#also metal eyes represent pressure on him this season

[imerian]

Made this keychain while i was sad for Logan after the race. I'm so happy with the result and also i think doodles and references come out good ฅ⁠^⁠•⁠ﻌ⁠•⁠^⁠ฅ

I put more pics under cut if you want to see!!!

There some photos without any drawings plus just doodles bc it's easy to miss something with how much I going on there 😭

Also i finally have plase to rumble about every little detail (tags)

[sakura-ame-no-ai]

"bring a jacket next time."

pairings: tetsurou kuroo x reader

genre: fluff

notes: in japan, their way of checking the time is much different than america. they use 24-hour clocks. so if it was 1 in the afternoon, it would be counted as 13:00 for them.

a/n: it felt like some special holiday for me today and i don't know why... but seriously, how is my last kenma fanfic getting so much love istg- anyways, enjoy this fanfiction! i couldn't think of a good title for this on... :sob:

you sneeze suddenly when a gust of wind blows against your legs. it is indeed cold outside, but the shriveled leaves scraping their way down the street makes it seem much colder.

"why does it have to be so cold on a beautiful night like this..," you mutter to yourself, wrapping yourself with your arms.

too bad you didn't contemplate on bringing a jacket with you before bursting through the door with kuroo calling behind you.

well, now you feel a little guilty remembering that you lied to kuroo that you were going to buy some snacks at a nearby konbini. in reality, you just want to spend most of the night searching for some shooting stars.

you make a brief trip to the park, to which you find everything abandoned. that one big red slide that you always see children fighting to have their turn on is now empty and lonely. the swings seem motionless, too. however, they still rock back and forth every now and then when a chilly breeze rushes by. the seesaw is tilted down at an angle, making one side touch the ground full of woodchips.

you search for that favorite brown bench that has legs made out of an elegant black metal of some sort. soon, you discover it sitting under a big maple tree silently. it faces a metal fence that is as high as your waist, which a beautiful view of a huge lake stretches out on the other side of that fence. you don't hesitate to plop down and make yourself comfy on the bench, admiring the wavy reflection of the glittering stars and moon on the water's surface.

you could stare at such a view all day...

well, you would if you had brought a jacket though.

the cold night air wraps around you, trying to embrace you in a friendly way, but all it does is make you shiver and lift your feet onto the bench. you hug your knees and bury your mouth and nose inside your arms and knees, cursing to yourself about why you were stupid enough to not bring some warm clothing before setting out.

"just like i thought," a voice that sounds very familiar booms out from behind you, making you flinch.

you turn your head around to see a bedhair walk up to you with a cheeky grin.

"tetsu?!" you squeal, a little shocked that he actually know exactly where you were. "how did you know i'm here?"

kuroo is bundled up in a scarf and his nekoma jacket. he also has a thick piece of folded cloth draped over his right arm, making you assume that it's probably a blanket.

"i've never seen you that eager to do some shopping at the konbini, kitten," he replies, taking a seat next to you.

"you've always been a fan of sceneries outside, so that gave me an idea."

you give him a look of amazement, awed by the fact that he knows you very well like you're his child or something. however, it isn't long before kuroo bonks you on the head.

"you little rascal~ why didn't you bring a coat? it's like below 25 degrees celsius, and here you are, hanging out at the park, short-sleeved, and without a jacket or coat."

you whimper at his remarks.

"well, you know i was excited, tetsu..," you pout, puffing your cheeks out.

he chuckles, "nobody was blaming you, ok?"

kuroo takes a moment to peel off his nekoma jacket and place it over your shoulders. you gratefully hug it over your shoulders. other than the fact that it smells strongly of that lavender body soap you gave him, the jacket felt warm from kuroo's body heat, making you feel safe.

an unintentional smile slips onto your lips and you readjust your gaze to the sky.

"say... do you think there will be any shooting stars tonight?"

kuroo lifts a brow before fixing his gaze at the sky as well.

"oya? hunting for shooting stars?"

you nod eagerly, continuing to look up attentively.

"mhm! you told me that it's shooting star season!"

the branches of the maple tree above you sway gently, swishing its leaves together to create gentle rustling sounds.

kuroo smiles and points towards one of the stars.

"do you know how stars are formed, n/n?" he asks you, his finger directing your gaze towards the appointed star.

you squint to make a more intricate observation of the star while racking your brain, trying to remember your astrology lessons at school.

"well... don't stars form from accumulated gas and dust in space?" you finally conclude, remembering one fact your teacher has emphasized back then.

kuroo nods happily.

"yep. stars form when the gravity of the dust and air collapse together, which makes them heat up out of pressure."

he continues to ramble on about how stars mostly contain hydrogen and helium, the lightest elements to exist in the universe, and how stars are, in reality, exploding balls of gas.

you listen patiently as he explains. you are always interested in his nerdy science talk, as well as the way he is invested in his own world when a discussion related to a scientific topic arises.

it takes him a little bit to finish his explanation with a sneeze.

of course, he's not wearing his jacket. that's why.

you take off the jacket you were wearing and hand it to him.

"you're gonna catch a cold, so take your jacket back."

however, he pushes it back into your chest.

"no, kitten. you have it. i'm worried about you more."

you begin to pout, angry that he's always caring for your health instead of his own.

"no, kuroo," you say with an upset look. "this is not my jacket."

you two begin fighting about who should wear kuroo's jacket, exaggerating the possibilities of not wearing one and lecturing one another.

"that's it," kuroo sighs, looking troubled.

at first, you are confused by his words.

"what do you m-"

it was at this moment that kuroo covers the blanket that you forgot he had brought onto his back and then trapping you inside his arms, wrapping your body inside the blanket.

"there, now we're both warm," he smirks.

you take a while to understand the situation you're currently in before blushing madly. you look up at him, only to see that usual proud smirk on his face. he obviously did this on purpose.

"tetsu?! what the actual hell?!" you scream.

"oya? anything wrong?" he asks a little too 'innocently', pissing you off.

you growl back, "of course, you dumbass! people might see us and take this to like a million different wrong directions!"

"kitten, it's almost half-past 23:00. it's really unlikely that we'll be seen since most people are asleep."

you can't counter back, because that sly cat is right. most people are asleep at this time, so it's highly unlikely that you'd get caught like this with kuroo.

you have no idea how to react, so you decide to lean your back against kuroo, resting your head on his chest. at least, you realize that you feel much warmer than wearing his jacket. in the end, you start to relax, paying closer attention to the steady rise and fall of his chest while he breathes.

"do you ever see stars as memories when you look at them?" you ask kuroo, tilting your head upwards to meet his gaze.

"sometimes," he smiles, looks at one of the stars.

"like that one near that giant cloud reminds me of when i stole your meat from your lunchbox."

you cough.

"do you think this is a great time to bring this up??"

he only smirks at you. "you asked if i get reminded of anything when i look at a star."

you pout a little and fix your eyes to another star and point your finger towards it.

"well, this one reminds me of when yaku beat your ass for stealing meat from my lunchbox."

you two begin talking back and forth, saying which star represented which memory, laughing about the old days, and fighting about various things, like who should've gotten to eat that scrumptious piece of steak.

as you come back to argue about the lunchbox situation again, a white streak catches your eyes, snapping your attention back to the sky.

"look, tetsu! shooting stars!" you exclaim.

what kuroo turns his head to look at the sky with you.

sure enough, more streaks of white rain down like a slight drizzle.

"hurry up! make a wish!" you tell him before clasping your hands together before your face and close your eyes.

kuroo looks at you, then back at the sky. after a while, he closes his eyes and makes his wish.

i want to stay by y/n's side, even after i graduate.

however, he doesn't say it out loud. instead, he wraps his arms around your chest after you have finished making your wish.

for the first time in forever, kuroo gives you the most genuine smile that you've ever seen, which surprises you since you're so used to his cheeky smirks. it reminds you of honey and its sweet flavor.

"you know, kitty, we could do this next time," he coos in the sweetest voice you've ever heard him use.

"did you think i'd stop you?"

"ummmm..."

you look side-ways towards the tree beside you before give him your honest response.

"weeeeell, i thought you'd tell me it'd be too late into the night to do something like this and that i wouldn't be able to wake up if i stay up star-hunting."

kuroo chuckles, petting your head lightly with that big hand of his

"things like this are exceptions."

your eyes light up to his words. he has officially announced the permit to stay up searching for shooting stars that you adore a lot. it makes you very happy that you smile back warmly.

"thank you, tetsurou," you sigh, leaning into his chest comfortably.

"it's nothing, y/n."

he continues to stroke your hair in a soothing way as he maintains that genuine smile on his lips.

"just bring a jacket next time, or star-hunting will be off-limits."

[kagedaddy]

Hi! I'm not sure about your rules for asks, but I was wondering if you could do a 'prom-posal' thing for Akaashi, Noya, and Kageyama? Thank you!!

promposal - akaashi, kageyama & nishinoya

Warnings: none

akaashi keiji

kageyama tobio

nishinoya yuu [masterlist]

thank you for the request, is it prom season already? always such an exciting time and one of the best of high school. hehe

It was Prom season and everyone was busy, as seniors it was your class’s job to organise the whole event, that entailed getting the venue ready, the invitations that need to be sent a week before Prom, the stress of picking the right dress and the pressure of finding a date as a senior student you’d hope for Akaashi to be your date but every girl wants him, a girl can dream. Everyone was staying extra hours in school to complete the elements for the venue. “I’m so tired.”you friend groans beside you and you just laugh at her slumped form you had just finished the decorations for today and were heading to your lockers, “At least you know our Prom will look nice,”she nods her head feeling a little bit more motivated.

“(first name) look!”your eyes follow where your friend was pointing and to your surprise on your locker was a single (favourite flower) with a pristine white note attached to it.

You pick up the (favourite flower) and the note, a smile forms on your lips, this person knew that you liked (favourite flower) it was kinda sweet, examining the note for any signs of the sender but there was none, all that was written.

‘hey. i hope you liked the flower. if you want to find out who i am meet me at the courtyard.’

“It’s leading me to the courtyard, should I follow it?”you turn to your friend who had a wide grin on her lips eyebrows wiggling, “You know who set this up, don’t you?”she just smiles at you before bolting for the exit before yelling, “go find your mystery man, he’s been waiting for you!” You shake your head at your friend and begin your journey to the school’s courtyard and your heart was beating rather loudly in your chest, who’d be waiting at the courtyard for you?

Your eyes widen in surprise and your hands fly to your mouth as you gasp in disbelief, standing under the cherry blossoms, a bouquet of (favourite flower) in hand was Akaashi, fucking the gorgeous setter Akaashi Keiji. Oh my don’t tell me my mystery man is the all too talented setter, you walk up the path leading to him, “Akaashi?”his figure whirls to the direction of your voice, you shyly walk up to the male and such a pretty smile graces his lips. “Am I right to assume you’re my mystery man?”you raise an eyebrow, his gentle laugh makes your heart all warm and fuzzy that you have to hold in a squeal. “Surprise!”comes his sheepish grin and you’re swooning, his free hand tucks a stray strand behind your ear, “I’ve never asked anyone to Prom so please bear with me.”he clears his throat and cheeks tinted a lovely shade of pink.

“(last name) would you do me the greatest honour of being my Prom date? There are thirteen (favourite flower) to represent the thriteen months I’ve waited to ask you.”his voice was soft and gentle, you felt yourself melt and cheeks burning in embarrassment, he waited that long to ask, you had not expected this. Akaashi Keiji of all people to ask you it was unreal, “Of course I’ll go to Prom with you!”you engulf the tall setter in your arms, Akaashi is taken a back but slowly moves to wrap his arms around you, pulling both your bodies closer.

