#and also identity problems with their prosthetics and how they were regarded by others

[myxineye]

I found an old pirate101 oc from 2015 and decided to remake her ^_^ meet Kestrel!

Kestrel has a complicated backstory. They led a fairly ordinary life in Marleybone, but one fateful night led to both the death of their parents and the loss of their arms. They were found on the verge of death by a certain M, who brought them to a hospital and eventually convinced them to join the Secret Service, to follow in the steps of their parents (but honestly it was just an excuse to test some experimental weapons through prosthetics). And there, they were given the codename Kestrel and served essentially as a living weapon and test subject.

Eventually, Kestrel became disillusioned with their role and grew to detest M. As a personal act of rebellion, Kestrel ended up defecting to the Armada, giving away valuable intel including schematics of advanced Marleybonian tech and insight into how the spy system works there, even helping to plant some Armada spies in Her Majesty's Secret Service. And after a while of doing all that, they just... disappeared. No one really knows where they’ve gone, but they have been spotted all around the Spiral -- rumors are that they travel with an eccentric band of pirates, who can also be found all over the place for reasons unknown (spoiler alert: those “pirates” are my other ocs Nora and Quincy)

[tomeandflickcorner]

Umbrella Academy Rewatch 1x02

1x01

So last episode, we were introduced to the Hargreeves Siblings, Luther, Diego, Allison, Klaus and Vanya, a group of young adults who were trained by their adoptive father, Reginald, as children to be a superhero team but had grown apart as they reached adulthood.  Upon the sudden death of Reginald, the estranged siblings were reunited for the funeral.  However, Luther, who had been the appointed leader of the group when they had been children, suspected foul play had been involved since Reginald’s signature monocle was missing.  But a bigger mystery appeared when, right before the funeral, Number 5, the long-lost member of the Hargreeves Siblings that had gone missing 17 years prior, suddenly reappears, explaining that he had gotten stuck in the future during a botched attempt at time travel.  Number 5 later confides to Vanya that, when he had been trapped in the future, he learned of an apocalyptic event that will effectively wipe out all human life on earth, and the date of this apocalyptic event will arrive in just over a week.

This episode kicks off with a flashback to the day Number 5 disappeared.  During dinnertime one evening, Number 5 grew impatient and insisted he was ready to test the limits of his power and attempt time travel.  But Reginald forbid it, stating he wasn’t ready, since time travel was a complected feat.  However, Number 5 brashly decided ‘I am too ready!’ and ran out to attempt time travel anyway.  This resulted in him jumping too far ahead in time, and he arrived in the future, where he was greeted by a post-apocalyptic world.  When he made it back to the location of the Umbrella Academy, he found the building had been reduced to burning ruins.  Number 5 then attempted to time travel back to his original timeline, only to find that he couldn’t.  He was stuck in the future.

It then cuts to where the last episode left off, with Number 5 finishing relating his story to Vanya.  Vanya pretty much admits that it’s a lot to take in.  But when Number 5 is about to leave, deciding that his sister is still to young to understand (because Number 5 is mentally a 58 year old man now), Vanya convinces him to stay for the night, saying that they just got him back and she doesn’t want to lose him again.  Number 5 relents and agrees to stay over.  But after Vanya heads off to bed, we see Number 5 is carrying a single glass eye with him.  And, after looking at it, he leaves the apartment.

Elsewhere in town, two shady looking people appear on the scene, checking into some seedy motel.  They introduce themselves as Hazel and Cha-Cha.  The woman, Cha-Cha, informs the desk clerk that there should have been a package waiting for them.  When Hazel and Cha-Cha make it up to their room at the motel, it’s revealed tat this package contains guns and a pair of masks.  As the pair converse, it’s revealed that they’re looking for Number 5.  Hazel also hides away the briefcase he was holding, ignoring Cha-Cha’s reminder that they were supposed to keep it with them at all times.

Meanwhile, a group of cops are investigating the scene at Griddy’s Donuts, where the gunmen had all been killed by Number 5 last episode.  The main cop, Detective Patch, interviews Agnes about what she saw.  In the process, Detective Patch learns that someone else had already questioned her about everything.  That other someone turns out to be Diego, and Detective Patch is not happy about it.  So, when she sees Diego is still on the scene, she angrily confronts him about talking to her witnesses.  It’s vaguely implied that Detective Patch and Diego have some sort of personal history, but whatever that was is clearly over now.  Now Detective Patch is just irritated at Diego for constantly trying to insert himself into police investigations, and she reminds him that he is not a cop.  Unbeknownst to the pair, Hazel and Cha-Cha are watching from the crowd of bystanders.

We then cut back to the Umbrella Academy, where Luther has just woken up.  As he makes his way down the vacant halls, he passes by one of the bedrooms, where he sees Alison has stuck around.  But she’s currently in the process of packing up to return home.  They proceed to have a chat, with Luther stating how strange it feels to be back there after spending the last four years on the moon.  He then asks Alison about her daughter, Claire.  Allison says that there are things she needs to do before she can see Claire again, but also tells Luther that she’d told her daughter all about her uncle, and that Claire would love to meet him one day.  However, Luther admits he cannot forget how Reginald's monocle is missing.  Allison begs him to not turn their father’s death into another mission, but her words don’t seem to sink in.

Elsewhere in the mansion, Pogo approaches Klaus, who has just woken up himself.  He informs him that some items from Reginald’s study have gone missing.  Particularly an ornate box.  The same box that Klaus had successfully made off with in the last episode.  While Pogo doesn’t directly accuse Klaus of the theft, tells him that, if the contents of the missing box were returned to Reginald’s office, the thief would be absolved of all consequences.  Which is a problem, since we see that Klaus had already sold the ornate box to a pawn shop for drug money while tossing the box’s contents (a bunch of papers and a leather-bound journal) into a random dumpster.

Now, I probably should mention this.  In this scene, it’s heavily implied that Klaus has a great difficulty in tuning out the voices of the dead, to the point where he can’t even sleep peacefully due to their endless wailing.  This does explain why he became a drug addict.  I guess it’s much easier for him to drown out all the voices when he’s high.  In that regard, you do have to feel bad for him.  Yeah, it’s clearly not a good thing that he’s always high on drugs.  But at the same time, can you completely blame him?

Anyway, getting back to the episode, Number 5 has traced the glass eye he’s carrying to some prosthetic limb manufacturing company.  He approaches the main desk, claiming he found the glass eye in a playground somewhere and that he wants to return the eye to its owner.  However, the man who works there, Mr. Biggs, states that, due to the laws pertaining to patient confidentiality, they can’t just give him the address of the glass eye’s owner.  Number 5 does not take this well, and pretty much threatens Mr. Biggs, only backing off when the receptionist calls for security.

At the police station, Detective Patch has decided to release Diego, with a warning that she’ll have him arrested for obstruction of justice if he ever sets foot on a crime scene again, also reminding him that he was thrown out of the police academy for a reason.  Diego isn’t the least bit repentant of his behavior, though, and urges Detective Patch to just forget about the whole bureaucratic red tape, inviting her to put her badge aside for one night and join him on the streets to really take down the bad guys.  To her credit, Detective Patch is not having it, insisting that the bureaucratic red tape is what helps them put the bad guys away in a court of law.  She also tells Diego that recess is over and it’s time for them to be adults.  All I can say is, props to her.  Especially in light of the current environment.  Though it’s probably only a matter of time before she relents on her stance. 

Luther, still not able to let the missing monocle go, heads out to the gym where Diego works as a custodian in exchange for exclusive access to the back room.  He makes his way into Diego’s room.  Of course, Diego isn’t there, as he’s still detained at the police station at this point, but Luther sticks around until he returns.  When Diego does show up, Luther informs him that he’s determined that Diego has an airtight alibi for the time of Reginald’s death, as he (Diego) was in the boxing ring at the time of the death.  So Luther no longer suspects Diego.  Although, Diego is still a bit put out that his brother even suspected him in the first place.

While this is going on, Vanya returns to the Umbrella Academy to find Number 5.  She locates him in his old bedroom and apologizes for being so dismissive of his story.  Number 5, in turn, apologizes for leaving without saying goodbye.  In the end, Vanya admits she might have not been the best person to talk to about all this.  And it seems that Number 5 agrees, because once she leaves, Klaus emerges from his hiding place in the closet.  It turns out that Number 5 is recruiting Klaus to help him get the information about the identity of the glass eye’s owner.  This proves to be a good call, as Klaus is crazy enough to pull it off.  Basically, in Mr. Biggs’ office, Klaus punches Number 5 in the face and smashes a snowglobe over his own head.  He then threatens to tell security that Mr. Biggs was the one who assaulted them, unless he surrenders the information they need.  Unfortunately, this leads to a dead end, as the glass eye with that particular serial number hasn’t been manufactured yet.  Number 5 is really upset over this, since the person who the glass eye will be made for is quite possibly the one who will be responsible for the apocalypse, which will happen in 7 days.

Meanwhile, Hazel and Cha-Cha have tracked down the tow truck driver who had been seen at Griddy’s Donuts right before Number 5′s confrontation with the gunmen.  It appears that they think the tow truck driver is Number 5.  And they proceed to torture him for information.  Of course, they soon figure out that Number 5 is a kid now and that they abducted the wrong man.  But they proceed to continue torturing the tow truck driver to find out where Number 5 is. Because apparently, Number 5 questioned him for the address of a certain department store during their brief interaction last episode.  Unfortunately, it’s later on revealed that Hazel and Cha-Cha ultimately killed the tow truck driver when they were done torturing him, as Detective Patch finds his dead body later on.

Sometime later, Number 5 breaks into the department store in question.  Looking around, he comes across a store mannequin.  Number 5 greets the mannequin as Delores.  Number 5 had admitted to Klaus earlier that he and Delores had been in a relationship for a while, during the time when Number 5 was stuck in the future.  Clearly, this is a strange revelation, as Number 5 is a person and Delores is a store mannequin.  Of course, we have to remember that, when Number 5 was trapped in that post-apocalyptic future, he was denied any actual human contact.  So it’s not as if Number 5 had many options in regards to companionship.  The unorthodox reunion between Number 5 and Delores is interrupted when Hazel and Cha-Cha appear, wielding guns and wearing Halloween costume-style masks.  (Cha-Cha has a dog mask and Hazel has a bear mask.)  Hazel and Cha-Cha proceed to unleash wave upon wave gunfire at Number 5, but Number 5 is able to get himself and Delores away unscathed, while Hazel and Cha-Cha slip away when they hear police sirens outside. 

Back at the Umbrella Academy, a bit of family drama is going down.  Allison is on the phone with her ex-husband.  Allison wants to talk to Claire, but the ex-husband is denying the request because Allison missed some sort of court-mandated session.  Allison tries to argue that she only missed the session because of her father’s funeral, which the courts understood was a reasonable reason.  But the ex-husband is not having it.  Vanya overhears the conversation and tries to offer her sympathies.  But Allison, rather harshly, dismisses her attempts, stating Vanya cannot possibly know how she feels about not being able to be with her daughter, since Vanya has never had a relationship with anyone.

Vanya, saddened by this whole conversation, returns to her apartment.  After a while, she is visited by a young man called Leonard, who has arrived for a lesson.  Vanya apparently gives violin lessons.  She is a bit taken aback by Leonard, as her usual students are kids, but she lets him in regardless.  They seem to hit it off, especially when Leonard tells her he and his father never got along.  Which clearly resonates with Vanya, on account of her own family issues.

