#and it's so simple and easy to sing along to and so POWERFUL???

[yandere-daze]

I thought it was high time that I finally wrote something for this man and this idea was stuck in my head for days. I hope you enjoy! <3

gn reader

2.3k words

cw yandere, obsessive behaviour, hypnotizing siren song, manipulation

Yandere! Siren! Sunday x Sailor! Reader

You weren´t supposed to be anything more than an easy prey. A human led astray by his enchanting tunes like any other, only to be torn apart once within reach.

You were a simple sailor sailing the deep waters of the ocean with your small crew. For what purpose? Sunday wasn´t quite sure and he didn´t really care to know. All he yearned for was sinking his claws into your vulnerable flesh as he dragged you to the bottom of the ocean.

You see, Sunday was a siren, a hunter in the image of a beautiful young man with grey hair and enchanting golden eyes. Were it not for his singing voice, a deep gaze into his radiant eyes would be enough to tempt any poor fool into his waiting arms. Yet his voice, oh his voice, its heavenly sound masking his dark intentions.

Within his lifetime, Sunday has lured many unfortunate sailors to their demise though, in recent times, fewer and fewer boats have delved through the waters he called his home. From what he had witnessed being whispered onboard, tales of cunning and vicious sirens roaming these waters have reached the mainland, causing many to steer clear and avoid this place.

This naturally annoyed Sunday, for the flesh of humans was what he sustained himself with. This fact only increased his determination when after quite a long while of waiting for a sign of life, a boat had finally lost its way into his domain again. Sunday had been hungry for way too long now, he couldn´t let this stroke of luck go to waste.

So certain that he would finally claim his prey again, he decided to first spy on the passengers of the boat before making his move. It was important for him to know the routines and habits of the sailors if he wanted to catch them alone to entice them to run into their doom.

As a siren, Sunday was more powerful than an average human but even he wouldn´t be able to fight off several sailors if he were to try and hypnotize someone in broad daylight. He couldn´t risk the crew becoming aware of his presence and leaving, he couldn´t go on without another meal again.

And so, he secretly started spying on the passengers of the small boat, staring at them from behind a rock and making sure to keep his tail concealed within the water. He watched everyone go along with their days on board the ship when something unexpected happened.

He saw you, stepping away from the rest of the crew to stand near the edge of the boat, a smile on your face as you let the sun shine on your face. Without even realizing it, you had stepped close to where Sunday had gone to hide. You were so close, almost within arm´s reach. For a moment, Sunday deliberated if this was his chance to strike.

With you separated from the rest of the crew like this, it would be a simple thing indeed to lure you into the waters where you would disappear forever.

But just as he thought this, he stopped in his tracks as he watched your carefree smile, suddenly becoming enchanted by the way the light of the sun rained upon your skin. For lack of a better word, your presence at that very moment was mesmerizing and Sunday felt warm inside as if the rays of the sun were descending on him instead.

And then, for a moment, Sunday almost felt his heart stop for then you opened your mouth and started, he almost couldn´t believe it, singing.

There you were, practically within the jaws of a predator, and letting your soul rejoice in song so carelessly. And yet, within your naivety, Sunday couldn´t help but feel at peace. Your song rang out across the lonely waters, unaware that your secret audience was becoming more and more enchanted by you by the second.

Your singing, Sunday couldn´t quite describe it. It sounded nothing like his own singing, which was beautiful and yet felt intrinsically wrong somehow. Your song was nothing like that. It might have not been as pretty or practiced as his own singing, but yet it managed to ring true within his heart. Your song felt earnest and real, untainted and uncorrupted by malice. Within seconds, you had captured his attention and heart, yet you were completely unaware that he was even present.

In an ironic twist of fate, Sunday felt himself being pulled towards you as if touched by magic, an ardent longing for you deep within his chest. It was as if you were the siren calling out to him, beckoning him closer like a lovesick sailor lost at sea, yet Sunday was sure that instead of a sudden demise, he would find true salvation within your arms. With the way you were holding out your arms, he could almost imagine you wrapping them around his body in a lover´s embrace, pulling him so close as if you would never let go of him again.

Because he knows that´s what he would do if he finally had his beloved in his arms. For only a fool would ever let go of the person they want to spend the rest of their life with. It filled him all at once, this desire to have you for his own, to make you his dearest mate.

You were radiant and joyful in a way he had never seen before and he couldn´t bear the thought of letting you slip away from him.

And from the desperate yearning he could so clearly hear in your song dedicated to just him, he knew that you must feel the same way. You were just waiting, begging to be taken away by him. Why else would you walk so close to him, all on your own and profess all of your feelings like this? Sunday now knew that this meeting was fated to happen and he would be sure not to waste it.

He had been watching you closely for the past few days along with the other sailors aboard the ship and he saw how the other crew members acted around you. He had thought nothing of it back then but now boiling jealousy filled his being as he remembered how chummy they had been acting with you. How they had laughed and joked around with you so easily, how they had thrown their arms around you and sang cheery tunes beneath the starry sky.

He especially detested that one scoundrel that had dared to kiss your cheek so invasively. How dare they treat you like this? How dare they lay their filthy hands on you when your beauty was meant for solely him to treasure? But not to worry, Sunday would finally bring you home and keep you safe.

He understood your surprise when he finally emerged from his hiding spot and started swimming towards you. You looked so pitiful with your body shaking and your eyes growing wide when you saw his shimmering white mermaid tail. You poor thing must be frightened out of your mind because of all these stories you were told about his kind but do not be afraid! Sunday would never hurt you like this.

You were special to him, you just needed to allow him to show you that. You backing away from the railing, backing away from him, just wouldn´t do.

"Darling, there is no reason to be afraid, I´m not here to hurt you, do not let their horrid tales corrupt your thoughts. I am here to finally take you home!" He reached out his hands to you, wishing for you to jump into them and accept his love willingly yet he could only click his tongue in disappointment when instead, you took another step back.

"D-don´t come any closer!", you shouted out, breaking the poor siren´s heart in the process. How it hurt him to see you so frightened that you would turn your soulmate away. But no matter, he was prepared to take matters into his own hands and nudge you towards your own happy ending. You just needed a little bit of convincing.

"My darling, please listen to me! You and me, I know we were meant to be! So please don´t resist this, alright?", he hummed gently, his voice almost pitiful while begging you to hear him out.

You would have even felt sympathy for him if you weren´t acutely aware that you were facing a dangerous predator. There was no doubt in your mind that this was a siren and you needed to get away from there fast.

But unfortunately for you, you weren´t quick enough for as soon as you had gathered your resolve, Sunday´s ethereal singing voice had swiftly broken it down.

Suddenly, all your previous thoughts about him being a danger to stay away from evaporated, leaving you confused as to why you ever wanted to run away from him. There was nothing dangerous about him, was there?

Instead, your mind was now being filled with pleasant images of you and the siren spending time together, of him holding you close protectively, of him swearing his eternal love and kissing you. All of a sudden, you felt warm all over as you gazed deep into Sunday´s eyes and you knew that he was the one that was meant for you.

Slowly, one step at a time, you walked closer to the edge of the boat again, where Sunday was happily holding out his hands for you to take, eagerly grasping at air as if to usher you even closer.

And you were all too eager to follow his demands as a sugary sweet melody droned on and on in your ears, overwhelming you with feelings of everlasting love and devotion.

"That´s it, darling. Come closer. It´s only a few more steps.", he urged you on, almost desperately as you almost came into touching range. It was only a few more moments until he could finally have you in his arms. And once he did, he would never allow you to leave him again. Not that you would be able to underwater.

Voices were picking up in the background, quickly getting closer and Sunday realized that your crew must have picked up on what was happening.

"Come here quickly, darling!", he shouted, his voice growing more urgent and desperate the closer the booming voices got.

And you did as he said, quickening your steps towards him with a lovesick smile on your face.

"I´m almost there, my love", you said and Sunday´s heart almost burst at the sweet tone you took with him. He knew you were currently under the influence of his siren song but he strongly wanted to believe that the love you felt for him was real. Why else would you too be looking at him so full of yearning?

"Someone, quick! Grab on to them! That siren is trying to lead them to their death!", a gruff voice yells from the back with several more footsteps scrambling quickly behind. They were advancing on you fast and Sunday knew he was almost out of time as one quickly ran up to you.

"No, no, no! Don´t touch them! They´re mine! Don´t ruin this for me!", he yelled out in anger, his eyes a furious storm as they glared at the person trying to get a hold of you. He couldn´t fail so close to the end. How dare they accuse him of trying to harm you?!

"Please, you need to come to your senses!", the sailors try to reason with you but it´s almost like you can´t even register what they say.

" I need to meet with my love, he´s waiting for me.", you say, still smiling as you step to the very edge of the boat, looking down at a Sunday growing more and more manic by the second.

"Jump into my arms, darling! Accept my love and be mine forever!", the siren calls out to you as a crew member grabs into your arms, trying to pull you back.

"Don´t listen to him! Please, don´t do as he says!"

You struggle violently against the hold, kicking and screaming, demanding to be let go.

"No, you can´t separate me from my love, let me go! I need to be by his side!", you scream and with an especially harsh kick, the sailor lets go of you for a moment, leaving you with enough time to take the final step and jump right into your demise.

Sunday gently catches you in his arms, a lovesick smile on his face as he finally gets to hold you like he wanted to. You´re finally all his and there´s nothing that can be done about it anymore.

"I´m so happy you chose me, darling. We´re going to be so happy together. I´ll take such good care of you. No one else is ever going to touch you again.", he whispers into your ear and you can´t help but giggle joyfully at the prospect, your mind singing with affection, drowning out the growing panic within you.

But what is there to be afraid of? You´re finally united with the love of your life and nothing will ever separate you again.

Sunday holds you firmly as he quickly swims away from the boat, leaving your panicked crewmates behind.

Now that he finally has you, he will make sure that you´ll grow to love him even without his song. He knows that deep down, you love him just as much as he does you, you´ll just need a little bit of time to adjust to your new life underwater. He knows of a very beautiful underwater cave that he can keep you in until you grow more accustomed to your new life with him. Down there, you´ll never be able to escape his grasp again.

You will be his forever, for that is the consequence of putting him under a spell like you has.

And then he takes you with him to the very depths of the sea, never to be seen again.

[feyhunter78]

Hi 💕

If requests are still open can you do something Elrond x reader where reader watches him duelling for sword training (or something similar)?

Can be as sweet or spicy as you want❤️

I know you sent this in ages ago, I'm so sorry!!! Also, I'm so bad at describing fighting, please ignore that

Sparring Sessions

You sit with your friend Taethrien on one of the various stone benches that line the outer circle of the training yard. The open space of packed dirt and training dummies, the sounds of sparring and instruction mingling with grunts of exertion from the younger elves.

“Again.” Elrond calls, his voice sharp, like a whip, his face set in stone, as he jerks his head towards the fallen sword of his sparring partner.

The younger elf, Narion, you believe his name is, picks up his sword, and settles back into a sturdy fighting stance, sweat dripping from his brow.

You know you should intervene, insist that your husband take more care with the younger elves, but you find yourself unable to. Your eyes drawn to his form, the graceful but powerful movements, the controlled strength behind his strikes and swings.

“Elrond is quite intense this morn, is he not?” Taethrien says, watching the pair as they begin, Narion lunging first, seemingly not learning his lesson.

You hum in response, captivated by the easy way Elrond deflects the blow. He has not even broken a sweat, but his hair is disheveled from him raking his hand through it.

There is a smirk, almost cocky, on Elrond’s face as Narion growls and tries to fake right and catch Elrond off guard. He sees right through it, striking Narion’s exposed side.

“Oh, poor boy, he must cease leaving his left side so open.” She continues, frowning as the flat of Elrond’s blade taps against Narion’s ribs.

You hum again, feeling your stomach flip when Elrond spots you and sends you a quick smile, a simple uptick of his lips, but it is enough to make a sudden warmth flood your face.

“Y/N?” Taethrien asks, turning to face you, her brows furrowed. “Are you listening.”

“Yes, yes, I agree, left side, much too exposed.” You say far too quickly, remembering where you are and tearing your eyes from Elrond.

She tilts her head, a catlike smile on her lips, but says nothing of your reaction. “My husband should be along soon, perhaps he will present a finer challenge for Elrond than the young ones do.”

“I am sure it will be a worthy display of both their skills.” You smile, bumping your shoulder into hers. “And it will allow me to see this strength of his you are so very fond of.”

 “I told you of that in confidence.” She whispers, blushing all the way to the tips of her ears.

“It is nothing to be ashamed of.” You reassure her, patting her hand.

A sudden shout draws your attention back to the ring, where Elrond has Narion at sword point, the young elf on his back in the dirt. You grip your skirts, a flash of heat surging through you as Elrond sheathes his sword with a one-handed, fluid motion, before pulling Narion up from the dirt.

“It seems we both may have something, not to be ashamed of.” Taethrien teases, making a show of pretending to try and unfurl your fingers.

You do not tease her in return when it is her husband against yours, they are newly married, still in a phase of infatuation, still discovering much about themselves and each other. Besides, you are far too focused on Elrond as he and Iandor spar, their swords singing, sparking through the air, throwing bits of sunlight as it glints off their blades.

“Do keep up Elrond, I know you have not tasted battle in ages, but surely you cannot be this out of practice.” Iandor taunts jovially, a bright smile on his face.

Elrond throws him a devastatingly charming smile in response, the gleam of a worthy challenge in his eyes. “No, my friend, I am simply allowing you the advantage, I would not wish to embarrass you in front of your new bride.”

They spar for what feels akin to eternity as well as mere moments until they call it a draw, both men breathing heavily, clapping each other on the shoulder as they return their weapons to the rack.

You meet Elrond halfway, and he wipes the sweat from his brow, smiling at you, his chest still rising and falling harshly. “My starlight, I can only hope we did not bore you.”

“I never tire of watching you train.” You tell him, dusting the dirt from his training leathers, attempting to banish the memory of your wedding night from your mind. The way he looked hovering above you, his curls wild, his pupils blown wide, his bare chest heaving, the sound of your name on his lips. “I always find such interest in seeing more of this side of you. I know my husband the poet, the herald, the romantic, but I see seldom see my husband the warrior.”

“Truly, I prefer the quill to the sword, but I cannot deny a good bout brings a certain sense of joy to me.” He says, as you both wave goodbye to Taethrien and Iandor.

“You fight well, as you always have.” You compliment, leaning your head against his arm as you walk back to your shared chambers. You must cease these thoughts, stifle the heat, lest you become a lecher for your own husband.

“I am better with a bow.” He deflects, ever so humble.

“You are skilled with both, though I would not say you are a better archer than swordsman.” You tease. “That title belongs to Galadriel.”

Though you say it, your mind’s eye still conjures an image. His deft hands wrapped around the bow, his broad shoulder spread, his spine straight, his arms taut as he pulls back the arrow. Heat rushes through you once more, and you bite the inside of your cheek to clear your mind.

“Yes, I know it is your preference, but it is not…” Elrond stretches his arms behind his head, a small groan slipping past his lips, and you all but trip over your own feet.

“It is not what?” He asks, his hands flying out to steady you. His touch is lightning, striking through you, setting fire to the desire that had been bubbling within you since his blade had met its first foe in the early hours of the morn.

“Stars, Elrond, simply—” You grab him by the collar of his leathers and yank him down, your lips melding with his, frantic and fevered.

He melts into your touch, lips parting as his grip tightens on you, dragging you closer.

You press yourself against him, walking him backwards until his back meets the wall, a surprised gasp escaping him.

“We are still along the path; anyone could come upon us.” He breathes, loathe to separate his lips from yours.

“We will hear them before they do.” You assure him, though you doubt your vigilance and his, when your lips leave his own, trailing across his chiseled jaw, up to his ear, taking his earlobe between your teeth.

Elrond lets out a strangled moan, the sound shooting through you, warming you like Dwarven ale. “Fenedhis, y/n, please.”

You press a chaste kiss to the place beneath his ear, and return your lips to his jaw, your fingertips replacing your teeth, tracing the shell of his ear. “Of course, my love, anything you desire.”

He groans lowly, his fingers bunching in your skirts as he tries to calm himself. “My sweet starlight, do not torture me.”

You untangle one of his hands, and slide it beneath your skirts, a shiver running through you when he grips your thigh and drags you closer. “I would never. I want only to give you what you desire, remember?”

His chest brushes against yours with each breath, leather against silk, desire swirling between you, as he leans down to capture your lips, stopping a hairbreadth away. “Let us return to our chambers then, it seems you much to give me.”

TROP tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @elronds-pointy-ears, @elrondscalaquendi, @dilf-superiority, @jesticace, @emmyspov, @elrondswifey, @victoria-styles, @90angiex, @lucypaulette

[liesmyth]

I want to start running...any tips?

I WAS BORN TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION. Thank you so much for asking! Unfortunately, I am a nerd about my hobbies so this got quite long.

