#and its DEFINITELY not set after fable 3

[littlessparrow]

I feel like it will be set before or during the fall of the guild. Bowerstone and Fairfax Castle are bigger so it has to be set after fable 1 (then again I think it they were smaller in the game due to limitations at the time). With the guild seal appearing a lot it's safe to say the guild is still around at this point. Either way I'm excited to see where this goes!

THEY JUST SHOWED THE NEXT FABLE AT THE XBOX SHOWCASE

I'm not going to be calm about this whatsoever because at this point I'd sort of given up hope but it's actually happening!

and it's probably continuing the same timeline as the other fable games because we see Fairfax castle

but the hero named Humphrey who's doing the narrating has a bunch of stuff with the guild symbol on it, so maybe it's set before the fall of the guild? in fable 2 and 3 it was said that the heroes became arrogant and annoying so people got rid of them, maybe this game takes place when that's happening? anyway going to obsessively watch this tiny bit of info on repeat now if anyone needs me

[agentnico]

Beau Is Afraid (2023) Review

A few days ago I read an article that proclaimed Beau Is Afraid to be a 3 hour long anxiety attack. So naturally I thought - that sounds fun, I want to go see that. So here I am.

Plot: Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odyssey back home.

I have had mixed opinions on Ari Aster’s previous films, as Hereditary was a mediocre horror film with one memorable sequence involving a certain decapitation, and Midsommar was basically a modern day take on The Wicker Man. But I also appreciate their existence now more than ever, as were it not for the critical and financial success of those movies, A24 would have never justified giving Ari Aster a $30 million budget to make a film like Beau Is Afraid. For this movie is absolutely bonkers insane! This is sorely Ari Aster’s unique vision, and one that you’re either willing to jump on the ride with, or you won’t get it and find it pretentious and ridiculous. 

This is a movie that demands a lot from its viewers. What starts as a simple premise with Beau planning to go visit his mother after not seeing her for a while becomes this overlong surreal, grotesque and unpredictable odyssey and very much an interpretive challenge as it is shown through the eyes of the titular Beau. However Beau struggles from multiple anxiety disorders, as such everything he sees, hears or feels is always under question of what is reality and what isn’t. Beau is what I’d call an unreliable narrator. You know that feeling when you’re anxious about some worst case scenario happening that you’ve built up in your head, but then reality strikes and it’s never anything as bad as you brain expected it to be? Well for Beau every craziest scenario that his brain assumes becomes reality, as such everything around Beau is very over the top and macabre mad. Especially since all of Beau’s thoughts and insecurities stem from his very dysfunctional relationship with his mother, and as such everything Beau does is an attempt to emancipate himself from this toxic connection. The result? Well the result is one really weird f-ed up movie!

Joaquin Phoenix is perfectly cast as the broken and lost Beau. Phoenix is able to deliver so much with his eyes and expression, showing off Beau’s desperation to get out of this hell that consistently finds himself in, and all he wants is to be left alone. Yet as befit of the Kafkaesque reference in the synopsis, Beau simply cannot ever catch a break. He’s like the cockroach from the famous Kafka short story Metamorphosis, that is stuck in a room, not being able to get out of it. Beau’s life is one big messed up nightmare. And during this nightmare journey that is split into these episodes of sort, Beau meets a whole array of colourful characters, which I won’t spoil, but I will say that the whole cast in this movie do a fantastic job of embracing Aster’s mentality. The likes of Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Parker Posey, Richard Kind, Stephen McKinley Henderson are just a few examples, each bringing in their own peculiarities. Zoe Lister-Jones and Patti LuPone both a responsible for bringing to life the younger and older version of Beau’s mum, and both are very great at delivering one super manipulative and deranged creation. 

From a technical standpoint this movie is a pure filmmaking dream. Ari Aster definitely took advantage of A24′s big pay-check by creating some really trippy sequences, ones that are definitely inspired by the absurdist takes of David Lynch. A highlight it a scene where Beau is watching a theatre performance, and mentally puts himself into it, and we are then treated to a most beautifully bizarre semi-animated sequence. Beau is whisked into the on-set scene and then proceeds to traipse through fable-like villages, living out a long imagined life full of pure love and abject terror. It’s delicate movie art rendered as psychological weaponry. It’s a visually stunning piece, and one that only adds to the questions of what the hell we are watching. Another example is closer to the end of the film where Beau is forced to go up into this mysterious attic he’s been avoiding all his life, and what he sees there is something so random and twisted, yet at the same time a great use of practical effects and once again an example of Ari Aster’s willingness to create something truly different.

That’s what Beau Is Afraid is - different. Every viewer will leave having a different interpretation, but there is no doubting that this is Ari Aster’s very own distinct director vision, and one that feels like you’re being thrown face first into someone’s deep subconscious. It’s a truly exhilarating viewing experience. Do I get all of it? No, but I don’t think I need to. Some things are meant to be misunderstood. Is the movie a bit long? I mean yeah, it’s three bloody hours! Though that may tread a bit into the element of self indulgency from Aster, I still can say with certainty that this was a strangely enjoyable watch, and also surprisingly funny too. In a twisted way, Beau Is Afraid is a hilarious comedy of errors. And by gosh go see it on the big screen at the cinema. This movie deserves your undivided attention, don’t wait for it to go to streaming. Cinema is where it’s at, even if at my screening there was this very annoying fly that kept flying from the projector to the screen, making the in-movie anxiety correlate pretty effectively with my anxiety of that stupid damn fly!!

Overall score: 9/10

[destinyc1020]

while I dont agree with your take on banshees ( I enjoyed it and I felt colin delivered a really good perfomance and I found his performance to be much stronger than austin tbh) I can actually see why someone may not like it, its structured like an irish fable and its comedy is very bleek, mundane and absurdist which is not something someone might be looking for in a comedy. I can see how that comedic style may not connect with everyone as opposed to the romanitic comedy or a buddy comedy. My sister had a similar opinion where she couldnt connect with the film and lost interest in it real quick.

But to that one anon, its unfair to expect everyone to understand the allegory of irish civil war, if the viewer couldnt see the connections then it may be because the film didnt truly contextualize the setting or the histories of the characters or maybe the viewer just wasnt invested in the film.

Also art in general has multiple meanings, the allegory to civil war is one of many themes the film presents.

I agree women king should have been there but dont hate me but Im taking out elvis.

while I dont agree with your take on banshees ( I enjoyed it and I felt colin delivered a really good perfomance

I definitely felt like Colin's acting was strong in this film. The entire cast was great imo. Very believable. 😊👍🏾 I've just seen Colin in other films where I felt like his acting was more noteworthy. There wasn't really anything that really stood out to me that made me say that his acting was much BETTER than Brendan's or Austin's. I'm sorry. 🤷🏾‍♀️ That's just my opinion.

and I found his performance to be much stronger than austin tbh)

Yeeeaaa see, I'm sorry but this is where I'm gonna have to disagree with you here lol 😆

In all honesty, I actually think that Austin probably had the hardest job out of all the other nominees. I venture to guess he probably worked the hardest as well. He and Baz poured their blood, sweat and tears into that film...a prep and filming that took all in all about 2 and a half years in the making...

Having to not only act, but also sing, play piano, play guitar, work with a vocal coach who not only had to train him on speaking with a southern drawl, but also how to SPEAK like Elvis spoke, SING like Elvis sang, MOVE like Elvis moved, have the same mannerisms that Elvis had, etc... and this is someone who's larger than life that everyone knew/knows, so the pressure to nail it must have been immense!

Add on top of that, thanks to covid, they could no longer film the movie in chronological order, so one day, Austin had to be 1968 Elvis, and the very next day be Elvis from the 50s.... including having to tweak his singing AND speaking voice for those various decades because Elvis' voice changed over the years. 🥴 I mean, to make sure you don't get confused with all of that... That in itself is amazing.

Austin's acting may not have been Shakespeare lol, but imo he did a very excellent job, and really stood out (even above Tom Hanks) in the role, and that's very hard to do since Tom is a GOAT. They have some very TENSE scenes together in the film which I think Austin did beautifully imo. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Colin's acting was good too (don't get wrong), but imo just about anyone could have been in the role and it would have been the same. Nothing really stood out to me. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Imo, Brendan's acting in "The Whale" is the best, with Austin being a close second based on the top 3 contenders that I've seen so far of nominated "Best Actors".

I haven't seen EEAAO yet, so my mind might change after that. 🤷🏾‍♀️

.

I can actually see why someone may not like it, its structured like an irish fable and its comedy is very bleek, mundane and absurdist which is not something someone might be looking for in a comedy. I can see how that comedic style may not connect with everyone as opposed to the romanitic comedy or a buddy comedy. My sister had a similar opinion where she couldnt connect with the film and lost interest in it real quick.

I actually don't mind dry humor, or even films from a foreign perspective. I actually like some foreign films, and I did find some of the scenes in the church confessional to be pretty funny lol 🤣

I just wouldn't really call it a "comedy", but to each his/her own 🤷🏾‍♀️

.

I agree women king should have been there but dont hate me but Im taking out elvis.

Lol I'm not gonna hate you lol 😂 Everyone is entitled to their own opinions! That's the beauty of art!

I mean, the way "Woman King" has just been completely IGNORED by the Academy, when this is usually the type of movie based on historical elements that they typically seem to like.... is just very very interesting to me. 😒

I looked through the list of Best Picture again and I tried to find a "weakest link" lol, but I honestly can't find one tbh. Of all the films I've seen, I think they ALL have smthg great about them.

I personally wouldn't take out "Elvis" because to me it was probably one of Baz Luhrmann's Best films (jmho lol), and the film itself said a lot about a time in US history, fighting for civil rights, amongst an artist and singer blended into the very fabric of American living, and how the music really touched different aspects of people's lives. Not to mention, the fact that Elvis wouldn't be anywhere without black music, which I felt the film tried to highlight beautifully.

It was hard to cram 30 years of someone's life into a 2.5 hour movie, but I felt like Baz did the best he could do!

Honestly? You're probably going to hate me lol, but if I had to take out one film I've seen so far and put "Woman King" in for BP nomination, I would actually take out "The Banshees of Inisherin" 👀 I'm sorry!! 🙈😅😅

Compared to the other films on that list? 👀 Like, c'mon lol 😆

[essiekuko]

i loveeee those 2000s photos where the filter is so warm

i fear i may be rb too many 4n4 jokes on my main cause my followers might not be 4n4 and are just there for coquette, not expecting to see anything 4n4 related on main. and even tho i might not get termed for just rbs, i feel like it could happen, so i try not to rb too many 4n4 jokes in one day

i ♡ ruslana sm!! fly high princess 😢

some ppl are just easily born with the model features. tall, sl1m and pretty <33 its like there's no other perfect job for them

HOLD ON HOLD ONNNNN...soundcloud replay is a thing?!!

i solely use apple music and soundcloud for music, i use apple podcasts for unreleased ldr too. im so excited to see my overall apple music & souncloud replays at the end of this year <33

my secret tumblr acc is not even a secret anymore. its more like my twt is my secret social media lmfao tumblr is tame compared to twt

also how do i ALREADY have followers on twt when i swear i made it once and then didnt even interact or anything after that

HOW TF IS THE ONLY COUNTRY TWT IS CHARGING THE NEW USER ANNUAL FEE TO THE COUNTRY I LIVE IN????!?!?!?AAAAAA

when u 3at, u lose ur her01n ch1c beauty, and a face that nobody could tell what to do

i did 3at today, after a 43hr f4st, and for once i dont feel bad. its like my st0m4ch was crying for this food, and i just know its all going to burn off. usually by 5pm i lose my senses and 3at, like when i walked past the slow cooker and mindlessly picked up a chicken piece. and then i had the urge to c/s, but i didnt i just 4te it. and i 4te my cravings that i'd been having, like all those fries on the bench, and the toast that i burnt for my sister and knew noone else was gonna eat, and the pringles my brother brought home that i initially ignored, and the porridge my sister didn't want anymore. and i don't feel anything. and now im going to 3at din for like the 1st time in a week, and restart my fast without caring. b1ng1ng after a 43h f4st is way better than b1ng1ng in a row. my wl cals (yk, if i actually did 3at everyday) is 1000cal a day, but i barely eat up to that a day like wtf that’s insane. and that’s when i’m not f4st1ng, now look i’m fasting, and i pretty much can expect steady wl with it. i had 1860 cal right after a 43h f4st, and yk at least its lower than my maintenance c4l0r13s so im defs not going to gain after it. especially not after that high score i just set for myself, so next time i 3at it's gotta be after 43hrs, where i might as well reach 2 days. and we'll see, i jst gotta avoid the kitchen at din time (5-6pm) so i dont just mindlessly pick food up. obv my longest f4st was 74h, and i might just beat it with this next f4st

how could someone lose only 1kg a week. i remember when i once did a 3 day f4st i lost 2kg in those 3 days. imagine if i went for like a week/7 days. i'd lose 4kg in a week. and 2 weeks? boom, 10kg down on the clock. literally how is 70kg a good w8 for 5'6. like how is that even bmi 25. i get how, but it doesn't feel right to be over 100lb/45kg. even if being 5'6 and 154lb is normal, its just not normal to me, and i want to be my kind of normal. like wdym when i was 70kg i was normal. helllll noooo b1tch i still felt fvcking f4t. and i wanna go especially lower yk. like, my first gw is 70 (to come off 73 after i g41n3d back up huhu), and then to 65, and then to 50. and from 50, we'd go lowerrrr and reach that fabled 45 :)

i miss mid 2010's/por vida era kali uchis smmm 😢 i could tell she had a major influence from 50's-70's, and she said so herself, and it connects her to lana del ray sm more especially since she opened for her during her honeymoon tour <3 i'll drop my fav pics of her soon

i want those strappy, ribbony heels so bad, like silvermist's shoes. i used to have this huge tinkerbell poster over my bed when i was younger, and silvermist's outfit looked the best to me, especially her shoes, and they were so fun to draw. im definitely recreating this outfit when i find some ribbon heels

i love soft summer sm <33 layla from buffalo 66 made light blue my favorite color

my fav color used to be mauve, after colorpop's mauve palette

thissss <//3 thankfully this is my last skl year, hopefully it'd be less awkward in uni. my quietest class

omg wait guys hold on. laufey just came on and now i have to drop to my knees and bash the floor

laufey's vocals are so crunchy and crispy and ouugghhhh

okay anyway, so yea, my quietest class this year (and possibly in my entire life) was biology. it didn't make things any better that my assigned seat was in the 2nd row to the front. every time my st0m4ch gr0wls in a quiet room i fear that ppl will know that im st4rv1ng and obv to the normal mind thats bad, but to me i love it yk, and im probably the best i could be when u hear my st0m4ch gr0wl lmfao, way happier than if i 4te

