#anyways lol either that or she will end up dying...which i hope not

[zannies-joestar-hut]

merl mei qi gets better with every appearance

[shsl-hubris-guy]

The V3 Survivors Mirror Image Danganronpa's Previous Game Protags. Here's Why

Idk if this was intentional or a happy accident on behalf of the crew behind V3, but in replaying that final trial once again, a few distinct points about each of the 3 survivors stuck out to me as being very reminiscent of their predecessors- Shuichi with Makoto, Maki with Hajime/Izuru, and Himiko with Komaru. So I wanted to yap about it a little bit, because that's just so cool to me, and v3 has always had my fav surviving cast anyway so this just makes them a million times better

Shuichi -> Makoto

Shuichi, first and foremost, grows into the protagonist role during chapter 1, in which he's believed to be the killer for most of the trial and the player has to prove his innocence. This is a direct parallel to Makoto, and it's not difficult to see. In addition, the one who made it look like he was guilty was the one musical girl he'd gotten attached to in the early game, and it was her plan failing and being revealed that led to his proved innocence, similar to that of Sayaka's failed murder plan.

At the end of the game as well, though, he's the one who gets the rest of the cast one by one to reject the game and choose to end the cycle, rather than vote the way that the mastermind wants. This is a deliberate deviation from Makoto, defined by K1-B0's presence acting as the SHSL Hope Robot, and that's just as important to note, because the V3 survivors are mirror images and grow in a similar but reverse imaged way to their predecessors. Where Makoto chose to become hope no matter what, Shuichi chose compassion no matter what, and broke the system entirely by appealing to the outside world, rather than acting in spite of its despair.

Maki -> Hajime

Maki starts the game in a position similar to Izuru. Playing her backstory especially assists this, but she's living a life inherently disconnected from her peers because of what she was made into by the people in power over her. Like Hajime, she was approached while in a vulnerable state to be remade into something new and dangerous that the system she was raised within could use. She accepted this offer and became an assassin for the sake of someone she loved- a childhood friend that cared deeply about the others in their orphanage and protected them over herself. This has a lot of interesting similarities to Hajime's agreeing to become Izuru for the sake of Chiaki in DR3, but the distinction here is that the childhood friend was the one being targeted. Maki taking on the role of assassin was her choosing to shoulder the burden knowingly rather than being tricked into it, but still for the sake of sometime that ended up dying to save another orphan, like how Chiaki died trying to save her teacher and classmates.

Maki's arc is also the immediate inverse of Hajime's, to a tragic degree. Whereas Hajime's arc ends in him losing to choose himself and refusing to back down and sacrifice either his memories of freedom, Maki's arc is in learning to open her heart to others and thus, in the V3 final trial, her arc projects into her choosing to be the sacrifice so that Shuichi and Himiko can escape the game. Rather than break the cycle like Hajime does, she chooses to be an active participant in it, and become the next SHSL Survivor. Were it not for Shuichi's deduction, this would have been the outcome, and she would've entered a new game with no memory of her previous identity, mirroring how Hajime entered the sdr2 game as its mastermind without knowing he set this up for himself.

Himiko -> Komaru

This was actually the character that made this whole mirroring thing stick out to me, despite being perhaps the least obvious of the 3. It started with just me seeing the back of her head in the epilogue and going "haha that's funny, she has the same fuckass bob as Komaru lol :)" but then I kept thinking about it and more mirrored traits between Komaru and Himiko started to stick out to me.

