#and lines up with them being ‘beasts’

[kix-mm]

The monsters heritage Pt 1

With his options narrowing and his legs growing tired, Ruby chose to lead the angry mob, chasing him to the ancient ruins at the top of the mountains. A sacred ground where most dare not tread lest they never want to return… there were a vast amount of stories surrounding these ruins, most spoke of a dreadful, unforgiving monster that tore it’s visitors to pieces. Ruby knew that the likelihood of those stories being true were slim to none, yet there was still an ounce of doubt that made his pacing come to a brief halt.

With the mob hot on his heels, he took a deep breath and leaped over the little thin red line and watched in amazement as the mob halted right before the very same line he crossed. Ruby took a few anxious steps back to ensure he couldn’t be pulled back or stabbed. He silently began to celebrate, only to miss an arrow by a hair. They brought weapons! And soon he saw more archers stepping forward.

He yelped and ran, slower than he would have liked but fast enough to jump behind a pillar and miss another arrow. Unaware he had just caught someone else’s attention. Ruby slowly crept deeper into the ruins, getting that distinct hair raising feeling of being watched. The silence was loud, and Ruby was beginning to turn paranoid. Footsteps that mirrored his own, a glimpse of something in the corner of his eye… the stories were starting to sound eerily convincing.

He ducked behind a pillar, hoping that whatever had found him would walk right by. What was that? Something small had caught his eye, it was fluffy, and waving excitedly, almost like a tail. Ruby was so surprised by the sight that he hadn’t even noticed the owner of the tail krept up not too far behind him.

Tyson had only taken a breath before their visitor ran off screaming “Minotaur!” at the top of their lungs, darting straight back to the angry mob who had frozen in fear at the word. He wasn’t the Minotaur. That was his dad. His dad must have had quite the reputation to get such a fearful reaction... He kept up with the human at a leasure pace and watched the human dart for the crowd, who seemed to have forgotten all about their temper and was now beckoning for the youngster to return in a panicked fashion.

Ruby suddenly received a heavy thud, losing their breath for a moment as they collided with an invisible barrier before they could make it back into the villagers' arms. He fell to the floor, gasping for air with great difficulty.

He looked at the crowd with fearful eyes. Knowing now that he was stuck on the other side with no possible means of escape. He saw they had mercy, and he knew there was a part of them that wanted to help. But their sympathy was overshadowed by fear, and their fear hidden behind anger. "He can't leave!" someone called "he must be one of them, a monster!" Another cried, stirring aggression towards Ruby. Spears, arrows, and even rocks were thrown towards him.

While Ruby tried his best to cover himself, he hadn't even noticed the large shady cast over him. The warm, fuzzy embrace made him squeak and recoil in fear, making his eyes spring open in surprise. It was that Minotaur again... covering him until a single arrow embedded itself into his thick skin. He wasn't in much pain, but let out a noise in surprise, glaring at the mob that had momentarily stopped and hesitated when they made eye contact with the beast.

"Leave!" He demanded, his voice like thunder, powerful and loud, making even the most experienced warrior take a step back. But the crowd wasn't about to back down that easily. They were determined to continue this meaningless hatred towards Ruby, but Tyson was having none of it.

He snarled, something you wouldn't expect from a being that was half a bull and flashed a mouth full of bone breaking, flesh ripping canines... the sight brought most villagers to surrender, leaving slowly due to the narrow path and dense crowd, followed by more determined fools, who took it upon themselves to continue the assault on the two.

The continuing attack led to Tysons final straw, growing over 5 times his size with skin so hot it glowed ever so slightly a healthy red.

His size cast a shadow over the mob, leading to weapons dropping and cowards fleeing. What little was left of the mob was now reduced to a pitiful group of people, frozen in fear. "Leave!" He demanded a last time, his voice so loud it made ears ring and the ground shake. No one dared go up against such a being.

Tyson let out a smokey sigh of relief as he shrunk back down to size, turning to face Ruby, whose eyes were as wide as dinnerplates, having finally caught their breath but feeling their legs being reduced to jelly. What a way to introduce yourself...

Tyson slowly crept over and squat in front of Ruby, his hands nervously holding his knees that were pressed tightly together. "Are you alright?" He asked. Of course, he could tell that Ruby was, in fact: not alright. But it was all he knew to ask.

Ruby tried speaking, but no words came forth. His throat held a choke, and his waterworks pumped tears. Oh no, why was he crying? He shouldn't be crying he should be grateful! But he just couldn't get them to stop. It's not like he had a reason to cry...

Tyson watched helplessly as Ruby's tears flowed, a mixture of shock and betrayal overwhelming the human. "Hey, it's okay, you're safe now, they're gone." he leaned a little closer, trying to comfort his guest without making too much contact. "I won't let then hurt you." Tyson reassured.

Ruby looked up with teary eyes, still sniffling and breathing unevenly. "But... But I ran from you, I didn't mean to come here - I didn't know, it wasn't supposed to be real, it was supposed to just be a story!" Ruby raises his voice in frustration, gripping his hair as he curled into a ball.

Tyson gently rubbed the humans back. The gesture was surprisingly gentle for someone, so... imposing. He was at a loss for words, a story? He knew very well that he was real. "I know you didn't mean to come here... most don't, this is... a complicated place." complicated was an understatement, he was born and raised here, and certain things still made no sense to him.

The distant yelling of people could still be heard being carried by the wind, making Ruby look solemnly towards the entrance he previously came from. "They're scared. They don't know what they're dealing with." Tyson says, wearing the same solemn look as the human he comforted.

"They think I'm a monster." Ruby whimpers, finally leaning into Tysons gentle embrace. "They think I'm one of you..." he spoke fearfully, knowing now that he was at Tysons' mercy. He remembered what he saw, what Tyson became, and it scared him.

"No, you're not like me. You're human, just scared, like them." Tyson exclaimed, making Ruby look up to Tyson. "Then what are you? Are all the stories about you and the ruin wrong?" Tyson stared ahead silently. He couldn't just stand by and watch Ruby get hurt like that. Maybe that's what made him so different. He gave a gentle smile. "To be honest, I don't know a truth about me either..."

Tyson rose, towering over Ruby but moving carefully not to overwhelm the human. Ruby knew at this point he had no reason to fear the Minotaur, yet his heart still raced. He hesitated when offered a hand and watched his own hand slowly take Tyson's. Ruby was carefully pulled to his feet and stared in awe when Tyson continued to hold Ruby's tiny hand. He swallowed almost half his forearm just doing so.

"Stay close okay? I promise I'll protect you" Tyson says with a gentle smile, hoping to ease Ruby's worries.

[yuurei20]

If it’s alright of me to ask , is there any examples of yuu/prefect having any canon details about them ? such as their height being pointed out by characters or if they are psychically weak/strong?if not that’s alright I’m jus curious :) since I remember a line from Crowley saying they looked “effeminate “?

Hello hello! Thank you for this question! 🦐

I found multiple sources ( 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 ) that all agree that Crowley seems to mumble a line with no subtitles in Chapter 7 of the prologue about the prefect seeming "effeminate"!

