll be heading to her new place.

I am in the pub with a very nice G&T and doing a little bit of writing, mostly working on my Innumerable Stars assignment (nearly done oh god) and a prompt the lovely @scary-grace sent me yesterday :D :D :D

There is a very distinct prospect that I might be able to get my original bike, my much-beloved and in-a-million-bits Kawasaki ZXR-400, rebuilt and restored - our friend who works behind the bar at t'pub is married to a guy who a) is a mechanic and b) adores ZXR400s, having had one himself in his younger days. We've been talking about the two of them coming over one weekend and digging it all out of the garage so that her fella and my missus can sort it out while she and I sit on the sofa and drink prosecco till we pass out, and we've not managed to sort it out so far because she's always been working weekends, but hopefully we'll be able to get it done soon. I am so excited, I can't even begin to tell you, I bloody LOVE that bike. I only got a new one because he had serious engine trouble that I didn't have the money to sort out and I could get finance on a spanky-brand-new bike that wouldn't break down on me at random intervals, and that bike was all wrong for me so I was off the road for six years until I got my current bike...anyway, this little fella was absolutely my first love, and I am so very excited at the thought of getting him back! (very entertainingly I had a marketing email from Triumph earlier, suggesting I "find my one and only with the Bonneville Bobber", which made me laugh, because I did exactly that SIX YEARS AGO XDDDD )

Right. Usually I come up with more than five but I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel a bit tonight so five will have to do.

As always, if you see this and think that posting about five (or more) good things might do you good, please feel free to take the idea and run with it! The daily delight thing took off, it would be lovely if this could too.

[whentranslatorscry]

Hitagi Honeymoon

020

“The Sleeping Cat at Nikko Toshogu Shrine is said to be the work of the legendary sculptor Hidari Jingorou from the Edo period; however, this is more of a legend than a historical fact, Araragi-kun. There's no definitive proof, and we don't even know for sure if Jingorou himself even existed. He's akin to the 'what do you do if a bird won’t sing?’ idiom, or the Sanada Brave Ten. Even if we knew they didn't exist, we can't deny them anymore since it's been woven into the fabric of our history—living and dying in people’s hearts. In this sense, the artist seems more supernatural than the carved cat itself. The sleeping cat has a tangible existence while its creator doesn't seem so real. Does that mean human beings exist, but God doesn’t?”

“Really? You know everything.”

“I don't know everything, I only know what I know.”

“How come you know things I don't when you're supposed to be my inner Hanekawa?”

“Maybe you learned it while studying for exams? Or the information about the World Heritage site in the guidebook unconsciously caught your eye and you just forgot.”

“I see. So that's how my memory palace works. You pick up the things that I've overlooked. That's how I've managed to break through the civil servant exams and the surprise inspections at the FBI Academy.”

“That’s quite a creepy learning method. I wouldn't recommend that to exam takers.”

“Pretty harsh. The real Hanekawa is much kinder.”

“Isn't that kind ‘real’ one actually more like a supernatural phenomenon? Even if it were eighteen years ago, a serious glasses-wearing girl with braids is simply a stereotype. It fits perfectly.”

“Come to think of it, I felt like I was playing the role of a 'friendless, talentless, mediocre dropout' in high school.”

“From the outside, you looked genuinely scary, like a delinquent. No exaggeration. Just like you were afraid of everyone, they were afraid of you too. People thought you'd someday cause an incident.”

“They were that afraid, huh? That’s kind of a shock.”

“Maybe that's why Senjougahara-san, having her secret held, went into such excessive self-defense mode— oops, she's not Senjougahara-san anymore, is she?”

“……”

“Sorry I couldn't attend the wedding. I'll just call her Hitagi-chan. I'm one of those 'your name doesn't matter' types, but I do like to respect the person.”

“So, it's not about individuality, but the individual?”

“That's right. All I wanted was a family, more than a name, but I'm not sure if my dream has come true or not— that's something only the real me can determine. Not the inner me who lives within you, Araragi-kun.”

“The real one's nowhere to be found, and it's not just her name; she’s wanted on an international arrest warrant.”

“Wow, that's quite the accomplishment, isn't it, me?”

“Honestly, part of the reason I got into the FBI Academy might be due to the connection to the real—once-real you back in our teenage years. The connection's still alive.”