Keep it simple ✨

Running is easy to get into; our bodies are built for it. Don’t stress over technicalities and just do what feels natural to you. My local races are full of 70-something white-haired pensioners who are kicking ass at it. Don’t let anyone tell you that running is meant to feel like dying, that’ll harm your knees, or that you absolutely need to have that specific smartwatch model to get into it. All you need is a solid pair of shoes, everything else is optional.

Medium effort is the way to go

The ideal aerobic running pace is a speed at which you’re able to hold a conversation, even if a bit winded. NO faster. If you’re able to sing along to your playlist or chat with a friend, that’s your ideal running pace. If you’re gasping or wheezing, slow down! You’ll get a bit faster as your lung capacity gets better, but that shouldn’t be a priority unless you want to train for a race. You get most of the health benefits of running just by keeping up a steady, sustainable, conversational pace.

Walking breaks are fine, actually

That’s the reason why I don’t love C25K as a beginner program — the way it’s structured sort of implies that walking breaks are something you should grow out of to become a more experienced runner. If you need to walk for a bit, go ahead.

If possible, jogging is preferable, just because the mechanics of even a glacial-pace jog are more similar to running than those of a faster power walk, so you might try switching to a jog after a bit of a walking interval. But walking is not a failure; there are serious marathon training plans out there that use walk/run intervals as a viable strategy.

(Related: picking up speed helps you keep going! If you feel like you are completely drained, try speeding up for a very short interval, then slowing back down. It’ll often give you an energy boost to keep going)

Run for time, not distance ⌚

Especially for beginners, I find that getting fixated on numbers can be counter productive, and the most important thing is to listen to your body. If you’re aiming to hit a certain mileage, you might get the urge to speed up at the end to get done faster. Instead, set yourself time-based goals and end every run with a cool down jog or walk.

SHOES!! 👟

Good running shoes are essential, and pretty much the only fitness-related purchase on which I’ll always support dropping money. If you get to the point where you’re consistently running 10 km (6 miles) each week, you’ll want to go to a running store — the kind of place where you’ll get fitted, and they’ll have you try on models and jog on a treadmill to evaluate your gait and let you know which characteristics your ideal shoe needs. I can’t stress enough how useful running store staff can be. They’re all running club nerds who LOVE getting new people into running, and they really want to help you find your ideal fit. Also get good running socks while you’re at it.

Be prepared to drop at least 100€ (or equivalent currency) but they usually have a great return policy if the model isn’t a good fit for you. Take care of your running shoes — maintenance, wearing them only for running, gentle cleansing etc — and the cushioning will last for quite a while (600km / 370miles at least). If you decide that you hate running, they’re still great for walking around. Once you find your ideal shoe model, it gets a lot easier to shop for it during end-of-season sales, or looking for online bargains etc. I love stocking on end-of-series shoes and rotating them so they’ll last even longer, and I buy online quite often! Just make sure your FIRST pair is fitted, for ideal injury prevention and joint health.

Injury prevention 💪

I’d love to still be running 10k races when I’m 70, but it takes some care to get there. When you run, you’re slamming your body weight up and down with every stride, and that might be hard on your joints if you’re not used to it. If you’re completely new to running, cap your runs at 15/20 minutes every other day. Do that even if you feel like you could keep going! If you have a good aerobic base already, you need to give your joints time to catch up with you lung capacity, and give your body time to recover. Do bodyweight exercises like lunges and planks and glute bridges to strengthen your core, legs, and hips. Dynamic stretches are great for warmups, and static stretches are better for cooling down. If you have the option, running on softer surface like grass or dirt is better than asphalt, which is better than concrete and pavements.

(If nothing of what I’ve said here makes sense to you, shoot me another ask, or look at some of the resources I’ve linked down below!)

Don't get bored! 🎶

I love running in groups. Running clubs are great. You can learn so much in a hands-on way from seriously experienced people, you can chat about gossip over a running job, and you can make some interesting friends. If you don’t have access to a running community, then personally I love just chilling on a run by myself listening to an audiobook or podcast or exploring a certain area.

Running form❓

Don’t stress about it. Just go out and move your body. Attempting to modify your ‘running form’ too quickly can do more harm than good. There ARE a few things you could pay attention to — I recommend trying to focus on one of these at a time for a minute or so, and alternate between them. After a while, it’ll start to feel natural to keep track of all of them:

1. Don’t slouch! But a slight lean forward is great.

2. Keep your shoulders pulled down and your upper back tense.

3. Swinging your arms in a way that helps with your stride is good, but I shouldn’t feel forced.

4. Even breaths, inhaling through your mouth and expiring through your nose.

5. Take turns to check with every part of your body, and relax them in turn: are your jaw and neck too tense? Are your fists tight?

6. Don’t overstride! shorter strides with quicker leg turnover are better than huge strides that feel awkward to you.

7. Use your glutes to drive up the motion of your legs, not just your quads. This can take a while to get used to, but it’s a game-changer.

8. ENGAGE YOUR CORE. This is a great skill to develop whether you work out or are just existing in the world — basically, let your inner abdominal muscles help you carry your weight forward. This is VERY intuitive once you know how to do it, but it’s hard to get a grasp of it if you don’t know what it means, so here are some resources about it.

an extremely fucking comprehensive article that improved my life and eased my big-boobs back pain

similar content but in video form

a running-specific form video

Personally, learning to do this made me feel like I unlocked a superpower. Go forth and brace.

Accessories and tips 🤓

Like I said above, the only thing I really suggest spending money on for real is running shoes. Everything else is details! However, I’m nothing if not wordy I have Thoughts about those details, too.

Run tracking: I suggest downloading Runkeeper if you want to keep track of your runs — it’s free, intuitive, and solid! If you decide to get into wearables, a low-level Garmin >>>>> anything else.

Self-care: use sunscreen and/or thick face cream as needed. Stop to sip at a public fountain if needed. Get a small fanny pack to hold your phone, keys, or lip balm if needed. If chafing is an issue, anti-glide gel is relatively affordable.

Outfits etc: I get all my running gear and clothes from Decathlon — they are in most countries and ship worldwide. I especially love this thermal shirt for colder weather

Safety: if you’re running on the road, make sure to run in the opposite direction from traffic and to wear something bright. If you run with headphones near traffic, keep the volume down, or get over-the-ear conductor headsets. I love shokz, they're fantastic.

Post-run snack: eating something small and carb-heavy within 30 mins of a workout is great for kickstarting recovery. I love dried fruit personally.

Various resources 📝

Routine basics: check out the r/running order of operations, which is a great “how to” guide to building a basic running routine. I also recommend that subreddit's wiki! Running programming gets exponentially more involved the more advanced you get, etc — if you ever have any questions, hit me up!

Dynamic stretching warmup: a quick leg swing workout to get your legs ready to go. If you’re feeling overachieving, here’s a lunge warmup routine and a how-to bodyweight squat video.

Cooldown routine! Check out Strength and Mobility, a great post-run quick cooldown routine that includes some bodyweight exercises to strengthen your hips and core. Video included.

that's all, folks! 🏃‍♀️

Sorry I got carried away! I love running. I love getting people into running. My mental health, cardiovascular system and my popping quads also love running. But FYI, some people hate running and that's also fine! If you decide it’s not for you, find something you like more. There are a lot of misconceptions out there and a lot of guilt-tripping and body shame-y rhetoric around exercising, especially aimed at women, and I want to make clear it’s all bullshit. Just have fun <3

[cheshiresaf]

The sun's warmth

| A Leona oneshot of what I imagine might have happened in the sequence during his overblot. I wish we'd gotten more depth into it, especially since he's such a complex character.

! Semi-canon divergent!

_________________________

"From the moment I was born, Ive had to bear the weight of a burden unfit for a child so young."

The sun had shone valiantly the day the young prince had been brought into the world. But, the birds ceased their singing, and those dim rays of light quickly began to fade.

The plan had always been for there to be one heir. One child to carry on the noble Kingscholar lineage. The King and Queen had fulfilled that plan, and along had come Farena, the shining star in their lives.

But with it had come a price.

The Queen, Amirah, had never exactly been in the best of health. It had only deteriorated after she'd had her son. Thankfully, she made a quick recovery. But the doctors told her that it would be a great risk if she were to have any more.

And yet, there Leona was.

He'd never been planned. Not like his brother. It had been easy to tell, even for a kid who had been 5 years old.

They'd been born 10 years apart, and monarchies such as the one his family followed required the eldest child to be the heir to the throne. 

Besides, Farena had always been treated better than him.

The attendants had always dawned over him like hed been their own son, murmuring endless praises of how 'bright' and 'cheerful' he was. Whenever the Crown Prince had passed, they made sure to ask about his day, easily and willingly making conversation with him.

His father always put Farena above him, for he was always the priority. His brother could have gotten anything he wanted with so much as a simple ask. Leona had taken note of the conversations they used to have, both of formal and informal topics. Yet, there'd always been that underlying hint of love sprinkled in. Whenever his brother smiled, the affection had been crystal clear on his father's face.

It was never like that with him.

The same attendants who adored his brother to no end always chided him. He was moody, closed off, selfish, rude. He truly wondered why, he'd sarcastically snarked to himself. They cowered from him, eyes alight with fear and worry for their well being. All because of his magic.

He'd never asked to be given the power to cause such destruction. He'd been just 5 years old when he had discovered it. By marring the face of his very own personal attendant, in what he'd thought had been a normal childish meltdown. Did they think he'd meant to do it? That he was some sort of monster, a calamity that had befallen the royal family's ranks?

His father didn't care to so much as spare him a glance. What was he meant to do with his second son, the spare? Conversations were non-existent, short exchanged words slowly dying down over the years with change. As he'd grown older, Leona had begun tirelessly studying in the royal library, cooping himself up to one of the desks for hours, perched walls of books shielding his view of the outside world. Once he'd reached his teenage years, exhaustion and realisation had hit him like a truck, and he began shielding himself from view once more. Only this time, he'd stayed in the comfort of his room for extended and unhealthy periods of time.

There was a reason why he didn't remember much from the years after he'd reached 10, and before he'd come to Night Raven. There was nothing to remember. He'd slept through half the days of the week, rotting in his bed as the energy began sneaking away from him.

The only exception had been his mother.

Even with her health rapidly deteriorating after Leonas birth, because of his birth, she never loved him any less than she did Farena.

It wasn't his fault. Nothing was.

It wasn't his fault that she wouldn't be there to see him grow. It wasn't his fault that the attendants around the palace hated him. It wasn't his fault that he'd been given the power to destroy.

It wasnt his fault he was unloved.

How could a child have controlled the circumstances to be in his favor?

For the years she'd been around in Leonas life, he remembered her with nothing but fondness and love in his tired heart.

When he had turned 1, she had been the first to congratulate him. She'd snuck into his room at midnight, the light of the moon reflecting her features as she'd whispered to his ears a soft, "Happy Birthday, my little prince". He'd been so confused, blinking sleepily up at her. She'd chuckled at his reaction, urging for him to go back to sleep. Amirah had sat by the foot of his crib, her son's tiny hand in hers as she reassured him. "We have all the time in the world."

When he was 2, the boy had grown a little bigger. He remembered the day he'd first learned to walk. With each stumble, she'd kept encouraging for him to keep going. With wobbly feet, he'd finally managed to get across to her. She let out a laugh full of pride as she'd gently picked him up. Shed held him close to her chest, murmuring "I knew you could do it, Leo."

When he was 3, was when his curiosity had really started to set in. It was the prime age of all toddlers to grow imaginative aboutthe world. He had mindlessly flipped through the large pages of his children's books, not quite getting some of the material. And so, he'd rushed to his mother's room, moving as fast as he could on those little legs of his with a load of books in his hands. His mother had seemed surprised when he'd suddenly burst through the door, but as usual, she welcomed him with open arms. They'd sat together from the afternoon long into the night, Amirah doing as best as she could to explain to her young son. The boy listened as eagerly as he could, sitting still for as long as possible. Until eventually, the soft lull of his mother's voice began to sound like the sweet melody of a lullaby. Hed nodded blearily by the time night had fallen, his small ears drooping. On those days, Amirah let him stay in with her. And as expected, she always held him close to her heart, hands supporting his small head. "Goodnight, Leona."

When he turned 4, Leona began to slowly grow into his features. He'd tilted his head as he'd stared at himself in the mirror. He noticed he looked alot like his mom. The colour of their eyes was the same, a royal shade of emerald. His brown curls, he'd gotten exactly from her. He remembered the time he'd tried braiding some strands of her hair with his little fingers. It hadn't turned out pretty, really. But his mom had kept them in for the whole day. Later in the day, he'd told his mom how happy he was that he looked so much like her. To look like the person he loved so much.

When he turned 5, he took more notice. His mom was growing more sick. She seemed more frail, more lethargic. She didn't have the energy to chase him around anymore to take a bath, nor did she have the energy to play hide and seek with him when he used to hide, afraid of getting his nails cut. Even so, the light in her eyes never diminished. One particular night, he'd crawled into her bed, gently tugging at her sleeves like he had always done. Even with how exhausted she was, she'd sat herself up, brushing the hair out of his face as she'd smile down at him. Always loving. But this time, she'd been melancholic.

"My little prince, mommy might go away soon." She'd muttered softly. "And.. I won't be coming back."

He'd stared up at her confused, earning him a soft chuckle as she begun to explain. Her sickness had recently taken a turn for the worst, and she'd been told by the nurses and doctors to prepare any day now. Yet, she'd gently stroked his hair all the while, in hopes of soothing his heart.

Leona hadn't quite yet processed it. Why did his mom have to go away? Why couldn't she stay? He wanted her to stay with him. She was all he had.

And before he knew it, tears were streaming down his cheeks. Amirah had brought him close to her chest once more, and perhaps for the final time. Shed held him there for as long as she could, humming a soft lullaby in his ears. She'd kissed the top of his forehead, whispering to him right before he fell asleep. "Don't forget that I love you, Leona."

......

Perhaps it was a good thing he'd gotten his scar. The one that marred across his left eye. If he looked too closely into the mirror, all he saw was the spitting image of his mom staring back at him. The scar set them both apart.

He didn't think he could handle it if he was reminded of her every single day.

In the years after her death, he'd found studying as a way to cope. He had read tirelessly in the library, hoping to earn some form of recognition if he proved his intelligence.

And for a while, it worked.

Until he came along.

The day Prince Cheka had been born had been a real turning point for him.

Nobody cared to take note of how hard he'd worked. The hours he'd spent rereading college material at the age of 10, to the point he'd constantly cried tears of frustration and annoyance if he didn't get it immediately. The constant exhaustion after staying up all night, to get not a single question of concern regarding the eyebags under his eyes that seemed to big for a child such as he.

All of that? Thrown out the window as soon as his nephew was born.

Unlike the day he has been born, Chekas birth was celebrated. The irony of it, considering the topic of his birth had always been ignored. He shouldn't have gotten annoyed at a child. It wasn't his fault.

But the burning frustration within him couldn't be ceased.

And boy, did his relationship with Farena only complicate things further.

His older brother had always been nice to him. He wondered if he would have been loving too. If only Leona hadn't pushed him away.

It burned, knowing that no matter how hard he tried, no matter how much effort he out in, he would never be first.

When would he get to see his mom again?

He'd finally learned how to tie braids now. He desperately wanted to show her, reaching out to do them on her brown curls just as he had when he was a child.

Was returning to her warm embrace such a bad thing to ask for?

[the-100-days-of-junkan]

Day 97

Smile by Kayleen756894

Same as when we covered Burning Lungs, check the tags for this fic before ya jump in cause it gets pretty dark even within the first chapter. 

It’s a big day for the project people, I mentioned back on Day 60 that there were three fics that I consider directly responsible for this entire thing since they’re what set me on this path of a comically large amount of Junkan. And today we FINALLY talk about another one of them, even if I admittedly did cover a little bit of my history with this specific story during Day 60 for the sake of context. Apologies if I repeat myself a few times!

The previous few days I’ve been covering fic first, then the art. For this day however I’m going to cover the art first, along with any other bonus facts I have, and THEN i will do my best to adequately sing the praises of today’s stories.

Also let it be known that the music I put on while I read through the whole fic in preparation for today’s ramble was “LEASE” by Takeshi Abo. 10 hour loop too. Someone will find that funny probably, maybe even you!

(This is another long one, get ready)

Before I address the art I might as well have a little fun and discuss the order I decided to do these in, interesting I know.

Days 91-92 were easy, the first Soft Fic and the first fic to use the Non-Abusive Tag, they had to be the opener. Day 93 was one of the longer stories so I did that one first, since I did read each story before working on the art. From there it’s a pretty simple pattern of “Short Fic followed by a longer, more serious fic that I gotta psyche myself up for.” And it was done pretty much with todays subject in mind, but we’ll get for it. 

You’ll notice I have two different art pieces today, the reason is simple. I wasn’t very happy with the initial art, so I made a much more direct adaptation of a scene from the first chapter to go with it. And in a rare instance I can also bring you some early versions of the initial piece!