(the subtitles say only "But..." and then ブツブツ, for "mumbling")

While the sources above do not all report the exact same wording (it is difficult to make out what he is saying), it is generally agreed the dialogue is something similar to the following:

「ま、どう見てもこのか弱さは猛獣使いでも、猛獣にパックリとやられてしまいそうな…なんだか少し女性的な感じ…」

"Well, no matter how you look at it, with this frailty, even if they are a beast tamer, they look like they'd be gobbled up in one bite by a beast…a somewhat, slightly effeminate impression…"

For their height, we know that Floyd considers them to be small!

And Grim says that their legs are shorter than Vil's!

Note: this is only for the game-prefect! We know very much what manga prefect look like as we have seen them. The symbolism behind their names has been explained here.

(screenshots from Square Enix's official website: Yuuken | Yuuka | Yuuta )

The novel's Yuuya's physical appearance has been described here.

For non-physical-appearance details the prefect has the option of being either very poor at playing instruments or being adept at playing the flute and/or bugle!

Neither option seems to have any impact on the story, so the prefect being not being able to play flutes/bugles and being able to play flutes/bugles are both technically canon!

And the prefect also canonically knows the holiday "Tanabata"!

It is interesting that both dialogue choices mention Tanabata. The prefect not knowing what Tanabata is is not an option 📝

They also have the option of knowing what American football is! (though the characters in the game do not) 📝

And is this maybe all that has been specified in game? 🧐

Other things get into theory territory! I have seen many ideas in many places (the prefect is maybe a shape-shifting demon? The Chernobog? Will'O the wisps Fae? They don't know who Mickey mouse is, so how they can be from present-day earth? They want to leave Twisted Wonderland, which is the same as the player wanting to stop playing the game--are they not from our world? Are they themselves Mickey Mouse? Are they the mysterious chairman of the school, suffering from amnesia? Are they dead or in a coma?), but we have many more theories than facts ^^ Still fun to think about!

[aonemanarmy]

Sephiroth waited patiently for Vincent's response, knowing that more than likely it wouldn't come without serious consideration. Anyone that had ever personally dealt with Jenova knew better than to take her lightly since she had no reservations about doing anything she thought was necessary to fulfill her goals. She also wasn't 'someone' that favored verbal communication and thought it better to act than waste time on such human quibbles; it was a line of reasoning that the madman could appreciate, even if he didn't necessarily agree with Jenova on everything.

When Vincent turned to meet his gaze Sephiroth noticed the way the man furrowed his brow. It was a sign that the gunman was at the very least taking things seriously unlike before.

While Sephiroth might've expected the man's compliance – there really was no room for arguments with Jenova – what he hadn't anticipated was the way Vincent would word his decision. It was strangely vague when it had no business being so, but that made it all the more intriguing and had the madman's intuition nagging at the back of his mind.

'A promise?'

The natural assumption was that Vincent had promised Jenova that he would agree to her terms. It's what Sephiroth immediately thought, although that twinge of suspicion told him that there had to be something more to it than that. But what was that? Sephiroth didn't know, but he made sure to make none of his suspicions evident as he continued to observe the other man with his cold and calculating gaze.

“See that you do.”

At his proposed offer Sephiroth wasn't surprised when the gunman refused. Few people had the nerve to deal with Jenova directly and fewer still could say that they had actually spoken with her directly. It was a rare privilege that Mother had granted the ex-Turk and clearly it had taken an unspoken toll on the other man's psyche in more ways than one. Well, not everyone's mind was capable of comprehending the magnitude of Jenova's thoughts and motivations, but that was to be expected.

“As you wish. Should you change your mind though, I can grant you an audience with her.” He said, continuing to watch Vincent as the man broke eye contact between them and gazed outside.

Sephiroth had thought that would be the end of the conversation and was ready to return to his own musings when his keen hearing picked up Vincent's barely audible groan. It was obvious that something was going on outside that the man wasn't pleased with and there were a few things that the madman could think of that would garner that sort of reaction. But when the ex-Turk drew his gun Sephiroth knew that it was definitely worth his attention.

Rising from his seat by the fire Sephiroth approached the cave mouth and peered out into the darkness. It was there, amidst the flurries of snowfall that he caught sight of a quickly darting shape flying through the air along the mountainside. A human wouldn't have been capable of seeing what it was from that distance, but Sephiroth could easily make it out and from his time with Shinra he knew immediately what it was: a drone.

So, Shinra had finally made it this far.

“Well, it would seem that we have some entertainment for the evening.” He mused, drawing his sword as he continued to watch the drone as it combed the scattered trees in the distance. “Did you want to take the first try?”

The madman was curious to see if Vincent was going to prove his loyalty by taking out their common enemy. Depending on how the ex-Turk reacted would help him to determine if his words were mere platitudes or if he actually meant to keep whatever 'promise' that he'd made. It would also help Jenova determine whether to pull the trigger or not on the beast that raged within the gunman.

“I am interested to see your marksmanship.”

Skepticism was all but obvious in Sephiroth’s response. Calm though he appeared, Vincent knew Sephiroth’s mind was anything but. Although Vincent was aware that Sephiroth could come at his question from many angles, he wasn’t surprised Sephiroth had chosen to settle on the one that was contingent on Vincent’s actions.

With an inaudible sigh, Vincent lowered his gaze from the horizon to the snow collecting a few feet away from the ground in front of him, watching mini snow-devils pick up particles of snow dust and cast them aside. With the way Sephiroth answered his question, and the forceful adherence to ensure his service would be conducted accordingly, he couldn’t pick up any hints as to whether or not Sephiroth was aware of the consequences Jenova had laid out, or if he was speaking on his own behalf. But then Sephiroth posed a somewhat concerning question towards Vincent.

Lifting his head and turning to look towards Sephiroth, he caught sight of those serpentine eyes staring into his own, searching for the meaning possibly hiding behind crimson spheres.

“…I made a promise,” Vincent equivocated. “And I intend to keep it.” Should Sephiroth recognize the double speak, Vincent would have had his answer when it came to his knowledge of Lucrecia and the nature of the punishment. And if not, well, then perhaps it was for the better Sephiroth wasn’t aware.

Second thoughts…? If only. At least that would have meant he had another option on hand. But alas, it wasn’t so. Nevertheless, the question was a red-flag.

Vincent furrowed his brows with slight unease. If Sephiroth was already anticipating Vincent to become defiant, it could grant Jenova a reason to not even wait for him to carry out his mission. Although Vincent understood Jenova wasn’t hellbent on destruction as opposed to manipulation, he wasn’t about to take that chance. Vincent was no stranger to clandestine activities, manipulation, spying, and antagonization. After all, he used to be a Turk. But no amount of training or experiments could help him surpass Jenova’s mind-games. Vincent had to not only be on a much higher alert, but he also couldn’t give Sephiroth the slightest impression that he had something planned. Because even if he did have a plan, there was nothing holding Jenova back from executing her punishment early.

