#also gutsy they know how to play

[whizzing-fizzbee]

Black Butterflies & Deja Vu

Sebastian Sallow x Reader (F!MC) Rating: Explicit 18+, MDNI (smut, profanity), all characters are 18+ Words: 5,474 Themes: friends to lovers, angst, fluff, shameless smut

Summary: Your best friend Sebastian Sallow has been downright angsty lately. You have no idea it's because he's lovesick over you, until Anne and Ominis force your hands.

Notes: Thank you to the lovely anon who requested some Sebastian Sallow angst and smut. Decided to write this one inspired by the song "Black Butterflies & Deja Vu" by The Maine. All characters are 18-year-old seventh years. Reader/MC is a Ravenclaw.

Read on AO3 or below the cut.

Sebastian Sallow sighed and hurled another stone into the Black Lake. It pierced the water’s surface with a sharp splash and sank to its deep demise. Sebastian wished he could do the same.

Perhaps that was a bit dramatic, but Sebastian was feeling rather melancholy. Another Saturday spent alone while you were whisked off to Hogsmeade by yet another suitor.

Or so he thought.

In truth, you were only with Amit Thakkar to help your fellow Ravenclaw craft a plan to ask out Poppy Sweeting. You were fond of Amit – he was handsome and thoughtful – but the notion of any romantic interest between the two of you was laughable. You were gutsy; the type to charge into combat and to speak your mind. Amit was introspective; more of the type to read up on his enemies rather than fight them.

Besides, Amit had it bad for your friend, Poppy. He told you her kindness toward creatures was endearing to him, but he also appreciated how she fought for her convictions. Ever since you and Poppy took down the poachers of Horntail Hall, Amit admired her creed.

Now, it was your seventh year and Amit felt like he was running out of time. You assured him that Poppy would likely say yes to a date. She often spoke highly of Amit, noting his kind and studious nature. Sure, Amit wasn’t the most adventurous student, but you’d seen him hold his own in combat the time you took him to a goblin mine. He had more moxie than he let on.

So when Amit asked you for help, you eagerly agreed. Now that you no longer had to worry about goblin rebellions or Anne Sallow’s curse, you had time for more fun and frivolous quests – like playing matchmaker for two friends.

You spent the afternoon in the Three Broomsticks with Amit to help him decide how and when to ask Poppy on a date. Once it was decided that you’d let him use your vivarium so that he and Poppy could spend time with your unicorns, you toasted to your plan with a round of butterbeers before returning to the castle.

You were practically skipping with satisfaction. Your plan was bound to work and you couldn’t wait to see what may come of Poppy and Amit’s romance.

But Sebastian didn’t know that. To him, Amit was just another sorry bloke who had joined the long line of people desperate to know you on a deeper level. But no one knew you the way Sebastian did. It was more than your secrets, though; sure, he knew those – about Ranrok, your ancient magic and the Keepers – but he also knew your feelings. He knew your fears, sorrows and your emotional triggers. He knew how you liked your tea in the afternoons. He knew you couldn’t fall asleep without reading before bed each night. And he knew you dreamed of a life free from the pain and suffering you’d been forced to live since your fifth year.

That’s why Sebastian never spoke a word of his feelings for you. You were strong and sensible; kind and clever. You were brilliant in every way possible; beautiful inside and out, worthy of all the admiration you received. He decided he was too weak and insignificant to ever deserve you. He was reckless and weak; he gave in to dark magic and it nearly ruined his life – and yours. You deserved a world of warmth and prosperity. Sebastian carried too much darkness. 

Of course, Sebastian had spent every day since Solomon’s death trying to make up for it. You were proud of the work he’d put in to resurrect himself from the dark cavern he’d been drawn to because of that relic. You often told him so, because you wanted him to forgive himself and see himself as someone who deserved to be happy.

But Sebastian loved you far too much to risk tainting you with any more of his poison. So instead of simply telling you how much you meant to him, he remained in the shadows as a bystander, witnessing all the ways your glow captivated anyone privileged enough to cross your path.

Of course you’d chosen Amit, Sebastian thought. Amit was polished and smart, generous and astute. He calculated life with consideration rather than sprinting headfirst without reason the way Sebastian did. Amit had a wealth of information and creativity, always writing in his stacks of notebooks or gazing at the stars in awe. The only thing that left Sebastian in awe was you. You were his North Star.

As you returned to the school grounds, you spotted a familiar figure sulking by the lake. You said goodbye to Amit and tread carefully toward Sebastian.

“Seb,” you said, pulling your sweater tightly around yourself. The early stages of fall were creeping across the Highlands, bringing a new chill to the air. “Seb, what are you doing out here?”

“Nothing,” Sebastian answered tersely. You flinched at his coarse tone. Sure, Sebastian could be brooding and moody, but not usually toward you. He adored you.

You and Sebastian were closer than ever. The events of your fifth year left you both fragile and forlorn; you, because you lost your mentor, Professor Fig, while the repository remained your burden to bear; Sebastian, because he lost more than his uncle when Anne refused to forgive him. The two of you were left with each other, so you leaned inward and formed a bond that could only be understood by two people who shared an unspeakable trauma.

Then you killed Victor Rookwood and Anne Sallow’s curse was lifted. When she began to heal, so did her relationship with Sebastian. He had you to thank for it, and you were merely happy to see him smile again. It brought you even closer.

But something shifted as time passed. You and Sebastian remained bonded, but the new layers of adulthood began to stack between you. He watched your classmates eye you like candy in the corridors. You listened to them whisper and giggle when Sebastian returned tanned and taller after a summer growth spurt.

But for all the rumors and mumblings about the nature of your relationship with Sebastian – “Are they together yet? Is it true they snogged in the Restricted Section? Will they or won’t they?” – you and Sebastian had never broached the subject. 

It broke your heart every single day. Everyone else thought you and Sebastian belonged together. So did you. But you were merely one half of the equation and Sebastian never seemed to count you as a love interest.

“Sebastian, what’s wrong?” you asked, frowning at his cool demeanor.

“Just hanging out,” he said simply. He skipped a flat rock across the water, scattering a cluster of butterflies that hovered near the surface.

“Why weren’t you in Hogsmeade?” you asked innocently.

“Didn’t feel like it.”

“Why not?”

“Why do you care?”

You swallowed, hurt by the way he was lashing out. He was known to have a short fuse – his emotions often got the best of him – but he always treated you with more delicate tact.

His eyes always softened when he looked at you. His touch became gentler and his words became tender. You were the calm to his storm, so it scared you to see dark clouds in his eyes.

“Sebastian, what is wrong?” you demanded. “Have I done something?”

“Other than Amit Thakkar? No. Well, unless you include Larson and Weasley too.”

“What? What do they have to do with-”

“It doesn’t matter,” Sebastian snapped.

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Are you angry at me for going to Hogsmeade with Amit?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he repeated.

“It does matter,” you pushed back. “It wasn’t a date. In fact, I was helping him plan a date. With Poppy.”

“What?” Sebastian finally pulled his gaze from the lake to turn toward you, his own eyes narrowed in confusion.

“I was helping Amit form a plan to ask Poppy out,” you said. “He’s fancied her forever.”

“Oh.”

“What’s this about, Seb? Is that really why you’ve been pouting here by the lake all day?”

“I wasn’t pouting.”

You rolled your eyes and hugged your arms around his torso, resting your head against his back. You did this often, as it always seemed to relax Sebastian when he was moody. 

“Tortured and forlorn isn’t a good look on you,” you quipped before you released him. 

He sighed and turned to look at you. “Sorry. I suppose I’m just feeling a bit down, is all,” Sebastian said.

“I know,” you said gently. “I know it’s nearly Halloween.”

Halloween was a difficult time of year for Sebastian. The holiday wasn’t fun and frivolous for him the way it was for others. For him, it was the anniversary of his parents’ death.

Sebastian’s lips thinned as he stilled himself. You reached downward to give his hand a gentle squeeze and spent the remainder of the afternoon comforting him by the quiet lake.

---

Later that evening, you sat with Ominis Gaunt and Anne Sallow in the Undercroft. Sebastian had trudged off to bed, leaving the three of you to continue your Ancient Runes studies. 

The Undercroft was quiet as your quill scratched quietly over parchment, a stark contrast from the roar happening inside your head. Finally, you tossed your quill onto the table and sat back in your chair. Anne looked up at your sudden movement and Ominis leaned forward.

“I’m worried about Sebastian,” you said.

“Get in line,” Ominis muttered dryly.

“I know the anniversary of your parents’ death is approaching, but I think it’s more than that,” you sighed as you looked at Anne, who nodded in understanding. “He just seems so… sulky.”

“Sulky?” Ominis mused. “I suppose that’s one word for it.”

“So you’ve noticed it too?”

“Of course, I have,” Ominis said. 

“You’re right, it’s not just our parents,” Anne said. She and Ominis shared a glance that made you uncomfortable, as if they knew something you didn’t.

“What is it?” you demanded with a frown.

“We think he’s lovesick,” Anne said with a soft laugh. You blinked as you processed her words, your stomach deflating as if she’d punched you there.

Sebastian was in love. That was the hardest pill to swallow, but the fact that he hadn’t told you made it even more painful. He told you everything. 

“Lovesick?” you repeated. “Sebastian?” Anne nodded while Ominis folded his arms across his chest, the faint hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “But he hasn’t mentioned anyone to me. And I haven’t seen him with anyone lately.”

It was Ominis’ turn to blink. “He isn’t dating anyone,” he said. “He’s distraught over someone he thinks he can’t have.”

“Who?” you pressed. “Is it Nerida? Because-”

“Oh, please.” Ominis snorted. “Sebastian wouldn’t be arsed over someone as scatterbrained as Nerida Roberts. Give him some more credit than that.”

“But I heard they hooked up.”

“Even if they did, she’s not the one Sebastian’s pining after,” Anne remarked.

“Then who?”

Another silent exchange of glances and you glared at your friends. “What aren’t you telling me?” you demanded, hurt that they were keeping a secret from you. There were no secrets when it came to Sebastian and you.

“And I thought Ravenclaws were smart,” Ominis teased. 

“Why won’t you tell me?” you pushed, your hurt frustrating beginning to surge. It was bad enough Sebastian was in love with someone else, but your friends withholding it from you twisted the knife deeper.

“We don’t need to tell you,” Anne said. You couldn’t decide if she was amused or annoyed.

“Why not? I clearly have no idea who it is.”

“Clearly,” Ominis said dryly.

“So then tell me!”

“We can’t,” Anne said simply. “If it isn’t obvious to you, you aren’t ready to know.”

Tears stung your eyes at your friends’ callousness. Was this their payback for the secrets you kept from them your fifth year? Of course, you’d never told them how you felt about Sebastian. How could you? Ominis would tell you to run far, far away from your chaotic friend. And Anne was his sister. She’d never understand.

“Fine,” you snapped, shuffling your parchment and quills into a pile. You shoved your chair back as you rose to your feet and gathered your study materials in your arms. “It’s also obvious to me I’m not meant to know, so I suppose I’ll call it a night.”

You scurried from the Undercroft, hurt and confused.

---

The following day, Sebastian seethed over his breakfast. He watched you from the Slytherin table as you laughed with your fellow Ravenclaws. Andrew Larson was leaning in particularly close to you and Sebastian hated the way he was looking at you. Sebastian looked at you the same way.

He couldn’t help it. He didn’t want to lust over his best friend, but everything you did, every move you made, forced him into a wild spiral. Sometimes he even forgot how to string together a coherent sentence when you were around, like when you’d subconsciously bite your bottom lip while deep in thought, or the time you fell into a creek and he could see through your blouse.

Sebastian was so busy glaring daggers at Andrew, he didn’t notice the arrival of Ominis and Anne. Anne turned to see the source of her brother’s miffed expression and sighed as she sat down.

“Sebastian, stop,” she scolded. “If you scowl any more, you’re going to accidentally hex half the Ravenclaw table.”

“Wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if it includes Larson,” Sebastian muttered as he tore his gaze away.

“What’s wrong with Larson?” Anne asked. “He seems nice enough.”

“Don’t be so daft,” Sebastian mumbled. Anne set down her water goblet as her eyes pierced Sebastian with annoyance.

“Sebastian, this has got to stop,” she said forcefully. “You’re acting insufferable.”

“She’s right,” Ominis chimed in. “All of this moping about is becoming unbearable. Just tell her already.”

“Tell who what?”

“Who’s the daft one now?” Anne clucked her tongue. “Come on, Sebastian. It’s clearer than crystal. Everyone knows you’re in love with her.”

“In love with who?”

“Don’t insult my intelligence,” Anne snapped. “Now either tell her or we will.”

“You won’t say a word,” Sebastian threatened. “Mind your business.”

“You’re making it our business with your sour attitude,” Anne said. “We can’t stand it anymore. And frankly, neither can she. You’re just lucky she’s too in love with you to gain any sense.”

“She’s what?”

Anne sat back and smirked. “Come on now,” she continued. “Even you aren’t this dense.”

“Did she say something to you?” Sebastian demanded.

“No,” Anne said simply. “Sometimes the truth is in what we don’t say.”

---

After dinner, you decided to check on Sebastian. You hadn’t seen much of him that day, but you had seen the way he seemingly scowled at you in the Great Hall.

You descended the stairs of Ravenclaw Tower to make the trek toward the Slytherin Dungeons. But as you approached the Quad Courtyard, you were met by Anne.

“There you are!” she exclaimed, causing you to stop dead in your tracks.

“Anne? What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been looking for you. Have you forgotten about your detention?”

“Detention?” 

“Remember, for last week’s Potions incident?”

“But that wasn’t me. That was all Garreth’s f-”

“But Sharp gave you both detention for it, remember?” Anne asked. “He said you were complicit in the explosion since you were Weasley’s partner that day.”

“But…” your voice trailed off as you racked your brain to remember. You couldn’t recall Professor Sharp scolding you or giving you detention. Surely, you would have remembered that.

“You need to get down to the Detention Chamber,” Anne said urgently. “You’re fifteen minutes late.”

“But-”

“Go! Sharp’s already livid. He sent me because I happened to be walking by. Weasley’s already there.”

You groaned. How did you forget? This surely meant you’d receive a second detention for your tardiness. 

“Alright,” you sighed. “I’m on my way.” You thanked Anne and hurried to the dungeons.

“Sorry I’m late, professor!” you exclaimed as you shoved your way through the door to the Detention Chamber. You froze when it became clear Professor Sharp wasn’t there. Neither was Garreth Weasley. Sebastian was the only other occupant, sitting at the front of the room.

“Where’s Sharp?” you asked, confused.

“Sharp? No idea,” Sebastian answered, looking equally confused. “Where’s Binns?”

“Binns?”

“He apparently gave me detention for falling asleep in class last week,” Sebastian explained. “I don’t even remember it. But Anne said-”

“Anne said you had detention?” Your brow furrowed as your suspicion spiked. “But Anne told me-”

A sudden click from the door behind you made you whirl around. You reached for the door handle and found it was locked.

“Hey!” you shouted. “There’s people in here! Unlock the door!”

“No.” 

Your eyes widened at the voice on the other side of the door. “Anne?”

“We’re not letting you out until the two of you confess,” Anne’s voice said.

“Confess? Confess what? And who’s we?” Sebastian appeared next to you, his arms crossed as he frowned at the door. 

“You know what,” Anne’s voice replied pointedly.

“What’s she talking about?” you asked, turning to stare at Sebastian. He shrugged.

“I have no idea. Anne, open the door.”

“No.”

“Ominis? Are you out there too? Are you in on this?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes,” came Ominis’ voice.

Sebastian cursed. Neither of you had your wands – students had to place them in a lock box outside the chamber upon entry so that you couldn’t use magic during detention. The box wouldn’t unlock itself until the full detention was served.

“Let us out!” you shouted at the door. “This is ridiculous! You can’t keep us in here!”

“You can and we will,” Anne responded. “We’ll be back soon.”

You pressed your ear to the door and could hear their footsteps fading down the corridor. You sighed and turned to press your back against the door.

“What’s this about?” you demanded, your eyes narrowing at Sebastian.

“I don’t know,” he said as he ran a hand through his already tousled hair.

“What do they want you to confess?” you asked.

“They said ‘the two of you,’” Sebastian pointed out. “We’re both meant to confess something.”’

“Confess what? We don’t keep secrets from one another.”

Sebastian sighed and paced toward the front of the classroom. He leaned forward against the large desk at the front of the room, his hands gripping the desktop while he appeared deep in thought. 

“They think we… have feelings for each other,” he said, his back still to you as he gazed downward at the desktop.

“What?!”

“They think you and I have romantic attractions,” he said. He turned to face you and crossed his arms again. 

“You can’t be serious,” you laughed nervously. Heat began to creep up the back of your neck. “Why do they think that?” Sebastian gazed at you with tired eyes that startled you. Your tense posture slackened as you frowned in concern. “Sebastian? Are you okay?”

“No,” he said quietly. “I’m not. I’m exhausted.”

“Do you want to sit down?” you asked as you crossed the chamber to approach him. “Maybe you’re ill.”

The conversation you had with Anne and Ominis drifted to the front of your mind. 

“We think he’s lovesick,” Anne had said.

You paused. Dare you ask? What if the answer killed you?

“Sebastian,” you started carefully. “Are you… have you got a crush on someone? Is that why you’ve been so moody lately? Anne mentioned you’ve seemed a little lovesick.”

And to your absolute, utter shock, Sebastian began to laugh. Dread coursed through your blood as you waited for him to regain his composure. 

“Anne’s right, this really is unbearable,” he said as he shook his head. He sighed again and rubbed a hand over his face, so you closed more distance and leaned backward against a desk across from him.

Sebastian’s eyes roamed you up and down. It made you shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

“The answer is yes,” he finally continued. “I do have feelings for someone. That’s what Anne and Ominis want me to confess.”

“Who? Who do you have feelings for?” you asked, ignoring the sting that was twisting shards of heartache inside your chest.

Sebastian’s expression didn’t change. His eyes lingered on you as he seemed to be fighting impatience.

“You really don’t know?” he asked.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” you complained. “Clearly I don’t.”

Sebastian dug the palms of his hands against his eyes as if seeing clearer might make you see clearer. “They keep asking because the answer is obvious,” he said. “The answer is you.”

His words seemed to hover between you, an invisible line begging to be crossed. All you had to do was break the plane.

“Me?” you asked stupidly.

Sebastian couldn’t help but smile at the naivety plastered all over your face. “Yes, you,” he answered. “It really can’t be that much of a surprise, can it? I haven’t exactly been subtle about it.”

“I thought you were just being protective of me,” you said breathlessly. The cool dungeon felt hot and your hands were clammy. This wasn’t happening. You had to be lost in one of your countless dreams about Sebastian, fantasizing over all the ways he’d show you how much he loved you.

“I was,” Sebastian said simply. “I was protecting you from me.”

“What?”

Sebastian paced in front of the desk. “You deserve so much more than someone like me,” he confessed. “I mean, look at you. You’re… everything. I’m just the fool who got lucky enough to call you a friend.”

“Sebastian, that’s not for you to decide,” you said, your eyes still wide at the stunning revelation. “You don’t get to pick for me. And I’ll always pick you.”

“What?”

Suddenly, you understood the frustration that Anne and Ominis felt. You were stunned the two hadn’t strangled you and Sebastian both by now. You were no longer angry with them; you were grateful.

“This is all so ridiculous,” you breathed with a laugh. You stepped toward Sebastian and it was his turn to look surprised. “Sebastian, can we both just confess already?”

“You… you really mean it? You’re not just trying to get out of here?”

“On the contrary,” you said as you took another step toward him. “I’m trying to make the most of our time.”

You grabbed him by the front of his jumper and pulled him into a kiss. It was soft at first, but you grew hungry for more until your hands became balls of taut wool and your tongue was dragging along Sebastian’s bottom lip.

His hands snapped to your waist and pulled you against his body as he kissed you deeper. His tongue clashed with yours until you were gasping for air.

“Wait,” you laughed as you broke apart to catch your breaths. “We still need to confess.”

“I love you,” Sebastian said immediately. His eyes were heavy with a new level of affection that was foreign to you. It made your chest swell and heart race.

“I love you too,” you breathed. Sebastian smiled and leaned in to kiss you more gently this time. 

“This was a lot easier than I thought it’d be,” you murmured once he pulled away.

Sebastian laughed as his thumbs traced gentle circles over your hip. He smiled at you with so much love and lust, your knees would surely give out. Luckily, you had a solution for that.

You pulled him into another forceful kiss, tugging on his jumper until he moved away from the desk. You spun so that your own back was pressed against it, pulling him into you until he lifted you onto the desktop. You wrapped your legs around him, your hands tugging at the hem of his jumper.

You could already feel his erection digging into the skin of your thigh. You’d never wanted anything so badly in your life.

You slipped the sweater over his head and dragged your palms over his bare chest, the feeling of his skin sending shockwaves through your fingertips. You couldn’t believe you were finally touching him in the sinful manner that only existed in your forbidden fantasies.

“Can I take this off?” Sebastian asked as his fingers grazed the top button of your blouse. 

“If you don’t, I will,” you replied. He grinned at your response and kissed you.

Once all the buttons were parted, Sebastian shoved your shirt onto the desk behind you. His hands skimmed over your waist and held your hips as he pulled you hard against him, your inner thigh grinding against his erection. 

You decided you hated the feeling of his trousers against your skin. You fumbled with his belt buckle and zipper until you could shove his remaining clothing to the floor, freeing his cock from the layers of fabric.

Your breath hitched at the sight of it. Sex wasn’t new to you but someone of that size certainly was. You internally scolded yourself for depriving yourself from this for so long.

Sebastian’s hands snaked beneath the hem of your skirt, the pads of his fingers stroking the tops of your thighs. He licked his lips at the heat radiating from your body. 

As he leaned in to kiss you, one of his hands found the apex between your thighs, grazing two fingers over the fabric of your panties. 

“Fucking hell,” he groaned as he felt the moisture of the fabric. He planted a trail of kisses from your neck across your collarbone, stopping with one final peck to your right shoulder.

His thumb brushed patterns over your entrance and you whimpered in frustration at the fabric separating your flesh. Sebastian smirked and inched your panties to the side with his thumb and index finger until your entrance was exposed. His thumb returned, this time running up and down over your wet folds. You could feel his cock twitch against your thigh.

But he had to taste you first. His lips left a trail of kisses from your neck and between your breasts until he lowered himself to a kneeling position. One more kiss followed above your belly button until he was pushing your skirt hem upward. He eyed your most precious asset and attacked it with his tongue.

Your gasp hissed throughout the chamber on contact. The sounds of Sebastian’s tongue immersed in your folds was music to your ears as he hummed a moan into your flesh. The vibration made you buck your hips forward.

His tongue swiped patterns over your clit until you fisted his hair in your hands. You pressed your fingertips into his skull, begging him for more pressure. He obliged, his tongue flattening and flicking against your clit until you were moaning repeatedly.

His lips enclosed your clit and he sucked against it, the sound drawing scowls from the portrait paintings on the walls.