Himiko and Komaru both have a character arc that primarily centers on expressing their emotions. For Komaru, she does nothing but cry for the first couple chapters, only barely surviving with the help of Toko and Syo, and is a total open book. She's easily excitable, way too trusting, and all-around joyful when she's not under immediate fire. Himiko is the exact opposite, being totally closed off from her emotions and writing off any and all efforts as 'just a pain' out of a depressed laziness. Similarly to Komaru, however, she's pulled through this and helped to grow with her two female "friends" with very differing beliefs- Angie and Tenko. Both Komaru's and Himiko's relationships with these women inspire them to face what they fear with more emotional strength, and bring them to the conclusion that, regardless of how it hurts them, they owe it to their "friends" to try. Komaru chooses to stay in Towa City, and Himiko chooses to help in the trials from here on out. While both these girls start on opposite ends of emotional imbalance, they both get brought to a point of stability through their love of their fellow girls. Yuri stays on top. Anyways

This is more of a meta point as well, but both Komaru and Himiko are the most underrated of their respective groups. Komaru isn't nearly as popular of a protagonist as Makoto and Hajime, and Himiko is the least popular of the V3 survivors in comparison to Shuichi and Maki. This makes sense; she's not as focused on as Shuichi and Maki were(for obvious reasons), and while I doubt that was intentional, it is another funny little connection that's there.

Anyways, that's kind of it. Idk if any of this rambling makes sense, but I saw it and thought it was cool so I had to share :D

[herefortheships]

Lydia looks so smug when Betelgeuse is about to have Rory killed, like she's thinking "this is what my man is willing to do for me, bitch" 😆 And yet she's afraid of him? Nah, that's her excuse to push Beej away. Anyone familiar with romance arc structure? Looking at it specifically through the Romancing the Beat structure, I feel like, if applied to BJBJ, the story left Lydia in the "Retreating from love" beat. I'll have to review the beat sheet and rewatch the movie with romance arc structure in mind to make sure, but I think she made her fear-based choice to reject love in BJBJ by banishing Betelgeuse.

Not saying that BJ3 will start with her Dark Night of the Soul (though she did look sad or one could say regretful after banishing him. She's looking at the floor with a furrowed brow, like she's conflicted). BJ3 might retrace earlier beats more solidly, or go into the beats BJBJ might have skipped, because this is a romance arc in a horror-comedy, so it wouldn't follow a traditional romance structure, I guess (they might also write in a romance arc intentionally in BJ3, if they didn't already write in the romance arc intentionally in this one. Personally I think they so did. lol I get the vibe Burton and co wanted to plant the idea in this movie and end the series with the two of them together. They're testing the waters, basically).

//EDIT: ACTUALLY they might still be in either the Set up or the Falling in Love's "No way" beat, in which Lydia has pretty much stated why she's not falling in love (she didn't say it literally, of course, just her actions lol), and specifically NOT with Betelgeuse (this one she did verbalize, as I'll write bellow. Things she said about him: he's a stalker, a trickster demon, "bad things will happen" if he's here, etc). They might have been entering the Falling in Love part of the arc, and yet I think the story took her right to the Retreating from Love beat at the end, because she did banish him. But he's still around, so they might still be here at the Set up or Falling in love parts of the arc? 👀 Anyway, I'll break it down eventually and write a romance arc beat sheet for them.//

This is how Lydia's rationalizing her fear-based rejection of love: "He's literally evil and will use me and leave me". And "there's an age gap, it wouldn't have worked out between us anyway". She's protecting her heart from being hurt again. The fear of him leaving might come from her past relationships failing; one could even bring up how Richard left her to go on his Amazon adventure, when their relationship failed. Then Richard ended up dying in that trip and left her forever (because she can't even see his ghost). Then her mention of the age gap, that might have just been her looking for the easiest way out, to reject him without even trying to give him a chance after seeing that he might not be that bad after all.

Anyway, I'll rewatch the movie and create a romance arc beat sheet for these two. Just because I'm a nerd and it'll be fun. 😂 I'll see how many romance story beats were actually used and how many we have yet to go into with these two until endgame.

If there is a romance arc between them in BJBJ, then it's incomplete. Which means BJ3 will complete it, but I gotta push my hopes down. Let's not get our hopes up, but STILL I can't unsee what is there to see. lol

[guideaus]

I finished Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus and I think i'd give it a solid 7. It clearly did as much as it could with the animation, which is kinda funny considering that's what originally got it cancelled in the first place, but i wasn't really a fan of the art style change and the colors.