From the initial sketch you can see that this was supposed to be a proper cover for the story, as I wanted to feature scenes from each of the three chapters, that middle shot is one I’ve had in my mind since the first time I read the story. Those who have read the fic can probably recognize each one. The second image was almost the final version of this. I scrapped the lower portion of the art for a few reasons. The flames of burnout were miniscule but still present, though rest assured these would not come into play until after the point of when the fanfic art is all finished. Secondly, when I was supposed to work on this art, a power outage hit my house. This also meant that in terms of making the art I only had the first chapter read, anything else was purely memory (Like I said though, I read the full fic for todays ramble, rest assured). And thirdly, I kinda, just thought it didn’t look good? And as you can see this version had details cut despite how far into the process it was, fully removing the expressions outside of the two smiling. Cause y’know . . . “Smile.” Plus in retrospect the eyes, while striking compared to the rest of the art, look kinda fucking silly?

Why didn’t I like the end result? Honestly I think I was just in a bad headspace at the time due to the combination of the power out stressing me out, and just generally speaking my mental health has never been the most structurally sound aspect of myself. I’m good at drawing, not so much being well put together. Looking at it now, while I think the piece is a bit esoteric and might not be what I’d make today for a piece based on this fic, I like it a lot.

And at the end of the dead even if I didn’t like how the first one turned out, I’m pretty happy with it! Even with perfectionist brain bitching at me that I could have done Junko’s hair a bit better at the given angle. Just a straight adaptation of Junko and Mikan’s first kiss from Chapter 1. The most interesting note on it’s creation is that I had to make last minute changes to Mikan because I realized her hair needed to be a lot shorter and more well put together, as earlier in the fic Junko does fix it up a bit. 

Oh! I did also send the second pic to the author herself as a way of introducing myself and showing appreciation, so that’s a bit of added sentimental value! Kayleen’s an absolute treat by the way, super fun to talk too, great insight on writing, you should absolutely check out the rest of her writing! I’m not in most of the fandoms featured say for RWBY, but based on the quality of her writing on the Danganronpa side of things, I feel confident recommending anything she’s published in the past, present, and future!~ 

Speaking of writing, I should probably like. Talk about the god damn fic, huh? Well. Nope! I still have more fun facts!

I almost didn’t adapt Smile! I knew for certain that Kayleen needed a spot on this list, it would have felt wrong otherwise. And there were two fics in mind for adaptation.

“Smile”, obviously, and “Soft (But only for Her).” My earliest plan was going to be to just do both. However I only had 8 days to work with, and spoilers, Day 98 is in fact a returning author, so I didn’t want to take up half of my slots on two authors, I wanted to show my appreciation to as many as I could during this string of the event before going back to my own stuff for the last two days. So I thought it over, and decided that Smile was too important to pass up on this project, leaving Soft (But only for Her) for later.

I did have a full plan for it though, unlike Smile where I didn’t really have an idea going into it. I’ll tell you what the plan was gonna be.

Most people would be curious which of the around 30 wonderful one shots I could have chosen to adapt, I’ve already done one of them with the very first chapter in that collection! However you my audience, are not most people. There’s a good chance you’re reading this paragraph, rubbing your temples and resigning yourself to the fact that I was very much going to draw art based on every single piece of that collection. Because yes I was just gonna adapt all of it. Was gonna make a big collage out of all of em, even the chapters that have so much angst I struggle to even read them cause they make me too sad! I’d still do it too. I probably will. When you least expect it. 

For now though I really wanna draw something based on Chapter 25 when I have the time. I wanna draw art based on a lot of other fanfics actually, I’ve just been pretty swamped. But rest assured, to those of you who’ve written a Junkan fic and weren’t featured. Rest assured, I have my eyes open, I’m always looking that tag over, and there were definitely some stories omitted that I really wish I could have included IN the project. Give it time. My self control grows weaker by the day!~

Okay, okay. NOW, I should be able to talk about the fic. Probably.

So I’ve told this story before, but now you’ll get to hear it in a bit more detail compared to before. Will hopefully not be too repetitive for ya’ll!

So once again we jump back a few years during say, 2020, MAYBE early 2021. I find a fic that includes Junkan when I was simply trying to find Ikuzono. It ends up being pretty cute and makes me curious, “I thought this ship was super toxic? How is this one so cute?”

So, I look around the tag, still not sure how to Navigate AO3 even after gaining a lot of experience through the power of many late night tokomaru binges. And as you already knew or could guess, I came across Smile.

At the time it only had 2 chapters, which normally might have turned me away at the time, I wasn’t a desperate animal like I am today. However I guess I either ignored that, or just didn’t care, too curious to see what else this ship could entail.

So here I am, sitting in my bed, writing this ramble, trying to figure out once again how to talk about one of the fics that set me off on this obsession with Junko and Mikan as a softer, loving couple. That and also a fic that is much more serious in terms of its tone and content, as this fic, like Drowning, is one of the only fics in this stretch of the project that is definitely set in the main canon of DR. Serving as essentially a new origin for Junkan as a couple prior to the tragedy. 

I’m sure I’ve said before that when it comes to how I view Junko and Mikan’s relationship, that Val’s work is basically the primary blueprint for how I interpret and portray them. However that’s for the Non-Despair AUs, while there is some bleed over in how I handle Canon portrayals (And I admittedly haven’t done a lot with a serious interpretation of that), in my brain this story, Smile, is the blueprint of how I view a canon timeline version of Junkan. That might just be bias from it being the first fic I read that like, but it does kind of help that this is just one of the most excellently written interpretation of these characters I’ve ever bared witness to.

The first chapter was originally supposed to be a Standalone according to the Author’s Notes, and it really works as one! It’s a very complete story that’s super well put together, and ends very satisfyingly if you just stop after finishing it. I’m extremely glad it continued, as I don’t think my obsession would have come to fruition when it did if not for those following two chapters. But maybe I’m wrong cause this fic certainly knows how to hook you on a ship!

I was god damn mesmerized reading the first chapter. This has to be one of the saddest takes on Mikan’s character that I’ve ever read. Burning Lungs comes close however we never get to actually see things from her perspective, that’s all from Junko’s outsider point of view. Here we get to see it all from Mikan’s perspective, all of it, the sad stuff, the extra sad stuff, the stuff I don’t really know how to talk about because I’m inadequate with this kind of subject matter. And some gay panic, because it’s not Junkan without at least a little gay panic somewhere in the mix.

Junko is really god damn good in this first chapter, she’s god damn good in the whole fic but we’re talking about chapter one right now so i’m specifying. She has such a mysterious aura around her the entire time, and not just the obvious “Oh she’s planning the tragedy behind the scenes,” but also the mystery of how she feels about Mikan! It’s something left up to viewer interpretation in the first chapter, and to a much lesser extent the following chapters (I say lesser extent cause it does eventually lean into her having real feelings for Mikan, just being super confused by them. At least that’s how I look at it). Everytime I read one of these stories that serve as an origin point for these two’s relationship, it’s always really interesting to see how things initiate. It’s pretty much always Junko initiating of course, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a fic where it was Mikan who made the first move? If there is I’m having a severe lapse in memory it seems, or I’ve misinterpreted! The point of course being I really like the way Junko handles things here, saving Mikan from her darkest point, all that good shit! 

And the kiss? I drew it for a reason, it’s amazing. From the buildup to the way Mikan has a rare instance of boldness and grabs Junko’s tie? The grabbing the tie part makes my brain explode, the fact that Junko herself was surprised by it is even better. I love it whenever Mikan can actually get Junko surprised or flustered. It’s great!

I feel like I should be more detailed, more meticulous, but it really is a struggle trying to be in depth when discussing something this good, I wouldn’t consider it my strong suit? 

So let’s try moving onto chapter 2! I do at least have a story with this one but that can be for when I finish desperately trying to talk about the chapter itself. 

It’s lovely! Big shock! We get to see the two of them just acting like a normal couple for a bit, and even better we get to see the two partaking in some sleepy cuddles. That scene also does one of those Junkan things I fuckin love where Junko just, fucking reads Mikan’s mind. I know that’s not what she’s doing but also it’s funnier to put it that way. I just like Junko putting her analytical ability to use by reading Mikan and understanding her finer details. It can be used in all kinds of ways, cute ways, funny ways, saucy ways, but this might just be my favorite way? Her being able to tell when Mikan’s about to spiral and snapping her out of it quick. 

Their date is lovely by the way, love the drive there, the conversation is just a treat. And I really like the reference to the grenade scene from the DR3 anime, I might not have fond memories with that series like, at all, but that one clip of Junko tossing the grenade and Mukuro (We’ll get to her) catching it is just a really fun bit of energy. It’s also just fucking funny because it reads like they practiced that shit for like 2 fuckin weeks- Sorry, distracted. Anyway I think the scene is both a fun reference, and another good way to kinda remind of us the darker parts of this storyline underlying the softer surface. Junko is in fact trying to burn the world down, she just also happens to have a tooth rotting-ly sweet relationship with a very sad nurse. The moments where Mikan unintentionally peers into that world, whether hearing an explosion or seeing the red roots of Junko’s true haircolor, I love it all!

Great moment with Mikan helping that kid from bullies, always love to see Mikan flourishing in these stories (foreshadowing)! I think it is very funny that the small child just immediately clocked that Mikan and Junko were dating, the kid either has a crazy gaydar or Mikan and Junko are the least subtle people alive . . . okay yeah it’s that second one.

The following scene is great too, fuck those parents, and fuck yeah to Junko coming in for the clutch as she is one to do in this fic. The kiss to follow? Fantastic. Junko’s joke about exhibitionism? Also fantastic. The part where Mikan says she’s gonna go see her parents- Fuck.

Okay so, I’mma make the assumption that if you’re this deep into my ramble you’ve probably read the fic already. And if you skipped out on the fic due to the subject matter noted in the tags, you can probably already tell by my apprehension that everything in this fic from here on out is like, the opposite end of the spectrum from all the sweet (albeit ominous) stuff we’ve had up till now. And you’d be correct, and I quite frankly don’t know how to talk about it, like, at all. There are parts of this that I do wanna talk about from this and the following chapter, but also I feel neither confident nor comfortable explicitly discussing what happens to Mikan here. Even if you can probably already tell.

Still, I must show my respects to the literature and it’s author, so I will do my best. Apologies if I fumble here.

I’m still not gonna talk in depth about Mukuro here, but I do like the conversation leading up to this scene, before Mikan shows up. It’s something that was going to inevitably come up, because yeah, Junko can make Mikan fall deeply in love with her, but that won’t exactly prepare her for being complicit in the apocalypse. There’s a part of me that’s curious what her gameplan was before the end of this chapter happens, how was she going to try and turn Mikan over to her side 100% and make sure she’s ready. The world will never know.

Junko’s great at the end of this chapter, not just the comfort she provides. But the way she, in the words of the story, Snaps. That line? That stuck with me when I first read this. I think it’s the moment that confirmed for me personally, that yeah, Junko does love Mikan even if she doesn’t understand it. And it wasn’t just that moment that stuck with me, it was the whole fic by this point.

That’s right, it's story time. So when I found this fic, there were only two chapters. And I wanna remind ya’ll that before this fic I read a fic so silly, soft, and fluffy that it made me question what this ship could be. Jumping from that, to this was definitely . . . Whiplash?

What happened after that is fun, because I don’t fucking remember. I think unironically the amount of stress that ending put me under just from the shock of it, made me fuckin black out?? Which by the way, huge kudos, it takes some really fucking good writing to get me so invested that I get real life stressed as shit because of bad things happening to the characters. But anyway, I didn’t actually just, black out from stress. But everything after that is so blurred that it’s borderline incomprehensible, I try to remember past that point, and it’s like looking at memories put through a paper shredder before being put back together by a toddler doing a handstand. 

All I can say for sure is that starting from the morning after, I was obsessed. I woke up, and kept fucking checking to see if Chapter 3 was out yet. I hadn’t checked the time of the latest update, I still barely fucking understood how AO3 actually worked. I’m pretty sure it was through this fic that I learned that when a fic updates it moves to the top of the page for a given tag. This was also way before I had an AO3 account, so I couldn’t just subscribe or bookmark it. I’m sure I read other fics at this point, probably including Kayleen’s other works? But the timespan between Chapter 2 and 3 feel like white noise, whatever I read didn’t exist in my memories by the time that story ended. And god damn did it end.

When Chapter 3 popped up, it was late I’m pretty sure. I don’t know what I was doing at the time, maybe looking at manga online, talking with friends over discord dms, failing homework over online school, maybe even doing some of my own writing since i’m pretty sure this was back before my passion for it died out. Whatever it was, I dropped it fucking IMMEDIATELY. I needed to see this ending, I needed that catharsis.

So I layed in my bed, in a house I was still new to, and read the god damn chapter.

It was perfect. One of the first times to my knowledge where I’ve had the satisfaction of reading an unfinished fic and getting to actually see it end.

Where do I start, what do I even say? Anything I say just kind of boils down to “Junko and Mikan are perfectly written and I love their interactions and also god dammit I feel so bad for Mikan.”

The scene on the rooftop is great, I remember in one of Kayleen’s other fics Mikan shows concern for Junko’s eating habits, so getting to this scene and seeing the reverse was nice. And like, god, Junko’s so good in this. I get she’s trying to start the end of the world but she’s doing such a fucking good job here. Sure, she asks Mikan to kill her parents right after this, which might not be the most normal way of helping your girlfriend through a severely traumatic experience, but that’s just Junko y’know? 

Should I talk about Mukuro now? I should probably talk about Mukuro now, I really wanted to wait like one more scene but fuck it we’re talking about Mukuro now. 

Have I ever really talked about Mukuro in the context of Junkan? I know I’ve definitely made note of her, and I’ve obviously included her in these pieces with varying degrees of prominence. But I don’t think I’ve ever noted how I think she’s is one of the most interesting and amazing assets of Junkan as a ship. Calling Mukuro an asset feels like a disservice, but I lack the words to adequately describe what I mean here. 

The Despair Sisters are already one of the most interesting dynamics in Danganronpa, and a pretty versatile one at that based on the various interpretations I’ve seen of these two. And I think adding Junkan into the mix is just lovely, because it adds an outsider perspective, but not just that, it’s the outsider perspective of someone who’s closer than anyone else due to Mikan dating Junko. Bonus for the contrast of Junko pampering Mikan and shit talking Mukuro, even if I believe that shit talking is just a very layered way for Junko to express that she does care about Mukuro as a sister. 

And I think Mukuro and Mikan is a really fun dynamic too! I love the idea of Mikan finding love through Junko, and then in turn getting a second person in her life that cares about her. Mukuro being Mikan’s bodyguard bare minimum is great, protect that sweet little nurse you desaturated girliepop you. But I think the way their dynamic can evolve overtime as Mikan continues to date Junko is great. 

Mukuro getting to see firsthand how Mikan is changing Junko for the better, even if it’s in a canon timeline where Junko’s still like, very locked in on the apocalypse. She’s getting to be happier in a more genuine way, which I’m sure Mukuro would be grateful for, and that just makes her caring about Mikan’s wellbeing all the better.

Plus like, something I don’t think about often, at least not until very recently, but if Junko and Mikan are dating, and inevitably get married. That does just kinda mean Mikan and Mukuro are sisters in law. And, I fuckin love that? Mikan not only gets an amazing relationship with Junko, but she also just gets to have a sibling, something that to my knowledge she doesn’t have in canon. It’s that found family stuff that I love, even if the found family in this case is a bit more literal rather than just being a metaphor. And Mukuro gets a new sister, one who cares about her just as much as Junko, but is just significantly better at expressing that by comparison. I think Mukuro would really appreciate having a sister who like, hugs her without slinging an insult, or just getting any kind of open, visceral appreciation without having to read between the lines. 

I love to see Mikan with plenty of friends, she has a bunch of dynamics that I appreciate. But I also have a lot of appreciation for the idea of Junko and Mukuro being the only people she cares about, the only people she needs to survive. 

Where was I- Oh right.

Kayleen’s depiction of Mukuro and her dynamic with our other two primary characters is amazing. Spectacular even. Fucking perfect perhaps. It does everything I love about the Despair Sister’s dynamic without bordering into uncomfortable territory like some facets of the main canon does. But what I especially love is her dynamic with Mikan in the few moments we get to see them interact. A protector, a friend, and eventually a sister to her, it’s amazing. The scene when Mikan wakes up to Mukuro watching over her while Junko is away is phenomenal, and I love Mikan’s concern for her given the way Junko treats her, which does look pretty bad without the deeper context. The moment at the very end of Chapter 2 where Mukuro just heads off to (I assume) kidnap Mikan’s parents after just sharing a look with Junko, it’s another one of my favorite bits in that scene.

And of course, the scene that lead me to start yapping about Mukuro like that out of fucking nowhere, her talking to Mikan about Junko’s test. It’s great how she tries to help Mikan come to a decision without forcing anything. But also finally giving some more confirmation that Junko definitely feels something for Mikan, expressing how many changes in her demeanor she’s noted. And the reveal that Junko routinely struggles with Nightmares whenever Mikan isn’t around?? Fuck I love that. God dammit. 