As for Allison, she reflects on things up in the attic.  While she’s up there, Pogo approaches her, informing her that Vanya had called asking how she was.  To try and offer her a bit of comfort, he takes her into a side room, where Allison can review some of the old security footage taken of them when they were kids. Yeah, while most families have home movies, the Hargreeves Siblings had security footage recordings.  By looking through the old recordings, Allison notices that Vanya was often left on her own while the rest of them played together.  As such, Allison realizes that they didn’t include her in their activities, which further makes her regret how she treated her during their last conversation.  However, when Pogo steps out to let Allison to review the rest of the security footage at her leisure, she ends up coming across a recording of something that visibly alarms her.

In the episode’s final moments, Allison approaches Luther to inform him that he was right in his suspicions.  Whatever she saw in the security footage confirmed that Reginald’s death wasn’t a clean cut heart attack after all.  But before Alison can show him what she found, they spot Number 5 returning to the mansion, recovering from his narrow escape at the department store. Noticing that he isn’t looking too good, they ask if they can help.  But Number 5 all but shoves them back, stating that there’s nothing any of them can do.  And the episode comes to a close with showing us that, when Number 5 returned to the ruins of the mansion in the future upon first discovering the apocalypse, he found Luther, Diego, Allison and Klaus’ lifeless bodies among the rubble.  And we also see that Number 5 had found the blood-soaked glass eye in Luther’s fist.  Which explains why he believes learning the identity of the owner is imperative. 

Questions/Observations:

It’s still not clear what Allison did that led to her loosing custody of her daughter

Who exactly are Hazel and Cha-Cha?

What did Allison see in the security footage?

Who does the glass eye belong to?

Will Klaus be able to retrieve the papers and journal he left in the dumpster?

[cardshcrp]

Before we begin, please do note that I am not a medical professional. This is a personal post meant to help my mutuals & followers in a casual context with questions I receive often or issues I’ve noticed that people aren’t quite sure about but often are not entirely comfortable asking for fear of being offensive. I am also doing this in a muse-specific context for my muse, while including a large amount of general information to hopefully be informative, because I wanted to and it seemed like others wanted me to when I suggested it. I think having an open conversation is very important and while I am happy to talk with you, always, not every trans mun will be comfortable in this way. If a trans mun asks you to simply read their blog posts about a topic or tells you they aren’t comfortable with a topic, please don’t press as everyone’s comfort is different. I do suggest research using reputable sources if you’d like to further look into a topic; you are welcome to contact me to be pointed towards some of course, or have private conversations if confused about something or wanting to know more. I am also typically welcoming to people who may be questioning their gender and have questions about my personal experience.

TL;DR I can’t speak for all trans people and this is my attempt to be helpful from my perspective using my personal knowledge, experience, and research into topics that are very important to me personally. I am not a medical professional or a gender therapist.

THE GENERAL QUESTIONS.

1. Is Remy openly trans? If not, in which cases would my muse know about it? Is it acceptable for my muse to step in if someone says something transphobic in character in a thread, etc.? 

He is and he isn’t. Sorry, that was a bad answer - no. He’s not openly trans, but it isn’t a secret. He informs medical professionals when he requires treatment, and he certainly does go around shirtless often. However, his top surgery scars are reasonably faded with age and he has many scars on his torso, which means that people often don’t pay them particular notice. Top surgery is a procedure in which breast tissue is reduced and the chest is cosmetically restructured to appear as we would associate with a cis man; this can but does not always include areola reduction to fit better with the new appearance. There are a few different ways to perform this that leave different scar patterns, but the most commonly known one (and the one that Remy has) involves two horizontal scar lines across the base/just under the breast. 

Your muse likely would not know he is trans unless they were familiar with the scars and looking enough to notice them, he is informing them in a pre-sexual content, or your muse has heightened senses or some other power that would allow them extra perception and so on. If your muse wants to defend him against some kind of transphobia, that’s all well and good, but frankly he’s liable to thoroughly thrash anyone who’s going to be phobic to him and support is really all he ever needs. He can fight his own battles. He is male-passing.

2. How long has Remy known he’s trans? What does it mean to be trans? Does he know his deadname? Does he tell people his deadname? What’s a deadname?

Being transgender means that someone identifies as a gender other than the sex they were assigned at birth. Remy is a female to male trans person (FTM) and was assigned female at birth (AFAB), meaning biologically and genetically he was originally what we would consider female. If you identify with your gender to match the sex you were assigned at birth, you would be cisgender. People may realize they are trans at any age, though it typically involves a period of struggling with their identity, and generally use the pronouns of the gender they identify as. Nonbinary people can also fall under the trans umbrella. 

Remy identified as male from early childhood and in fact did not realize his biology did not match his identity until he was somewhat older (i.e. around eleven or twelve). This is not universal. He is aware of his deadname but has never really used it (aside from for reasons referred to in this headcanon) as quite frankly, it’s a fucking mouthful and he just doesn’t like it in general. It’s quite old-fashioned and difficult. His adoptive family is also aware of it and do not use it. It’s safe to assume your muse wouldn’t, and if they did for some reason find out and use it on him, they’re also probably going to get 300 kicked.

3. When did he start transitioning? Is he “fully” transitioned? Is fully transitioning a thing?

Fully transitioning isn’t a thing. The transition experience is subjective entirely according to the trans person and what they need in order to identify as their gender. For instance, someone could never undergo any surgery or change of dress and consider themselves fully transitioned. I will say that the common misconception involves ‘completing’ a surgical routine, specifically regarding genitalia. It’s not necessary if the person does not need it for their comfort. Some people do. Common elements of transitioning in general include: non-surgical chest binding or chest accentuation, top surgery or breast augmentation, removal of reproductive organs if desired, genital surgery, changing manner of dress and behavior to suit the identified gender. Bottom line is that your genitalia does not define your gender identity. Transition needs are suited to each individual person and what they feel they need to be comfortable. 

Remy considers himself fully transitioned according to what he needs. He has received top surgery and is on testosterone; he has not received a hysterectomy or genital restructuring and does not desire genital surgery, though he is undecided on the hysterectomy. He does not have plans to have one, as it’s a costly procedure and the recovery isn’t ideal for someone as active as he is. That may change in the future. He started transitioning medically at the age of 16, which is when he began receiving HRT. I have a page concerning this here, so as not to extend this FAQ past the insane length it’ll already be.

4. Is Remy on testosterone? What the hell’s a HRT? What happens when you’re on T, and the different methods of taking it. What happens if you stop?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the process during which someone is assigned to take hormones/hormone medication in order to provide them bodily changes so that their body more closely aligns to their identity and may allow them to “pass” as their identified gender more easily. For instance, female-to-male men would take testosterone (T), and male-to-female women would take estrogen (if desired or needed). I can’t speak on the estrogen administration and I don’t want to get that wrong, so I will talk mostly about T here - any trans ladies are welcome to add in. I know the basics but don’t want to misrepresent, so. 

T is available in skin patches, gel, pills, and shots. The patches and gels are lower dosages and take longer to have a visible effect, while the shots are generally the most known method of delivery. When you take hormones, your body does change. It doesn’t undo your first puberty, but a trans man on T would reduce in body fat and increase in muscle mass somewhat, and a redistribution of body fat. Within 1-3 months on a ‘standard’ dosage typical effects include increased sex drive, increased vaginal dryness, acne, hair growth overall, and mentioned muscle/fat changes. Notably, the clitoris also grows and may appear somewhat like a very small penis, and typically this growth is in the range of 1-3 cm. Within 6 months, menstruation usually stops and voice drops and begins to change, though that process may take a long time. After a year or so facial hair growth may start, though the rate at which it becomes steady may take years, and male-pattern baldness may also be a problem for some men if it’s a thing in their family and so on. 

 You do have to keep taking it, and if you stop some effects are permanent - i.e. voice change, and clitoris growth. Hair growth may reduce but is unlikely to completely stop. Menstruation does return, and your fat and muscle also resume their previous distributions over time.

Remy is on testosterone and has been. He uses the shot method. 

5. Does he menstruate if he’s on T? What’s that like if so?

He no longer menstruates on T. However, here let’s address the other associated question - yes, trans men can get pregnant despite being on T and not menstruating. Birth control is still important. This isn’t true for everyone. Some people may become sterile forever. However, there has been research on this, and it has been found that despite lack of actual menstruation, ovulation still occurs in some cases. However, if a trans man becomes pregnant, he would have to stop T in order to carry to term if desired, as otherwise the hormones are toxic for a fetus. 

6. Does Remy experience dysphoria, and if so to what extent? How does it affect him? What is dysphoria, and why does it matter?

Gender dysphoria is a disconnect between a person’s identified gender and biological sex, i.e. when a person feels they are of a different gender than the one that ‘matches’ their physical sex characteristics. 

Yes, he does. He used to experience it to a far greater degree, obviously; it was particularly bad in regards to his chest. However, after top surgery and being on T for years, he is mostly comfortable with his body. He has no real lingering dysphoria from the waist up and has mostly conquered his bottom dysphoria as well; however, there are still some days in which he struggles with it and would not want to be touched/penetrated vaginally for his own comfort. Sexual contexts are mostly the only area he experiences lingering bother on this.

7. What is packing? Does Remy do it? Explain packing and the types of packing.

Packing is the practice in which FTM men essentially wear a prosthetic penis. This may be to help them pass or simply because it alleviates their personal dysphoria. There are many types of packers; some are just makeshift stuffing or fabric. Others are made to enable men to pass in the bathroom and relieve themselves standing without being questioned, and are called stand-to-pee (STP) devices. Others are made with the capacity to be used for sex (called pack n plays, etc.), which are typically made out of body safe silicone. In this case it should be noted that they are semi-erect only. It would be pretty inconvenient to pack a rock-hard prosthetic all hours of the day.

Remy does not typically pack as he feels it lowers his overall agility and he has reached fairly low levels of bottom dysphoria. He does on occasion if a particular costume makes him feel dysphoric or has a partner who very much likes spontaneity and he just wants that option for a particular day.

8. Remy has a fair number of stereotypically female habits. Is it because he’s trans?

Uh, no. It’s just because he likes doing certain things and likes generally being self-sufficient. He likes pink (purple too) because it’s a pretty color and it looks good on him, and additionally looks good in his eyes; and due to his altered eye biology, colors do appear differently to him, so he does have an attachment to colors that really look good both to him and others when worn. He likes cooking because good food is delicious and his metabolism is super fast, so he has to eat a lot anyway. Enjoying the process doesn’t hurt. He sews because it’s useful, and so on.

A trans man can be as ‘feminine’ as he likes. It doesn’t make him less of a man.

9. Would he date a trans woman, trans man, or a nonbinary person? Are trans people more likely to date one gender identity over another?

Sure he would! He’s pan and would date anyone of any (or no) gender identity. And in general, no, trans people really aren’t more likely to date one gender over another. Sexuality =/= gender identity. A trans person can be gay, could be straight, bi, pan, ace, it doesn’t matter! It’s person to person no matter what your gender identity is. Yes, you can be gay if you’re trans, you can be lesbian if you’re trans.

10. My character XYZ is magical and could change Remy physically if he wanted it. Would he want to have a flesh peen? Is it offensive to ask?