“You’re quite the romantic Akaashi.”

“Uhh (friend name), will you go to prom with me?”

“Yes Jouji!”your friend throws her arms around the male and you smile at the scene, it was another successful promposal, Jouji-kun had asked you to help him set up his promposal for your friend, he enlisted your help because you were close to (your friend) and knew what she wanted. “I’m so happy (first name), thank you for helping him.”Your friend walks over to you bouquet in hand, you knew she was super happy, she would not shut up about the dream promposal she wanted and you were happy that you were able to let it play out.

“Nee (first name)-chan, do you think Kageyama will ask you to Prom?”your friend pulls her seat to sit across you opening up her bento box, “I don’t think so, it’s Inter-high season so they’ll be busy practicing.”you shrug your shoulders before taking a bite of your lunch, “you’ve been helping plan out everyone’s promposal don’t you want one?”you thought about her words, of course you wanted to get a promposal what girl wouldn’t want? But you had accepted the fact that your boyfriend wasn’t the type to do such sweet acts and he was busy with volleyball no way this would be in his mind. “I mean I want one but I’m fine not getting one! It’s fun to help out you know!”you answer truthfully but deep down it kinda hurt, seeing everyone get asked and helping plan out but it’s okay.

The rest of your afternoon classes flew by and it was time for dismissal, as you were packing up your things your friend hands you a stack of papers and you tilt your head in confusion. “Sensei wants you to bring this to the faculty.”a way too big smile sits on your friend’s face, you eye her suspiciously before brushing it off as happy remnants from her promposal. You accept the stack of papers and slung your bag over your shoulder. Heading for the faculty room, “Ah (last name), thank you for bringing them but I remember asking (your name) to do it.”your sensei thanks you in confusion, that bitch I knew something was up, she dumped her task on me. After biding your sensei goodbye you pull out your phone writing a long message to (your friend) before shaking your head and heading for the volleyball gym.

Your push the large grey doors open, “Sorry I’m la-“you cut yourself off noticing that the volleyball court was empty except for your overly awkward boyfriend who stood in the middle of court, hands behind his back and a nervous smile on his handsome face. You quirk an eyebrow at his odd behaviour but he shakes his head, before you could get a question out he beats you to it. “Uh (first name), can you bring me that ball.”his faces begins to flush red and his voice is not his usual stoic tone, you nod your head and picking up the blue and yellow Mikasa ball. Your boyfriend seems to stiffen more and it’s then you noticed the volleyball had words written across the material.

‘I set this up, it would be a nice kill if you were my date to Prom?’

You read over the writing again double checking if you weren’t imagining things, you look to your boyfriend and he held out a beautiful bouquet of (favourite flowers), you can’t help the smile that breaks out on your face. Clutching the ball and charging towards your very flushed partner. “Tobio, yes I’ll be your date!”you excited throw your arms around him, Kageyama sighs happily and returns your embrace, all of a sudden balloons are falling from ceiling surrounding the both of you it was kinda romantic. Confused you looked up to the balcony to find the members of the volleyball club and your friends fashioning bright smiles and teasing grins. “I knew it, you didn’t set this up yourself.”you tease your awkward boyfriend whose cheeks burn a bright red and you can’t help but swoon at the male, you were thrown for surprise but your were so happy he asked. You couldn’t love him more.

“But thank you for asking me.”

Your joruney to the club room was an eventful one, left, right and centre was filled with Promposals. Prom was rounding the corner and everyone was asking each other as their dates even some of your friends had been asked. You weren’t really fussed about the idea of Prom or getting a date for that matter, you were still excited for Prom it was an excuse to doll up with your girl friends and to drool over the nicely dressed men in your class.

Especially a certain libero.

Sliding the club doors open you plop yourself on your usual table, arms sprawled out on the table, “Oi (first name)-chan anyone asked you for Prom yet?”one of the editors in the club takes the seat beside you, “no, I don’t need a date.”you mindlessly scroll on your phone, social feed filling up with promposal posts, it was gonna be that way till the end of Prom season. “Ayy everyone says that but I’m sure you want one. I can be your date,”he teases you ruffling your hair in the process and you turn to him sticking your tongue out, playfully pushing the male and him retaliating. “Alright kids cut the games, (first name) I completely forgot you need to picture the men’s volleyball club for our big article.”you raise your head to face your club president.

“Awwe does it have to be me? I went last time tor the basketball club.”you pout from your slumped form, you were feeling extra lazy and weren’t in the mood for more promposal encounters. “Yes yes, Shuna is busy with another club so that leaves only you also isn’t Noya in the club why don’t you ask him to Prom.”your president crosses her arms and tries to narrow her eyes at you but you don’t miss the mischievous glint in her eyes, what was she up to?

“Now go!”

“Fine I’m on it!”you playfully salute your president and she just rolls her eyes at you, slinging the strap of camera over your head before waving one last time before turning the corridor towards volleyball gym. Standing infront of the doors it was odd to not here their shoes squeaking on the court but you guess it was because they’ll be taking photos. Slowly lifting your hand on the metal door your rack your knuckles before pushing the door open. The boys all jump in surprise and you looked at them oddly, “Hi, I’m (last name) (first name) from the school’s newspaper. I’m here to take your photos.”you bowed your head introducing yourself, their captain, Ennoshita welcomes you.

The boys seemed unlike themselves today, they seemed more jumpy than normal but you ignored it and thought they were just excited for the photos, your eyes find Nishinoya and boy did he look tasty in his uniform. The Captain moves the boys into their position and you take some candid photos of the club, capturing them as they are. “Alright, I think we’re good.”you nod your head before adjusting them slightly and positioning yourself at the perfect photo snapping distance.

“3, 2, 1”

Just as you snapped the was to be picture perfect photo the five tallest boys all of a sudden held out individual letters, putting the letters together it all clicked in your brain it spelled out.

‘P R O M ?’

“uh, (first name) will you rolling thunder with me all the way to Prom?”a red faced Nishinoya walks up to you, a large (favourite flower) bouquet on one hand and the other rubbing the back of his head nervously, you were taken a back cheeks just ablazed as his. “Yes I would like that.”as soon as the words left your lips the gyms erupts in cheers and Nishinoya jumps in excitement handing you the flowers and trapping you in an embrace. Your ears pick up the sounds of camera shutters and you turn to find the newspaper club members with a shit eating grin snapping photos of the promposal, all the more your face flushes and it dawned on you, they had set you up! But your attention turns back to the Libero, his handsome face adorned with the most cute smile and reddened cheeks, this beats all the promposal you’ve seen. a little bias, maybe.

“I’m so glad you said yes!”

//

hi hi! i love this really like this idea, it gives me the feels haha! i was only asked to prom once it wasn’t the most extravagant but i thought it was sweet. well hope you guys enjoyed it and gave you the warm feeling haha! leave a like and comment, have a great one! jaa mata!

the late valentines special will continue tomorrow. check out the other specials here [masterlist]

happy birthday akutagawa ryuunosuke 💕

my twitch

all the love xx

[eleutheramina]

Jack Atlas Analysis - Part 1

I think most people would agree that Jack Atlas changes from the FC arc to the DS arc of 5D’s. Some think this change is a positive, natural, even necessary development whereas some thing it is rushed, sloppy, uninteresting, and ultimately worse for Jack’s character. I fall somewhere between those two opinions. 

I recently re-watched the FC arc and wanted to write up some observations about who Jack is then and then how he is characterized later on. Not sure how active the 5D’s fandom is, and this is more for my processing than anything else, but I welcome discussion from anyone who has the time to read my massive amounts of text. 

Spoilers for episodes 1-64 of 5D’s. I don’t care for/didn’t watch a lot of post-64 5D’s, so I’m not touching on how Jack is characterized in those seasons.

I’m posting this in 3 parts:

Who is FC arc Jack? - here

How about DS arc Jack?

How could the DS arc have done better with regards to Jack?

Part 1: Who is FC arc Jack?

FC!Jack is king. It is probably unsurprising to hear that he’s egotistical, ambitious, and a loner during this arc. But I’d also argue that he actually grows somewhat in his understanding of his situation even before he ultimately loses again to Yusei. 

FC Jack is King. (Or at least, he believes himself to be.) I’d argue this is the most important part of Jack’s character (both in the FC and DS arc). From his first appearance, Jack’s conception of himself as King is established. Not only is he King of Riding Duels, but he also sees himself as King even when he’s still in Satellite—he calls himself King, he has turf that he defends, he sits on a throne.

There are a lot of potential connotations of kings. In episode 2, it’s clear that Jack sees his Kingship as meaning he’s unbeatable and powerful. When he duels against Yusei in the past, his being King is the reason why he won’t lose. When he and Yusei ride together at the start of episode 4, the aspects of his kingdom that Jack chooses to flaunt are the skyscrapers, the glamorous and unending traits of Neo Domino City. At the risk of reading too much into things, I wanted to comment on Jack spending half of the arc overlooking the tournament from above — like in a throne room.

If this were a mathematical statement, it would be, Jack is King if and only if he is undefeated. So when he loses to Yusei in episode 4-5, it’s not surprising that Jack’s main motivation in the FC is to rematch and defeat Yusei and regain his rightful Kingship. 

Something I was also interested to notice was how much Godwin evokes and weaves the narrative that Jack tells himself about his Kingship. In episode 2, he tells Jack that living in Satellite was a “trial allotted to [him] by God” (something that Jack seems to accept without dispute). Jack also tells himself similar narratives—he says in episode 26 that his initial loss to Yusei was nothing more than an “allusion to dramatize the fact that [he is] the true King.” There is a sense that Jack is always supposed to be King and everything that may seek to challenge that--coming from Satellite, losing to Yusei--is only part of the path of the King. 

Indeed, being a real King is something that is important to Jack. He is “King” in Satellite, but Neo Domino City seems more real to him--or at least Jaeger suggests that it is more real. He tells Godwin later that he wanted to be “the King he truly desired to be,” suggesting that he already considers his being the Duel King a sham. 

Jack is egoistical. Jack is primarily concerned about his own perception of things and reaffirming his way of doing things; other people’s opinions matter insomuch as they help to affirm what he already believes. This is clear when he is brooding about his loss to Yusei.  Godwin tries to comfort him by saying that no one knows about his loss, but Jack knows, so he’s still upset. Even when Mikage says he should be King, in episode 8, Jack is not comforted; his fans' cheers feel hollow to him like they never have before because he knows he’s not the unbeatable king they think he is. Although Jack does have a passing mention of missing his audience when he and Yusei duel in episode 4, I’d say that has more to do with Jack’s love of attention than a care for the members of the audience themselves. Indeed, his interactions with his fans is not something that’s given focus.

Jack’s egoism affects how he perceives and interacts with other people. FC!Jack is a jerk, plain and simple. One of his first actions in the series is snatching the mic out of the MC’s hands so that he can brag about himself. Jack evaluates people based on their merit in his eyes (which in YGO = dueling prowess, mostly). He (mostly) respects Yusei because Yusei can actually beat him in a duel and has demonstrated to him his skills. When Bommer gets defeated by Yusei, he has a line, “Your mission ran shallow after all,” which suggests that Bommer’s loss confirmed his lowly evaluation of Bommer. When Jack trounces people in a duel, he only has condescension for the losers, using his words to put down his opponents.

Jack’s ego also leads him to be quite temperamental at times--his lowkey tantrum in episode 6, his outburst at Mikage in episode 8, his punch at Bommer in episode 20. In these instances, pressure is being put on his ego, or who he believes himself to be. And he does not spare his energy on what he does not deem worth his time, including people. Himuro tries to be friendly to him but Jack doesn’t give him a word. He even comes to see Satellite as worthless and even goes as far as to say that “It would be best if societies like that just died out.” (Yes, Jack is lowkey a Social Darwinist--in contrast to Yusei, who believes there’s no one who’s useless.)