I feel like I should talk more about this scene, but I feel like I kinda did? To an extent? A lot of what I just said about Mukuro’s place in this dynamic kinda sums up a lot of the great things about this scene. So I suppose we move on.

The buildup to the big scene of this chapter is wonderful of course, not much to say there. And I admittedly just really want to talk about the scene that follows.

Because god it’s everything I was hoping for when I finished that second chapter and had no idea whether I’d see this scene or not. 

The reveal is great, and as grotesque as I anticipated. I do cringe a little reading some of the details, not the modern dickhead definition of cringe either I mean the “Oh god fuck that’s brutal” kind of cringe. And it is so perfectly contrasted by Junko being Junko, love the idea that Junko and Mukuro just nabbed up these people and didn’t explain a goddamn thing until this very moment where they finally figure out that this crazy bitch is dating their daughter. Mukuro punching Mikan’s dad in the face was fucking great too. 

And the buildup to what comes next, is so god damn good. It feels weird out of context celebrating it, but the scene where Mikan breaks? Fucking spectacular. The distortion on the word Red hits like a fucking truck, and also speaks to my childhood of being a creepypasta kid because i’m like, half sure that’s the zalgo text filter, correct me if I’m wrong of course. Point is it was an out of nowhere detail that perfectly emphasized the tensity of what’s about to happen.

And I can go on another tangent now, because this is something I have had no opportunity to talk about during the entire duration of this project. At least not to my memory or knowledge.

I love Angry Mikan. I love the Mikan that snaps and is fully over the edge, not willing to deal with anyones bullshit. I of course have criticisms of Chapter 3 in DR2, but Mikan’s reveal of her true self, or I suppose the herself prior to the NWP, I love that moment. 

I’ve never depicted Angry Mikan before, but someday I really want to. So until then I take great enjoyment in seeing such a rare side of Mikan, which itself is even rarer in these fics. I think counting this one there are only 3, maybe 4 other fics off the top of my head where we get to see Mikan fully lose her temper. Now of course, I could be suffering another lapse in memory, or I just haven’t read the other stories that feature it. I only think I’ve read like, 90% of the Soft Junkan out there, I can’t confidently claim I actually have for certain, so maybe I missed it! 

Point is, seeing Angry Mikan is a treat. And here especially is fucking amazing, the verbal teardown, the havoc of it all. It’s great. And Junko just adds to it with her sheer excitement (which is putting it lightly given some of the dialogue), getting to see Mikan finally become, from her perspective, the best version of herself. Someone who can survive alongside her. 

When things start moving, it’s amazing. A small moment I really love, and the moment I was originally gonna wait for to talk about Mukuro with. Her offering up an assortment of firearms from “Her personal collection.” is just, weirdly wholesome? The things I get to say talking about this ship I swear. I dunno, it feels like such a small, personal moment and offer that only Mukuro could provide, and feels like the perfect cap to Mikan and Mukuro’s dynamic throughout this fic.

Also, fucking enamored with the the presence of a Rocket Launcher. Funniest alternate timeline sitting right there, imagining Mikan with a fucking rpg over her shoulder is hilarious.

Junko offering the reverse side of the weaponry coin is lovely too of course, but it’s the wonderful stuff I’d already expect with Junko, so much less of a pleasant surprise like Mukuro. I do appreciate her keeping a knife used on Mikan’s father as a trophy though, imagine that over the fireplace.

Anyway I don’t know how I could really explain to you why the torture scene is nice. It’s catharsis, it’s just catharsis. I don’t even remember how fucking long I waited to read this moment but it was so worth it, Junko and Mukuro joining in to help setup equipment was also really cute . . . i feel like i shouldn’t be calling segments from a torture scene cute. Hm. Well anyway, I can say that while I appreciate its existence, I’m also glad Kayleen chose not to drag it out for too long. Ironic coming from the most excessive bitch around here, but it probably would have been a bit much if it took up the grander majority of this chapter.

Which means we say goodbye to Mukuro and return to our regularly scheduled Junko and Mikan moments. 

And yeah what do you want me to fucking say, it’s amazing? Because it’s amazing as fuck, yeah. I’m running out of ways to just say how fuckin much i love this, but i’ll persevere best I can. 

I mentioned way earlier that I love it when Mikan catches Junko by surprise, and we get more of that here. Though in this instance I think it’s better to describe that this is the first time Mikan just gets the upper hand on Junko, who’s struggling to fight back in the conversation because she’s already struggling to figure out her feelings. And it’s really lovely to see Mikan fighting past Junko’s own insecurities, especially when she regards herself as a bad girlfriend. It’s great, and it’s more of that role reversal I love. 

The book analogy near the end of this conversation is so good, it’s sappy as fuck but that’s why it’s good. And Junko leaning into it despite how lame it is makes it all the better, and I only noticed on this recent reread that there’s even a cheeky V3 reference as well, clever!~ 

The kiss is of course great, and I think i’ve just fully fucking run out of ways to talk about how much I love Junko and Mikan kisses in these stories. Thank god there isn’t one in tomorrows fic- getting ahead of myself. 

Rip to Scissorhands, thanks for the gay but you will not be missed.

God damn amazing fic, so well written. It’s one where I have to be in a very specific mindset in order to read it, as that middle chapter really does stress me out enough to be a bit of a roadblock. But admittedly this most recent reread wasn’t the worst compared to the previous few times. That said the fic definitely had it’s effect on me like usual, my body felt all kinds of wild ways, my heartbeat was a lot more intense, breathing a bit wacked out, my nerves up. The whole shebang, so good fucking writing. Equally bittersweet considering that, at least I assume, the normal events of DR are going to follow this story, even if not immediately. So Mukuro’s gonna die, Junko’s gonna die, and then Mikan’s going to have her brain undespaired and probably lose all her feelings towards Junko (Though I will admit, the idea of Mikan after the actual events of canon still having feelings for Junko while not being a remnant is pretty interesting). 

However, I can live with that. It’s still an amazing story even with main canon in consideration, and I think I’ve run out of things to say here. 

Tomorrow is the last fic based art in the event, Days 99 and 100 are all on me. And by process of elimination you probably have an idea of what Day 98 is, you may even know the exact fic. 

I said there were three fics that were vital to me reaching this point in my life, being this obsessed with Junkan as a ship.

The Third Fic, Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed, is the fic that sent me spiraling into brainrot to the point of snapping and drawing art of it behind closed doors, eventually snapping me into drawing more Junkan than I imagine most if not anybody ever has.

The Second Fic, Smile, is what got me obsessed with the ship in the first place, of course only enough to enjoy reading it in secret, which would lead me to EYED.

All that’s left is The First Fic, which you’ll see tomorrow. The fic that made me bother to even give this ship a chance in the first place. Hilariously, I will probably not yap about it nearly as much as the previous two, even if I love it. 

As always, Reblogs, Comments, and Little Notes in the Tags are appreciated!~ They always make my day!~

[bwat5-blog]

**Spoilers for all of Arcane**

A detailed refuting of the concept that "Vi is the Jinx"

So what are people saying when they make these accusations regarding Vi’s character? Well the only way I can think to take it is people are saying she is the cause of their misfortune and suffering. The cause of her loved ones demise, and the driving factor in the darkness and pain of their universe. No facet of the show supports this as I will explain below.

I have written about this extensively in a variety of posts. I am not unaware of this. I am also not unaware of the fact that ultimately, people are free to consume/enjoy/interpret this wonderful and heartbreaking story in any manner they see fit. What I aim to do here is an in-depth, detailed examination of the primary negative occurrences in the story, and given the information we are given demonstrate that Vi is not the issue. Why? Because I am continuing to champion understanding and literacy of one of the best stories/tv shows we have been blessed with in my lifetime. For any of you who are patient and kind enough to read this. It will be quite long, and it will likely repeat some content from other posts, but I believe that for those of us who love incredible storytelling, standing up for those stories that are worth it matters. To those who take the time, thank you. Continue to stand up for the importance of stories that live in you long after they are over.

Season 1: Act 1-

The absolutely vital thing to remember is that although this is the beginning of the story for us, we are in joining these characters just before the dynamite goes off that will shatter their world. Below is a list of factors that should be noted regarding this idea:

Vander and Silco's long running conflict, with Silco waiting for his opportunity to strike

Years and years of oppression and hostility between Zaun and Piltover

Jayce already being well into his hex-tech research (which as we will come to learn was being helped along by space jesus Victor even then)

The long developing of shimmer and machinations of Singed

The situation is a powder keg. Years of hostility and oppression, a brilliant and calculating criminal mind waiting in the shadows for his moment to seize control, an idealistic young scientist with no idea of the danger he is dabbling in, and a brilliant scientist utterly devoid of morals in the service of his goals. By the time we join our characters the ship is already sinking, we just don't know it yet. Now taking that into consideration, lets dive in.

The Explosion at the Lab: This is undoubtedly the driving force of Act 1 in terms of the incident and its effects. Keeping things simple, below you will find a bare bones list of all the negative effects in act 1 that can be attributed to this incident not considering blame or fault:

Death of Milo, Clagger and we are lead to assume Vander

Separation of Vi and Power and by extension, the birth of Jinx

Trial of Jayce Talis and by extension, his partnering with Victor, leading to the true birth of hex tech

Deaths of Grayson and Benzo, allowing Marcus to take Grayson's place as Silco's corrupt sheriff

Silco seizes control of the lanes and all of the negatives that come with it (shimmer, violence etc)

Now at a glance, its easy to say "See! These things only happen because of the explosion, and the explosion happens because Vi takes the kids there. So Vi is the issue!". This is extraordinarily simplistic thinking to the point of willfully ignoring the context. Lets delve deeper:

Order of events as we understand them:

Jayce Talis enters the undercity, purchasing equipment for his research. He interacts with Echo.

Echo tells Vi and friends about the lab after following Jayce

The kids go on their heist, causing the explosion

Jayce is locked up and put on trial, being banished and having his research taken

Enforcers enter the under-city causing conflict over series of days

Vi tries to turn herself in but Vander takes her place

Silco uses Shimmer mutant to murder Grayson and Benzo and take Vander

Jayce and Victor become partners taking Hex-Tech into the next phase

Vi, Milo and Clagger make rescue attempt ending in death of the two boys, vander, and the separation from Powder leaving her vulnerable to become Jinx.

Accusations people make from this information:

Vi got Vander, Clagger, Milo, Benzon and Greyson killed

Vi is responsible for hex-tech because the explosion she caused pushed Victor and Jayce together

Vi makes Jinx because she hits powder, yells at her, and calls her a Jinx

Since Vi got Vander killed she is the reason Silco is able to take the Lanes and flood them with Shimmer and so on

Responses:

Vi is the reason for hex-tech: This is quite simply untrue. Jayce is well into his research when this incident occurs. In fact when he is found out he insists he has almost cracked it. Victor is Heimerdinger's (the leader of the city and a preeminent scientist who already knows Jayce personally) assistant and a scientist with self-admitted ambition to become more. Not to mention their wealthy benefactor in Mel who is looking to make a name for herself and finances them. Now sure you could make the argument that the explosion is what draws attention to hex-tech bringing Mel into the equation. But Mel by her own admission is searching for that way to earn her place in the world and Jayce was absolutely going to keep going. This was a matter of when, not if. And every single person involved bears more responsibility than the girl in her early-mid teens who had no idea it was there when she lead her family on an adventure trying to feed them.

Vi makes Jinx: I have covered this extensively and if you are reading this that means my writing doesn't bore you to death so you have probably read my thoughts already. So i'll try to keep this brief. Silco made Jinx. The grieving teenage girl who had just watched her whole family die violently and barely survived herself lashing out at her sister in a moment she clearly immediately regrets is not to blame here. The broken man/crime lord taking that shattered little girl and weaponizing her grief and guilt is to blame. and if you want to say it's Vi's fault for leaving Powder in the first place. She defends Powder to everyone. She tells Powder she believes in her and that her gadgets will work. She tells Powder her differences make her strong. She only leaves Powder behind after being lectured by Vander on her responsibility to keep her safe, and after seeing the horror of the shimmer mutant unleashed.

Vi is the reason Milo, Clagger, Benzo, Grayson and Vander are dead: Each of these characters is dead because of one person. Silco. Milo, Clagger and Vander all die during the rescue mission of Vander from Silco's hideout. Sure the explosion Powder sets off is what kills the boys, but they are only in this mess because Silco took advantage of the chaos to kidnap Vander drawing them there. Vi's part in this is fighting for her life against multiple armed adult thugs even though she isn't even grown yet. Silco stabs Vander and Vander sacrifices himself taking Shimmer to try and get Vi out. Benzo is dead after verbally confronting Silco, and Grayson is murdered as an opportunity for Silco to install Marcus as his puppet.

Vi is the reason Silco can take control: This is really just an extension of everything we just discussed. This is quite frankly silly. Silco has been waiting for years. He has an army, weapons, and most importantly Shimmer. Which brings us to Singed. A brilliant scientist utterly devoid of Morals who manufactures this substance turning the downtrodden people of Zaun into Silco's monsters.

Conclusion- Yes, Vi leads them on the heist which causes the explosion and the related ripples. But she is not to blame. The tragedy that unfolds is the result of years of suffering in the under city, the machinations of a crime lord so secure in his convictions he will harm anyone he deems necessary, and the innocent overreach of a young scientist who brought forth the end of the world in his dream of improving lives. Vi may be the deer that walks out in front of the car. But the driver is drunk and angry, the mechanic he just left cut his breaks, and years of neglect by the city have left the roads broken and jagged making everything worse. Vi is not the perpetrator, she is just another victim

Season 1: Act 2-

Act 2 of season 1 sees a very different world for our characters. Vi has been imprisoned for seven years. And in those seven years Vi's sweet, clever little sister Powder has become the feared notorious criminal Jinx. Silco has risen to power, smuggling shimmer with the assistance of the corrupt sheriff of Piltover and conducting his operations under the sheriff's protection. Hex-Tech has become globalized. And the firelights have risen in opposition to Silco.

The Hunt For Jinx Begins: The driving conflict in this act is Jinx's attack on the city, theft of the hex gemstone, and the hunt for her that leads to Caitlyn and Vi's mission.

In this act, there is much less for people to try and link to Vi in terms of trouble but for a barebones look at the various conflicts:

Jinx attacking the firelights, enforcers, and stealing the gem

Hex Tech development into the Hex core, and the ousting of Heimerdinger when he protests

Jinx mental turmoil ratchets up in the discovery of Vi being alive and their reunion

Accusations:

Vi made Jinx, so Vi is responsible for Jinx's crimes

Vi caused Hex tech, so every progression toward the bad thing we know is her fault

Vi's reentry into Jinx's life and trying to help her be Powder again makes everything worse

Responses:

Vi made Jinx so she is responsible for her crimes: No she didn't. No she isn't. see above

Vi caused Hex Tech so every progression is on her: No she didn't. See above.

Vi's reentry into jinx's life and trying to help her be Powder makes it worse: Vi spent every day for seven years hoping and dreaming of finding her sister again. When she does and jinx tells her she is different and "did things" Vi does not judge her or shame her and welcomes her back as family. When Vi is taken driving Jinx further into that mental darkness its's against Vi's will after being knocked out by firelights

Conclusion: This act is the result of the changes all brought into the world at the end of the first act. So not much to discuss. Primarily as Vi did not make Jinx, her sister's crimes are not on here. Not that that will stop her from feeling guilty since Vi has a good heart and loves her sister.

Season 1: Act 3-

Act 3 primarily deals with forcing Vi to see that her sister is not who she was, through the "Dinner Party" and the attempted and failed making peace with Zaun. In terms of Vi, there isn't much new here to discuss in terms of what people are trying to blame her for. Anything Jinx does is blamed on Vi for the erroneous statement that Vi made Jinx, including by Jinx herself. Its important to remember at this point Jinx is giving her own sister the choice between killing Caitlyn or "Getting Powder Back". There is no getting Powder back. This is Jinx at a peak of manic and aggressive behavior. Her blaming Vi is a way to cope and hurt someone besides herself. There are however important developments that will be extremely relevant to this entire conversation moving forward into Season 2:

With Singed's help they progress hex-tech into the hex core and we also see the hex core kill for the first time.

Ambessa's arrival

Jinx's killing of Silco and murder of three Piltover council members moments from Zaun being given independence.

**Vi's guilt over stopping Caitlyn from hurting Jinx only to then witness Jinx kill Caitlyn's mother is a very important moving forward, but we must remember Vi is a young woman in her early twenties in a terrifying situation trying to keep her sister and the woman she loves from killing each other**

Conclusion for season 1: So quick recap. Vi did not make Jinx. She is in no way responsible for Hex Tech. She is not responsible for any of Silco's actions and she is has been victimized and hurt by most of it.