It’s not offensive to me if you ask. However, this may not hold true for other muns. I understand that it’s an easy leap to make and you probably are coming from a very good place and want to help my muse be happy, but the answer is a very big no! He wouldn’t want that. To him (and me), magically providing a flesh and blood penis would negate the years and years of working to be comfortable with his body as who he is, and he’s proud to be trans. This is my opinion and may be subjective according to other muns and muses.

11. I’m thinking about writing a trans character, but I’m cis and I don’t want to offend anyone. Should I? If I did, would drag queens, etc. be appropriate face claims? Please note that for this question, I can only give you my personal opinion.

My general opinion here is kind of neutral. I don’t think people should be banned from writing things regardless of whether or not you identify as x thing you would like to write a character as being. However, I do think that if you want to write a trans character, you need to have a lot of research. We are often misrepresented in media and it does suck, there doesn’t need to be more of it. There is not a lot of open conversation about being trans because it is a really difficult thing, and that’s understandable, and it makes it hard. I’d say it’s fine if you’re genuinely dedicated to doing a good, positive portrayal, and it’s not the literal only element your muse has, but I would also say that you should treat it as a professional endeavor if you want to be an ally because it means a lot. Will you get hate? I don’t know. Would I personally attack you? No, not unless you were transphobic in your portrayal. Should you use a drag queen as your face claim? No. If you write a trans person, you should use either a trans face claim or a cis face claim of the gender your muse identifies as. Drag queens ultimately are doing performance art and while some trans people may do drag, it is performance art and a character being presented in an exaggerated way as a way of showing skill at makeup and costuming. It isn’t what someone looks like in real life on the daily and shouldn’t be portrayed as such unless your muse is literally a drag queen and is performing, you know what I mean?

THE NSFW-RELATED QUESTIONS.

12. Does T have bedroom side effects? If so, what are they?

Yes. I’d say please refer to #4 for the obvious! Vaginal dryness is common and clit growth as well, which does also change how you should handle said clit. In general, I’d say a good rule is to be more careful. It’s sensitive and delicate, do not treat it roughly and continuously check in with your partner! Every person has different sexual preferences, so I’m not even going to touch this in depth; if you want to know Remy’s, feel free to ask me separately!

13. Do the bits change, because I don’t know and I’m afraid to ask?

Yes they do! See #4, I put this with the rest of the testosterone effects. (:

14. What do I call the no-no’s if we smut? Do I ask IC or OOC? Is it bad to ask?

This is a pretty subjective question. As a general rule: ask the mun. Every trans person has a different preference; some of us will call our clitoris the dick, refer to vagina and asshole as front hole and back hole respectively, some of us say vagina, clit, pussy, cunt, it’s seriously all personal preference. Some trans women like to call their penis their clit. I think it’s a good idea to ask OOCly about this, and if you’re wondering whether your muse should ask in a thread or something, ask the mun that too! It’s better to ask instead of use the wrong thing, as the wrong terms may cause dysphoria and discomfort in some people.  Please ask this question as it’s important and people don’t ask this enough.

Remy is fine with most terminology if it is not being used in a degrading or fetishizing manner. It does not upset him to use the words vagina, pussy, etc. and likewise he’s happy to hear that you want to suck his dick. This isn’t universal. Not all my trans muses use the same terminology.

15. Is he comfortable with vaginal penetration? Because he has a vagina, is that preferable? (John Mulaney voice: WOULD THAT BE GOOD FOR YOU?)

Just because you have a vagina doesn’t mean you necessarily only want to use that. Straight cis women sometimes have a preference for butt stuff; it’s just a matter of preference. Some trans men don’t like it at all because they don’t and/or it makes them dysphoric. Some trans men love it and prefer it.

Yes, most days he is fine with vaginal penetration if it’s on the table. Some days he isn’t, but in general he’s okay with it and enjoys it as a manner of sex. Not all my trans muses are like this.

16. I’ve been on Pornhub a lot and we all know that’s a super inclusive place to get our information, so because he’s trans he’s a bottom, right? That means bottom?

It really doesn’t. Again, this is sexual preference and has nothing to do with gender identity. Unfortunately porn tends to fetishize trans people, that’s just what happens. As a trans person who previously dabbled in sex work, I promise you, it does happen. (As a side note: if you ever use the phrase ‘bonus hole boy’ in front of me I will block you instantly. I hate nothing more than that.)

Remy is a service switch. He’s happy to top or bottom, give or receive, dom or sub; some trans people may have strict preferences just like cis people. 

Thanks for reading! I appreciate you. If you’d like to leave a tip and support my getting through daily life and hopefully saving for top surgery, my Ko-Fi is here. I hope this was helpful, and if you have any further questions please do feel free to contact me!

[kali-tmblr]

Thoughts on RWBY7: Part 2 Characters

(Crossposted to Amino) As I said, if their pattern holds I'm expecting to see new threads and weapons at the start of Volume 7, a ton of exposition in the center, and a bit of character development and romantic pairing off towards the end. (Please prove me wrong, Rooster Teeth! Break the pattern!). We've covered the exposition, now let's talk about the characters.

Costumes: snow clothes. 'nuff said.

Weapons: Gambol Shroud needs to be repaired or replaced. I've never been comfortable with throwing a loaded Glock around and having it fire in midair. (Granted, you could probably only do that with a Glock, but still....)

Prosthetics: As this is Cybernetics Central, we may get some work on Maria's eyes and/or Yang's arm.

Character Development: using the principle of turn-based character development, Jaune, Ren, Nora, and Maria will probably sit this one out. So will Blake and Yang, unless it's related to Yang's PTSD (I'll write a separate post about that.) Ruby's potential for growth in this season is largely reactive, and depends on what her enemies (Tyrian, Cinder, Neo, maybe Penny's father) do. The anger she started to feel in V5 is something she will eventually have to learn to handle, but if they continue with the slow burn that won't really start to be a problem until the next leg of their journey. The characters we are most likely to see develop are:

Weiss: she's literally shaking at the prospect of meeting Jaques again. Until she no longer fears him, her character arc won't be complete. Now's the perfect time to work on that.

Qrow: Everything he based his life, his self worth, and his self-identity on just shattered. He renounced his family in favor of what he thought was a higher purpose, and that higher purpose just crumbled to dust on the snow. With the exception of protecting the kids, he has nothing left, and the kids don't need so much protecting any more. In Chapter 9 you could tell that he had already begun to question his life choices. "Every step I took, every choice I made, has led me here." What choices? I have no doubt he's done some questionable deeds as Ozpin's agent "for the greater good". Now he has to ask if they were really worth the price. Sometime fairly soon he or someone else is going to be having a very pointed conversation with him, and he will have another such conversation with Ozpin. Then he has to decide what he does with the rest of his life. Problems with the voice actor aside, this was always going to be a rough time for Qrow.

(One of the reasons I keep mentioning the uncertainty over plot order is that problems with the VA increases the likelihood things will get juggled. I think I know about a third of what's going to happen in the next three volumes, but not the order RT will choose to tackle it.)

Oscar: he's 14, has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and has been thrown into a completely different environment. Psychologically, there's no way to prevent him from developing.

Ozpin: he's been suffering from severe depression (and not hiding it very well) since Volume 1. Now he's had the root cause thrust in his face. Such trauma demands growth. Ozpin talks about rising to meet challenges. It's time he demonstrates it. He also owes both Qrow and Ironwood apologies and explanations. But that may get delayed to Volume 8 depending on plot order.

Also, if I'm right about one of the goals of the cybernetics program being to separate the Ozma entity from its host and give it a separate body, that's something whose implications Ozpin and Oscar will have to deal with.

Ironwood: Depending on plot order, we'll reach Ironwood either this volume or the next. When we do his trust issues are bound to be triggered.

Penny and Penny's creator: again, their development is coming, but whether it happens in 7, 8, or 9 depends on plot order. But Penny's creator is bound to have some issues with her erstwhile friends.

Atlas personnel: I'm sure we'll learn more about various Atlesians, but the only others I am expecting to show character development as opposed to character revelation in V7 are Winter, maybe Flynt and Neon, and possibly Whitley. We simply don't know enough about anyone else for it to qualify as "development" in V7. (I doubt Jaques is capable of growth, except as an asshole.)

Adam: won't be missed by anyone who knew of his recent activities. May be missed by those who didn't, especially if he originally came from Solitas. Blake has a general tendency to brood, but it was literally kill or be killed, and she will probably make her peace with that. Yang has no innate tendency to brood. If she has problems, they'll fall under the general PTSD plot. I'll write about that separately.

Cinder: does Cinder really think she can get back in Salem's (meager) good graces by engineering a technical foul regarding Salem's orders? That's egomania on a grand scale. Salem will see right through it. So, as Tai Yang asked, which way will she go?

Salem: a person confident of loyalty wouldn't keep bringing up the cost of disloyalty. Salem is increasingly getting thwarted, and that's starting to affect her minions as well as herself. Both she and her team only mention Atlas as a potential roadblock in the way of her plans for Vacuo. And Atlas itself has come up with an easy solution to that roadblock. **snip**

So the question becomes, does she value the Relics enough to retrieve them before cutting the cord? If her ultimate goal is to summon the gods to a world at war, yes. If not, no.

Tyrian: now has a personal interest in Ruby as well as Jaune. What we don't know is how disciplined Tyrian is. Will he put Salem's wishes over his own? Or, like Cinder, will he be out for personal revenge?

Neo: at present we have no idea how far she will go for revenge, and against whom.

Emerald and Mercury: will these two start to look for a way out? Maybe, but I am not expecting them to try anything yet.

Romantic entanglements: RWBY has never introduced a character and successfully paired them off in the same volume. So any bonding in V7 will probably be among pre-existing characters. That gives us a limited pool to work with. Potentials are:

Blake/Yang: after so much in V6 I'm not actually expecting anything in V7 -- with one caveat. With it's military culture Atlas is the perfect place to explore the deeper implications of Yang's PTSD, and the toll it takes on partners. I'm honestly expecting that plot to be the romantic development of 8 or 9. Again, I don't know what their order will be.

Qrow/Winter: Qrow's pretty broken right now, and Winter doesn't seem to tolerate weakness. It would be a major stretch on her part this soon. Maybe later.

Flynt/Weiss: I think this one has potential. Both of these people started off with such limited views of the other, and now they are growing. I think they could make beautiful music together.

Ruby/Oscar: if Ozpin stays quiet for a long, long time.

Of course characters might be introduced in V7 who pair off later, but that's my best bets for the current field.

PS: One thing I forget to mention in Part 1 is that we don't know how far Rooster Teeth is willing to go with Atlas as a metaphor for the United States. Between systemic racism and income inequality, issues with a closed border, an overblown military, a superiority tendency, and a sliiiiight persecution complex, there's plenty to work with.

Oh, and giant mechs. We're in Mech Central, so there's bound to be bigger and snazzier mechs than we've seen before.