“Don’t stop,” you breathed, your eyelids heavy as you gazed at the erotic vision between your legs. 

Sebastian sucked harder, the tip of his tongue pressed against your clit until your thighs twitched in his hands. You were afraid to know what it’d be like to fall apart on Sebastian’s tongue – not because you were embarrassed or self-conscious, but because you knew it would ruin you for life.

And when it finally started, the sweet sensation shooting through your nerve endings in the form of a convulsion across your cunt, you forced your hips forward as Sebastian’s tongue danced against your clit. Your shaking thighs clamped either side of his head and he groaned at the surge of wet arousal that surfaced from your entrance. His tongue glided inside you to collect the reward of your climax.

As you recovered, your chest rising and falling while you caught your breath, Sebastian kissed both of your thighs and stood, smirking at you with sensual eyes as he returned to his standing position between your legs.

You realized the top of your thigh was wet from the tip of his cock. You took it in your hand and stroked, your thumb appreciating the sensation of its velvet head. Your core began to throb with desire for it.

“I need you. Now,” you whispered. You didn’t need to ask twice.

Sebastian lined the tip of his cock against your entrance and took a moment to behold the sight. He decided he’d burn the entire castle down if he were to wake up and learn this was merely another dream.

But the feeling of your slick, warm arousal coating the head of his cock was far too real. He moaned at the sight of himself disappearing inside your entrance. He sank further into you while you held your breath at the size of him. 

“Relax,” Sebastian said gently. “I’ve got you.”

You nodded silently and exhaled, willing the tension to vacate your body. Sebastian continued to ease himself inside of you, his jaw clenched at the sensation of your walls stretching to accommodate him. 

“My god,” Sebastian groaned as his gaze drifted downward to where you were joined. You bucked your hips to indicate your readiness. 

Sebastian pushed his hips forward, his cock parting your walls again. You moaned at the pressure mounting within your core. 

His cock drove steady strokes against your walls as his hands gripped the tops of your thighs. You whined for more, your hips rocking forward as the desk creaked beneath you. 

You clutched Sebastian’s shoulders to pull him closer. He snapped his hips harder, the sounds of his thrusts growing louder as they became more erratic. 

Your legs clenched around his torso tightly, willing him to drive deeper inside you. You could feel the smoldering climax searing hotter within your twitching walls. When it finally began, your tight cunt released, pumping pleasure through your walls while you cried out. 

Your nails sank into Sebastian’s shoulder blades, leaving sharp crescent divots in his skin. Sebastian’s cock pumped you through your orgasm until your twitching cunt was spent. 

Sebastian’s hands drifted to your back, a flick of his fingers snapping your bra apart. He flung it onto the floor behind himself and buried himself inside you again. 

He kissed you hard, easing you backward until you were lying flat on your back. He couldn’t help himself from roaming his hands over your body, cupping and squeezing your breasts as he slammed into you. You moaned as he gripped your hips, pulling you into him as he fucked you. 

“Oh my god,” he moaned. The sight of you, splayed out flat on your back, breasts bouncing with each thrust, was better than any vision his head could conjure. 

The smacking of your bodies chorused across the chamber, your whimpered moans growing louder in rhythm with them. The delicious incline to another peak was mounting in your core, bringing you so close to the edge of ecstasy. 

Sebastian reached down to drag a thumb over your clit, nudging you to the climactic cliff. The sound you released was anything but subdued; an unrestrained wail as your walls convulsed around Sebastian’s driving cock, sending your back into an arch as you clamped your eyes shut. 

The aftermath was more than Sebastian could handle; your heaving chest panting for air; your heavy eyes dark with satisfaction; your arousal slowly dripping onto the desktop. 

Sebastian thrusted hard until his cock was fully enveloped in your warmth again, his tip buried deep within your plush walls. He grunted as he held you against himself, his cock throbbing with his own climax until he painted your core with his release. 

“Fucking hell,” he groaned once it was over. 

He slumped forward. It felt as if his frame might collapse amid its boneless state. Beneath him, you were grateful for the desk keeping you off the ground. 

Once you felt lucid enough to move again, you sat up slowly. Sebastian dipped his head to rest his chin against your forehead as you both recovered in silence. He didn’t want to part from you, so he remained still, savoring your warmth as he draped his arms around you. 

“You really didn’t think I was in love with you?” you murmured softly against his chest. 

“You really didn’t realize I was in love with you?” he mused.

“We really do owe Anne and Ominis an apology,” you laughed softly. “Or a thank-you.”

The door suddenly creaked open and the sound of hurried footsteps stopped with a sharp halt. Anne stood in the doorway, her face twisted in an expression of horror as Ominis stood behind her, unaware of the sight before them. 

Sebastian winced at the intrusion.  “We should probably start with an apology.”

[goingmerryfics]

Would they kill the spider for you? - Sanji, Law, Doflamingo, Shanks, Corazon

Content: spiders!! (no images!)

Sanji

Since he also hates bugs, this would be a struggle for him. Of course he wants to do it for you, but he gets the shivers when he sees bugs!

Usually when he finds a bug in the kitchen, he’ll ask Robin or Luffy to get it out of there, trying to play it off like he’s worried about it crawling into the food 

Robin knows what’s up, though

He would probably end up calling Zoro in and baiting him with insults into making him slice the spider in half. Like, “bet you can’t even slice that itty-bitty spider over there with those shitty swords of yours”

Zoro falls for it all the time, much to your and Sanji’s delight

Law

You would think so, right? Surely this guy isn’t afraid of a little bug. Right?

WRONG

Law’s eye twitches and he just watches the damn thing run around the wall

He finds bugs and especially spiders gross, even having to hold back a gag as he watches them scurry around with their little legs. UGH

He always tries to avoid bugs when he can, but the sub is a warm, damp place and sometimes they just manage to get in

He will use his Devil Fruit to get it out of the submarine, though. The poor spider will end up drowning and now you have to clean up wet seaweed off the floor, but that’s probably better than a spider, right?

Doflamingo

Fuck no!

Doflamingo isn’t scared of bugs one bit. But he’s a prissy little bitch, and he’d complain about having to touch anything that seemed ‘dirty’.

Absolutely makes someone else get rid of it for you, as he would for himself as well

He also pokes fun at you for even asking him to do that for you, even though he probably would order you to get rid of a bug for him if the situation arose

Doffy was the type to burn ants with a magnifying glass, the prick

He lives for destruction, so I can just see him kicking over the anthills every time, too

Probably crushed a butterfly once! Cora cried

Shanks

No, he would not kill the spider for you. He would pick it up and either toss it over the ship, or place it somewhere else, out of the way, while talking gently to it, like “Poor little thing, Y/N how could you ask me to murder a little creature?”

He’s only doing it to piss you off, because he’ll come right back to you and reaches for your face to touch you with his just-touched-a-bug hand

Even if you swat and scream at him, he’ll try to get his grimy little fingers on you somehow. You’d have to hide from him out of reach if he’s in that kind of mischievous mood

He thinks it’s hilarious how much you avoid bugs, while he is just used to insects of all kinds by now. Being a pirate wasn’t exactly luxurious living

The guy probably has some spider webs under his damn bed. Maybe that’s where they keep coming from

If you catch him while he’s drunk, he’ll pick it up and chase you around the goddamn ship with it

Corazon

Cora is another type who would not kill it, but he would move it somewhere else

He is a gentle soul, and he’d tell you how it’s more afraid of you than you are of it

He finds the nicest spot to put it in, and he walks like all slow-motion because he knows how clumsy he is and doesn’t want to squish it by accident

He’d place it in grass if possible, or anywhere that it wouldn’t get stepped on by accident

I don’t believe he would be gutsy enough to actually touch the spider- it’s more of an aversion than a fear, but he would scoop it into a cup or something he had on hand

He is clumsy enough to step on the bugs if he’s just walking in, though. You’d have to make sure he doesn’t see it’s dead, squashed body, because he would cry

[astheworldgoesonitswickedway]

As the ASoUE fandom, we need to acknowledge the drastic differences between the books and show more often. I love them both though I do prefer book canon on this particular subject. The schism. The timeline can be confusing. And it's so important to recognize that while in the show, Beatrice accidentally killing Olaf's father incited the schism and Olaf's villainy, in the book, Kit tells us the schism happened when she was four. If we are assuming all our main generation of V.F.D. members are probably within a few years of each other in age, this happened when they were all young children. This changes a lot, but most importantly it means that the death of Olaf's parents and the great schism, were two different events. And also, this means they all grew up in schism V.F.D. essentially this environment of warring factions. They didn't get to experience a maybe healthier version of V.F.D. They grew up in an atmosphere where their lives would much more often have been at stake. Well I've been thinking about that night at the opera, since the schism had already happened, it could have played a part in the events. The show says it was an accident, but the books never clarify. To be honest, the books make things sound much more like an assassination...not saying it was but I won't say it wasn't. We see the Baudelaires themselves come to the conclusion their parents weren't who they thought they were. Why would they have poison darts if they didn't intend to use them? Kit says she snuck them past Esme to the Baudelaires. (Which is another thing. Seriously, if this was an assassination, Kit participated in the murder of her fiancée's parents...Olaf didn't seem to blame her like he did the others, did he not know, or did she not know what they would be used for so he didn't consider her complicit?) And for the record, the death of one person with a dart like in the show, could be an accident. Both of Olaf's parents died in the book and that's a lot harder to answer for. So why would the Baudelaire parents assassinate Olaf's parents? Would "noble" V.F.D. really condone something like that? I mean, I guess they were messing around with the medusoid mycellium...planning to use it against their enemies. Could the Baudelaires actions that night relate to their reluctance to tell the kids about their organization? As for why they would do that, is it possible Olaf's parents might have been villains on the other side of the schism? Were they planning something horrible? We are basically told that night is why Olaf switched sides, could he really have been on the noble side at a time when his parents weren't? What did Olaf see that night, how did he know who to blame? Did he watch his parents die? Could his parents have been planning to strike first? Could they have meant to kill his friends, an event which would also drive Olaf insane, just in the other direction, against his parents? Is there any way his parents could have been innocent? I have a really hard time believing that if the Baudelaires did what they did, though it was still not okay. This is all wild speculation I know, but the book canon just opens up worlds of theories, unlike the show which seems to sacrifice the plot a bit, in order to keep our important characters hands clean. But if Daniel Handler taught us anything, its that no one really keeps their hands clean, everyone participates in treachery at some point, and you never know how horrible someone's treachery was, you can't necessarily trust someone just because you care about them. Can I just say how absolutely gutsy it was for Daniel Handler to deliver a thirteen book series, the plot of which is driven by the great split of this secret organization, only for him to never tell us what happened? He never explains the schism? I know he loves to leave unanswered questions but. But this. Then again, it's written from the Baudleaires perspective and for many reasons, they don't get to know. It is fitting that neither do we.

[coralinnii]

I love the villain scorned by the world feat: Azul genre: drama note: continuation of reincarnated into a new world as the bad guy AU Azul ver, not gender specific reader, no pronouns used, use of non-canon characters (Neveah), 1.4k word count

I know people wanted to see more of the female and male lead’s downfall but Azul’s story has so much potential for drama that I just can’t skip it. This is more of an interaction between villain/ess!reader and the female lead and things are getting interesting. There’s more to the story

Is it funny that the more I write Azul’s villain/ess!reader, the more they’re starting to be like how I think Jade would act…just sassier

You became the talk of the kingdom for quite some time and you weren’t surprised. You had your engagement annulled and disowned from your family but you managed to disgrace your former fiancé the prince and his lover with their affair. Instead of a fallen noble, you became a surviving noble who became a victim of unfaithful love. All according to your plan.

Free from your downfall, you find yourself living in comfort in your own house close to Azul. The royal family and your own parents have requested your attendance but you declined their letters, playing your victim card to the fullest.

“Oh no, how could I possibly return back to the palace where I had my heart broken?” “My family disowned me. The least I could do is respect their wishes” Good riddance to that stifling environment.

You did notice that you never once received a letter from the young prince, the male lead though you would scoff and burn it if he did anyway. You figured that he was too prideful to address the affair with you. He wasn’t regretful for his actions nor was he regretful he got caught. The original series seriously had a bad cast.

Though it could also be that since the disgraceful act the male lead was sentenced to house arrest to “reflect on his actions”. From your sources, he’s just been angry all this time, especially when he hasn’t been able to meet with his beloved.

Speaking of which, the female lead has been busy through all this fiasco. Crying and spinning the tale of how she was a helpless victim in this mess as well, saying how she was clueless throughout everything since being so new to the noble society.

Please, Jade has better acting skills than she does. You supposed you could commend her for her guts.

Like how she was gutsy enough to visit you in your own home.

“I’m so glad you’re willing to meet with me” Neveah smiled but you didn’t return the smile, choosing to sip your tea.

“You should be glad, considering I probably would have ignored you” you replied indifferently. “It just so happens that I wanted to ask you a few questions”

“Oh? What kind of questions?~” That exaggerated childlike tone of hers really rubbed you the wrong way.

Fighting through your irritation, you questioned her “I’ve heard that you’ve been attempting to meet with Azul for the past few days. Curious since you two aren’t even acquaintances”

“But, we are! Me and Azul are really close~”

“That’s not what Azul says, and you will address him as Count Ashengrotto” you rebuked her claim, a little snippier than you wished but your patience is not unlimited and the ditzy lady is truly testing you.

Azul mentioned his troubles to you when you asked about the visible stress on his face. Apparently he has unfortunately been bumping into the female lead at his businesses and she has been trying to interact with him, even offering to have tea with her…in his own restaurant.

“Tricking her would be akin to taking candy from a child, but even a child is more worthwhile than speaking with her” Azul sighed in aggravation with his brows furrowed. You kept a sympathetic expression but you felt a sense of joy over the silvernette’s words. There’s nothing wrong in secretly taking glee in your crush sharing your disdain over the same irritance, right?

“Perhaps you should take a short rest, Azul” you suggested, “This stress will do you no good and you can’t afford to make mistakes due to your clouded mind”

Azul sighed but nodded “you may have a point”

“Would you like to rest on my lap? I wouldn’t mind after all”

“You-!”

Refocusing your attention away from your memories, you sharpened your gaze at your uninvited guest. “Considering Azul is someone dear to me, I worry about your intentions in approaching him”

Then, the situation took an interesting turn.

The young lady in front of you, undeterred from your stare, smiled brightly which some could compare to something angelic…to some. But her words did not match her innocent appearance.

“Are you worried that I would approach Azul the way you did?”

You didn’t break your expression but you must admit you were close to. Is she insinuating…

“Isn’t it weird that the famously lovesick fiancé of the prince suddenly changed?” Neveah questioned, putting on a confused pout on her lips. “No explanations, like a whole new person. The story has changed”

Oh, how interesting.

“So you’re interested in me” you finally smiled back “What can I say, I realized one day this was not my love story so I decided to change my ways”

“Is that so?~”

“Yes. But back to the topic,” you took control back of the conversation “You haven’t explained your reason for approaching the count?”

Whatever calculating look you thought you saw in the female lead disappeared as she smiled even brighter than before, fully committing to her innocent appearance.

“I just felt so bad in interfering with your engagement that I’ve been avoiding the prince in respect for you, not even replying to his letters. Then maybe you can reinstate your engagement with your beloved”

My beloved? You truly had difficulty not outright laughing out loud over that idea. But it was an interesting tidbit the female lead gave, knowing that the prince has been sending her letters meant that those two are still in contact. Just because she said she doesn’t reply, she could still be reading them.

“I’ve been trying really hard to forget the prince so I’ve been visiting the Monstro Lounge to get away” she continued her story, managing a tear from her eyes. “And I’ve been seeing the count there so I thought we could be friends”

So this is how she’s been fooling the masses. You’re willing to admit that she’s definitely a better actress than you initially give her with her sweet words and unassuming “innocence”. But you knew the story she conveniently left out.

Breaking the engagement between the royal family and your (ex)family of duke status, the male lead has been in hot water ever since as his reputation has affected him to the point that his right to the throne is in jeopardy. Azul on the other hand has been making a name for himself and his value in the kingdom is very attractive to many pursuers.

“How shamelessly greedy of you, Ms. Protagonist” you smirked at the female lead who continues to put on a sweet facade, you commend her ambitions at least. She really wants her happy ending.

But you’re done with this conversation already. You got your answers and have no interest in keeping company with this eyesore for any longer.

“That’s all I need to hear, I believe it’s time for you to leave” With that, you waved to your guards who were standing by to escort the lady to the door.

“Wait, then will you take the prince back? And convince the families to restore the engagement” Neveah quickly asked you before she was ushered. Ah, so that’s why she came to see you. You never did bother to ask…or care.

“Firstly, I don’t have the habit of picking up trash I already tossed out” you calmly stood up from your seat, smoothing down your clothes of creases, and gave a smile towards the female lead before speaking again “Secondly, I’m simply respecting what you said to me. Do you remember? You couldn’t stop from loving who you want”

You watched Neveah stutter and stumble, trying to find the right words but you weren’t interested anymore so you proceeded to leave the room first with some parting words before your guards walk the female lead out of your home.

“I’m letting you love the prince like you said you wanted, and I’ll love who I want, and I intend to fight”

[night-raven-tattler]

A second opinion - Resorting the Night Raven College students into different dorms

Summary: Based on their personal headcanons and this post made by @thoselethalarts, Mx Tattly took it upon themselves to sort the NRC students into dorms different than their own - just for fun! She'd appreciate your feedback and opinions, as he is no Magic Mirror, so feel free to add your imput!

Characters: First year notable students (Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel, Ortho and Sebek)

Other parts of the series: Second year notable students, Third year notable students

Warnings: none

By opening the document, you agree to Mx Tattly's terms of source confidentiality.

-ˋˏ’✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

A good fit for Heartslabyul's strict environment would be Sebek!

He is a boy with a very strong code of conduct that he follows religiously. Sebek is very strict with himself and follows his personal rules and daily routine with no exception. He puts a lot of value in the importance of rules and authority figures to maintain peace and order, since it's the only thing he knows: as a hopefully royal guard to be, Sebek believes in his liege first and in himself second. And, as a guard, he is very protective.

Sebek believes his way of thinking is the correct one and has no shame in trying to instill his views on others. He considers that he is doing what's right for his liege and the world, and no one can convince him otherwise. He'd make a good card soldier, maybe a spade suit or a heart suit.

『••✎••』

Deuce would make a good candidate for Savanaclaw.

He has an ironclad willpower and determination in spades (pun intended), which are his main driving forces in life. He is determined to become a honor student and to right all the wrongs he's ever done, a resolution he clings to harder and harder with every day.

Deuce is gutsy, and when push comes to shoves he is ready to fight back. He has a strong sense of loyalty, and he is willing to do anything for the ones he considers part of his "gang". He is a dedicated friend and family member and believes in payback, especially when he has been wronged in some way.

『••✎••』

Another good candidate for the Savanaclaw student spot is Epel!

His initial wish to be sorted in Savanaclaw was not random. Epel has the (in)famous Savanaclaw willpower and determination. Epel knows what he wants -he wants to be a strong mage who can help Harveston thrive- and his pride for his community is unwavering. He knows how hard he needs to fight and he is willing to work himself to the bone when needed.

Epel also is somewhat of an idealist, and he has big dreams for himself. From being a great mage to someone his whole hometown will be proud of, Epel strives to be this amazing, reliable figure worth of respect and who doesn't deserve belittling. He won't back down from any fight, even if he has to throw the first punch, and he gets back up even after losing.

『••✎••』

Ace would fit well in Scarabia.

He is a clever and cunning boy, who knows when to be straightfoward and when to be sneaky. From facing his own housewarden to pretending to ask Leona a smart question in order to not be used a bait, Ace is intelligent and can read situations very well, skills he uses to his advantage. He is also not above playing roles and feigning innocence if the end goal appeals to him.

Ace is resourceful, playful and knows what to say in a moment of need, making him very adaptable to any situation. Despite still getting into trouble, he insists it is part of his calculated risk. He is good at math, but sometimes you gotta make sacrifices (re: get put on cleaning duty) for a good outcome (re: a nap at the back of the class).

『••✎••』

Pomefiore is a dorm whose values Jack would resonate with.

Jack is a boy who strives to improve himself in every area he can. Academics, sports, even with his hobbies, he always strives to become smarter, faster, wiser, better. Self improvement is his main driving force, and he loves knowing that he is improving, since he knows very well just how hard he is working to achieve his best self.

Generally speaking, Jack is very self aware and knows what his skills and strong points are. He is self assured, meticulous and last but not least, aware of his potential, which he cultivates every day without fail.

『••✎••』

Another good pick for Pomefiore would be Ortho!

Ortho is, above all else, very proud of his own skills and achievements. He is the only humanoid with the ability to learn and feel, that's quite an achievement! Yet he is not satisfied, as he knows technology (him included) will always have space for improvement. From making and maintaining his gears to joining clubs to extend his knowledge on human reactions, Ortho wants to become even better, and he is an unstoppable force.

Being a Shroud, Ortho comes with his own eccenticities, like calling everyone by their full names and considering using powerful lasers as a solution for most of his problems. Maybe it's because he's an android, but Ortho can get quite reckless and engage in risky behavior.

『••✎••』

[signify-nothing]

It's been a literal fucking decade and I still have SO MANY FUCKING FEELINGS about the season two finale of Boardwalk Empire. (Spoilers ahead because, obviously). On one hand, I mourn the series that could've been if the commodore actor hadn't gotten sick when he did and if Michael Pitt had been able to keep his act together long enough to have another season's worth of story development. It's crushing that Jimmy Darmody never got a chance to rise as a gangster and really play a strong antagonistic force against Nucky the way we hoped he would.

BUT there is also something so fucking gutsy about the writers setting up Jimmy to be such an epic, early failure. I just finished rewatching the third to last episode of season two and Jesus Fucking Christ. Watching him have his last moment with Angela? Devastating. He can't even fucking laugh with her. He doesn't even know how to be remotely normal. Then later that night she and her lover get shot for his failures, and it's EVEN MORE devastating. And then. AND THEN. We cut to Jimmy, who doesn't yet know his wife is dead at home, and he's driving past the Princeton sign -- conspicuously without Richard in sight for the first time in ages -- to try to sell his shitty, watered-down liquor to the university that symbolizes every dream he failed to realize. It's a journey he has to make alone because it is more than anything else a journey into his own past.

And to think ALL OF THIS IS JUST SET UP. It's just the opening act of the end.

I simply cannot. I'm so angry about what went down but I also have so much goddamn respect. There is a reason I wrote a whole fucking novel inspired by the end of the second season of this goddamn show. Nobody does updated Greek tragedy like Boardwalk Empire. Fucking no one.

[eggshellsareeat]

Alright, here's my review of Parkour Civilization as a (retired) actual Minecraft parkour player on how well it represents high-level Minecraft parkour. Spoilers and infodumping below!

Minecraft Version

Most parkour players play 1.8 or 1.12. Modern Minecraft has a couple fundamental movement changes, namely making walls harder to jump around.