Season 2: Act 1-

Season 2 picks up in the immediate aftermath of Jinx's attack. Vi is in the terrible position of grieving the loss of who her sister was, guilt over not being able to stop her sister in general, and IMMENSE guilt as her sister killed the woman she love's mother. I'm not going to repeat myself in terms of Hex-tech or Jinx related guilt unless its needed for new context.

Ending the First Hunt for Jinx: This act is primarily the conclusion of Vi and Caitlyn hunting Jinx together in terms of Vi' story and in terms of what fans are trying to lay at Vi's feet there isn't much here. Primarily there is a lot of talk over her decision to put on the uniform of the enforcer and what the strike team does while she is on it.

The Accusation: Vi putting on the uniform is a betrayal of her people and her family

Response: I have addressed this in depth in another document so will try to spare you all the rant. Put simply, The use of the grey was morally questionable. That is not debatable. But it's not fatal like people make it out to be, as we see characters exposed who walk away unharmed other than some discomfort. Vi explains to Jinx it was to keep innocents off of the street during the fighting. And in terms of putting on the uniform itself, some things to remember:

She refused the first time

Piltover retaliation was already guranteed. Then after the attack on the memorial it was exacerbated.

Caitlyn shares she is afraid if she goes after Jinx alone one of them is coming back in a box (AKA Vi's worst nightmare)

Only agrees after the memorial attack and sends everyone but her and Cait away as soon as they find Jinx

Conclusion: Vi was between a rock and a hard place and did the best she could in an impossible situation

Season 2: Act 2-

Act 2 of season 2 finds Vi at her lowest point. She has lost everyone. Jinx seems totally beyond redemption and her beloved Caitlyn, the first person to show her kindness in seven years left her after hitting her and telling her she was no better than the woman who had killed Caitlyn's mother and so many others.

The Primary sources of conflict in this act are: The finding and losing of Vander (included within this is Vi and Jinx starting to become family again), Caitlyn's redemption, Victor's losing himself to the hex tech/arcane completely.

Of these sources of conflict none of them can be laid at Vi's feet. But to tally the losses since the "Vi is the Jinx" people are still holding on to this:

The loss of Vander again-

The death of Isha-

The "death" of Victor and his cult

Accusations:

*disclaimer I have not seen anyone saying these specifically. Just tracking the logic for the people trying to blame her for everything*

Vi got Vander killed again-

Vi got Isha Killed-

Vi got Victor and his cult killed-

Response:

Vi got vander killed- Vander was "killed" again due to the attack by Ambessa and interference of Singed who was willing to sacrifice him for his own goals. The only part Vi played was having to watch her father die. AGAIN.

Vi got Isha killed- see above but swap father for little girl.

Vi got Victor and his cult killed- Jayce killed Victor on Victor's orders (weird time is relative cosmic stuff) but nothing to do with Vi

Conclusion: Vi's story sees her at her lowest point in this act. absolutely devastating to see her smile during that brief moment of happiness before its all ripped away. But none of what she loses is her fault

Season 3: Act 3-

This is the big finale and this act has been the primary driving factor in this idea that Vi was the problem all along. For those of you have stuck with me this far I appreciate you more than you know and hope this has been worth your time to read. Lets dig in.

The Big conflict driving the conclusion of this story is: The war with Ambessa/Victor, The destruction of Hex-Tech before it ends the world, and the fate of Jinx. I have addressed each of these topics throughout this post and will not be laying out the accusations/response/conclusion format. To begin with, we have to talk about the AU Episode-

The AU Episode:

Echo finds himself in a seemingly idyllic Piltover/Zaun. Hextech never was fully realized. Benzo, Milo, Clagger and Vander all live. Jinx is Powder, grown up and happy. Silco and Vander are reconciled. But Vi is dead, the explosion during the heist having taken her life. Powder keeps a shrine to her sister. Vander has a tattoo bearing her name. People have taken this to mean that it was in fact Vi all along that was the issue. This is, in a word, nonsense. The point of this universe in the words of the showrunner himself (see Arcane Afterglow for Season 2 Act 3), is for Echo to see that there is a version of their world still worth fighting for. He sees a world without hex-tech and how things could be. The world is not better without Vi in it. The world is better because Vi's death drew attention to something terrible and dangerous before it went even further. Imagine in our world there some new toy that is shaping up to be very popular with children, until a flaw in its safety is revealed when an innocent child days from an accident involving the toy so the the toy is taken off of the shelves. and children everywhere are safer, the world is better. But it's not because it was that Childs fault or they did something wrong. They were the victim whose blood paid the price.

*Additionally, something I don't see brought up enough is that Heimerdinger had years in this universe before Echo even arrived. He has clearly has been putting the time into the Undercity he didn't in the main universe*

Vi and Jinx: Vi and Jinx both learn a similar lesson in this act. While Jinx learns that she has to walk away, to break the cycle, to stop running in circles, Vi learns she can't keep chasing Jinx trying to save her. She has to live for herself and allow herself to be happy. That's why despite the accusation that she is a bad sister, Vi's romantic encounter with Caitlyn is Vi finally letting herself have what she wants, rather than chasing after Jinx and panicking and spending what could be her last night alive continuing to ride the roller coaster. Instead, she steps off the ride, and allows herself to know love, and pleasure, and warmth with the woman she loves. People really focus on the location of it but in that moment the location was irrelevant. Vi has finally seen the light in this regard and the woman she loves has redeemed herself in Vi's eyes.

*Vi speaks on how she always chooses wrong and it has cost her everyone. People have also taken this as a sort of mission statement for their undeserving campaign against this character. The thing is, the show proves her wrong, and does it quickly:

Caitlyn immediately and passionately shows Vi that Vi has not lost everyone. She is there, she loves here, and knowing she was going to make the choice to free the woman who killed Caitlyn's mother, she does it anyway

Even though Echo seals the deal, Vi didn't choose wrong by believing and trusting in Jinx. Jinx comes back to her, leading the under-city forces and turns the tide of the battle. She was the hero her sister believed she was

Vi got Jinx Killed: And at last we come it. The final of the great injustices people are laying Vi's character. I covered this in a recent post as well but the short version is as follows:

Sees her birth parents killed

Sees her adoptive father die

Gets him back (in a heavily mutated form) for a punishingly short time only to lose him again horribly

Watches him die again.

She is literally standing over him at the end of all the horrible things they have been through, sobbing and going to cradle his head. We see her flashing back to the first time she watched him die. It was just too much. I and many others have said it really seems like she can't even hear Jinx in that moment. When "Vander" pops up to his feet Vi doesn't even fight. She scrambles back afraid saying Vander's name and sounds like a scared little girl who just wants her dad. Its HORRIBLE. And even though she is not dead, Jinx takes the opportunity to make sure the older sister she loves, who never gave up on her gets away.

Vi's ending is bittersweet. She is sitting alone, drinking, humming the song we hear in the beginning of the show. People with no understanding of human behavior have claimed she looks too happy, she doesn't care about her sister. Yes she does. She is finally on a path that can lead to happiness with Caitlyn' because of her sisters sacrifice for her.

[sotogalmo]

8:22, yesterday — 12:12

Make this party yours (From the day), And no, (I took out) don’t look back now. / Now you’re tainted (the black fruit), God won’t have you anymore (I swallowed sweetly)

(I'll only tag for info sake. After this I'll stop being annoying; @solei-eclipse , @junebluues , @ivanttakethis , @apriciticreveries , @rosedeleca , @4listr , @friedclownshrimp , @rockwgooglyeyes , @bluemoonscape , @teapotuser , @skyisjusthere , @starry-skiez , @pwippy , @aakaneeee , @yunoftheclouds , @alien-til-i-stage , @nottoonedin , @tsukacchako , @astoryofsuchwoe , @zerostyrant + possibly others I forgotten)

Name: Pale— moreso surname meaning, but having pale in someone's name just means 'pale of skin, pallid'. But from the late 14c. as "fence of pointed stakes." Paler as a surname meaning "fence-builder" is recorded from late 12c. Another Middle English form of the word in the "fence, paling, wall of an enclosure" sense, based on the plural, was pales, palis (late 14c.), and the surname Paliser is attested from early 14c. I suppose the "fence builder" one makes the most sense with how Pale is

Animal: Lion

Solar: Saturn

Flower: Begonia Saturn, Coriander

Tarot: Strength (and a little bit of Devil)

Sin: Lust

Organ: Hands.

Birth date: 1201 (December 1th)

Age: 33

ID: 010401

Body: 170.18 cm (5'7ft) / 76kg

Affiliation: Class of Season 32

Likes: painting, quiet rooms, grass, nature

Dislikes: loud things, being owned, disobedience

Personality: Pale, acting with grace and sophistication along with acting wittily and provocatively and also being stoic, calm, and observant, is a well-bred pet human and was raised by human scientists, so he conducts himself as someone befitting of his status. But he isn't all just a pretty face and such. He's selfish, conniving, and manipulative. Most importantly, very destructive. As he has little empathy with others and manipulated people as he saw fit, similarly willing to dispose of anyone who got in his way or whom he deemed worthy of his revenge. Raised by the human scientists got him quite power hungry since he's been raised in power and humans who are high on such power that they achieved (being respected by aliens is something you have to achieve, it's no easy and simple task, and yet they have done it so can you blame them?). But with power, comes feelings of hollowness. Troubles, and that leads to more power hunger. Having felt this from childhood, all he ever really truly felt, his clearest emotions were that of loneliness and anger at the world; being alienated in the sense that he's human raised. Giving way to the fact that he's a troubled man, wanting to connect with the lesser beings in his class. But no one knows that because he hides it well with many ways to cope with it, but mainly with a cold exterior... maybe. Having him being an enigmatic individual to them, and characterized by his curiosity, affability, and disregard for consequences. But all in all, Pale is a straightforward "do no good" man; since he disregards rules and consequences. But he is also a hypocrite (hypocrite, if he's attached he's attached.).

Special talent: Painting

Voice: Britain from Hetalia when speaking / Nao Hex SYNTHV for singing (which sometimes happens, but he doesn't sing on the stage).

Signature:

The P is a bow and arrow, the L forms a canvas. The e is in canvas

History/Lore (as of right now)

Pale is apart of "toxic ysosu" with amia's Vic and syd's Theo. Most? of his childhood has been explored by Syd while writing about Theo and Theo's life in the garden and before he sang. Pale was the quiet older one between them, if I remember the ages right (well ofc between him and theo), quite similar to Luka in that regard.

He went to ANAKT later, because of some complications that happened and it made him stay behind for a while.

For when he is in ANAKT, I don't think he had a collar on, because of how obedient he was (even if his obedience is just because it was needed and required). His uniform is the same as Ivan's, for that reason. A simple turtleneck, long sleeves and long pants.

Pales relationship to the teachers and aliens as a whole is nothing special, only summed up as "a pleasure to have in class". Even if he did.. slightly cause mischief. Just to see what the other kids would do. That's for the teachers. With the aliens as a whole, he's more "respected" than the others he's been around. But that's expected because of who he was raised by.

He finds all of the kids in his class dumb, yes even Theo and Vic. While he is "romantically" involved with them, he finds their humanity to be an obstacle.

He's softer on Theo, because that Innocence of belief is something he never experienced. He's softer on Vic, because of how determined he was to be set free (even if that did annoyed him).

Pales body state, is top notch. Perfect build for what he deals with in the future— he trains his arms and upper body often in the garden with the "fishes", that get progressively harder to carry.

Overall threat level: low to medium

His guardian?

Why of course it's one of the respected humans.

This human is called Abel, he has a twin called Cain. And an older or maybe younger brother called Seth.

His style of clothing is shared with the alien scientists, that made Yume (minus the "neckfur" he has around his neck. It's a baby alien slug that was the reason for how he got the respect he did).

Abel... All three of them are enigmatic individuals characterized by their curiosity, affability, and disregard for consequences. And the fact that they have made scientific break throughs, a lot. Their later methods having helped with the experiments that Yume Nagai has went thru. They even suggested that he would have a last name.

Last names are something that they have an interest in. Learning about pre-alien human history; last names have always intrigued Abel the most. All of the names actually. He's interested in what purpose they have in life. And he (Abel) suggested that Yume could have a last name. Cain was the one that came up with the word.

Abel views Pale as a "son", as those seem to be the only words that fit their relation, and such. It's more reinforced with the way that his own ways have bleed into what Pale does.

But lale doesn't view him as a "father" though, because of his absence and his own general anger to the world, and with the way that he was raised.. having stayed confined in its walls, forbidden to leave except when sent to help some of the "newborns" or seeing other kids to make sure that they were alright. He was continuously told that he needed to study more and work harder if he wanted to please the Aliens.

Yes, he was working more and hard to please the Aliens. He might be raised by humans respected by aliens, but it's only a few that do respect them. So that had him grew up well educated but severely emotionally deprived. So he doesn't use the term 'owner' as that just doesn't sit right with him, so he uses the term "guardian" to call him as such.

Cain and Abel are in their early 50s. Seth is in late 40s? or late 50s.

Pale and Eeta have known each other since they were kids.

Pale and Eeta had Innamorati in their early teens. Hänsel and Gretel were later down the line, in late teens but they "never made it".

Pale got into AREPH when he was 26

Pale had Kotus in his mid 20s with Molly (a fling). Kotus was around 5 when Molly had Raon. Pale was 29? When he and Dae had that one night stand.

Pale does view Theo as someone only he can be with. No matter what happens. Basically, Pale initially just saw him as a means of gaining insight on what it's like to feel emotions, but over time grew to care about him and found peace from their 'companionship' together. That's the best way to put it. And he shows that lightly with making small paintings, or things similar to such.

He does not have romantic feelings nor want them. He might envision himself in a romantic relationship, but he would rather have a complicated relationship then.. that.

He has complicated feelings on the love thing. He wants it, but doesn't feel the same when it's real.

Symbolism

↓↓

His animal is a lion. Quite simple honestly; courage, physical strength, and bravery for the simple view of it. Royalty, protection, leadership, wisdom, justice. All of that. And it honestly fits with Pale, in the way he's raised- his feelings to the world, relationship with Vic and Theo, and for the simple view of it being how he's in AREPH. This is a straightforward thing from the things I picked out

His solar symbol is the planet Saturn. This one I had a hard time with, but didn't want to ask and so I decided to do this all myself. But I do think that it fits. The discipline, order, and structure, plus tough or necessary lessons (karma). A symbol of it was a scythe or a sickel for the seed-sowing times and such. The order and discipline most certainly work with him.

His flower is a Begonia Saturn, sharing the same name with the planet just because I wanted to know if there was one called as such and there is! The symbolism of it. Begonias mainly mean caution and consideration, as well as good communication between different parties. It is commonly given as a gift when paying back a favour. But the Begonia Saturn means (well, all flowers meant) deep and romantic love. They were considered a representation of passion and were commonly used in love spells and potions. Additionally, begonias were seen as a symbol of fancifulness and were often used in gardens and floral displays. I think it's fitting! The Coriander, is here because of how it's connected with his sin; lust— coriander's past as a component in love potions may seem quaint, it continues to be a symbol of wellness and harmony.

His Tarot. Now this is fun. Strength mixed with the Devil. strength, determination, and power – like The Chariot. However, while The Chariot signifies outer strength and will, the Strength card speaks to the inner strength and the human spirit's ability to overcome any obstacle. Strength is about knowing you can endure life's obstacles. But I'm mainly using the reversed! Reversed Strength meaning you have limited control over your actions and your energy is out of control. This can lead to pettiness, fragility, and abuse of authority. It's very fitting for what he does and such. How he's around newcomers in AREPH, and all I suppose. And the Devil? The Devil tarot card suggests feelings of obsession, addiction, and entrapment. It can signify a sense of helplessness due to external forces or circumstances. However, it reminds you that you're responsible for your actions, and your perceived constraints are often self-imposed. This one spoke to me as Pale, because I've been connecting him with Luka quite a lot and it fits it a lot. Helplessness by external forces? It's all fitting

His Sin. Lust. Okay, so this one seems very.. apparent with what I've done with him due to the fact that he has 3 living kids and had a one night stand with Dae, who's a horny bastard. But I swear it's not just the sexual desires to fill the hole and void. I remember lightly talking about the sins of Yun once. They have gone with "bloodlust" for the lust sin. And I really like that idea, and I hope they don't mind me mentioning them here and going with that idea. And also, technically Lust is also about being damned. In Dante's Divine Comedy, the lustful are punished in the Inferno by being swept around in a whirlwind, which symbolizes their ungovernable passions. Which I think is also fitting. Ungovernable passions, power hunger. All of that

The organ symbol, I gave him. Hands. To me, organ symbols connect to the sin. While the tongue would've worked as well, hands just felt. The hands were calling. Which honestly first had me thinking that Greed would be fitting. But he's.. not that greedy. To say. Anyways, the hands. Their symbolism, being the embodiment of strength, help, protection, power, or authority. The image of the palm can symbolize order, vitality, and generosity. A hand logo can be associated with aspiration, authority and dignity, creation, and skill. And I honestly think it just fits. Plainly fits him. It connects to the Lion, to the tarot, his sin and the fact that his talent is painting! His hands are used a lot. Quite a lot.