[skybournerp]

“I don’t do magic. I do science. One takes brains, the other takes eyeliner“

A B O U T

Name: Taylor Burns Nickname: Tay Age: Twenty Date & Place of Birth: August 7th, 1997 & New Brunswick, NJ Sexuality: Gynosexual Pronouns: They/Them Faceclaim: Bex Taylor-Klaus Alternate FCs: Kaitlyn Alexander Status: OPEN

M O R E

Major & Minor: Engineering Classification: Sophomore Occupation: Student, School Maintenance, & Inventor Rank: Hero Support Power: None 

P E R S O N A L I T Y

+  inventive, even-tempered, perceptive -  blunt, know-it-all, uptight

B I O G R A P H Y

Being born as the only child of David and Deborah Burns (also known as The Defender and The Punisher) caused high expectations to be placed on Taylor from the beginning. From the moment they were old enough, they were enrolled in karate classes. This was both for their parents’s peace of mind, as well as preparing them early on for following in their footsteps in a life of fighting crime. And while Taylor was decent at it, they were never the top of the class. The same could be said about their grades in school. Even though they made above average grades, they weren’t a stand out student as was expected of them.

When Taylor turned eleven, their parents came clean about identity. Two days after their birthday, they were sat down in the living room and told that when the two of them left on a ‘city emergency’ it was in the literal sense. They fought villains that threatened the safety of civilians and one-day Taylor would be doing the same. From that day forward, Taylor’s parents held a monthly combat session. In their ‘secret lair’, they would have Taylor train with some of their equipment, slowly trying to push Taylor’s limits to set off their power. These sessions only became more frustrating as they continued to show no signs of inheriting a power. They would skip the sessions and hide away in the office - taking apart the computer and putting it back together again. Tinkering with technology became a release for them. It was something they had complete control over, as opposed to their powers.

Although Taylor had yet to show any inking of having powers, they were still sent to a super-hero high school when they were fourteen. It was here that Taylor developed a fascination for superpowers. Since they weren’t a pressure point, they could observe others using their own powers and appreciate how unique each one was, and how differently everyone used their powers either in combat or on a day to day basis. And during high school, they got the idea to make weaponry that mimicked these abilities. Even if their parents still clung to the hope that Taylor would develop powers, they had accepted that they never would and searched for their own loop hole. They were heavily involved with the Robotics Club and won first place in the state competition.

As college application time rolled around, Taylor’s parents strongly encouraged them to apply for their Alma Mater, Skybourne. Maybe, just maybe, they were an extremely late bloomer. At first, Taylor resented the idea, but still sent in an application, merely to save face. But when they got in contact with the engineering program, Taylor found out that the school was particularly impressed with that they had achieved in high school. If Taylor was to attend Skybourne, they could continue to work on their inventions. The fact that they had been accepted to the school due to their own accomplishments (and not the identity of their parents) and could continue their work without having to steal materials was incentive enough. So even though they had no super powers, they decided to go to a university full of them.

F A M I L Y

Deborah Burns (mother - alive) David Burns (father - alive)

C O N N E C T I O N S

Ryan Lopez: Taylor was eager to learn more about prosthetics and had been contacted by Ryan in regards to a rather fascinating project; creating a prosthetic compatible with super powers. Problem is, they’re not sure how they feel about Ryan.

Bethany Fletcher: They first met half-way through Taylor's first year. They had been working on an online project but running into troubles with the coding so they asked Beth for help. With how helpful Beth was, Taylor has made a note that she is a reliable source.

[yaltonrp-blog]

Congratulations Becca! You have been accepted for the role of Hiro Komatsu with the FC of Sen Mitsuji. We found Hiro fascinating and look forward to seeing where you take him. Please send us an account within the next 24 hours with the ask and submit boxes open.

Welcome to Yalton! We look forward to roleplaying with you.

OOC:

Name/Alias: Becca

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Age: 17

Timezone: EST

Activity Level: I’d say a solid 7. Like everyone, there are days where I’m more active and eager to roleplay than others, but I usually do take time to come onto my character account everyday and at my worst, my replies will take place every other day.

Things you aren’t willing to write: Smut

IC:

Biography Info:

Character Name: Hiro Komatsu

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Gender: Cis Male

Age: 22

Major/Position: Philosophy Major

FC: Sen Mitsuji

Biography:

The Komatsu family has always been the epitome of elegance in their town of Hiraizumi, Japan. Ancient Japanese culture and practices still run deep in the town to this day, with it’s agriculture based economy and plethora of historic monuments. At the age of eight, Hiro knew that the small town life would never accompany him as he visited Tokyo for a distant relative’s wedding. The most people Hiro had ever seen in one place at one time were the 103 kids in his year gathered together for an assembly. It was safe to say that stepping off the train and into Tokyo city was unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. Since that day, Hiro was obsessed with the thought of leaving his town to go live somewhere new and exciting, preferably somewhere far away from the farmer filled town of Hiraizumi.

Hiro wasn’t so much of a bad kid as he was a trouble maker. He was anything but neglected, but it’s safe to say his older brother Sho received the most attention from his family. With Sho’s stellar grades and a full ride scholarship for basketball to the University of Tokyo, Hiro couldn’t help but be kept in his 6′5″ brother’s shadow. While eighteen year old Sho was meeting up with the Prime Minister to be condemned for his amazing academic achievements, Hiro was being suspended from school, this time for stealing his teacher’s grade book and altering his friend’s grades. Hiro was stealthy, so if he wanted to get away with little things like that he could, it’s just that the chase was a lot more fun.

While Hiro’s father was born in Japan, his mother is from Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. She came to Japan to teach English and eventually met Minato Komatsu, and the rest was history. Though Hiro was aware of his family in the states, he never actually met them. With only a measly seven cousins residing in Japan, Hiro’s mother explained how she was one of eight, and there’s over thirty other relatives from her side of the family he’s never met. It seemed as if his seventh suspension was the last straw from his parents, as the day he turned fourteen, Hiro was fresh prince’d all the way to Philly to stay with the grandparents he often forgot existed.

Philidelphia was incredibly different from Hiraizumi, but in every way Hiro had hoped it would be. The schools were bigger, people more diverse, and Hiro had learned to prefer the savory American food over the traditional Japanese dishes back home. Though his family feared the culture shock would take him by surprise, they could have never imagined he’d fit in so nicely. Hiro was initially only supposed to reside in Philly for a year, but he was doing so well that his parents decided to allow him to stay for however long he pleased. Although he was considered very smart back in Japan, here in Philly his intelligence was exceptional as he quickly became the top of his high school class. While his peers struggled with teenage angst during high school, Hiro had never felt better. Hiro had girls, boys, and pretty much everyone else he wanted at the tip of his fingers, because who wouldn’t be attracted to the smart yet bad boy from Japan?

His bad behavior stopped in school, but that didn’t prohibit Hiro from engaging in less than admirable activities behind his family’s back. He became quite good at holding his alcohol as Hiro had a party almost every time his grandparents were out of town. If he wasn’t hosting one, he was most certainly attending one. Starting the third week he entered America, Hiro went to a house party at least five times a month. He’d get black out drunk or higher than heaven with his friends, something his family failed to realize until he was seventeen and headed home from what must’ve been his thousandth party. With only a visa, Hiro couldn’t drive, so he was dependent on his buddies to bring him home from whatever they had been doing that night. Though he knew better, his friends didn’t, and decided it would be a good idea to drive everyone home intoxicated. Paramedics arrived at the scene seven minutes after the crash to find the bottom half of the car 100 feet away from the scene of the accident, the tree the car hit completely toppled over, and no survivors except for Hiro who’s legs were completely shattered and stuck between the passenger’s seat and dashboard.

Hiro’s left leg was able to be saved, but his right one was forced to be amputated below the knee as it was completely mutilated. While the rest of his body was practically untouched besides for a few wounds requiring sistches, Doctors didn’t realize there was something else wrong with Hiro until four months after the accident during his last days in rehab. Due to the car stopping so fast while going such a high speed, Hiro’s upper body went right through the windowshield and into the tree which eventually toppled over the car. The impact caused parts of his skull to shatter and enter his frontal lobe, a problem that was presumed solved by an immediate surgery. However, that proved to not be the case once the frontal lobe damage became prominent in his behavior. The once charismatic and somewhat sweet boy quickly became a mix of all different personalities in one. Mood changes had become frequent, and the smallest things would now set Hiro off. His volatile behavior spontaneity had quickly become the main concern for those around him.

As he learned to live with his prosthetic and had been attending a therapist daily, now eighteen year old Hiro was sent home a total of five months after the accident. He finished his senior year by taking summer school classes and being tutored. It was harder to concentrate but still proved manageable as Hiro graduated with one of the highest GPA’s in high class. His family back in Japan flew over for a weekend as they had a party in celebration of this accomplishment, but it seemed as if everyone returned to their daily lives except for Hiro himself. He had plans to apply to some of the biggest colleges in the US for Computer Science, but the accident caused him to lost passion for most things in life. Instead, Hiro decided to take a gap year, getting a job at a local diner. It’s surprising how many tips a crippled nineteen year old with a pretty smile can make.

Eventually Hiro started applying to colleges again. He was lucky enough to take the SATs during his Junior year a earn a near perfect score, but it was still difficult getting accepted almost two years after graduating high school, However it wasn’t all for nothing as Hiro opened what he thought would be his fifth rejection letter only to find out that come fall, he’d proudly be a Yak. Though his battles are far from over, Hiro can proudly say he’s doing better. Weekly therapy sessions and time to himself has improved his behavior immensely, but there are times where he’s set off by some seemingly meaningless things. There’s still a long way to go, but for the first time in his life, Hiro can say he’s actually excited for the future.

State at least one headcanon about the character:

Ever since his accident, Hiro has refused to touch any alcoholic beverage. Although the crash wasn’t his fault, he can’t help but feel responsible for not doing something. He’s been told all his life that coke and rum mix, but booze and driving do not. Hiro is terrified that for any instance if he were to consume alcohol again that history will somehow repeat itself.

Though most expect him to be a womanizer of sorts, Hiro has always identified as pansexual. Sure, he’s flirty with the ladies, but his interests are not influenced by gender identity. He constantly says how his love for another isn’t with the body, but the mind. Hiro is unapologetically proud of his sexuality and greatly values the time it took for him to understand that being so is okay.

Japanese is his first language and he didn’t learn English until age eight.

He has a strong dislike for all of social media except Instagram, where he constantly posts pictures of the most random things he can think of. If it’s artsy enough, Hiro will snap a photo and upload it in minutes. He does use other social media as well but only to keep up with his friends, as he rarely posts any of his own content on there.

Traditional Japanese instrumental is his favorite type of music to listen to, however he is also a big fan of Alternative rock and Grunge bands like Nirvana, Sublime, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The two contrasting genres are an accurate representation of Hiro’s personality.

If you were to tell high school Hiro that he’d be majoring in Philosophy, he probably would’ve laughed in your face. Up until his accident, he was set in stone that he’d be majoring in something having to do with technology. However, in the past few years Hiro has been plagued with a constant question regarding everything: Why? He’s always been interested in theory, and as his love for science dwindled, his passion for the study of ideas about almost everything rose.

He doesn’t exactly know what job he wishes to pursue come graduation, so he presumes graduate school will be his next step.

[kathleenseiber]

‘Noisy’ neurons put a limit on visual perception

The ability to make fine visual discriminations between two stimuli runs up against a natural barrier that large groups of “noisy” neurons behaving similarly create, according to research with mice.

The new research helps solve a longstanding mystery about how brains manage to process information so accurately, despite the fact that individual neurons, or nerve cells, act with a surprising degree of randomness.

The findings in Nature offer new insights into the limits of perception and could aid in the design of so-called neuroprosthetics—devices that enable people to regain some lost sensory capabilities.