Accuracy: Low

Walk-Only Parkour

Walk-Only parkour kinda sucks because fundamentally, it's significantly faster to walk diagonally (e.x hold w and d) than to walk straight (this is not true of sprinting: it is faster to sprint straight than diagonally).

Evbo_ also misnames some jumps, but that's a running theme and I'm not going to knock it too much. For what it's worth, a "one block vertical jump" is more correctly called a "one block + one", or "1+1" for short.

Accuracy: Low

Backwards Jumps and 360s

Backwards jumps don't really exist, but 360s are genuinely used for flair in the parkour scene. It's seen as very gutsy and impressive to 360 particularly risky jumps.

Could they bribe someone? Maybe.

Accuracy: Sort of

Multiple Jumps "In a row"

This exists in two forms: "chaining" and "onlysprint".

A chain jump is a jump which doesn't have enough starting space to get the speed to do the jump. Therefore, you need to do the previous jump and the chain jump in a row, "chaining" the two together to complete the course. Check out 10 Jumps to 10 Jumps to see this taken to its logical extreme.

It's not to be confused with "chain jumps", which are jumps on chain blocks.

Onlysprint is a harsher ruleset, which will auto-fail the player if they stop sprinting for any reason--this includes hitting walls. Courses are incredibly difficult, check out Iris for a great example.

Ultimately, it's a thing, and it's impressive.

Accuracy: Close-ish

Parkour Battles

Accuracy: What did you expect

Parkour Practice

At the pro civilization, there's an arena where players can practice jumps for risky courses. This is shockingly accurate.

"Rankup Parkour" is a format where courses are very long and have no checkpoints. Think of them like Foddian games, except parkour rankups predate Getting Over It by a good couple years.

So how do you do jumps at the very end of a map? Simple: leave, build them in a creative world, and practice them there. This is an incredibly common practice, and single sections of parkour can take multiple hours as a result. It's good fun.

Accuracy: Spot-on

That hidden barrier path at the one part of the pro course

This is a very common thing on older maps, which tended to have significant amounts of bullshit. Particular shout-out to the ceiling doors on JC IX, a set of 20 teleportation doors where 19 take you to random past points in the map and the 20th takes you to the end. No, you don't know which is which, they all look identical.

Accuracy: Accurate

Water bucket jumps

Water jumps are a thing, but water bucket clutches would qualify as "obstacle" and not pure parkour. I don't play obstacle, so I can't comment further

Accuracy: Low

Brewing stand jumps

They don't give effects, but I want to give them a mention for being the most annoying hitbox in the game. Evbo_ gets that one right.

Accuracy: Medium

The parkour champion

There's a lot of different types of parkour, so whoever's the best is pretty up for debate. They definitely don't rule over the parkour lands with an iron fist, though.

Accuracy: Low

The parkour god

Is kyroh still a meme?

Accuracy: Medium

The triple neo

Finally, we get to the end of the video. Evbo_ does a triple neo, and all is good with the world (presumably, haven't watched the sequel yet). Not much to nitpick here. Triples are hard, especially for new players. I personally see them as certifying a true parkour-er. When a Minecrafter does a triple neo, they get their wings. It's a real hallmark of a jump, and a great place to end the movie.

Although it's common enough to have a standard momentum which the parkour champion does NOT build, opting for 4bmm instead like a psychopath.

Accuracy: Medium

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 02x05 - Bring Down the Dark Tower / Old Reliable

Previously on Digimon Adventure: It was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that neither Yamato nor Takeru is sufficiently telepathic. Meanwhile, despite Daisuke's best efforts, the forces of the Digimon Kaiser successfully overthrew the forces of the Digimon Kaiser.

Now, with a clear understanding of how the Kaiser's influence works, the Chosen Children forge ahead on a new mission.

Deep in the frozen tundra of a Digital World region, the Digimon Kaiser is inexplicably using the frog-like Gizamon as beasts of burden for construction.

Not to construct the Dark Tower, which is already up and going, but something using steel girders. The Gizamon do their best to hop along, weighed down by their burdens, while the Kaiser cracks his whip on the ground to keep them moving.

Wormmon waddles up, dragging a fur coat through the snow with his itty-bitty forelegs.

Wormmon: Ken-chan, take this.... Kaiser: Quit bothering me!

Ken kicks Wormmon in the head, knocking him over into the snow with the coat falling on top of him. While he's distracted, one of the Gizamon falls over, dropping the materials they're carrying.

The Kaiser whips back around and whips the fallen Gizamon over and over.

Kaiser: Get up, already! You cretins are too slow!

Maybe if you weren't using frogs in a frozen climate, they wouldn't be. I know Ken thinks he's playing a video game, but he is not very good at this video game.

In the dub:

Wormmon: Wear this, it's cold. Emperor: Rrgggh.... Leave me alone! (Emperor kicks Wormmon; Gizamon falls over) Emperor: Get up!

All three whiplashes against the fallen Gizamon are cut, and we see only him raising his whip to begin striking before the next bit unfolds.

As the Digimon Kaiser raises his whip for a fourth lash, Gomamon leaps into the middle of it. He grabs the Kaiser's whip, clutching it between his Yes They Are Hands and refusing to let go.

Gomamon: Stop it! They're all tired! Besides, Gizamon can't move very well on land! Kaiser: Pompous little.... I already know enough about Digimon without needing you to teach me!

Obviously, he doesn't, or else he wouldn't be using Gizamon here. But the Kaiser is beyond reason at this time. He jerks his whip out of Gomamon's grasp, then brings it back and lashes Gomamon across the belly, knocking him over.

Kaiser: There has to be a punishment for anyone who dares to resist me. Hey! I'll make things easier for whoever takes down this little pest!

For the rundown, Gizamon is a Child-stage Virus-attribute Aquatic Mammal Digimon. We saw a group of them during Vamdemon's takeover of Odaiba. They harassed Hiroaki's news crew and were a persistent menace until Vamdemon's bats ate them all.

Narrator: Gizamon. A Child-stage Digimon with webbed hands and feet. Their sharp dorsal fins cut through the water's surface like a knife!

They're also, per the first rundown, more comfortable underwater than on land.

In the dub, Gomamon's interception comes before the Emperor can start whipping. Nonetheless, you can still see the wounds on the Gizamon behind him.

Gomamon: Hey, quit it! They're all tired and need rest! Maybe someone should use this whip on you, you big bully! Emperor: #1: Don't ever talk to me without calling me 'Sir'. #2: Don't ever TALK TO ME!!!

In the original, Gomamon points out that the Kaiser is making baffling tactical choices with his enslaved Digimon. Choices that convey his ignorance and lack of understanding towards the Digimon. He's clacking them around like toys in a toybox rather than making the effort to even understand how best to apply their various capabilities.

He's punishing them for inefficiencies that he created through inept mismanagement. Ken isn't very good at dictatorship.

The dub snips that in favor of Gomamon clapping back with a violent taunt. Gomamon's a gutsy brawler type so it's a perfectly in-character thing for him to say, but I don't like what it costs us.

Emperor: Whoever among you can defeat this creature will receive a special prize package. The rest will get some lovely parting gifts. So who is up for the challenge? (The Gizamon crowd in around Gomamon) Emperor: (rundown) I know all about Gizamon. They're amphibian Digimon with webbed feet. Their fins cut through the water like knives.

There's something ironic about having Ken deliver the rundown when his ignorance towards Gizamon was a point of contention in the original version of this scene.

The Gizamon crowd in around Gomamon.

Gomamon: NO, DON'T!!!

The Gizamon attacking with Sonic the Hedgehog spin jumps, bashing through Gomamon one after another until he's left bruised and defeated on his back, unable to stand.

Kaiser: Hmph! All bark and no bite.

Wormmon squiggles out between the Kaiser and the Gizamon to remind him of his promise.

Wormmon: The ones who defeated him get to rest, right? Kaiser: No, something else.

Sorry, Wormmon. The Kaiser never promised 休ま yasuma, that they could rest and have some time off. He promised 楽にしてやる raku ni shiteyaru. I'll go easy on them, I'll make it easier for them. And he has just such a plan in mind.

The Kaiser retracts his whip, and a set of Evil Rings descends upon the Gizamon. Most are taken before they know what's happening. One Gizamon tries to run for it, but the Evil Ring catches them in short order.

Kaiser: Huhuhu... It's easier now, isn't it? The prison for this area is nearly complete! Pick up the pace and finish the job!

Obediently, the enslaved Gizamon turn away and return to work. This is why you never become a class traitor. Once they're gone, Ken turns to take his leave. Wormmon follows for a second, but stops and glances back at Gomamon lying broken on the ground. Only for a second, though, before he double-times it to catch up to Ken-chan.

In the dub:

Gomamon: They won't attack me! (They attack him relentlessly) Emperor: That was way too easy. Wormmon: Yeah, they've defeated him, Master. Now tell them what they've won. Emperor: Right! (Dark Rings enslave the Gizamon) Emperor: Here's your reward: You all have the honor of being my slaves. Now get back to work building the prison! (The Gizamon go back to work and the Emperor goes to leave) Emperor: MOVE IT, Wormmon! I want you to make me a hot chocolate. Wormmon: What about Gomamon? Emperor: Let him freeze.

I really like the "I'll go easy on them" exchange. It's so slimy. The "special presents" bit tries to match the same tone, but without Wormmon's optimistic misunderstanding, I don't think the treacherous backhand lands quite as hard.

The dub version calls more attention to Wormmon's concern for Gomamon's wellbeing, while the original leaves it implied through Wormmon's body language. This plays into the ongoing key difference between versions, as the Digimon Kaiser generally doesn't interact with Wormmon of his own volition.

So far as he cares, Wormmon can do whatever. Wormmon is utterly beneath his notice or concern, except when Wormmon actively tries to interact with him. Where, as usual, the dub has the Emperor using Wormmon as his personal assistant.

Once the Kaiser is gone, Gomamon uses what's left of his strength to pick himself up. He crawls through the tundra, making his way to a Gate TV half-buried in the snow.

Gomamon crawls right up to the TV, presses his face against it, and closes his eyes. All he gets out is a pitiful:

Gomamon: Jou....

In the human world, Jou receives the distress signal while on his way into school. Specifically, the sign above him reads "Waseda Preparatory School", setting our time frame as at the end of the school day. Jou's finished his normal classes and is heading into the private cram school his family's paying for him to attend.

This cram school is probably based on the real-life Waseda University in Shinjuku. Though they spell Waseda differently. Probably for the same reason cartoon characters might drink "Cola-Cola" and watch "PeopleTube".

He's with a couple of his peers when his Digivice starts ringing with Gomamon's distress signal.

Jou: (quietly) Gomamon.... Green Shirt: Looks like today's our proficiency test for math. Tan Shirt: Aww, seriously? That sucks. Green Shirt: Hey, Jou-- Jou: I'm skipping cram school today. Both: Eh!? Jou: Bye!

Without another word of explanation, Jou dashes off at full sprint.

In the dub, we go to our first commercial after the Emperor and Wormmon leave Gomamon in the snow. When we come back, Gomamon offers a bit of internal dialogue.

Gomamon: (thinking) I've just gotta climb up this little hill.... (Gomamon trudges through the snow) Gomamon: (thinking) Okay, maybe it's not such a little hill after all... (Gomamon finds the TV) Gomamon: What's that? (Gomamon crawls to the TV) Gomamon: Joe....

I don't know why Gomamon seems surprised to see the TV when it's pretty clearly what he was trying to reach in the first place. Even in the dub, his extra dialogue suggests he went this direction for a reason.

(SOS Signal goes off) Joe: Gomamon! Green Shirt: So, how about it, guys? You all ready for that big anatomy test today? Tan Shirt: Yeah, I spent the whole night looking in the mirror. How about you, Joe? Joe: Uh, I just remembered that I forgot to remember something. I gotta go!

XD This is good.

The timing might be (unavoidably) confusing here due to the lack of American context for 塾 juku, Japanese cram schools. Without knowing that Joe's here for extracurricular evening classes, this comes off like it's the start of the school day.

Since Joe won't reach Odaiba Elementary School until well after the end of the school day, that makes it seem like it took Joe a re-e-e-eally long time to get there.

Might have been better off taking more liberties with this scene and having them, say, discuss having a crazy workload of homework to do or something. IDK. In any case, timeline in the dub is a little bit funky due to culture shock.

Speaking of Odaiba Elementary, Daisuke's on his way to Computer Club when he happens to spot Iori descending the stairwell to the ground floor.

Daisuke: Huh? Iori! Iori: What is it, Daisuke-san? Daisuke: Don't "What is it" at me! You're going home!? Iori: I have practice today. For kendo. Daisuke: You do!? While the DIgital World's in crisis!? Iori: Once per week, I get to train at the police dojo with my grandfather. That's all.

Iori bows respectfully to Daisuke, then turns and leaves.

Daisuke: HEY!!! Hikari: (approaches) What's wrong, Daisuke-kun? Daisuke: (suddenly cheerful) Hikari-chaaaaaan! You're going, right? To Computer Club? Hikari: Uh-huh! Of course! Daisuke: (considering) Well, as long as Hikari-chan is there, I don't need the others. (blushing) In fact, it might be better if they weren't there.... Hikari: O_o What? Daisuke: (backpedaling) Oh, nothing, nope nope! C'mon, let's go!

Smooth, Daisuke. Real smooth.

In the dub:

Davis: Hey, Cody! Cody: Oh, hi, Davis. What's up? Davis: What's up? Are you crazy? Where are you going!? Cody: I'm going home. I've got kendo practice this afternoon. Davis: What!? Practice later! The Digi-World's in danger! Cody: Sorry, Davis, but my grandfather is the teacher and he would be very disappointed if I missed a lesson. (Cody bows respectfully) Cody: See ya. (Cody leaves) Davis: Yeah, but.... Kari: (approaches) What's the matter with you? Davis: (suddenly cheerful) Kari, great! I'm going to the Computer Room. Why don't you come with me? Kari: Sure, let's go. Davis: (considering) Really? You and I together all alone in the dangerous Digital World? (blushing) Finally! It'll be like my dream come true! Hikari: O_o Excuse me? Davis: (backpedaling) I-I said I'm studying French, parlez-vous?

Cody doesn't mention the police dojo, instead fretting about his grandfather's feelings which seems in-character for him to do.

Davis leaps to the wild conclusion that Kari joining him will result in a romantic outing for just the two of them. Daisuke also reaches that wild conclusion, but we get to watch the gears turn in his head to see how he got there.

Of course, when they arrive at Computer Club, Daisuke's foolish hopes are dashed. Iori may have had to go home but Takeru and Miyako are there, right on time.

Daisuke: Gck... (defeated) They're all here.... Hikari: (approaches Takeru) What's wrong? Takeru: We got an SOS Signal from the Digital World.

That snaps Daisuke out of his funk. Flipping into business mode, he jogs over to look at the map Miyako has on the computer screen. A single square deep in black territory is flashing red.

Hikari: (gasp) Takeru: It's from one of our nakama. Miyako: And the signal's coming from a black area. It's a long ways away from anywhere we've been to before. Hikari: Does that mean the Digimon Kaiser's territory is expanding? Patamon: Did he build a new tower? Miyako: That's possible.

Reckoning with the question that Davis brought up in the dub last episode: Even if we tear down the Dark Towers, what's to stop him from building more?

In the dub:

Davis: Eh... Eheh... (defeated) I just can't win.... Kari: (approaches T.K.) What's going on? T.K.: We just got a message from the Digital World! It's a Distress Call from one of the Digimon! Kari: Who!? T.K.: I'm not really sure yet. Yolei: I've got it! The signal is coming from one of the black areas controlled by the Digimon Emperor, and it's a lot farther than any area we've been to. Kari: Well, this should add to our Frequent Flier Miles. Yolei: According to this map, the Emperor's area is getting a lot bigger! I bet his ego is too!

Not the sickest burn we've ever heard. Sorry, Yolei, but I don't think "Is your ego swelling from the weight of your immense triumph!?" will be the line that breaks the Emperor's spirit.

Daisuke: The Digimon Kaiser is such a jerk. Going to such a far-off place and.... Hikari: ...even as we speak, I'm sure....

Daisuke's mad, but Hikari seems hurt by the unspoken implications they're raising. Her voice cracks as she says her words. Daisuke goes quiet for a moment, watching with concern at how badly this is affecting Hikari. Then he takes charge.

Daisuke: Alright, now that we're all here, let's get moving and go to the Digital World! Upamon: What do you mean, everyone!? Iori's not here dagyaa! Daisuke: He's not coming. Upamon: Why dagyaa? Daisuke: He's got kendo practice. Upamon: What's kendo dagyaa?

Daisuke bops Upamon three times with a rolled up folder.

Daisuke: (top of the head) MEN!!! (hit to Upamon's side) DOU!!! (hit to Upamon's little wing flaps) KOTE!!!

In kendo, there are a few basic attacks you're allowed to make against your opponent. 面 Men is your headgear. 胴 Dou is your chestplate. 小手 Kote are the padded gloves on your arms. You're meant to call out which part you're striking at, as Daisuke does here.

Upamon: WHY ARE YOU HITTING ME DAGYAA!?!? Daisuke: Because that's what kendo is. Upamon: Huh?

There had to be have been a better way to explain it. Daisuke is being a prick.

In the dub:

Davis: It won't be long before he controls the entire Digital World! Kari: Then every single Digimon is in danger. (Davis watches Kari, concerned, for a moment) Davis: Alright, I've had enough of this clown! Let's all head to the Digital World! Upamon: But we have to wait for Cody to get here! Davis: He's not coming! Upamon: What's he doing? Davis: He says he has kendo practice. Upamon: One question: What's kendo? Davis: Yaa! (Davis strikes Upamon three times) Upamon: WHAT DID YOU HIT ME FOR!?!? Davis: You wanted to know what kendo is! Upamon: Huh?

Davis doesn't do the kiais right. He makes one quick "Yaa!" and then attacks three times consecutively to different parts.

Kari and Davis aren't as emotional with their lines. They're bothered, but still forming complete sentences in a matter-of-fact tone. So the moment where Daisuke is struck by how badly Hikari's hurting doesn't carry through well.

Across town, we find Iori at the police dojo with his grandfather.

Iori, breathing heavily, tries to focus. But the image of Upamon flashes before his eyes, distracting him.

Chikara: MEN!!!

Before Iori knows what's happening, Chikara knocks his 竹刀 shinai, a type of bamboo sword designed specifically for kendo, aside and lands an unguarded strike to the top of the head.

After the match, they remove their kendo gear and sit across from one another in Japan's traditional 正座 seiza position.

Chikara: What's wrong, Iori? Your concentration seems to be lacking today. Iori: I apologize, Grandfather.

Linguistic note: The word for grandfather is お祖父さん Ojii-san. It's what Taichi's rude 爺 Jijii insult for Gennai is derived from; A popular bastardization of ojii-san to mean a doddering old codger.

Iori goes the other direction and addresses his grandfather as お祖父様 ojii-sama, using the honorific intended for showing respect to a wise elder, a master, a mentor figure, or other person worthy of immeasurable respect.

Which makes sense, given that Chikara is Iori's master in kendo.

Chikara: Is there something else weighing on your mind? Have you met a girl you like? Iori: I haven't-- Chikara: IORI!!! You and your sword are both too rigid. Your father Hiroki was the same way.

Iori's father is Hiroki. Yamato's father is Hiroaki. Great. Thanks.

Incidentally, Chikara's name 主税 is a homonym for 力 chikara, the word for strength or power. We see that word a lot in anime.

Chikara: Let's take a break.

Chikara unfurls a cloth behind him, the contents of which are obscured. Then he turns back.

Chikara: Iori, would you like a smoochy-smooch too? Iori: O_o ... Chikara: (embarrassed) No, when I say a kiss, I mean this.

Chikara holds up a carton of the Chu x2 or ChuChu Jelly drinks we saw a couple episodes ago. チュチュ Chuchu is an onomatopoeia for the sound of kissing, hence the tragic miscommunication. He was offering Iori a snack.

In the dub, they again replace the specific strike kiais with a generic:

Chikara: HYAAAAA!!! (Chikara strikes; Cut to them sitting across from one another) Chikara: Let's take a break. What's the matter with you today, Cody? You just don't seem to be concentrating enough. Cody: I'm sorry, Grandfather. Chikara: You haven't lost interest in the martial arts, have you? Or hanging out with your old grandpa? Cody: Of course not! Chikara: I can read faces. Your expression tells me that something is troubling you deep inside. Your father acted the same way when he was a boy. (Chikara lays out his cloth) Chikara: I have been to many lands and met many people, and in all my travels, I have found only one thing I can count on. PRUNE JUICE, HA!!! Cody: O_o Huh...? Chikara: YUP, take two big glasses! You'll be fine! (holds up ChuChu carton)

Yeah, we'll file this in the "They were screwed from the outset" category. No way of making the chuchu bit work. Not only that, but they needed something he could say that would fit with the comically distended smooching lips they were given to work with.

Not to mention the censors probably wouldn't let them play a joke where grandpa innocently and accidentally asks a third-grader if he wants some chuchu straight. Like, you could just have him say, "Want a little chuchu?" with the kissing face and kids would get it. But Fox Kids would also get it and they would have you hanged.

There were some severe limitations on how they could possibly play this gag. I'm willing to classify the prune juice moment as "They did the best they could under the circumstances."

They also dropped Chikara asking if Cody's met a girl too, swapping it out for pre-emptive guilting.

My favorite dub moment, however, is "I can read faces." What a unique power you have, grandpa. XD

This replaces "You and your sword are too rigid," which is something Iori's been struggling with since we met him. He has trouble adapting to changing circumstances and reacting impulsively.

Miyako missed out on the first trip to the Digital World because Iori needed to run home, pick up snacks he'd asked his mom to make, and then come all the way back and eat the snacks with the group before they could leave. He can't just go, "Change of plan," and do something else. Which is why he's here, right now, instead of where he clearly thinks he should be.

Fortunately, Chikara's prompting seems to have gotten through to Iori, who accepts the opening to come out with it.

Chikara: What's wrong? Iori: Grandfather, would it be alright if we ended practice here for today? Chikara: Hm? Iori: I feel awful for backing out in the middle of practice but-- Chikara: You may go. It's up to you to decide what it is you must do now, and to have faith in the choice that you have made. Iori: Yes, sir! Please tell Mom that I'll be late coming home!

Iori gathers up his kendo gear and hurries out the door. He stops just past the threshold, turns, and bows to his ojii-sama. Then he leaves quickly, in a rush to get back to Computer Club.

Chikara: (affectionately) He's so like his father.

Then, once Iori's gone, Chikara demonstrates exactly where ChuChu Jelly got its name. Sucking down the packet with loud, obnoxious smooching sounds.