BAHAHAH THIS. i shouldnt be laughing, bc theres ppl out there who genuinely feel this. if u want it so bad, just become ur own rockstar bf. courtney love says not to mangle urself trying to get the school football captain - become the school football captain. become ur own rockstar bf, its tht simple love

saying this after my heavy liking kurt cobain phase lmfao. now i like courtney love and my whole life changed

LMFAOO i used to have this friend in y9 who lied abt her life all the damn time it was so obv. but lowk so entertaining hihi just knowing how many fake stories she was pouring out and playing along and OMFG asking questions to further expand the story and she answers so confidently with her whole chest. sm fun

[crehador]

brother crab's spring 2024 first impressions: spring 2024

ok ok ok now that everything's had at least one episode out i am finally finalizing my list with a rough preliminary ranking of everything

tl;dr for me? sentai daishikkaku and kaijuu 8-gou in the lead so far (and BY far)

top 3: sentai daishikkaku, kaijuu 8-gou, wind breaker (and shockingly yes in that order)

this is pretty unexpected for me because wind breaker was one of my most anticipated series of the season, and i knew nothing about the other two

kaijuu 8-gou had an incredible first episode, if it keeps that up i think it'll be an easy anime of the season. but sentai daishikkaku also had a great first ep and really won me over with its second, so if it stays just as compelling... also a strong contender

wind breaker so far is really good, but it doesn't feel like anything i haven't seen before, i guess. i don't mean that in a bad way! familiar comforts are, well, comfortable. nothing wrong with that

but sentai daishikkaku feels very fresh and unique to me, and i'm rather partial to kaijuu 8-gou with it featuring an older cast of characters, so those two have a bit more of my attention for now

ALSO GREAT: yuru camp s3, boukyaku battery, tadaima okaeri, sasayaku you ni koi wo utau

THRILLED to be able to put both the yaoi of the season and the yuri of the season in this category. tadaima okaeri is cuter than words can expression, this is for sure going to be a highlight of my week every week. sasayaku also had such a cute and fun first episode! i'm an anime only for this one so will be looking forward to where the story goes (and hoping it stays that good)

yuru camp is yuru camp. what else needs to be said. extremely cute

boukyaku battery had a very compelling start too, definitely comes close to a top 3 for me after one episode. the seiyuu cast is really crushing it

REALLY FUN: astro note, yozakura-san chi no daisakusen

both enjoyable and entertaining, set just ever-so-slightly down a tier from the others for me for now, but feel like they both have even more room to grow on me (and already did grow on me between eps 1 and 2)

not bad: jii-san baa-san wakagaeru, re:monster

jii-san baa-san is honestly not quite what i hoped it'd be, it's heavier on the gag comedy than i would've wished. i think i would've preferred more of a softer, warmer, iyashikei-type slice of life series. but! that is not the show's fault, and it is not bad for what it is

re:monster isn't really outstanding but i'm having a good enough time for what it is also

in both cases i'm really liking the cast. mikishin is just so perfect for the grandpa voice, and satotaku is satotaku

dropped: the fable, hibike euphonium s3 (LET ME EXPLAIN)

hibike is not actually dropped of course lmao it is one of the ones i was most looking forward to, but before i started i decided to take it off my list for this season. i watched both of the previous seasons after they were out and really want to binge this one too, instead of going week by week, so it's not a drop so much as a pushed off for later

as for the fable... it feels like a shame to say it, but i wasn't vibing with this one. the manga scores or so high so maybe it's just a sense of humor that didn't translate well into anime form for me, or maybe it's just a sense of humor that's not for me full stop

either way i think i'm going to call it quits on this one even though i wanted to check it out for the cast

the only series i haven't started yet is karasu wa aruji wo erabanai because of some funky streaming timeline for the first ep... and now two are out so i have to catch up...... still looking forward to this one but alas i will have to get to it when i get to it

[randomclam24]

Let me lay down some rap honkey white boy. In non Japan, if you invoke either of the major titles by Teriyaki Tomato, they will fully invoke the more Japanese-oriented Siren games on *you* absolutely all the way if you invoke them on leftists seriously in a way that even conceptually exists - and look at that wording - out of that uncanny valley of address came the title which makes the impression like it *could* be French but that could be gay, "Alliance Alive", translated meaning I'm a big fat idiot, can't you see (This was the most popular game in Japan when it came out on 3DS) This is why we say these are just people who want to be ruled

The underlying production of the title was as followed, conceptually exist (thus founding the premise for the theory of Elon Musk virtual existence) - the powers over America are coming from consensus overseas and saying, we need ourselves to live with PRIDE

3/17 The Alex Kister drama - I learned about it by not actually watching any of them but downloading them all so I would have the feng shui of the titles which predefines the conclusion of the viewers

The last video Kister made was basically fashioned in conclusion after the wad Unloved, where in the second-floor room map link, the introduction starts by showing an abyss into a hallway. That's all there is to this. By doing these explanations, I've been rationalizing the way for people whose existence is limited by the scope of doing your homework(, as it is a means by which, following the legends and conscriptions of people past, you can emulate human salvation without actually having to do the human salvation). People like Nick Fuentes are just mad they can't even do this. They're all idiots.

Anyway once you get the red key by spamming resurrect a whole bunch of times since I know no one in this drama is trying, since the author of this wad is jewish, uniquely, I figure that's what this new level is about once you get either the red or yellow key. This is what you associatedly inherently turn *into* when you're alt-righter. It's a bad word.

3/17 In the heat of being unable to meaningfully outlet their urges for five thousand generations, Trump supporters became The Ultimate Torment and Torture, especially by the open area of Beyond the Dark Portal, which is basically every Hollywood movie climax of all time definitively like go sit there and be its bitch for like five years

3/19 The Internet has been out on my main computer about since the time of the last posting.

Trying to actually beat the normal ending of this thing without extra lives - by the way I'm using a PS3 controller for this to deliberately work through possible inconvenience in order to preserve the sense of challenge that has left since I have gotten experienced at modern mouse and keyboard: the master sensitivity had to be set to .3 with the actual aiming controller stick set to 1.7 - specifically This gameplay has reminded me, back when I learned the Doom editing programs, one of my higher goals was to recreate Link to the Past in Doom - I had already done so with the entire overworld of the original game So what's that? That's a high I couldn't sustain

Update Unloved 2, only on Hurt Me Plenty, not Ultra-Violence I haven't felt the effects of gangstalking personally because like Mario 64 was actually at this level from childhood, unlike most other people, I've limited the amount of people that can get into me personally by a selectivity process. But back from childhood, whenever I was with the cousins playing, eventually they would dogpile me and after a certain point, I would stop fighting because it would get too rough and let them walk all over me If it came down to a procedure, I would let it go wherever it wants

3/22 I finished the beta with the last outburst of Faded City left unaffected You really don't - it still holds total precedence Hence the rest of the game is not made I have 'liminally' just not enough stars to get to fabled sacred Wario Apparition sector >Suddenly at the verge of not attention span, le reversed stair Everything would be cold(and misty) - unloved2beta1 is still our bottom-line backdrop, with no defense.

3/23 night By now it's become clear this playthrough's purpose has been to be true to proving what has already been known that I didn't want to think about, and ignoring any stars that would give the usual runaround sense of carefreeness what-so-ever. By this point, it's become conscious that the people in question would want people like myself dead in the streets because they'd cause too much trouble: so what 'meaning' you want to interpret out of the ripples in the Wario Apparition sector, it's completely out there you see, this is what deeper interpretable meaning they never went any further into

3/23 I installed Func Map Jam 2 and Arcane Dimensions in the new release of Quake - It worked easily enough In Arcane Dimensions, I activated active spawns mode and entered The Realm of Enceladus Right from the bat, aside from feeling weird from the Eastern religious symbolism in the start area, right outside, there being just one floating enemy It's not the thing itself, but the fact of the atmosphere Even if you had this kind of atmosphere in games, people would not appreciate it They're obviously preoccupied

3/24 Introducing myself to that level reminded me of the spirit of Spongebob and Patrick making a snow fort in their yard just to have Squidward not appreciate it The entire world is looking at us |Trump supporters| like the meme about ||Republicans||:- "I'm a Republican, and I'm just gonna wall everything off and have muh guns because I'm made of--**beef jerkey**"

5/11

After the memes of kids' shows from 2009, you can't just tell people the not Taylor Swift song but that other girl isn't just what every black thinks driving you by with le bass boost

5/12 Essentially forming the origin for the mandatory introductions "I'm a this, I'm a that", (9) from Touhou means at this point you have to emulate a jew like "have to hand it to them". That's not not mandatory, our ability, like the thing in the eye of TNT 2, to justify beside, is by leaning

Edit - it's not an edit. What comes when? We don't have a culture we're *barren*

5/18 Alright as coroporate executives, we have to do something Within the public graces of what salvation constitutes, it can only be within the bounds of eraudica, um probably Senran Kagura Burst Renewal, and I don't know Kangaroo Jack or someshit(*get* to it

5/19 crack of midnight- I will not accept a Freddy Frekker remix without audio distortion like the battery-dead Homer Simpson bottle opener etc. But back in the day I looked at one actually like that and just said fuck that

[yashvitours]

Ladakh Rediscovered: A Journey Beyond the Horizon

Ladakh, where ancient monasteries echo with the whispers of the past, and snow-capped peaks stand tall as guardians of a mystical realm. In this blog we will be taking you to the bustling streets of Leh to the tranquil shores of Pangong Lake, unveiling the diverse tapestry of Ladakh's landscapes and culture. And we are certain that you will definitely be tempted to book your Ladakh travel package soon after reading this.

1. Leh - The Gateway to Ladakh:

Begin your journey in Leh, where the Leh Palace, a regal structure reminiscent of medieval Tibetan architecture which offers panoramic views of the city. Navigate through the vibrant bazaars, where the scents of thukpa and momos waft through the air, engaging in conversations with locals eager to share their tales and traditions.

2. Magnetic Hill - Where Gravity Defies Logic:

indulge on an adventure to the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where the laws of physics seem to dance to a different tune. Experience the bewildering sensation of your vehicle seemingly rolling uphill, an optical illusion that has perplexed travelers and scientists alike for years.

3. Pangong Lake - A Symphony of Blues:

Journey to the fabled Pangong Lake, a breathtaking expanse of azure waters cradled by rugged mountains. Explore the lakeside, where the hues of blue transform with the changing angles of the sun. Witness a surreal sunrise or sunset that paints the sky with a palette of colors, casting a spell on all who behold it.

4. Nubra Valley - The Valley of Flowers:

Venture into the Nubra Valley, a mystical landscape adorned with monasteries, sand dunes, and vibrant fields of wildflowers. Take a camel safari through the Hunder sand dunes, where the rare double-humped Bactrian camels amble gracefully, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.

5. Tso Moriri - A Tranquil Oasis:

Discover the serene beauty of Tso Moriri, a high-altitude lake embraced by desolate mountains. Immerse yourself in the tranquility as migratory birds grace the lake's shores, creating a harmonious blend of nature's beauty and solitude.

6. Monasteries - Spiritual Sanctuaries:

Get ready to forget yourself into Ladakh's spiritual heart by exploring ancient monasteries. Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit Monasteries offer a glimpse into Buddhist heritage, boasting intricate murals, towering statues, and vibrant festivals that embody the spiritual essence of the region.

7. Chadar Trek - Walking on Frozen Waters:

For the intrepid adventurer, hike the Chadar Trek, where the frozen Zanskar River transforms into an icy pathway. Enjoy the breathtaking valleys, frozen waterfalls, and awstriking landscapes, experiencing the raw beauty of Ladakh in its winter cloak.

Conclusion:

As your journey through Ladakh concludes, the memories of its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and warm-hearted people linger. Ladakh is not merely a destination; it is a tapestry of experiences that weave together the grandeur of nature, the spirituality of its monasteries, and the resilience of its people. Until you set foot on this sacred land, let the echoes of Ladakh's untold stories and uncharted beauty continue to beckon you beyond the horizon.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Moe Moe Mallekei Kyun~

In which Malleus and Cater go to a maid café, and shenanigans ensue.

... I’ve been wanting to write this for a long time.

***Warning: mild spoilers for Malleus’s PE Uniform personal story!***

Imagine this...

“Lilia-sama.”

Two bodyguards fell into line, saluting simultaneously to their vice dorm leader.

“We just finished combing through the prime gargoyle locations around campus,” Silver reported. “Unfortunately, there was no sight of Malleus-sama to be found. The accounts of the various students we interviewed also corroborate that the Young Master has not recently been spotted in the area.”

“I see. Thank you, Silver.” Lilia sighed, cupping his cheek in one hand. “Hm, this is a bit odd. Wherever could he have wandered off to this time?”

At that moment, a ping! sounded off. Lilia fished his phone out of his pocket and, with one glance at the screen, his expression softened.