The movie was just a tad too saturated I think for me, when i definitely remember the show having this crude, and honestly offputting (affectionately said) vibe. And it kinda ditched it's kinda ugly vibes, lol. It reminds me a bit of those PBS cartoons.

Anyways, i don't think the plot was for me, unfortunately. The two part special episodes where Zim comes close to destroying the world, but always fails, was old to me by the time i finished the show, so the movie, which came out 15 years later, wasn't exactly something I would be interested in. It was also basically a Dib pov, too, which i'm not a fan of, and they didn't even go hard on his relationship w/his dad, either.

The movie was described like this:

which kinda happens, but it's bait for Dib to drop his guard, and Zim basically does the same thing he's always done. It's not bad, but it feels like a plot for a movie we would have gotten in 2007, a year after the show was cancelled, not a plot for one more than a decade later. Idk if this is too much to ask, but i remember kinda feeling bad for how dumb zim was in the show with how much he tried to get the Tallests' attention, so I was hoping something would eventually change, and this description got my hopes up, but no, it was just a joke 😭 I even kept hoping maybe in the last quarter of the movie, it'd change, and it'd focus on Zim disengaging from the tallest somehow.

The movie also noticeably recycled a lot of jokes from the show in a way that felt like way more than a simple call back or reference, and more like they couldnt think of a new joke for zim, gir, or gaz to say.

Time passed irl, and the movie references that, too, yet Dib immediately fixes himself, zim's inability to change isnt really acknowledged, and Professor Membrane, who seemingly is set up to finally acknowledge Dib's goals, in the end doesn't really change, either. It also made use of Tak's ship, which felt frustrating since she seemed to be teased a lot in the end of the series, without ever showing up, so her actually showing up here would have been interesting. I think basically the only thing that changes in this movie is the Tallest (and the irken empire?) dying in the end.

So... I feel like it's nice it exists, but it definitely cut the original show's gritty aesthetic, and nothing really definitive came from this. It feels like more of the same, specifically the parts i liked the least about the series, so I didn't exactly feel like I gained too much after seeing this. I loved Gir, but even he reused old jokes, which felt frustrating after it was noticeable.

[loneycorner]

Explaining some stuff

Vent

(Reading this part isn't really necessary and you can skip it)

So, I don't really do these things cause I'm not really a big fan getting into too much personal shit but I really needed to get this out

I genuinely feel like my irl mom is losing hope in me, I'm not getting any better with my studies, school is hell, my classmates aren't any good either.

I just feel like going into a deeper spiral of my depression, I'm in need of therapy but I think my parents will say I don't need it since I'm normal lmao. Still undiagnosed with ADHD and autism, probably dyslexic as well yayyy

But seriously, I don't really know how to continue much more, the only reason why I'm still here is because of my online friends and my literal fear of dying and maybe getting sent to hell

My current gender dysphoria is also very much not helping alongside a break up (which I did cause but I'm more worried for her than for myself) I don't really know man

Trying to focus on school is hard enough but the way my mom is so disappointed and maybe losing hope might just drive me insane, she said she'll pull me back if I fail the next quarter which hopefully not

I know she's struggling too, I'm basically useless in my own house, I barely do anything, I don't help, I'm a burden to them

Break

Will I take a break? I'm still unsure and debating on that, I wanna but then again, the internet is a second home to me, it's where I can be free, it's my escape, it's one of the things that make me happy especially with my online family

I do hope I get better, especially with the people supporting me (which I'll be honest, mostly online strangers lmaoo) either way. I'm glad I haven't ended my story just yet, I know there's gonna be more. Good or bad, I'll probably just keep fighting knowing there's people who love me despite not even knowing me that much

Appreciation and Special thanks to

@marycom15 they're basically my mom, in which I was the one to say that but eh, I love them a whole bunch and supported me through quite a lot of stuff, super silly despite calling me out on a lot of things, like stop that/silly knows me a little too well

@iamineskew funniest person I've met, my father (albeit I didn't want/silly, love you/pp) wouldn't stop flirting with my mom in front of me but I'm actually fine, I love them a whole bunch, such great art too! I'm super inspired by all his works