Pale -> Theo: (a 'giggle'?) He makes me weak. I can't let him know that he does that- I still don't want to show myself ... Fully. To him. He already knows .. too much of me. He's too much.... but my type of too much. To say for the positive, and not to just wallow in those feelings. (Intimacy: 95%)

Pale -> Vic: ....I don't know why he thought what he did was okay. It's not. His disobedience.. I. I didn't like seeing the scars or what they have went thru- but. Oh, who knows what type of Utopia they have reached. (Intimacy: 54%)

^ overall: we went to ask sensitive questions to get more of his views. This is all he said

________________________________

My Evillious Chronicles friends. You will find the Adam Moonlit, Pale Noel, Kaspar Blankenheim and Gumina Glassred in him pretty easily.

[thedelicatearcher]

Hiii I just wanted to tell you that I love your work and that it always brightens my mood!!

And can can you make something about finnicks and reader who is like really musical, can play instruments and maybe include something (only if you want to) about r making a sad song and he's kinda worried about her?? 💕

thank you so much!! i really really appreciate when someone tells me that, i love writing about soft finnick

finnick odair with musical gf headcanons 

finnick had a ukulele when he was a kid. every afternoon, he would go to the beach with his little ukulele and strum chords as he watched the shore, trying to find a melody that matched the calm and relaxing ocean waves. 

but he stopped playing years ago. after a powerful hurricane hit district four and destroyed parts of the city, his home suffered the same fate. the fierce winds took his ukelele away, losing it in the chaos. young finnick was really devastated by this loss and couldn't bring himself to play any other instrument after that. 

when he met you, it was as if he were transported back to those moments on the beach, when it was just him and the music. your presence made him feel like he was hearing the prettiest melody. he was completely enthralled by you, wanting to listen to your voice for hours as if it were a classical tune. 

you always bring an instrument wherever you go, whether it’s your guitar, your keyboard, or even your harmonica. and wherever you go, finnick goes too. so it's no surprise that he is used to you randomly playing an instrument when you get bored, him quietly moving his head along to the rhythm of your music, looking at you with an adoring look on his face.

he loves your harmonica, loves watching you play such a simple-looking instrument so skillfully. but what does he love the most about it? borrowing it and playing it himself. at first he just blew air into it until he was out of breath, inadvertently coating it- and everything in front of him -with saliva. but after sitting down with him and patiently explaining how to play it, he can now play short, easy songs. the proud smile on his face after he’s done is worth more than any capitol jewel.

you convinced him to try to learn to play the piano, but he’s just terrible at it, lacking the coordination needed to move both hands simultaneously while maintaining a good tune. he gets very frustrated every time you try to teach him and often says he prefers when you play, observing how gracefully your fingers move and noting that you don’t sport the big frown he does while playing.

you're singing all the time, from humming your favorite songs while you cook together in the kitchen, to softly singing in the shower the song that’s been stuck in your head for days, to singing your self-written songs on your shared bedroom floor at night. finnick, as your biggest fan, adores your beautiful voice. he especially loves the way you run your fingers through his hair while softly singing to him a song you wrote about his sea-green eyes. he has the time of his life when you dramatically perform songs from your favorite musicals just for him.

what he loves the most about you is that you are also a songwriter. ever since you were fifteen, you’ve spent most afternoons on your bedroom floor, pouring your feelings into songs. that hasn’t changed now that you are older, but now you have a muse. his soft crinkles by his eyes, his soft pink lips, and the way he bites them when focused are details that fill you with love and inspiration. his loving and playful personality fuels most of your songwriting. however, you don’t always write songs about him; some are inspired by past relationships, general non-romantic emotions, insecurities, or scenarios from movies you’ve watched. 

one day, finnick came home early and heard soft music as he entered. slowly approaching your door, he was met with the sound of your voice singing a melancholic melody. as the caring boyfriend he is, finnick became worried about you. he didn’t enter the room, wanting to give you some privacy, and waited for you to finish your song and come out to ask if you wanted to talk about your feelings. “i’m fine, finn, just had a rough day and i’m feeling a bit insecure,” you said as finnick held you and kissed your forehead. knowing that writing songs is your way of coping, he simply cuddled you and asked whether you wanted to talk about it or get distracted. after hours of cuddling and watching a movie, you took him to your bedroom and showed him your song, opening your heart and sharing with him a vulnerability only he gets to see.

[supersonic1994]

heathen chemistry #2 is soooo real i love that album so much!! what are your faves off it or how would you order the songs from most favourite to least??

i get excited when someone else has heathen chemistry as one of their top 2! lets see here...this is quite hard for me because my top 5 are all pretty much #1 in my mind but

force of nature - this song is what first sold me to heathen chem, since when I was still fairly new to oasis i didn't Get It yet. this song feels like that one scene in ginger snaps to me which is extremely fitting. but its like if brigitte said it and not ginger. ykwim. all that power of fame making you feel invincible is so heady

better man - this song is soooo scary (said with an smile) "I don't wanna hurt you just wanna see whats in your hands" combined with liam's history of violence, plus you have all that male moaning in the backing vocals makes it fairly sexually tense. the guitar lick is also very sexual. so. sex and violence eh?

born on a different cloud - so very beautiful...I couldn't help but connect it to the brothers and their relationship even if that was not the intention. i love beautiful melancholy things

stop crying your heart out - i literally could not listen to this for the longest time because it was too much for me. "don't be scared" from liam and "i'm not scared" from noel -> the whole song becomes a conversation we are allowed to overhear. its so optimistic despite coming from a very lonely and bleak place. you'll never change what's been and gone...your destiny may keep you warm...when liam tweeted stop crying your heart out well that was sooo real and true

songbird - it's simple, it's lovely, its sweet, it makes me happy. i love the verses, they're very easy to memorize; because i love to sing its one of the first songs on this album i learnt all the words to.

hung in a bad place - you know i love a good rocker. i love liam's snarl in this one, its so petulant. i can feel it in my MOUTH. its also very fun to sing along to. snarl snarl snarl. that's what this song is, its an animal. yk

little by little - gayass song. many such cases, noel. I don't know, I just really like this song. I need to be high on this one or something. it feels like spacing out while also being incredibly aware; you're falling apart but you're also capital F fine. "why am I really here?" sigh

she is love - he had to play this song with his back turned to her. and she didn't even get it. girl. "i do believe, i do believe her when she speaks" she has him wrapped around her finger (almost. just give it time) and i love how you can hear the beginnings of their complex dynamic come into fruition

(probably) all in my mind - another classic noel run-away-with-my-love song, but with added angst due to it "probably all [being] in my mind" (oh noel..) I do wish the song has a little bit of a deeper oomf to it rather than that sweet drag but ah. it is a sweet drag isn't it?

a quick peep - no lyrics, but I really like the composition. I enjoy music as-is, so the licks are really enjoyable to me here. I like the beat, I like the rhythm. It's not overly complicated but its nice in the background, or for breaking up the album

the hindu times - i'm sorry. the opener of the album is my least favourite, but what can I say? I enjoy the first six seconds

[babyboofangirl]

Part 2

Please be aware that it contains mature themes and explicit content. Mostly fluff .

This one is made with the song - psycho by Taylor Acorn .

Title: Siren of the South Blue

The salty tang of the sea air mingled with the raucous din of the tavern, “The Salty Squid.” Two years.

Two long, lonely years. Penguin had never forgotten the voice. It had haunted him, a siren's call echoing in the depths of his memories. A voice that had turned the grimy bar into a temporary paradise.

He’d been passing through the South Blue then, a brief stop on a longer journey. That night, she'd been on stage, a vision in a simple, shimmering dress, her voice a powerful force. She’d sung “Bad Boy” by Cascada, and the energy in the room had crackled like lightning. He’d been captivated.

She’d given him her number, a slip of paper with a cheeky wink, "In case you ever find yourself back in this dreary part of the world." Fate, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor. He was back, and the number was still tucked safely in his wallet.

He'd sent a simple text: 'Back in the South Blue. Salty Squid tonight?'

The reply was immediate: 'Still singing. See you then.'

He dragged Shachi along, promising him a sight he wouldn’t forget. "You have to see her, Shachi. She's… incredible."

Shachi was being dragging my his best friend, he was keen to check out the cute girls in town while they had some down Time , “ this better be worth the hype bro “

The Salty Squid was just as Penguin remembered it, rough and rowdy. But when she stepped onto the small stage, the room seemed to hold its breath. This time, she was singing “Psycho” by Taylor Acorn, her voice raw and powerful, filled with a dark, seductive energy.

Her voice sending shivers down Shachi and Peguins spine , it cut though the bar and hit them both as they nursed there whisky’s

“Never been one of the crazy ones

Never been the girl to leave you like 30 missed calls

I'm not a villain but you made me one

So, now I'm throwing knives at pictures of your face on the wall”

she sang, her eyes flashing, and Penguin felt a familiar pull. Her voice was powerful and she had a defiant energy, the way she moved her hand and the way she strutted across the stage leaning down to sing to the different patrons

“It seems like boys like you all love to say that chicks like me are just insane

But boys like you give men a shitty name

So, let's play a game

Where I throw a little brick through your pretty little face

You're easy on the eyes but you're easier to hate

An angel's gonna fall if you come around

If my name's still on your tongue, then I'll rip it out”

The drums and guitar had shachi was in pure awe , her curves and the way she worked the crowd of rough pirates and thugs , “ your right she is a siren”

Peguin just smiled a slutry grin , his eyes widened at each lyric . “She’s even more talented then I remembered “ his eyes wondering over her body and his heartbeat raced his breathing hitched , she was going to be the death of him .

The music kept the bar hypnotised , this time she seemed more like a woman with a darker allure , Her voice was stronger and even more intense , her gaze had an appeal that would even make Eusstass Kidd weak in the knees .

“Maybe you'll end up in a body bag

If I can't have you then nobody can

'Cause I watch all the documentaries

I know just where to hide it

I'll put you in a box six feet deep

And wait 'til you wake up inside it

Boys like you all love to say that chicks like me are just insane

But boys like you give men a shitty name

So let's play a game”

Her eyes scanned the bar and they locked with Penguin , a spark that was long over ignited still burned in his blue eyes .

“So, I'll throw a little brick through your pretty little face

You're easy on the eyes but you're easier to hate

An angel's gonna fall if you come around

If my name's still on your tongue, then I'll rip it out

Since I'm already the bad guy in your head, I'll hit you with my car and I'll leave you for dead

And I'll always like the view from the high road but baby for you, I'll be your psycho”

She smiled a devilish grin and winked at penguin .

When the song ended, the applause was thunderous. She scanned the crowd, her eyes landing on Penguin again . A slow, knowing smile spread across her face.

"Penguin," she said, her voice carrying over the din. "What a guy like you doing I’m a place like this ."

He made his way to the bar, Shachi trailing behind him, his eyes wide with admiration.

"It's good to see you again,(N/Y) your more stunning then I remembered " Penguin said, his voice a little rough.

"You too, your taller them I remember " she replied, her eyes sparkling. "What brings you back to this corner of the world?"

"Business," he said, keeping it vague. "And… to hear you sing again."

They talked, the conversation flowing easily, like no time had passed. Shachi, initially starstruck, quickly warmed to her easy charm. She introduced herself as (Y/N).

As the night wore on, the alcohol flowed, and the laughter grew louder. They shared stories, jokes, and secrets, the connection between Penguin and (Y/N) deepening with every passing moment.

Eventually, Shachi, sensing the charged atmosphere, made his excuses and slipped away, leaving them alone.

(Y/N) leaned closer, her voice a low murmur. "I've been waiting for you to come back,it took you long enough " she said, her breath warm against his ear.

Penguin’s heart pounded. He reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw. "I've been thinking about you, your voice has been stuck in my head like a sirens call " he admitted, his voice husky. His eyes looked down to her lips and back up to her eyes .

He couldn’t help himself he needed to taste her , The kiss was electric, a collision of desire and longing. It was deep, passionate, and hungry, a silent acknowledgment of the connection that had simmered between them for two years.

The night deepened, blurring into a haze of whispered words and heated touches. They left the tavern, the salty air a cool contrast to the fire that raged between them. Back at her place, the world narrowed to the feel of her skin beneath his hands, the taste of her lips, the sound of her soft moans.

The details of the night that followed were a blur of tangled limbs and shared breaths. Her apartment became a canvas for their passion, every surface a testament to their desire. The air crackled with a raw, primal energy, their bodies moving together in a dance as old as time itself.

The morning light found them tangled in the sheets, a silent understanding passing between them. Penguin traced the curve of her hip, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"I should go," he said, his voice rough with sleep.

"Stay," she whispered, her fingers tracing the lines of his chest.

He hesitated, the pull of the sea battling with the desire to stay in her arms.

"I can't," he said, his voice filled with regret. "But I'll be back."

He kissed her, a lingering, tender kiss, and then he was gone, leaving her with the lingering scent of him and the promise of his return.

[mslovett]

behind the wish of the well

rook x reader

perhaps the well that had been granting all your wishes wasn’t so magic after all… and it was as if your luck had just run out as you searched for what your heart truly desired

—————————————

Despite how suspicious it may look to be wandering around in the earliest hours of the day, the light of the early hours shone in a way that eased your woes. There were no signs of people at this hour, though you were never left alone, for the birds sung and chirped as if showing off a sense of camaraderie to you. It was the moment you felt most comfortable to indulge in what was perhaps a silly little habit. But it was joyful nonetheless.

The wishing well you’d made your way to (you could tell of its nature from the many coins tossed in of all different ages) seemed long-forgotten, you were it’s only friend. It was hidden away behind all sorts of bushes and foliage, covered in vines that hugged it like they had just been reunited.

Sometimes, you thought that the well was lonesome, hence why it was so nice to you. Often times you’d sing or read to it, telling it about all the latest news from the school that was just out of reach to it.

Today, you sat on the edge of the well, not saying much of anything. Your thoughts echoed so loud and almost reverberated through your heart, in a way that you didn’t have to speak. It was something you’d been wanting to come to terms with for a long time. Perhaps, the sense of camaraderie you and the well had with each other was because you, too, were lonely. You yearned for a love like no other, but couldn’t dare imagine the day it would find it’s way down the right path into reality.

So maybe, if you wished hard enough, some magic (or a miracle) could help you out.

It was your only plan, so you decided that you would follow it through. Getting off the edge of the well, you turned to face it. “I wish to find love, true love, beyond the constraints of my imagination…” You said it quietly, as if it was a wish that shouldn’t be spoken. But then, with much more confidence in your voice, you continued, “I promise I won’t leave you behind, once it happens.” That was a promise you had to make, it would be too cruel, otherwise.

And so, you sat at the well as your heart was filled with a hope that made it jump and skip at the sound of your thoughts, and you listened to the birds. All too ignorant that your wish had in fact been heard, and by the sharpest of ears.

Life went on, as you’d expect, and you felt a little down. Maybe, at the end of the day, your well wasn’t so magical, or your wish was too big. It had only been a few days, total, but the well had never wanted to test your patience or resolve before. Like the time you had just wished that you could crack the code to getting along with one of your classmates, and you’d found a gift hidden in your bag with their name on it. Turns out, when you gave it to them, it was a very peculiar thing that they were specifically interested in and it lit a spark. That was a very obvious wish granted… but no lover had simply fallen into place.

It may be best to stay virtuous and wait, but it felt like days dragged on for millennia, weighed down by the hopes of your heart, and the assumptions of your brain.

Just wish and wait, it was an easy mantra.

But then, just as anyone should expect from miracles, you started to see a glimmer of hope just when you were about to give it all up. And that glimmer was very, very bright.

about as bright as the sun shined through the window on the 1st of February, the day you found a bouquet of red roses adorning the inside of your locker. A marksman had taken his fist shot as Cupid.

It seemed like your impossible love was becoming a reality, and you felt bad for even doubting the powers of the well.

Everyday, since then, you revived a gift in your locker, different every time. Today, it was a purple handkerchief, with red embroidered details. It was cute, simple and heartfelt. And, unbeknownst to you, one of the last gifts you’d be receiving, for the very next day would be the 14th. A special day.

Today, when you were on your way to check you locker, you saw something wholly unexpected. There was another student there, with an awkward, almost nervous smile on his face. And as you later noted, a letter in his hands. He handed it to you, and although you were stunned for a second, you took it out from its carefully sealed envelope.

But it wasn’t just a letter, more than anything, it was a transcript. As the man who’d given you letter started to read the dutifully memorised prose he’d beautifully written himself.

You felt as if you knew him, despite not learning much about him other than his name, Rook, and his affections for you from his letter.

And unlike ever before, you’d felt so close to a ‘stranger’. A stranger, who would soon let you in on their biggest secret, as if it were their final gift to you. They were the one who’d been granting all your wishes, looking out for you from afar; since he’d fallen for you helplessly many moons ago. He had watched you, waiting for your wishes to align. You couldn’t even complain about not knowing, since he was in fact, everything you’d ever wished for.