“You don’t suppose some dastardly villain has… kidnapped the Young Master and is holding him for ransom, do you?!” Sebek’s eyes nearly bulged out of his skull at the thought. “If that is the case… THEN WE HAVE FAILED AS MALLEUS-SAMA’S KNIGHTS!!”

“Now, now--let’s not jump to conclusions. Even if that were true, I’m certain that Malleus would be able to easily fend off assailants on his own. Perhaps he has simply lost his way, or headed off campus to run an errand.”

“... Without warning us in advance?”

“I would have happily accompanied the Young Master wherever he went--EVEN TO THE ENDS OF TWISTED WONDERLAND ITSELF!!”

“Kufufu. Malleus is still young at heart. Let us allow him this moment of independence, just this once. He will find his way home eventually.”

“Welcome home, my masters!!”

Malleus skidded to a stop in the doorway—for beyond it laid unknown territory. The interior sported cream walls, with fairy lights, streamers, and paper flowers strung up. A number of tables and chairs, populated with people, were set against flowing white curtains.

Young ladies flitted about, balancing trays of food and drinks, cameras, and microphones. Each wore the same outfit, consisting of a frilly headdress, an apron, and a black dress with lace trim and ribbons.

And now, one of those uniformed girls extended a hand to him and a warm, welcoming smile.

Malleus frowned and turned to the orange haired young man beside him. “... Diamond. What is this strange establishment you’ve brought me to?”

“Mm? It’s a maid café,” Cater chirped, glancing up from his phone. “You said you’ve never been before, right?”

“Well, yes… However, when you invited me to join you for an outing, I did not expect this to be our destination.”

“It’ll be fine~ We’re already here, so let’s get seated!” Cater insisted cheerily, ushering the fae through the door. 

“Right this way, my masters!” The greeter giggled and led the way, eventually stopping at a vacant table set for two. As the duo slipped into their seats, she handed them menus and moistened towels. “We have a wide selection of special services and delicious dishes for your enjoyment!”

Malleus hesitantly flipped open the (very pink) menu and ran his eyes down the page of available items. Along with the expected offerings of desserts, savory foods, and beverages were odd listings: massage, ear cleaning, karaoke, game, arts and crafts, picture, spoon feeding, live song and dance...

He stared quizzically at Cater, who seemed to be taking everything in stride.

“I’ll take a plate of omurice! How about you, Malleus-kun?”

He stared back at his menu, trying to make rhyme or reason of the unique names. What in the Great Seven was a Pyon ❤ Pyon Sunshine Bar…? Or a Lucky☆Happy☆Cookie? Malleus’s brows furrowed in both concentration and confusion.

“I… I shall have the local specialty, whatever that may be,” the fae prince declared at last.

“Excellent choices! And would you like a bunny, or a kitty?”

“You hand out animals at this eating establishment? Is that not a health code violation?”

“Aaah, Malleus-kun, she doesn’t mean real rabbits and cats. Look--you’ll see when she brings them, okay?” Cater laughed awkwardly. Then, turning to the waitress, he held up his index finger. “One of each, little lady~”

“Of course!” She scribbled down a few words on her heart shaped notepad before prancing off.

“... Diamond. Are you certain this is the fabled maid café of which you spoke of?” Malleus asked, folding his arms. “I find it difficult to believe that every patron here is descended from a high class lineage. Furthermore, the servers are wearing attire entirely unlike that of a traditional household servant.”

Cater blinked once, twice—then chuckled.

“Maid cafés are like normal cafés. Anyone can go to them to play pretend and chill for a while! The difference is that the waitresses are dressed cutely and offer fun services. Singing, dancing, playing games—that kinda thing!”

“I do not understand.” Malleus swept a hand at their surroundings. “The purpose of this establishment is merely for… amusement?”

“Yup! People get tired of the daily grind sometimes, so they go to places like this to see cute stuff and just take a load off.”

“I… I see.” Malleus tucked his thumb and forefinger under his chin. “We do not have anything like your maid cafes in the Valley of Thorns.”

“You don’t? What sort of things do you do back home for fun, then?”

“I was not allowed to venture far from the palace grounds. Most of my time was spent indoors, studying spells or honing my magical abilities.”

Cater inclined his head. “Oooh, right! Because you’re a prince and all, you weren’t able to do much—but hey! Things are different now! You’ve got Cay-kun to show you a good time!”

“Ah, yes. A ‘good time’...” Malleus attempted at a smile, which came out more wary than he had intended.

“Thank you for waiting!” a girlish voice chirped—their waitress had returned, wearing a tray of food in one hand and two headbands in the other. “Here is your omurice and Nyan ✨ Nyan ✨ Kitty-chan Parfait, plus one pair of kitty ears and one pair of bunny ears!”

She handed Cater his dish—a bed of ketchup flavored fried rice, sealed by a wobbling omelet and garnished with a sprig of parsley.

“Mm! Smells delicious. Thanks a bunch~” Cater grinned, winking at his server.

The maid giggled and placed Malleus’s dessert before him, along with the headbands.

“Would you like me to draw or write something special for you on your meal, master?” she asked, gesturing to Cater’s omurice.

“Sure thing! Could you write ‘Mallekei’? Oh, and a couple of hearts would be cute, too!”

“As you wish!”

As the maid set to work, Malleus marveled at the sight of his parfait.

Colorful scoops of ice-cream, granola, and sliced fruits were layered inside of a tall glass cup. A generous crown of whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce topped it off. Sticking out from the whipped cream were two wafer triangles and dots of chocolate candies, forming a cat-like face.

How adorable.

… But not adorable enough to be spared.

“Thank you for the food.” The fae raised his spoon to demolish the poor parfait kitten—

“Stop, stop, Malleus-kun!!” Cater cried, frantically waving his arms. “N-Not yet!!”

Malleus lowered his spoon with a frown. “Food is meant to be consumed, Diamond. Is there an issue you have with my table etiquette?”

“Well—no, but…” Cater played with a lock of his orange hair and sighed. “There’s certain rituals we need to do first!”

“Rituals? Oh, my apologies. I was not aware. Please proceed with your regularly scheduled… rituals.”

“Ahaha, you’re a quick learner! First thing’s first, let’s put on our headbands!” Cater swept up the cat ears and passed them over. “Here, to match your parfait! I’ll take the rabbit.”

Malleus gingerly nestled the cat ears on his head, copying Cater’s movements. It was a bit tricky maneuvering around his horns, but somehow, he managed.

“Oh!! Those ears suit you so well!” the waitress said, glancing up from decorating the omurice. Carefully placed splotches of ketchup spelled out ‘Mallekei’, hearts and little sparkles littering the space around the boys’ combined names.

“... Do they?” Malleus doubted it.

“They do!!” Cater reassured him with a laugh. “Ne, ne, miss! Can you take our picture so my friend here can have a souvenir to take home with him?” 

“Certainly!” She replaced the bottle of ketchup and hurried off, returning shortly after with a polaroid camera. “Are you ready, my masters?”

“Ready, Malleus-kun?”

“Hmph. Of course. I will have you know that my posing abilities have improved considerably since our last encounter. Do not underestimate me.”

“Oh, that’s great! You’ve been practicing! Then… on the count of three, we nyah, okay?”

“... What is ‘nyah’?” Malleus inquired, his confidence suddenly waning.

“Eh?” A blip of surprise crossed Cater’s face. “Like, y’know… nyah!”

The influencer curled both of his hands into balls and made a pawing motion at his friend. “Now you try!”

“Like this?” Malleus mimicked him. He was more stiff—definitely not as practiced—but the general motion was still recognizable.

“Very good, master!!” the waitress gushed, raising the polaroid up. “On three?”

“1, 2, 3… Nyah!”

A flash went off, sending stars into Malleus’s vision. As he rubbed the daze out of his eyes, Cater’s voice called out to him.

“Are you okay there?”

“I am well. There is no need for your concern,” the fae insisted. “This ritual… it is more confounding that I took it to be.”

“Eeeh? It’s not meant to be hard or anything. Just relax, relax!” Cater paused before adding, “It’s part of the ritual’s requirements! You need to be nice and loose for the last step!”

“What is this last step?”

“We need to cast a magic spell to make your food taste extra tasty!” the waitress declared cheerily.

“Hoh?” A smirk found its way onto Malleus’s face. “That can easily be arranged. Allow me to do the honors.”

He put his hand before his parfait, an eerie green glow emulating from his palm. The sinister light engulfed his dish and Cater’s, sending them floating midair. Radioactive ice-cream and omurice hovered above their heads, causing both Cater and their maid to recoil in shock.

Other customers stared at the spectacle from their own tables. One man’s jaw dropped, the forkful of spaghetti bolognese in his mouth clattering onto the floor.

“You, who provides sustenance to the masses, become that which is delici—“

“H-Hold on a sec, Malleus-kun!!” Cater practically leapt over the table to seize his friend’s glowing hand. “Not that kind of spell!!”

Eyes wide with surprise, Malleus allowed his magic to settle down. The parfait and omurice gently floated back onto their table, and the maid sighed with relief.

“Is there a different spell needed for this occasion? I assure you that I am well-versed in practical magic—you need only speak its name, and I can conjure the proper…”

“No, no! It’s—“ Cater casted a look at their server and nervously chuckled. “Ne, Maid-chan~ Think you can give us a demonstration of the right spell?”

“Yes, master!” the girl, ever professional, flashed a perky grin. “Please watch carefully!!”

The maid set down her polaroid on the table. She then arched her fingers into C-like shapes, thumb extended straight. Pushing her hands together, she formed a heart and aimed it in the direction of the boy’s dishes.

“Moe moe kyuuuuuun!”

“What an odd spell. In all my years, I have never heard of such an enchantment…”

“Well, there’s a first for everything, right?” Cater flicked one of his floppy rabbit ears. “Plus, it should be no problem for the great Malleus-sama to pull off this spell, right?”

“This is child’s play,” Malleus’s laugh was like the earth itself rumbling. His lips quirked into a small smile. “You will join me in performing this sacred ritual, will you not, Diamond?”

“Of course~”

“Very well.”

They made hearts and thrust them upon their meals. And together, they uttered those three magic words.

“Moe moe kyuuuuun!!”

“Welcome back, Malleus,” Lilia greeted. The vice dorm leader nonchalantly hung from the ceiling, his raven and magenta bangs suspended midair. “Did you have fun on your outing?”

“Lilia. You knew?” Malleus slowly shut the door behind him, chasing away the cool air of the night. He spoke softly, knowing that sounds carried in the dusty hallways of Diasomnia and could disturb its residents.

“The wonders of modern technology,” Lilia trilled, expertly landing beside his young master. He brandished his phone in a gloved hand, a text message displayed on the screen.

hey hey lilia-chan! gonna steal malmal-kun for the day~ he’ll be back later, but do me a solid and keep it a secret from s&s til then, ‘kay? thnx!! (✿˶˘ ³˘)~♡

“It looks as though I have been exposed.”

“There is no shame in making new friends. In fact, I’m proud of you for expanding your horizons.” Lilia beamed. “Though what a shame it is that I was not present to grab a few pictures. Hopefully Cater fulfilled that task for me.”

The ancient fae tilted forward in his toes and peered up at his prince. “Soooo? Where did you sneak off to?”

“Fufu. Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“My. Is that any way to treat the man that kept Silver and Sebek from hunting you down?” Lilia teased, wagging a finger.

“Such loyalty,” Malleus smirked, hands on his hips, “deserves to be rewarded.”

He produced a polaroid photograph from his breast pocket and presented it with a flourish. The image, forever captured in time, was that of Malleus and Cater—the former with cat ears, the latter with bunny ears—with hands balled to resemble paws. Cater cheekily winked, while Malleus looked slightly bewildered.

The edges of the polaroid were dotted with stickers—smiley faces, flowers, and hearts. Marker had been used to scrawl on whiskers and blushes over both boys’ cheeks.

Overall, cutesy—overwhelming so.

But the Malleus and Cater in the picture were happy.

Their eyes shining like jewels.

Nyah-ing their hearts out.

[otterskin]

Quick Thoughts of Loki Episode #5

Me during the First Half:

After 30 minute mark:

Me at the End of episode:

Full text thoughts below.

So those first thirty minutes, right? Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Some crazy fun sets full of hilarious background details, this great new cast of Lokis (sad we didn't have more of Boastful Loki, he had an interesting design), some great humour and finally a little, tiny bit of Hiddleston acting off of Hiddleston, which I've wanted for awhile with all these multiple Lokis. Alligator Loki was flippin' the best, although I wanna know how Old Loki speaks whatever it is he speaks and no other Loki does. And that Alioth!! Such a fun concept in this crazy world, I loved everything about the worldbuilding and how it related to storytelling. The writing itself was a huge notch up from episodes 3 & 4 - I will be keeping an eye on Tom Kauffman (writer of this episode). This one understood how to keep 'characters walking places and talking' really engaging and interesting, it had some great one-liners that feel like classic quotable lines already (I am heartbroken to say I'm not even surprised"), it kept up its momentum but knew how to slow down for quiet moments. All in all, this was nearly the best episode in the series and definitely would have been if not for the problems in the post-30 minute mark.

I loved the random creative elements like the Battleship (from a conspiracy theory I understand), the giant Easter Egg Nest in the Van, the peacocks with little purple balls on springs for heads, and the surprise of Alioth, which fits into a show about a Norse God rather well. These all made the episode sing as a unique entry in the show and the MCU. It reminded me of the Island of Lost Toys from Rudolph and also Toy Land (Fables Comics).