@boothefanficeater my best friend ever!! We don't talk a lot because he isn't online as much lol, I consider him my super best friend anyway, literally the one that made me what I've become (cough.the Prokour CEO cough) they also have lovely art, I wanna eat it

@wimdywhimsy just a cool person in general, supports literally everything I do, all of the things they do is amazing, I love ALL of their ideas they bring on the table, my sibling ever

@canadianketchup is literally almost always the first person to interact with whatever I do, I love interacting with them, I wanna do it more but I'm a little shy giggles

@sundewhasaudhd one of the BEST people I've ever met on the dsmp space,I love them sm, they're just so passionate with everything they do and it's just so admirable, they're not afraid to socialize and bring up their interests it makes me so happy

(I almost forgot to mention aahhhhh)

@theshadeblindcolor a newer addition to my little family but I love them either way, such a cool person with cool art! I love everything they do, their aus are so sick I wanna read more about them and to some more fanart

And shout out to all my old moots too on previous account, all such lovely people I couldn't have it any other way, especially my ava/m family @izzyindahouse @the-ace-of-spadez @flairya @mary-games-and-arts

I'm so happy I met all you guys, I'm glad to be a part of even the small portions of your lives and I'm super happy you are all a part of mine<3

[beefslipper]

Halloween Headcanons (Months early lol)

My last post was such a flop I heard the crickets chirping before I even got on tumblr omg

Since nobody is giving me ideas, I'm just gonna do short n sweet headcanons on one (at least) character from each of the fandoms I'm in... Or at least the ones I can remember. Idk why but I can't wait until spooky month so we're doing Halloween-themed HCs!!!!!! I frickin' love the holidays :D

I won't be using images in my post this time just because I'm like half asleep and I need to yap. (I have no energy and I must yap /ref)

First up, Jason Todd! (Batman)

I think he'd avoid dressing up for trick or treating because his fave is Wonder Woman... Bro's not about to traumatize every child that sees him. However, if he is craving candy hard enough, he'd go in a lazier or goofy costume. You know those unicorn onesies? That's for if he isn't in the mood for ghits and shiggles. An inflatable dinosaur costume is his go-to if he's in a better mood.

I bet he'd have everything planned, too. He knows where all the rich people are and which ones give out the full-sized candy bars or any cool light up toys that make little kids jealous because they have no idea where to find them at.

If he were to go trick or treating with anyone, I think it'd probably be the Batfam as a whole (They don't trust him with not stealing some kid's candy bucket).

Next, Touya Todoroki! (MHA)

This is an AU one where he isn't dying because I don't want him to die (Insert sob emoji).

Since Enji himself is in a wheelchair, he isn't able to push Touya around. He was absolutely devastated by that and begged Natsuo and Fuyumi to take their older brother out to trick or treat since Shoto was with his friends.

Touya would either do a costume to heal his inner child or a lazier one that's comfortable and doesn't irritate his skin. Either way, he's demanding that they go to every house around no matter how long it takes. Any time he gets candy he doesn't like, he asks Natsuo to trade with him LOL

At the end of the night, Enji has to lock away the candy so Touya doesn't scarf it all down and get a stomach ache. He does anyway since it was 'hidden' in the same spot it had always been.

Onto Arlan! (HSR)

My boy doesn't get enough love <3

I think his excitement after hearing about Halloween's existence would be enough to convince the spaceship to set up little stalls for him, Asta, MC, and Peppy to run around to collect candy. He and Asta would probably have matching costumes like ketchup and mustard bottles or pb and j or something cute like that. Or it'd be a three-way deal since Asta would dress Peppy up in some cute little costume.

Arlan would definitely sit on the floor with Asta and MC and trade candies so they each get what they wanted. Asta would have some dog treats for Peppy so they weren't left out :)

At the night's end, Arlan would probably be caught falling asleep, still in costume with a half-eaten candy bar in hand.

Now, Bennett! (Genshin Impact)

He, Razor, Chongyun, and XIngqiu would get together and go out trick or treating. He tried to convince Fischl to go with, but she refused, claiming it was far too childish for someone of her status. That meant "Please bring me back some sweets".