Speaking directly to Jenova was the last thing he desired. It was bad enough having four demons competing for his thoughts; but it was worse when it was an alien profaning his mind. He had heard of Jenova affecting the scientists those many years ago. Some, like Tseng, hypothesized that Hojo’s immorality was the result of excessive exposure to Jenova. Though it was merely a theory, and Vincent was no longer a mortal, he didn’t want to take his chance.

“Hmph. Thoughtful. But I’ll pass this time.” He would avoid speaking to her as much as possible.

The gunslinger looked away once more out towards the open area, catching a glimpse of a dark speck floating around in the air. It drew his attention from Sephiroth for a moment, and he unfolded his arms in anticipation, watching the object’s movements. Upon closer inspection, he could see the lights flickering, and the overall shape became more recognizable. It was a Shinra Spy drone, a couple miles down the snow-capped mountains, possibly looking for Sephiroth. Vincent’s glare returned. It seemed to be alone, but he knew that wouldn't be the case. There would be several.

"Of course..." Vincent groaned with a hint of annoyance, pulling his gun from his holster. Regardless of how he felt about his new 'assignment', Shinra spy drones were not welcomed, either way.

[betty-boopkowski]

is this all just simple fantasy

or am i feeding the beast?

feeling conflicted about my presence on this site

& engaging with content that openly disparages women and perpetuates the idea that women are actually inferior to men

i want to be clear

i am a feminist

i am pro choice

i do not believe that men are superior to women

i used to feel empowered to engage in kink because i felt secure knowing that it wasn't a reflection of reality but the lines are blurring

i don't feel comfortable continuing to interact with this space knowing that there are plenty of people who really don't respect me as a human being

there are really people on here who see women as breeders and as property and i feel partially responsible for allowing them to feel comfortable in that position by sharing shit that reinforces it

i am taking a break from this blog for a bit to sort my head out and figure out how to engage in this space more ethically

i am sure i have plenty of shit que'd up so there's a chance posts from me might pop up occasionally but for the time being, i need to take a step back for my mental health and heart

sending lots of support & good vibes to folks who may be feeling the same way

[aspoonofsugar]

Any thoughts on what Oscar’s semblance will end up being? Since Oscar’s magic has come from Ozma and is more in line with “destruction” as a contrast to Ruby’s eyes which are tied to “creation”, I’ve often thought that it would make sense for Oscar’s semblance, as a means of self-affirmation to be something that also represents creation/preservation, which would make him more like Ruby and also find his own sense of who he is as a person. After all, if Oscar/Ozma are supposed to achieve a balance by the end then he should possess elements of both, no?

That said, the most common headcanon/theory I see for Oscar’s semblance has been for him to create barriers for defense… but not only can he already do that with Ozpin’s magic, I feel as though Jaune is actually the character who is more set up to have a defensive evolution for his semblance. There was the flash of light in V1 and his “it’s like a forcefield!” line, Vine’s comment about extending his aura, the shield grenades he used in V8, and just his general tendency to leap in front of people using his shield or body to protect people.

So, to me, this would be a bit of an odd choice for Oscar’s semblance and just make the existing overlap between Jaune and Oscar’s progression as characters more confused. Do you think I have the right idea with the theming of Oscar’s semblance? Or do you think it’ll come from a different place altogether?

Hi!

It is very difficult to say, cause there could really be many things that fit Oscar.

I agree about both Ruby and Oscar ending up having elements of both creation and destruction, as they are two philosophical children.

When it comes to Oscar's semblance, I think it will be worth the wait, since:

It will appear toward the end and there won't be time to slowly develop it, like Blake, Weiss or Ruby's

Ruby kind of told us so tbh, as she said when Oscar gets a semblance "everyone will be jealous" ;)

I think most semblances tie with the characters' allusions too:

Ruby is super fast cause she is Little Red Riding Hood, so she rides

Weiss's glyphs allude to the Snow Queen fairy tail, but progressively become more Snowhite-like (her summons are characters in Snow-White)

Blake's shadow is symbolic of the beast, as in jungian terms the shadow is also called inner beast

Yang's power has her become too hot, with her hair catching fire, like Goldilock

Jaune gives his aura (his spirit) to others to heal them (he makes miracles), which ties with his Jeanne d'Arc allusion (I agree with the fact he will become a barrier warrior to an extent btw)

And so on...

So, tbh the majority of ideas for Oscar's semblance seem to tie into this theme:

Some theory think his power will tie with time, as time is a recurring motif for him and Ozpin

Other theories (I think this one is @misstrashchan ) instead think he will get the ability to make an astral projection of himself, in a tie in to the Little Prince (the little prince dies, so he leaves his body behind). This could also be used to separate his own soul from Ozpin's

These are my two preferred theories, but again it is impossible to say for sure. I don't think there is much foreshadowing as to what Oscar's semblance will be, differently from Jaune's.

Thank you for the ask!

[alexsgrimoire]

Sermon of The Signless Sufferer - The Sun Will Rise

It has been a dark twenty-four hours. For those who reside not only in the United States but also for those abroad, it is a scary time. You may feel a mix of emotions - fear, anger, sadness, or perhaps no feeling at all. Whatever emotion you may be feeling, you are allowed to do so. Cry, scream, mourn, in whatever way you wish to express them. It is a challenging time for us all. 

As we navigate what the next four years will hold, there will be trials and tribulations. You may feel like there is no hope left in the world. But you must not give up. You must live. To our trans and queer siblings; to our BIPOC kin, and those with disabilities of all kinds; you must live. Fear and despair are what those in power feed off of; they prey on us like a leopard stalking its meal. They want us to give in, to lose all hope for the future. But you must survive. Not only for yourself but also for your loved ones, those in your community, and those you may not even know. It’s a “fuck you” to what those in power stand for. You are a dandelion in the cracks of pavement, bright and flourishing in a dim world that wants to erase you.

That isn’t to say that there won’t be a fight. We must gather and organize, finding alliances in even the most unlikely of places. We shall follow the teachings of The Signless Sufferer: compassion, forgiveness, and equality.

We shall be compassionate to ourselves; rest when rest is needed, and treat our souls and bodies with care and respect. We shall be compassionate to others; caring for those who are cast the most judgment and uplifting those who are struggling.

We shall forgive ourselves; not focus on the smallest mistakes, and instead make peace with them. We shall forgive others; no one is 100% perfect, and there is always room for growth.

We shall preach for equality from now until the end of time; no human or troll, beast or being, should ever feel the pain of prejudice. We shall be unified as one, filled with love and understanding.

But within this need for peace lies an anger.  A, “Why can’t it be this way?”; a, “What does this mean for the future?” This anger is normal, and it is actually encouraged! This rage, this expletive, is your fuel. It is a hunger for justice, your passion and power. Use it to your advantage, but do not let it overpower you. Anger is strong, but your empathy must be stronger. We cannot tear the world down and rebuild it without caring for one another. We shall stand together in the face of adversity, hand in hand. We will make it through together. 

Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.

Many thanks to rev. mandi huizenga at the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church for her service on Wednesday, November 6th.

Hot & Warm Lines in case you need support:

U.S. Suicide Hotline: call or text 988 (Available 24 hours) 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (Provides 24/7 confidential support and referrals for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use disorders, including panic attacks and anxiety.)

Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line: (888) 407-4515 (Trained peer supporters)

Thrive Lifeline: (313) 662-8209 (Trans-led & operated)

Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860 (United States), (877) 330-6366 (Canada) (When you call, you’ll speak to a trans/nonbinary peer operator. Full anonymity and confidentiality) 

LGBT National Help Center: (888) 843-4564 

Trevor Project: Call (866) 488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online

Call Blackline: (800) 604-5841 (Centers BIPOC, LGBTQ+, & Black Femmes)

StrongHearts Native Helpline: (844) 762-8483 (Centering Native Americans & Alaska Natives)

[rubra-fuscissima]

and since we're all already here, i hope you're ready to look at some more rugby players because i have an even more important message to share, so put your swimming goggles on and grab a snack cause this is gonna be a rant.

strongman-physique andrew might be underrepresented in this fandom, but i've seen little to no drawings of the aftg women being as big as i know many contact sport athletes to be. and that shit bothers me because i know precisely what absolute beasts these bigger girls are on the pitch.

so, have a look at marlie packer, hannah botterman, and portia woodman-wickliffe.

note that all of these women play(ed) for top-ranking national teams. they're world-class athletes in a sport where players need to be strong, fast, agile, and explosive - much like exy! you wanna know why they look like they could pick you up and carry you for the length of a marathon or throw you across half a football pitch? because they could. end of story.

you'd like to imagine the aftg girls as highly feminine? you better not think femininity and muscularity or big size are contradictory. women like michaela blyde or ilona maher are living proof!

and i'm not even done.

let's get one thing out of the way first. you do not NEED to be muscular or heavy to be strong. in a sport like exy (or rugby), sometimes being quick and agile will give you a bigger advantage than mass ever could - take neil as a canon example and, if you're interested, someone like anne-cécile ciofani as a real-world one.

the question is: does that really make sense for the positions the fox girls play?

renee is a goalkeeper; a position in which she'll have to do little to no running but a LOT of strength-based swinging of a massive raquet. so, and this is a very important point to me as a sapphic girl, renee's shoulders and back are probably MASSIVE (see ilona maher).

dan and allison play dealer. from what i can gather from the game scenes in the books and my general understanding of team contact sports, dealers are confronted with a lot of collisions since usually, none of the players in the middle of the field want to actually make it to the goal. instead, players will likely focus on quickly relaying the ball to each other or the attacking line to overwhelm the other team's defense and - if they themselves are playing defense - perform a lot of body-checks to win the ball and/or prevent quick passes. in these cases, weight and the strength that comes with it ARE an advantage.

and i know people have a hard enough time already accepting that women can build muscle, but that isn't even my point here. because get this: in the context of strength and speed, muscle works best with a certain amount of body fat. everyone has to find their own balance here, but generally, having too low a body fat percentage decreases speed, power, and muscle growth. that's a high price to pay for athletes like these three girls just for being skinny or ripped.

in conclusion, i think it's more than realistic for the fox girls to be heavier athletes. draw them however you like to draw them (trust me, i'll eat any art of them right up), but i know many people aren't really into sports or have never even thought about drawing the fox girls a little broader. so, if that's you, let this be your sign to give it a try!!!

andrew has the build of a rugby prop, change my mind

okay so i've been seeing a lot of great andrew art recently and i loooove that people are finally drawing him with a more chubby/broad body.

buttttt hear me out here. as a rugby player. i'm used to seeing heavy athletes. and let me tell you, don't be afraid to take it even further!!!! and i'm definitely not judging anyone here, i can't draw for shit and i love the art in this fandom.

just take a look at this:

you see those shoulders? those forearms? that NECK? this is what pure strength looks like, people.

imagine the POWER of an andrew with this build running to smash riko's arm. JUST IMAGINE

so what i'm saying is. don't be afraid to draw heavy athletes, and DEFINITELY don't be afraid to draw heavy andrew. you know this fandom needs it. (and by this fandom i mean me, i definitely need that)

(btw the athletes i've included here are nepo laulala, joe marler, and adam jones)

[ntaras]

i haven’t seen a lot of bad takes on tiktok (thank god) but an interesting one i saw was how sub-zero and scorpion and kitana and mileena are destined to forever be rivals: ice vs fire and the beauty vs the beast and how you could make sub-zero and scorpion the beauty and the beast and kitana and mileena ice and fire and they’d still be the same characters.

viewing kuai liang as the beauty and hanzo’s scorpion as the beast, it fits in perfectly with the chemistry between the two. kuai liang being the beauty stems from his outlook on life: though a bleak world he still is able to push through on his own, while hanzo is the beast for his obvious temper and constant rage. and yet the beast protects the beauty.

but in the new timeline (mk1 2023), bi-han’s sub-zero is the beast while kuai liang’s scorpion is the beauty. an aggressive and “ugly” man (as in how he acts, his morals more grey than kuai liang’s) vs the beauty that is his brother: a more level headed man whose path aligns with the light.

kitana being ice would represent how kuai liang mastered his cryomancer powers: taking control of a cold element and using it for good rather than leaving everything a frozen wasteland around her (cold not taking a hold of her). mileena being fire would be similar to how hanzo’s rage spreads: it’s quick to bite and nearly unable to stop getting bigger and brighter. it’s taken control of her and through the fire she’s unable to see the light that won’t burn. she’s paranoid of the ice freezing her out, so she needs to keep burning and burning.

[hesperidia]

There's something i love about sskk and the way life and death are dealt with in Beast:

When Atsushi is introduced at the very beginning of the story, he says he became the reaper (death itself) in order to escape from it, because he is terribly afraid of dying. he admits this.

When Akutagawa's arc comes to its turning point nearing the end, he admits the second man he wanted to kill was himself. Now his disregard for consequences and tendency to go in suicidal rampages makes sense. He doesn't think he deserves living.

Still, when Kunikida ignites that little spark of hope inside of him, he decides to keep going. and he's able to defeat Atsushi, who then asks him to kill him. Atsushi, deathly afraid of dying. Asks for the release of death.

And Akutagawa refuses and encourages him to keep living. He, who only moments before wanted nothing else than what Atsushi is asking of him.

Two men surrounded and marked by death at the beginning. A boy who desperately wanted to live and another who wanted to die exchange places, and at the very end, they both helped the other (in its own, convoluted way) see that life is worth living for.

[noyzinerd]

Mistakes Literally No One But I Have Ever Noticed (After Watching Teen Wolf Seven-ish Times)

🤣

Haha! Didn't expect THIS of all things to be the most interesting thing about me, but, sure.

Gurl, you want receipts? I got yo' receipts:

1. Season 2, Episode 2:

Around the 8:58 mark, you can see a crew member under the principal's desk tapping their foot, near Jackson's knee. (Wouldn't it be funny if the principal was actually hiding a secret blowjob buddy under his desk this whole time and they didn't expect the fucking sheriff to be there that day?)

Anyway, it's more noticeable on a big TV screen then a phone, so I tried my best to brighten and zoom in on the foot tapping the best that I could 😓. You might be able to see it in the first gif if you turn the brightness on your phone up to retina-searing though.