Jack is ambitious. Jack is always seeking more power and to better his situation. It’s why he chooses to leave Satellite in the first place. When Godwin tells him about his destiny as a Signer and the Crimson Dragon, a literal god, Jack says, “The King will bring the Crimson Dragon into submission.” He sees the dragon as another thing to conquer. He gives Yusei Stardust Dragon back so that he can beat Yusei at his strongest and “obtain even greater power.”

Jack is a loner. Episode 25, “The Lonely King, Jack Atlas,” is probably the most revelatory as far as Jack’s character goes, showing exactly how he betrayed and abandoned his friends to obtain something greater. 

This isn’t to say that Jack is a monster. He’s surprised and visibly disgusted when Bommer shares what happened to his village, and he is on his guard when Godwin’s metal arm is revealed. He also is the one to order Godwin to release Rally and co. You could argue that this is so that Yusei won’t be “shackled” and thus will be at his strongest--and while that’s probably true, I also think that it says something about where Jack draws the line. 

Jack is obviously contrasted with Yusei quite a bit--Yusei values his bonds and his hometown of Satellite more than anything; he goes to obtain Stardust because it represents communal hope. Jack chose the path of the King, and Yusei chooses his friends. 

The implication is that the path of the King is lonely (hence the title of the episode). But then Yusei seems to threaten to shatter this dichotomy by walking the path of the King without giving anything up--something Jack cannot tolerate.

Yusei winning against Jack again doesn’t just oust Jack from his formal position as Duel King, nor does it further taint his record. It also proves that the resolve with which Jack had left Stardust two years before--that he had to give everything up (his hometown, his friends) in order to be King, was wrong.

Jack is. . . dynamic? I used to consider Jack a fairly static character in the FC arc, but I think learning about the Signers and the Crimson Dragon made him realize Godwin’s true intentions. Indeed, sometime between episodes 7 and 25, Jack realizes that he has been manipulated by Godwin (/Jeager’s) praise and enticement of being a King, that their reason for inviting him to the City wasn’t even for himself, but to bait Yusei into going to Neo Domino.

A lot of this happens offscreen - my guess is that perhaps this realization comes in part because of learning that his birthmark, which Jaeger had originally called “the mark of the king” when inviting him to Neo Domino City, is not actually just his/doesn’t actually have the meaning Jaeger alleged it had. Sure, it makes him special, but it’s also not unique to him.

[aion-rsa]

Cobra Kai and the Debate Around Cultural Appropriation

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This article contains Cobra Kai spoilers.

Why aren’t there more Asians in Cobra Kai? 

Since Cobra Kai first premiered on YouTube, The Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, and other publications have called out the series for its lack of Asianness. The series also scored poorly on UCLA’s 2020 Hollywood Diversity Report. Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and Carmen (Vanessa Rubio) are the only non-white main characters. This was exacerbated when the recently-released season 3 excluded Aisha (Nichole Brown), a major character of color who was a fan favorite. 

Granted, Cobra Kai does have a few non-white actors in reccurring roles. They just aren’t leads. Nate Oh plays Nathaniel, but he is a minor character with minimal development. Kyler (Joe Seo) was the first bully to appear in Cobra Kai constantly harassing Miguel. To their credit, the writers made him a wrestler instead of a stereotypical martial artist, just because he’s Asian. Cobra Kai has revealed character backstories for nearly all the show’s bullies, including Kreese (Martin Kove), but not Kyler. He remains a secondary character, but has potential to emerge as a major villain next season. 

Season 3 also enjoyed some added Asian representation during Daniel’s trip to Okinawa with heartfelt cameos from Tamlyn Tomita (Kumiko) and Yuji Okumoto (Chozen) from The Karate Kid Part II. While both characters figure largely in the canon, their Cobra Kai appearance was too limited to be as Asian inclusions to the main cast. Perhaps they’ll return in season 4. Maybe Johnny (William Zabka) needs to learn Chozen’s pressure point technique too. (I would love to see Johnny in Okinawa.)

This is all to say that Cobra Kai is not as diverse or Asian-centric as one might expect a property about martial arts to be. But that just makes it the latest in a long line of Karate Kid properties that has had to grapple with the reality of how karate operates in a globalized world. 

In some ways, The Karate Kid was groundbreaking for Asian representation when it premiered in 1984. Daniel’s (Ralph Macchio) crane kick inevitably degraded into a mocking anti-Asian gesture. The pose is iconic, but mostly as ridicule. Even Will Smith took a poke at it when Morita made a guest appearance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And yet, Mr. Miyagi’s (Pat Morita) remarkable backstory in the film brought attention to the plight of Japanese Americans like never before.

In Miyagi’s poignant drunken scene, we discover that he was a veteran of the 100th/442nd Infantry Battalion (a.k.a. the ‘Purple Heart’ Battalion) and his wife died during childbirth in a WWII internment camp. The scene was almost cut because the filmmakers felt the tangent interrupted the momentum of the action. In retrospect, it was likely that this very scene sealed Morita’s Oscar nomination. Manned completely by Japanese Americans, the 100th/442nd was the most decorated unit for its size and service in U.S. history. 

Japan was the enemy, so the Battalion was constantly confronted by racism from surrounding ranks. The Army didn’t quite know what to do with them. They were sent on suicide missions in Europe, but they prevailed and kept coming back for more. They were awarded 18,143 individual decorations including 52 Distinguished Crosses and 21 Congressional Medals of Honor. The Medal of Honor is America’s highest award for combat valor. Miyagi has one. Recognizing the Purple Heart Battalion gave The Karate Kid a lot of soul, but Miyagi’s medal was historically awkward. The real story exposes deeper racial discrimination. 

The Next Karate Kid begins with Miyagi attending a 442nd commendation. In a respectful cameo, appearing as the Senator at that event was Daniel Inouye, an actual veteran of the 442nd who lost his arm in combat. He was the first Japanese American to serve in the House and Senate, and was a recipient of the Medal of Honor. However, The Next Karate Kid came out in 1994, six years before he received it. Twenty of the Medals of Honor that 100th/442nd vets received were upgrades awarded in 2000 after Congress rectified the oversight. The only one prior to that was given to Pfc. Sadao Munemori posthumously. He gave his life jumping on a grenade to save his comrades. When Daniel met Miyagi, no living Asian vets had a Medal of Honor.

On a personal note, my grandfather was Captain Taro Suzuki of the 100th Battalion. Like so many of his comrades, he was wounded in action. His right hand was permanently crippled, and he still had so much shrapnel in his body that he couldn’t pass through a metal detector. I inherited his Purple Heart which I cherish like the LaRussos treasure Miyagi’s medal. I heard his war stories growing up. The Karate Kid was the first time I saw his battalion represented in a movie. Miyagi’s drunken scene is still intensely moving and personal for me. 

Morita died in 2005 so Miyagi only appears in Cobra Kai flashbacks culled from the original movies. Although the series goes to great lengths to honor him, the lack of any Asian leads does give credence to those accusations of cultural appropriation and whitewashing. The thing is, much of the martial arts scene in the Western world has already been, for lack of a better term, whitewashed. And one character’s journey (and the real life figure he’s based on), helps illustrate martial arts’ approach to worldwide growth.

In Cobra Kai season 3, Young Kreese’s journey mirrors the real-life experience of the action choreographer of the original films, Master Pat E. Johnson. Kreese learned martial arts from his Caucasian commander, Captain Turner (Terry Serpico), who learned it while serving in Korea from Master Kim Sun-Yung. It was actually Korean Tang Soo Do, not Karate. Johnson learned Tang Soo Do from Master Kang Lo Hee while stationed as a U.S. Army chaplain in Korea. This is how Tang Soo Do spread westward. Many of the leading American martial arts proponents are not Asian. 

Today, martial arts belong to the world. For generations, Asian traditional martial arts have striven to propagate themselves globally. Judo and Taekwondo have become Olympic events and Karate was going to be added in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It’s still on track when the games are rescheduled this summer. International organizations are found in every major martial arts style now and they are continuing to spread. So, it’s not entirely fair to begrudge the diaspora’s non-inclusivity. 

While The Karate Kid brought martial arts to the San Fernando Valley, other films and shows have spread the martial diaspora globally. The Blaxploitation genre glorified martial arts with its own unique take on the culture. Netflix’s Seis Manos is a Kung Fu based adult animated series set in Mexico. Although it does have a leading Asian role in Chiu (Vic Chao), is this cultural appropriation? Indian movie stars like Tiger Shroff and Akshay Kumar have brought martial arts to Bollywood in force with films like Commando, Baaghi, and Khiladi. That’s not Asian cultural appropriation, even though India is a different region of Asia where we don’t typically associate martial arts. 

Nevertheless, the international spread of Asian martial arts does not give filmmakers carte blanche to deny whitewashing and cultural appropriation. We must not go back to the days of Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins where Joel Grey played Chuin with slant eye makeup. 

Whether Cobra Kai culturally appropriates Asian culture or not, it can certainly increase its diversity. The setting, West Valley High School, is attended by students from Encino and Reseda. While Encino is over 80% white, Reseda is over 50% Hispanic and over 11% Asian. Statistically, the inclusion of Miguel and Carmen isn’t enough. The Karate Kid franchise was pivotal for representation. Conversations about appropriation and whitewashing aside, Cobra Kai can at least honor the franchise’s tradition and increase its diversity next season. 

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Cobra Kai season 3 is available to stream on Netflix now.

The post Cobra Kai and the Debate Around Cultural Appropriation appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/2M2KULR

[otherworldink]

A New Rider

Estith hesitated in front of the broad stable doors, staring up at the looming building. It looked like an upside-down basket several stories tall, woven from vines as thick as a man’s leg. It also seemed more intimidating than usual. After years of training, he’d finally qualified for a mount of his own—not a training mount shared by all the apprentice scouts, but one that was actually his—and today he was going to meet it.

Continue reading below the cut, or continue reading on: Wattpad or Otherworld.Ink

Estith hesitated in front of the broad stable doors, staring up at the looming building. It looked like an upside-down basket several stories tall, woven from vines as thick as a man’s leg. It also seemed more intimidating than usual. After years of training, he’d finally qualified for a mount of his own—not a training mount shared by all the apprentice scouts, but one that was actually his—and today he was going to meet it.

He shifted his feet, still breaking in his thrashergator-leather riding boots. Metal snaps lined their inner sides, spaced precisely for clipping into a saddle. He wasn’t sure he’d need them today, but it felt right to wear them. A scout of Blackswamp should always be prepared, after all.

Prepared, yet still unable to reach for the doors.

Although he’d gotten along well with the training mounts, they were chosen for their easygoing natures. The one the Stablemaster gave him wouldn’t be so docile. What if he couldn’t bond with it? What if he couldn’t get it to listen?

Well, as he’d learned in training, the only true antidote to nerves was action.

Estith reached for the doors only for them to open outward, almost hitting him. The stablehand gave him an odd look on his way out, and Estith realized he’d probably seen him standing there like a bump on a log for who-knows-how-many minutes. Cheeks and ears burning, he hurried through the open doors.

In fact, there were two sets of doors with a small room between to prevent anything from slipping out on accident. Estith diligently observed proper protocol—looking at the walls, the floor, and the ceiling—before opening the second set of doors. It was hatching season, after all, and those little guys had a tendency to get into places they shouldn’t.

Inside the stable, the gaps in the woven walls were large enough to let in air and light but small enough to prevent curious mounts from escaping. Enough natural light shone through to clearly illuminate the pale, silken nests and webs in which the riding spiders rested, as well as the walkways of vines and spider silk that twisted and branched throughout the structure. A network of pulleys raised and lowered food and feces and cleaning supplies between levels.