So maybe in the end, the well wasn’t made to be magical, or perhaps it had known your real wish from the start - and granted you both what you desired in an unexpected manner.

Either way, you got your fairytale ending after all.

[historianroo]

how to create when you don't feel human enough for it

Some days–most days–it's hard to want to create when so much of the world feels against it.

So, in opposition to that, here are my list of things that I do to feel a little more human and get into a creative mindset.

Disclaimer: Not all of these will work for you, and all of these won't work for everyone.

It's a process to feel a little more grounded each day, so try out a few and see how it goes.

The List:

Brush your teeth, or take a shower, or do some sort of self-care thing that can help to ground you. It doesn't need to be a big thing–it could be as simple as washing your hands.

Change your clothes! You don't have to put on anything fancy–but put on something new. Even if it's just a new pair of pajamas or sweatpants.

Take 10 deep breaths–in for four out for six.

Change your setting. Move from your bedroom to the sitting room or the kitchen, or if you have the energy, go to a coffee shop or sit outside.

Turn off your phone or, if you can't turn it off, put your phone on silent. Keep it face down on the desk next to you.

Change the music you are listening too. If you've been listening to rock, try Jazz or Blues (I like Hugh Laurie specifically). If you've been listening to sad music, try some classical music (Villain Classical Music Playlists on Spotify are so fun).

If you can–just play the music outloud from your device, if you can't then use headphones.

Take breaks. I recommend every 30-45 minutes, get up and walk away from your computer or your set up. If you're at a coffee shop, get up and get a glass of water, or run to the bathroom and wash your hands.

If you are having trouble with the flow of your writing, write out beats for it–as simple as "this character goes here and says this" then "this character replies with this."

If you struggle with dialogue–try scripting your entire chapter first, just write who says what and what they say, and then turn that into a chapter (this is the way I'm writing my novel and it works so well for me).

Call a friend, or your mom, or your sibling–have some sort of human interaction that is lokey and low effort.

Jiggle your knee while sitting there–bounce it up and down, side to side, just do some sort of movement, it helps with concentration and can help with grounding (I'm doing it right now as I write this).

Sing a song! Hum along to your music!

Go for a little walk outside (weather permitting)–I walk to class most days, or at least walk up the street to buy a cup of coffee if I'm just staying in my flat all day.

Buy yourself a fun drink! Or make a fun drink! I personally love making whipped coffee which was a big trend a few years ago, the recipe is super easy:

Recipe: You'll need: Instant Coffee, Sugar, some sort of way to mix it aggressively (I use a electric coffee mixer, but you can use a fork or a hand mixer), hot water, and your choice milk. The Process: 1. Put two tablepoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of hot water (I recommend like, almost-boiling water) in the bottom of your bowl/cup (whichever is easier to mix with). 2. Mix aggressively!!! You want it to be a light creamy color, and very fluffy! Or, at minimum, you want it to not have lumps, if you can't get it fluffy. ----Basically–this is espresso by the time you finish mixing. 3. Put it into your drinking cup, and fill the rest of the glass with milk–you can do any: oat, almond, plain, whole, chocolate (i feel like this would be yummy), etc. Optional: add ice! 4. I always add a fun color straw to it, it makes it more fun to drink! 5. enjoy!

Drink a big glass of water in one go–well, don't choke on it, but like, try to drink the whole thing without putting down the cup. Some times I find that if I put the cup down I don't actually want to finish it, so it's best to do it all in one go.

Listen to a power ballad. Something that gets you fired up and excited. Here's a list of my personal favorites:

"Dear Icarus" by Anna Miriam Brown "Free Fallin" by Tom Petty "I Won't Say I'm In Love" from Hercules "The Rider" by Paris Paloma "Now We Are Free" from Gladiator "Adiemus" by Karl Jenkins (Personal fav, and this is the guy that looked like he was wearing a costume at the coronation (there are a bunch of tweets about it, if you're curious, google "Karl Jenkins coronation tweet)). "Fire" by Katerina Gimon

Eat something!! Even if it's just toast–I love a good peice of toast with butter on it, it's low effort and yummy. If you want to make it fancier, extchange the butter for cream cheese–it's like a low effort bagel.

Cry–genuinely this makes me feel very human on days when I feel less than.

Stretch! Pop your back, roll your head around, loosen up your hands. It acts as a great moment to just center yourself.

And when you're done for the day, cuddle up and watch a movie or tv show. Something low brain energy (i love watching old disney moves from the 60s-90s), and put your phone down and away. Go to bed early, or at least go to bed before midnight, sometimes a good night of sleep can really help.

Send your writing to me. This isn't a requirement haha, but I'd love to read it!

I hope that some of these are helpful! If you have any suggestions for me to add–dm me or send an ask in! If you ever need music recommendations, ask!

I hope you can get back to creating, you're doing great and everything that you make is amazing and wonderful. Writing is a proces, it's not a sprint to the finish.

I wish you the absolute best! You've got this.

[scamornoreviews]

Element Tarot Reading Review - Is Olivia Carter's Tarot Element Reading Legit?

Explore a full review of the Element Tarot Reading by Olivia Carter. Learn how this personalized reading helps uncover your inner strengths and life path using your natural Element.

What if one reading could help you see yourself more clearly, break free from old habits, and walk confidently into the life you've always wanted? That’s exactly what Olivia Carter’s Element Tarot Reading promises—and delivers.

Introduction: When the Universe Whispers, Are You Listening?

In a world full of chaos, noise, and endless advice, finding real guidance feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. But once in a blue moon, something comes along that doesn’t just speak to your problems—it speaks to you.

Enter the Element Tarot Reading by Olivia Carter, a transformative experience designed to help individuals uncover their inner strength and identity through the power of elemental energy. Whether you're feeling stuck, confused, or just plain curious, this unique reading might be the turning point you've been hoping for.

Let’s break it down and see why so many are singing its praises.

# What Is the Element Tarot Reading by Olivia Carter?

Unlike traditional tarot readings that rely on broad card pulls and vague messages, Olivia Carter’s approach focuses on something more personal—your natural Element.

🌿 The Four Elemental Archetypes:

Each person is said to be aligned with one of the four classical elements:

Fire – bold, passionate, and fearless

Water – intuitive, emotional, and wise

Air – thoughtful, communicative, and analytical

Earth – grounded, practical, and nurturing

By revealing which Element dominates your life energy, the reading uncovers your personality traits, emotional patterns, challenges, and the easiest path to personal growth.

# Why People Are Buzzing About It

The Element Tarot Reading by Olivia Carter has turned heads for a reason. It doesn’t just scratch the surface—it dives deep into the core of who you are. And the best part? You don’t need any tarot experience to understand it.

💡 Key Benefits People Have Noticed:

Greater self-awareness and inner clarity

Relief from old patterns and emotional loops

Clearer decision-making and life direction

A sense of empowerment and renewed confidence

Personalized advice based on their Element, not generic fluff

One thing’s for sure—it’s not your average tarot reading.

# What Makes This Tarot Reading Stand Out?

If you’ve tried other spiritual tools, you might be wondering: What’s so different about this one?

Well, let’s take a peek under the hood.

🌟 Here’s What Sets It Apart:

Tailored Insights: Every part of the reading is based on your Element.

Practical Steps: It’s not just theory—you get steps you can take today.

Easy to Understand: Olivia’s explanations are simple, clear, and empowering.

Not Just Prediction—It’s Transformation: This reading isn’t about telling you your future. It’s about helping you create it.

Olivia Carter brings years of experience in energy reading and tarot, but more importantly, she brings a deep understanding of human nature...

Full Element Tarot Reading Review here! at https://scamorno.com/Element-Tarot-Reading-Review/?id=tumblr

# A Sneak Peek Inside the Reading

Still on the fence? Here's a quick overview of what people typically receive:

🔮 A full breakdown of their dominant Element

🧭 Insights into how that Element affects their choices and relationships

🛠️ Actionable advice tailored to their personality

💬 Reflections on past obstacles and future potential

💎 Bonus material including meditations and daily rituals

Now that’s what you call a full package.

# Who Can Benefit from the Element Tarot Reading by Olivia Carter?

Good question! The short answer? Almost anyone. But it's especially helpful for:

Folks going through a life change or crisis

People feeling lost, confused, or stuck in patterns

Spiritual seekers looking for clarity and direction

Anyone curious about self-growth and personal transformation

In short, if you’ve ever asked yourself “Why do I keep ending up here?”—this is for you.

# Real People, Real Results

Here’s what some folks had to say after their experience:

“I’ve tried every self-help book and course out there. Nothing hit home like this reading. It felt like Olivia was reading my soul.” – Nadia T.

“I never realized how much of my stress came from fighting my own Element. Once I understood it, everything started to flow.” – Jordan L.

“It wasn’t just a reading—it was a wake-up call.” – Samira D.

If you're looking for validation from others, there it is.

# Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is this different from a regular tarot reading?

Yes, very much so. Instead of random card pulls, this reading focuses on your personal Element and how it influences every part of your life.

❓ What if I’ve never had a tarot reading before?

No worries at all. The Element Tarot Reading by Olivia Carter is beginner-friendly and easy to follow. No experience is needed.

❓ Will I need to do anything afterward?

Yes—but in a good way. The reading includes practical steps and exercises designed to help you act on what you’ve learned.

❓ How long does it take to get the reading?

Most people receive their detailed reading within 24–48 hours after booking.

❓ Is this suitable for skeptics?

Absolutely. Even those unsure about tarot have found the reading surprisingly accurate and helpful...

Full Element Tarot Reading Review here! at https://scamorno.com/Element-Tarot-Reading-Review/?id=tumblr

[poisonedlovedarling]

How Disney almost had a hit with; Rise of Red, and how they can fix it going forward. (in my opinion)

So as the title suggests. We shall discuss today the Disney Movie Descendance - Rise Of Red, not only where they went wrong with the movie but what I think they could have done better as well as how they can fix the story going forward based off of what they've left themselves with. (Grab some food this is going to be a long one and a 3 part post)

Take this as your one and only SPOILER warning!

Now it might have been a hot second since you have seen the movie so let me start with a recap. Skip past the { } if you don't need it.

{The story is about the daughters of both Cinderella and the Red Queen. This is Chole the younger sister of the so not so charming Chad, and Red the brilliantly written only child of the Red Queen. Wonderland in accordance with this worlds lore has been closed off from the rest of Auradon and even the Isle of the Lost. Due to the fact that the section of Wonderland refused to give up magic and still held a Villain as their ruler. A ruler with an army willing to fight for her and their land/Magic. Wonderland like Neverland have Magic embedded in there land and rightfully refuses to give up using it just because some people don't like it. (Yes Auradon has and uses magic but according to the books which are in cannon with the movies, Auradon thinks magic will lead to evil and laziness so it's highly restricted.)

At this point in the Auradon time line Mal is married and off living happily ever after, Isle of the Lost is free from Prison, Carlos has met his untimely death (sniffle), and Uma is the new principle of the Prep school. (Ironic for someone who always skipped school and technically never graduated).

With this new found power Uma wants to extend a hand to all villain kids, mend bridges and make Carlos proud. Thus she invited Red to join the school which her mom lets happen much to everyone's surprise. During the opening party Reds mom stages a cue and Red is forced to go along. Chole and Red fight ending up going back in time to stop what ever made Red's mom evil from ever happening.

Long story long they go back find out her mom was sweet but a simple prank made her go bad and to stop it from happening before returning to the present and finding they had fixed everything and now her mom is loving and kind-the end?} (Too be honest good premise, very disappointing follow through)

Now we all know time travel is messy enough, but going back through very well known stories and changing them, and not for the better... You'll rarely get a good story out of it.

Now lets start with the easy bit, the parts where I think the story were well done, and properly can defend so. First the premise of the story, time travel when done properly is fun and inventive. They almost had it here, the idea that the Mad Hatter who had yet to appear even in the books held the key as a pocket watch, was wonderful. Red wanting a loving family and her mom being skillfully manipulative, only for us to learn she use to be a sweet pink baker girl whos' only friend was Cinderella. Then having our main characters have to learn that what made her go evil was bulling, I liked the premise i really did.

Second bringing back our loved Cinderella and Prince Charming, played by their beautiful actors. Brilliant piece of movie history, brought back to life. Not to mention Cindy and Red, they worked so well together the actresses could sing, dance, and act all while playing off each other. (I would ship them if I didn't love the idea of a sisterly bond better) Not to mention Cindy getting to know her mom as someone who believes risking it all for people you love is worth it.

Third, the music was catchy the characters fun and costumes to die for. However those things do not a movie sequel make.

***

HERE is where we talk about where they went wrong because with all these good parts mixed in the movie was so close to being a gooood continuation of the descendance story with fresh characters and stories. But they tripped over the finish line.

The elephant in the room is as big as the Red Queens dress here, and yes it's the ending...They messed up in the most important place in any story. THE ENDING! It was too nice, too pretty, too easy. One little fix and her mom is a loving person? Don't get me wrong i love a good story with a happy ending and no loose ends, but this left so many loose ends I can't even tell how many ribbons they used.

Here's what wrong with this particular pretty ending, it doesn't leave room for more and worse it changes history. Very loved and well known history. Descendance was very well known for keep the stories of the parents fairly consistent, before the kingdoms merged they were all separate Auradon was never meant to be small. It was a world, sure mostly all on one continent but it take weeks to travel from one place to another even with magic. (At least in the books.) There are deserts mountain ranges, islands, and oceans. Most of the kingdom is shown to be below the mountain rang but Notre Dame, Arendelle, Olympus in the story lore are all located far north of the mountains past Neverland.

Loose thread number 1- Auradons history includes Alice and her daughter Ally, if the Red Queens history has changed then so is Alice's if the Queen was nice what is Alice's story now?

Even at it's best Alices adventure in wonderland was a psychedelic nightmare. Without the Queen Alice could potentially have never learned to not be a pain. All of wonderland especially the queen were meant to be a reflection of Alices wishes and what would go wrong if she had it her own way. But with just Alices story changed isn't enough.

Loose thread number 2 - Wonderland was outcasted and Red marked a villain kid because her mom wasn't nice. Without that Wonderland wouldn't have been blocked off from the rest of the world and Red would have been going to school with hero kids from the start. All hero kids went to school together even before going to attend Auradon Prep. That means Reds own history would have been changed. The Red we know would have been basically erased from history people change based off their family life Red is either replacing a happier version of her self and at worse taking away a loving daughter from an equally loving mother.

This means loose thread number 3- Uma's invite to Red, Worse if the Wonderland is a villain haven and Red isn't a VK then Uma's moving and kind gesture to invite Red to school as a Reembrace to Carlos is mute point. It was a sweet and loving tribute to the character and actor. making Red Not a VK makes that tribute meaningless.

Which brings me to loose end 4- Red's mothers change make not a lick of sense. Basically they're saying that her one big bulling moment made her evil. Sure i can believe that, kinda. I mean anyone who's been bullied can attest to the fact it can change you. However! Queeny had several things going for her that would more often than not most negate the on point of bulling. A- she was nice and tired to stay nice, B- she had a close and personal friend who understood and would have happily led her right. C- Queen is shown to be one undeterred by one simple if not childish prank...because that's what the octopus villain basically did...a prank. Queen was use to their teasing one little potion wasn't going to make her evil towards anyone but the villains and most certainly not towards her only friend.

Loose thread 5- (like i said long rant) The book Squid girl was going to steal to make the cupcake that made Queen go all ugly. In the story the villains are caught because the book freezes them. if this is really a safe guard. than our two little main characters didn't need to do what they did with the book. the book would have magicked the villains frozen and they'd be send to detention just like what we saw happen.... (honestly that annoys me most)

Kinda Loose thread 6- Now this is a thread I know why it's not really loose but some people have pointed it out so I'll explain why its not actually loose. In the story Red and Chloe break a vase and get Cinderella grounded and unable from going to the party to be with Queen and meet her prince charming. Thus making the princesses night of dancing with charming never happen. This is isn't really a problem for two reasons. A- if we go off the real and good version of their story they don't dance together until later in life when they aren't children. So this ball isn't her Pumpkin ride happily ever after. B- If we really are changing history which Reds entire movie really did... Then it wont matter that Cinderella got the no fly from evil step wench, if her story holds true the step mom would have found any way to ground her from going in the first place. then her friends will help her sneak out and get her to the ball. story not much changed just how she got grounded being slightly diff.

Loose thread 7- speaking of dances...Fairy godmother....need i say more... I heard Yes... Okay so in this version of the story Fairy godmother is not only super young like Cinderella but also not very good at magic. If she is to help Cinderella in just a few days go to the ball by doing what Auradon as a whole deemed super powerful magic. Then why is she so, you know. Terrible? And basically not part of the story.

Just full out terrible ideas 1 through all the kid versions of the villians You know what I'm not even going to bother with Jaladin or the villains, I'm not touching that... at least not unless you want me to rant about how terrible they were. Or how much they just ruined the story. (not even their songs were foot tap worthy) They could have played with it brought in villains we often don't see or where known for starting out as royals which is what Auradon prep was originally before becoming open to all. But I digress.