2. Season 3B, Episode 21:

Bare patches of unburned skin on the Nogitsune that the makeup department missed (two patches on the neck and a whole wrist)

3. Season 3A, Episode 5:

During the fight with the Alphas, Derek swings at Kali in the background, and Kali reacts like she's been hit, but there is clearly a very wide berth between both actors

4. Opening Theme Starting from 3A, And Season 1, Episode 9:

Derek's tattoo in the title sequence from 3A onward is the reverse of when we see it in the show. The triskele spirals swirl counterclockwise in the intro while the spirals swirl clockwise in the show. (Also the lines are thinner in the intro version too.)

So, just so we're all clear:

Intro triskele direction vs. Canon direction

5. Season 2, Episode 7:

In the fight between Scott and Jackson, around the 20:55ish minute mark, you can see Tyler Posey's stunt double for several shots.

And also a brief shot of Colton Haynes' stunt double from that fight if you pause just right

6. Season 1, Episode 6, and Season 5(B), Episode 18:

Allison reads about her ancestor, sent by King Louis the 15th, to kill the Beast of Gevaudan, who killed from 1764-1767. Not only was this person a man called Argent, he was said to have hunted the Beast down after his wife and four kids were killed by it.

Later, this ancestor is changed to a woman, Marie-Jeanne Valet played by Crystal Reed (not sent by a king, but, instead, her own sense of responsiblity and justice since the Beast was her brother), who marries a man named Henri Argent AFTER she had already killed the Beast (who actually started killing in 1760, not 1764).

Also, Lydia says all her research said that the Beast was killed by a man named Jean Chastel...?? Out of nowhere and for no reason? Even though she was the person Allison had been telling her family history to in season 1??

---------

(I mean, there's also the obvious mistakes everyone talks about, i.e. Liam/Mason/Corey/Hayden skipping a grade and all the times the kanima doesn't paralyze someone in a fight, etc., but I wanted to specifically highlight stuff people don't notice)

Some people can run really fast or lift heavy things.

Me? I guess my superpower is watching a whole fucking lot of Teen Wolf and regurgitating micro-observations.

Man, what a shitty superpower.

[blueikeproductions]

Hasbro has always had a terrible ability to read the room, nor have they ever really truly cared about their IP that much.

The Marvel team submitted a fake script where half the cast died horribly by sheep droids just to see if Hasbro was paying attention. Their suspicions were confirmed when Hasbro didn’t bat an eye at the ludicrous script and just submitted some casual notes.

Hasbro REALLY wanted Optimus to die in the 80’s film, despite being warned multiple times not to do that. And naturally they were shocked when killing Optimus traumatized so many children, and had no choice but to bring Optimus back.

Hasbro couldn’t make up their minds on whether they wanted to renew Beast Wars and RiD15, so each series had their own way of referencing that. Beast Wars would have their cliffhanger endings end with “The End?” or “To Be Continued…?” because had the series been canceled in S2 specifically, …Megatron won. He hands down won even if he made the time stream swiss cheese at that point.

RiD15 wrote each season to be self contained, having a final bad guy they’d defeat and then ride off into the sunset. RiD15 didn’t commit to anything that big like Prime did probably for this reason. RiD15 was also bragged about by Hasbro in particular how well it did at the time, as like it or not, RiD was very successful with its target audience, and even the grumpiest veteran fan had to admit the monster Decepticons were cool, with Steeljaw being very popular. The popularity of Decepticons like Bisk and Springload are why they got toys at all, as Hasbro initially didn’t want to make toys of certain characters.

They were incredibly unhelpful in the development of Netflix WFC, forcing the writers to make all their outlandish ideas work. One such idea they insisted on before backing off was trying to make WFC canon to the 80’s cartoon… when absolutely nothing the show was trying to do made sense for the 80’s cartoon. It’s also pretty apparent the original intent for the toys was to adapt the movie and season three, but at the last minute they threw in Beast Wars, which is why you confusingly have Rodimus and Cyclonus in a Beast Wars line, but not including them in the cartoon at all despite using Galvatron… Beast Wars also wasn’t supposed to factor in the show was it was originally supposed to end with the Transformers awakening on Earth in the 80’s.

Hasbro really wanted a Legacy cartoon on Netflix, as they were happy with WFC… despite fans rejecting the show hard during Earthrise and the ratings in the toilet. Netflix understandably passed on making more since the other show didn’t do them favors.

So Hasbro reps being brain dead about the clear apathy and disinterest in EarthSpark from audiences since day one doesn’t surprise me. Even fans of ES have turned their back on the show to the point some TF YouTubers point this out when discussing the very abrupt transition from ES to CyberWorld and Wild King, that’s how bad it’s gotten. Like you don’t immediately fast track CyberWorld if EarthSpark was doing well, and Takara finally just going “Up yours, we’re doing our own thing” after years of failures post Animated.

I don’t buy for an instant EarthSpark is continuing on into 2026 alongside CyberWorld as the old planning document states, like do fans not understand plans change on a dime? I sooner see some final episodes already in the tank trickling out next year to coincide with what has been stated to be a last minute small extension to ES. Cyber Glow Megatron screams final power up in that context, but ES isn’t very great at advertising its toy gimmicks so who’s to say. But I think ES having a last minute extension sounds like they’re largely intending to abandon it after Cosmos and Scareglow Megs comes out. We already know they’re working on CyberWorld with new toys ready to go, the same with Takara working on Wild King, so any chance of guys like Terratronus, the Insecticons and Hardtop getting proper toys are next to none in their own cartoon’s toy line.

Age of the Primes is probably the only place these guys get something, at least some of the Terrans would make sense for Quintus’ toy. Though with how much Thrash and Twitch toys I see on clearance I’m skeptical.

So there was an interview posted today with Hasbro Entertainment president Olivier Dumont. Looks like more ES episodes are still coming:

Here's the article if anyone wants to read it. I have to say that ES being mentioned like an afterthought after Peppa Pig of all things is pretty damning considering how Hasbro has been treating ES lately.

[summertimemusician]

Linktober Shadow Day 5

Master Kohga

*slams this down* LATE AND WITH ONE HECK OF A HEADACHE BUT I MADE IT!

Also I feel like we also need to talk about that the reason the Yiga are such doofuses usually is because they're riding the high of a full 100 years victory, and that after getting throughly kicked in the ribs they're probably gonna commit more crimes and probably return to their even more brutal roots actually, Kogah probably being the most likely one to shift to that first.

This goes out to you Warriors fans and simps, because ooh boy is he a delight to write, I think the duality of his name and status as a soldier is neat even if he's not my favorite Link.

Though the regular Linktober one will have to wait after I'm a bit more rested though so either later today or tomorrow, sorry folks.

Also uh warnings ahead?

TW:

Some descriptions of violence, specifically wrist targeted violence, kidnapping, and Reader going a little feral in defense of Warriors, nothing too big, but as this is coming from a horror fan I advise anyone who is squeamish to skip this one.