In the dub:

Chikara: You want some? Cody: No thanks. I'm afraid that my problem is even too big for prune juice. Chikara: Hm? Cody: There are others who are counting on me to do something and I'm afraid I might let them down. Chikara: I once told your father: People will rely on you only to the extent that you rely upon yourself. Try your hardest and you won't let anyone down. Cody: Right! I've gotta go, Grandpa! Thanks for the advice! (Cody runs out the door with his gear, then stops and bows) Cody: Seeya! (Cody leaves) Chikara: (kind of offended) No problem is too big for prune juice! (slurp slurp)

XD Okay, they pay off the prune juice thing beautifully. They've made it his Old Man Quirk.

So. Yeah. Iori's problem is that he's here because he can't adapt. He has to keep appointments he's made even when he really should just cancel. And now it's eating him up inside because he knows where he should be instead.

The dub rewrites this as Cody hiding from his responsibilities. He ditched the others because he's insecure about his ability to perform as a DigiDestined. But Chikara gives him a jolt of self-confidence so he can get out there and get it done.

Back at Computer Club, everyone hears footsteps racing down the hall.

Upamon: Ah! Iori came anyway dagyaa! Daisuke: Those aren't Iori's footsteps! EVERYONE HIDE!!!

Including Daisuke, the team uselessly runs around the computer room like headless chickens until it's too late and they're boned. The door slides open, with all of the Digimon still in full view.

Group: Huh...? Hikari & Takeru: JOU-SAN!!! Jou: (entering, nervous) Uh, hi.... Upamon: :-(

Upamon's disappointed, but at least Hikari and Takeru are happy to see Jou again.

Jou: I'd heard about it, but it's still so weird to see Digimon here. Takeru: Guys, this is Kido Jou-san. Daisuke: (pleased) Wow, this guy, huh? Nice to meet you! Miyako: I bet his grades are incredible! Hikari: This is Motomiya Daisuke-kun and Inoue Miyako-san. Takeru: We just received an SOS Signal from the Digital World. Jou: That was from Gomamon. Takeru: Did your Digivice react too?

Everyone's excited to meet Jou. Hopefully this will go better than meeting Yamato did.

In the dub, Joe's footsteps are faint and hard to make out. Contrasting Jou's footsteps, which were loud and frantic, implying a full sprint through the hall.

Upamon: OH BOY!!! I KNEW CODY WOULD SHOW UP!!! Davis: It's not Cody, okay!? Now everybody hide! (Everybody uselessly fails at hiding until Joe enters) Group: Huh!? Kari & T.K.: It's Joe! Joe: Hi, guys. Upamon: :-( Joe: Wow, even though Tai told me about it, it's still strange seeing the Digimon here in the real world. T.K.: This is Joe, our old friend that we told you about. Davis: Oh! The doctor! That's really cool! Yolei: Would you mind taking a look at my tonsils for me? Kari: Joe, this is Davis and Yolei. Joe's not really a doctor yet. T.K.: I'm glad you're here! We got a Distress Call from the Digi-World. Joe: I know. It's from Gomamon. T.K.: So your Digivice was triggered too? That's why you came!

Daisuke and Miyako have no idea who this guy is, but Davis and Yolei have been briefed on the old guard well enough to recognize him as the aspiring doctor.

While Jou and Takeru are talking, Chibimon tries to get into a grocery bag Jou brought with him.

Chibimon: Candy? Candy!?

Jou pulls the bag up away from Chibimon, who hops helplessly in the air trying to reach it.

Jou: Ah! We'll eat these on the other side! Chibimon: The other side? Hikari: Jou-san, you're planning to come with us to the Digital World? Jou: I'm worried about Gomamon.

Takeru holds up his new-type Digivice to show to Jou.

Takeru: The new Chosen Children have Digivices that can open the Gate to the Digital World. Jou: Yes, Koushiro told me about that, and also that a terrible enemy called the Digimon Kaiser has appeared on the other side. Miyako: Right. I'll open the Gate, then. Daisuke: (English) Okay!

The children raise their Digivices to the computer screen and--

Iori: (throwing the door open) I'm sorry! Upamon: (scolding) Iori! You're so late dagyaa! I was about to go to the Digital World by myself dagyaa! Iori: (noticing the new arrival) Ah! Kido-san, right? My name is Hida-- Gate: (chime) Daisuke: Hey, the Gate's open! Miyako: Chosen Children, LET'S ROLL!!!

Okay, this time Miyako can say the line because she's actually coming with them so it's grammatically correct. Sorry for being pedantic. :P

Daisuke and Miyako have no idea who this is, but apparently Iori does.

In the dub:

DemiVeemon: Gimme! (Joe pulls the shopping bag up) Joe: Hey! These are supplies for an emergency! Kari: Do you plan on coming to the Digital World with us, Joe? We could really use your help. Joe: Absolutely. I'm worried about Gomamon. (T.K. shows Joe his new Digivice) T.K.: These are the Digivices of the new DigiDestined. They're the only things that can open the Gate to the Digital World. Joe: Yeah, Izzy gave me a heads up about them. And he also told me all about this jerk that calls himself the Digimon Emperor. Yolei: Alright, let's open the Gate! Davis: Right! (The team prepares to go) Cody: (throwing the door open) What about me!? Upamon: Cody! YOU MADE IT YOU MADE IT YOU MADE IT YOU MADE IT YOU MADE IT YOU MADE IT YOU MADE IT Cody: (to Joe) You're going to have to forgive him. He's hyperactive. Gate: (various electronic noises, nothing distinctive) Davis: Hey, everybody! The Gate's open! Yolei: Alright, come on! Let's GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Original Upamon scolds Iori for being tardy, but Dub Upamon's just excited to see him.

Joe calls his grocery bag full of stuff "emergency supplies". That's a fair description, given what we'll see coming out of that bag.

The Chosen Children cross through the Gate and immediately regret that their Magical Girl costume changes don't dress them in warmer clothes.

Daisuke: Ehhhh It's so cold! What's going on here!? Hikari-chan, are you okay? Hikari: Yep.

Oh, never mind. Daisuke's just being a weenie. Hikari has exposed shoulders and she's fine. Toughen up, Daisuke.

(HIKARI'S GENERATION HAD TO WALK UPHILL BOTH WAYS)

Now that they're in the Digital World, Iori tries again.

Iori: My introduction was cut short a moment ago. I'm Hida--! Daisuke: This is no time for introductions! Jou: Everyone, you can use these if you'd like.

Was that necessary, Daisuke? XD

Jou fishes a set of heating pads out of his bag, passing them around. The package reads "POP! Kairo". カイロ Kairo are disposable air-activated heating pads. Once you open the package, the air triggers an oxidizing chemical reaction in the pad, providing heat for up to 24 hours.

In the smaller text up top, the little guy is saying, "So wa~arm!" Adorable.

Jou: (handing one to Hikari) Here you go. Hikari: Thank you! Takeru: Like always, Jou-san, you came prepared! Jou: Where could Gomamon be?

Once the team senpai, always the team senpai.

In the dub:

Davis: Hey... I hate the cold... Kari, are you okay? Kari: Mhm! Cody: I'm sorry but we weren't properly introduced before we took our trip. My name is Co-- Davis: HEY, I'm freezing my goggles off and you're introducing yourself!? Let's get going! Joe: Here, you can use one of these. (Joe starts passing out heating pads) Joe: They're hand warmers. (handing one to Kari) Kari? Kari: Thanks a lot! T.K.: Boy, leave it to you! Good ol' reliable Joe! Joe: I watch all the survival shows on TV.

Perfect. No notes.

Well, one note. They took out Iori's first attempt at introducing himself to Joe so the gag where he's again thwarted doesn't hit as hard.

They have Joe explain what the pads are, which is good because American kids won't be able to read the packaging nor will they recognize the kind of product.

Miyako struggles to warm her hands with the heating pad, but she's still freezing. (Try taking off the thick gloves, Miyako. Children!)

Miyako: I'm still so cold....

Then she fumbles it, accidentally dropping her pad in the snow.

Miyako: Oh, crap!

Miyako picks up her pad, which has already melted the snow under it. When she does, she reveals a familiar looking eye.

Miyako: Jou-san! Jou: Huh? ACK!!! GOMAMON!!!

The team hurries to unbury Gomamon, revealing the unconscious Digimon barely hanging in, still covered in his Gizamon wounds.

Jou: Gomamon! GOMAMON!!! Gomamon: (comes to) ...Jou.... Jou: Hang in there. Gomamon: You came.... Jou: Of course I did! Even when we're apart, I always worry about you. Gomamon: (teary) Tentomon said we could use the TV to contact you guys.... Jou: (holds up his Digivice to show Gomamon) Yeah, I got your signal.

Armadimon turns up his nose and looks away from Iori.

Armadimon: I bet if I sent out an SOS Signal, Iori wouldn't come for me dagyaa! Iori: Eh? Tailmon: What are you sulking about, Armadimon?

He's still mad that Iori dumped him for kendo. While Armadimon's sulking, Jou pets Gomamon's head, examining his injuries.

Jou: What happened to you? You're covered in wounds. Gomamon: It was him. That scumbag, the Digimon Kaiser!

In the dub:

Yolei: Rgh... rgh... It won't open! ACK!!! (Yolei accidentally drops the pack and melts part of the snow) Yolei: Joe, look! Joe: Huh? WHOA, GOMAMON!!! (The kids unbury Gomamon) Joe: Gomamon, speak to me! Gomamon: (comes to) ...Joe.... Joe: What day of the week is it? Gomamon: ...it's Saturday.... Joe: Actually, it's Thursday. But you never did know the day, so you're back to your old self! Gomamon: I heard from Tentomon that we could use that TV to contact you if we were in trouble. Joe: (holds up his Digivice to show Gomamon) Boy, looks like you're gonna wipe out my whole first aid kit. Armadillomon: I always get misty at happy reunions. I actually think I'm gonna cry. Gatomon: Don't! Your tears will turn to icicles. (Joe pets Gomamon and inspects him) Joe: You really look terrible, Gomamon. But I mean that in a nice way. Gomamon: I picked a fight with the wrong guy: the Digimon Emperor.

So, the good: Joe and Gomamon are cracking jokes but you can still feel the strength of their bond here. They also don't try to downplay the severity of Gomamon's injuries, with Joe's "first aid kit" remark playing off of his "emergency supplies" mention earlier.

For the bad: Yeah, they are whole-ass deleting the conflict between Iori and Armadimon. Carrying on from the exuberance he showed earlier, Armadimon feeling butthurt because Iori went to kendo has been stricken from the script entirely.

While they're having this moment, Daisuke notices the Dark Tower in the distance.

Daisuke: He built a tower over here too? Jou: A what? Hikari: A tower built by the Digimon Kaiser. Takeru: In the area surrounding the tower, the Digimon are fitted with rings called Evil Rings that make them obey the Digimon Kaiser. Hikari: And they can't evolve. Daisuke: DAMN IT!!! We have to destroy it! Hikari: But we'll have to cross this snowfield to reach it. Takeru: It'll be difficult to trek through all this.

Love Daisuke's passion. He already knows all this but hearing it said out loud still gets him fired up.

Koushiro can be forgiven for failing to brief Jou on this part. It's a recent discovery.

In the dub:

Davis: He's built another Control Spire here too! Joe: What's that? Kari: It's the Digimon Emperor's secret weapon! T.K.: He hunts down Digimon and puts these Dark Rings around them, turning them into his slaves! And the Control Spires supply the power to those rings. Kari: And no one can Digivolve. Davis: DUDE!!! I'm gonna rip it down! Kari: But we're gonna have to cross this ice if we hope to get close enough to destroy it. T.K.: Now I know what Matt means when he says I'm walking on thin ice.

Ba-dum tish. This is pretty good. I also had a laugh at the usage of "DUDE" for the line's expletive. They should have everyone shout "DUDE" every time the Japanese script curses. XD

Alright, we need to get across. Fortunately, Miyako has a plan.

Miyako: Did you bring any skis or skates? Jou: (embarrassed) I wasn't that thorough....

Miyako's plan has failed. Daisuke, ideas?

Daisuke: Jou-san! Do you have rope? Jou: Eh!?

V-mon, Hawkmon, and Armadimon knock down trees for resources. The children lash them together with rope, creating a makeshift sled. They tie the five Partners who aren't beat to shit to it.

Daisuke: Whew. Alright! It's done! Miyako: This should be fast. Daisuke: Right, we're counting on you guys now! Armadimon: We'll push through this (ganbaru) and destroy that tower! Hawkmon: Well said! Iori: (smiling) Thank you, Armadimon. Armadimon: (turns away) Hmph.

Yep, he's still mad.

The team piles onto the sled, and Daisuke gives the command.

Daisuke: GO!!!

In the dub:

Yolei: Did you bring any skates? We need six pairs. Joe: Heh, sorry, I'm all out. Davis: Hey, Joe! Do you have any rope? Joe: Yeah? (The team constructs their sled) Davis: Whew! Well, that's done. Yolei: What a great sled! Davis: Now all we have to do is go for a ride! Armadillomon: That's easy for you to say. We're pullin'. Hawkmon: (pouting) I'm no dog.... Cody: Come on, guys! We're counting on you! Armadillomon: (turns away) ... Patamon: Okay! (Everyone gets on the sled) Davis: Now, mush!

This time, to disguise the conflict they removed between Iori and Armadimon, the dub has the Digimon be mad that the inconsiderate humans are using them as sled dogs.

As the Chosen Children make their way to the tower, their arrival doesn't go unnoticed. Over at the prison construction site, Wormmon reports in to the Kaiser.

Kaiser: They're here!? Wormmon: (nod)

Not just here, but coming in at breakneck speed thanks to Daisuke's ingenious plan.

Daisuke: (English) YAHOO!!! Miyako: Faster! Faster!

As they approach the Dark Tower, a line of Yukidarumon standing guard come into view. Daisuke and Miyako are having too much fun to realize what they're seeing, but Hikari and Takeru behind them are visibly on guard.

Miyako: Are those snowmen? There's so many! So cute! Takeru: (serious) No, those are....

Once they're close enough, the Yukidarumon's legs come into view. Each one wearing an Evil Ring as an anklet. While Miyako and Daisuke suddenly realize their mistake, we go to commercial.

Hey, they were being optimistic. It would be nice if these were just playful snowmen that the Kaiser's forces had made in their spare time.

In the dub:

Emperor: So they're here!? Wormmon: Mhm. (The sled shoots across the tundra) Davis: Go, Veemon! Yolei: What a way to travel! (The Yukidarumon come into view) Patamon: Uh-oh. We've got visitors. Yolei: Oh look, snowmen! How cute! T.K.: No, they're Frigimon. But what's that around their legs?

Technically we're the visitors, Patamon. They're stationed here.

This time, it's T.K.'s turn to be optimistic. He was hoping that it's fun jewelry. It is not. It is the least fun that jewelry can ever be.

Coming back from commercial, the Digimon Kaiser watches the sled approach from a nearby hill.

Kaiser: Fire!

On his command, the Yukidarumon unload, throwing punches into the air that send waves of frost towards the sled.

Yukidarumon is an Adult-stage Vaccine-attribute Ice and Snow Digimon. We met one of them on File Island previously. After being freed from their Black Gear, they helped Taichi cross island fragments to reunite with Yamato. He had to spend a night sleeping on Yukidarumon's frozen shoulder while they crossed part of the ocean.

They later joined Mimi's army to fight in the last battle at the end of their world.

Narrator: Yukidarumon! An Adult-stage Digimon with a warm heart who typically avoids fighting. They freeze their opponent with their immensely destructive Zettaireido Punch!

A rare case of an attack name that's partially in Japanese. 絶対零度 Zettaireido means "Absolute Zero".

Under enemy fire, the Partner Digimon move in a zigzag pattern to evade the Yukidarimon's shots. One shot cuts it too close and blasts snow in Daisuke's face.

Daisuke: You...! Jou: We can escape by maintaining our speed and sliding through between them. Daisuke: Escape!? Jou: Our goal here is to destroy the tower, right? Then we'd be better off moving on than getting bogged down in fighting here. Daisuke: Oh! Got it. Takeru: Guys, give it everything you've got! Digimon: RAAAAAAGH!!!

No argument from Daisuke this time. We have a good reason to avoid combat and he accepts it without making a fuss. He's learned his lesson from last episode.

In the dub:

Emperor: Attack! (The Frigimon fire) Emperor: (rundown) Freeze them, Frigimon, with your Sub-Zero Ice Punch! It's amazing how these docile creatures can be turned into such abominable snowmen.

Very flavorful and hits the key point that the Frigimon are typically peaceful creatures. A+

(The Digimon dodge shots until Davis gets snow in his face) Davis: That's cold! Joe: Forget about the Frigimon! They're not very fast! We can outrun them! Davis: What!? Joe: Our mission is to destroy the Control Spire, right? So it's better to keep going than to waste time fighting! Davis: But they're attacking us! T.K.: Joe's right! Run past them! Digimon: (various tired exertion noises)

Davis, on the other hand, has learned nothing.

Just as Jou planned, they shoot straight through the gap in the Yukidarumon blockade and keep right on going.

Miyako: We're in the clear! Daisuke: Piece of cake! Kaiser: Aim for those hills!

On command, the Yukidarumon fire over the Chosen Children's heads. Their shots collide with a snowy hillside.

Daisuke: (triumphant) Where were you even aiming!?

He finds out pretty quick, as their shots dislodge an avalanche of snow coming straight at the Chosen Children's sled.

Daisuke: TURN!!!

A sharp left turn takes them away from the avalanche, but leaves them headed straight for a ravine.

Daisuke: JUMP!!!

The Digimon make it across but the sled nearly doesn't. It takes all the team can muster to pull it up.

In the dub:

Yolei: Alright! Davis: We made it through! Emperor: Aim for that hill! (The Frigimon shoot at the hillside) Davis: They missed us by a mile! (Avalanche) Davis: WHOA!!! IT'S AN AVALANCHE!!! (The sled turns) Kids: (miscellaneous shouting) (They jump the ravine)

Davis doesn't shout in-the-moment commands to guide the sled in this version.

The team makes it over the ravine but they aren't out of the woods yet. Past the ravine, another cliff comes up fast, this one opening out into open water. The sled turns too sharply, nearly upending it. Not everyone manages to hang on.

Most of the kids hang on, but Iori plunges into the icy waters below.

Daisuke: IORI!!! Gomamon: I've got him!

Gomamon leaps from the sled to follow Iori down and rescue him.

(Incidentally, Hikari/Takeru shippers will probably be happy to know that Takeru hangs on to Hikari to keep her from falling at both cliffsides. It's easy to miss because it happens in brief frames of animation.)

Taking shelter in a cave, the team makes a fire to warm Iori up. Armadimon watches Iori with concern while Jou brings him some medicine.

Armadimon: Iori.... Jou: I also have some cold medicine. You should take it. Iori: Yes, thank you. Miyako: (impressed) Senpai came really prepared! Hikari: What do we do now? Iori-kun can't move like this. Takeru: The rest of us will go! Group: Mhm! Daisuke: Yeah!

In the dub:

(Cody falls) Gomamon: I'll save him! (They warm Cody up in the cave) Armadillomon: Warmin' up yet? Joe: Drink this herbal tea. It's 10% herbal and 90% tea. Cody: Thanks a lot, Joe! Yolei: Boy, that Joe really comes prepared. Kari: That's nothing. Wait until you see him during hay fever season. T.K.: We'll have to leave Cody here. Group: Mhm. Davis: WHAT!?!?

Davis inexplicably has a problem with this plan despite having nodded his approval a second ago.

Joe offers Cody herbal tea instead of medicine. There are some herbal teas that are really good for easing cold symptoms.

Kari makes a self-referential quip about the dub's overuse of "Joe's allergies" for comedy in the first anime.

Alright, we have a plan. Everyone's on board, right?

Jou: I'll stay here to look after Iori-kun. Takeru: Thank you. Iori: I'm going too! Takeru: Eh!? Iori: I had to cut my practice short to come here! I won't be able to face my grandfather if I don't do this. Hikari: That's too much to ask of you. Jou: It would be better to let the others handle it. Armadimon: That's right dagyaa. Iori, your wellbeing is more important dagyaa. Iori: Armadimon... Very well, I'll wait here. Daisuke: Leave it to us. We'll smash that tower to pieces!

Just like that, the team sets off, leaving Iori behind with Jou.

In the dub:

Joe: T.K.'s right. I'll stay back here and take care of Cody. T.K.: Thanks, Joe. Cody: I'm going too! T.K.: Huh? Cody: My grandfather told me if I rely on myself and try my hardest, I won't let any of you down! Kari: You're not letting us down. Joe: And besides, you'll need to conserve your strength. Armadillomon: That's right, Cody. We've got a long fight ahead, so we're gonna need you! Cody: I guess you're right... I'll wait here. Don't be gone long! Davis: We'll be back. Quicker than you can say Digimon Emperor!

...what long fight do we have ahead? The fight is where the rest of the team is going. Once they knock down the Control Spire, the Digimon Emperor will lose all forces in the region.

Armadillomon, have you been peeking at the script? Or are he and Joe gaslighting Cody into thinking there'll be more mission after this?

The changes to Cody's episode plot rear their head again here. Iori is upset at being left behind because if he doesn't contribute then he walked out on Chikara for nothing. Cody is upset because he has inadequacy issues and fears disappointing the group.

While the rest of the team takes off on the sled, Jou and Iori sit by the fire with Armadimon and Gomamon for a heart-to-heart.

Jou: Are you okay? Iori: Sorry about that.... Armadimon: Iori, I shouldn't have said that stuff earlier. You left halfway through kendo practice? Iori: That's okay, Armadimon. I wanted to come. Jou: I skipped out on a proficiency test at cram school today. But it can't be helped, because this is what I wanted to do. We're called Chosen Children but, the truth is, we're the ones who have to choose what we should do; What we want to do. Iori: Jou-san....

Iori seems touched by Jou's words, but there's no time to dwell on that 'cause a tremor suddenly rocks the cave. Jou leaps to his feet.

Jou: WHAT THE--!?!?

Scurrying out into the snow, the boys find the Digimon Kaiser waiting for them with (ohhhh my god) beachside marine Digimon Shellmon beside him. Shellmon has a visible Evil Ring around their right bicep.

Shellmon is an Adult-stage Data-attribute Mollusk Digimon. We met one of them on File Island near the very start of the Chosen Children's adventure. They'd made the area around a set of confusing phone booths into their territory.

Kaiser: Huhuhuhu.... Narrator: Shellmon! A primitive Digimon shaped like a hermit crab. Their Hydro Pressure sprays fluid with enough pressure to shatter boulders!

Oh boy, I do not love that the substance Shellmon sprays is not described as water.

In the dub:

Joe: Are you okay? Cody: A little tired. Armadillomon: Me too! I could really use a little nap. I vote we take this opportunity to get some shut-eye! Cody: I couldn't sleep! I feel I should be out there helping the others! Joe: I know exactly what you're feeling. I used to feel that way too, but I thought it was nausea. And then I slowly began to realize something. All of us are here for a reason. There's a big picture that we can't see yet, and I don't mean a widescreen TV. So us staying behind is for a reason! Cody: But what...? (Earthquake; The boys rush outside) Emperor: Huhuhuhuhu.... Emperor: (rundown) Meet my newest slave, Shellmon. His Aqua Blaster attack shoots water so hard, it can demolish solid rock.