He had a bag specifically for Fischl :)

As the night went on, the boys managed to have good luck. Bennett had never been happier since he was internally horrified of ruining the others' night by only getting raisins, toothbrushes, and apples or having someone's bag rip.

All went well and everyone got a pretty good amount of candy. Even Fischl.

Yap session is done! I kinda wanted to do DMCB stuff or Steven Universe stuff, but my creativity juice ran out. I hope y'all liked this one :D I'll probably do another one when it's actually October. (evaporates I FORGOT JJK oh well)

Have a great day, evening, and/or night everyone :DDDD

[yukaro353]

Late but good, lol, the continuation of this idea:

🌪️🍃🎐AO3 Version🎐🍃🌪️

Mako would have gone to eat with Asami and then returned to her department to continue working, after all the boss was on leave after having accumulated four consecutive weeks of work for which Saikhan scolded her and sent her to five forced days off.

He wanted to accumulate at least two good results that would make her nod when he returned, he liked her approval and increasing her confidence so that she could give him more difficult assignments, time did not forgive anyone and Mako like many others feared that if Lin did not learn to let go they would end up removing her from her position in a coffin.

But some reason Asami didn't come to dinner so Mako ended up eating alone, he hoped she was okay, it was a little late to go to the Sato mansion to check on her and he couldn't turn to Bolin because he had joined a strange reunification movement with Suyin's violent daughter, the fire bender then remembered Beifong's office phone, it was connected to Asami's workshop phone, he could sneak out and use it, the boss had authorized it after she was found unconscious in her workshop due to dehydration...

That memory tormented him a lot.

Mako did his thing, he slipped into the office, rang a couple of times and relaxed when one of the technicians answered to tell him that the young lady had gone to the doctor and hadn't come back, at least she wasn't dying at home and that was something. He could have gone home after that, but Saikhan came in and instead of scolding him for being out of hours, he told him to go to the Bay Central Hospital, The head nurse had called to request Lin's medical records and they had to comply quickly.

The young detective ran at least two red lights on his motorcycle.

The Hospital os the Bay was one of the medical points directly related to the police forces, most of its staff was made up of graduates from the Military University, although its focus was completely obstetric, Mako could be calm with that detail, if her boss was in another location like the Central Hospital of the Republic he would have her heart in her hand.

She parked anyway and hurried to the counter where the receptionist called the aforementioned head nurse, Mako recognized Mrs. Duanphen, she had vitiligo so it was impossible to forget it, she had been in the provisional clinics after the fall of the Equalists providing first aid, she had a hard expression and impeccable hair, Mako handed her the folder and saw her review it with evident stress.

– Is the chief okay?

– I don't give details to the messengers.

– I'm not a messenger, I'm… – Mako thought about the following, he wasn't his friend either, he was too young for Lin to consider him as such, nor could he be called his pupil because in theory all the rookies were – Coworker…

– Yes, whatever, tell Saikhan to come and go.

– He's covering for the boss, he can't leave the post… Unless it's something serious. Is it serious?

Duanphen looked at him with annoyance before the receptionist intervened – He's the golden boy, Beifong paid his fees.

– A firebender? – Duanphen questioned looking him up and down, he had heard that Lin had finally found a successor, but he expected some lady with bearing and not some idiot too tall.

– You let a bunch of hippies pass, don't turn your back on him, at least he has a wallet.

– As if Beifong needed someone to pay for her. Come on brat, follow me and shut up.

Mako thanked the receptionist with a gesture before going after the head nurse, they walked away from the waiting rooms and came to a hallway where there were only familiar faces, including Asami, who got up from her chair and apologized to Mako for not having arrived for her dinner. Duanphen continued on to the office at the back, leaving Tenzin speechless.

– What's going on? – Mako asked, now more confident.

– We don't know, my aunt and Mrs. Pema haven't given any details, they just got on the ferry and we had to follow them – Opal explained, who looked like she had been attacked in a bakery.

– Why are you here?