Kid Loki may not have had any physical resemblance to Tom Hiddleston, but the child actor was amusingly poe-faced and dark and got a lot of chuckles out of me and I whole-heartedly embrace him as an alternate Loki. I also enjoyed the sly 'JIM' references, as that Gillen run in the comics is probably my favourite for Loki stories, even though this Kid Loki was very, very different. I don't know if there'll be more of him, but I'm on board. And of course, President Loki, although here all too briefly (I really wanted more Hiddleston-acting-off-Hiddleston action), was marvelous and charismatic and I loved the weird silky voice he had, and of course his many creatively-dressed minions that included a few other Lokis. I wish, wish, wish that had been longer. Hands down the MVP of the episode is Richard E. Grant, who took a character I was nervous for, dressed in a ridiculous costume, and made him the heart and soul of this episode. I've been feeling like Loki has been in need of another A-list actor and this was the guy. He elevated everything. His pathos, humour, and delivery were spot on, and he had such an easy chemistry with everyone, including that CGI alligator. Every moment with him was a treasure, small and large - and I especially loved his large moment fighting Alioth where he created the illusion of Asgard from memory. That was really touching and beautiful and damn did it hurt when he got munched. Good writing, great acting, just...man, I'm gonna treasure this alternate Loki in a way I didn't see coming. That was just magic. But...that brings us to the other revelation. The not-so-good one. Sylvie...I'm sorry, kid, but...

I really wanted to give this character the benefit of the doubt. I liked a lot about her in her initial introduction, but at this point it's clear - she's another MCU Action Girl Model No. 678, off the shelf. Her writing takes very few risks and gives her almost no traits I'd associate with Loki. She's just another Natasha/Gamora/Hope clone. What makes a Loki a Loki? I've talked about that before and the show almost seems to get it. But there is a crucial difference between my philosophy and theirs. They say Loki is a survivor, God of Outcasts. I say Loki is the God of getting knocked down and getting back up again, the God of Odd-Couple pairings and the Court Jester of Asgard. Sylvie might have survived, but she doesn't suffer the constant humiliation and self-effacing humour and self-hatred that makes Loki's resilience especially moving and interesting. She doesn't get to be very funny, she never gets to be clumsy or pathetic. She's never the architect of her own failure. She's never a clown. She's just stock Action Girl in a Loki crown. And since when is wanting revenge and being kick-ass enough to be called a Loki? She's just another hyper-competent female raring to be the main character while the fun, bumbling lead trails after her. And then they have to further burden her, the sole female lead and sole female Loki, with being the romantic interest. There's no getting away from it now. That's what they're driving at and God is it uncomfortable and unpleasant. What makes a good romance? What makes any good or interesting relationship on screen? Contrasting and complementing traits. Some of this on paper could work, if you could somehow get around the gut-instinct incestuous vibes. Sylvie is self-assured, Loki is not, Sylvie solves her problems with violence, Loki prefers words, but both have had a hard time connecting with people outside their families, etc. And yet they come together like three-week-old bread pudding and onions. One of these things has flavour and goes well with all sorts of dishes, and the other is a bland mess that just gets a bit lumpy when it comes in contact with a strong-tasting ingredient like Hiddleston's onion. When the episode slowed down for their romantic moment, it really slowed down, to an absolute slog. And then the worst thing happened. Loki officially stopped being the main character. I'm reminded of Ant-Man and the Wasp, where the story was really all about Wasp and her personal quest, and Scott was just around because I guess they're romantically involved or whatever. He was just following Wasp around and occasionally screwing things up. Here, it's even worse. Loki is entirely besotted with Sylvie, to the point where all he does is follow her and the only plan is her plan. His entire motivation is her. This is her story and he's just a footnote in it. She drives the plot, she has the motivation, she has the deepest emotional connection to the goings on of the story, she interacts with the villains the most and has the deepest personal connection to them. She, despite being a Loki in name only, (and not even that really) is the main character of Loki. Making Loki such a passive character, most devoted and passionate as a love interest to Sylvie than anything of his own, is just...I don't know how to process it. Loki has always been such an active, dynamic character in the films. He drives the plot entirely in THOR, and even though he's an afterthought in the writing of TDW he still very much drives his own narrative arc forward, and in Ragnarok, where the character's schtick is floundering for purpose in the wake of his father's death, he still drives forward his own arc, makes his own choices, and carries large parts of the narrative and plot. He is essential. Here? In the show supposedly named after him? He doesn't even get to have his own character arc, his own self-reflection. Instead, they use the good ol' trope of 'redemption through romance', whereby he learns to love himself by loving Sylvie. He is 'fixed' because of a romantic relationship.

That's not good character development, it's not fair to Sylvie, and it's not good writing. It's an old trope that I even consider a little bit dangerous. Believing a romantic relationship is a substitute for self-reflection and growth and personal reckoning is asking for failure at all of that, and the failure of the relationship. People - especially women - shouldn't have to fix their romantic partners, or inspire them to be their 'best versions'. Yes, there's a little more going on in the subtext than that, but it still boils down to this same, tired old trope. This was also the trope I despised most in Waldron's script The Worst Guy of All Time, which I also felt had a bland action heroine burdened with being the mirror through which the lead, flawed male could fix himself - by snogging her. Just. No. Don't do that. In addition to that...I think I've got to admit that I'm finding DiMartino a bit lacking in the role. Yes, it's thanklessly written and I do put that as the largest problem. But Grant just came in here and stormed the castle. His writing had a few stumbles too but I didn't care because his delivery and massive charisma just sailed right over those potholes. He made me care about a different Loki, and care a lot, in just one single episode. There was an electricity when he was onscreen that not only held its own with Hiddleston, but often stole his thunder. God, the way his eyes moved and focused, the wry cynicism and good humour of his voice, his offhand reverance for Kid Loki, everything he did just sparked. DiMartino doesn't have a fraction of that panache, and that's very evident in scenes with both Owen Wilson and Hiddleston, who just outcharm her at every line, despite them and the story pushing her as the lead of the story. To be clear, I like Sophia, I don't think she's a bad cast, but I honestly feel she's not keeping up. I just don't get a good sense of her character's inner life, and I don't think she brings much individual energy that no other actor could. Say what you will about Wilson and Hiddleston, but they have immense individual energy in all their roles. She's also no Hemsworth, who's leading man abilities I've always found quintessential to the Thor films - but then again, Wilson, Hiddleston, and Hemsworth are all allowed to be funny and charming, and Sylvie is more like Thor 2's Thor, a vehicle for the plot and romance. So maybe I am being too hard on her. But seriously, Marvel, let women be weird. Let them be kooky, ridiculous, silly, earnest to the point of cringe, let them be offputting and crazed and eccentric and...unique. Not MCU Action Girl Model No. 678 with a new coat of paint. Because this is just Wasp, Gamora, and Natasha. Again. Finally, another problem came to a head this episode. There's a flanderization of Loki at work here, and I do so hate to use that phrase. Their understanding of him can be quite complex sometimes and at others it’s cartoonish or based on some version of Loki that’s not been in the MCU. It’s also frustrating that the subtext of Loki has been made text, which would be fine if they gave him new subtext - which they haven't. They've also ignored quite a bit of text, like his heritage and discomfort with that, that makes the character seem a little incongruent with the guy coming off of Avengers and Thor. There's just not much happening underneath the surface anymore. It's all stated, often by the character himself. Every feeling, the meaning of every action, everything telegraphed by bullhorn. ("I think we're stronger than we realize!!" should have been a reaction shot. Classic over-writing.) I don’t have as much to dig into as I did in the films other the Easter Eggs. They keep saying the themes out loud like WandaVision did rather than trusting the audience to interpret. No, you're told exactly how to feel, every character tells you exactly what they're feeling, with no room for gray areas at all. What happened to the character it was fun to analyze and think about? How did he become a side character to someone else's story in a story that

was supposed to be about him getting his own story? I would have thought that was the point, but they’ve brushed aside everything I cared about with that character to make way for Sylvie.

His heritage? A throw away Easter egg not at all developed amd actively disregarded. His self-hatred? Well, now he wants to jump his female version’s bones so that’s all better! His relationship with his family? Whatever, now he has Sylvie and Möbius guys! He’s just met them but they get the hugs and probably the eventual kisses. (Oh god I don't want that, please.) That's not to say I'm against Loki getting a cast of his own characters (I quite enjoy his recent casts in the comics, with Leah, Verity Willis, Thori, etc.), I'm just against this large emotional pay-off being given to characters where I don't really feel that level of bond has been earned. Loki hugging Thor would be a big moment. Loki hugging Mobius is...fine, because he does seem to see Mobius as a proxy to both Thor and Odin, and I can buy that he likes him and might invest a lot of other emotions into him. But it's not fireworks. It's just...a bit of a forced emotional climax for a friendship that never quite had the time it needed (gosh, I would have loved this to be 12 episodes long and to have had three episodes just jetting around time with Moby. That would have been ideal.)

I just wish it was Loki and Mobius teaming up at the end, not Loki and... the most boring Loki ever. They do at least have a way more interesting and complex relationship than the bland Sylvie has managed to muster. This has been a long screed with a lot of negativity in it, so I'll just double-back and say that there really was so much I loved about the episode during that first half-hour. Really, the set was a character in its own right, and the Easter eggs were hilarious, non-stop and clever (so many urban legends and comics cuts). The direction was also a huge step up, with that fantastic opening shot showing the dysfunction at the TVA and recapping the previous episode better than the actual recap did, just zooming past the remains of that day. There were so many genuine surprises, really good editing, sight gags, written gags, great acting, excellent VFX (Allokigator looked stunning in every shot, better than CGI Goose in Captain Marvel!), and the writing itself was just really engaging. It felt like its own mini-movie, a fresh flavour, a new scoop of icecream below the one we've been munching on. It's the unfolding, larger writing issues surrounding Sylvie that are bringing the whole series down, but this nonetheless remains a highlight of the series and I will be returning to it with fondness.

[thespoonisvictory]

Heres a thought ive had for a while, told as ramble-y as possible because brain no work: fuck the season thing. It kinda made sense after nov 16th cuz Writer Stuff but even then it shoulda split election and revolution into two. S3 has been going on for almost 7 MONTHS. Thats as long as s1 and 2 COMBINED. Why wasnt the egg the main plot for 3 and the banquet (or the fable final egg stream) the Big Finale? It wouldve been a satisfying way to have the season run and feel less meandering. Why wasnt doomsday the end of s2? Wouldve fit well because its the end of arguably the most well known and important plot AND itd parallel nov 16th. Then all the prison stuff being One season would make more sense if it STARTS with dream being throw in. It all feels so arbitrary considering they declare something a new season and then stream again the next day like nothing changed yet they seem to restrict themselves to it in some way?

s3 does start with dream being thrown in the prison? or rather s2 ends with them beating dream, which transitions to the prison. idk the s2 to s3 distinction seems to be the start of quackity and warden lore, and even if I don't really like the vault as a finale for some people, it definitely feels like a finale in that it also sets up the revival book: the main caveat for s3

what I do think would make sense would be having wilbur's revival start off s4, as the closure to the s2 finale cliffhanger

[nikkywrites]

Nikky! Happy STS!<3 (I hope I'm still on time? One day late? Anyway.) How to the events from LAWLB and Maidens and Monsters build up to OH?:D

Moon, hi! :D That is a Thing! Thanks for asking <3

So, in hindsight, it’s less of how they both lead up to OH and more how Maidens and Monsters sets everything in motion. Which is almost the same thing? It’s all still a path to OH, building to it.

As I’m getting a feel for Maidens and Monsters, I’m realizing how important it is. How directly it leads to both LAWLB and OH.

Like, I won’t go super into the details but if Scylla hadn’t happened, LAWLB wouldn’t have at all and (if things go how I’m thinking) neither would one of the most pivotal scenes in OH (which is,, kind of a Big Deal).

(Read more because this is very rambly but there is a TLDR at the bottom)

The fact that Scylla/Calypso happens is important. I knew that it was going to parallel nicely with OH because of the romance aspects but it goes beyond that. The overall theme/arc of Davy Jones and Scylla are (hopefully) going to pair together super well, being super similar in some aspects and all too different in others.

Like… thinking of Maidens and Monsters and OH together gives me Thoughts. Because if you parse them down,, they’re kind of the same story. The same core fable just with opposing morals. That’s something I’m going to try to play into, give OH a bit more of a bad feeling vibe just because it reminds you of Scylla and it’ll be like that for Calypso too, and her relationship with Davy Jones will almost be haunted by it to some degree and it’ll definitely fuel Calypso to make different choices. She’ll be actively trying to reach a better outcome and to have things happen as they do… well, we know how things end. They’re both tragedies for a reason and having them be similar stories at their core is going to make it worse, because it’s repeating, details and herself not different enough to fix the ending. The insanity of doing something similar again knowing how it ended the last time but harboring some hope that this will be different, because Davy Jones is not fated and he is mortal and there’s nothing doomed about it, aside from memories.

Davy Jones after Scylla is just going to hurt more. Be more tragic, because Calypso relinquishing her heart has made a monster again and what are the odds that’s a coincidence?

Another layer to it is that Scylla is going to think she’s unimportant after Maidens and Monsters, that her only impact is the beast she became and lives she takes but that’s not going to be true at all. Because without her, there’s no afterlife peace for sailors and maybe no tragic Davy Jones (or it’ll be tragic in a different way). She’s important past herself and her story and she’s never going to know different. Which is fitting of it being a tragedy, I suppose. And pairs nicely with Davy Jones, who maybe isn't as important (in that his story did not really need to be him specifically, it could have been any lucky sailor who survived), but maybe he thinks he is, for his role in sailing the dead and his story is known, aside from that, while Scylla’s isn’t. Most know of the undead sailor who used to be a man who trapped a goddess, few know of how the monster used to be a nymph who loved a goddess despite her popularity with mortals.

The ways that Scylla and Davy Jones are gonna parallel/contrast (along with the WIPs as a whole) is just,, its gonna Hurt and I hope I do it all the justice it deserves.