Excepting the rundown, this could not be further from script if it tried. First, because the episode deleted Armadimon and Iori's conflict, it also has to delete their reconciliation. Armadillomon is given throwaway dialogue to set up Cody and Joe's talk instead.

Jou's heart-to-heart with Iori was about personal agency. It ties directly into Yamato, Sora, Jou, and Mimi's portion of the first show's final arc. He's passing down the wisdom he learned from those events directly.

Joe makes the exact opposite point that Jou did. We have no choices, we have no control, we are merely the tools of a greater destiny. This is Joe's answer to Cody's feelings of inadequacy. We were all put here for a reason and you just need to have faith that destiny will play out for you.

Which then segues directly into the Emperor's arrival. Implicitly, "Destiny has placed us here so that we may play our role in the grand design of our team's victory." Like, the message does flow pretty well within the episode itself.

It's also about as far from "You have to be the one to decide what you should be doing, what you want to do," as physically possible. And also I have a personal grievance with "Jesus, Take the Wheel" as a philosophy. As a point of personal taste, I don't like teaching children that they are not the arbiters of their lives but merely exist in deference to higher authority, with no true control over what they do. So the dub's version of this rubs me the wrong way.

Even if it's well-executed (and it is), rewriting the episode to sell zero-agency fatalism as a cure for insecurity was never going to sit well with me. It's well-fitted, but I do not like this.

In any case, moving along. The Digimon Kaiser has made a grievous tactical error, and it falls to Jou and Iori to punish his mistake.

Kaiser: I hope you don't think that you can escape from me.

Jou casts a look at the Dark Tower, standing tall in the distance, then whispers to Gomamon.

Jou: Gomamon, we need to stall him here while Takeru-kun's team destroys the tower. I'm sorry, I know you're still injured, but I need you to prolong this fight for as long as possible. Gomamon: Got it.

Gomamon hops down from Jou's arms and pads across the snow, calling out to Shellmon.

Gomamon: HEY, SHELLMON!!! COME AND GET ME!!!

Shellmon's happy to acquiesce, raising their giant hand and slapping it down where Gomamon was standing. Gomamon hops backward to evade.

Jou: (thinking) Takeru-kun, Hikari-chan, hurry and get to that tower!

...Armadimon and Iori, meanwhile, hug each other uselessly by Jou's side. Armadimon's in fine condition but sure, let's make Gomamon fight Shellmon.

I understand the reasoning of not wanting to Armor Evolve and trash Shellmon. We're trying to hold the Kaiser's attention here, so winning right away would be as bad as losing right away. But we could at least put in a Digimon who isn't beat half to death.

In the dub:

Emperor: It appears I've discovered your secret little hideout. (Joe glances at the tower) Joe: Gomamon! Now I know the reason we were supposed to stay behind: So the others can have time to destroy the Spire. I need you to create a diversion. Keep him busy with some of that great Gomamon charm of yours. Gomamon: Gotcha! (Gomamon approaches Shellmon) Gomamon: Why did one Shellmon take the other Shellmon's lunch? Because it was shellfish! (Shellmon tries to crush Gomamon) Gomamon: I guess you heard that one already! Joe: (thinking) That's the great Gomamon charm!?

Joe's newfound fatalism shows up here again, and I still don't like it.

Gomamon trying to wow Shellmon with dad jokes instead of stall out the fight arguably works better than the original, because it sidesteps the question of "Wait, why aren't we sending Armadimon in instead?" Could Armadillomon crack wise like Gomamon? I think not!

The other team's closing in on the Dark Tower, but the Yukidarumon have regrouped and formed a new barricade in front of it.

Daisuke: This time, we fight! Let's go, V-mon! V-mon: Yeah! Daisuke: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Fladramon armors up and engages. Three of the Yukidarumon let off shots of their Zettaireido Punch. Fladramon hurdles their shots and returns fire. The triple projectiles from his Knuckle Fire hit home, knocking the three foes off their feet.

In the dub:

Davis: Time to get down to business! Veemon, let's do it! Veemon: Mm! Davis: DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!!

Over at the other fight, Gomamon's still holding the line by dodging Shellmon's crushes.

Jou: KEEP GOING (ganbarre) GOMAMON!!! Iori: Armadimon. Armadimon: Iori. Iori: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

A minor detail that's easy to overlook but more visible here is that Jou has a reassuring and/or guiding hand gripping Iori's shoulder. Ever the senpai.

Clad in his armor, Digmon catches Shellmon's hand moments before it can come down on Gomamon. An animation error clones Shellmon's hand, causing it to exist in simultaneous quantum states of reaching for Digmon while also closed around Digmon.

Jou: Is that Armor Evolution!? (Digmon catches Shellmon's hand) Digmon: GOMAMON, MOVE!!! Gomamon: Thanks!

Get out of there, Gomamon. Shellmon is so determined to punish you for your dub counterpart's dad joke that they sprouted new limbs to do it with. XD

In the dub:

Gomamon: You have no sense of humor! Joe: Try the knock-knock jokes!

Bit too late for that. Shellmon's more into slapstick.

Cody: (to Armadillomon) Are you ready? Armadillomon: You bet. Cody: DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! (Armadillomon Armor Digivolves) Joe: Armor, huh? Not bad! (Digmon catches Shellmon's hand) Digmon: URGH!!! Gomamon: Thanks, Digmon! Digmon: You're welcome!

Good news, Gomamon's out of there. Bad news, Digmon's in there and getting crushed. Worse news, Jou's so awestruck by Armor Evolution that he's let go of Iori.

I'm gonna have to take back that Senpai Cookie, Jou, as Iori steps out into the danger zone out of concern for Partner.

Iori: Digmon...

Shellmon changes tactics suddenly. Letting go of Digmon, they lower their head and prepare to fire their signature non-water fluids.

Jou: LOOK OUT!!!

Digmon throws himself on top of Iori just before Shellmon fires, taking the force of Hydro Pressure to his back.

Digmon: I will protect you, Iori dagyaa.

The Digimon Kaiser watches this display of affection coldly and dispassionately. But, at his feet, Wormmon's eyes quiver with emotion from the strength of the bond he's seeing.

Shellmon slams their hand down on Digmon's back again and again, but Digmon weathers each hit. Unfaltering in his determination to protect his Partner.

In the dub:

Cody: Hey... Leave him alone.... Shellmon: AQUA BLASTERS!!! Joe: CODY!!! (Digmon takes the hit for Cody) Digmon: Don't worry, Cody! I'll proteck you! Emperor: Rrgh! Wormmon: Mrr....

Digmon mispronounces "protect" and it's super noticeable. XD In his defense, he's under pressure right now.

Shellmon calls their attack in this version. Additionally, the Emperor and Wormmon both vocalize noises rather than silently watching.

Cutting back momentarily to the Tower team, Fladramon knocks down three more Yukidarumon with a second shot of Knuckle Fire.

Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!! Daisuke: Get 'em! Takeru: Fire attacks are very effective against Yukidarumon. We should leave this part to Daisuke-kun. Hikari: We can take to the air and destroy the tower from there. Miyako: Got it.

While they're making plans, Digmon's had enough time to devise a plan of his own.

Clutching Iori to his chest with his scoops, Digmon times his moment. When Shellmon raises their hand for another slam, Digmon rolls onto his back and fires three drills, aiming for the arm that keeps slamming down on him.

Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!!

The rockets break through the Evil Ring, releasing Shellmon from the Kaiser's control.

Jou & Gomamon: YOU DID IT!!!

The dub censors out most of Shellmon's slam. They slam their hand down on Digmon's back five times, with the last two cutting to a closeup of Iori lying under Digmon and watching helplessly. The dub lets Shellmon do one before cutting away.

Flamedramon: FLAMEDRAMON, THE FIRE OF COURAGE!!! Davis: Strike three! T.K.: Flamedramon can handle the Frigimon by himself so it's up to us to destroy the Spire. Kari: Okay, but I think we're gonna have to do it from the air. Yolei: Got it.

They played the wrong stock audio clip for Flamedramon's attack. Man, everybody is fucking up left and right for this third act. International clown show.

More censorship when we cut back to Digmon. Shellmon gets another five slams in before Digmon counters, with the first two coming during the same closeup shot of Iori. The dub lets them have none, instead splicing in a single straining reaction of Digmon tanking the Aqua Blasters to replace all shots.

The impression the dub creates is that Shellmon simply grabbed Digmon and is pinning him to the ground. Why Shellmon suddenly lets go of Digmon is anyone's guess.

Digmon: Hold on tight, Cody! (Shellmon lets go and Digmon rolls onto his back, then fires) Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! (Gold Rush destroys Shellmon's Dark Ring) Joe & Gomamon: ALRIGHT!!!

In any case, it's over. Shellmon's defeated and--

AND THEN THERE'S THIS ASSHOLE

With zero warning, a new contender explodes from the water. This is a new one. Ebidramon is an Adult-stage Data-attribute Aquatic Digimon. First introduced in the Sega Saturn's "Version S", Ebidramon was then added in the .5 update for the Deep Savers V-Pet.

Their name is derived from 海老 ebi, which means shrimp, lobsters, prawn... that whole category of shellfish. And, of course, they are a dramon. The Lobster Dragon Digimon. Crayfish dragon? Crawdragon!

Narrator: Ebidramon! Though small in stature, they still possess the tremendous attack power typical of the dramon class. Their special attack is a rushing charge with both pincers called Twin Neptune! Kaiser: Crush them, Ebidramon!

Before Digmon knows what's happening, Ebidramon clamps their pincers down on his neck and nose drill. Ebdramon then lunges backwards, yanking Digmon into the water with them. He's gone in seconds.

Jou and Iori race to the water's edge, but they're gone. Sinking into the depths, already out of sight.

Iori: DIGMON!!! Jou: If only Gomamon could evolve... Oh, why haven't they brought down the tower yet!?

As if on cue, Hikari, Takeru, and Miyako close in on the Tower. Nefertimon's Curse of the Queen, pronounced correctly this time, softens up the metal or stone or whatever it's made of near the base.

Pegasmon follows up with Needle Rain, pummeling chunks out of the softened material until his needles have carved out a sizable chunk.

Then Horusmon finishes the job. The red crescent blade of his Mach Impulse cuts through the weakened base, bringing the tower toppling to the ground.

Jou: It's coming down! Now you'll be able to evolve! Gomamon: Yeah! Kaiser: What!? Wormmon: The other ones must have destroyed the tower. Kaiser: YOU SHUT UP!!!

Operation Mordor was a triumphant success, and the Kaiser's livid about it. I love Wormmon's matter-of-fact explanation. I wonder if he'd already considered that this might be happening but kept his mouth shut to avoid invoking Ken-chan's ire?

It needs to be said that, mechanically, our situation right now makes zero sense based on previously established information. Even with the Dark Tower destroyed, it only acts as a transmitter for the Dark Digivice's power. The Kaiser should have that in his pocket, and thus still be able to suppress Gomamon's evolution.

But also Ebidramon's Evil Ring should be falling off, making it a moot point. Unless the Dark Digivice is sustaining that too. But if it is, then why isn't it suppressing Gomamon's evolution?

That we still need to defeat Ebidramon but the Kaiser can't stop Gomamon from evolving is... confusing.

In the dub:

Emperor: (rundown) No problem. I'm never out of ideas or slaves. Ebidramon here uses his Twin Scissors attack to crush the enemy like a snail. Emperor: Ebidramon, destroy them all! (Ebidramon pulls Digmon into the water) Cody: DIGMON!!!

The dub puts its last commercial break here, as we watch Digmon sink into the depths. Good spot for it.

Joe: If there were some way you were able to Digivolve... What's taking them so long with that Spire!?

As usual, Needle Rain and Mach Impulse are rebranded as Star Shower and Tempest Wing. Curiously, Curse of the Queen is rebranded as nothing. Nefertimon fires without calling any attack.

Joe: They did it! They destroyed the Control Spire! Now you can Digivolve! Emperor: What!? Wormmon: He said, "They destroyed the Control Spire. Now you can Digivolve." Emperor: It's just a figure of speech!

Not quite as on-the-nose about the way Joe and Cody played the Emperor like a fiddle just now, or how pissed off the Kaiser is about it.

Well, you heard the man. Gomamon SHINKAAAAAA!!!

Deep beneath the waves, Ebidramon has one pincer still gripping the drowning Digmon by the neck while the other bashes on his skull. Ikkakumon descends, jamming his horn into the base of the pincer and prying Digmon free.

Digmon and Ikkakumon return to the surface, but Ebidramon pursues Ikkakumon to retaliate.

Digmon: OVER HERE!!!

When Ebidramon turns to face him, Digmon fires.

Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!!

Digmon's drill missiles slam into Ebidramon's forehead, ricocheting off without detonating but stunning them from force of impact.

Iori: GREAT JOB!!! Jou: FINISH IT, IKKAKUMON!!! Ikkakumon: HARPOON VULCAN!!!

Ebidramon barely manages to recover from the last attack before Ikkakumon's missile strikes the top of their head. They're swept up in a massive, battle-ending explosion, never to be seen again.

...

...

Wait, did we just kill that guy?

The. The ring was on their upper right arm, like Shellmon. But this is the last we see of Ebidramon so... we may have just killed that guy.

We'll. Uh. We'll hope for the best.

In the dub:

(Ikkakumon frees Digmon and everyone surfaces) Digmon: Now it's my turn! (Ebidramon turns to look) Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! (Direct hit) Cody: YOU'VE GOT HIM!!! Joe: FINISH HIM, IKKAKUMON!!! Ikkakumon: HARPOON TORPEDO!!!

I think we killed Ebidramon in the dub too. I'm putting this on both versions of Jou getting a little bloodthirsty. Force of habit.

Once Ebidramon's fucking dead I guess, the Kaiser again quietly pisses off. Probably hightailed it out of there when he realized Jou's not playing. He will send your ass back to the Village of Beginnings. He does not give a fuck.

The children return to the Gate to unpack.

Jou: Well, Gomamon, this area is yours. Gomamon: Yeah, I'll be in charge of protecting this area from now on. Jou: If anything like this happens again, I'll come right away. Gomamon: Sounds good. Takeru: In that case, let's head home.

It's a good idea, but not quite yet. There is something that Iori has to take care of first.

Iori: Um, this has been bothering me for a while.... Jou: What is it, Iori-kun? Iori: One more time. My name is Hida Iori.

Iori bows respectfully to Jou, completing his introduction.

Daisuke: It's a little late to be giving introductions! Iori: No, once you start something, it's important that you see it through to the end. Hikari: Iori-kun is so conscientious and honest, just like Jou-san! Takeru: He also has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, like Koushiro-san. Jou: One person to fill two roles. What a dependable kouhai! Iori: (blushing) Daisuke: (teasing) Yup, so dependable!

Laying it on a little thick, guys. XD We get it, the new kids are each successors to two separate Chosen Children.

In the dub:

Joe: Alright, Gomamon, you're in charge here now. Gomamon: (sarcastic) Great, a frozen wasteland. Just what I always wanted. Joe: At least you'll have plenty of time to practice your jokes. Gomamon: Very funny. T.K.: I guess we'd better be heading back home.

Dub Joe and Gomamon have a very different relationship from what Jou and Gomamon have, but you can still feel the affection all the same.

Cody: Before we go, there's one thing I just have to finish. Joe: Oh, really? What's that? Cody: Our introduction. Hello, my name's Cody. (Cody bows respectfully) Davis: I don't get it, Cody. What's the big deal? Cody: My grandfather says that, next to prune juice, manners are the most important thing a man can have. Davis: Ehehe.... Kari: You know, Cody reminds me an awful lot of Joe. He's always honest and sticks to the rules! T.K.: I think he reminds me of Izzy. Just loaded with curiosity! Joe: Part Izzy and part me? That's a scary combination! Davis: He's got a split personality!

Pretty good. I will say that Cody's response doesn't really address Davis's point adequately. Though Davis also doesn't quite convey his objection very well either. Daisuke is specifically confused because we're well beyond the point where an introduction would make sense, but Iori feels he has to go through the formality nonetheless because it's something he's been trying to do.

This plays into the incident with his mom's ohagi and the kendo incident today. This is how Iori thinks. He is a ball in motion. It doesn't matter if the gesture is unnecessary. It's a matter of principle. He must complete the task he set out to do, regardless of whether that task is even beneficial to anyone anymore. He is a child of obligation.

Cody says he needed to do it because of good manners, but this fails to suitably answer the question, "What's the point of doing it now?" A question that Davis only sort of asks anyway so... Again, this flows okay, but it's a pale imitation of the original dialogue.

My other nitpick is that the erasure of Cody's first attempt at introducing himself means we violated Rule of Three. This isn't something he's been repeatedly thwarted in. But it is still something he started and was interrupted during, so it still works.

From his control room, the Digimon Kaiser watches that black square turn white. (Must have been some lag.) He grips the arms of his chair angrily.

Kaiser: The area I just captured... Well then, let's change things up a bit, Wormmon. What do you think our next step should be? Wormmon: ... Kaiser: Wormmon! Wormmon: You said not to talk. Kaiser: ANSWER THE QUESTIONS YOU'RE ASKED!!! Wormmon: AHHHH I'M SORRY!!!

In Wormmon's defense, this is new. The Kaiser has barely acknowledged his existence since episode 1. Hikari's team must have him rattled if he's looking to Wormmon for ideas.

Speaking of whom, the Chosen Children return to Computer Club.

Daisuke: Serves the Digimon Kaiser right! He must be losing his mind over the liberation of an area he just conquered! Hikari: And we're only getting started. Iori: Jou-san, I hope you'll come here again. Jou: Yeah, my Digimental is sure to turn up at some point, so I'll make sure to drop by. Iori: Also, please come by my house sometime. I think my grandfather would be pleased to meet you. Jou: Is that right? In that case-- Hikari: (appearing out of nowhere) I WANT TO GO TOO!!! I've heard your ohagi is ama~azing.... Daisuke: (appearing out of nowhere) If Hikari-chan goes then I'm going too! Hikari: You can't, Daisuke-kun! Daisuke: Ehh!? (whining) But whyyyyy.... Hikari: Because you and Chibimon would eat my portion too! Daisuke: Chibimon, you can't come. Chibimon: EHHHH!?!? THAT'S SO MEAN, DAISUKE!!! Iori: Um, I can ask my mother to make enough for everyone. Miyako: In that case, I'm going too! Takeru: Me too! Daisuke: Eh!? Takeru too!?

We leave off the episode here, on this unmitigated disaster that's about to be unleashed on Iori's poor mother. She does not deserve this.

In the dub:

Emperor: Blast! They've destroyed another Control Spire! And that was a freshly-conquered area, too! Alright, then. I'll just have to go to Plan B! ...Wormmon, what is Plan B? Wormmon: ... Emperor: Well!? Wormmon: We can all become friends? Emperor: THAT'S NOT PLAN B, YOU FOOL!!! Wormmon: Don't blame me; I can't spell!

Because the dub's been having the Emperor treat Wormmon as a toadie all series, the impact of him suddenly acknowledging Wormmon isn't going to land here. So they pragmatically swap out the "SHUT UP" "You told me not to talk" gag for a different gag. The new bit features a genuinely adorable moment of optimism from the poor long-suffering Wormmon.

I love both versions of this scene.

Davis: I bet he's home crying. "Mommy, those mean kids broke another one of my Spires! Wahhhh!" Kari: The fight's not over yet. Cody: Joe, will you come back and fight with us again? Joe: Sure. Who knows, maybe I'll even find a Digi-Egg of my own someday. But I have to watch my cholesterol.

I had to google the relationship between eating eggs and high cholesterol in order to get that. But Joe is an aspiring doctor so it's just like him to make inscrutable medical jokes that no one around him gets.

Cody: I was wondering if you'd like to come over to my house sometime. I think you'd like my grandfather and I know he'd like you. Joe: Sure, I love prune juice. Kari: (appearing out of nowhere) Is it okay if I come over too? I would just love meeting your grandfather! Davis: (appearing out of nowhere) If Kari's going, I'm going too! Kari: Do you always have to do everything I do? Davis: But you and I are partners! Kari: Sorry, Davis, but you already have a partner. Davis: Uh, you mean him? DemiVeemon: Yeah! You got a problem with that!? Davis: Ugh, it's just not the same.... Everyone: Hahahahahahaha! Narrator: Where will the Digimon Emperor build his next Control Spire? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters!

This banter's a lot more playful in the original, where the whole time gradually dogpiles on Iori's family ohagi. The dub version is a steady dunk on Davis for his (and Daisuke's) flirtations with Hi/Kari.

Including yet another clear and firm rejection of Davis's affections that he will ignore, as opposed to Hikari who seems to appreciate Daisuke's friendship and tends to tiptoe around the elephant in the room.

Hikari's attitude towards Daisuke tends to be... Like, she has to know. There's no way she's oblivious, with how thick he lays it on. But I think she's trying to gently avoid getting caught up in a situation where they need to actually have it out. She's trying to keep their friendship where it is without having to reject Daisuke's feelings to his face and risk breaking their relationship entirely. Silently pleading with him not to pursue this and the complications it would bring.

That's the impression I get.

Whereas Kari is very much, "Ugh, it's this asshole again." She's being harassed and she wants it to stop, but Davis won't take no for an answer.

Assessment: Once again, we have destroyed a Dark Tower and set free the Digimon that the Kaiser had enslaved. Except Ebidramon. Fuck that guy in particular, apparently.

Man, this episode went to fuck in its final act. Animation errors, dubbing errors, plot inconsistencies, and also we killed that guy. I haven't seen shit this messy since that time the dub team accidentally let random children playing in the studio get dubbed over the footage.

I definitely didn't appreciate Iori enough as a kid. I remembered him as the forgettable other new kid, but he has a wealth of personality and identity. Reminiscent of Jou and Koushiro but in ways that make him distinct and unique.

Not sure if neurodivergent or just overly well-mannered but this poor kid's trapped in a cage forged from his own neuroses.

And now... I'm hyped for next episode 'cause pattern recognition says it's time for...!

[janetkwallace]

Abuse isn't funny, or why I don't like 2019 Moominvalley's "The Invisible Child" episode

Months ago, I wrote my thoughts about 2019 Moominvalley's season finale. In that rant, I briefly mentioned that Gutsy screwed up their adaptation of The Invisible Child or something, but I didn't elaborate any further because my focus was on the Groke pulling an Iron Giant and saving everything at the end of season four. I said I would do it later, and well, here we go.

But first of all... If you like The Invisible Child, then that's great! I wish I could have enjoyed that episode as much as you did, but I simply can't. There's something wrong about it, something I can't quite put into words, but I'll do my best so you understand how I feel about that episode.

Secondly, this won't be a "the 90's anime did it better" rant, instead I'll comment on the 2019 adaptation and only. Both shows have their merits and different goals, after all, and once again, my opinion isn't universal, so feel free to disagree with me.