“I think that's different. It was because of your skills, Araragi-kun. You chose substance over name. It's not good to attribute everything to me—maybe it's best if we put an end to this kind of talk.”

“Because it's weird?”

“It can't be pleasant for Hitagi-chan, right?”

“Even if you try to erase everything, even your name, you can't just erase the impact you've had on me. That spring break—if you hadn't been there…”

“If I hadn't been there, you might not even have met Shinobu-chan in the first place. Oh, strictly speaking, it was Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade back then… Let's just call her Kiss-chan.”

“Don't just shorten it.”

“Giving something a cute nickname can be a way to dispel any sense of caution or fear towards it. It's similar to the way that the nine-tailed fox has been turned into a character. On the other hand, there is also the approach of elevating its status by giving something an ominous name, like Killing Stone.”

“Isn't there that saying that a rose will still bloom beautifully even if it's not called a rose?”

“True, but it wouldn't be blooming as a rose then, would it? Just like how we don't call all plants from the genus Rosa a rose. The name itself may not matter, but how we are addressed by others does matter quite a bit.”

“So is that why you've abandoned your name? Because how you're perceived by others is important to you?”

“That line of thought might lead to a fascinating discussion, but I shouldn't keep the newlywed Hitagi-san waiting at the marriage shrine. Let's switch tracks like that trolley problem you mentioned, and I'll be the one run over. During spring break, if I wasn't around, you would have never met Kiss-chan— you wouldn't have offered your blood to a vampire or become one yourself, so you wouldn't have needed saving by me either.”

“Then she wouldn't have eaten anyone either.”

“That's true, at least not in front of you.”

“……”

“Well, I think it's good to occasionally ponder over that issue, like an exercise of sorts. Even though we all— myself included— faced a shared tragedy, we eventually found happiness. So, it would be a shame to diminish the significance of that struggle. However, to play the revolutionary, we're living in the future created by that very battle, asking ourselves 'what was that fight all for?'”

“I'm not talking to you as the revolutionary, but as the class president. Always.”

“Ah, yes, you’re still living your high school days, forever.”

“I'm twenty-four. Always a repeater.”

“Always in the middle of youth, then. Certainly, the idea of adopting Shinobu-chan, not Kiss-chan, as a daughter is not only far-fetched but revolting, and something that only an immature teenager could get away with.”

“But isn't it still better than being a slave?”

“I wonder. It depends on what Shinobu-chan wants. As a princess, a king, and even a god at one point, if Shinobu-chan wishes to be a slave now, I would think that we should respect her wish. Didn't Gaen-san feel the same way?”

“Perhaps it's my ego. Wanting to make her my daughter when she wants to stay a slave is just like keeping her alive despite her death wish.”

“If you're trying to change the setting for future compliance by making her a daughter instead of a slave, that makes sense. So if we adopt that logic, it would be impossible to forgive her for her lengthy period of eating people.”

“……”

“But if you just want to make her your daughter because Shinobu-chan is cute, adorable, and lovable, then that's not ego. It's love.”

“Love?”

“That's your style of confession in English.”

“Well, I'd say that's more Hitagi's style… But in katakana, it’s got a different flavor.”

“Would you prefer I pronounce it as ‘lav’?”

“Flavorful…”

“Isn't it clear that the ideal Hanekawa Tsubasa you envision would nonchalantly declare such embarrassing hypocrisy straight out in the open, without a trace of shame?”

“Hmm, I'm not sure. It feels like the Hanekawa in my memory is somewhat unclear.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing? If your plan to adopt a vampiress was disrupted systematically because you remembered that in the past, she had committed sins, that's some kind of cancel culture, isn't it? It's not because you've grown up, but rather, a decision that properly aligns with the times. This judgment sounds even more immaculate than spring break Araragi, doesn’t it?”

“…You're saying I’m more fastidious now than my high school mentality?”

“I can't be sure, but I've happily thrown myself into the revolution because I wanted to be a dirtied white cat. However, as your inner Hanekawa, I can't even begin to imagine the thoughts and feelings of 'Her.' I don't know everything, I only know what I know— and that's what I don't know.”

“……”

“But, Araragi-kun, I think you know. You’ve been closely attached to Shinobu-chan for years, even more so than her name, constantly observing her as if under some form of probation. If you believe it’s safe for her to be your daughter, then that judgment is probably correct, even if that's not necessarily the 'righteousness’ you want.”