In the new study, the researchers measured the activity of neurons in mice brains as the rodents visually discriminated between similar, but not identical, imagery. By analyzing data gathered from around 2,000 simultaneously recorded neurons in each mouse, the researchers discovered strong supporting evidence for a theory that “correlated noise” in neural activity causes perceptual limitations.

In essence, because neurons are highly interconnected, when one randomly responds incorrectly and misidentifies an image, it can influence other neurons to make the same mistake.

“You can think of correlated noise like a type of ‘groupthink,’ in which neurons can act like lemmings, with one heedlessly following another into making a mistake,” says co-senior author Surya Ganguli, an associate professor of applied physics at Stanford University.

Remarkably, the visual system is able to cut through about 90% of this neuronal noise, but the remaining 10% places a limit on how finely we can discern between two images that look very similar.

“With this study, we’ve helped resolve a puzzle that’s been around for over 30 years about what limits mammals—and by extension humans—when it comes to sensory perception,” says co-senior author Mark Schnitzer, a professor of biology and of applied physics and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Thousands of neurons

To obtain the huge sample set of a couple thousand neurons per mouse, lead author Oleg Rumyantsev, a graduate student in applied physics at Stanford, spearheaded construction of a special type of apparatus for brain imaging. Within this experimental setup, a mouse could run in place on a treadmill while scientists used optical microscopy to observe neurons in its primary visual cortex. This brain region is responsible for integrating and processing visual information received from the eye.

The mice in the study were genetically engineered to express sensor proteins that fluoresce and report the levels of activity of neurons in the cortex; when the neurons activate, these proteins give off more light, allowing the researchers to infer the cells’ activity patterns.

Sweeping a set of 16 laser beams across the mouse’s visual cortex illuminated the neurons and initiated the fluorescence process, allowing the researchers to watch how the cortical neurons responded to the two different visual stimuli. The presented stimuli were similar-looking images consisting of light and dark bands, known from previous research to really grab murine attention.

Based on how the neurons responded, the researchers could gauge the visual cortex’s ability in distinguishing between the two stimuli. Each stimulus generated a distinct pattern of neuronal response, with many neurons coding for either stimulus 1 or stimulus 2. Fidelity, however, was far from perfect, given neurons’ innate randomness.

On some presentations of the visual stimuli, some neurons miscued and signaled the wrong stimulus. Due to the groupthink of correlated noise, when one neuron got it wrong, other neurons sharing common inputs from the mouse’s retina and subsequent parts of the visual circuitry were also more likely to make the same mistake.

It was only possible to uncover the true impact of this correlated noise because the researchers were able to observe a large set of neurons simultaneously.

“Correlated noise only really manifests when you go up to about a thousand neurons, so before our study, it simply was not possible to see this effect,” Ganguli says.

Our noisy brains and visual perception

With regard to visual discrimination tasks, though, the brain still does awfully well in cutting through the sheer volume of neuronal noise. Overall, around 90% of the noise fluctuations did not impede visual signal coding accuracy in the neurons. Instead, only the remaining 10% of correlated noise negatively affected accuracy, and thus limited the brain’s ability to perceive.

“The correlated noise does place a bound on what the cortex can do,” says Schnitzer.

The findings suggest that once a suitably large set of neurons (or artificial, neuron-like processing elements) are available, throwing more neurons at a sensory discrimination problem might not substantially boost performance. That insight could help developers of brain prosthetics—the best-known of which is a cochlear implant for the hearing-impaired—learn to achieve more with less.

“If you want to build the best possible sensory prosthetic device, you may only need to cue into, say, 1,000, neuron-like elements, because if you try to cue into more, you may not do any better,” says Ganguli.

Future experiments could examine if the correlated noise limitations, revealed in the new study, also limit other senses beyond vision.

Funding for the study came from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Science Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the McKnight Foundation, the James S. McDonnell Foundation, the Simons Foundations, and the National Institutes of Health.

Source: Adam Hadhazy for Stanford University

The post ‘Noisy’ neurons put a limit on visual perception appeared first on Futurity.

‘Noisy’ neurons put a limit on visual perception published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/

[myxineye]

Not mean to be rude,but can we get to know more facts about Kestrel please?: )

YES!! KESTREL MY FRIEND KESTREL ^_^

I've been looking for an excuse to drop some stuff about Kestrel after editing their backstory a little bit, if you’re interested in the whole backstory it’s under the keep reading tab! But for now, here’s some random facts about Kestrel:

Frequently whistles and sings to himself

Has a habit of cleaning their prosthetics often; the last thing you’d wanna worry about in the middle of battle is getting an infection from your own arms. Over time, cleaning their weapons just turned into something they do to calm themself.

Kestrel has some problems managing how much pressure to apply to things with their arms; if you go for a high five with them, there’s a chance they might break your hand. Recently though, that chance is getting smaller as Quincy continues to make more modifications to their arms

Upper body is full of scars, most notably burn scars, due to some past accidents with their arms. They make sure to cover them when in public though

Needs to wear a special spinal brace when using bulkier arm weapons; otherwise they’d get bad back pain trying to carry everything around

Despite knowing fully well the Armada are clockworks and not alive, Kestrel still feels a kind of kinship with them. Maybe it’s because of their identity problems as a cyborg, or the fact that the Armada treated them better than the Dogs ever had (of course, it was because Kestrel was useful to the Armada, which they’re also aware of), but they can’t bring themself to think of the Armada as only machines. 

At one point, Quincy made them a mechanical falcon as a gift, which Kestrel nicknamed Ava. They like to use it to send messages to people, and sometimes the two can be heard singing/whistling together :)

Anyways the full backstory for Kestrel here!

██████ “Kestrel” ████████

36 years old

Any pronouns

Musketeer + Buccaneer

Backstory:

Kestrel isn’t their actual name, but a codename given during their time in Her Majesty’s Secret Service; they’ve long forgotten their original name. Growing up, they led a fairly ordinary life in Marleybone, but one fateful night led to both the death of their parents and the loss of their arms. They were found on the verge of death by a certain M, who brought them to a hospital and eventually convinced them to join the Secret Service, to follow in the steps of their parents (but honestly it was just an excuse to test some experimental weapons through prosthetics, it was an extension of the golem program). Not having anything else to do and feeling grateful that M saved their life, Kestrel agreed to join – and from then on, they were given the codename Kestrel and served essentially as a living weapon and test subject. It was also during this time Kestrel met Quincy, who was by then an established engineer working on irregular duty in Marleybone (Quincy's backstory is more extensive and all over the place, but they're the one person tying every oc together so of course I gotta mention them here).

Over time, Kestrel became disillusioned with their role and grew to detest M. They were always regarded differently by the others because of their cyborg status, and anyways, they had a lot of childhood trauma that never got touched on until later on in life. As a personal act of rebellion, Kestrel secretly defected to the Armada, giving away valuable intel including schematics of advanced Marleybonian tech and insight into how the spy system works there – they even helped to plant and create their own Armada spy ring in Her Majesty’s Secret Service. 

After a while of doing all that, it seemed Kestrel decided to just… one day disappear. Marleybone never found out about Kestrel’s betrayal, declaring him as MIA, and the Armada simply does not know where they went. In reality, after hearing about Nora and Valentina’s departure from the Armada, Kestrel decided she wanted to follow suit -- they just didn’t want anything to do with politics or world powers anymore. They never had a chance to grow up, instead being thrown directly in the army as a child and forced to grow up under the scrutiny eyes of others, without being able to make any decisions for herself -- Kestrel just got tired, yaknow, wanted a new start and a new life and everything, they wanted their own freedom and wanted to act however they want.

Using what little information they could gather with where Nora and Valentina could’ve gone, Kestrel eventually caught up with Nora and Quincy. Since then, the three of them have been traveling the skyways together 👍

[scannain]

Under the presidency of Benicio Del Toro (Puerto Rican-American actor), the Un Certain Regard Jury of Annemarie Jacir(Palestinian director and writer), Kantemir Balagov (Russian director), Virginie Ledoyen (French actress) and Julie Huntsinger (American executive director, Telluride Film Festival) ‑ really came up with the goods in awarding the top prize to Ali Abassi’s Gräns (Border) from Denmark-Sweden. A surprising film that navigates between genres in the deftest ways unimaginable, making it one of those films that renews the viewer’s attention as it (s)trolls to its destination. It begins by making what seems like well-meaning points about beauty and ugliness before promiscuously borrowing from Nordic mythology to create its own magical realism.

At a banal customs post in a ferry station, Tina discretely sniffs and her eyes cross inquisitively as she inspects passengers and senses those who are guilty of anything from too many bottles of booze to kiddy porn on a usb key. She has a special animal like instinct that senses things other humans can’t. She is immediately suspicious of Vore who bears an uncanny resemblance to her own particular ‘ugliness’. She knows he is up to something but, despite her ESP, she could hardly imagine what other-worldly shenanigans this could be. It is an epic film about the extremes of identity and belonging that becomes a powerful voyage of discovery for Tina. Any more information would spoil the audience’s own voyage of discovery, suffice it to say the actors’ performances and ‘natural’ prosthetics are uncanny.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Who then is Teheran-born Danish filmmaker, Ali Abassi, to invent such a cinematic UFO? In an interview published in Nordisk’s site he speaks for himself:

Around 10 years ago, a friend of mine told me about Border a short story by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It stayed in my mind. Then I was offered to work on it. I felt that probably no one else would make a movie out of it because it’s a very challenging material. Most happens in the characters’ minds. I also liked the fact that it’s a universal story about identity, but with an edge.

…Co-writer, Isabella Eklöf, is a fellow director as well [she directed Holidays] who is interested in psychological realism, just like me. The central character being a woman, Isabella was more apt to write intricate details of how Tina should act or react. The major changes we did were adding a crime investigation sub-plot and a darker tone to the romantic story. I’m interested in the dark side of human consciousness, the existential problems that people are facing.

…(Border) is mostly a love story and about Tina choosing who she wants to be, and the experience of being part of a minority. Anyone can relate to that feeling, where your existence is not given, and you have to abide to rules set by others.

…I started as a writer and I’m very inspired by the magic realism wave of Latin American writers, like Gabriel García Márques, Carlos Fuentes. The most important literary device they use is to combine fantasy and realism. To capture life, and inner life, you need different layers. This is why the dreams, hallucinations of the characters are as real as their everyday life and part of their reality.

…Eva Melander and Finnish actor Eero Milonoff for the main roles were simply the best but it took me one and a half year of casting to find them! They are true character actors and went through major physical changes such as gaining 20 kg each! They were literally 100% body and soul into their parts.

Other prizes went to:

Best Screenplay: Sofia by Meryem Benm’barek, a tale of illicit pregnancy in contemporary Casablanca with a sharp immoral twist. Best Performance: Victor POLSTER for Girl by Belgian director Lukas Dhont, recounting the balletic traumas of a teenage gender transition. Best Director: Sergei Loznitsa for Donbass, a gratingly realistic analysis of human foibles in Russian occupied South Eastern Ukraine Jury Special Prize: Chuva É Cantoria Na Aldeia Dos Mortos (The Dead and the Others) by João Salaviza and Renée NADER MESSORA, a Brazilian docudrama of the survival and ethos of one of the hundreds of endangered peoples.