With all of that said, let's begin (Plenty of spoilers ahead, so be warned).

No, I didn't hate the episode as a whole. In fact, there are a few things I liked, from the atmosphere (that scene in the fog comes to mind, it's very delightful) to some of the characterization (Moominmamma being kind and welcoming to Ninny) to the song that plays at the end of the episode following the message that people who have experienced abuse in all shapes deserve to be heard instead of ignored. They need to be listened to, otherwise how will they be understood?

But nothing's perfect, and this episode is far from perfect. It's evident that some care was put in it, like people were really invested to retell this story to a new audience and the people working at Gutsy often do an exceptional job at many things, a few which I've listed above, yet... I don't know, something about this episode has left me sour. I'd say I was offended, but bitter seems more appropriate, and from this point onwards is when I’ll try to write down my thoughts on The Invisible Child based on the conflicting emotions I felt while watching it.

Okay. So, Ninny's healing isn't even the focus of the episode. You know, one of the things that made the short story from Tales from Moominvalley be worth a read. It supposedly is, but Ninny doesn’t feel like a protagonist of her own story. The story that is named after her. The story about her and how she changes for the better. I know it’s a 22-minute long episode, but you'd think there would be enough time for us to see how Ninny feels when someone actually cares for her and is concerned about her well-being. For once in her life, she isn't being mistreated by her awful aunt.

Oh, but she gets mistreated by the Moomins. Quite a lot, intentionally or not. See, one major difference between the original story and the 2019 adaptation is how both stories begin. In the original, Too-Ticky goes to the Moominhouse followed by Ninny and explains to everyone about how she became invisible due her aunt’s neglect; whereas in the adaptation, no one but Too-Ticky is aware of what Ninny has been through and she appears almost at the end of the episode to reveal Ninny’s past, shocking everyone and the audience right after Moomintroll forced Ninny to see her aunt.

Yikes. Also, in the novel, the aunt character never appears in person, which’s a very important detail I’ll comment on later, but now that you’ve been told that the Moomins don’t know anything about Ninny or what to do to make her visible again (In Moominmamma’s book, only the word “listen” was written as for the cure to invisible people), what follows is a series of misunderstandings and moments that were supposed to be funny but are not really.

Other than pacing, the early seasons of Moominvalley had this issue in which they had to find a way to make a scene humorous, even though there was no need for it. Want an example? When Ninny is in the yard helping Moomintroll collect fruits, Moominpappa tries to startle Ninny with a BOO! (because being invisible is like having hiccups, sure), but that doesn’t work. Instead, she falls from the stairs, she is scared and that did not make me laugh. 

But it gets worse. There is another scene in which Moominpappa narrates his memoirs and Sniff comes by the front door. He gets completely ignored, Moomintrol tells him to shush and I don’t know why, but Sniff wants to sit on a chair, but Ninny is sitting on that chair. He doesn’t know Ninny is there, all he sees is a red dress, so he throws it away, thinking it’s just a dress.

It wasn’t. Ninny was sitting on that chair. So, yeah, Sniff threw Ninny out of the chair. Ninny, who has been ill-treated by her aunt, was thrown out of a chair. And that was supposed to be funny. Sort of like “Hey, let’s have Sniff do a silly thing! Haha, very funny”. See if I’m laughing, Gutsy. Really, that was meant to be a funny scene, otherwise why would it be there? Why did Sniff appear only at that scene and then never again? What was his contribution to the Invisible Child to make her feel better?

There was none, he did nothing useful. His purpose in that scene is to make Ninny run off scared and cry, while Sniff is like “A ghost Waaaaah!” and he runs off and cries too, but that was meant to be funny. Alright then. When I saw that scene for the first time, I was like "this is not funny", and I don’t mean “this is not my kind of humor”, oh no.

No. It simply wasn’t funny. The episode insists that I should be laughing, but I can't because it is not funny. 

I don’t blame Sniff, he didn't know Ninny was there, but someone could have told him! But no, he gets ignored by the Moomins, they don’t greet him, they don’t say hi, they don’t introduce him to Ninny, they don’t stop him at the moment he is about to throw her out of the chair, they don’t do jack! 

A while later, Moomintroll tries to comfort Ninny. He says: "Sorry about Sniff. He didn't know what was going on". Of course he didn't because none of you bothered to tell him what was going on! And it's nothing complex, they could just say that they got a new guest in Moominhouse and her name is Ninny and she is invisible and they’re trying to make her visible again and that’s it. Instead, Sniff is treated the same way as always in every episode, like a joke, like a character who no one cares for or even bothers to talk with or explain things or listen to and isn’t that a kind of abuse? Like, say, neglect?

Moving on, because I have to tell you about one last thing that I did not like in the episode. Ninny’s aunt makes an appearance. So, Moomintroll discovers the place in which Ninny used to live and he forces Ninny to see her nasty, evil, uncaring, unloving aunt who’s a Hemulen and wait a second, this is a major difference from the source material, one I’m not very fond of. 

Why? Because seeing the aunt in person takes away the subtlety of abuse having no proper embodiment. It isn’t something committed by just one person, neither you can tell who’s abusive or not by how they look. “Ninny’s aunt is awful? So let’s make her appear awful in appearance too”, though someone at Gutsy, which isn’t always the case when some of the most gentle and receptive of people can turn out to be assholes, like musicians, writers, artists, actors, your neighbors, everyone wears mask that deceive those who observe and don't know the person for what they are. 

Anyway, Ninny runs away from her aunt, Moomintroll is like “You suck, Ninny’s aunt! You don’t deserve to take care of her at all! and she slams her head on the door, haha! And I don’t know what  else to say. In the end, Ninny becomes visible again, she startles Moominpappa who falls on a lake, everyone laughs and the episode has a beautiful message about other Ninnies being out there in need of being listened to and being taken care of by people who genuinely care for them, it’s all great and wonders, except you’ve read this entire rant and you know not everything is wonderful as it should be.

Or maybe it’s just me, I wrote all of it based on my own interpretations and someone else may have a different opinion than mine and I will listen to theirs because I’m not alone in this world, my word isn’t the absolute truth, just an opinion I had to get out of my mind. Thanks, and hope you have a nice day.

[sinsandsweetness]

I adore your mood boards. And honestly your guts to post all of the smutty goodness that you post. I still do some thing’s anonymously just because my anxiety. But anyways, someone posted an ask and a response fic to it in a different fandom and I just…. Guh. I have to send this to you. and

the boys… (yeah the boys: Rick, Daryl, Shane, Merle, Negan) catch you masturbating. In their shirt, or in their vest, shorts, or their bed, or in their truck, etc. how would they react? I’m curious to see the scenario. Or have I asked this before? I send in so many asks I’m surprised you aren’t sick of me already…. 🫣☠️

Or, their reactions to being referred to as, “My boyfriend.” (Or my husband? Hmmmmm I don’t think anyone really gets married in the apocalypse they just move in and take on a last name eventually? Or is that just a Rick/Michonne thing?)

shit, I should go write my own smutty goodness, but my dopamine is so unpredictable. Ugh.

I could never get sick of you! I definitely have a few asks of yours in my inbox that I want to expand on so don’t think I’m ignoring them!

I was definitely nervous at first to post such smutty filth, but it turns out there’s a decent amount of people who seem to enjoy it. I think fanfic in general can be such a great form of escapism. Even smutty stuff can be really healing so I definitely enjoy writing no matter how “adult” the content is. I also think the wonder of Tumblr is that it still is pretty anonymous:) no one here knows me irl so that definitely helps when it comes to being open and gutsy with what I post hahah.

As far as your concepts… I love. I actually have a masturbation fic already started in my drafts so I’ll use this to answer the second half of your ask.

Here’s a quick rundown of how I think the boys would react to you calling them your “boyfriend”:

Rick: he’d get that cocky little smirk he has and wrap his arm around you even tighter. Exuding that, “Yup. that’s right. You’re mine,” kind of attitude.

Shane: I think Shane’s reaction would be really similar to Ricks, he’d look at you with a sexy little smirk. Maybe grabbing your leg under the table and giving it a nice squeeze. Hinting that he’s definitely going to make you repeat it later in the bedroom.

Daryl: I think he would freeze up a little. Like his brain would stop for a split second and he’d look all confused. Thinking to himself, “Boyfriend? Did they really just say boyfriend?”. And at the realization that yes, you did just call him your boyfriend, he’d probably blush a little. Internally having heart palpationsa but trying to play it cool and not let you or anyone else see how giddy it makes him feel.

Negan: if you called him your boyfriend I think he’d feel offended. He’d interrupt the conversation and make you repeat what you said, only correctly this time. “Sorry, uh, my husband…” you’d stammer out, biting back a smile. Secretly loving how defensive he is about the title.

Merle: I think Merle wouldn’t say anything in the moment, but when you’ve left the function or are out of earshot from whoever you were speaking to, he’d turn to you and ask “Boyfriend? Thought you said you didn’t like labels.” “Yeah, well it’s a lot easier than saying I fuck you three times a week and put up with your bullshit so… yeah. Boyfriend it is.” And he’d just laugh in agreement, wrapping an arm around you as the two of you continue to walk home.

(Also, please do write some smutty goodness. I’d be happy to read it<3 )

[kirbybecomesastarwarrior]

This is a strange question, but are we going to see some character development from Sir Ebrum, Lady Like, Lololo and Lalala?

Not sure if they're going to have a real role in the story, but I feel like they're very neglected characters in term of personality/characterization.

I've been putting off these questions for a reason, and I'm so excited to have finally laid the groundwork! Thank you for waiting... (I may change a few things along the way but for now, this is what's canon in the Au)

I layered this like a lasagna... In King Fisher's case, I put in the word "galactic council..." basically the galactic government.

(Aw, I miss my little King Fisher gotta get back to writing about him... )

Sir Ebrum comes from a long line of political heads in the family. In his younger years, his family very much was high in status. His father worked under Sir Icarus in his younger years and thus fully took over once his "untimely disappearance..." happened.

However, while overshadowing his father (training him in the ways of the political world), the ways of smearing campaigns, sabotaging, gossiping... you know, all that good stuff... he already knew he wasn't cut out for it. Ebrum didn't have the heart, nor did he have the stomach for it.

He knew the interworkings he just couldn't do... and nervously croaked during meetings (several even). Ebrum could not "play the part"... He just wasn't that type of guy... slandering others, retorting back he just wasn't that type of man... causing the other to lose faith in Sir Ebrum's family... due to him, the heir, performing so poorly.

It was then he was booted from his title as heir, leaving his younger brother Oswald to inherit the title... He had the temperament, could perform the task much better than he did, and was far more gutsy! While Oswald took over, Ebrum pretty much became his younger brother's assistant.

(Ebrum's family was similar to Haida's from Aggretsuko)

However, despite no longer being the heir, his father allowed him to keep his fiancé, his childhood sweetheart Lady Like. (his father isn't heartless, just stern) Lady Like's family, however, did not do so much... but his family still had status and a title, so they tolerated it.

But it didn't stop the head of her family (Like's Mother) from hinting out, "You know we could help find you a new fi-" which she would always immediately shut down.

This made it a rather awkward setup whenever the family had to introduce themselves, and his father would present "the heir" as his younger brother as the heir. With his father having to explain why it wasn't Ebrum... And his future inlaws (namely his mother-in-law) looked down on him. He felt like baggage in his own home.

Until his father presented him with an opportunity... a chance to be a cabinet minister on a remote planet...for an upstarting King. He presented it as a prestigious position, but in reality, it was to send him away. And to also keep an eye on King Dedede and his monster buying... (for what you may ask, sorry guys, no spoilers!)

All I can really say... there is a reason why the council has left the Popstar Untouched... why it's a magnet for trouble. And Dedede is a big reason for it (& why he's always getting possessed)... (but Ebrum wasn't aware of this part...)

This was a dead-end job... ending his life in high society life along with his political career too... how do you think Ebrum & Like reacted... THEY WERE THRILLED! Freedom of judging eyes & disapproving inlaws sound absolutely perfect!

This is why they had their little "Hippy Phase" here, very much carefree... being freed from their noble responsibilities. Very much trying to embrace their newfound freedom. Not only that, but his father would send him an allowance at the end of every month.

(Pic from episode 85 of Kirby anime)

Which was ten times the amount King Dedede was paying... so in reality, Ebrum's father & council were paying him, not the king.

~

(Honestly, when I was younger, watching the show, I questioned myself... "How is Tiff's dad getting paid when he's spending all his money on these monsters?" Well, younger me, we created our own answers... okay back to the expo)

~

This is also why Ebrum & Like were so hands-off with the kid (Tiif & Tuff), not wanting the same strict upbringing he had. Namely, Ebrum since he's the more relaxed on... often leading Like to reign in the kids when they were getting out of control.

In reality, it seems simple enough: suck up to this selfish king to live a peaceful, lavished life with the family... just gotta keep an eye on these MONSTERS?! (Yup, they didn't know about that part) Things really got crazy once Kirby came to town... and it became more of a common occurrence.

Leaving Ebrum & Like to have to constantly balance appeasing King Dedede as well as minding their children's safety. After "The Nightmare Saga" was over, they believed (like everyone else) that surely this must be the end it was all over... BOOM WRONG!

KING DEDEDE DARK MATTER ARC!

-Dedede gets possessed and gets... YEAH THINGS CHANGE!

This arc ends with Escargoon leaving the Dream Land... and lucky him, his resume just got approved to ... "HALTMANN WORKS!" (yup, that's right, everybody he goes to work for Haltmann... don't worry, we'll see Snail Boy again.)

But he doesn't leave without a few words from Ebrum, who was trying to convince him to stay but brings up a valid point.

Escargoon: It doesn't matter if Nightmare's gone... THIS RATHOLE IS A CONSTANT DANGER PIT! FOOLS CAN STAY ALL YOU WAIT! *slowly walks away* We thought we were finally safe, but look at us... *looks back mournfully* I got memories here, but I didn't sign up for the circus, you know? And... *starts to cry* It's just not worth it anymore, waiting for better days... I just want something better for myself, not this...

Sir Ebrum: But-

Escargoon: At this point, I'm sick of this town there's no one, *sniffles*I-I mean nothing, keeping me here

Sir Ebrum: Escargoon... I-

Escargoon: I suggest you leave too... don't you want better for your family... I'm saying this because I care about those goody-two-shoes kids of yours, and even though I was nasty, you guys were still good to me-*wipes his tears* Dang getting all mushy now... Anyway, you, deserve it. I've found it, SO I'M OUTTA HERE... I hope you get yours, too, Ebrum. *awkwardly reaches for a hug and warmly hugs him back Ebrum *

Ebrum: Goodbye, old boy I wish you a happy life- *gets emotional*

Escargoon: Yeah, you too *makes his way to the gate. Ebrum walks him out* could you tell the King & the others I left I don't think I have the heart to... well, expect one. There's one more person I'm planning to say bye to... *holds up a cake box containing a strawberry shortcake slice* it's my mom's recipe!

~

I'm planning to give Kirby & Escargoon the sweetest goodbye, I'm getting emotional thinking about it. (They become really close during the Dark Matter Arc. Kirby very much inspires him to seek better.)

Yeah, guys, I know in the anime, Kirby's favorite food is watermelon, but after this point, it changes... Escargoon's the one who got Kirby hooked on Strawberry shortcake... and his mom's recipe for Strawberry shortcake still remains his favorite.

Even after Escargoon leaves, he lets his mom know that he loves Kirby and makes sure there's one whole delivered cake once a month, which is how it became a coveted treat for him. But he's sure to savor each slice slowly....let's hope it doesn't get stolen-

And yes, Kirby Squeak Squad reference: the piece of strawberry shortcake that was stolen was from Escargoon's mom's cake! THE BABY HAS TO WAIT ONCE A MONTH FOR THAT CAKE! ( I wanted to add Escargoon's mom; she was such a queen love her!)

~

Ebrum's conversation with Escargoon really stuck with him... can he really like his family and continue like this... Instinctually, Ebrum when to call his family... y'know, talk to see how they are doing.

However, it's at this point that his mother informs him that, politically, they are struggling! Everything was going good for them... that is until Sir Arthur took over the GSA. The man was putting out policy reforms left & right. And there was a good chance that their connections with Sir Icarus were going to get exposed... and his mother was freaking out...

Lady Like sees overhears he husband's call and pretty much forces him to hang up!

Lady Like: EBRUM WHAT WERE YOU DOING!

Sir Ebrum: I'm just-just reconnecting with the family-

Lady Like: THE FAMILY THE CUT US OUT!

Sir Ebrum: But DE-Dear, that was just my mother-

Lady Like: Ebrum, I know there's more to this than that! TELL ME-

Sir Ebrum: Can we truly continue living like this?

Lady Like: Oh *Immediately starts to calm down after seeing Ebrums saddened, serious face* Dear, what's wrong you mean-

Sir Ebrum: Like this, dear *gestures to the most recent wreckage* Can we continue like this... *becomes even more melancholy* Back at home, we didn't have to worry about this thing... I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THERE WAS MORE TO THIS WHEN I ACCEPTED THIS POSITION!

Lady Like: Yes, it is rather tough... it makes more sense why we were sent here... but this type of thing is normal here-

Sir Ebrum: YES! See, that's the problem... disasters like these have become our new normal, and I don't want that for our family I hate how it's come to this... that shouldn't be the case... You know the council doesn't care about anything on this planet- including us-

Lady Like: But dear, we have Kirby-

Sir Ebrum: KIRBY IS A CHILD DEAR!? OUR SAFETY IS IN THE HANDS OF A CHILD-

Lady Like: KIRBY IS TRYING HIS BEST!... plus we also have Meta Knight and besides... it's not like we have anyone else

Sir Ebrum: That's exactly the point, sweetie. You're not seeing the big picture. This planet doesn't have a proper army, technology, or education- it's a planet of sitting ducks... it's barbaric compared to the other planets out there, and there's a HANDFUL OF PEOPLE DEFENDING IT!

Those two can't be everywhere at once... back on our home planet, we had all... we never had to fear for our lives, not once.

Lady Like: The Dark Matter dilemma really got to you, didn't it...

Sir Ebrum: I get it the king was possessed I feel bad for him, truly I do, but... what about the damage it did to us... I saw my life flash before my eyes. And it's not even that the monsters he's ordered in the past I've had to grit my teeth and bear it! After what Escargoon said... Some part of me wishes we could have left with him... And at the end of the day, can we really rely on Kirby- *facepalm* Ugh! I'm thinking such terrible things.

Lady Like: Ebrum, you're not the only one who thinks of these things, but... it's more than that, dear... we'd be giving up our freedom and our principles if we went running to them-

Sir Ebrum: I know, I know... we'd essentially be shaking hands with the devil, but- I don't know what the future holds for us... and I'm afraid what Escargoon said is right... this place is a constant pit of danger... I'm sorry, it's just a moment of weakness... I really hope it doesn't get to that point...

Lady Like: I hope so, too... *now is just as afraid and paranoid* I'm-um... surely this must be the end of this...

~

Yeah, surely this must be the end of this... Nope, bring out the Kirby Super Star Ultra, Squeak Squad, Epic Yarn, Return to Dreamland, and Tripple Deluxe... YAY!~ And this is where Ebrum & Like pretty much wanted out, but this is where his family (his father & Oswald) was on the brink of ruin... they were pretty much stranded there now.

Why did this happen... Well, indirectly, it was Meta Knight's fault, well, sort of. You see, the families of Team Halbred came out, and... THEY WANTED JUSTICE FOR THEIR LOVED ONES... Which resulted in Meta Knight coming out of the woodwork to assist them.

At first, MK was genuinely afraid to face the families of their crew members (being ashamed of not saving them)... though he had nothing to worry about, they just had words of gratitude for MK. Thanking him for protecting them for so long (especially Perry's family), they were able to get out of poverty thanks to his support.

MK originally was going to stay out of it (Sir Arthur's reformation plans of the galaxy), but remembered his comrades seeing who their families remained, along with Knuckle Joe & Sicira's encouragement, he knew he had to help. Revealing the many of the injustices Sir Icarus committed on their squadron before & after MK stepped in.

Which resulted in connecting the dots for many of the embezzlement charges & illegal dealing. Creating a roadmap to none other than Ebrum's father. He wanted no mercy for that man or his family In Meta Knight's defense, he wasn't aware that he was connected to Ebrum (remember, he was the forgotten first son... so he didn't know.... whoopsie!)

Sir Arthur seized all the assets and rewarded them to none other than the remaining family members of his squadron. (And knowing that this was a very personal to MK) he made sure Team Halbred got everything they deserved for their time serving. Financially castrating all the people responsible for their assisting Icarus.

(Meaning financially ruining Ebrum's family no more family paycheck... at least he still has his job working for King Dede- Uh oh, incoming monster attack... AGAIN!)

It was with this act that MK felt like he had finally let go of the past and moved on properly. However, you see, some of these family members were so grateful to Meta Knight that they wanted to join his crew, and soon they formed... "THE META KNIGHTS"

(Yeah, so the meta knights are actually the remaining family members of Team Halbred... Sir Avery is the daughter of Captain Vul. Lady Marleen is the sister of Mace Knight, Sir Bishop is the brother of Axe Knight , along with Javelin Knight being Perry's brother)

(And that's my headcanon of how the META KNIGHTS were formed in the KBASW)

~

(Pic from episode 21/19 of Kirby anime)

But there was one hope: Oswald, who was able to come in as a new fresh face, and there was a chance to yet save the family a position that Oswald had been eyeing... the seat of Trade & Commerce (master of coin basically), if he could get that, he may able to regain influence, hoping to put in the soon to be Queen... Princess Rona! But unfortunately, it won't be easy, there someone's also in the running... PRINCE FLUFF!?

That's right, Prince Fluff vs. Princess Rona

This is where it's revealed that Oswald is Sir Ebrum's brother and who their father is. And all MK had to do was just say "Oh Sh-" to himself upon revealing this they were connected to Tiff & Tuff's family.

~

As you can see how the rift between Tiff & Tuff happens with Kirby not only because they're growing up but also because their family is politically against it. And this is also why things were so shaking with Tiff & Tuff forgiving Dedede... He almost killed their dad during the Dark Matter Arc! Escargoon, too, but he had the luxury to leave...

The main purpose of this plot line is not only to give Ebrum and Lady Like characterization but also a reason for Princess Rona & Prince Fluff to return to the story. It's also a plot line that gives Kirby such a moral dilemma of which person to support. This is where both choices, in a sense, are right but also have consequences.

This serves as Kirby's first real decision as a young adult.

I'm gonna leave it there for now... I'm still working on a story for Lololo & Lalala, but that's pretty much what I have planned for the Ebrums (well, a very watered-down version). I'm not well versed in the interworkings of government positions, so this is very surface-level... but for the sake of the story, I'll become more familiar with it all. (I wanted to draw something, but I'm still learning to draw Ebrum & Lady Like). Sorry~ So instead, I left a lore bits~

One more thing, a bit of lore, I do wanna leave... For those of you who are familiar. I do a bit of fairytale mixing, and I wanna reveal who Dededed mixed with... So basically, his fairy tale mix is the"Ugly Duckling." All right, that's it for now I hope that's enough!