The giant riding spiders themselves were everywhere—resting calmly in their nests, scuttling idly along the walls, or being groomed and saddled on the ground floor. All of the most common species were represented. Huge, brown Wolf Spiders darted about on walls or the undersides of walkways. White, fine-limbed Ghost Steps busied themselves with elaborate orb webs, while the shiny, black-and-red Red Stars crafted tangled cobwebs to hide in. Occasionally, a fuzzy, grey Jumper would rocket across the room, startling anyone who happened to be in their landing zone.

A few of the spiders looked especially familiar—being either training mounts or the mounts of Estith’s instructors—and he was thinking of saying ‘hi’ to a few when someone called him.

“Hey! Newbie!”

Estith’s spine straightened as he forced his attention away from the spiders and toward the Stablemaster. She was a tall, lanky woman with short-cropped hair and bags like bruises under her eyes. From what he’d seen, they were a permanent feature.

“That’s me! I’m here!”

Estith cringed internally. Of course she knew who he was! He’d been here almost every day for training.

Mercifully, the Stablemaster didn’t seem to care about his fumbling answer and breezed by him without slowing down, obviously expecting him to follow.

“Here to meet your spider, right?”

“That’s right!” Estith fell in step behind her. “What kind is it? A Ghost Step? A Wolf Spider?”

“Hah! A Wolf Spider?

Estith rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Just a possibility.”

Wolf Spiders were the largest and most aggressive of the domesticated riding spiders. While prized for their strength and fearlessness in battle, they could be hard to manage. They were almost never given as first-time mounts, but Estith’s spider-handling abilities had been the best in his class. In spite of his nerves, he still took pride in that.

“A ‘possibility’?” the Stablemaster echoed, then turned to a nearby stablehand. “Stott! What do you get when you put new riders on Wolves?”

“Fat spiders, ma’am,” the man replied without hesitating or looking up from his work, which seemed to involve carrying a large, woven nursery basket on his back and—disconcertingly—looking frantically around for something.

Well, that was hatching season for you.

“Fat spiders!” the Stablemaster repeated emphatically.

Estith wasn’t sure what to say to that. Fortunately, the Stablemaster kept talking.

“You had good handling scores, so I don’t mind putting you on something with a bit of bite, but until I’ve seen you with a spider of your own, I’m not giving you anything that aggressive.”

She led him to the wooden pillar in the center of the stable. Aside from propping up the roof, it served as a central point for calling spiders down from their webs high up on the walls. A single silk thread ran from each web to the base of the pillar. There were scores of them, all seemingly identical. Estith couldn’t imagine how the Stablemaster kept track of them all.

She twanged one of the threads. Estith tried to follow the vibration, but his eyes got lost among the walkways. However, he soon spotted the summoned spider, shiny black and scuttling along the underside of a walkway before descending toward them on a string of silk.

“What I’ve got for you is a nice male Red Star. He’s got a solid temperament—not too shy, but not aggressive either. He’ll take you where you need to go and not make too much fuss about it. Go on and introduce yourself.”

Moment of truth.

Estith held out his hand the way he always had for the training spiders and let the Red Star poke and prod his fingers with the short, arm-like pedipalps on either side of its mouth.

“He seems a bit… small,” Estith ventured. The little guy’s body barely came up to his waist. Even if Estith wasn’t the heaviest rider, he still worried he’d overburden such a small mount.

“He’s still got another molt before he’s big enough to ride,” the Stablemaster explained. “We’ll feed him up over the next couple weeks, and once he pops out of his skin he’ll be ready to go. He’s already broke to saddle, and we’ve been training him to carry weights on a lead-line. By the time you start your patrols next month, he’ll be ready for you.”

The Red Star mouthed Estith’s hand with its chelicerae, those curious sideways jaws toying with his fingers and the cuff of his sleeve, probably looking for treats. Estith laughed. With the fangs retracted, the mouth parts only tickled his wrist.

Still, he was privately glad he’d finished all his visits to the Master Invenomator. Red Star venom was a powerful neurotoxin. One bite could make every muscle in the body seize up, including the ones responsible for breathing. Anyone planning to work around riding spiders had to undergo a series of decidedly unpleasant procedures to develop immunity. Not that Estith was too worried given this spider’s friendly disposition, but as they say, better safe than suffocated.

“Once you’ve named him, just let me know,” the Stablemaster said, voice a bit kinder now. “We’ll put it on a plate next to his-”

She froze mid-sentence.

Estith felt the back of his neck prickle at her change of expression, but before he could ask what was wrong, something else made his neck prickle. He glanced slowly to the side where a mess of thin white legs was clambering up over his shoulder.

They’d found Stott’s missing spiderling.

He glanced warily at his Red Star. Adult spiders generally saw each other as too dangerous to make a tempting meal, especially when they were well-fed, but this little Ghost Step was an easy snack, especially for an active, growing spider of a different species.

Sure enough, the Red Star spotted Estith’s little “passenger” and started climbing up his body to reach for the spiderling. Its hooked feet caught on Estith’s belt and spider-silk shirt, and he braced himself against the extra weight, catching a leg that threatened to knock the spiderling forward into the Red Star’s mouth.

“Whoa there!”

With his free hand, he slipped his thumb and fingers beneath the spider’s jaws to press against the sensitive gaps between the base of its pedipalps and the hard underside of its mouth—a tricky move now that the Red Star’s fangs had come out to feed. His fingers weren’t strong enough to hurt it, but the firm pressure against a vulnerable part of its body forced the spider instinctively back.

The Stablemaster whipped around behind him, far faster than her perpetually sleep-deprived looks would suggest, and neatly unhooked the vulnerable spiderling’s eight feet from his clothes. With a shout to get Stott’s attention, she tossed the spiderling in a high, gentle arc that landed it safely in his waiting hands.

The spiderling disappeared into the nursery basket with its siblings, and Estith gave his disappointed Red Star some scritches near the base of its legs in apology.

The Stablemaster let out a breath.

“Not bad, newbie.”

She passed him a web-wrapped hunk of rat meat from a pouch at her hip, and Estith handed it off to his Red Star, gratified to watch its pedipalps press the treat eagerly to its mouth to inject its digestive fluids. With a snack in hand, it forgot all about the escaped spiderling. Estith petted the leg closest to him—keeping his hands sensibly away from the feeding spider’s mouth parts—and the leg tapped him back companionably.

Not bad at all.

[msayalailalim]

“My Hero Academia” inspired Fashion Week

          Earlier this year even when I was just counting down the days till I file my resignation already, I was still so numb from everything but there's this Anime show that pulled me out of it: "My Hero Academia". I was so excited to go home every after my shift to watch it like how I was excited to go home from school to watch my favorite cartoon shows back when I was still in elementary. It felt pretty nostalgic. ☺ I fell in love with everything about it so here I am with my 2nd fashion week project dedicated to the series!

          This time I challenged myself by making 7 looks! That's 2 looks more than my first one! I took this opportunity to use new materials for the designs like cotton swab, candle wax, clay, and foil wrapper. I even used more sewing thread for her wig here with different colors! 🤩

          Presenting my BNHA Fashion Collection! 😎

Instagram caption:

          “My first fashion week project was very fun and productive despite the challenges I encountered during the process. I certainly learned a lot, and now I'm headed to my next ball! 🤩 This week I'm challenging myself to create looks inspired by characters from this Anime series I love so much: "My Hero Academia"! 🥳 My goal is to incorporate the character's personality, design, and story with the looks I'll create this week as high fashion as I can. 😊 I'll be sharing what I'll come up with here from today until Sunday (October 4).

          Today is the first day, and I'm kickstarting this project by giving you nothing because there's literally nobody here! 😆 Only this vintage-looking ball gown with the letters "UA", the name of their academy, embellished on it (just like how their PE uniform is designed) with matching floppy hat! This whole look and also the absence of the one wearing it is inspired by the girl with the invisibility quirk/power named Toru Hagakure. 🙂 With this design I made sure that even if nobody can see her, you can still clearly see that she's fashionably plus ultra! 😊

          One thing I especially love about this Anime series is the fact that it features a diverse set of characters. They even have one who's literally invisible! I just really appreciate that they used different quirks as a symbol of their world's diversity because just like in our world, I believe we are all unique in our own ways and we should all celebrate that. 🥰 - Marv :)”

          When I was choosing the characters I'll take inspiration from, I knew I had to do Hagakure. Not because it seems easy but because it's fun and actually challenging! Taste the Fashion Plus Ultra realness! 🤗

Instagram caption:

          “My Hero Academia Fashion Week, Day 2! 🤩 Serving you hot and cold realness sprinkled with introversion and some daddy issues, this is inspired by the undeniable fan favorite, Shoto Todoroki! 🥰

          It wasn't on my initial plan to put bangs on it but when I tried to, I realized that it perfectly captured Shoto's mysterious, quiet and calm nature. I know he wouldn't let his bangs grow that long, it was just me being extra thinking it looks so high fashion. 😆 I went for the robelike outfit that's two toned representing Shoto's two quirks, and I cut it in two showing her tummy which is so stylish for me. 👌 Overall, I think it's a simple look but I believe I was able to project that subtle elegance and charisma I see in Shoto with my interpretation. 🥰

          Todoroki is really one of my favorite characters from the series not just because of his character's aesthetic but also his depth in general due to his high-pressure and toxic upbringing. I'm just glad that in the recent season, there's already a development in his relationship with his father, Endeavor. I want nothing but the best for him. 🤩 - Marv :)”

          "Sia in the house!" is what it seems but it's just my doll challenging her Todoroki fantasy! It was supposed to be a robe but the material I used wasn't the most cooperative. Nonetheless, I believe this is still a serve! 😎

Instagram caption:

          “My Hero Academia Fashion Week, Day 3! 😊 This look is inspired from the ultimate ship of the series, our boy Deku and hospitalization. ☺

          I know this project wouldn't be complete without our beloved hero, Izuku Midoriya so here it is! The look is based on his need to be healed after constantly using his much powerful quirk beyond his limit since he's still learning how to have full control of it. I wrapped my doll with bandages, and gave it a plunging neckline to make it look so chic. There's also a touch of sky blue in it since it's a common color used by hospital with their gowns. Then, I added the cane and shades to complete the posh just-got-home-from-the-hospital look! 😎 I didn't have a "Deku" shade of green for the hair though. Nonetheless I believe this "Billie Eilish - Grammys 2019" shade perfectly fit the look I was going for. ☺

          Deku is really that protagonist that you'll definitely root for. His character is so well written so I can't help but feel proud of him with all his heroic deeds! Indeed, anyone can reach their dreams as long as they believe, and go plus ultra! ❤ - Marv :)”

          Serving you fashionable hospital discharge fantasy! A little fashion won't hurt, baby! 🤣

Instagram caption:

          “My Hero Academia Fashion Week, Day 4! 🥳 The fashion inspiration for this look is none other than the "Alien Queen", Mina Ashido! 😊 Her quirk is the ability to secrete Acid which she skillfully uses for offense and defense! 😍 Without a doubt, she's one of the most lovely characters from the series with her fun and upbeat energy as a student and hero! 🤩

          The concept I was going for with this look is to kind of reimagine her character, and this time as a fashionable member of the League of Villains! Anyone should already be warned by the flowing Acid from her hands to her dress that she's about to make ALL FOR ONE proud even with her eyes closed. *Evil Laugh* Just kidding. 😂 Anyway, I had so much fun doing that Acid effect using candle wax! I've been meaning to use it for one of Ayala's looks for a long time now so I didn't let this opportunity pass, and I'm very happy with the outcome! 😭