#Cannes18: Gräns (Border) wins Un Certain Regard Under the presidency of Benicio Del Toro (Puerto Rican-American actor), the Un Certain Regard Jury of…

[thewalkingdeaxter]

Worldwide Delivery Corporations Are Able to Heat To The duty Of Getting Parcels To Finland

The Finnish inhabitants is 5.35million, and they live in a country which is predominantly formed of lakes (more than 187,000), and islands, which number nearly 180,000. Eighty-six per cent of the land space is lined by forest. The nation has three main airports, serving the capital, Helsinki, and the cities of Tampere and Turku. It is straightforward to make the arrangements to ship a parcel to Finland. An internet search will reveal many worldwide supply corporations which serve the nation. Log in or Create Account to put up a comment. Publisher: Jamie Francis Firstly of the twenty first century, Sydney leapt to world prominence when it hosted what many have seen as the most profitable Olympic Games ever. Because the world was getting into a new millennium, the games laid down a template which challenged different cities across the globe to emulate it – and some would argue that we are nonetheless waiting for that to happen. People had been welcome to walk across the gardens of River Cottage and we picked up fairly a number of concepts ourselves. Garden staff have been available to reply any questions that individuals had, this is barely a small part. This was a stall I was completely fascinated with, it was set up by Andrea Cunningham of Jacdor simply click on on the hyperlink to go to her website. She promotes wool from the Jurassic Coast and had stunning cushions and rugs that she had woven herself, she even gave weaving demonstrations to kids on the loom you possibly can see. This is a brand new enterprise and you can see what a number of thought and work has gone into it. Her produce is so professional, presented effectively and of fantastic quality. A lovely friendly couple, James and Maggie, did a roaring commerce in porridge, mueslis, bread mixes and grains that they grow on their farm. They had been milling throughout the day and were promoting breakfast to traders hours earlier than the gates opened to guests as folks knew from previous years how good their food was. There was additionally quite a lot of dwell music enjoying all day outdoors the soup kitchen, Dodo Bones played on each days and had a drumkit fabricated from pans they had individuals humming alongside as they walked past. We had such an awesome time that it didn't really feel like work at all. Thank you to all people at River Cottage for all the exhausting work that should have gone into making this such a terrific occasion.

The materials which can be used to make the body of the toy are presumably another angle to have a look at. Sometimes the merchandise are made from plastic. In other cases, they could also be wood or a mixture of each. For Sale These materials could affect how previous of a baby can use the object. You can find a nice collection of this merchandise online. You may try the company websites to see the designs as well as other particulars of the merchandise. You might be able to order such merchandise from the positioning as nicely. The ordering course of is often made to be quite easy. The accepted fee methods are inclined to range depending on the company. Rocking animals which might be made to be delicate and plush can easily turn out to be a child’s favourite toy. These items are enjoyable and cuddly at the same time. The merchandise are available in all types of designs so that the younger one can select their favorite toy. There are some other variations between the items. The size is one facet that you just may want to examine on as nicely because the supplies used to make the item. You can often discover this info on the corporate website. Read extra about Lovable Plush Rocking Animals Available In All Sorts Of Designs.

The park also gives a 'Fun Farm' which is highly regarded among younger youngsters and their each day events also attracts many guests to the park each day. The park is surround by an exquisite Victorian walled backyard and is residence to wonder array of tropical plants which thrive in the mild local weather of Cornwall. In 2005 the parks Jungle Barn play centre was opened providing a large choice of things for the children to do when the weather is wet and chilly. This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of West Cornwall Cottage Holidays who offer Cornwall country cottage holidays and Porthcurno Cottages. Log in or Create Account to publish a remark. Publisher: Jeffrey Hollister Parents in Greenville, South Carolina know that getting kids to see their dentist can typically be a nigh-unattainable activity. Writer: naira The Japanese Ninja stories have all the time fascinated the folks the world over. So we’re able to assist create those new prosthetics for them. JULIA GRIFFIN: Exotic animals aside, Campana estimates 90 % of the greater than 10,000 patients he’s handled are man’s greatest buddy. DERRICK CAMPANA: We love the tales the place, every morning, the dog will carry the device to the owner’s toes and say, hey, it’s time to rise up and stroll and be a canine again. JULIA GRIFFIN: Derby is certainly one of his most well-known. DERRICK CAMPANA: Derby is a type of congenital cases, delivery defect. We had been in a position to three-D-scan the legs and design these legs in three-D upon these positive molds and construct these three-dimensional plastic prostheses with a three-D printer. JULIA GRIFFIN: He can’t help every patient, Campana is glad prosthetics might be an alternative to pricey surgeries or putting an animal down. DERRICK CAMPANA: Seeing these dogs walk again, and their tails wag, and their eyes glitter once more, and it’s simply the perfect feeling on the planet. And it’s a job I will do till I die.

Find out if you have received them. In case you do -- get rid of them earlier than you bring your alpacas residence! Plant identification hyperlinks are listed under. Your county agricultural agent will probably be your greatest friend in helping you to identify local problem plants.- Grass. If you are ready to keep up a pasture with nutritional pasture grass, your hay invoice will likely be considerably less! Safety. Is your pasture full of trash? When you're feeling snug working by your pasture barefoot -- it is probably protected enough for your alpacas! Holes. In case your pasture has been inhabited by groundhogs, moles, voles, and even crayfish -- you'll need to consider whether or not or not the holes are damaged-legs waiting to happen. And they in all probability are. If you live within driving distance of the breeder you purchased your alpacas from - please invite them over and ask for his or her enter regarding these subjects. They know the world, they know the needs of their alpacas, and they will need their alpacas to be effectively taken care of. And if you don't stay inside driving distance, just decide up the telephone! This is without doubt one of the might perks related to shopping for your alpacas from a reputable breeder. And -- since we're speaking about what to include in our pastures, we additionally must cowl what to exclude from our pastures. So - listed below are three consumer-pleasant hyperlinks that discuss poisonous plants. It is a hyperlink to hyperlinks! The Maryland Small Ruminant Page did an excellent job of assembling Poisonous Plants and Different Plant Toxins. Way too could matters to checklist -- you might spend a month right here! If you happen to would like to link to this site -- link away! Our intention is to coach the public. In case you can assist us do so -- many thanks! Unclaimed photos, narration & site building by Lisa Olsen of Alpaca Atlantic of Tennessee LLC. Feedback, suggestions, input, output?

Congratulations to Chas and Rachel at Classical MileEnd for the win, an incredible outcome for them, he is a cracking trying male, and an amazing outcome for breeders of brown alpacas. Now if we will just ensure that the next brown supreme champion is owned by a proper brown breeder and that it is me every part will be dandy! It did not begin well. I was up at silly o'clock on Thursday morning to get the present workforce (the 4 brown boys) loaded for the trek into Devon. There had been a heavy dew they usually were soaked. For sure I used to be in a pretty foul mood once i left. We had been admiring them within the sunshine the day before and stated it would be good to get them into the ring in that situation. For the primary 30 miles or so I was muttering obscenities to myself. A small amount of train can be required for the Maltese breed though he or she should not be taken out in extreme cold or heavy rain. Extreme cold for Maltese stuffed animals won't be a problem, however permitting its beautiful silky coat to get wet would not be advisable, even at the best of times. You need to do no matter it takes to maintain a Maltese stuffed animals coat as dry as potential. And final but not least, like with the Maltese breed, Maltese stuffed animals require loads of love and attention the extra you give, the more you'll get again in return. Angeline Hope is a collector of large stuffed animal toys. You can view a choice of big stuffed animal toys including massive stuffed canine toys such because the Maltese at MyBigPlush. Log in or Create Account to post a remark. Publisher: Angeline Hope A jumbo stuffed animal is just a celebration of all comfortable toys nice and small. Writer: Angeline Hope A life size stuffed animal is self-explanatory: a stuffed animal that is identical size as the actual factor.

[ashilean]

Ghost in the Shell (2017) Roundup and Review

I’ve been thinking about writing this since the night that I saw it, but for some reason it’s taken me the month to actually get around to writing it.  Maybe you’ve heard all you need to hear, and even then not sure why you want my outlook on it, but here it is.  I also think it should be noted that most of my comparisons to ‘source material’ are to the 1995 film and none of the other adaptations.  That said, I also don’t want it to be viewed as me pitting the films up against each other when I do make comparisons.

Rupert Sanders’ Ghost in the Shell is really good in certain areas and lackluster in others.  It has a brilliantly realized world, and some really good pieces of writing.  The areas that feel mundane feel like they can be credited to a kind of same-y Hollywood blandness, unfortunately not taking as many risks as I think would have benefited it.  But coming from a director who’s biggest project prior to this was Snow White and the Huntsman, and a screenwriter with no previous claim to fame, it’s impressive, even with it’s spouts of generic action and writing.

Positives:

Certain scenes, like the opening scene, chase scene, and spider tank scene, are recreated beautifully, and sometimes even shot for shot.  As a fan of the original film, this was particularly cool.

The setting is perhaps the strongest part of the film.  From skyline shots to the prosthetics on passersby, the internationally inspired version of Niihama has never looked quite so good.  Extra props to Batou’s car, the holographic billboards, and generally all of the prosthetics that appear.

Standing ovation to WETA workshops once more, because the practical effects in this film, of which there are refreshingly many, are really stunning.  This film could stand alongside something like Fury Road as a good example of the marriage between practical effects and CGI.  

Character direction is strong, albeit lackluster for all but the Major and Batou.  But both leads do a fantastic job of portraying the emotional Batou and the cold logic of the Major, not to mention the kind of selfless but very subtle love that has always been present between said characters.

The plot, as a new adaptation, stands solid on it’s own.  With the proper context, it can been seen that the writers picked the most interesting scenes from all of the source material and inserted them into their new narrative, but that works out for the most part.  Taking most of it’s inspiration from the original film and the first season of Stand Alone Complex (From what I understand.  I will admit I have never watched any of Stand Alone Complex), it doesn’t lean on prior knowledge of the setting and still address some of the main questions that have classically been presented by the series.  More on that later.

Negatives

The soundtrack was just drab.  My attention was constantly drawn to it during certain scenes, and never because I was particularly fond of it.  Throughout the whole ‘making of a cyborg’ scene (which was very well done in every other aspect, might I add), I was waiting for the chilling vocals of the original to start.  They never did.  That disappointment is a reasonable way to explain the rest of my feelings about the soundtrack.  

While briefly introduced and maybe having a handful of lines, no other members of Section 9 besides the Major, Batou, and Aramaki are given any considerable character development or screen time.  This is especially a shame because I think casting for certain characters, namely Togusa and Ishikawa, was particularly well done and they could have really brought the characters to life.  Perhaps this could have made the film too scattered, but I think at least a little bit more development would not have been to the detriment of the film.  

The violence was either heavy or lifeless depending on the scene.  We got some really visceral showcases of injury, and there was a lot of downtime.  No one ever just took a bullet and moved on, even the Major was shown being repaired multiple times, which I think is good and all too rare in action films.  On the other hand, all of the gunplay felt a little dull and bloodless, the very mortal repercussions for the leads not translating to their opponents in the slightest.

From certain lines of dialogue to underused characters, most of the shortcomings of this film could be reasonably categorized as missed opportunity.

Major Spoilers/Specific reference to Source Material beyond this point!