– They asked for the medical records of the chief.

– Don't they have copies at the headquarters? – Tenzin asked, he was standing and walking in circles in the hallway.

– A lot of documents were lost during the convergence so it’s complex – Mako pointed out, he had to go through a lot of hoops to get Bolin his live birth certificates again – So they just came and that’s it?

– They thought Mrs. Pema was pregnant and came earlier for a checkup, but right now we don’t know what they came back for – Asami explained, she still had a bag of nuts in her hands, her only meal of the day apart from coffee.

Mako raised her hand as if to touch Tenzin’s arm, but abandoned the idea halfway and smiled as diplomatically as she could – Congratulations.

Tenzin would pay to have a compilation of all the awkward interactions with that boy just to save them with Lin’s – It came out negative.

– Oh… Sure, of course… And why do they need the chief’s medical records?

– She suddenly turned very pale and almost fainted on the island, we wanted to take her to the Central but Mrs. Pema didn't let us, she pushed her here herself and we had to follow her, she is very authoritarian when she wants to be – Opal pointed out, she would kill to take a bath at that moment, or to have Jinora there, her friend had to stay to cover for her parents' absence.

Tenzin and Asami nodded, avoiding the obvious theory that everyone had, they were in a damn facility specialized in pregnant women, they shouldn't be very smart to know what emergencies were attended to there, however thinking about it meant saying out loud something that was surreal and biologically dangerous for a woman of Lin's age... With Lin's profession... With Lin's bad habits, no one had gathered the courage to talk about it... No one except Mako, who fixed her gaze on Tenzin as if the monk suddenly seemed unpleasant to her.

– What are you doing here?

– I'm waiting for my wife, she's in the medical office too.

– Of course... Opal, how long have you been in Republic City?

– It will be a year next month.

– When was the last time you saw the chief go to her medical check-up?

– Never – The young Beifong confessed, avoiding her brother-in-law's gaze. Her aunt was actually allergic to hospitals. She had her own drawer in the closet full of medicines that she randomly administered when she felt ill. However, Mako's questions could not continue because the door finally opened. Duanphen was holding Pema by the arm. She pushed Tenzin and ignored Opal when they tried to approach him and took the acolyte to another hallway. She seemed to hate everyone equally.

Pema, for her part, ended up in another medical office. It was relatively small and seemed to be used to store uniforms. They had not yet finished the new building that would replace that headquarters, so they had to figure out how to accommodate themselves. Duanphen sat Pema down and made sure that no one was there before closing.

– You are the monk's wife, aren't you?

– I am.

– And the other Beifong is that dirty girl, right? How old is she?

– She'll be eighteen soon…

– Ugh, too young… Any adult Beifong?

– Apart from Lin?

– Chief Beifong for you, and yes, apart from her.

Pema pursed her lips, she didn't like that lady too much, but she didn't want to fight, Lin was on the verge of an anxiety attack in the other medical office, she couldn't take long there with her – Her sister, Suyin, but she's in Zaofu, it'll take her a long time to get there if she calls her.

– Damn… Well, no way, I'll settle for you – Duanphen put an envelope in Pema's hands and crossed his arms – Fifty-two years, too late to start gestating, we're assuming that her body is at the level of an irresponsible thirty-year-old but we return to the same point, her condition is very dangerous.

– W-are you going to operate on her? – Pema didn’t know how to ask that out loud, she knew about the interruptions with pills and herbs, it was a procedure she was really very unfamiliar with – We will take care of giving her the aftercare.

– I don’t doubt it… However, it’s too late to operate on her.

– L-late?

– Her family has a history of cryptic pregnancies and other complications, she’s two weeks into the third trimester, we would have to operate on her to interrupt it… And we don’t have the means to ensure her well-being during the procedure.

– Do we have to w-transfer her? Ba Sing Se perhaps? We have bison, we don’t depend on regular transport.

– It’s not that we don’t have the means, it’s something else… On a medical level. The chief’s health is poor, her body has somehow supported her and the fetus, if we subject her to surgery we risk killing her or leaving her with permanent after-effects.