And going back to LAWLB, because this focused a little more on Maidens and Monsters/Ocean’s Heart, it’s… almost a continuation of Maidens and Monsters. Maidens and Monsters is going to end pretty soon after Scylla’s transformation so we won’t see much about how it affects Calypso. (Which might seem a bit open-ended but will work because all the WIPs are linked? Or because it’s a tragedy and there is no real resolution? Remember I’ve written very little of Maidens and Monsters so nothing is set). But LAWLB starts pretty soon after, the wound of Scylla still a little fresh.

LAWLB isn’t meant to be a sequel, really, so its not a central thing, how Scylla is important to it but it’s there. Calypso’s not going around going “I’m doing all of this because of Scylla” but. It can be inferred pretty easily, if you’re looking for it, or is more blatantly brought up in a couple sections. It could be a more obvious thing, but. Thematically it’s too good if it’s more in the background, what with Scylla’s story as a nymph being not too well known and Calypso only thinking of her in passing moments despite how well she knew her.

So I guess LAWLB is an unofficial sequel, even though it ignores that Scylla happened at all for the most part because it’s all in the subtext. It’ll still be able to be read solo (which’ll make the odd mentions of Scylla and the pretty-obvious illusions to her a bit more… distant? Impersonal? Which is the vibe Calypso is striving for, so that fits thematically) but reading it as a sequel will add a bit more oof as you’ll just be. “Oh. She’s doing all this because she’s Sad :(” And I kind of really like that it’ll be like that?? That reading LAWLB is different if you’ve read Maidens and Monsters or not because you’ll understand Calypso’s motivations better and you’ll know her better.

All the WIPs will be able to be read solo. Maidens and Monsters does kick off LAWLB and add some backstory to OH that changes how you’d read it, but it’s not overt or necessary. LAWLB should still stand as Calypso doing it for no named reason because she’s impulsive and doing something like that still fits her character. OH is still the same. Just, reading them all together ties the stories up a bit more neatly and (pun not entirely intended) add some depth to them. The hope is that they’re all going to be able to be read solo but will be more if read together, as if they were a series. (Which they are but also are not. I feel like there’s a term for this but I cannot think of it).

God, I am talking this up and it’s gonna be a feat to pull off. If I manage to do it half as well I can ramble about it, somebody better give me a gold star and say I did a good job because heck. Checking that all the WIPs are gonna mesh is gonna suck.

TLDR: Basically, just. The fact that Maidens and Monsters happens is going to make a bigger tragedy of Ocean’s Heart and is the reason for LAWLB which further builds up to Ocean’s Heart.

[fremedon]

It’s almost Yuletide! This will be my 18th Yuletide! My first Yuletide story will be old enough to vote this year and I have some mixed feelings about that! But also I have never missed or defaulted on a Yuletide since, and I have to say I feel pretty proud of that. I am still pretty far down the Les Misérables rabbit hole (speaking of which, it is not too late to propose programming for Barricades!), and unsurprisingly all the fandoms I'm nominating/requesting this year are set in July Monarchy France--Les Mis canon era: Petit-Cénacle RPF, Champavert: Contes Cruelles | Champavert: Immoral Tales - Pétrus Borel, and Les Enfants du Paradis | Children of Paradise. Petit-Cénacle RPF The Petit-Cénacle was a French Romantic salon, slightly younger and considerably more politically radical than the Cénacle centered on Hugo and Dumas; it included painters and sculptors as well as writers and critics, and most of its members at least dabbled in both written and visual arts. Its best-known members today are Théophile Gautier, Gérard de Nerval, and Pétrus Borel (the Lycanthrope)--the last two are thinly fictionalized in Les Misérables as Jean Prouvaire and Bahorel. (It's debatable how much Grantaire owes to Gautier but it's probably a nonzero amount.) The group coalesced around Borel and Nerval as the organizers of the Battle of Hernani--a fight between Romantics and classicists at the premiere of Victor Hugo's play Hernani in 1830. Most theater productions at this time had claques--groups of paid supporters of a show or an actor, who were planted in the audience to drum up applause. For Hernani--the first Romantic work staged at the prestigious Comédie-Français, which broke classical norms so thoroughly that it no longer seems at all transgressive--Hugo and the theater management decided they were going to need more than just a claque. They recruited a few of Hugo's fans--Gautier was so star-struck he had to be physically hauled up the stairs to Hugo's apartment--to stage An Event. The fans recruited their friends. They showed up in cosplay, with the play already memorized and callback lines devised. It was basically the Rocky Horror Picture Show of its day. It almost immediately turned into an actual fight, with fists and projectiles flying. And it made Hernani the hottest ticket in Paris. This is the group's origin story, and they pretty much spent their lives living up to it. They were every bit as extra as you would expect--Nerval allegedly walked a lobster on a leash in the Champs-Elyseés, explaining that "it knows the secrets of the deep, and it does not bark"--but they also stayed friends all their lives, often living together, supporting each other through poverty and mental illness and absurd political upheaval. I'm nominating Pétrus Borel | Le Lycanthrope, Théophile Gautier, Gérard de Nerval, and Philothée O’Neddy; you could nominate other people like Jehan Duseigneur, Celestin Nanteuil, or the Deverias, or associates of the group like Dumas and Hugo. The Canon Gautier's History of Romanticism covers the early days of the group and the Battle of Hernani in some detail. (There is also a 2002 French TV movie, La bataille d'Hernani, which is charming and pretty accurate; hit me up if you want a copy.) Other than that--this crowd wrote a lot, and they're all very present in their work--even in their fiction, which is shockingly modern in a ton of ways. For Gautier, Mademoiselle de Maupin has a lot of genderfeels, surprisingly literal landscape porn, and a fursuit sex scene in chapter two. If you want Nerval's works in English, you might be limited to dead-tree versions, but I highly, highly recommend The Salt Smugglers, a work of metafiction that answers the question, "What if The Princess Bride had been written in 1850 specifically to troll the press censorship laws of Prince President Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte?" Borel's experimental short story collection Champavert has a new and very good English translation by Brian Stableford and is also my next fandom :D. Champavert: Contes Immoraux | Champavert: Immoral Tales - Pétrus Borel Last year I requested Borel RPF but I decided this book was unfanficcable. This year, I am going to have a little more faith in the Yuletide community. Champavert, available in ebook and dead tree form, is a weird as hell little book and probably the best thing I read last year. It's an experimental short story collection from 1830. Someone on one of my Les Mis Discords described it as "a collection of gothic creepypasta, but the author is constantly clanging pots and pans together and going 'JUST IN CASE you didn't notice, the real horror was colonialism and misogyny all along and i'm very angry about it!'" And, yeah, pretty much that, with added metafictional weirdness, intense nerding about architecture and regional languages, and the absolute delight that is Borel's righteously ebullient voice. Borel wrote for a couple of years under the name of The Lycanthrope, and though he kills the alter ego in this book, the name stuck, and would continue to be used by friends and enemies alike all his life. Pretty much everyone who met Pétrus agreed that 1) he was just ungodly hot; 2) he was probably a werewolf, sure, that makes sense; and 3) he was definitely older than he claimed to be, possibly by centuries, possibly just immortal, who knows. But, like I said, he kills the alter ego in this book: it begins with an introduction announcing that "Pétrus Borel" has been a pseudonym all along, that the Lycanthrope's real name is Champavert--and that the Lycanthrope is dead and these are his posthumous papers, compiled by an unnamed editor; the papers include some of Borel's actual poems and letters, published under his own name. The final story in the collection is called "Champavert, The Lycanthrope," and is situated as an autobiographical story, following a collection of fictional tales--which share thematic elements and, in the frame of the book, start to look like "Champavert"'s attempts to use fiction to come to terms with events of his own life. And that's probably an oversimplification; this is a dense little book and it's doing a lot. The subtitle is Contes Immoraux. It's part of a genre of "contes cruelles" (and, content note for. Um. A lot), but it's never gratuitously cruel--it's very consciously interrogating the idea of the moral story, and what sort of morality is encoded in fables, and what it means to set a story where people get what they deserve in an unjust world where that's rarely the case. I'm nominating the unnamed editor, Champavert, his friend Jean-Louis from the introduction and the final story, and Flava from the final story; you could also nominate characters from the explicitly fictional stories. Les Enfants du Paradis | Children of Paradise This is a film made between 1943 and 1945 in Vichy and Occupied France and set...somewhere?...around the July Revolution, probably, I'll get into that :D. There's a DVD in print from Criterion and quite possibly available through your local library system. (And it's streaming on Amazon Prime and the Criterion Channel.) It's beautifully filmed, with gorgeous sets and costumes and a truly unbelievable number of extras, and some fantastic pantomime scenes. (On stage and off; there's a scene where a henchman attempts to publicly humiliate a mime, and it goes about as well as you would expect.) "Paradise," in the title, is the equivalent of "the gods" in English--the cheap seats in the topmost tier of a theater. It's set in and around the theaters of the Boulevard du Temple--the area called the Boulevard du Crime, not for the pickpockets outside the theaters but for the content of the melodramas inside them. The story follows a woman called Garance, after the flower (red madder), a grisette turned artists' model turned sideshow girl turned actress turned courtesan, and four men who love her, some of whom she loves, all of whom ultimately fail to connect with her in the way she needs or wants or can live with. This sounds like a setup for some slut-shaming garbage. It's not--Garance is a person, with interiority, and the story never blames her for what other people project onto her. Of those four men, one is a fictional count and the other three are heavily fictionalized real people: the actor Frédérick Lemaître, the mime Baptiste Deburau, and the celebrity criminal Lacenaire. Everyone in this story is performing for an audience, pretty much constantly, onstage or off: reflexively, or deliberately, or compulsively. Garance's survival skill is to reflect back to people what they want to see of themselves. She never lies, but she shows very different parts of herself to different people. We get the impression that there are aspects of herself she doesn't have much access to without someone else to show them to. Frédérick is also a mirror, in a way that makes him and Garance good as friends and terrible as lovers--an empty hall of mirrors. He's always playing a part--the libertine, the artist, the lover--and mining his actual life and emotions for the sake of his art. Baptiste channels his life into his art as well, but without any deliberation or artifice--everything goes into the character, unfiltered. It makes him a better artist than any of the others will ever be, but his lack of self-awareness is terrifying, and his transparency fascinates Garance and Frédérick, who are more themselves with him than with anyone else. Lacenaire, the playwright turned thief and murderer, seems to no self at all, except when other people are watching. Against the performers are the spectators: the gaze of others--fashion, etiquette, and reputation--personified by Count Mornay; and the internal gaze personified in Nathalie, an actress and Baptiste's eventual wife, who hopes that if they observe the forms of devotion for long enough the feeling will follow. The time frame is deliberately vague--it's set an idealized July Monarchy where all these people were simultaneously at the most exciting part of their careers. In the real world, Frédérick turned his performance of Robert Macaire into burlesque in 1823, Baptiste's tragic pantomime Le Marrrchand d’Habits! ("The Old-Clothes Seller") played in 1842, and Lacenaire's final murder, for which he is guillotined, is 1832; these all take place in Act II of the movie within about a week of each other. (Théophile Gautier, mentioned but tragically offstage in the film, was a fan of Baptiste; Le Marrrchand d’Habits! started as Gautier's fanfic--he wrote a fake review of a nonexistent pantomime, and the review became popular enough the Theater des Funambules decided to actually stage it. It only ran for seven performances.) I am nominating Garance, Frédérick Lemaître, Baptiste Deburau, and Pierre François Lacenaire. You could nominate any of the other characters (Count Mornay, Nathalie, the old-clothes seller Jéricho, Baptiste's father, his landlady, Nathalie's father the Funambules manager). Gautier, regrettably, does not actually appear in the film but you can bet that's going to be one of my prompts. So, that's one good movie you definitely have time to watch before signups, several good books you probably have time for and that are probably not like whatever else you're reading right now, and one RPF rabbit hole to go down! Please consider taking up any or all of these so that you can write me fanfic about Romantic shenanigans.

[bpro-cardstories]

Tomohisa Kitakado SSR

2019 ー Performance [実演]

“Fufu, I am looking forward to it. But KiLLER KiNG’s『Sexiness』......  I wonder what it will look like?”

『Event: The Wizarding Academy (02nd - 09th October 2019)』

Part 1

Tsubasa: ‘Excuse me, I brought Kitakado-san with me.’

Yashamaru: ‘Thanks, Tsubasa-chan. Sorry for taking your time, Tomo as well.’

Tomohisa: ‘No. But, it’s rare to be called out alone. Did something happen?’ 

Yashamaru: ‘Wrong, it’s not such a serious topic. I just thought of a good idea and only wanted to quickly tell you!’

Tomohisa (chuckles): ‘A good idea?’

Yashamaru: ‘Ufufu, that’s right. Before that, do you remember the flower artist Jay with whom you released the collaborated MV? It has a really good reputation, even until now~♪. It’s because you guys worked hard to convey your image to Jay-san.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘Aah…… That time was difficult. It’s quite a memory. The sunset I went to shoot with Ryuji and Tsubasa….. was unbelievably beautiful.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Yes. The time with the both of you as well….. The sun that sets in the sea and the rising moon perfectly match the image of decadence and regeneration, which is truly impressive.’ 

Yashamaru: ‘Right, exactly as you said!!’

Tomohisa & Tsubasa: ‘Eh?’

Yashamaru: ‘This time KiLLER KiNG wants to place more emphasis on the MV image of the new song. And I thought wouldn’t Tomo be perfect as the director!’

Tomohisa (perplexed): ‘Me….. as the director?’

Yashamaru: ‘『The sun dyes the ocean with its own colour, both when it sets and when it rises.』The image you came up with was definitely the key to that MV. Don’t you think it’s great to have a place where you exhibit this excellent sense more? It’s a waste to leave it like this.’ 