          For the record, this is one of my favorite looks I've done for my doll so far. Cheers! 😭🥳 - Marv :)”

          Make way for this diva! One of my favorite looks that I've done so far. I was just so stunned by it the whole time. Even now. Speechless. 🤤

Instagram caption:

          “My Hero Academia Fashion Week, Day 5! 😊 If I were to create a look inspired by Class 1-A's incredible homeroom teacher: Shota Aizawa, I might as well do one that I know will get his approval which is none other than using his yellow sleeping bag! 😂

          This had certainly been done by many fan arts already but it didn't discourage me to not do one myself since it's indeed iconic, fun and relatable! I just had to put my own twist on it so it would fit this project I'm doing perfectly. I made it look like a fitted dress with a hoodie while still making it obvious that it's in the shape of a sleeping bag. I also styled her hair in a way that would cover half of her face to channel Aizawa's elusive nature just in case the attachment to sleeping bags isn't enough to do so. 😆 I even added a sleep mask with false eyelashes 'cause why not? HAHA. 😂

          I believe I could've done more with this look, but the clay wasn't super friendly to me at all. 😂 Regardless of that, I still think that this is a fun look, and it surely makes me squeal over how cute it is. It's so comfy that even my doll fell asleep during our photoshoot! 😂 - Marv :)”

          There was a silhouette I planned on doing with this one which is like the base of a wine glass but I don't think I achieved it. Anyway, still had fun with the clay. I'll shut up now, we wouldn't want to wake up a sleeping diva. 😆

Instagram caption:

          “My Hero Academia Fashion Week, Day 6! ☺ The hero I'm channeling today is the funny and lovable Tetsutestsu Tetsutetsu! 🤩 Simply mentioning his name makes me giggle already. 😆 I find his steel quirk very cool so I knew I had to include him in this project! 😍

          The narrative I was going for with this look is a straight guy heading to the basketball court alone with his fashionable streetwear. No one wants to join him out of intimidation from his looks. First of all, he's got an awesome luminous skin tone. He's confidently rocking a crop top which makes their fragile masculinity even more fragile, and he'd rather play using his ball with pastel blue color because he can. They simply can't catch his drip! His daily mental reminder is: "Well, you can't blame them." 🤣

          I wasn't planning to do a menswear for this project, but when I thought of the idea, I couldn't let it go! Metallic skin tone, black and white combination plus crop tops for men plus oblong shaped shades and even that pastel colored ball, they're all so thrilling together! I believe that all the colors worked well with each other, and with that I'm sooooo satisfied! ☺ - Marv :)”

          Second time doing a male look! Catch all this drip, Mama! 😎 I don't play basketball but if you give me a pastel blue ball, I might. 😅

Instagram caption:

          “My Hero Academia Fashion Week, Day 7! 🥳 For the final look of this week's fashion project, I have chosen to create one that's inspired by the current Number 2 Pro Hero, Hawks! 😊

          Obviously, I didn't stray away from the basic elements of his overall look, I just really took inspiration from each of it and tweaked some with the hooded trenchcoat with a horizontal V-cut in the middle (which isn't really obvious in the photo 😆), face shield that covers the entire face, and glittered wings! His look is just too good to be changed entirely so that left me no choice. ☺

          I'm so excited to see more from Hawks in the Anime! He wasn't really featured much in the recent season since he just got introduced, but he's definitely outstanding already with his personality, quirk and majestic wings! 👑

          I'm so happy that I got to finish my second fashion week project! It's been a fun and fulfilling week for me! I can't say this is the first and only tine I'll feature My Hero Academia because there really are a lot of inspiration I have from the series, the ones I featured this week are just some of my many favorites. For the meantime, the long wait for Season 5 continues. 😭😆😍 - Marv :)”

          Brace yourselves for the landing of my finale look! Again, I'm just in awe. Speechless. This time, I really felt fulfilled. I just finished my second fashion week project! 🥳

          By the end of it, I got this comment from a lovely fellow doll lover who's obviously a BNHA fan as well.

          There really are a lot of characters from that show, and I do plan on making more soon but getting a request like this from a fellow doll lover for the first time means so much to me as someone who's a beginner at this craft. 😭

          I'll definitely use everything I learned this week to go beyond! Plus Ultra! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♀️🦸‍♀️

[douglasmusante-blog]

A must have with a new bike is new mx gear

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[low-budget-korra]

Lets talk about Korra

Today I will speak of her, which in my opinion is one of the greatest characters everr : Avatar Korra.

 At first we see a 17 year old girl who probably had her first contact with a lot of things. First contact with a big city, first crush, first handful of responsibilities, first threat...

It is worth mentioning that since day one, Korra has embraced the role of Avatar with all strength and love. She felt proud of her position and willing to do her job as the Avatar

(look at this precious little thing)

Remember that she spent her entire life locked in a training center, without contact with the rest of the world, so her knowledge of everything beyond the gates where she lived was new.

Right in the beginning  we see her dealing with some Equalists Protestants, which she does not take seriously. And only when she witnesses the power of the leader of this movement, she begins to take the threat very seriously and also, to fear this man more than everything in her life until then.

What does Amon represents for Korra?

I think this question can be easily answered by Korra's simple argument of love being the Avatar. And at least in the beginning of the book one they hinted that her life was just about that, Being the Avatar.

We are not introduced to any friends of Korra, except for Naga, or past boyfriend / girlfriend. Nothing. We only know that this girl is the Avatar. And I would not be surprised if that was the only way she saw herself.

Maybe that's why fight in pro-bending was so important. Not only as a means of socialization, after all it was thanks to the pro-bending that she met her friends, but also as a training and more important, search for identity. I think part of the journey of Korra in the first two books is a lot about that: search for identity.

Then, answering the question, Amon is the only person who can destroy that image, which can destroy Korra. He can destroy it without even needing to kill it. And that's exactly what he does.

In episode 4, we have, in my opinion, the darkest episode of the entire Avatar series. To be honest, I'm sure that if TLOK were a live action series for example, we may have a scene of sexual assault or an explicit threat of this there , because of the power struggle there between those two characters, no, power abyss and the way Amon touch her, her face, without her consent . Some people felt some kind of sexual tension there, no wonder there are people who shiped Amorra (Korra and Amon) back in the day.

That scene is powerful because Amon did not have to sexually touch Korra to violate her. At least, this whole situation served for her to open up with Tenzin over her fears and consequently learn how to deal with them, because I'm sure Korra did not get over what happened there so fast.

Still about Power Dispute we have another character who exemplifies this: Tarrlok. Tarrlok is a rising politician who uses  Korra as a pawn in his goal to seize the power of Republic City. Amon also uses the same trick, after all, the moment he defeats the Avatar, the city would be his.

So we have this young woman who will stop right in the middle of a political power dispute.

Tarrlok also serves as a comparative. While Amon wants to dominate and destroy the avatar figure, not caring about who she is, Tarrlok wants to dominate and use Korra. And this makes me think that, that metal box was made exclusively for her. Like if that shit was for Amon, he didnt know Amon was a bender so an simples cell would be good. I think Tarrlok knew that Korra may ruin his plans so he had that as his plan B.

In the end Korra lost the physical battle but won the ethical battle against both. But at what price? Amon was able to remove the bends of the Avatar. And without them, how could she be the Avatar?

I also strongly believe that one of the final scenes of the season, when Korra is facing a cliff, I believe she might be thinking about taking her life. After all, everything she was, everything she'd trained so hard for, had been destroyed in minutes.

She, with the help of Aang and the other avatars, recovered her bends and with the help of everyone, including her then boyfriend Mako, she "moved on."

In the next one, I used to hate the first half of book 2, but then I came to see with different eyes.

In that first half, Korra is unbearable. Everything she learned in Book 1 how to be more mature, less spoiled and all, was thrown in the trash and she was the same "child" of the book one only worse.

Until I stopped and realized that I was also unbearable and childish like this when I had my bad phases of anxiety and depression, as defense mechanism and keep people away. Returning to Korra, and if this way of acting of her was nothing more than this defense mechanism?

Whether or not she was betrayed by her own Uncle. Imagine, shortly after having your life turned upside down, when you are recovering, trying to recover your image as Avatar and suddenly your own uncle betrays you? Yeah.

"Oh, but she should not have stayed on his side against her father"

Yes, but remember that our, still young avatar, has fallen into the trap of believing and trusting someone just because that person says everything she want it to hear.

In the end, Korra again goes through a traumatic moment when she has her connection with past lives destroyed. We see how it affected her when she apologizes to Tenzin, through tears. And Tenzin, as the excellent master he is, tries to motivate her to face Vaatu again (now merged with Unalaq, her uncle) and so she is able to beat him and secure another 10 thousand years of Light to the world.

In the final moments, we see the (somewhat innocent) decision to reconnect the world of spirits and the world of men. And we also see Korra and Mako permanently end their turbulent relationship, which I will speak more ahead.

Book 3 begins in a more mature, we see all the characters being presented in a more mature way and it seems that Korra, now, has overcome everything that has passed. We have the relationship between Korra and Asami deepening as well, and I will also comment further on.

In Book 3, called "Change" we have a great sacrifice from Korra. Her life goes down a notch when she decides to save the new airbenders from Zaheer and the Red Lotus, the strongest villain she's ever faced.

Zaheer, unlike the other villains, who had not explicitly intended to kill Korra, had as goal just to kill the Avatar. And he almost succeeded.

Not only that, Korra was physically and psychologically defeated. She won the battle but not the war, we can say so.

So book 4 begins and we only come across Korra in the final minutes and she is unrecognizable. We see that, once proud and courageous avatar, in someone depressed and cowed.

I think it's visible that Korra is afraid of being the Avatar again, Toph even tells her that  during the season. And I think it's totally plausible.

Korra's fight against PTSD is one of the most honest and realistic things I've ever seen. Do you think that after a violent battle and almost die, even winning in the end, the hero returns home and everything is okay? I think not.

Not only what happened in the end of book 3 , but i believe that she also has having flashs or thoughts about all her fights and all the traumatic shit that she passed 

Another thing I think is worth quoting is that Korra took 3 years to feel safer and re-embrace her duties as Avatar. It was not 3 weeks or 3 months, it was 3 years. And anyone who suffers from some mental illness knows very well the stigma that is, the fight that is, because everyone wants you to be well in 6 months when the truth is that many times you spend years fighting against this. And this is a pressure that falls on you.

Imagine, seeing all your friends moving forward while you continue "stock in the same place"?

Only after Korra confronts Zaheer, I think that was a way to show her coping with the trauma, she improves to the point of returning to be the great Avatar we know. The once "monster Zaheer" who almost kill her now is some dude in chains who fail at his plans and created an big problem and needed Korra to solve it

One of the quotes that struck with me most was in that filler episode thats a summary of all what happened in the show , and in the part narrated by Korra she says "I was so naive" and the way Janet delivered that line..., with some pain and I know the sadness but at the same time, stronger and more mature ... I think it means a lot.

here in tumblr I think, I saw a phrase that until today marks me that is :

 "The Last Airbender is a story of a boy who becomes a god. The Legend of Korra is the story of a goddess who becomes a girl "

This is strong!

And I get very angry when someone comes to downgrade my baby Korra because she is such an incredible heroine and her journey is also incredible.

The story of how life can be hard and unfair, how it can hurt and paralyze, but there is always a reason to move on. We should always move on.

Korra is definitely not weak, quite the opposite, she is one of the if not the strongest heroine I have ever seen. Korra inspires overcoming.

Now l will let to talk about the relationships tomorrow. I promise 

[tumblngdice]

Why Peter Bosz Has Got to Go

Lars Pollmann 7 days ago

Peter Bosz seems like a fine man.