Kudos and Nitpicks

I think the Major and Batou’s relationship is handled in a really good way.  Both as squadmates and romantically.  It was never overtly romantic, but scenes like the deep dive really show the uninvited, and arguably unwanted, love that Batou feels towards the Major.  Inversely, her visiting him after the explosion and feeding the strays for him shows that she attempts to return the favour, maybe out of respect, maybe out of affection, it’s never clear.  But that doesn’t stop Batou.  I think this relationship is really integral to those characters, and I’m glad it was well illustrated in this adaptation.  

 “Why are you the one sweating?” she asks him.

I really missed certain lines of dialogue, especially in the scenes that were almost perfectly recreated.  Particularly the conversation about Batou’s car door being insufficient cover against the high-velocity ammo in the chase scene and Batou’s remark about the Major diving in such a heavy metal body in the scene out on the harbour.  While unimportant in the long run, little lines like this help ground the world for me, and I was particularly disappointed that the latter didn’t show up.  

I can’t say this enough, but costume design and the makeup were really outstanding, especially with most of the cybernetics being practical effects.  

Batou’s car.  It’s just a beautiful sci-fi Lotus Esprit and I’m in love.

The Elephant in the Room

While I think a review of this film could reasonably avoid talking about the controversy regarding the Major’s casting, I’m going to, because it ends up factoring into the main thesis of the film.  A question of identity, and therein race, gender, and class, has always been at the heart of Ghost in the Shell.  A world full of both a more globalized international ecosystem and the addition of cybernetics is the perfect place to question identity and what it means, especially with a character like the Major.  Who has, I imagine intentionally, never been very easily identifiable as any race.  

Here’s where things get interesting;  In the storyline of the new adaptation, Motoko Kusanagi was a young Japanese woman who was nearly killed and then put into a caucasian woman’s body and given a caucasian woman’s name.  I couldn’t tell you for sure if this was added after the backlash that the casting news received, but given it’s integral role in the story, I’d be willing to bet it was there from the beginning.  And it seems it was the fact that it was an integral twist that it was never brought up as a clarification or rebuttal to all of the whitewashing hubbub.  It can even be argued that the very Asian inspired geisha cyborgs being hacked and taken advantage of by a (seemingly) Western company is an underlying commentary. But Motoko has always been presented as a character who has to create her own identity, someone who takes on a set of predispositions that we’re not used to, those of being a cyborg, not of any certain race or class.  And I think this is almost addressed in the film.  Almost.

There is a lot of potential for commentary in this film, and while I don’t think a film needs political or societal commentary, that has always been a part of Ghost in the Shell.  They have a prime selection of ways to talk about racism and classism.  They had a character who had one of the major parts of their identity stolen away from them, and then how that character copes with learning about that.  Not to mention the fact that that same character is heavily manufactured and has to fight for just control of her own body.  And again, this is touched on pretty nicely with her reconnection with her mother and her battle against the corporation that’s trying to control her.  

The problem is none of this is presented in a way that really makes you think about it.  It’s all there, and at least for Motoko’s race being taken away from her, it is addressed in small portions here and there.  I think much like its other shortcomings, this kind of dialogue on identity is a missed opportunity, especially in  time where identity in our own world is such a point of contention.  And while Motoko’s identity is still the core of the film, it felt like the film was a little afraid to put too much weight on these questions.  

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this film, both as an adaptation of the beloved 1995 original and as a standalone film.  I’m sure I’m biased in certain ways, being both a huge fan of cyberpunk settings and the original film, but I think that this film really does stand firmly on it’s own feet.  It will always be plagued by lost potential in social commentary and character development, but I think what the film does deliver is nothing short of fantastic.  It gets a firmly positive review from me.

[nezzfiction]

ENMY Chapter 35 - The Trades Made With Fate

Chapter Synopsis: While Yang manages to pass her Semblance's Trial, the accomplishment is not without its cost. As Mercury, Emerald, and Neo get ready to fulfill their assassination contract on Qrow Branwen, their targets enter the Tower.

Series Synopsis: 

Team RWBY is disbanded, and Yang must find herself new allies. For her, that might very well be yesterday's enemies. Joining up with the likes of Emerald, Mercury, and Neo, the four will comprise Team Enemy.

Links to read the series: Ao3 or FF.net

Or hit the jump below

The Trades Made With Fate

.

“You get what you pay for.”

.

.

Beneath the ground, she sensed the heart beat in the earth’s core. Pulsing in a powerful, but slow rhythm. A low bass resonating under the skin. The pounding in her chest synchronized with it.

Its reach branched out like roots from a tree, seeking Remnant’s surface. A way into the light of day. She felt it thread through the air, as clear as she could see them. They weaved like weightless strings. They sang, they hummed, they connected to her like emotion. So surreal and intangible, but at the same time, ever-present.

Her right hand reached out for them, and they gathered to her touch

Yang opened her eyes and the image faded. The scenery before her, replaced by a heavily vegetated area beside a nearby stream. Vibrant greenery filled her vision. The land was overgrown with nature with left unchecked. A small pocket world untouched by civilization.

She felt a warm tingle at the end of her right limb. Aura coursed there and collected.

With some reluctance, she attached her prosthetic to it. The familiar sensation of machine joining with flesh jolted her nerves, waking up her pain receptors.

Yang operated her metal fingers, and they answered her will. Though, something was amiss. Her movements lacked a certain dexterity to them. A sluggishness in the mechanic motions that gave her pause.

She pumped her fist and a cartridge ejected from her forearm. Yang caught it and examined the amount of Dust it held.

The contents indicated it was full.

Yang reloaded it and made Ember Celica’s engines fire briefly.

It drained her Aura like something hungry. The warmth in her limb evaporated with an immediate chill.

That’s not good.

Yang ejected the Dust cartridge again to look at it.

Full.

No change in the amount whatsoever.

With a heavy sigh, she disconnected her prosthetic and set it aside.

Crap.

Seriously, it’s just one thing after another.

Yang gave an annoyed pout. Her good hand started picking at the grass to vent her frustrations.

“Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I did kinda screw those two over,” she said to herself aloud. “It would be weirder if there wasn’t some sort of price. The question is, how am I going to deal with this now…”

She turned around ideas in her head for a while, but came up with nothing.

“Well! I’ll burn that bridge when I come to it.”

“Something we need to worry about?” Raven approached. “For someone who just passed their Semblance Trial, you look oddly displeased.”

“I’m reflecting on the consequences of my actions. The truth is, I might have failed the trial in a different way.”

“Oh, look. Vague speech does run in the family.” Her mother joined her side and started examining her prosthetic arm. “Does it concern your Semblance? You told us you weren’t suffering the negative effects of the Reaper’s Semblance. No bloodlust, no deathly urges or visions?”

“Not a one. It’s not the Semblance that’s the problem. It’s what it cost me…”

“And what exactly was that?”

Yang flipped a shard of Bane in her hand absentmindedly, and then swiftly crunched it between her teeth.

…

No effect.

“A REALLY big handicap,” Yang groaned.

Raven stared at her wide-eyed. “That’s going to be a problem.”

“No kidding.”

“But the life-seeing Semblance, or whatever you’re going to call it?”

“I don’t know everything about it yet. But if you’re wondering if I’m still a force to be reckon with, I’m sure I can still land a fist right where it hurts.”

“As long as you’re not completely defenseless.”

“Yeah. Welp! That’s just the results of the choices I made,” Yang said, while stretching her back. “Just a tradeoff I need to work around.”

“Hmph. I know all about bad tradeoffs.”

The two inhaled deep, taking in the natural air around them. Only the sounds of the forest’s inhabitants filled silence for a while.

“The scenery is nice and everything, but why did you have to come all the way out here?” Raven asked. “You couldn’t do your mediation nearer to the house?”

“I dunno. Life feels more abundant here than anywhere else, and the resonance is good.”

“More things about your mysterious new Semblance?”

“I wonder~”

“Hmph.”

Even now, Raven couldn’t shake off the strange feeling she received from being under Yang’s gaze. She put her hands over her daughter’s eyes in a playful manner, and the younger girl laughed.

“Did you finish saying goodbye to your father?”

“Yup. Ready to go.”

Raven released Yang’s head, and quickly cut open a portal.

A moment later, they both appeared near the entrance to Haven Academy. Just to the side of a building, where they could not be seen.

“That’ll never get boring,” Yang said, as she stepped into the clear. “Wonder if I’ll ever get to do something like that someday.”

“Maybe if you strike a desperate deal with a conniving bitch of a Witch, you might. I wouldn’t recommend it, though.”

Raven’s mention of her made Yang think about Salem. The Witch wasn’t only a sworn enemy of her mother, but in some ways, herself. Salem was referred by Emerald and Mercury as the one responsible for Cinder. The real puppeteer behind everything.

It was difficult to feel any sort of enmity towards someone she had never met. There were times when Yang tried to picture what she looked like, but it would never take. Perhaps against her mother’s wishes, she wanted to speak with the Witch one day, and find out for herself.

Whether she’s worth killing or not…

…

“How did you know not to take the deal?”

Raven’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Huh?”

“You said during your trial, two paths were presented to you—two identities to take. And you made a completely different decision. You know, life would’ve been easier if you picked one. So, how?”

Yang stuck her tongue out and put a finger on her chin in thought.

“I don’t know, actually. I thought both deals sounded like scams so…I decided to pick a fight instead.”

“…”

“If I’m being honest, I didn’t give it much thought. I mean, the options sounded so crappy, I didn’t think they were worth considering.”

“…”

“That…wasn’t the answer you were looking for?”

“Pft!”

“Hm?”

“Pft—hahaha!”

“Mom?”

“A scam…Hahaha!” Raven laughed again, arching her head back. “That’s right. Only an idiot would agree to something that was clearly a scam.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “Well, it still cost you in the end. Do you regret it now?”

“Nope. Wouldn’t have wanted it to go down any other way.”

Her mother smiled.

“A decision made without regret has to be the right one. I wish I could’ve realized something so simple back then. But I’m glad you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes.” Raven breathed a contented sigh and recovered from her brief fit. “You’re growing up. It might be time for you to grow up from your little band of misfits too.”

“And what do you mean by that?”

“You know what I mean.”

“You’re saying I should leave Team ENMY.”

“From what I know, you’re already on your way out. You tagged along with them to meet me, and here we are. I also have some info to pass regarding a way to revive Cinder. It’s going to take them off-continent. Are you going to follow?”

“I…” Yang paused. “I don’t know.”

“Even though it was me you came for? They aren’t the friends you think they are, Yang. Deep down, you understand that.”

“…That may be so.”

“This is the same thing. Don’t make a decision you’re going to regret. That’s all I can say.”

Yang replied with a short nod.

“I won’t. Just need to give it all some thought.”

“Alright.” Raven turned slightly, and cut open a fresh portal. “Yang,” she stressed. “I might need you for something soon. Be sure to answer your scroll when I call.”

“You got it.”

“I’m serious. What might happen next is very important.”

“Alright,” Yang answered seriously.

“And Yang?”

“Yeah, mom?”

“I’m proud of you.”

“…”

Struck speechless, Yang struggled to assemble some form of response. Fortunately, her mother filled in the blanks.

“Answer your scroll.”

The girl sighed, “Yeah, yeah.”

And with the last of their parting words exchanged, Raven disappeared through the portal.

.

* * * * *

.