Tomohisa (smiles): ‘To have Yashamaru-san tell me this, I feel deeply inspired.’

Tomohisa: ‘But, because I don’t have any filming skills, I can’t easily accept this. Even if I study, I don’t know how long it would take…..’ 

Yashamaru: ‘Oーh, so series. That’s fine! There will be as many technical professionals as you want on the location. I have a high opinion of your sense. It’s not Tomo’s job to be the filmmaker. Tell the actors and staff the image you have in mind as accurately as possible.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘The image I have in mind……’ 

Yashamaru: ‘Exactly, well, for now, listen to the song. And if nothing comes to your mind, then it’s fine to pass this time.’ 

They are listening to the song. 

Tomohisa: ‘.......!’

Tsubasa: ‘Wah….. very cool, such a mature song. It is unlike KiLLER KiNG, in a good sense.’ 

Yashamaru: ‘True. I want to show a new side of the boys.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘.........’ 

Tsubasa: ‘......... Kitakado-san, are you fine?’

Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Yeah…. Perhaps it’s fine to have dark elements for this song.’

Tsubasa: ‘!’

Tomohisa: ‘The confrontation of good and evil or the fear that people have….. I wonder if it’s interesting to compare it to a fable?’

Yashamaru (winks): ‘Ufufu, I wasn’t wrong, after all! Which means, it’s decided, Tomo ♪. I’m looking forward to it.’ ___________

ーBack at the mansion. In the lobby.ー

Tomohisa: ‘.........’

(Kitakado-san…… Since before he’s been frowning the whole time. In addition to being busy, serving as the director for another group’s MV is a burden, after allーー)

Tomohisa: ‘.....『Gloomy』. No, 『Sexiness』, hm.’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh?’

Tomohisa (smiles): ‘It’s the theme of the MV. To bring out the new charm of KiLLER KiNG, I’ve been thinking about which would be good the whole time…..’

Tsubasa: ‘Kitakado-san…… Were you not worried about accepting the role of the director?’

Tomohisa: ‘Oh, could it be that I made you worry about that?’

Tomohisa: ‘I was certainly confused at first, but the moment I heard the song, the image overflowed in my head…… I’m very excited right now. More than anything, I’m greatly honored to be able to receive such an opportunity.’   

Tsubasa: ‘If that is the case, I am happy to hear that…….! Because I love the works Kitakado-san produces, I wondered if it is not difficult while thinking that I want to see it……’ 

Tomohisa: ‘Thanks, Tsubasa. When you say so, I become even more motivated.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, I am looking forward to it. But KiLLER KiNG’s『Sexiness』......  I wonder what it will look like?’

Tomohisa (smiles): ‘That’s the fun about the photo shoot, hm? KiLLER KiNG’s vividness with their cuteness is a big attraction. But they also display a sexy and mature look sometimes. If you can bring it out well, you may have a fascinating music video that mixes cute and sexy.’

Tsubasa: ‘Cute and sexy….. The balance between both is quite difficult.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘It’s fine. I plan to get the appropriate advice from experts.’   

Tsubasa: ‘Experts you say?’

Tomohisa: ‘Exactly, the road of the professional.’

Part 2

ーThe day of the MV filming.ー

Ryuji: ‘Andーー Why was I called again?’

Tomohisa: ‘Because Ryuji is the best idol who has both cuteness and sexiness, and can perfectly express both of them. On this occasion, I want to show an example as we move on with the filming in accordance with the situation.’ 

KiLLER KiNG: ‘We will be in your care!’

Akane: ‘It’s a little bit embarrassing to be produced by a friend, but I’m happy! I want to make it good, so don’t hold back!’

Ryuji: ‘No, having such expectations is troubling…..’ 

Tomohisa: ‘It’s fine, if you show us the usual Ryuji for the sake of our cute junior group, please?’

Ryuji (bashful): ‘Tomo…. Geez, can’t be helped then.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘Fufu, thanks.’

Tsubasa: ‘Kitakado-san, the camera setup seems to be finished. The test can start at any time.’

Tomohisa: ‘Thanks, Tsubasa. Alright everyone, shall we start?’

Tomohisa: ‘Ryuji will lie down on the bed over there. Mister cameraman, please shoot from the front, diagonally on the right side. From there, it feels like you’re moving closer….’

Tomohisa: ‘Ryuji, slightly raise your gaze. And then….. Can you look at the camera provocatively for me?’

Ryuji: ‘Like this?’

Haruhi (blushing): ‘Wah…..! My heart just skipped a beat.’

Yuduki: ‘Hm…. Is that maybe the so-called『Sexiness』?’

Tomohisa: ‘As I thought of Ryuji. It’s a shame that I can’t show this to our fans. I wonder if we can’t use this footage for something else?’

Ryuji: ‘Yes, yes. Enough of me, aren’t KiLLER KiNG the mains here?’

Tomohisa: ‘Yeah, you’re right. Then first is…. Shall we start with Akane?’

Akane: ‘Eh, with me!? O-Okay…..’

Akane: ‘Uhm, lying down, and with a flirtatious glance….. Like this?’

Tomohisa: ‘The restless expression is cute I think, perhaps you need to be a little bit calmer…..?’

Akane: ‘L-Like this?’

Tomohisa: ‘Hm….. Should we try to imagine the situation concretely? For example, let’s say you have a loved one in front of you, who did everything that they could do to come to see you. You want to make everything your own right now, don’t want anybody to touch them. When remembering such a fierce emotion, what kind of look will Akane send this person?'

Akane (shyly): ‘I-I don’t know…..! What is this situation!?’

Miroku: ‘You’re too bashful, Akane.’

Akane: ‘Uuh, I mean…. I’m probably not suited for this…..’ 

Haruhi: ‘Miss stylist, I’m borrowing the flowers here~.’

Haruhi: ‘Look, look, Akane! I’m sure it’s this kind of feeling! I’m going to eat you up, sweet kitten ♪.’

Yuduki: ‘Why are you holding a rose in your mouth….?’

Miroku: ‘Haruhi, it just looks like a joke.’

Haruhi: ‘Eeh, it can’t be! Even though I was so confident!’

Tomohisa: ‘It’s better to not make many complicated things so that the atmosphere might come up. Since it’s a MV this time, there are no lines. So above all, the『Gaze』becomes the core of the sex appeal.’

Tomohisa: ‘Provocative, hot, and run with sweetness…. I know. Tsubasa, could help me for a bit?’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh….. I?’

Part 3

Tomohisa: ‘Then, Tsubasa stands here…. Can you stand next to the camera?’

Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yes.’

Tomohisa: ‘It might still be too high of a hurdle to regard the camera as your beloved person.’

Tomohisa (winks): ‘For the time being, why don’t you try to act, thinking of Tsubasa as your dear lover?’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh!?’

Miroku: ‘Eh?’

Tomohisa: ‘Eh?’

Akane: ‘W-W-Wait, Tomo! Aren’t you raising the bar!?’

Miroku: ‘Agreed. Besides, it also troubles Tsubasa.’

Tomohisa: ‘..... Why?’

Haruhi: ‘Wah, such pure eyes....! As expected of Kitakado-san, the prince….’

Yuduki: ‘Haru, and are you impressed….?’

Tomohisa: ‘...... I see. Explaining it just with words is hard to understand. Should I try to put it into practice?’

Tsubasa: ‘.......! K-Kitakado-san…..?’

Before she can realize what is happening, Tomohisa already closes the distance between them.

Tomohisa: ‘Hmm. Your embarrassed face also is quite charming, Tsubasa. Come one, raise your head. Look me in the eyes and show me more of….. my unknown Tsubasa.’

Tsubasa: ‘.......!’

Yuduki (blushing) & Haruhi: ‘......!’

Miroku (blushing): ‘As I thought, that’s…..’

Akane: ‘It’s impossible for me~~!!’

Tomohisa: ‘Is it too hard perhaps? I thought because there’s a partner, it’s easy to put in emotions…..’ 

Ryuji: ‘It’s not that.’

Tomohisa (perplexed): ‘Ryuji?’

Ryuji: ‘Everyone should have understood by now what Tomo wants. After this, it’s just about switching. How about you shoot one by one? They are all professionals, so if they decide on their feelings, they can do it.’ 

Tomohisa (smiles): You’re right….. That might be the case. Let’s shoot individually then.’

Ryuji: ‘When that’s finished, you will shoot outside, right? That seems to be difficult, so isn’t it fine to make more time in advance.’ 

Yuduki: ‘Ehm…. With this machine, we can make it rain.’

Tomohisa: ‘Yes. To bring out『Sexiness』gloominess and sadness are necessary. When I expanded the image, I really wanted to include rain. I thought it would be difficult because I needed a huge amount of equipment, but I’m glad I got the OK from Yashamaru-san and the others.’

Tsubasa: ‘When I heard Kitakado-san’s enthusiastic presentation, I thought it was absolutely necessary. That is why I wanted everyone to listen as well.’ 

Akane: ‘I see….! It’s the scene Tomo is fixated on.’ 

Tomohisa (winks): ‘Yes. While you’re hit by the rain, you think of your beloved person and stand still in pain….. I want to shoot a scene that touches the heart. I’m sure it will turn into a beautiful movie. I’m looking forward to it.’

Part 4 

ーIn the Gandara office.ー

Tomohisa: ‘It’s incomplete footage that I connected roughly…. What do you think?’

Tsubasa: ‘It is wonderful. At first, it has a cute atmosphere that gives off the feeling of KiLLER KiNG, but…. Their suggestive gazes gradually draw me into a different world and make my heart throb. The rain scene as well is an impressive end. Because Kitakado-san’s performance in the test filming was really fantastic, I was wondering if you would come out of the screen for a moment….. I was expecting it a bit.’

Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Haha, thanks. But since it’s KiLLER KiNG’s MV, I mustn’t intrude.’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, you are right. I am sorry.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘When the shooting of the connecting image scenes is over, the editing is left afterward, if I am not wrong.’ 

Tomohisa (worried): ‘Yes….. That’s what I was planning to do.’

Tsubasa: ‘Did something happen?’

Tomohisa: ‘Tono’s look worries me a little. The footage just now was sexy plenty enough but…. I have the feeling that there is more fitting『Sexiness』to Tonoーー’ ________________

ーIn a library.ー

Tomohisa: ‘I’m sorry for asking unreasonable things as in wanting to do an additional shooting.’

Tsubasa: ‘No, everyone has the same feelings because they all want to produce something good. I am glad the schedule allows it. Besides, the concept of showing Miroku-kun with『Intellectual Sexiness』...... is a really charming idea.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘I should rather say that Tono possesses a mysterious aura that’s detached from the real world. A well-trained body is sexy as well, but isn’t it better to focus on that instead as it gives off a fresh feeling is what I thought.’

Miroku: ‘I was surprised at the new setting. The scattered pieces seem to become one….’ 

Tomohisa: ‘I aimed at making a collage-like movie, so I didn’t expect that I’m able to compose a story from it.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘The other unit members were characters in Miroku-kun’s open book…. I think that this is a very interesting structure.’

Tomohisa: ‘The rest is whether it can be expressed well in the movie. Tono, shall we start filming right away?’

Miroku: ‘Yes.’

Tomohisa: ‘Look in the camera and smile. With the image like a god who controls everything in this world….’ 

Miroku: ‘.......’

Tomohisa: ‘...... Very good. As expected, this one is sexier.’ ________________

ーIn the meeting room.ー

Tsubasa: ‘The inserted footage has come out pretty well.’

Tomohisa: ‘You’re right. It took a considerable time for the staff…. I’m  really grateful that I was allowed to be so particular.’

Tomohisa: ‘Cool, cute, a gap that’s different to the usual tone…. Everyone in KiLLER KiNG is charming, so the people who will watch the MV will enjoy it by that alone.’ 

Tomohisa: ‘But….. as I moved on with the work, I wanted to tell more than just those four. I wondered if I can’t, by including the story, make a movie with depth from multiple angles….. Wouldn’t it resonate with the fans’ hearts in this way.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘I think that the staff is also seriously facing this project because those emotions are definitely being conveyed.’

Tomohisa (laughs): ‘Yes…. If that’s so, then I’m happy. For everyone who is helping us, I need to produce the best MV.’

Part 5

ーKiLLER KiNG’s room.ー

Haruhi: ‘Ooh…..! The MV’s so absolutely cool! Ah, look! My face!! Isn’t it super handsome!?’

Akane: ‘Yep, yep! When you complete things, it must feel like this, right…..! It kind of doesn’t look like us!’

Yuduki: ‘The movie looks like a really beautiful…. artwork.’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, everyone is quite excited.’

Tomohisa: ‘It looks like it’s to your liking which I’m happy about.’ 

Miroku: ‘It’s a type of work that’s different from our MVs so far. Even the storyline is appealing….’ 

Miroku: ‘..........’

Tomohisa: ‘...... Tono? Does something concern you?’

Miroku: ‘No, not something that concerns me.’

Tomohisa: ‘Don’t hold back. There’s still room for discussion.’

Miroku (surprised): ‘Kitakado-san……’

Miroku: ‘..... Uhm, in that movie I’m watching and controlling the three from the outside  but if it’s possible I feel like wanting to put in another surprise…..What do you think about the last twist of me, who is supposed to rule, actually being part of the story, for example?’

Akane: ‘In other words, Miroku too is merely a character in a book that someone is reading…. or so?’

Miroku: ‘Yeah.’

Tomohisa: ‘I see….. That’s interesting. Tono, who is entranced by the omnipotence, is yet in the palm of someone’s hand. God, the creator of the story, is in the position to play around with such great things….’ 

Yuduki: ‘It’s a little bit scary….’ 