At first, I thought he was a bit dull, but maybe it was his lack of experience speaking German in front of large crowds of journalists who were spoiled by the entertainer Jürgen Klopp and the mad professor Thomas Tuchel. The Dutchman has grown on me on a personal level. He seems like the kind of man you’d like to have a couple of drinks with after all, even though he prefers wine over beer. After Tuchel’s successful but at least equally stressful tenure at the Westfalenstadion came to its logical but nonetheless undignified conclusion in the summer, Bosz was the right kind of man to appoint.

Where his predecessor divided, he unites. He doesn’t make any demands. He hasn’t groaned once since Dortmund sold budding superstar Ousmane Dembele and replaced him with Andrey Yarmolenko. By all accounts, players like working with Bosz, too. The man Peter Bosz doesn’t deserve to be fired, or anything bad to happen to him. But Borussia Dortmund are a football club that pays the head coach Peter Bosz a lot of money to lead a very expensive team. His tenure, having started better than anyone would’ve dared to hope, has taken a turn into the realms of abject failure.

The head coach Peter Bosz has got to go.

Appointing Peter Bosz

Let’s remember back to the summer. It wasn’t Bosz whom Dortmund identified as their number one target. That was Lucien Favre, the former Hertha BSC and Borussia Mönchengladbach manager who led OGC Nice to a sensational third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. A man with some personality quirks and less than amicable partings of ways in the Bundesliga before, but someone with a pedigree. When Nice blocked the move Favre was said to be more than keen on, and 1899 Hoffenheim’s Julian Nagelsmann wasn’t available, either, Dortmund settled on Bosz.

In his one year at Ajax the 54-year-old had reached the UEFA Europa League final with a thrilling run in the competition that included eliminations of Olympique Lyon and Schalke. Bosz held talks with clubs, stating later that he’d have left Ajax after the season regardless of finding a new club or not, pointing at differences of opinion with the club’s overly interfering directorial level. That Bosz, like Favre, is represented by Reza Fazeli, an agent with whom Dortmund have very good relations, probably played a factor.

Going from Favre to Bosz, though, never made much sense if Dortmund were looking for a certain type of football from their new coach.

Especially during his Bundesliga days, the Suisse coach counted on defending in a low block, not applying a huge amount of pressure on the opponent in possession. On the ball, his teams took their time instead of playing wave after wave of counter-attacks, leading them to complete a high percentage of passes and a good quality of shots. Dustin Ward has taken a closer look at Gladbach’s numbers in this piece.

Compare that deliberate approach to Bosz’s pedal-to-the-metal style.

Dortmund’s high line has been discussed as a weak point ad nauseam. We’ve also talked about the team’s issues to create high-probability scoring chances on the Podcast. Funnily enough, they had more problems in that area during the strong start to the season, in which they overperformed in terms of scoring from smaller chances, which would always result in a regression to the mean over the long term.

Midfield Marginalised

The biggest issue with Bosz’s system — and it doesn’t matter if nominally the team are set up in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 — is how the midfield is marginalised.

Julian Weigl attempted 14 passes in the Revierderby, only Yarmolenko had fewer attempts among starters. It’s not a one-time occurrence, either, as Weigl is a shadow of his former self.

[...]

At his best, Weigl influences the game in a lot of subtle ways. He’s never going to put up a lot of numbers on the stat sheets, but his assuredness in passing and possession allows Dortmund to dictate the rhythm of games, to recycle the ball in their ranks until opponents invariably give them an opening. Naturally, the player deserves some of the blame, and some of his problems can be attributed to a four-month injury layoff over the summer. However, Bosz has got to answer for his inability to build a team around one of his best players and clearly his best defensive midfielder. Asking him to push much higher up the pitch in his first few games back from the ankle injury, Bosz robbed Weigl of his biggest strengths. Still a young player, Weigl’s confidence seems shot and even when allowed to play in his more natural habitat, the Germany international makes simple mistakes and never gets into his rhythm.

Building a team around your best players is one of the easiest ways to success for any head coach at any level in any sport. The marginalisation of Weigl, as well as asking Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to contribute in the No. 10 space much more than the Gabonese has ever been comfortable with, indicate that Bosz either doesn’t know how to do that or that he’s not interested in adapting his ideas to the strengths of the team he’s been given control over. Apart from Mario Götze and Nuri Sahin — and those two have come back from long-term or on-and-off absences — not a single player has gotten better under Bosz.

Crisis Management

Obviously, Dortmund have been in similarly dire situations before, even under Bosz’s two predecessors. Tuchel’s BVB wasn’t much better for large stretches of the autumn of 2016, and Dortmund were in the relegation zone over the winter break of Klopp’s last season. The difference: You never had the feeling that the guy on the sideline didn’t have a clue of how to get out of the slump. It’s probably unfair to compare a first-year head coach to Klopp, who had reached God-like status in Dortmund by the time his team forgot how to play football and pick up results.

Funnily enough, the two men communicated the respective crises in a similar way, often failing to find an explanation other than “we stopped playing football in the second half” of the latest defeat — or 4-4 draw. Much like Bosz is doing now, Klopp called for perseverance in the hope that, eventually, the teams quality would be too big for them to keep failing. Given how Klopp had proved his style worked over many seasons and picking up two Bundesliga championships, a DFB-Pokal and a UEFA Champions League final berth, his words carried a lot more weight than those of Bosz, who’s never won a trophy and is on his third job since January of 2016.

Second-Half Collapses

Perhaps the most damning account of Bosz’s apparent shortcomings in charge of Dortmund are the collapses the team have suffered in second halves of an astounding number of games during the recent run of rotten results. Since September, Dortmund have won one second half, against third-division side Magdeburg in the cup. They’ve conceded 17 goals in the second halves of the other 11 games in that timeframe, including four against Schalke on Matchday 13.

Bosz has been adamant that it’s not a question of fitness, going as far as declaring his team are in a better physical state than at the start of the season. Without the required data on intensive runs, sprints and more, it’s difficult to dispute the Dutchman’s words with 100 per cent accuracy, but everyone who’s watched the games will feel Bosz’s reaching quite a bit. Going by the eye test, Dortmund have looked dead in the water after 60 minutes in many games, with dropping intensity levels leading to even sloppier defending than usual.

The team’s second-half collapses have also been informed by Bosz’s in-game decisions. Often enough, Dortmund start well — take the Stuttgart and Schalke games as an example — only to be undone in the second half. Opposing coaches take a while to figure Dortmund out, make simple adjustments and Bosz seems unable to match with a countering move.

He’s been outcoached, badly, too many times.

Read More

[kimsquad-blog1]

Pulse

pulse [noun]: the rhythmic recurrence of strokes, vibrations, or undulations.

pairing: jeon jungkook x reader genre/warnings: smut, angst, fluff. the whole packcage. alcoholism and swearing. don’t read if you’re under the legal age of your country. I’ll now and I will contact your parents. words: 4,604 summary: “[...] Cheaters are good for business. A big part of the job is looking for the worst in people. Turns out I excel at that. Clients hire me to find dirt. And I fint it. [...] People do bad shit. I just avoid getting involved with them in the first place. That works for me. Most of the time.”

Marvel - Jessica Jones Season 1: Ep. 1 Ladies Night

01.

The buzzing that was echoing on your mind was what woke you up from your heavy sleep. You pressed your eyes harder, as an attempt to make the noise go away so you could return to the semi-death state that you were, a powerful mix of sleep and hangover. You probably shouldn’t have drank all that vodka on the night before, but oh well, you only live once.

You tried to give yourself a time for the avoiding technique work, but it was useless. The noise was still there and even so, you were thankful for the eternal vibration mode that your phone always was. God help you - and your device - if you were awakened by those stupid songs that people used to put as a ring tone.

With eyes still closed, you tapped on the nightstand, trying to get your phone to turn it off. After a few attempts to get it - and a small bottle of water that founded her way to the floor thanks to your drowsiness - you found it; now the buzz was not only on your head, but also on your hand.

You perked one eye open to see the ID caller and signed heavily, turning on your back in the bed and staring the black device in front of you. “Incoming Call: Bora”. You waited a few more second before answering, taking a deep breath. You weren’t sure if you were prepared for that to be your first interaction of the day, but Bora was your most loyal client. And a client meant money.

“You better have a great reason to be calling me this early” you said while sitting down and crossing your legs. Your voice husky from the sleep and alcohol.

 “It’s 11:45am. Only for you it’s early. ” The female voice said, not sounding so pleasant with your concept of early. “I have a job for you. Is that a good reason?” you could hear the annoying click clack of her heels on the other side of the line. Knowing her so well, she’s probably walking back and fort on her office, waiting impatiently for your answer. 

 “Well..” your answer was cut with a yawn that left your mouth. In the meantime, you started to rub your eyes in a failed attempt to finally wake up. “Moneys is always an awesome reason.” You felt some pressure on your torso and only then you realized that you were not only wearing your bra, but also your tank top from last night. You need to stop drinking like that.

 “Oh, I’m so happy that you found it ‘awesome’, Y/N. Now please, can you get your ass over here? I have a full schedule and I need you to start working on this as quick as possible.” The click clack has stopped. She’s probably looking at the window with her free hand on her waist. So predictable.

 “For some fancy and powerful lawyer, you have such an ass attitude, Bora. Your clients now that you act like this? I think it would be bad for business” You said with a serious tone, frowning your eyebrows. Even if you had only woken up, you never miss a chance to be a brat and get on her nerves. 

 “Now Y/N” and with that, she ended the call.

You took your phone from your ear and looked at him, the display glowing a

“Call ended: Bora”

 Rude.

 You ignored what just happened and let yourself enjoy the waking up moment. You crossed your fingers in front of you and raised them above your head, stretching your back. Your mouth was sticky and with a morning breath that was getting the best of you, with the Chinese take-out and the bouzz from the night prior dancing on your taste buds. You tried to see the damaged in your hair by combing it with your fingers and you barely made it to the middle of your head. Yup, a shower was definitely a required.

    On your way to the bathroom, you almost fell on your face, tripping over one of your shoes. Probably you took them off in the way to your bed at the same time you were taking off your pants: you could see the other pair inside of one of you jeans legs. Avoiding pajamas and leaving a trail of clothes on your apartment is a standard move from drunken Y/N. That would be the only explanation for you to sleep on your last night clothing.

 You took a quick look around to see if there were any broken stuff or something more serious that your drunken form must have made it, but besides your clothes on the floor, everything seemed in order in. Your place was simple, but it had all the comfort and space that you needed. It was a big room and at the same time, your kitchen, bedroom and living room and you used fake walls and furniture to separate everything. The bathroom was the only thing that was apart from the rest.

It was a clean apartment, decorated with shades of gray and other cool tones. Your walls where all white, with b&w photographs hanged on them and some blackout curtains on your windows. Your bedroom was only semi-separated with a false wall, but no doors, giving you some sort of privacy when required. Your furniture also followed the same patter: white-wooded tables, chairs with some metal details on the rail, nightstand and cupboards matching with your metal kitchen gadgets. You could spot something blue and green here and there, but basically it was all gray. Simple.

 One of the tables also worked as a little workplace with your notebook and a lamp, but only in the nights that you needed a time from your office. It was located a few blocs from your apartment, and also very similar to it: a single one-piece place, with a lot of space - since you had little furniture on it.

 After taking a shower, you wiped the fog of your mirror above your sink and took a good look at yourself. Your bags were bad, but a little of it was due to your mascara and make-up that you took it with you to your bed. You toked almost all of it, but since you were applying more, who cares? Your cheeks were red from the hot water and you had tiered eyes. Not from the sleep, but from life.