On a scale of one to ten of intimidation wrought by enemies of the Chain has faced, you’re pretty sure Kohga and the Yiga wouldn’t make even a negative ten on a normal day.

You’re not sure if it’s due to Wild’s most blase attitude about having a literal clan of traitorous, murderous Sheikah at him, a mix of bafflingly phlegmatic and elated with amused delight when talking about schemes you’d more associate to slapstick comedy than anything, the way you’ve seen any Yiga members dive for any throw bananas like a starving Wolfos pack on a lone Stalfos even if there was a cliff right in front of them with even more single minded determination than what was given to their mission, the way he’d refer to them as “Look they’re technically insane menaces to polite society out for mine and Flora’s blood, but they’re our technically insane menaces to polite society out for our blood” with a mix of bemusement and amusement or a mix of all three but according to the resident cook they truly weren’t a threat compared to, say, the cultists of Hyrule’s time whose sole goal wasn’t even to kill him but simply make him bleed, or Majora whom indirectly inflicted endless torture on Time, or Demise who literally started the cycle all of your heroes inevitably went through (because you could never blame Sky, none of you would even if it took shaking the notion into his thick skull). And they’ve apparently gone even more docile and to ground after Wild had defeated their master.

“And THEN he apparently has the nerve to go through our base and raid our banana supply! The nerve of that pesky, insistently annoying pest- Hey, are you even listening?” The sudden call made you jump, hissing as your wrist restraints dug into your skin, because apparently shackles with spikes on the inside of them are a thing and you very much would not have liked the approximate feeling of barbed wire wedged into your skin, biting into your flesh with all the viciousness and brutality that ensured you wouldn’t move your hands without feeling agony, the tone indignant as the presumably dead man stomped his foot nearby, “This is serious! First he peels me and my clan members like a banana, greatly exaggerates the rumor of my death and then THIS?!”

You school your features, trying really, really hard not to act out again as it comes down dangerously close onto Warrior’s unconscious head. Nodding along with the seriousness and solemnity worthy of a funeral, “Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! Such disrespect, at least you guys didn’t exaggerate about his death. And you’re supposed to be the bad guys here?”

(Well, more like you couldn’t move, really, funny thing about spikes on one’s skin and having one of your legs broken to the point glancing at exposed bone makes you want to dry heave at the gory sight, it.is.agony. Funny, how pain is an effective restraint in keeping people pinned down better than any arrow.)

You quickly revised your opinion and reassess the threat given the situation you're in now, as after your patrol on Wild’s Hyrule with Warriors you’d gotten ambushed and kidnapped through a mix of a double Silver Lynel ambush and sheer element of the surprise as bait, Warriors going down protecting you with all of the ferocity of his namesake, and choosing to risk getting a little roughed up over being separated from him.

You’re quite proud of yourself really, what with the way that you almost fully tore a chunk out of a Blademaster’s throat with your teeth and before they gave up, leg broken and with the spikes on your wrist as you woke up first with the fury of Volvagia’s fire scorching your veins, overwhelming the icy chill of terror in your veins and only instinct driving you because who knows what they’d done to him. Worth it. You wouldn’t forgive yourself if you let something happen to your favorite soldier boy. At least now you’re both in the same place, even if it’s with the man running the doomsday show himself.

“I know right?! Once I get my hands on that little nuisance, I am going to kill him dead!”

It’s a bit of a pity, in a way. You’re sure that under better circumstances you’d be as amused as Wild by him and he’d be a lovely conversation partner, you doubt the Yiga would follow him if he wasn’t charismatic after all, like watching a wet cat get their head stuck in a jar you had to admit watching the man struggle and fail was just a bit hilarious.

Alas by the whims of the gods spinning the wheel of fate and making it be fully comprised of misfortune to the point you really would like to have a nice chat involving your fists and their faces and maybe one foot straight up Hylia's gash, twas not to be, but it works in your favor. You just needed to stall for as long as you could until Warriors woke up or had an opening stop feigning sleep, either works.

“I just had a thought, a truly magnificent idea worthy of someone as worthy of being the Calamity’s most trusted champion! You travel with that twerp and his companions don’t you?”, the man stilled, then swerved towards you, you contained a flinch in a sudden movement, just on the edge of cartoony, adamantly looking over his shoulder rather than the twisted, crimson eye of the cold mask of the leader of the people who joked about keeping one of Warriors’ eyes as a necklace for it worked just as well as gem, “You could work for us instead, we’d pay you quite well for the information.”

Adamantly trying not to look at Warrior’s behind him, you hummed, head tilted, pretending to think about it, then shrugging, “Eh, I’ll pass. You Yiga don’t take well to traitors no?”

The man crossed his arms, adamantly nodding, “Of course not! Any and all who forsake our god should be slowly watch as their body parts are fed to Moldugas while they’re still alive!”

Cool, cool, lovely imagery to have, you were going to have one serious talk with Wild about proper threat assement once you’re back in camp by the way. You smile a bit back, remembering Warrior’s and using it as a reason to force a grimace away. Of the way he could charm better than any prince, making people fall in love with him effortlessly for better or worse and how you or Legend would viciously defend him from the worse crowd even if it gave you both Time’s exasperation (and grief from the other Links, who are all menaces whom you wished were less perceptive at times). Of the way he amusedly shared with you he main advantage was that no one could ever tell wether he was being friendly or baring his teeth, and how he slowly let you notice wether the curve was sharp or soft as you got closer. Making a point of showing your bloody, bloody teeth from both the Blademaster and which dripped down your head from one heck of a Lynel kick, you did not have Warriors natural charisma but you’d make do with your mediocre charm. “Well, I’m not in the habit of liking traitors much either you see. Sorry to let you down on that, plus if I can turn on them I can turn on you right? Better we skip that, I can give you a banana cake and banana pretzel recipe from where I’m from as compensation though?”

(You did not, in fact, know a recipe for banana cakes and pretzels by the way, but at this point you'll say anything just to buy you more time. Nothing like the age old ancient technique of lying. Wars would be proud his lessons came in handy.)

To his credit, he didn’t flinch. You’d actually be a bit shocked if he did given his clans entire gimmick to be fair. Sliding away from Warrior’s prone form and towards the one actually open door, keeping his back to the soldier, although his attention immediately focused on you like a Guardians aim, completely missing the light twitch to Warriors’ fingers you could spot in the dim torch light, “Fair enough, though you’re missing out on a lot if you ask me. Now! Banana cake you say? Might you be a person of culture after all even with an horrendous choice of company?”

Would you look at that, looking like a horror show does have it’s advantages!

“I mean I’d write it down but you know,”, you make a vague motion with your wrists, wincing a bit at the spikes, those would be a pain to get out later, you’d much have preferred ropes or chains, “But if you get some paper or get me to a kitchen I can direct your folks how to make it? You’d be the first to get a taste of it if you’re there too.”