“…That's only right for me, isn't it? But I'm aware that just because my inner Hanekawa is telling me what's convenient for me doesn't mean that it's true—rather, as my inner Hanekawa, I was hoping you’d offer a more critical perspective. Being assured that I'm right only makes things harder, to the extent that I almost wish I could summon my inner Oikura to refute it all outright. I mean, my body isn't just my own anymore.”

“Mm, mhm.”

“I have a family now, and a responsibility to my family.”

“Are you talking legally? You know there’s no righteousness in the law, it exists only to be enforced. In the grand scheme of things, it all started when Hitagi-chan chose to abandon her family name and adopt yours, like the beginning of a home drama.”

“A home drama, huh?”

“Maybe a legal drama. About law. Yes, it’s fascinating. But Araragi-kun, could it be the other way around?”

“Eh?”

“I mean, you may feel a sense of guilt now, as if torn between a lifelong partner with whom you wish to share your future and committing to the dark legacy of a legendary vampire.”

“I wouldn't go so far as to call it a dark legacy, or even if I don't feel that way, it’s kind of like I’m starting to. I think that turning sin into common property is somewhat, well, imposing.”

“But isn't that the opposite?”

“Opposite? What's opposite?”

“I don’t know everything, and I’ve never been a god, so I struggle when asked about anything and everything, but as for this, it was a resounding success that you asked me, not Oikura-san. It may even be something that only I—now non-existent, ”Hanekawa Tsubasa“—can say. A sentiment that only I know.”

“Sentiment?”

“It's not a law, not a rule, not anything that requires memorization. So, isn’t hesitating to involve the element of Shinobu-chan— an aberration and a child— in your and Hitagi-chan's relationship, which you have sworn to the gods, not wrong? After all, chronologically speaking, the relationship between you and Shinobu-chan came first.”

“Ah.”

“Don’t just go 'ah.' It was Hitagi-chan who intervened in that master-servant relationship later on. Yes, just as smoothly as she slipped in between you and me back in our third year of high school.”

“……”

“I like Hitagi-chan and we remained friends ever since, but I'd be lying if I said it didn’t bother me— it bothered me so much that I became a monster.”

“……”

“Originally, shouldn’t you have tried to persuade Shinobu-chan instead of Hitagi-chan? Even before deciding whether or not to adopt her, you should have consulted with her first, even when proposing. You must have known that you had to gain Shinobu-chan's permission before even asking Hitagi-chan's father. It's just like how you can't neglect the cat you have when welcoming a new one. After all, it's incredibly late to realize that your body isn't just yours alone anymore. You've had a blonde little girl with you all along.”

“……”

“As the inner Hanekawa Tsubasa that you envision as ideal, I can say as many shameful and hypocritical things as I want without batting an eye. However, Hitagi-chan must never be made to feel that way again. You cannot allow guilt from sneaking in, whisking you away like a thief in the night, to dictate your new married life. It would be preposterous. You mustn't let Hitagi-chan feel for a single moment that she stole you away from Shinobu-chan— right?”

“…As always, you really do know everything.”

“But of course— I don't know everything.”

I simply learned what it feels like to be the one left behind.

From someone, who shall remain nameless.

Prev Chapter | Next Chapter

[bestgirlinc]

Fallout 1 Review

Hiya Folks, I'm back with another review. This time on the game that started the popular Series FALLOUT. Fallout 1 Being a Spiritual Successor to the original Wasteland games was not Interplay's first rodeo with Apocalyptic RPGs and it shows. Fallout 1 if you don't want any SPOILERS and just want a Rundown of whether I think you should play it or not, is amazing. If that's what you are interested in hearing, then smile knowing that I DO think you should play it.