On your way to your bedroom, you took a quick glance on you wall clock: 11:58am. You weren’t exactly on time, but you also weren’t that late. If you take a cab and the traffic works in your favor, you can get to Bora’s office at 12:30am tops.

 And that’s what you did. After getting dress - a simple pair of jeans, a white t-shirt, your loyal leader jacket and your gray all-star - you were already heading to your front door. Your phone and wallet on one pocket and your keys on another. You picked a matching scarf and beanie and headed your way to your future paycheck.

12:26am you were getting out of the elevator on the 19th floor. All the floor belonged to the BIH Lawyers - B standing for Bora - a famous law firm that all the big guys wanted to be represented by. Even thought it was a conjuncted firm, Park Bora was the head leader and one of the best fucking lawyers that Seoul has ever seen. The sad part was that she not always defended the good guys. Actually, almost never to be correct. Her clients were probably the richest mans of the whole country (sometimes the whole continent) and the higher you get, the dirtier your hands get.

 And she’s there to make their hands the cleanest hands of the planet. Not that the other lawyers weren’t good, far from that. Bora wouldn’t get her name attached with anyone that wasn’t huge or did a poor job. But she was the best and everybody knew it.

 As soon as you arrive, you make your way to the glass door, not bothering to present yourself in the front desk, where two well dressed woman were sat down. You go there at least 2 times a month, depending on your current job. They already know you pretty well.

 “Y/N, what are you doing?” The short-haired one says a little nervous, getting your attention. “Does Mrs. Park knows you are here?” Her hand automatically went to the phone, dialing somewhat should be Bora’s office number. You roll your eyes in annoyance, stopping right where you are and looking her over your shoulders.

“Jisoo, do I ever visit any one in here besides Bora?” You waited for her response: a slow nod of her head. You slowly turn your body, releasing the glass door and let it bump on your back. “And do I ever come here if Bora didn’t ask me to?” Now, you’re crossing your arms. Again, a slow nod. Jisoo let a low sigh leave her mouth, putting the phone down and looking to her colleague. The other woman lifted her shoulders, giving nothing to Jisoo and once more, her eyes found yours.

 “Just go. But if she starts yelling at me because of you...” There it is. Jisoo doesn’t know, but she’s your favorite secretary from all the ones that Bora had. A small smile spread across your face and you waved a quick “bye” to her. 

“You’re the best Jisoo.” You pushed the glass door with your back and continued the slow pace. You were granted with up’s and down’s stares from other employees, nothing knew with that. The last door on the right was your final destination, and as you expected, it was opened. You leaned your body and finally found your favorite client on her desk.

 Bora was on her forties, but she looked younger than her actual age. One side of her hair was longer than the other, making her left side sometimes hidden from all the stares. She had no wrinkles and you assumed that it’s duo to the fact that she can pay for all the beauty treatments available in the world with the amount o money that she makes. On her lips, always a red lipstick. Her signature look. Sometimes you play with her, saying that she painted her lips with her enemies blood.

 She never denied it. Her office had a huge wall to wall window and at night, it was one of the most beautiful views of the city that your eyes ever saw. Her desk was also big, with a computer on one side and on the other, a small shelf for some papers and archives that she needed close to her. Two comfortable armchairs were perfectly arranged in front of her desk; on the left side of the room, also could be fond a sofa and a coffe table, for more personal clients.

 “Did you summoned me, Master?” You finally said playfully, making and extremely exaggerated bow and walking to her, letting your body fall heavily in one of her armchairs. Her body flinched a little and she looked at you through her glasses. Angrily, she took them from her face and drop them, getting immediately her phone desk.

 “Why nobody told me you were here? I'm taking someones head today” her fingers were rapidly dialing someone’s number - probably the front desk “And why took you so long? I called you 11:45. You should be here at 12:00.”

 “Wow, you said you needed me here, you didn’t say the time. And I came here without letting them inform you because I knew how busy you are and I wanted to spare some time.” You said giving her a sheepish smile, seating more straight on the armchair.

 She put the phone down before anyone could reply and graciously crossed her fingers over her desk, an ironic smile forming on her lips “It would take 1min for them to inform me that you’re here. I need them to tell me when you or anyone arrives because it’s their job. I need people to do their jobs Y/N, the same way that I need you to do yours and be here when I request you to be here.”

 “But I’m here! And again, you didn’t say the tim-”

“Enough!” she said, raising one hand and silencing you. “I’m not having this conversation with you. Just...et me give you the fucking archive so you can leave and get that information that I need”. 

    You made a pounty face and rolled your eyes. Quickly, she found a small file and threw it in front of her. You jolted your body forward and stretched your arm, pulling into your direction. She raised from her chair and made her way to the door, closing it.

“This is Kim Yeong-Soo. He’s not one of the obnoxious corporate man that I normally represent. Actually, he’s a new face around here. One of my clients know him and he came to me to hire my services. “While she explained to you the case, you opened the file and saw only two things: a picture and some sort of small profile: shallow information that you needed to started your research.

She made her way back to her chair and sited, crossing her legs and letting her elbows fall over her desk. She took a deep breath and swallowed slowly, almost as if she was getting courage to speak “He’s getting a divorce”

 You perked one eyebrow and looked from the file to her “Are you seriously? A divorce? “You closed the file and stood up, throwing it on her table, truly offended “You called me to get a simple divorce case? Are you joking?” Now it was your turn to walk around.

 “Y/N, stop bitching around and hear me for one moment”. Bora took her time and breathed again, calming herself before she started again. Something was off. “I don’t need you to investigate the case, or anything. I have all I need to proceed with the case get all that shit over in a few weeks if I want to.” 

 You frowned again. If she had all that she needed, why she was calling you?

“It’s him that I need you to investigate. Something is off about him and I need you to discover what it is.” She finally said, looking at you. 

 You were confused. “What do you mean something is off? Bora, it’s a divorce case. Is people - grown ups - deciding that they don’t want to be together anymore and that’s exactly what they are doing it.”  You signed heavily and walked back to her desk, picking up the file one more time and opening it. You took his picture on your hands and gave it a good look. 

 “I’m sorry, I know this is not of my business, but is it gonna change if you find something?.” She lowered her look and picked her glasses again, opening the first drawer from her desk and from it, she toked a small cloth. Silently, she started to cleaning them.

 “Y/N, I called you because you’re one of the best privet detectives I’ve ever encountered in my life. You do your job quick, you do it well and you normally don’t ask why, you just get it done. And that’s what I’m asking of you.” After cleaning her glasses, she put them again on her face and there they were, her cold  eyes looking right at your soul. “I’m asking for you to do it without questioning my why’s for it, as you always did. Look for something. If you find anything, great. If not, I was wrong and you could make some money on me.”

You bite the inside of your cheek and took a deep breath. “Ok Bora. I’ll see what I can find. I’ll let you know anything.”  Folding the file in 2 and shoving it in one of your side pockets, you started to walk backwards, in the door direction.

“I already deposited a considerable amount on your bank account.” She answered without bothering to look at you, staring at something random in her computer. “ The rest you’ll get when you give me some answers.” You let a small smile appear on the corner of your mouth and left the office.

Favorite client.

 It’s been 3 days since you had taken Bora’s case and she was absolutely fucking right when she said that something was off with him. The guy is facing his 3rd divorce (hey, nothing wrong with that, look at Ross from Friends ), but all his previous wives - including his current one - were graced with the gift of tones of cash and a lot of properties on their names. And lots of them ended up going to his name after everything.

 Which is not such a normal thing to happen if you stop to thing about it.

 This time, however, was the wife that was requesting the divorce and she also had a record on the police files about a small harassment. You don’t know yet if it is related to Yeong-Seo, but definitely you would check it out the later. You were about to make a call to someone in order to get some help when you saw a message from hours ago. From Jungkook

[03:37] jungkook: just because my uncle left, doesn’t mean you need to stop coming here. i’m starting to miss your pretty face 

He got to be kidding. You thought that he had dropped that ‘pretty face’ or pretty whatever thing a few days ago when you told him not to do this, but look who likes to piss the others off. Although, Jungkook (or bunny boy as you like to sometimes call and then is you pissing him off) is actually a cool and nice guy. And really hot. Like, really really hot.

[05:27pm] you: yes, because of you my man is gone. why would I want to look at you again after that? [05:27pm] you: (sorry the delay on asnwering) [05:29pm] jungkook: i can think of a few reasons [05:29pm] jungkook: (it’s ok. I know you wouldn’t avoid me on purpose. actually i don’t see a reason no one would)

Is this guy for real? He could not be more full of himself. Since the first day you meet him, Jungkook always had a smart way to make you wanna rip the skin of your face and stick it down in his throat. 

Jungkook is the nephew of Hwan, the owner of the bar you frequent currently - not so much now since you been avoiding going there - that was toking care of the place while his uncle was traveling. It’s been a little more than a month that he appeared and since that day he’s been messing a little bit with your mind. And body.

Hwan’s Place, that was the name of your local bar. The owner - Hwan - was a man of gentle eyes and silver hair, that played well with his 64 years of life.   He whores round glasses that called even more the attention to his face and off of his protuberant belly. He had a few scars on his arms (according to him, they were the result of fights that he had and got out as a winner, but deep down, you new it was because of broken glass and knifes at the kitchen) and was always dressed like the old times: white shirt, with sleeves up until his elbows, a dark vest and a white cloth hanging on his waist.  You felt sort of deep bond with Hwan. He was like the dad you never had, giving you life advices and all the tricks you need to get on with. Some nights - most of the nights - you were the last client of his place and helped him to organize everything before heading home.  But that night, it wasn’t Hwan that was behind the bar’s table. The intruder was wearing a simple white t-shirt with a pair of ripped jeans. His hair was dark and was a little messy, with some bangs brushing his eyes. On his ear, you spotted a metal ring and two piercings on his helix (hot). He was taking some quick notes on a small notebook and was muttering at the same time. Probably he got something wrong, because he had frowned his eyebrows and bitten his lower lip very gently.  You felt your stomach twist very quick at that sign.  “Can I help you with something?”

It was only then that you realized that you were staring at him since the moment you entered and that you should look very stupid right now. You regained your posture and closed your mouth (not drooling was a positive aspect).  “You’re not Hwan. Where is he?” You looked him with small and judging eyes, walking cautiously to the bar and with both hands on your pockets. His eyes stared at you for a moment and you could see how dark and hypnotized they were. Weird, you thought you had seemed them before. “No, I’m not. At least since I last check myself on the mirror” when he turned around, you saw he had one more ring on his ring. You thought that maybe, God was testing you or something. But then, something called your attention. He was smilling and his smile was different. He had the two central teeth kind of bigger than the other ones and when he did, something on his face changed. The combination of his nose and those teeths...did he looked like a bunny? He looked like a bunny.  He had a fucking bunny smile.  “And who exactly are you?” he said, crossing his arms in front of his chest and straitening his back and you could see his arm muscles adjusting to the shirt sleeve. Suddenly you felt the urge to die a little. “Hwan never told me that looking out for pretty girls was part of the job.” What? Pretty girls? Is he serious? You were about to answer him that whoever you were was none of his business and that he could shove that ‘pretty girls’ on his ass when your eyes found Hwan’s figure appearing behind the boy. You could see the notable difference in height between them.  “Jungkook, what are you doing? I told you to organize everything and not fool around.” You took a good look on Hwan’s face and it was a little red. His small dark eyes suddenly found your face and a huge smile embraced you ”Y/N! I haven’t seen you for a while, where have you been? I thought you left me to deal with all those drunk people all by myself.“ He was getting behind the bar and walking towards you, putting his hands on your shoulders and taking a good look at you..