He hums, pacing back and forth, Warriors eyes lightly crack open, the sapphire clouding with shock at your state, you can’t look at him long enough to figure out the ensuing combination of emotions, flashing, but you do see when the gems are forged into cobalt blades, you quickly mouth to him ‘Get free’ as soon as Kohga isn’t looking at you, he closes his eyes as Kohga turns towards him and nods. Though the Poe flame azure of his gaze could have probably killed the leader of the Yiga ten times over as he addresses you, “You’re an awfully generous hostage aren’t you? Though I like the way you think.”

You shrug, “I mean I’m not being manhandled, plus I’m bored so why not make some good food to kill time?”

You can see him weight his options, unnervingly staring at you beneath the mask. You adamantly don’t look at Warriors’ as he slides his boot very lightly against the wall, a small blade springing from the small compartment, thanking the Three the Yiga didn’t check either of your shoes as he twists around as silently as he can manage to cut himself free as Kogah nods, “Anyone with an appreciation for bananas should be allowed to share their wisdom, can you walk?”

You give him a flat look, you think Warriors bites his tongue to keep from making an equally indignant sound as Kohga seems to have the dots, awkwardly coughing, “That was a retorical question of course you can’t! I shall however extend you my benevolence, and call on my subordinates to carry you-“

He doesn’t even get to finish his sentence when Warriors pounces with a snarl, you lurch back, hissing as the spikes make your wrists bleed and chocking down a shout at the pain that crawls through your leg like lightning, but it’s enough.

Warriors wraps the remains of his rope around the Yiga Clan Leader’s throat in a makeshift garrote, and make sure to use his momentum to slam his head against the cold, hard ground of the hideout, doing it again for good measure with all of the strength and ferocity you knew for a fact he kept as well sheathed as a hidden blade.

It all took but a second, he didn’t even scream. You doubt that killed him, but he isn’t getting back up any time soon.

You slump over, coughing blood from your mouth, it wouldn't help much but it was a start, “Welcome back to the land of the living, Wars.”

He rushes towards you as soon as he finishes tying Kohga up with the remnants of his own rope, gently wiping the blood from your sight, he was battered and bruised but the most beautiful thing you’ve seen in your life as he checked you over, and you couldn’t help but lean into his touch, relief ringing like a sword being sheathed, it would be alright. “Can’t say I’m happy to be fashionably late this time. What did they do to you?”

“Hey, none of that,” you gently touch your foreheads together, you smile, tasting rust on your lips though Warriors doesn’t mind as you lightly try to take his mind out of it, “You should see the other guy.”

He sighs, fondly exasperated as he shakes his head, you consider the quirk of his lips a win even as he pauses over your wrists, eyes flashing with rage before focusing on your leg, “I’m sure, that was a killer performance. Maybe after all this is over you should take up acting back home.”

You snort, “I mean I did learn from the best-“

it distracts you long enough for him to snap your leg back into place. And all you know is that you with pain, ripping through your throat as you finally, finally, feel safe enough to pass out.

(Warriors winces sympathetically, heart breaking a little at your pain but knowing it was the only way you wouldn’t focus on it, better than for . Holding you close and allowing you to muffle your scream into his shoulder as he wraps your leg in his scarf, guilty and fury carefully hidden behind the soldier mask, knowing that the only thing that would satisfy the flames of retribution in his chest would be to use the Yiga as kindling until they eventually burned the remnants of protective rage all away to ash.

But he could make do with taking you as gently as he could as you pass out in his arms, resolve himself to get the contraption on your wrists out as soon as you were both back at camp. And to kicking Kogah on the way out. It's not nearly enough but it's a start.

You protected him as best as you could, it’s his turn to return the favor as he can as well. Anything else can come later.)

[acourtofquestions]

Kingdom of Ash Chapter 24

"What is this place?" Manon asked Glennis as she found the crone polishing the handle of a gold-bound broom beside the fire. Two others lay on a cloak nearby. Menial work for the witch in charge of this camp.

"This is an ancient camp-one of the oldest we claim." Glennis's knobbed fingers flew over the broom handle. "Each of the seven Great Hearths has a fire here, as do many others." Indeed, there were far more than seven in the camp. "It was a gathering place for us after the war, and since then, it had become a place to usher in some of our younger witches to adulthood. It is a rite we've developed over the years—to send them into the deep wilds for a few weeks to hunt and survive with only their brooms and a knife. We remain here while they do so."

Manon asked quietly, "Do you know what our initiation rite is?"

Glennis's face tightened. "I do. We all do." Which hearth had the witch she'd killed at age sixteen belonged to?

"You're not a cold person."

He arched a brow. "Is that your professional opinion?"

Manon studied him. "You can descend to those levels when you are angry, when your friends are threatened. But you are not cold, not at heart. I've seen men who are, and you are not."

"Neither are you," he said a bit quietly.

The wrong thing to say.

Manon stiffened, her chin lifting. "I am one hundred seventeen years old," she said flatly. "I have spent the majority of that time killing. Don't convince yourself that the events of the past few months have erased that."

"Keep telling yourself that." He doubted anyone had ever spoken to her that baldly-relished that he now did, and kept his throat intact.

She snarled in his face. "You're a fool if you believe the fact that I am their queen wipes away the truth that I have killed scores of Crochans."

"That fact will always remain. It's how you make it count now that matters."

Make it count. Aelin had said as much back in those initial days after he'd been freed of the collar. He tried not to wonder whether the icy bite of Wyrdstone would soon clamp around his neck once more.

"I am not a softhearted Crochan. I will never be, even if I wear their crown of stars."

He'd heard the whispers about that crown amongst the Crochans this week-about whether it would be found at last. Rhiannon Crochan's crown of stars, stolen from her dying body by Baba Yellowlegs herself. Where it had gone after Aelin had killed the Matron, Dorian had not the faintest idea. If it had stayed with that strange carnival she'd traveled with, it could be anywhere. Could have been sold for quick coin.

Manon went on, "If that is what the Crochans expect me to become before they join in this war, then I will let them venture to Eyllwe tomorrow alone."

"Is it so bad, to care?" The gods knew he'd been struggling to do so himself.

"I don't know how to," she growled.

Ridiculous. An outright lie. Perhaps it was because of the high likelihood that he'd be collared again at Morath, perhaps it was because he was a king who'd left his kingdom in an enemy's grip, but Dorian found himself saying, "You do care. You know it, too. It's what makes you so damn scared of all this."

Her golden eyes raged, but she said nothing.

"Caring doesn't make you weak," he offered.

"Then why don't you heed your own advice?"

"I care." His temper rose to meet hers. And he decided to hell with it-decided to let go of that leash he'd put on himself. Let go of that restraint. "I care about more than I should. I even care about you."

Another wrong thing to say.

Manon stood—as high as the tent would allow. "Then you're a fool." She shoved on her boots and stomped into the frigid night.

I even care about you.

Manon scowled as she turned in her sleep, wedged between Asterin and Sorrel. Only hours remained until they were to move out—to head to Eyllwe and whatever force might be waiting to ally with the Crochans. And in need of help.

Caring doesn't make you weak.

The king was a fool. Little more than a boy.

What did he know of anything?

Still the words burrowed under her skin, her bones. Is it so bad, to care?

She didn't know. Didn't want to know.

[itspileofgoodthings]

.