Akane: ‘But this thrilling feeling might be great maybe!’

Tomohisa: ‘Yeah, it emanates a more fascinating atmosphere. It depends on the negotiations, but if it’s possible, I want to include this. However, there’s also the problem regarding the casting choice…..’

Akane: ‘There’s no need to worry about this.’

Miroku (smiles): ‘Of course, it will be Kitakado-san.’

Tomohisa: ‘Eh?’

Haruhi: ‘Agreeーd! During the filming too it felt like Kitakado-san did as he liked with us!’

Yuduki: ‘You’re perfect for the role of the god.’

Tomohisa (worried): ‘But as I thought…. If I appear, I will only be in your way.’ 

Haruhi: ‘Ehh!? It’s going to be a super cool MV I think.’

Akane: ‘Or does the image not fit Tomo’s?’

Tomohisa: ‘That’s…..’ 

Tsubasa: ‘If you are not against it, why don’t you try it out? It is a work that you made with such a determination. It would be a waste to not take the challenge. If the image does not match, then let us talk about it together.’ 

Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Tsubasa…..’ 

Akane: ‘You don’t need to worry about it this much, okay? Tomo’s the one who understands this MV the best, after all!’ 

Tomohisa: ‘..... You’re right. I’ll give it a try.’

Akane: ‘Ehehe, that’s how it should be!’

Haruhi: ‘I wonder what the costume will look like~?’

Yuduki: ‘As expected, a god or a writer…..’ 

Miroku: ‘If we go with that setting, then going with a god may be better.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu. Everyone is acting so lively.’

Tomohisa: ‘True. I’m also having lots of fun. I think it’s a happy thing to share the feeling of wanting to produce something great and create one work in this way.’ 

Tomohisa (winks): ‘.... I’m sorry to have caused you trouble again with the schedule. I’ll be counting on you again, Tsubasa.’

Tsubasa: ‘Please leave it to me. This is my job, after all!’ 

END

[project-ohagi]

Dabi x Reader

Buy me a coffee!! <3

Greyromantic: Can experience romantic attraction, but weakly or infrequently; feeling alienated from romance; only feeling attraction in specific circumstances.

Asexual: Having little/no sexual attraction or interest in sexual activities.

Questioning: Process of exploration regarding gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity.

----

The phenomenon of love is a complex, chemical concoction that has long been weaved into the fabric of our society. It is presented as a requirement, with those who find the concept either too challenging to thoroughly comprehend, or lacking in appeal, branded as anomalies. In its pursuit of normality, it quickly alienated those whose hearts just couldn't conform. In a different society, one not quite so dominated by this 'normality' of romantic and sexual interests...you might be forgiven for your limited knowledge. But this one...it seems to blanch at the very idea that happiness can be attained in the absence of romantic attraction.

As such, those identifying along the Aromantic or Asexual spectrums are often overlooked - even shunned. But, the greatest truth of it all is a lot simpler than you may expect: an emotion as profound as joy cannot be induced solely by succumbing to carnal desires, or tasting the lips of another. No...it is through self-acceptance, and the acceptance from those for whom your heart beats - parents, siblings, friends...and perhaps in this manner, the meaning is amplified.

But...what happens when you are forced into complacency, into setting aside your own interests, to 'further evolution', or to 'finally be normal'?

You were still trying to figure this out.

Who were you...really? Why couldn't you summon an emotion as free and universal as love?...Romantic love? Why did it seem so incomprehensible, so...intangible? These were the thoughts you battled with, every waking moment. They burrowed deep into your mind, so that you could never pull them out. They were elusive, yet...constant, nagging.

Why am I so different? Everyone else has crushes...even Toga likes that one UA boy! Ah, yeah...she asked me if I have someone I love. I just said "No". Saying: "I don't even know what 'love' is" seems a bit...she'd definitely call me weird. Then the others would probably laugh at me...

You felt...incomplete, like a jigsaw puzzle with only half the pieces. You felt the isolation, suffocating you. It hadn't been a conscious decision. You didn't awaken one morning and think 'You know what? This whole 'love' thing? It just isn't for me! ' You craved a connection, a bond of some kind - holding hands...a hug at most. Anything more was frightening to imagine. What if someone...pressured you? Or stole a kiss, as an offhanded action? You couldn't bear it...not even the mere thought. It was likely the main contributor to your chronic anxiety and paranoia. Your treatment at the hands of society, the ridicule and the fear of phrases such as "It's just a phase!" or, "You need to find the right person!"...they fuelled the flickering spark of villainy in your eyes.

After all, outcasts and monsters are interchangeable to most common folk.

But you didn't want those labels. You were a lost lamb, wandering aimlessly - what you really needed was guidance...someone who would listen and advise, someone who would accept you and every burden you carried, without question or quandary. But you said nothing...so you got nothing in return. Dabi was the closest to a...a source of strength? Motivation?...Potential love interest? But...how would you ever truly know? How could you discern the romantic from the platonic? It seemed impossible - simply a waste of time. Still, you never fully resigned to this fate of...loneliness.

You wanted to cherish, and to be cherished.

You wanted to love, and to be loved.

Perhaps it was the unyielding voice of fear, of desperation and pain, but...you just didn't know! You didn't know...and, it was difficult. You studied Dabi's face, and while nothing immediately heated your cheeks, he wasn't...unattractive. Aha! Maybe that was love? Alas, you discovered it to be more aesthetic attraction. It was a little disappointing, but perseverance should've been the key, right...?

Why? Why do I feel so little? Dabi is there for me, right? So surely if anyone, I should love him!...Do I love him? How can I tell? Is there some sort of test? How would a test even be administered? What kind of questions would I have to answer? I don't think I could answer them, even with study. If I'm struggling so much now...

And anyway...Dabi was a dominant male, whose sexuality was unclear. Even if you managed to settle on a definition of 'love', and figure out what role it played in your life...there was no guarantee that Dabi would want you. The jury was still out, on your gender - 'questioning' was your placeholder for the moment. But, you usually dressed masculine...would he be okay with someone so indecisive? Someone who might be neither male nor female? And, what if...what if he wasn't the one?

Say I can find love, and I start to understand it...who's to say that the person I love will be Dabi? It could be anyone! Maybe they were right, and I just haven't met the right person...but, I kind of want it to be Dabi? Is that...bad? Oh god, it sounds so selfish! He'll just be tied down, and if we find out that I don't actually love him...what would he do? At the very least, he'd be angry...

Dabi...the more you recalled his honey-laced voice, all the flirting you failed to notice until it was pointed out (clearly, he was doing that in jest), and those blue eyes (steely from years on the run, that probably depleted the pools of guilt and regret often accompanying mass killings, thievery and other criminal acts), the more confusion festered. You just didn't understand! Was it love? Or was it conversion? Were you trying to become 'normal'? Well, as normal as a villain could be...? Or did Dabi really mean something...something greater than you believed? Something...beyond what you currently knew?

This journey of self-discovery had approached a torturous junction.

Why were relationships so sought after, so expected? Even you desired one. How else could you ever hope to form a deep bond, or receive that fabled 'feeling of ecstasy' from holding hands or hugging? If there was no romance, mainstream media would lead you to the conclusion that there isn't a 'proper' or 'deep enough' connection - there can't be. You wanted to experience these things with Dabi. No-one else. You couldn't explain why. He was...an unusual character, mysterious and with perhaps a similar level of complexity as the daunting questions you were asking yourself. But mentioning your plight to him simply wasn't an option. Villains were responsible for themselves; the League was nothing more than a safety net.

Besides, Dabi was heartless.

...Or so he liked to be portrayed.

Urghhh...why is this so complicated? How am I supposed to know if I love him? The signs are...increased heart rate and blood to the face, right...? That seems unhealthy...is that actually supposed to be a good thing??

"Hey, you stopped spacing out yet, (V/n)?"

Shit! No, no, no! I haven't finished spacing out!

Sheepishly, you turned in the direction of the voice. Why did Dabi always seem to materialise out of thin air, whenever you thought about him? Did you magic him here, by accident? Subconsciously? However you managed that...you hated it. Your existential crisis really didn't need a spectator. Break out the popcorn, why don't you?

Can't I have a break down in peace? Wait...am I even in my room?...Did I seriously question my entire existence right here in the bar? It's a good thing there's no-one else here...I don't need more people telling me that I'm crazy...

You sighed. "...Yeah."

His brows furrowed - this was unfamiliar territory. Helping people had never been his speciality, especially given his own trauma . But for you...it was certainly worth a shot. "What's up? You on your man-period or something?"

Off to a spectacularly dreadful start. "I - I don't know if I'm a man, though...how could I-"

"Relax, it was a joke. Your pronouns are they/them, right? I'm not gonna call you a man just for the sake of argument. Nah...Hey, scoot over." A for effort.

"You could sit literally anywhere else."

He smirked. "You gonna stop me, sweet-cheeks?"

Sweet...?

"Thought not. Anyway, what's going on? You've been all doom-and-gloom for the past...two hours." He motioned over to the clock.

Had you honestly spent so long in contemplation? Gods, you could've unlocked the secrets of the universe, but no. "I've...kinda been asking myself that."

"Oh?" It was obviously a prompt, but talk of your romantic inclination (or lack thereof) would likely be regarded in the realm of 'stupid' and 'childish', so...could really you trust him?

I've always been too nervous to take risks...Guess now's as good a time as any to change that.

You swallowed down the uncertainties, the anxiety and everything in-between. They didn't help - they only hindered. And...you did need to release this burden, that weighed you down so heavily.

"Um...it's - it's...confusing. Really...confusing. I guess, I simple terms: I don't know what 'love' is. I know it probably sounds really dumb to you, and I feel stupid for even saying it, but...I've never...never had a crush, never been in love. I don't...I don't feel anything romantic towards, well...anyone!"

"Not even a bit?" He asked, blank-faced.

"I - I don't know. I really want to, though. I'm just...I'm scared. There's always this underlying fear of...what if - what if someone forces me? Y'know? What if...I date someone, and they can't accept that I'm different...that I might never feel anything for them? I don't want to be lonely forever, Dabi! I want someone, I really do! I say I've never been in love, but...the truth is, I just don't know! I know that I don't need to kiss someone. That's what I...what I don't want, but...I - I still want to hold hands with someone! I'd still like a hug, every once in a while...I don't know what I'm doing, or really...who I am."

For a few moments, he was silent beside you, just drinking in the flood of information. He refrained from reaching out, or gazing too intently. It took time to settle on an appropriate response. "You're looking at it as an issue, though - something you've gotta resolve, before you can move on. I'm not the best with advice, trust me...but I can tell you that it's a journey. It'll continue and evolve, as long as it needs to. You'll...probably know when you're ready, or...something. All that sappy crap. You don't have to force yourself to understand it all now."

I'll know...?

"When I'm...ready?" You repeated, eyes tracing the lines on your palm.

"Yeah...probably."

Just before you lost all coherency, a single thought fluttered to the forefront of your mind: My heart...just...skipped a beat?!

[Word Count: 1775]

[eyepatchdate]

I saw this bouncing around my dash and decided to fill it out myself for fun :)  I decided to not double-list any games, and I tried to mix up the companies I used too so that the list would be more unique.

Long post, so I’m doing a readmore for my longwinded part lol.

(read more)

Favorite Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords - I could talk about this game forever.  How it tears apart the Star Wars universe from within, how it creates a compelling story while challenging the usual themes, etc.  I could talk for ages about the characters and how their motivations slot in place, and how this game lends itself to interpretation and analysis alongside roleplay.  It’s just a wonderful game, one I deeply love and will always love.  It’s a game that isn’t afraid to have you talk to other characters for twenty or thirty minutes at a time and honestly I’m always riveted at every line.  This game deserves the cult fanbase it has, but I think there’s a lot the fanbase misses in appreciating this game.  (Note...gameplay is a little janky and a community made mod restores a lot content that was cut before shipping-the game wasn’t properly finished).

Best Story:  Fallout New Vegas - It’s the setting that makes the story here, and all the moving pieces and factions alongside the main conflict really make this game stand out.  There’s so many little pieces to find along the way in the world and the way the main quest splits based on who you want in power feels important--and you are choosing a future for this whole region.

Favorite Art Style: The Witness - This game is peacefully wonderful with its visuals.  There are wonderful nature scenes and nests of wires and panels spreading in various parts of the island that are fascinating to look at.  The environment is half of the gameplay in most areas, so it’s important to look around even though exploration is not really the gameplay.  You find puzzles in the world, even in nature, and it’s fascinating.  The colors are bright and beautiful.  There is even a map in the middle of the island inside of a lake that helps you track your progress if you notice it (it isn’t like a normal ‘map’).

Favorite Soundtrack: Shin Megami Tensei IV - I love video game soundtracks, but SMTIV is something special.  The music booms in ways that make you really understand the atmosphere of the world, and there’s a great mix of different kinds of tracks for different places.  I love the tracks for the other worlds you enter, and the themes of the different routes are done so well.  Some of the music draws from past SMT games, but the remixes done for this game really are stunning to me, and there’s so many fantastic original tracks.

Hardest Game: I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream - I love this game but I literally never touch it without a walkthrough, which is why it gets to be the hardest game on the list, despite being a point and click adventure game lol.  Also just emotionally this game is challenging too, but I definitely mean this more in terms of getting a ‘perfect run’.

Funniest Game: The Stanley Parable - Trying to make this list has taught me that I don’t really play many ‘funny games’.  I don’t know if a game where multiple endings demand that you kill yourself should count as a ‘funniest game’, but it is also a game where the narrator tells you to stare at a fern and memorize its features, so....it counts.

Game I Like that is Hated: RWBY Grimm Eclipse - I’ve been playing this game since it was in early access and have loved it the whole time.  I find the gameplay soothing and fun, and I like playing the different characters.  It’s a game I play to chill out and just enjoy some fun battle mechanics.  It’s a fun game and I’ve spent over 100 hours in it, so I hope I like it, lol.