Have a great day everyone!

[tokiro07]

Toki Reads Shonen Jump 2025, Issue #10

One Piece: Shamrock confirms that he's Shanks' elder twin and has his Zoan sword turn into a Cerberus to execute Loki; Franky discovers a mural from the Void Century as Robin reads the legend of Nika. Cerberus Blackbeard deconfirmed, for now, unless Blackbeard breaks Shamrock's sword; the Moon sure came up a bunch in that prophecy, didn't it? Really makes ya think...

Roboco: When Madoka cancels on their double date, Akane expects to go on a solo date with Gorilla, only to find out that she's actually the third wheel to him and Bondo; once Bondo realizes what he's doing, he asks Roboco for help, and she silently abducts him so Gorilla and Akane can be alone on the Ferris wheel. I think Akane might be my favorite character, the story always moves in fun ways when she's around; also, based Gorilla making an Undead Unluck reference

Sakamoto: Ando blames Shin's existence for the JAA sending assassin's after him and threatens to blow up the cruise ship to shake Sakamoto off his tail; despite Shin's refusal to help Sakamoto kill his father after all, Sakamoto still saves Shin from Ikari. This is very much a "he may be your father, but he sure ain't your daddy" moment, which definitely helps explain how attached Shin is to Sakamoto over the course of the series

EluSam: While the rift between Tadayoshi and Takauji widens in part due to Tadayoshi's adoption of Takuji's bastard son, Tadafuyu, a rift starts to form between Tokiyuki and the three girls that everyone knows are in love with him because he's too ashamed to be a man and commit to polyamory; the girls decide that the only logical recourse is to commit a yobai. I don't know what they're expecting to happen, though - he's the ELUSIVE Samurai, do they really think some rope and exposed skin is gonna be enough to catch him? ...Oh god, escaping is his kink, this might get hornier than I thought...

Witch Watch: So overcome with thoughts of t-shirts, Keigo accidentally attracts one of Nico's butterflies and gaining the ability to turn people into t-shirts...himself included; this can only be cured by someone looking good in the shirts, which proves difficult with t-shirt nut Keigo not having a body. They made a lot of Gutsy Frog jokes in this chapter, but honestly I think this series is more like a modern Hibari-Kun with how much focus Shinohara puts on fashion in this series

Blue Box: Yumeka continues to feel the five-year skill gap between her and Chinatsu, and only now that she runs the risk of never being able to play again does she realize just how much fun she's missed out on having by quitting basketball when she did; Chinatsu's dad, likewise, regrets not being present for his daughter's school career, and forces himself to cheer for her as she always wanted. My favorite saying is "the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago - the second best time is today," and Blue Box's current theme of regret and passion illustrates it so well that I can't help but be deeply moved

Akane: Back in Japan after three years, Akane reflects on her time in France, her crushing loneliness, her first time performing Rakugo for a French child and her success in making him laugh despite the language barrier. I assume we're going to get a lot more flashbacks to the timeskip, since this chapter didn't really give us much insight into how it helped Akane learn what she needed to complete Shiguma's Art

Kill Blue: Juzo reflects on his time with Noren as he challenges Oka to their final battle; Oka reveals that his body has been modified to make him superhuman, but Juzo simply continues to kick his ass regardless. Juzo's refusal to use kitchen knives to fight Oka was a very interesting bit of characterization for him, not wanting to tarnish the lessons of the Home-Ec Club by using their tools for violence even if it would make the fight easier; very Sanji-esque, I like it

Nue: Yoshichi gets serious and dons a mask to enter some kind of monster form that's ostensibly distinct from Soul Armor; despite the advantage this seems to give him, Yoshichi can't seem to get Gakuro to stay down, while Gakuro has seemingly discovered Yoshichi's weakness. The panel where Yoshichi puts on the mask is sick as hell, but the full design is kind of boring to me, and the art is still too busy for me to tell what actually changed in his abilities or the choreography

Kagurabachi: We get a brief summary of the Seitei War, the Shokoku Invasion, and the creation of the Enchanted Blades with Shokoku's Datenseki ore; Iori remembers her childhood with Samura as her father, including the discrimination that they suffered that prompted Samura to leave the family and erase her memories; Toto and Hiruhiko invade the Bloodshed Hotel, with Hiruhiko being limited to solely honing his sword skills so as to avoid detection by Samura. There's so much to digest here - the continued unreliable narration of the Seitei War's context which can be paralleled to Iori's own sanitized past, the continued parallel between Chihiro and the Swordbearer's being both renowned heroes and hated killers, and Hiruhiko's need to improve as a swordsman paralleling Chihiro's current situation; Hakazono is really pulling out all the stops to get me to become a Kagurabachi fan

Chojo: Ban asks Chojo to turn him into a cool guy, so Chojo hypnotizes him to have a better self-image; when this accidentally changes his personality, it risks erasing his original self entirely, so the team sets out to re-corrupt him. I don't think they really established the threat very well, I think Ban was better this way, but the optics of a police force going out of their way to make a middle school boy INTO a sex pest is pretty dang funny

Astro Royale: Terasu fights a host who powers up from the cheers of his clientele, but notices that he's wearing a wig and beats him by snatching it from him; Shikaba interrupts Hibaru taking a piss to tell him that he killed their father. Fodder enemy, stolen power from Bleach, abandoning Terasu's shield for a sword rather than finding an interesting way to use the shield beyond defense, and the subtle implication that monogamy is morally superior to polyamory? Wakui, you really don't want me to like this series, do you?

Kiyoshi: The Black Parade begins, and the various exorcists get to show off a little bit by taking out the fodder with their unique abilities; the Thirteen Club descends. This chapter is so fast-paced and throws so many cool designs our way that it's very clear that this is a Hail Mary; if vol.2 doesn't sell well, this is the final chance to show everything off, but if it does, this is a good way to introduce everything that we're going to see later rapid fire

Hima-Ten: Tenichi, his siblings and Kanna go to the amusement park, and the kids try to play wingman by getting Tenichi and Kanna alone in the Ferris wheel; Kanna gets SO CLOSE to confessing, but she wusses out and tells Tenichi it's practice for her upcoming movie role. Listen, Ono...I don't know how long this series is gonna go...but having one of the girls confess this early is so unheard of in this genre that I think it'd be a great way to garner some interest, ESPECIALLY if we're planning to go the poly route

Ichi: Ichi wakes up from his coma to be greeted by Jikishirone, the Magik-possessed Oracle Witch, who tells him that he's fated to acquire the World Hater Magik at the cost of his own life; Ichi is absolutely down for this, but Desscaras clearly is not. I'm not a huge fan of the prophecy being so blatantly ABOUT Ichi, but the look into Ichi's mentality on the value of his own life vs. Desscaras' indignation at how glib he's being is absolutely fascinating

Shinobi: Suzume explains that Kekkai are hereditary ninja abilities, such as Tobi's super senses and Suzume's own stretchy limbs; despite lacking a Kekkai entirely, Yodaka overpowers Suzume, and discovers that Suzume is actually a woman! Suzume falls for Yodaka and decides to coach him on how to win over Aoi. I'm glad that Kekkai are at least somewhat supernatural, but the two we've seen so far are still pretty lackluster; Suzume being a girl is fun, especially since she seems to be bi, but god dammit, WHY did you put her in a skirt??? Let her wear pants!!! You better make up for this by making her Yodaka and Aoi's third

Hakutaku: In the final chapter, Noto starts planning the team's next game, laying out their strategy for recruiting bigger and better names and challenging Hikuma to create a cute girl as a mascot. The title being "See You Later," the cast of creatives lamenting their failed project, and the final note of the story being about character design all suggest that this was Ishikawa talking to the audience directly about his next project; pick a premise that lets you show off your design sensibilities a bit more and I'll be in your corner, buddy

Syd Craft: After escaping the sinking ship, Syd, Souffle, Elio and Lulu wash up on a desert island; to stave off hypothermia, they find a hot springs, but only barely avoid being killed by a geyser admist ecchi hijinx. All of the girls supporting Syd at the end is cute, but only means a damn thing if Tsutsui COMMITS!!!

Embers: Middle school punk Noboru Haitani is challenged to steal a soccer ball from one of his teachers, and in being soundly defeated again and again, discovers a real passion for soccer; at his first official game, Haitani meets Yuga Takami, a rising star player, and manages to establish a rivalry with him by preventing him from scoring for nearly the entire game; he loses, but Haitani resolves to join the soccer team in high school in the hopes of meeting Takami again on the field. Going by the color page, this is probably going to be a Haikyu situation where they end up on the same team, which makes sense seeing as Takami is clearly an offensive player while Haitani is defensive; even their designs scream this, with Haitani's hair resembling a blazing wall of flames while Takami's eyebrows are a fervent spark beneath a dark surface; the teacher and Haitani's relationship was so endearing, and I greatly look forward to seeing how Haitani continues to grow

Looks like this week was the Week of Prophecies and Ferris Wheels, and gave me a lot to dissect between Blue Box, Kagurabachi, Ichi and Embers. Oof, that's gonna make the top 3 harder this week...but, I gotta try!

Top 3 of the Week:

Ichi the Witch for Jikishirone's incredible design and the glimpse into both Ichi and Desscaras' characters

Blue Box for the parallels between Chinatsu's dad and Yumeka as two of the most important people in Chinatsu's life

Embers for a fantastic opening chapter and excellent character designs

Kagurabachi just barely misses out because it's not quite the banger that the other three are, as this is still setting up something much bigger that I'm sure will easily reach my top 3 at the time

Granted, to be perfectly honest, I think Ichi should actually be the number four spot, but a) I just lost Undead Unluck and Ichi is my next favorite in the magazine, I'm allowed to have a bias, and b)...

Did you SEE Jikishirone?!?!

[godsofhumanity]

We all know what happen with Cronus and Rhea relationship, how do you think Cronus brothers treat their wives and family?

whenever i received a hc-request related to the titans, i do a little weird dance and scream inside my head because im so excited to talk about them hee hee

ok. i'm just gonna start with Kronos x Rhea to begin with, because it's been a while since i talked the Couple of the Year, and it's just easier for me to get my thoughts going. the rest of the titans follow the [read more] break... i didn't want to clog people's dashes :)

KRONOS x RHEA:

BEFORE everything went bad, BEFORE Kronos was even born (remembering that he is the youngest of the Titans, and was born last), i love the idea that Rhea herself was always a mischief maker and she naturally got along with Iapetus who was the Family Prankster (much to Oceanus' despair T-T).

so when Kronos was born, and it turned out he was even more wily and cunning than Iapetus, i think Rhea and Kronos just had a natural thing going from the start.

Rhea, to me, is super intelligent and witty. so is Kronos. so i like the idea that, in their youth, they were quite the prankster duo. Kronos would play pranks on Rhea, and Rhea would one-up him, and then Oceanus would get mad at them both.

i don't see Kronos and Rhea as being "overly romantic". Kronos doesn't call Rhea by any gushy nicknames or anything; i think they both would hate that. they'd much rather poke fun at each other and tease each other.

i think Rhea has a quick temper, and i love the idea of Kronos intentionally getting on her nerves because he thinks its cute when she gets annoyed lmfao

as a husband, i think it's far more bittersweet to imagine that Kronos was a great husband pre-insanity. he was the saviour of the Titans; the only one gutsy enough to commit patricide and save his siblings from an eternity of terror and fear, never knowing when Ouranos would one day snap and decide to shove them ALL in Tartarus.

but he wasn't only a warrior. he loved Rhea. her death is what i have previously hc'd to be the awakening point of Kronos' powers; his need to save her allows him to travel back in time and fix his mistakes. so yeah he certainly treated her well.

faultwise, i think Kronos' worst trait is that he always has this super strong, fearless exterior. so when Ouranos tells Kronos that his children will rise up and overthrow him and enslave all his siblings, Kronos DOESN'T TELL Rhea this. he doesn't want to look weak in front of her. and i think he still has this idea that he needs to protect her.

i think it's important to remember that at this time, there were NO OTHER GODS. Nyx's children were alive, but not involved in the affairs of the titans. this was the first time in history a "takeover" had occurred. no one really knew what to do. Kronos didn't know what to do. all he knew was that he was the leader, and he had to protect his siblings at all costs.

i hc that Kronos and Rhea have always wanted children; i mean, the Earth was sort of just made up of 12 Titans, 3 Hecatoncheires, 3 Cyclops, 4 absent primordials, and 1 psycho pseudo-primordial with anger management problems. so i think there was definitely a need for the Titans to have their own families to populate the place.

but when Kronos and Rhea settle down as King and Queen, and Rhea starts talking about families, Kronos just indulges her without ever acknowledging his own fears. perhaps this is partly because he doesn't want to burden her, but i also think Kronos was just naturally paranoid and feared that if he spoke his worst fears aloud, they'd come true. so he'd keep them buried until it was too late and oops, he's swallowed his kids.

i think it's a real testament to Rhea that she forgives him after losing Hestia. well, maybe not forgives him, but she moves past it. i think it shows how much trust and love she had for him.. to stick around after all of that. she truly adored him. of course, we all know how that story ends with them.. so i'll stop there. but yeah, i think pre-insanity, Kronos was a good husband and Rhea was an excellent wife. and their downfall was Kronos' inability to express every part of himself to his wife, fears included.

OCEANUS x TETHYS:

THE most unproblematic couple of all time.

Oceanus treats Tethys like,, well, a goddess.

Oceanus is the firstborn Titan. he was the guy who raised all his 11 little brothers and sisters. he fed them, clothed them, taught them, played with him, disciplined them. he was the guy who was there for the first time they cried, the first time they laughed, the first time they fought, the first time they lost. needless to say, that kinda makes a guy.... patient, kind, respectful, thoughtful.

i'm a younger sibling myself, and i know that many older siblings work their butts off to take care of their little siblings... and that can be a pain. but i love the idea that Oceanus enjoyed every second of it. it was the most IMPORTANT duty Gaia ever gave him; to look after them.

11 siblings is a lot. so i think that Oceanus never really ever had any time for himself... but when Tethys comes along, i love the idea that she is sort of the only one of her siblings who actually realises fully how much work Oceanus does for them. and she does everything she can to make his burden lighter.

Oceanus normally has a hard exterior, but i hc that with Tethys, he fully relaxes. the full range of his emotions, he shows to Tethys, who is his confidant, his other half.

i think their communication skills are soo good. that's why they last for eternity without any real fights.

obviously, after having 11 siblings, that Oceanus would have his own children, no one could doubt. he was so good at it. and of course, he does... he has like 1000s of kids hee hee.

Oceanus knows every single one of his children's names, he could recognise them by their laugh alone... i think these are the things that make him the complete opposite of Ouranos and that's SO important for his character.

fault-wise, i think maybe Oceanus' only weakness is that he's a bit over-protective. for Hera, for example, i've always liked the idea that Oceanus hates Zeus; this all makes sense, of course, when you consider Zeus' history, and also that Zeus killed Oceanus' daughter Metis. so i get it. but i also think he's like that for all of his kids... heavily scrutinising their partners etc. (see Iapetus x Asia below!) but yeah. even this "weakness" is up for debate. but i personally think Oceanus may be justified in this.

COEUS x PHOEBE:

i always hc'd Coeus as very shy and timid. he is the most intelligent of all the Titans,,, but he cannot hold a conversation to save his life.

i think Coeus was usually the victim of Iapetus and Kronos' jokes in their youth, even though he's the 2nd oldest, because he just naturally is a very passive and soft god with an aversion to fighting.

Phoebe is a lot like him, i suppose, because she's also a bit shy. but i do like the idea that Phoebe has a little more gutsiness than him when she is really pushed. she can fight, when provoked.

because of this, i truly think Phoebe is the pillar in their relationship. any doubts that Coeus has, i think he would bring it to Phoebe.

i think he would tell her almost anything... and he is inspired by her strength during the Titanomachy to also take up arms against Kronos when he goes mad.

Coeus' kids are Asteria, Leto, and Lelantos. Asteria and Leto are both quite headstrong goddesses... i think Leto, especially, is quite boisterous, which is fascinating considering Phoebe and Coeus' mild natures. but i think their children are reflections of their hidden strengths.

Coeus is a good father, i think. Phoebe is a good mother. i think all of this is attested by the kind and elegant nature of Asteria, Leto's righteousness, and Lelantos' innocence.

also, a bit unrelated i guess, but Phoebe is the kinda gal to call her husband by gooey petnames HAHA and Coeus is too shy to ever say he likes it when she does that, but he does. and she knows it. it came to her in a prophecy ;)

CRIUS x EURYBIA:

winners of the Most Enigmatic and Mysterious Couple of the Year.

Crius and Eurybia are a lot of fun to make up stuff about because there's literally no lore for either one.

Crius, to me, is quiet. but it's not because he's shy. he's just reserved. he doesn't like talking if there's no reason to talk.

yes. he hates small talk.

Eurybia, however, is the opposite! i think she talks LOADS. she loves talking. or singing. she loves asking all sorts of useless and dumb questions, especially to Crius because she knows it irritates him... she loves messing with him.

for example, Crius, as the god of the stars and constellations, is always star gazing and recording the movement of the planets, etc. and even though Eurybia knows exactly how it works (Crius has explained it to her many times, it's one of the few things he actually likes actively talking about), she'll still point at the constellation of the Ram and say, "that's the donkey one, right?" and Crius will try not to scream.

i can't remember if i wrote about how they met, but basically, i think Kronos divided the land into North, East, South and West: Coeus in the North, Iapetus in the East, Crius in the South, and Hyperion in the West. and while wandering about across his land in the South, Crius randomly came across Eurybia while she was by one of the rivers that flow through his land, and she was just so fascinating to him, and he was just so interesting to her, they just naturally clicked.

because Crius is such a reserved guy, i honestly think, Crius isn't all that forthcoming about everything. this is because Crius only says things that he deems "need to be said".

so, as Kronos' 2nd right-hand man (after Iapetus, obvs), i think Crius is privileged with a lot of information. and he doesn't share a lot of it with Eurybia, only the things that are relevant to her.

for example, Crius wouldn't tell Eurybia that Kronos locked up the Hecatoncheires (a pivotal event marking the growing paranoia of Kronos) because it doesn't have anything to do with Eurybia, but Crius does tell her of his suspicions that there is a resistance growing against Kronos, and that he feels their son Pallas is part of it (which is true) because Pallas is their son and this involves Eurybia.

for Eurybia's part, i think she has never cared much for "titan business". Eurybia, being the daughter of Gaia and Pontus, is NOT a titan. so i hc that she isn't really concerned at all about Crius' secrecy. she is aware of it, but she is 100% confident in his love for her (which is true, he does love her) and trusts him implicitly. and if she had reason to suspect that Crius was not being true to himself, only then would she confront him.

now to the children: Pallas, Astraeus, and Perses. Pallas and Perses are a lot like Crius, and Astraeus is a lot like Eurybia. Crius and Eurybia love all their children... BUT. Crius is very... stoic. i don't think he has ever actually told his children (or Eurybia for that matter) that he loves them, they all simply know it by way of his actions.

as a father, i think Crius pushes his children all the time to be the best they can be. for him, Ouranos' terror was not all that long ago. he doesn't want them to be weak and defenseless. he needs to know that they can save themselves. he also expects that they will follow Kronos as he does, because Kronos saved them all, and Crius is loyal to him.

so i think, when the war finally comes about, and Crius is fighting against Pallas and Astraeus, and not alongside them, it's a terrible betrayal for Crius. and i think he rejects them as his sons then. so not the greatest father of all time.

now Perses does fight with Crius, and he is loyal to Kronos. and i think Crius is forever wondering how things could have gone so wrong when clearly one of his sons is still loyal.

when Kronos is freed from Tartarus and becomes King of Elysium under Zeus' orders, his siblings go with him. and though things will never be the same, and Crius will never see his children again. i like the idea that in his heart, he feels pride for Pallas and Astraeus fighting for what they believed, and he forgives them.

for Eurybia, i think she has always loved and adored her husband and her children. and lets them know that every step of the way. i love the idea of her fighting alongside Crius, less because she cares about Kronos and more because she supports her husband (and also, i needed at least 1 goddess being punished in Tartarus.. there were too many men T-T). BUT. even though she has to fight her own sons, it's not a betrayal to her. she is SO proud that they stuck to their guns. that they wouldn't sacrifice their morals and beliefs just to avoid confrontation with their parents.

Eurybia fights against Pallas and Astraeus with a smile on her face, and she throws everything she has at them because, when they face her in battle, they are gods in their own right, and they are her equals. she's equally proud of Perses for staying true to what he believes in; to her, this is the most important thing in the world, to be true to yourself.

post-war, Pallas' daughter is named Bia, and i love the idea that he named her for his mother, so he definitely admired his mum and her strength. curiously, Bia ends up being a very loyal supporter of Zeus during a time that the 2nd gen. titans fall OUT with Zeus due to Prometheus being punished, so Crius' family is full of gods who put their family ties on the line to do what they think is right. which i kinda like! ((Pallas and Prometheus are the best of friends. practically brothers.))

so yeah, i think Eurybia's a different sort of mum, but i personally think she's one of the best :)

HYPERION x THEIA:

hmmm.. what to say about these two. honestly i think they're a pretty normal couple.

Theia's a goddess who loves jewels and sparkly things and i can see Hyperion always showering her with gifts. that's their love language.

they don't really have too much trouble. Hyperion isn't one of Kronos' most loyal supporters... i think if Hyperion was privy to what he had done to Rhea, Hyperion would have immediately been on Team Zeus.

in their regular life, i think both Hyperion and Theia are very good to each other. they're open with each other, and they have a lot of trust.

their children are Selene, Eos, and Helios. i think that, from all the 2nd gen. titans, these three are the most "spoiled". i truly think Hyperion is an adoring and doting father.

side-track for one sec: if you're familiar with the myth where Medea kills her own children to get revenge on Jason for marrying Creusa behind her back, you know how taboo filicide is, and YET, Helios saves his babygirl granddaughter and gives her a chariot ride away from the scene. truly Helios loved all his children and lineage. i think he HAS to get this from Hyperion, who in turn had to get it from the only father he knows: Oceanus.

also, with the way Eos casually takes the mortal prince Tithonus and others against their wills because she's in love with them.. there is a myth where she only does this because Aphrodite cursed her because of some other disagreement to have insatiable sexual desire, but even in light of this, she's definitely a girl who's used to getting what she wants.

BUT IN SAYING ALL OF THAT, i think Hyperion and Theia are good, kind people. if Hyperion and Theia learned to be good parents from Oceanus, then they had to learn his kindness too. and i do think that Selene, Eos, and Helios share this trait with them too.

in Medea's myth, i think Helios KNOWS that Medea was pushed into that horrible tragedy; she was cursed with a love spell that made her commit both patricide and fratricide for Jason, whom she never would have helped without it. and after all that, he still ditched her. so yes, i think Helios having sympathy for his granddaughter was justified.