Now this has been a long post so I'll stop here for now- part 2 will be put up soon and will talk about how the Rise of Red should have gone as well as how I think they can write themselves out of the hole they wrote the characters into

Please if you think I've missed anything or if you wish to debate me in the comments I welcome it.

[thinkingjellyfish]

My favorite chorus - Of Mind - Nocturne / Tesseract, explained. 

See the full list of my favorite choruses in the first post of this series.

Before I serenade you with prog I’ll add some background. You see, I love this chorus mostly for biased reasons. As a teen I was cynical. I thought people are bad and self interested, stereotypical stuff. 

But one my belief that spiraled from that was the idea of music and art being meaningless. I would hear people say that an album or song has changed them and think it’s stupid it’s just beep boop sounds. How can that change someone? I didn’t even understand what it meant to change.

But then I started listening to metal music. Not because I was angry or anything, quite the opposite I felt nothing at all I just thought it was pleasant and fit my taste. I listened to older bands like korn and other nu metal stuff because I liked the sound but it never wowed me. But a few years after that youtube recommended this song to me.

I couldn’t name any djent prog or math metal bands or songs. So this poppy style of metal worked well with me. But other than the metalica I listened to, the music was pretty empty. And metallica is old, so I had no idea what music and art could be in the modern day after years of progression. Until I found the song king by tesseract I thought it was boring. So I didn’t look back until, tesseract jumpscare! It was in a random youtube video I was watching the song nocturne. It blew me away.

The song starts with a massive but simple riff. Easy to understand, easy to interpret. But then it throws you into a soft hell of rhythm and syncopation. If you don’t know the song beforehand you won't be able to predict this melody. So listen on youtube and come back this post will wait.

As you could hear the pre-chorus is entirely muted notes but on random off beats they play voiced notes like small little jumpscares not enough to notice but enough to get you confused. In addition to that, the rhythm itself is also difficult to predict. It throws you way off.

To add to this the vocals are strange, airy and weak. He sings breathily and really holds those notes for a long time like he’s struggling to sing. At the same time he harmonizes with himself. He sings high as opposed to the deep notes of the instruments. It leaves a ton of room in the mix to be unfilled. This effect is strengthened by the pre chorus in which the notes go even deeper but this goes along with the strengthening of the singer ratcheting up the intensity. All leading to the chorus.

Boom! “You’re the plague within my dream” the rhythm is the same but all the notes are voiced getting rid of the syncopation making it suck you in more all while increasing the power. But what really gets me is those vocals. He sings with so much power in comparison to what came before I was honestly shocked. 

It completely threw me off the entire song, not just the chorus though that is the best part. It was one of the first songs to ever make me think “oh wow that’s unique.” I’d listened to other metal tracks but they all seemed like stereotypical metal like what I expected it to be. This was something new. And is still pretty unique to me.

But this is one of those times where I recognised a song had changed me. It broke through my cynicism a bit because. They seem to be trying hard and are playing difficult music. But why? They could just be a pop metal act and get even more money but they didn’t and it worked. 

This destroyed my cynical ideas, but mainly the one about art being meaningless. This song is unique and interesting and I loved it because of that. It has a deeper mysterious meaning that I cannot understand and maybe tesseract doesn’t understand. This changed the way I viewed art. 

Someone else with a mind created something to communicate with me and many others. They communicated many things but one thing they did for me was passion while being lost. The rhythms are confusing but the chorus is clear; this really spoke to me.

And that’s why I hate AI music and art. It’s a disgusting mockery of this. That’s right this entire series is an anti AI post. 

Final writing coming up soon.

[beauty-and-passion]

Eurovision 2024: 38 songs, first impressions

Wake up, bitches, it's that time of the year again.

No, not Christmas. It's Eurovision time, aka the time when we can verbally destroy each other and call our neighbors "filthy traitors", but in the end we would still be united against the real enemy: the jury.

As we all know, last year Sweden won but Finland caught the Snitch or, to put it simply, Finland won our hearts, but since the newly crowned King of Europe Käärijä was too busy being majestic and Finland was too busy being precious, Sweden graciously offered to host the competition for its neighbor.

Yes, this is what happened. No, you don't remember something different.

And yes, I ultimately decided to follow this year's competition. As someone said in some old post, Eurovision is a bit like that toxic relationship you can't escape from. And maybe you don't really want to escape from it.

So, since we're trapped in this hellhole, at least let's enjoy our time together with a heavy dose of sarcasm and a sprinkle of wholesomeness. Eurovision might have flaws, but nothing is perfect in this world after all.

As per every year, I always do my first listening while doing my chores, so the songs are in the background and I have no idea who sings what or from what country they're from. I just let them flow and see if something gets my attention.

And this year a lot of them did! I couldn't identify a clear winner, but I found a ton of small, beautiful gems everywhere. Oh, this year seems very, very promising.

As always, this is my first listening: many more will follow and my opinions may drastically change. So please, don't take my comments too seriously: this is all for fun.

__________

ALBANIA

Pretty nice song and pretty nice rhythm, I really like it.

But also... I've been to Tirana in January and I've listened to the songs they have there. And even if this one is very good, I would've loved more true Albanian rhythm.

Still, this will probably end in my personal playlist, so that's a plus for me.

Vote: A Titan in disguise? *Greek mythology intensifies* *Cronus intensifies*

__________

ARMENIA

We all stan a song in Armenian and if you don't, you will start doing now because yes, we have Armenian and yes, it sounds great.

So let's all thank Armenia for bringing its beautiful language - along with some nice Balkan rhythm that kept slapping me in the face.

But you know me, I'm a simple Mediterranean: I hear Balkan rhythm, I love it.

Vote: I will always be a slut for Balkan rhythms

__________

AUSTRIA

If Armenia slapped me with Balkan rhythm, Austria bitchslapped me with the whole 1990 decade.

But you know me, I am a simple Millennial: I listen to something that seems to come straight from the 90s, I dance.

Vote: We! Will! Rave!

__________

AUSTRALIA

This was... good. Just good. And the singer is good too. Maybe even too good.

Sigh, Australia forgot again that this is Eurovision. Please, someone, remind them this is the show of fire, sparkles and insanity.

Vote: "What ya gonna do in the real world?" Easy, WE! WILL! RAVE!

__________

AZERBAIJAN

Luckily Azerbaijan remembered that hey, they're the country that delivers good stuff! They should bring a good song!

And so they did and delivered us a good song, with good verses and a wonderful chorus in Azerbaijani.

The only problem is that the chorus is much better than the verses and if the song was entirely in Azerbaijani, it would've been a banger. Unfortunately, it's just good.

Vote: great job, Azerbaijan. Next time, ditch English entirely

__________

BELGIUM

"Are you still playing the game?" If you mean The Game, I think we all lost it.

Vote: +1 for the power move of making everyone lose The Game

__________

CROATIA

As soon as I started listening to it, I was assaulted by a sick rhythm. Then by a guy who tells me he's a big boy. Then by his anxiety. Then by more sick rhythm.

Then by what is probably the greatest line ever said in the history of music:

One last thing: the singer's name is Baby Lasagna. Baby Lasagna. He's speaking to my Italian heart and, even more importantly, to my Italian stomach.

And you know me, I'm a simple Italian: food is mentioned, I vibe.

Vote: my cats will vote for him

__________

CYPRUS

Oh no, please help this young lady! She forgot she's from Cyprus and she should send sick bops in Greek!

Vote: it's not a bad song at all. It's just not Cyprus-worthy

__________

CZECHIA

Oh, sorry, I didn't know this was a therapy session. I'll wait in the hall.

Vote: it's not bad, it's just... nope

__________

DENMARK

After a lot of disappointing years, finally Denmark brought a great song! The singer is good, the rhythm is good and it deserves a place in the final.

Vote: it's not in Danish, but we can't have everything

__________

ESTONIA

This song is an instant favorite. Native language, sick rhythm, adorable weirdos, all in one package.

And let me repeat that: Estonian! Beautiful Estonian language! It was such a wonderful surprise to listen to it! I literally stopped what I was doing and perked my ears because mmmh, it sounds like Finnish, but it's not exactly Finnish... what's that? And it was Estonian.

I am in love <3

Vote: pure Moldovian spirit in Estonia? I approve.

__________

FINLAND

So, let's recap:

we have a singer named Windows95man.

He wears a blurred Windows logo and no pants.

He comes out from an egg made of jeans.

The other singer isn't always in tune and he's dressed in pieces of jeans that make him look like a paperman.

He has the balls to ask if there's anything wrong with how he dresses.

The song screams of the 90s.

And then, during the performance, a pair of shorts literally fell from the sky.

With fire.

If that's not pure Eurovision, I don't know what it is.

(And before you ask: of course they cannot use Finnish, only Käärijä can and only the next Käärijä will be allowed to use it.)

Vote: Even if Finland sent the worst, most boring singer ever, for this year I would've given it a free pass. But Finns are such bosses, they decided to send this. Respect only

__________

FRANCE

And here on the right, you can see the French Frenching harder than ever.

Vote: a song named "Mon Amour". Seriously. Seriously. What will be the next one about? La Tour Eiffel? Oh wait, you already did that

__________

GERMANY

I'm mad because I already know this song will get zero points just because "iT's GeRmAnY", even if it's actually good.

Vote: thank you Germany for still sending good songs. You deserve more

__________

GEORGIA

You're "rising from the ashes like a phoenix"? Well, now I remember Conchita Wurst with Rise like a phoenix, which is way way WAY better than this song.

And since Conchita is Austrian, I also remembered the memo we got this year, which is one and one only: WE! WILL! RAVE!

Vote: more rave, less this

__________

GREECE

What? What? What do my ears hear? Greek rhythm? Greek language? And it comes together with a more modern vibe?

See, Greece? SEE? This is how you do things well. This is how you choose a good singer to represent your country. Thank you, Greece, for finally picking someone competent and not the umpteenth child.

Vote: finally, a song Greece-worthy

__________

ICELAND

I don't know why, but this song reminds me of another, more famous song. Can't exactly pinpoint which one, but it's way too familiar and I don't like it.

Vote: as soon as it was over, I forgot it

__________

IRELAND

And here on the left, you can see Ireland coming back to their roots, aka the most insane, batshit crazy stuff they have, stuff that will make you question what the heck happens on that island and if everyone's okay.

Vote: not a favorite, but it's definitely something I've never heard before. So that's a plus

__________

ISRAEL

I still have no idea why Israel is here, but I suppose that some have a free pass for killing innocents.

The singer isn't bad either, but the rhythm keeps reminding me of another, more famous song. Just like Iceland, I don't remember exactly which one, except that the famous one was better.

Vote: you shouldn't even be here

__________

ITALY

I already made a post commenting the Italian songs from this year and told a couple things about Angelina Mango and this song's meaning.

Here I can only reconfirm that this song is still a huge bop, the southern rhythm is still my Roman Empire and we may still have some chances of winning this year's Eurovision.

Vote: her southern accent my beloved

__________

LATVIA

The rhythm isn't so bad, but it's just so. Very. Forgettable.

But hey, I suppose it's good for re-listening, because I listened to it twice and both times it was like listening to it for the first time.

I didn't like it both times, but that's a detail.

Vote: just as forgettable as the Icelandic one

__________

LITHUANIA

You know, I respect Lithuania. Their songs are not my favorite, but they keep using their own beautiful language. Hence why, they deserve a place in the final.

Vote: keep showing us the beautiful Lithuanian language, I believe that one day I will find I song I like

__________

LUXEMBOURG

Do you know what I feared the most this year? That Luxembourg came back after 30 years and the song was shit. That they showed us something stale and boring.

But Luxembourg stepped in like the queen of the party and said: "Please, hold both my French and my English, because I can and I will drop something sick". And so they did.

Amazing rhythm, amazing singer, amazing return.

Vote: Luxembourg is back and wants to win

__________

MALTA

Malta is my personal Sweden. Even when they send a song I don't really like (like this one), it's just weak. I don't remember a song coming from them that I considered truly "bad".

I don't know what kind of sorcery Malta does, but it works on me every year.

Vote: Malta has too much power on me

__________

MOLDOVA

Don't worry, Moldova: you can't always be the best every year. You deserve to relax once in a while and this year you've been covered by a lot of other countries.

Vote: it's not the huge bop you would expect from Moldova, but that's okay. I'll let it pass, because Moldova always does great things for Eurovision

__________

THE NETHERLANDS

This song has a lot of amazing things.

First, the language: thank God, the Netherlands are still sending songs in their native language as it should be. It's beautiful to listen to it and I love to hear words that kinda remind me of both German and English.

Second: despite what it seems, this song isn't a satire/parody of Europe. On the contrary, it's a celebration of how open Europe is and how easy it is to travel without borders.

And it may seem normal for us because we're used to it now, but I visited Albania this January and there were a shit ton of controls and checks to do. While last time I went to Greece, all I had to do was walk down a corridor, show my ID card and everything was fine. The open borders truly are a victory for everyone who likes to travel - and a sign of how much better Europe is. So a song celebrating them is very much appreciated.

Third: the song isn't just about open borders! It's about a man remembering his parents, about how much he still misses them. And it's about his victory. In the end, he's literally telling them: look, dad and mom, I finally made it to Eurovision.

And these soft, wholesome things always get me in my cold heart <3

Vote: top of the final chart, no questions

__________

NORWAY

Let's all thank Norway for bringing the folk theme, along with their beautiful language.

I don't know what happened this year, but we are blessed by so many beautiful languages it truly seems like Eurovision and not Englishvision.

Vote: a bit too many screams, but I appreciate the enthusiasm of speaking in your native language

__________

POLAND

Poland learned from last year and instead of bringing another ball of nothing, they brought a song more fitting for their vibes.

It's in English tho, and that's very sad because Polish is a nice language. But at least the singer is good and in tune.

Vote: She built the tower. If it's the one from Stephen King's series, then we should have a chat

__________

PORTUGAL

Portugal did a miracle last year, by bringing a song I actually liked. So in order to be coherent, this year they brought another boring, forgettable song.

Vote: nothing good lasts forever

__________

SAN MARINO

Don't worry, people, San Marino will bring all the party vibes we need. It will take them some time to come, because they took a detour to Spain, but the vibes are still great.

Vote: maybe this year they won't be the usual traitors and give us 12 points

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SERBIA

Serbian lyrics? Yes, please!

And even if this song has some ballad vibes, it's not the umpteenth boring ballad. It's a very nice, soft song and the singer's voice is good too.

Vote: great job, Serbia

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SLOVENIA

A song in Slovenian? We stan! We all stan!

I'm not sure I like the "rrruaph!" sound, but the use of a native language and the dark vibes are very appreciated.

Vote: all these countries are spoiling us with their beautiful languages and I'm here for it

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SPAIN

Spain rarely disappoints and once again they proved it: instead of bringing the umpteenth young gal, this year they chose a more mature singer and not only she has a wonderful angelic voice, but she sings in sexy Spanish and her song is perfect dance material.

Vote: We're all zorras

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SWEDEN

Since Sweden refuses to bring something else besides the same generic pop music in English, I want to start a new trend: the Swedish Suggestion Box. Here we can all suggest much more interesting Swedish songs (or artists!). There's only one rule: they shouldn't be boring, nor generic stuff you can hear on the radio 24/7.

This year, I would like to suggest Nanne Grönvall: she's a pop singer, but she mostly sings in Swedish. I particularly recommend the songs Håll om mig, Den Vilda, and Vi är dom tuffaste.

If you have other Swedish artists or songs worthy of attention, please recommend them in the comments/reblogs! Even if the songs are in English, they're still fine! As I said, the only rule is that it shouldn't be generic and boring.

And I know Sweeden can do better than generic and boring.

Vote: Suggestions are open!

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SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is my second Sweden: even if other people might hate the songs it brings, I've rarely hated something coming from it. And if I did, it was with fiery passion. Yes, I'm looking at you, devastatingly boring 2022's entry.

So I'm very happy that this year we can all agree this is a great song, because wow. WOW. Mixing electropop with opera singing made something truly amazing to listen to and I can't wait to see if the singer manages to do it live. If he can, it will be magnificent.

Vote: fine, Switzerland, I'll forgive you for the 2022's entry. But only if you keep sending amazing stuff like this

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UKRAINE

Ukraine = quality and no one can deny it. I'm not a huge fan of this mix rap/Ukrainian rhythm they have been brought in these last years, but as long as I can listen to some nice Ukrainian language and some new vibes, I am all for it.

Vote: thank you, Ukraine, for always bringing amazing stuff

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UNITED KINGDOM

And here it is: the only country (with Ireland) that is legally allowed to use English in a song. Even if I dream that, one day, the UK will send a song in French and blow up the entirety of Europe.

The song per se isn't bad: very 90s' vibes, very dancey. But if I have to choose something with 90s vibes, I prefer the rave.

Vote: not bad UK, but could be better