As soon as Mercury entered the doorway of Team ENMY’s room, a black envelope was thrown at him by Emerald.

“We move out in five,” she said.

“So, they finally found them?”

“Yeah. Moment of truth time.”

He took out the papers inside the envelope and read them.

“East of the Windpath? How are we supposed to get there?”

“That’s what I’m working on right now,” Emerald answered, while holding her scroll to her ear. “Inna. I need those clearance codes you used to sneak out an airship a while back. What do I need them for? I need them to sneak out an airship. Why else?”

In one corner of the room, Mercury spotted Neo writing a letter and placing it under her pillow. It would be easily found if someone were to toss the place looking for clues.

“What about Yang?” he asked. “She might try to find us, if we suddenly take off.”

“I’m already giving her a call,” Emerald replied, after hanging up on Inna.

“Really?”

“Yes, really. She’ll never buy it coming from you. You’re a terrible actor.”

“Hey! I fooled everyone when I faked my leg being shot.”

“Only worked cause all eyes were on Yang. Seriously, Merc. You wouldn’t be able to sell it. Plus, your feelings make you compromised.”

“I don’t have feelings.”

“Whatever. Stow it and pack your gear. We’re traveling light.” Emerald leapt from her seat, and started out the door. “Yang. Some stuff’s come up. We won’t be back for a couple nights. I found a lead on Cinder, and we’re following it…”

Emerald’s voice trailed off as she moved down the dorm halls.

“We’re really leaving, huh?” Mercury muttered.

Neo glanced at him and nodded. She took the sketchpad she drew her life story into, and place that too under her pillow. It was difficult to part with, but she always intended to give it to Yang. Something she always put off, because she was constantly adding more drawings to it. Including some rather indecent doodles sketched in secret.

Mercury packed the necessities for travel and the supplies needed for the fight. As far as sentimental objects went, he had none. Save for a pair of keys to a motorcycle he built with Yang.

He stared at them for a while, before leaving them under his pillow as well.

Emerald returned.

“We’ve got our airship, our clearance, and blondie’s out of the equation. I’m not forgetting anything, am I?”

“Don’t suppose you’re going to leave Yang anything.”

“No. Why? Did you guys?”

Mercury and Neo only stared at her.

“Of course, you did. Well, I haven’t got squat to use as a parting gift, and letters aren’t really my thing. So, I’m just gonna do her my professional courtesy, and leave without a trace. Now, get your asses in gear.”

As they filed out, Mercury looked back at the dorm one last time.

It was unlike him, he knew. This room was always meant to be just another temporary living space. Just like Yang was always supposed to be just a temporary eyesore.

They formed a team and took her on because they had to. Extra baggage he and Emerald had to carry around out of inconvenience. Attachments were never part of the deal.

…

He wondered if the next time they met, it would go down the same way Yang fought Weiss and Blake. Former teammates doing everything they could to defeat the other. Except in their case, it would probably go to the death.

…

It wasn’t long…but it was nice.

Nicer than I ever thought it would be.

“See ya, blondie.”

.

* * * * *

.

It was in the middle afternoon, when Qrow and Team RNJR finished crossing the mountain range, to the border-end of the Windpath.

There, the place in which all the gusts and gales gathered, tornadoes snaked their way into the sky like the trunks of giant trees. The thunderous dark clouds above, like treetops.

Air currents swept across, and then rose upward like geysers. The points of the vertical drafts centered on numerous mountain peaks. There lied the only safe harbor for the travelers. Eyes of the storm that were permanently fixed, so long as Remnant stood.

The group ventured to one mountain in particular. The tumultuous winds grew so fierce as they neared their destination, they were forced to tie themselves together. Their weapons stabbed into the earth to keep themselves groundside.

It took a herculean effort, but in the end, their efforts paid off.

In the center of the hurricane funnel, loomed a tower of dark green marble. A strangely solid structure in contrast to its stormy surroundings. Almost like the construct itself was the source of tamed atmosphere around them.

“Let’s get in there,” Qrow beckoned. His tone filled with an eagerness for answers.

The group entered the premises and shut the heavy doors behind them. Finding themselves in what seemed to be a wide lobby, they could barely see anything through the darkness.

Until a green light spawned from Qrow’s waist and illuminated the chamber. Mechanisms throughout the Tower activated in the same moment, and they could hear the gears of clocks cranking.

When the Huntsman looked to the source, he saw that it was Ozpin’s cane that acted as the activation key.

Before the party, a lattice hologram was woven into existence in the form of Beacon’s late Headmaster. His appearance a perfect mimic of how they remembered him. Postured with both hands behind his back, straight and prompt.

“Oz?” Qrow couldn’t help but blurt out.

“Yes. Good work on making your way here, Qrow. There isn’t much time. I suspect Salem will learn of this location soon if she hasn’t already. Follow me.”

As the ephemeral body turned to lead them deeper into the Tower, Qrow yelled,

“Wait a second! I want answers! Like what the hell is this place? And where the hell have you been?”

“Qrow. Time is of the essence.”

“Yeah? Well, that’s tough! You gonna tell me I’ve been carrying you around this entire time, and you just never said a word?”

“I wasn’t in a capacity to do so in the open. Besides, I’ve hardly been mute through your journeys, have I?”

“So, I wasn’t just going crazy.”

“No, you certainly were not. Now, we must proceed to the top floor. Once the synchronization process has begun, we can take the time for explanations.”

“Oz…!”

“Qrow. I apologize, but I need you to trust me—Just once more.”

“Damn it! Fine!”

The hologram of Qrow zapped to the end of the chamber and started the elevator. Qrow and party followed without another word, and reached the top of the Tower in the next few minutes.

Once the elevator doors opened, they entered the office that greatly resembled the one Ozpin possessed at Beacon.

As soon as Qrow crossed the threshold, he was overcome with an invasive consciousness. Dropping him to his knees and causing him to brace his head.

“Qrow!” Jaune shouted with concern.

“Do not fight it, Qrow,” said Ozpin. “It may be your natural inclination to resist, but I assure you, this is a necessary measure.”

“What…are you doing to me?!” Qrow grunted in pain.

“Naming you my successor. It has fallen onto you to act as guardian of Remnant. Nothing so different from what you have been doing your entire career as a Huntsman.”

“Why me? Why can’t you—“

“My life as ‘Ozpin’ has expired. It is time for another to carry on my fate. Another to lead the fight against the Witch—and that individual is you.”

“I don’t understand…!”

“Relax, and we shall speak. But for now, you must remain in this room until the synchronization process is completed.” The hologram turned to address the others in the room. “Ruby Rose. Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you must stand guard over Qrow until everything is finished. The process will take a day. Please, stay vigilant.”

Jaune and Ren took Qrow by each side and helped him into the desk chair, at the far end of the office.

“Alright, you have me onboard for this craziness. Time to explain yourself, Oz. You said we have a whole day. Get talking,” Qrow spat, as he took a gracious swig from his flask.

“Very well, but we will convene privately, as we have been. These are matters fit for your ears only.”

The Huntsman nodded and closed his eyes.

Right when the hologram was about to disappear, Jaune called out to it.

“Hold on!”

“Mr. Arc?”

“We came on this trip to find more about what happened to Pyrrha. Qrow promised us that. I don’t know what you’re doing to him, but we need to know.”

“I am aware of the deal you’ve made. What happened to Miss Nikos was a tragedy—“

“Don’t give me that! You don’t really care! I just want what I was promised!” he shouted with fury. The only thing keeping him from further lashing out was Ren and Nora gently grasping his arms.

“…And you will have it,” Ozpin answered. “The true identities of the ones, who masterminded the events of Beacon and the fate that befell Miss Nikos. But for now, I must ask you to assist Qrow in completing this task.”

“I can’t trust anything you say.”

“While that may hold some truth, protecting Qrow will ultimately work to your benefit.”

“How do you figure that?”

“The attackers, who will try to interrupt the process. They are likely to be cohorts of the ones you seek, if not the culprits themselves.”

“How do I know you’re not lying to get us to stay?”

“…You do not. I am sorry.”

“…”

“I sometimes wonder if I made the correct decision in letting you stay at Beacon, despite your forged documents. Yes, I was aware and admitted you into my school regardless. But I saw a potential in you, the spirit of a protector, and a fine Huntsman you could one day become. I can only hope I was not mistaken. Miss Nikos certainly shared the same thoughts.”

“You…!”

“Again,” Ozpin removed his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. “Allow me to apologize for what happened to Miss Nikos. It is and was my deepest regret. I would have gladly given my life in favor of returning her to you. But I can only succeed in joining her, and telling her you all still carry her spirit with you.”

Jaune went quiet for a moment.

“Just hurry up,” he barely whispered.

“You have my deepest gratitude, Mr. Arc.”

The hologram blinked out of existence. Qrow nestled more comfortably into his seat. And then there was nothing left to them, but to wait.

Jaune walked over to Ruby, who was looking out the window.

“Hey, you okay? You haven’t said much about……Ruby?!”

He turned the girl by her shoulders, and saw her staring blankly into his face. The silver in her eyes glinted eerily. Her normally cheerful visage was devoid of all signs of life. She looked almost like a doll.

“RUBY!”

Ruby blinked.

“Huh, yeah? What is it, Jaune?”

“Hey! Are you okay? What happened?”

“I don’t know. Did something happen?”

Jaune continued to stare at her confoundedly.

“You just completely blanked out. It’s happened before, but this time was different.”

“Really?”

Perhaps, even more than Ruby’s sudden trance state, was her complete lack of concern that disturbed Jaune.

“Did you hear all that between Qrow and Ozpin?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“And you don’t have a problem with it?”

“I’ve known for a while. Ozpin filled me in on the way here.”

“What?!”

“What.”

“How come you never said anything?!” Jaune was now almost shaking violently.

“Huh. I wonder why I didn’t. I should have…”

As Ruby was entering her trance state again, her head whipped in the direction of something outside.

She broke away from Jaune and moved towards the window. Upon opening the latch, violent gales blew inside and sent Jaune, Ren, and Nora reeling a few steps back.

Undeterred by the torrent, Ruby pressed the gun stock to her shoulder and aimed down the scope of her Crescent Rose.

*Bang*

A single shot into the windwall that encircled the Tower.

No one except a few, would know the target of Ruby’s confirmed hit.

A small Nevermore with a hole pierced straight through its eye socket, plummeted to the earth.

.

* * * * *

.

Salem staggered back, clutching her eye in immense pain. The black veins on her skin rippled at the violent reaction.

After some time passed and allowing the pain to subside somewhat, the Witch steadied herself and made for one of the palace’s more secretive sections.

She laid her hand on a door, prompting a purple sigil to respond to her touch. It faded upon unlocking.

The long hall she entered, was lined with shelves upon shelves. Occupying each row and empty space, sat balance scales. Ornate in design and forged with dark brass finishes. Each of them, bore a string of letters at their base. Some tipped to one side, while others in even balance. They teetered and swayed as Salem walked past.

The Witch stopped at a collection of scales she set aside specifically at a desk.

Their bases read:

Blake Belladonna

Adam Taurus

Raven Branwen

Black Family

Muramasa

With a sharp smile, Salem dropped a series of coins in all their scales. Previously, hanging down to one side, they oscillated with the newly added weight. Eventually, settling on an equal state.

The world turns,

And turns,

And turns.

And you can’t stop it,

You arrogant old fool.

���&C���/