[lunarscaled]

"I might believe you! I don't—I don't know anything about what's happened here. All I know are the things people keep telling me, I don't have any proof of anything else! Someone says you're violent, and Tesla agrees you're violent—he can't even swear you're not thinking about actually gutting me most of the time!"

-> The pitch up in their voice isn't much, but in such a small space it feels louder than it is. Distressed and frustrated.

"At least if you say it to my face it feels less like you're holding to someone's word until it gets boring. Tesla won't ever feel betrayed by you; you have nothing to lose if you break a promise to him."

-> Is comes out from their teeth bitter and incensed, sour like acid reflux. Lyric doesn't think Tesla's word alone can stave off their death forever; they aren't even sure Ulquiorra's presence can do so, no matter how he insists he'd sooner kill every Captain of Wing Bind than let them take Lyric against their will. At least they're witness to a fraction of the strength Nnoitra possesses, having torn a hollow limb from limb and broken into its chest. Ulquiorra has never needed to take up arms to put others in line, therefore Lyric is unaware how strong he is or is not. It frustrates them, knowing no matter where he sits they are beneath all of them.

"... he was taking his time. Dissecting me. He said that he was going to fix me and make me perfect, but I don't know what that means. It just felt like he was enjoying taking me apart and observing me. He——I was in a case. Like a doll. I remember all the blood made my skin stick to the floor."

-> They don't know why they explain it. He likely won't care; might tune it out with the rest of their bemoaning. After all, who were they to have demands or expectations of someone who hadn't shorn their skin clean from their ribcage, or removed their limbs one at a time? Was the bond to his Fracción greater than his right as a stronger beast? Was their survival guaranteed if they weren't fitter and more vicious? They think not.

-> They think the silence between them will extend forever with only the wind to cut through it. What may be mere minutes feels like far longer until he starts to move; it startles them for some reason. They feel their muscles twitch and their limbs lock up, raising their head, even if he's moving away from them. They expect him to drag them out by their hair with him and leave them lost in the sand, or to say some petty last word so they know their place in the food chain. But instead he warns them firmly that leaving too soon will earn their death. Don't get eaten, Tesla will be sad. They didn't have the strength he did to protect themselves, after all. ( but it meant they were going to be alone again. that's fine isn't it? they're used to being alone. it's fine. )

"—Tesla says he thinks you're lonely."

-> Is this the olive branch they think it is? Their voice is a quiet rasp compared to how assured it was before. It feels like they're talking to wind now. They don't know how to say what's clawing at their chest: don't leave me alone. I've spent so long alone. Does it show in their face? Can he see that weakness in their orange eyes in the dark if he turns to look at them? Was this cave alone enough to keep them safe?

"... he wants us to try and get along. He says that everybody treats you like something you're not...

... I don't know how to understand you. I don't know if you understand me either. I don't know if you want to... ... —I don't want Tesla to be sad, either. I wanna believe you're not gonna kill me, but if I'm ever wrong I'm dead, you know?"

"...Of course they don't trust me. None of them do. I haven't done jack shit to most of 'em and they don't trust me. But that's fine. I don't trust them either. Bunch of soft sacks of shit...

What am I supposed to promise to ya? Promise not to hurt ya like I've promised t' Tes? And then what? You won't believe me, even then. Even though I haven't broke yer bone or killed ya, even when I could reach over and pluck yer head off like a grape on a vine right now.

It wouldn't change shit, so why bother?"

His teeth grit despite his casual tone, glaring at the cave wall in front of him.

He rolls his eye.

"Unfortunately for you, I'm not a teacher. Ask Ulquiorra about it, then."

Mention of Szayel makes his lip curl in disgust.

"I'm surprised ya came out of there alive. He usually lombotomizes folks or whatever to make into his Fracciónes. Would'a thought you'd make a perfect candidate."

A scoff, and he looks out at the sandstorm out side. He sticks his hand out, watching the way his bangle get blown to the side, and his hand disappears when he sticks his arm out further.

"...Could be half an hour or more. Some last minutes, some last days. This one should be on the shorter end."

He looks out at the sand and his disappearing arm for a long moment, before he pulls the limb back in and stares at his hand. After a time in pure silence, he starts moving again, getting ready to crawl out of the cave.

"...Fuck it. Have fun sittin' here. Don't leave 'til it's been quiet for an hour. Lesser Hollows like t' scavange right after a storm."

[randomnameless]

Does that mean Mercie and Supreme Leader could be distant cousins potentially? Guess it might be an idea in that 10000 year lore.

You have no idea how many cans of worm this AU opens anon -

AU where Dimi marries Mercie, and the resulting Blaiddyd heir has... a crest of Seiros :(

No one understands why, maybe it's a Hresvelg curse for destroying Adrestia?

With time, the Crest of Seiros is known as the Crest of Hresvelg (to Rhea's chagrin) and is now seen, in the Kingdom's folk legends, as a curse that befell humanity when it became too greedy.

AU where it's Papa Martritz's line that is a branch line from the Hresvelg House -

Ionius not managing to roll for crested heirs with his different wives jumped on the occasion to destroy House Martritz (even if it has a heir! in the over, but it exists still!) and put an end to eventual pretenders to the Imperial throne, if his "lady friends" can't give him an adequate crested heir :(

And even if the baby survives, it has a chance of not getting a crest of Seiros, and by virtue of not being a noble born baby, people might believe it's just a random bastard and not a legitimate threat to his dynasty

(Imagine if Baron Bartels got his seiros crested bby with Mercie though - hopefully, Emile made sure that plan would never see fruition!)

Ultimate combination AU : Mercie and Emile can tolerate Zanado fruits

Just like Constance!

Somehow, before being turned in a pincushion, lizard!Lycaon befriended Lamine's 9th daughter, who returned North when he "suddenly died" and Hildegard I (who descends from Willy's human children, the ones he got when he had his crest but from human women!) took his succession.

The resulting kid had no pointy ears but was "human passing" enough (only 1/4th Nabatean!), then said kid got kids - sometimes with a crest of Seiros, sometimes with the crest of Lamine - and their kids got kids - and they ended up in Adrestia, becoming Mercie's mom family.

Mercie will notice something strange because her parents recipe (that was influenced by her mom's cooking) always featured putting slices of fruit in the shape of a star on his various cupcakes - but then, those disgusting fruits Flayn, Seteth and even Lady Rhea nibble on occasion, when sliced, look like stars ? Granted, she never tried to eat any since everyone knows they're inedible! She tried to put a slice on a cupcake and ate it, to Annette and Dedue's surprise, she didn't threw up like everyone else, nor collapsed, even if Annette scolded her "Mercie, what are you even doing?! Those things can't be eaten!"

Overhearing Mercie's recipe history, Seteth frowns like never before - Lycaon used to hold hands with a scion of Lamine who joined their side (he told Seiros the Warrior to watch out because he was too young to hold hands, she ignored him, again!).

This will make Billy start to question themselves, if Rhea considered Mother like her daughter, and Mercedes is the child of the child of the child of the child (etc) of Rhea's son, is Mercedes their sort of nephew?