Gameplay: While Rough on first look, the gameplay is intricate and once mastered is a truly wonderful experience. Understanding the game creates a feeling of euphoria as you go from a truly weak character who gets bodied by rats, to a champion capable of turning your enemies to ash or goo in a single action. Companions are the weakest link as they do not level with you and can be a hinderance. Their only uses being to distract enemies, doing small amounts of damage and most importantly, being pack mules by using what I believe are unintended glitches. That said the game itself is fun, and more forgiving than one might initially believe. Sound: The Sound design for Fallout 1 by Mark Morgan is truly something worth listening to. Dreary horrific music that sells the tone of the wasteland and how awful things truly are. My favorite tracks being "City of the Dead" and Acolytes of the New God". City of the Dead selling this dark feeling of just how oppressive the environment you are in is. Acolytes of the New God though is, in my opinion, the best track in the game. It's usage of what feel like warped chimes and percussive rattling as well as chanting makes it truly feel like you have stepped into a cult's lair. The sound being haunting and worthy of a listen just to feel that feeling of knowing you have entered a place that is not a place one should ever have to be in. Story & Characters: The Story is where this game truly shines. Initially starting off as a story of one person going out to find a water chip to save your home of Vault 13, the story gets off the rails in the best of ways. As you travel you find evidence that Mutants best described as SUPER Mutants are being made and at a rate that does not make sense for the rate of exposure and time since the war, the game taking place in 2161 less than a century since the war. The player once the Water Chip is found, is tasked with finding and stopping whoever or whatever is creating these mutants. The villains being aimed at creating a world of Super Mutants that can survive the wasteland and will stop at NOTHING to see their goals achieved. The Pinnacle of the entire series' villains and possibly top 10 villain material period is THE MASTER.

The Master being a Legendary foe who is unlike any other. Having a realistic motivation and scary transformation when you learn of his past. The Master, formerly known as the man Richard Grey, being a transformed monster of a man. His mind lost to the numerous ones he had consumed and his ideas of this being the way it should be. This character truly shines, and while lots of others are great too, The Master who's shadow is cast on the series even to this day, is a shining diamond that shows the true potential of Video Game Villains and Video Game Writing.

That Said It should not surprise you to say this game has entered into my favorite video games list. Wonderful story, wonderful world building, wonderful writing and even pretty darn good gameplay create a game unlike any other that I cannot emphasize enough I think you should play if you are able to.

10/10

See you next time we hit the wasteland.

[bluepeachstudios]

Oh yay all of my horse obsession facts from middle school are actually useful :D

I'm so sorry but a bunch of questions are about to throw at you.

From the way it's written, would the cowboy au setting have a bunch of other mutants or yokai populating it? Kind of like Usagi's world?

Do the horses get along?

Would the turtles decorate their horses just for fun or for competition?

Are they widely known in the community and/or win a lot of competitions?

Any rivals?

Pets?

( I understand that this au is new so there won't be much planned out yet if you don't have an answer for these just ignore this ask :)

My god you're feeding me and this AU when it was never meant to be fed--

The cowboy AU setting is basically that a long time ago (like around the time ninjas and samurai were both a thing) something happened. Mutants are a thing, yokai are a thing, and humans are still a thing. Humans mostly stick to the city while mutants have to deal with the rural areas, which are much more saturated with mutant monsters and yokai. Some mutants live in the city, some humans live out in the countryside, but all yokai live in the countryside and aren't allowed inside cities. I haven't really decided yet if this is the modern times or the late 1800s. Both are good.

Their horses do get along in their own little herd, along with Splinter's horse! (A 13 year old buckskin Quarter Horse named Rat. Splinter himself is a yellow-bellied marmot.) Fibonacci and Rat get along best, Flashfire and Ninja play with each other a lot, and Butterfly is loved by everyone. Fibonacci acts as the lead mare and takes up the back of the herd most of the time.

The turtles do decorate their horses! They usually decorate their horses with ties in their mane and tail even on a regular basis. They use colors that are the same color as their bandanas, which are "their" colors.

Splinter is very well-known and kinda "legendary" in the community. There's stories of all sorts of things he's done, like fending off a whole pack of bandits trying to steal his cattle all on his own, maybe he fought some big scary yokai, he might have killed a man, etc. No one's really sure how much of it is true. The turtles are well-known for community competitions, general helpfulness, and just. Relation to Splinter.

I haven't thought of rivals yet, mostly because there's not a lot of also teenaged villains, but I'm sure I will find some. I might also just. Make Usagi Leo's rival, April Donnie's rival, Mondo Gecko (Jason) Mikey's rival, and Casey Raph's rival. Rivals in competition but they all hang out afterwards and chill.

They have several herding dogs that keep an eye on the cattle, and Splinter has a hunting dog. There's a few barn cats around, including Klunk, whom Mikey has formed a special attachment to. Raph's got a stray dog that's probably half coyote but the dog don't cause any problems so no one says anything. Donnie has a pet cornsnake and a couple bugs he keeps. Leo focuses on the horses mostly! He spends most of his time around them.