FURTHERMORE, in Persephone's abduction myth, Hekate takes Demeter to Helios to learn where Persephone is and he tells her.. similarly, Helios tells Hephaestus about Aphrodite's affair with Ares... these are things that Helios doesn't truly have to do, but i picture him doing it with such kindness and gentleness.. i think he's a caring guy.

with Eos, i think after she gives Tithonus immortality, even though he starts to age, she still STAYS with him, and takes care of him even after her fascination with him has died... i think that is a lot more than most other gods do after playing around with their favourite mortal.

Selene is relatively problem-free (? dont quote me on that pls idk what exactly is going on with Endymion's myth HAHA) which i feel can only serve to support the idea that Hyperion's kids are PRETTY good.

so yeah. all in all. pretty good family. Hyperion (and Theia)'s biggest weakness, i think, is that they were so caught up in their own bliss, they didn't see any of the signs that could've suggested the impending doom of Kronos lurking on the horizon.

IAPETUS x ASIA:

winners of the Most Unexpected Couple of the Year.

ok so. Asia is an Oceanid. and as i already wrote before, Oceanus is fiercely protective of his children. and Iapetus... well, Iapetus is Iapetus.

i think Iapetus was a bit of a late-bloomer when it came to love. i think he was the last one of the elder Titans to marry because for the most part, he was just interested in joking around and having fun.

but after everyone starts to get married and have families, and Kronos becomes King so he doesn't have any time for trivial pranks, i think it starts to settle in with Iapetus that he needs to get along with his life.

i have a hc that Oceanus would, pre-Kronos-insanity-era, regularly hold these dinners for his siblings so that everyone would still come together with their newly established families to share meals together like they used to. and of course, that meant that all of Oceanus' children would be there too.

and i like the idea that Iapetus, ever eager for an audience to entertain, would always come up with some trick or the other to make Oceanus' children laugh. and now that Oceanus didn't really have to keep an eye over Iapetus anymore, he could afford to smile at his tricks too :)

now. i have said a few times that the gods don't age the way humans do. it's not linear. gods mature according to the needs of the time. so even though Iapetus is, technically, a lot older than Oceanus' children, he doesn't appear like it because.. as i said.. Iapetus himself wasn't really ready to settle into life and be an adult.

anyhow. Asia is one of Oceanus' sweetest daughters. her humour threshold is so LOW. she will laugh at even the worst of jokes... and Iapetus is a GOLDMINE for bad jokes. so i think, Iapetus was always guaranteed a smile and enthusiasm when he saw her.

i think Oceanus was very annoyed by this... he didn't really want one of his daughters to be hanging around with a god whom he personally knew was a bit of a no-gooder. so i think Oceanus really put Iapetus through the ringer to show that, if he was serious about Asia, he could be a good husband and treat her properly.

and through that process, i think Iapetus did mature out, and show that behind the jokes, he truly was kind and loyal, and as the Ruler of the East, he could provide a good home for Asia. and so it was!

now Iapetus definitely loved Asia. all the titans loved their wives to begin with. BUT, Iapetus' problem was Kronos.

being the right-hand man of a psycho tends to rub off on you.

i think that Kronos' paranoia seeped into Iapetus' mind too. and as Kronos began to put distance between himself and Rhea, so did Iapetus with Asia. suddenly, Iapetus didn't feel like he needed to tell his wife everything... keeping Kronos' secrets was more important to Iapetus than being truthful to his wife.

to be honest, i don't imagine Asia being particularly smart, or fierce or courageous. not every god needs to be a superhero. that's not to say she was dumb or anything, but no one was calling Asia to weigh in on war councils or anything like that. and i think, as time goes on, this becomes very apparent to Iapetus. and he thinks that makes her weak. and as her husband, it's his responsibility to shield her from the things that he think could break her.

now in this regard, i do think Asia would have been absolutely heart-broken to know the kinds of gods Iapetus and Kronos had become, and post-war, Asia still is never fully aware of the extent of Iapetus' crimes because Prometheus and Anchiale make sure their mother will only remember her husband for the good things... leading up to and during the war, Iapetus is a MASTER of illusion and deceit.. and by Gaia he can play the role of a good husband amazingly well. so Asia i think, was totally blind to the truth.

Asia and Iapetus' children are: Prometheus, Atlas, Anchiale, Menoetius, and Epimetheus. Iapetus would never SAY he had favourites, but i do think Prometheus was his golden child. he was smart, witty, cunning, mischievous, and with a natural talent for illusions and magic, the same as Iapetus. so i think he had a lot of pride for Prometheus, and so many huge expectations that Prometheus would be some sort of powerful commander in Kronos' army.

when it became apparent that Kronos and Rhea were not having much luck in producing heirs (though the exact reasons were yet unknown), i think Iapetus might've considered that Prometheus could be the heir that Kronos needed... he would have been a perfect candidate. and Kronos himself had a super great relationship with Prometheus as a child. Prometheus didn't call Kronos "King" or "my Lord" like most of his cousins did, he called him "Uncle" because that's what he was.

AND YET. Prometheus also had all of Asia's kindness. mixed with Iapetus' bravery... he could never be the god that Iapetus wanted him to be.

in the Titanomachy, i think Prometheus is the one to fight Iapetus and it is... like the world falls apart. i think Iapetus is so furious that his son could betray him, i think he disowns him in his heart for sure. but Prometheus doesn't. he loves his father like he loves his uncle, and he knows that their current corrupted state is not a reflection of the gods they truly are.

as for the other kids: Atlas is Iapetus' 2nd most cunning child, and i think he's almost like Prometheus EXCEPT that Atlas is cowardly. even as a child. and i think Iapetus always tries to push Atlas to overcome this: it's important because if any one of the elder Titans had shown cowardice, they would have failed in their fight against Ouranos. so Iapetus truly despises cowardly people. Atlas ends up giving himself up and helping Zeus at the 11th hour to save his hide, and i think that's another disappointment for Iapetus.

Menoetius is headstrong, but he's not too witty, so i think he could've been closer to Asia than Iapetus... nevertheless, he supports his father to the end because all of Iapetus' children are aware of how much he values loyalty. and though Menoetius couldn't do the tricks Prometheus and Atlas could, he showed Iapetus his worth by standing with Kronos till the end. he's actually the only one of Iapetus' 5 children to show such undying loyalty, the same as Iapetus has for Kronos. so Iapetus appreciates that.

Anchiale and Epimetheus are more soft in nature. Anchiale is smart but she doesn't care too much for trickery, and i think she doesn't like confrontation and violence, the same as her mother. i give her this attribute to explain why the Lore doesn't give Anchiale much of a role. but where Iapetus doesn't share much with his wife Asia because he thinks her weak, Prometheus does share with his sister Anchiale all his thoughts and his desire to fight against Kronos, and though she's unwilling to pick up a sword herself, she stays with her mother and little brother Epimetheus and protects them from home, and she covers for Prometheus: which i think is an alternative form of bravery, but bravery nonetheless. and if Iapetus wasn't such an idiot, he would've been proud of that.

Epimetheus i think was a child when Iapetus went to Tartarus. his only memories of Iapetus is being a good dad; a dad who tells him jokes, and scary stories, and who could make a coin appear from his ear. i don't think Prometheus and Anchiale ever try to spoil these memories for him. it's good for Epimetheus to remember Iapetus for who he was and not who he ended up as.

anyhow. all in all, Iapetus was probably the 2nd worst husband after Kronos... this is to be expected given their proximity.... but uh yeah.

i hope this all made sense lol feel free to send an ask if u want a clarification on anything ^-^ i have terminal brainrot about the titans and can speak forever and ever about them.

[syrena-del-mar]

Interlocking Narratives: Exploring The Chains of Kim and Porchay

I've been rewatching KinnPorsche in the last couple of weeks and even on the second watch, I'm still so intrigued by the relationship between Kim and Porchay (which is only reinforced by @daeyeol4you's Chay deep dives stemming from every episode). It's the irony of what appears to be the sweetest interactions and relationship of the show ending up with unfinished business. I love character deep dives and KinnPorsche is one of those shows that really allows the audience to partake in it. I hadn't realized it on my first watch but @lilitblaukatz is absolutely right, Kim and Chay are using similar necklaces.

There's already so many metas surrounding the type of jewelry that Kim wears, @wildelydawn's dive into Kim's necklaces comes into mind, but I definitely neglected looking more into the necklaces that Chay wears.

Porchay and his Cuban chain necklace with a carabiner pendant

I'll be honest, at first I wasn't sure what the pendant on Chay's necklace was when I first looked at it. I'm pretty sure it took me about 10 rewatches of this scene to even consider that it's a carabiner.

Interestingly enough, during ep. 5 when Chay goes to his first tutor session with Kim, this the only time that Chay wears such a thick chain, specifically what looks to be a Cuban chain (probably a 6 mm at that), outside of the time that he goes to the club and gets drunk. Cuban chains are nothing short of iconic because of their tight, twisted, interlocking links. Popularized in the 70s/80s by hip hop legends, the Cuban chains became a status symbol to impress because it looks classy and expensive. So I can't help but think that just maybe Chay specifically chose this chain to dress himself up for his idol-turned-tutor.

The interlocking links of the Cuban chain are important in creating and influencing the cohesive, elegant look of the necklace. And just as each link is dependent on the other, Chay is heavily influenced by his own life experiences. He's an orphaned child that was raised by his older brother, he's well aware of the sacrifices that Porsche has had to make in order to provide for him, and he's grown up being hounded by the aggressive debt-collectors that his "Uncle's" gambling habits bring. It's why he loves and appreciates Porsche so much, why he believes himself to be unlucky, and why he's as gutsy and straightforward as he is. He's been shaped by the tragedy that has surrounded his upbringing along with the undying love that his brother has given him.

Another prominent feature of the Cuban chain is the alternating large and small links, a duality that is specific to this style chain. Meanwhile Chay navigates, being the quiet and agreeable little brother that he is for Porsche, while also being his own being who knows how to work for what he wants. He's bold and outspoken when it comes to Wik, he needs to be if he wants to grasp at any chance. He plays around with who he is and what is expected of him; it shows in his personality and how carries himself with Kim versus how he is with Porsche.

Not to mention the sheer tightness of the interlocking links provides a strength and resilience that other delicate chains do not, it's almost symbolic of Chay's own strength and resilience. If there's one thing about Chay is that he's endured a lot of pain, he even believes that his whole life has been filled with bad luck, but even with that he's the one character that shows a steadfast resolve and endures multiple betrayals. He sticks to his guns and his decisions, he knows the love he deserves. He was willing to give Kim a chance, he went to him first to explain, he likely would have forgiven the lies if Kim had said that he cared about him and the feelings weren't all a façade. Kim didn't give him that and Chay blocked him out of his life.

Now moving onto the carabiner portion of the necklace. It seems like we see Chay in TWO different carabiner necklaces. The one he wore on his first tutoring session with Kim and the one he has on when he finds out the truth about Kim from Tankhun. A carabiner is synonymous to strength and fortification, a physical form of security that keeps objects together and secures elements. Similarly, Chay clings tenaciously to what he wants, he takes the chance to ask Kim to tutor him, he finds out where Kim lives, he tells him that he loves him. It's his steadfast determination that intrigues Kim, that sets him apart. Chay may be young, but just as carabiner's are used for adventures and exploration, Chay is the one that dares to tread uncharted territories with Kim. Chay is bold and has a willingness to hold fast until his goals are achieved. He's experienced several trials and tribulations in his lifetime and he still holds on, navigating through the challenges while still staying securely true to himself and his wants. Arguably, he's the one with the strongest mental fortitude when it comes to decisions with his love interest. He knows when to let go and when to hold on, even if letting go means hurting a bit more; it's a strength to come to terms and to then stick to his guns.

Kim and the ball chain necklace with a safety pin pendant

First things first, if we look at the history of safety pin jewelry, it's often associated with the notion of it being a sign of rebellion. This sentiment originally become popularized by the punk rock movement and then was again brought into the spotlight after it started being used as a symbol of standing against the xenophobia attacks around 2016 when Brexit occurred.

The safety pin is often used as a tool for quick fixes and connections, it's a resourceful solution to keep things attached, albeit unconventional. It's a tool to keep fabrics together, and it very literally breaks through a barrier to serve its function. Kim, out of the three, is the only one that initially attempts to rebel against his father. He's the one that tries to get out, even if he's ultimately dragged back in. He creates a life outside of the shady dealings of his father and the mafia as a whole. He has to be resourceful to investigate, to get information about what is happening with his family while still maintaining a distance from the direct dealings with the mafia.

Add that with the fine ball chain that attaches the safety pin, it adds to the idea that Kim is adaptable. His changes occur as necessary to reflect the situations that he finds himself in. Kim adapts who he is as an individuals depending of the people that surround him. He fluidly maneuvers through his life in a way that sees fit to get the information that he needs. He can be idol!Wik, tutor!Kim, mafia!Kim, or distant brother!Wik, at the drop of a dime depending on what version of him the situation calls for. Similar to how @hamliet clocked that Kim's painting of himself does not have any discernable features, symbolic of his ability to hide behind masks, it's the same here.

The fact that Kim's necklace is a simple, and rather thin, ball chain with a sturdy safety pin attached hints at Kim's hidden strength. Just by stature alone, he's the smallest of the three Theerapanyakul brothers. He's also the youngest and seemingly the one that is less involved with the mafia. The chain almost seems to serve as a potent remind that appearances can be deceiving. Like the guards first told Porsche, while Kim might seem to be the most normal of the three, he's the most dangerous. The safety pin adorning a delicate ball chain seems to serve as a profound dichotomy that mirrors who Kim really is.

Final Thoughts

The two necklaces seem to be an intentional parallel and paradox of each other. Much like Kim and Chay's position in the story, as Kinn and Porsche's younger brothers that are seemingly uninvolved with the mafia, they're parallels to each other but they're also each other's literary foils.

I really find it interesting that they chose to put both of them in necklaces that have some type of clip contraption on them. Maybe I'm reading (watching?) too into it, but I can't help but believe that the specific designs that the costumers decided to put them it, especially with accessories, goes beyond the simple aesthetics that fit Kim and Chay. Rather it seems like the necklaces are acting as a mirror that reflect their core aspirations, identities and the interactions that they have with each other and the other characters in the show. They're wearing simple accessories that can get overlooked in the moment, but I really think they provide a deeper look into what drives them as characters and gives us a deeper appreciation for both of them.

[floweyheadcanons]

Headcannon Time!!! So, Flowey is a jealous boy. He at first hated Martlet, Starlo, and Ceroba for taking Clover from him. He was able to tolerate them for a few hours at most after Clover's death, and about 5 years of just listening to them talk or talking to them for a few minutes. He learned how to play the harmonica for Clover to hear. Clover died 2 days before their birthday...Clover knew they weren't gonna be alive for their 10th birthday...Flowey doesn't do well with the day Clover died or their birthday. He saw how Clover was so calm with dying that he knew something was off, he never asked though and never will. He wants to live in bliss that Clover wasn't dying from the beginning or that Clover chose to die at the first place, because they came down here to save the human souls... Flowey secretly looks up to Sans. Flowey feels the need to give Clover a gift every single birthday for Clover, because they couldn't celebrate it together. Clover told him that he could care less about their birthday...he hates that Clover told him and he wants that thought to leave him alone. He had the most fun in years with Clover that day, it allowed him to feel emotions for the first time in many years...he never felt it again until he saw Clover. He was happy :)

And now the Gusty Gaggle. They were supposed to be named "The Gutsy Gaggle," but they all failed a spelling gutsy, so just went with Gusty. They have some members who join in sometimes, but it's mostly just Flowey, Clover, and Kanako. Clover is the leader, Flowey the brains, Kanako the one to get them out of trouble, when not causing it. They all have matching pins. They reside in the Ghosty South, even though Flowey can stay in Frisk's town, he just won't. They may or may not have thought of starting a band. They will take down Alphys when they see her, Flowey being the one doing most damage.

Now, some questions. Do you think that at the end of UTY, when it said "Someone called for help, you answered the call" that it was during the Asriel fight or Omega Flowey fight? I say that it first happened in Omega fight, but Frisk, under their breath asked for help to SAVE Azzy, so Clover came and saved him. Allowing Frisk to win. With is Flowey's favorite amalgamate? What's his favorite type of music? Will he kill Mettaton of Clover asked him to join them too? Has Clover allowed Flowey to play the harmonica? Does Flowey look up to anyone? What's Flowey favorite plant? Has he ever cared for other fallen humans? Has he and Dalv ever drew together? Does Papyrus know he's Asriel? Will he get therapy? What's his relationship with Axis? Does he pretend to be Dasiy? (Axis's wife, girlfriend, fiancé?) Will he care for Kanako after the barrier is open?

(HERE IS SOME MORE COOKIES FOR YOU FLOWEY!!!! ALSO SOME ICE CREAM AS WELL!!!! YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD!!!!! I GET YOU SOMETHING TO DRINK NEXT ASK!!! WHAT YOH LIKE?!?!? Also, I'm thinking of making a Gusty Gaggle ask blog and would like to use your photo as the pfp or background image, if that's fine with you. I GET MORE SWEETS FOR YOU SOON MY FLOWER FRIEND!!!! ENJOY!!!!)

oh my god the asks are slipping through my fingers... curse you artfight and general procrastination...

YEEAHHHH GET HER GUYS!!!! The Gutsy vs Gusty Gaggle is also a lil funny to me because for a bit I thought you misspelled Gutsy and almost called them the Gutsy Gaggle. Only kept it the Gusty Gaggle cause it also works oddly enough.

1. Do you think that at the end of UTY, when it said "Someone called for help, you answered the call" that it was during the Asriel fight or Omega Flowey fight?

I always assumed the 'You answered the call' was for the Omega Flowey fight. On the topic of who saved Asriel I always thought it was Chara because that made the most sense to me, since it would explain how they had those memories locked and loaded.

2. What is Flowey's favorite amalgamate?

Been a while since I played pacifist route but I think it'd probably be Endogeny since it is a giant dog. He'd probably play fetch with it to keep his throwing skills from declining just in case he needs to throw something really far one day. He also generally finds it entertaining to watch the dog run around.

3. What's his favorite type of music?

Undoubtedly breakcore, he'd go wild if you turned on breakcore.

4. Will he kill Mettaton if Clover asked him to join them too?

I don't think he'd kill Mettaton if he tried to join the Gusty Gaggle, merely decline because he isn't cowboy enough. But... If Mettaton were to hurt anyone in the group, Flowey would react more violently.

5. Has Clover allowed Flowey to play the harmonica?

Clover does allow Flowey to play the harmonica, it's just that sadly he's very bad at it. This can actually be repurposed into an attack funnily enough! He plays the harmonica in the most grating tone he can until you fess up to the murder.

6. Does Flowey look up to anyone?

Don't tell anyone but it's secretly Sans.

7. What's Flowey's favorite plant?

His favorite plant is an echo flower because they're just like him, they're just like him fr!!!!!

8. Has he ever cared for other fallen humans?

Excluding Chara, nope.

9. Have he and Dalv ever drawn together?

I think Flowey secretly draws things and tries to sneak them into Dalv's storybooks. He's trying to see how long he can do this before Dalv notices he did NOT draw those.

10. Does Papyrus know he's Asriel?

Most likely not, as Papyrus isn't close enough to Flowey for him to really want to tell him such an important thing. Maybe he hints every now and again that he wasn't always a flower, but he doesn't tell him that he was Asriel.

11. Will he get therapy?

Flowey is most definitely getting therapy, though I think it would take a while for him to actually trust said therapist and I think he'd have to switch around a bit.

12. Does he pretend to be Daisy?

For the funny, I think he does. He finds it hilarious that Axis fell in love with a pile of junk and even named it.

13. Will he care for Kanako after the barrier is open?

He says 'welcome to the secretly revived children club!!!' when Kanako gets up and agrees to hide her from her mother because he really, really, really hates Ceroba.

[shallowseeker]

hi shal!

re dean being willing to sacrifice jack... for me the throughline there is dean feeling powerless with things "above his paygrade." forgive that this is gonna be a bit long and rambling. but like as early as 1.04, we see dean being kind of overwhelmed by the more Cosmic nature of tackling a demon vs ghosts etc. and in season 4, he is so disbelieving that he is somehow equipped to stop the apocalypse. in 11.21 when he's desperately trying to get chuck's help with amara, he says, "Look, give me a – a vampire, and I'm good. But this – God's sister? That is way above my pay grade. I - It - Bottom line is i-it's you who has to take her out." this also ties a little bit into 2.18; he doesn't want to be in charge, he just wants to be part of a team.

it also reminds me of 15.06 - the episode dean spends in pajamas and reading off cereal boxes and acting kinda superficially silly. that episode always reminds me of the silly little jokes dean tries to crack in 1.20 after john comes back, while dean is trying to happily fall back into the good little soldier routine. and who do they find out isnt actually gone in 15.05? chuck. in both these instances, i think dean is dealing with feeling entirely powerless and hemmed in on all sides. so might as well crack a joke. dean is, i think, very very aware of his powerlessness in a world of supernatural creatures - e.g "i've never had powers" from 9.06.

15.05

DEAN: Without the gun? It’s God, Sam. And he’s coming for us. How the hell are we supposed to fight God?

5.17

DEAN: Angel world, angel rules, man.

so how does this tie back to jack? well the throughline there, i think, is billie. in s14 billie tells dean that there is only one way to stop michael and he believes her so firmly. even when jack kills michael, i dont think dean decides from that that billie was wrong. i think he sees all the consequences of jack's choice and it reaffirms for him that billie was right that any other choice about michael would result in a huge amount of damage. so when billie explains the plan about jack stopping chuck, i honestly think dean just believes that's the only way. and more than that, that he is just not equipped to change it. i mean its similar to his attitude in 14.20 when chuck tells him jack will destroy the world. and dean is devastated and also like... doesn't know what else to do but listen.

dean is resistant to authority figures and he is stubborn and gutsy... to a point. but there are times when shit gets so big and the powers at play feel so beyond him that he really doesn't know what else he can do. and though i think he would always, always rather sacrifice himself, that's not what's being offered to him.

idk sorry for the ramble and feel free to ignore but this is my understanding of his headspace.

Rambling always welcome. :-) Oh, yes, I agree with you. I think actually the 15x06 Golden Time *script goes out of i's way to describe Dean as fatalistic, overhwlemed, grief-stricken, and defeated. *My pet parallel is that season 15 Dean is in the same position as early-seasons Cas, losing faith in trusted foundations and, more importantly, in his self. He doesn't trust his own ability to change things!

And yes, Dean (and Cas and Sam) give up all the time! I think a nice way to look at is that, time and time again, it is the sharing of support that allows people to pick themselves up from their respective ashes.

Dean is wonderfully, honestly human. I personally think that the natural evolution of season 15 would be that it is Dean's previous grace towards others that "pays it forward" for his own recovery.

I.E. He's given grace and emotional support to others so often that his loved ones are finally going to return that grace ten-fold, understanding his psychological wound and helping him through it.