“You know, here and there. Sometimes work gets the best of me and I need to avoid people for a while.” A small smile appeared on the mans face and he put a hand around your shoulders, pulling you gently towards the bar. Yours eyes traveled to the so-called Jungkook and he was looking fondly at both of you. What’s up with that kiddo?  “Here, let’s have a drink. On me” Hwan said with a quick wink and looked to the younger man. Nothing was said between them and suddenly, the boy was putting two glasses with a few ice rocks in front of you and pouring some amber liquid on them. You took one of the glasses and hit it slowly on the other one, taking and long swallow. After letting your glass rest in front of you, you crossed your arms over the table and laid your head on them, looking to the old men beside you.  “So, care to explain me who’s that kid and why he’s acting like he owns this place?” You heard a bothering sound of  “Hey” coming from him, but you just ignored it and cared to keep looking at the old mans face.  Hwan pushed his glasses up on his nose and caught quickly. “Well, actually...” His eyes went from you to Jungkook and he signed, smiling coyly”..he kind of is the owner now.”

Your lips formed a thin line and you raised your head, trailing his eyes until you meet Jungkook’s. Once again, he had his arms crossed over his chest, raising his eyebrows and giving you that stupid bunny smile. You had no words on your mouth and no thoughts on your mind.  “Let me explain it to you. Jungkook is my nephew, he’s my brothers son and it’s been a while since they are trying to convince me to retire. I said no fucking way, I’m not that old for that shit!” He laughed, getting himself more comfortable on the chair. “ However, they did convince me to take some vacations. I love the bar, but I’m a tiered Y/N, I need to get some free time from all those crazy people.” He said in silence, pointing over his shoulders to some customers.  “Ok, I get that. But where’s the link in getting vacations and him being the new owner?”  “Instead of hier someone to look after the Place all of the blue and wasting my time interviewing people, I’m hiering my boy here. “ Hwan said looking fondly to the man in front of him and the boy was returning with a joyful and genuine smile.  “Well, I cannot say that I don’t feel betrayed for not knowing this, but I sure am happy for you Hwan.” You finished your drink and stood up, starting to leave “I need to go now, but let me now when it’s your last day before leaving ok? I wanna have a proper drink.” You putt your hand on his arm and gave it a little squeeze, a smile appearing on your face. You lifted your eyes and meet Jungkook’s. He still had that cocky smile on his face with his stupid muscles marking his shirt.

“See ya Jungkook”  “Bye Y/N”

You probably got some breeze from somewhere, because suddenly you felt a chill go through your spine.

  You blinked a few times, trying to understand what was that about. You walked until your window and let your body height fell on the all, typing quickly.

[05:32pm] you: like? [05:32pm] jungkook: i can provide life resources at zero costs [05:32pm] you: keep talking [05:33pm] jungkook: i’m not opening the bar tonight and I would like to get to know the city [05:33pm] you: and where do i fit in your wishes to know the city? [05:34pm] jugnkook: you’re a privet detective ffs. u must know everything in order to capture your victims in the worst moments. [05:34pm] jungkook: so i wanna hire your skills to show me the best chinese in town

  Was he asking you out? You know that he was the flirting type. All the other times you went to the bar you saw him talking with pretty girl and getting their numbers. Not that you were paying some sort of special attention to him, you’re just a very observer person. Even you gave him your number in case he needed anything. To help if necessary.That’s all. The only reason.

Yup.

[03:55pm] jungkook: what do you say?

Oh, what the hell.

[03:57pm] you: meet me at 8 o’clock in front of the bar

A/N: This fic is inspiered by Jessica Jones (the Netflix series and also something from the Marvel Comics). Don’t expect superpowers! If you didn’t saw it, don’t be allarmed. It won’t be necessary a back ground for you to understand an enjoy :) 

English is not my first language so I tried my best to check grammar and everything. Please, take that in consideration!

It’s my first series! Please, feedback is always welcome! Don’t forget to reblog if you like it  <3

[nbasportsnews]

Jordan astronauts need to replenish? AJ12 serial attack? Going to the peak season?

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Commentator pluto says fans are already eyeing their next

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What we try to do is change our focus.

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[aion-rsa]

Warrior Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Learn to Endure, or Hire a Bodyguard

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This Warrior review contains spoilers.

Warrior Season 2 Episode 1

Now that the Warrior world is established, the season 2 premiere concerns itself with more character development and the interweaving of story arcs. The action, however,  is even more promising as the season premiere opens with (what else?) a fight scene. 

When we rejoin Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), he’s getting beaten and bloodied again, locked in combat in a new no-holds-barred arena, the Barbary Coast Fight Pit, and flashing back to his brutal defeat by at the hands of Li Yong (Joe Taslim) last season. It’s a decent fight scene that shows off Koji’s intensity. His manager (and new cast addition), Rosalita Vega (Maria-Elena Laas) senses that he’s working out some issues since Ah Sahm is back with the Hop Wei and doesn’t need to earn money in the pit. He’s got something to prove and it may take all of season 2 to prove it. And as the show catches up with the rest of the cast, it’s clear that Ah Sahm isn’t the only one starting anew.

While bringing flowers to the graves of his wife and two boys, Dylan Leary (Dean Jagger) crosses paths with another new addition, Sophie Mercer (Celine Buckens). Despite their class differences, they spark an immediate chemistry, teasing of things to come. Sophie is a promising addition to this season. She’s a fresh young face that brings a new spunk to the show. Unfortunately, her personal values come from a position of naive entitlement, which will surely backfire in the world of Warrior. Later, tensions grow over breakfast between Mayor Samuel Blake (Christian McKay) and Penelope Blake (Joanna Vanderham) about her hiring of coolies in her metal factory, Mercer Steel, an action that opposes his political platform. When Sophie joins them, she proves to be another thorn in Samuel’s side. The sisters have their own tension with Sophie being young and idealist while Penelope is jaded and pragmatic. 

Meanwhile, back at the brothel, Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) makes a sexy entrance down a spiral staircase in a resplendent cheongsam dress, showing off how season 2 is prepared to elaborate on its costumes. Until now, the fashion in Warrior has been strictly period. This season, Ah Toy’s outfits and makeup have gone overboard with outrageously baroque fantasy outfits. Ah Toy’s mascara looks more like something from a modern day rave than the late 19th century, but it’s still San Francisco, after all. The fantastic costume design echoes the precedent martial arts series, Into the Badlands, which was a fantasy where all the attire was dazzling. Warrior also imitates Into the Badlands with its guitar riff soundtrack but will have to step up its fight choreography to reach their level. 

 As she tends to Ah Sahm’s post-fight injuries, they discuss a new gang that he saw at the Barbary Coast, the Teddy Boys, who wear cut off queue trophies on their jackets like scalps. Ah Sahm wants revenge but Ah Toy has reservations. They’ve been too active lately and she doesn’t want to draw more attention from the Bulls (the SFPD). But Ah Sahm is resolute and Ah Toy concedes to help him. The relationship between Ah Sahm and Ah Toy is developing. They are more like siblings than Ah Sahm and Mai Ling and it’ll be interesting to see how that progresses in Season 2. It’s refreshing to see them not fall into a sexual relationship, as most of the other couples on this show do in typical soap opera fashion. 

Bill O’Hara (Kieran Biew) is still working as a debt collector for Zing (Dustin Nguyen) to settle accounts from season 1. Later, O’Hara tries to escape his service to the Fung Hai Tong, but takes money from Zing anyway. O’Hara uses it to buy steak for his family, but his wife Lucy (Emily Child) grows suspicious about where he’s getting it. O’Hara knows being a Tong-controlled cop won’t end well.

While walking about Chinatown, Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) and Li Yong meet a lemon vendor. Like Ah Toy, Mai Ling’s costumes are also leveling up. While Ah Toy’s dresses are becoming more sexy (befitting of a brothel madame), Mai LIng’s outfits are now leaning more towards a fantasy warrior princess. The exaggerated costumes are anachronisms but serve to distance the fiction from history. And the exotic clothing is easy on the eyes. Seeing that the vendor’s wife is sick, Mai Ling shows some compassion and buys their entire stock of fruit. Then they cross paths with Ah Sahm and Young Jun (Jason Tobin) and more tensions percolate.

Ah Sahm and Mai Ling cross at a temple where she is offering lemons to the altar for their deceased parents. Warrior takes some liberties with Chinese culture here because lemons aren’t common funerary offerings. They are usually only used when certain rituals call for five fruits. The five fruits represent the five elements and are colored green, yellow, red, white, and black, and lemons would be used for the yellow. The most common fruits for offering are oranges, which stands outside the five element color scheme. However, while California is a major orange producer now, those might not have gotten to San Francisco as readily back in the 19th century. Lemons are commonly grown throughout the area so perhaps the writers are accurate here. Afterwards, Li Yong and Ah Sahm stare each other down, teasing an inevitable rematch. 

The Teddy Boys cut the queue off a Chinese man, accusing him of stealing jobs, raping their women, and bringing disease. Sound familiar? Warrior has become uncomfortably timely in regards to modern day politics. The Teddy Boys start to lynch the man, but Ah Sahm, Ah Toy and Lai (Jenny Umbhau) come to his rescue and kill all the gangsters in a bloody act of vengeance. It’s a sanguineous fight scene with throat slitting, dismemberment, and lots of gratuitous sword stabbing. Most of the fight sequences here are one action to one take where it is simple to swap in stunt people. Koji delivers some nice more complex combos that show off his martial arts background and Umbhau demonstrates her acrobatic skill.

Umbhau is a stuntwoman by trade and perfectly cast in Warrior. While many of the cast have come to Warrior with minimal martial arts background, Umbhau stands alongside Koji, Nguyen and Taslim, all of whom have practiced martial arts long before they joined the show. She came to the U.S. to be part of Cirque du Soleil, but the show was unfortunately shut down and she’s been stuck in the states due to the pandemic ever since. Hopefully, her exposure on Warrior will bring her more opportunities to move on. 

O’Hara and Lee confiscate Wang Chao’s (Hoon Lee) illegal weapon cache to pressure him into giving up the swordsman. Chao deflects O’Hara by implying he knows about his connections to Zing. Merriweather (Andre Jacobs) continues to pressure Penelope to buy Mercer Steel, when the injured coolies arrive. Back at the brothel, Ah Sahm tries to buy a lead on an alternate molasses source from Chao, but he denies him. Chao tells Ah Toy to cool it with the vengeance because it’s affecting his business. Ah Toy serves Chao tea, which he accepts casually with one hand, a Chinese faux pas because tea is always accepted with both hands, even when poured by a whorehouse madam. Chao says he’ll see his secret, but that’s left for a future episode. 

At the Barbary Coast Fight Pit, Ah Sahm beats down another challenger and then taps Vega for information. As a typical writing device, the Fight Pit bookends this episode, which was directed by writer Jonathan Tropper. Given that this is Bruce Lee inspired, the fight choreography is a key element. This season opener brings the fight focus on Koji as the lead, but fails to deliver anything that inspiring. With so many martial arts based television series recently like Cobra Kai, Wu Assassins, Warrior Nun, the aforementioned Into the Badlands (although this was cancelled), and the upcoming reboot of Kung Fu, Warrior must really up their fight game if they want to stay ahead of the pack.

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The final scenes of the season opener feel more like an epilogue. It would’ve been more elegant to leave it with the bookend fights, and then the final teaser for the next episode. There’s a scene of Walter Buckley (Langley Kirkwood) picking up a prostitute that’s superfluous. It’s a nod to his depravity but his manipulations of the Mayor have already betrayed his villainy. Then in bed, Li Yong and Mai Ling discuss Ah Sahm with some gratuitous nudity. The episode ends with an explosion as Leary lights a cigar, igniting the possibilities of the next episode.  

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