Game I Hate that is Liked:  Nier Automata - Neither this game’s gameplay or story impress me, and the fact that you have to replay basically the same stuff from a more boring-to-play-character’s pov in order to SEE all of the plot is a huge damper on the experience.  The story, to me, someone who engages with a lot of robot-focused fiction, is far from impressive or new, and it hardly engages with genre specifics at all, let alone in a new or interesting way.  I view this game as ‘a story with robots in it’ rather than ‘a story about robots’, which, to me, is a detriment.

Underrated: Nevermind - This game is amazing and very unheard of--and when it is heard of, it has been marketed incorrectly.  Nevermind seems like a horror game, and does market itself as one a bit, but it’s much more than that.  It’s more about trauma, recovery, therapy, etc.  This is a game that is so mindful about the topics it engages in that I am impressed by it every time.  It’s heavy with symbolism and character, despite lacking conversations or other similar game mechanics.  This is a lovely game that I really wish more people knew about-`p5-all of the patients are so interesting, and the focus on recovery and mental health is impressive.

Overrated:  Fire Emblem - I sort of mean this as the series as a whole really.  I have enjoyed the entries I have played somewhat, but I overall consider the series much less impressive than I was led to believe by others.  The gameplay especially is not impressive to me in any regard, even though I sometimes do find myself enjoying it.  The stories are alright, but many of them are weighed down by the gameplay and as a writer and person who likes to analyze writing, it’s very hard to do so when it isn’t able to fully exist under the chains the gameplay forces on it.  There are ways to mix gameplay and story well, Fire Emblem has not really done that in any of the entries I’ve played.  That being said, I don’t regret playing them, and I will occasionally replay, but I consider them mediocre games at best.

Best Voice Acting: Devil Survivor 2 - I love the voice acting in this game.  I feel like all the characters are really suited to their voices, and it’s really easy for me to visualize their voices.  They really bring the game to life and make both the dramatic and the funny scenes more enjoyable.

Worst Voice Acting: Jedi Knight Jedi Academy - I love this game, I really do, but some of the voice acting is janky.  Some of it is okay too--I think Kyle Katarn’s voice actor does fine, and some of the others I like NOW but hated when I was a kid, but the male protagonist voice in this game is just awful.  Which is bad when Jennifer Hale is the female voice actress lol.  His performance is passable though unless you’re playing darksided--the darksided ending to the game lacks all punch when you’re playing the male protagonist.

Favorite Male:  Battler Ushiromiya from Umineko no Naku Koro Ni - He’s the protagonist for most of the visual novels and I adore him utterly, especially once you move past episode 2.  He’s a wonderful character who I care about deeply.  I love his drive and how he fights--he’s someone who is easy to cheer for.  He matures well throughout the series and his character development is just wonderful.

Favorite Female:  Naoto Shirogane from Persona 4 - I really like how Naoto fits so well in the game, especially for being a final recruit--oftentimes the final recruit of Persona games (post 3) have a bit of a more difficult time feeling right with the group.  Naoto works really well though, and I love her struggles and story as well.  I think the difficulties she has concerning living as a woman in her field hit very deep to a problem that has existed for a very long time.

Favorite Protagonist: Connor of Daventry from King’s Quest 8 Mask of Eternity - I’m like, one of four fans of this character in the world, lol.  KQ8 is not a very well liked game and it does have a lot of issues, both with age and with how much of a departure it is from the series prior to it.  It’s strange to take a puzzle adventure game and make it a hybrid with what basically is a shooter, and it doesn’t really work.  Add to that the fact that you spend most of your time in the game without anyone around to talk to and it leads to this really polarizing and weird experience.  For me, Conner goes through what I would consider to be the ‘Ultimate Nightmare Scenario”.  Everyone in the world is turned to stone except him (and he survived out of mere chance) and so now it’s up to him, practically alone, to save the entire world.  There is no game lonelier than this.  I adore him for his bravery in the face of it, and how he just picks up to do what must be done because someone should do it, and if no one else can, then he will.  I also really love how he apologizes to people who are encased in stone while he takes money from their houses to help him on his journey.  I really do think he went back after the game was over and gave everyone heaps of gold to pay them back with interest lol.

Favorite Village:  Oakvale from Fable - The first Fable is the only one I really like, and it was one of the games I played when I was little, so the hometown in the game always meant a lot to me.  I like how you grow up there and how your tragic backstory is there--and then how you get to return to the town years later after you’ve come into your own, and you can see it completely rebuilt.  I like to spend a lot of my time in this town, just wandering around it and playing the minigames.  Even though I have a house in every town, Oakvale is where my hero calls home.

Most Hated Character:  Merril from Dragon Age 2 - I don’t really want to lay into how I feel about Merril, but what I will say is that it was suggested to me that I totally ignore her when playing, and I did so.  I only met her for her quest, dropped her off in town, and literally never spoke to her or interacted for the rest of the game.  I had a much better experience for it, honestly.  She appeared after I made my choice in the end of the game, which felt weird since I hadn’t spoken to her in several ingame years, but other than that, the game was totally fine without her.  I sort of just wish you could kill characters in DA2 the way you can in DAO, then I’d just do that, tbh.  It doesn’t suit very many (or any) of the characters I rp in DA2 to keep her around or support her in any way.

First Game I Played: Mixed up Mother Goose Deluxe - I’m not actually sure if this is the FIRST game I’ve ever played or not, but it’s one of the first I played alone as a kid.  I really loved it--this is probably what created my love for point and click adventures, and the game was very silly and fun.

Favorite Company: Bioware - I’ve always been a sucker for Bioware games, ever since Knights of the Old Republic 1 was my favorite childhood game.  I love how they do stories and party members, and while I’m not a fan of all of their games, I really love what they’ve made and their style of storytelling and character driven plot.  Even though sometimes their stories get cliche, I think the suit video games well and most of my early gaming was within their games.

Hated Company: EA - Bioware truly only started to go to shit after the EA acquisition, so I fucking hate EA.   I know Bioware had issues before EA too, but I definitely don’t think EA has helped the situation whatsoever.

Depressing Game: The Beginner’s Guide - I relate to this game as a creator and a writer, and it affects me deeply because of the story it tells and the questions it raises.  It makes me reflect on how I think of myself as a creator, and it reminds me of friendships I used to have.

Creepy Game:  The Path - God, I love this game.  It’s just aimlessly wandering around and finding symbolic scenery and watching your current character comment on it.  Then, you go off to find your girl’s wolf, and each one is different and unique to her, and you watch it ‘kill’ her--and facing her wolf is the only way each girl can truly mature.  Whenever you get to grandmother’s house, the camera switches to first person, and your eyes keep closing, so you can only see while clicking to move.  It forces you to keep moving so that you can see, but since you are moving, you only get to see things somewhat vaguely.  It’s got a great atmosphere, and I love the symbolic storytelling.

Happy Game: Eastshade - This game is so sweet.  There’s some drama around to with many of the quests, but I like this as an rpg without combat, and I think this would be a really good kids game.  There’s a lot to see and explore, and the game was made to be really pretty so that you want to paint several aspects of it.  It’s really lovely to just wander around in this game and bike around the area, painting anything that suits your fancy.  As long as you don’t finish the main quest, you’re free to wander, and materials do respawn, so you essentially can infinitely paint once you get far enough.

Favorite Ending: Virtue’s Last Reward - I love the questions this game asks and where the ending goes.  It thematically ties together--the whole reason the game itself exists is to get the attention of a ‘higher being’--the player, essentially.  I love how it plays with that concept, and even though the final game in the series doesn’t entirely pick this idea up where this game left it, standalone this game is stunning in how it comes together.

[fayewonglibrary]

Eleven questions Faye Wong refused to answer (2001)

On the evening of September 22nd, Faye Wong's concert was held at Shanghai’s Hongkou Football Stadium. Since she did not hold a press conference, our reporter got in touch with Faye Wong’s manager and got an exclusive interview on September 17th. Although Faye Wong was far away in Hong Kong, 45 written questions were sent to her. Unfortunately, Faye Wong remained silent on most of the questions and refused to answer. Perhaps this is her brand of "cool"? 

13 questions Faye Wong was willing to answer 　　

Q: Do you remember the experience of "Scenic Tour" in Shanghai in 1998? Coming here for the second time, what kind of performance do you hope to achieve? 　　

Faye Wong: I think Shanghai fans are very enthusiastic and passionate. This time I will try to sing my best and hope to use the music to move the audience.

Q: What breakthroughs and changes will be in the new album released in October? 　　

Faye Wong: The new album is a collaboration with many different producers, such as Taiwan’s Wu Bai, Tanya Chua and the mainland’s Jin Wulin, so the effect will be relatively fresh. 　　

Q: In zoology, a bird with a beautiful voice does not necessarily open its mouth wide to make a sound. Do you think you are also this type of bird?

Faye Wong: Hahahaha, I never imagined that I was a bird.

Q: Will acting become part of your lifelong career? One day, if you quit the entertainment industry, what will you do? 　　

Faye Wong: I am a person without a plan. I have never thought about when I will quit the entertainment industry or what I will do after I quit.

Q: Many people say that your success lies in your knowing to seize the opportunity and make the right changes at the right time. Therefore, you avoid falling into the stereotypes of most Hong Kong pop singers. You go out of your own way to create your own style. Do you think you got to this point based on your feelings or after careful planning? 　　

Faye Wong: It can be said that it is based on feeling because I am not a well-planned or well-thought out person. 　　

Q: Few people dare to sing covers of Teresa Teng’s songs, but you boldly re-sang 13 classic old songs of Teresa Teng in "The Decadent Sound of Faye". Where does your confidence and courage come from? Do you think you can surpass Teresa Teng? 　　

Faye Wong: I never thought about it or thought I could surpass Teresa Teng. She was my idol since I was a child. I just like her songs, so I sang it. 　　

Q: Many people regard your voice as natural, but your nature must be affected by what you learn. Which one do you think has a larger contribution? 　

Faye Wong: It feels like the innate factor is more important. But of course, it also depends on acquired training. 

Q: You have shed tears at concerts. Is this required for the performance or is it a result of inner emotions? Or both? 　　

Faye Wong: I never tried to shed tears in a concert. 　　

Q: In "Chungking Express" you played the lead female character and received good reviews. Now in Wong Kar Wai's new film "2046", you will once again act as the heroine. Do you think you can surpass your acting skills in "Chungking Express"? 　　

Faye Wong: I never thought about whether I would surpass the acting skills of "Chungking Express", because acting is very difficult for me. I am still in a vague state and I am not sure I can fully grasp it. 　　

Q: The media had high expectations for the first Japanese drama you participated in, "Love From A Lie", but it turned out to be a disappointment.  Do you think your acting skills are not good? 　　

Faye Wong: Every actor wants good ratings. If the ratings are not ideal, I think the most important thing is that I tried my best and I am not so disappointed with my performance. 　　

Q: Some people think that your "coolness" is just a kind of "cool" in a commercial sense or a kind of "cool" for show. What do you think of this? At concerts, fans rarely see your smile. Do you think it’s cool not to smile?

Faye Wong: I never think of myself as "cool". "Cool" is just how people feel about me. I don't know how to communicate with strangers, so if I don't speak, others think it is "cool". I also like to laugh and love to play. 　　

Q: The media often puts you up on a high pedestal. They say that you are a high and mighty queen or even a goddess, but some in the media think you are pretentious and cold. What do you think of this? 　　

Faye Wong: It's so difficult for me to control how others think of me. Not everyone will like me. I feel that being myself, comfortable, and not hurting others is enough. 　　

Q: How do you teach Dou Jingtong? Do you want her to become the second Faye Wong ? 　　

Faye Wong: I do not have a set way to teach Tong Tong. I won’t purposely set a path for her to walk on. Everything she decides is only what she wants.

11 questions Faye Wong refused to answer 　　

Some of the questions that Faye Wong refused to answer. We selected a few and left them for readers and fans to answer: 　　

1. You held a concert in Guangzhou this year and the attendance was not sold out. Does this mean that your reputation is declining? It’s said that celebrities who have been famous will be very disappointed once they are no longer popular. Do you feel that way now? 　　

2. Now that you have established your style, recalling the time of Wang Jingwen, is there a feeling of “things have remained the same, but people have changed”?

3. At the press conference for your Guangzhou concert, you were one and a half hours late. Although you had an explanation, do you think you can be one and a half hours late to a concert?

4. Your songs and your singing often reveal the sorrow and sadness of life's impermanence and the idea that everything is nothingness. Is this related to your marriage and divorce?

5. Your album "Fable" was released last year and a press conference was held in Beijing. Journalists were told to not ask any irrelevant questions. Do you think this is the problem of reporters? Or is it your problem? 　　

6. ​​Nowadays, we rarely see comments about your album or music. It is your scandals that flood the entertainment pages. Is this more sad for you or fans?　

7. You once said that the early rock music of the mainland had a great influence on you. Can this statement be understood as the early rock music by Dou Wei had a great influence on you? 　　

8. On July 29th this year, Nicholas Tse held a concert in Shanghai and showed his love to you publicly. Now you are also holding a concert in Shanghai. Will you respond to his show of love? 

9. If you think about it from a business point of view, if you and Nicholas Tse perform on the same stage, you will definitely achieve great success. Why don't you do this?

10. Your relationship with Nicholas Tse has achieved an excellent publicity boost. Is this relationship a strategy of yours? Is it a win-win? 　　

11. At the Guangzhou concert, the audience was generally younger fans. Is this related to the excessive hype of your romance [with Nicholas Tse]? 

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SOURCE: XINMIN WEEKLY // TRANSLATED BY: FAYE WONG FUZAO