– You… You are implying that she should have it.

– Don’t be mistaken, I am the last person who would interfere in the chief’s decisions, but this goes beyond whether she wants it or not, do you understand? The birth will be difficult, it could also kill her or leave permanent after-effects… But, it offers us the time factor, we can prepare her and reduce the risks, do you understand?

– … She doesn’t want it.

– I know, I’ve known her for at least thirty years, I’m not stupid.

Pema stood up feeling dizzy, she could carry a fifth pregnancy to term if necessary, but Lin couldn’t, not emotionally, it was destroying her, if they pushed her to continue with that only the spirits would know how it would end.

– There must be a way… Some way, whatever it is.

– Look, I understand that your husband has enough with four and that the chief would rather cut off her arms than experience this again, but this is beyond us, you can use your flying things and take her to the South Pole to be told the same thing.

Pema was ready to grab Duanphen by the hair and drag her away. That baby was not her husband's! And that she took it for granted offended her deeply, but “experiencing this again” landed her feet in a hard way. Pema could not be considered a friend of Lin, at most an acquaintance who thought highly of her. There were many things in Beifong's life that she did not know and she was worried about what was hidden under the rug.

The acolyte returned to the office where Lin was hunched over in a chair sweating cold and still pale-faced, she knelt down next to her looking for some closeness, Beifong asked about the date of the interruption and Pema searched for her hands, less than a few hours ago she was hanging from her arm with her heart in her hand, she wanted to give her back that feeling of comfort and stability. Pema tried to explain the situation, to make it sound more practical, more reasonable, Lin just shook her head and looked at the doctor looking for a contradiction, for the answer she really wanted, but the aforementioned could only support the acolyte's words. Lin stood up and tried to get out of there, everything was spinning, her balance quickly abandoned her and the bile finally found its way out of her body, there was nothing to vomit in her system but that didn't stop her stomach from trying to push itself out of her body, she felt as if her body was foreign to her at that moment, an uncomfortable cell from which she couldn't free herself, she was slightly aware of the voices around her and the arms trying to contain her.

Returning to the island was not optional at this point, once Lin was stabilized they tried to keep her admitted but the chief searched in the midst of her lack of lucidity for someone to get her out of there, Opal led the small procession to the chief's apartment, where they were finally able to push something in her stomach and lay her down in her room, Asami took the first turn to watch her while Pema explained the situation to others, there were at least five minutes in which Mako went completely against Tenzin, but the acolyte brought them back to the point of the conversation, they had to give all the support they could to Beifong because carrying that pregnancy to term was the least deadly option for her.

Opal, who had not said anything until now could not keep quiet any longer – And once she has it what? My aunt never… She has never wanted a child.

– Nor does she have the means to take care of one – Tenzin added – I can bring my mother, she surely knows some way to… Avoid this.

– We must handle this with a low profile, Raiko is not… Raiko could take advantage of this to push the chief out of her position – Mako commented, earning a couple of glances – I am not disregarding the chief's health, that is the most important thing, but putting her job in question will not help her stay calm.

– … We can handle it on the island, it is isolated from the city, we can… Move her temporarily – Tenzin offered with Pema's support, but Opal seemed to have other plans.

– We have to get her out completely, we are counting on this to remain secret, we cannot trust all the acolytes or the new benders… And my aunt does not like that place, she avoids it at all costs, she will not be comfortable. We have to take her to Zaofu, the doctors there are exceptional and my mother can dedicate herself full time to my aunt.

– The last thing Lin would want is to be locked up in that city, no offense, she loves you very much but with your mother things are very different – Tenzin pointed out, Lin had grown up in the island temple by his side, if her life depended on carrying a high-risk pregnancy he would make sure the conditions were as optimal as possible. She was his best friend! Even if she didn't accept him, she wouldn't die before him or be locked up in her least favorite place in the Earth Nation if he could help it.

– Let’s go slowly, for the moment we will have her here, in her house, her space, we will bring Mrs. Katara and we will weigh with her the best option, she is the best healer there, we will play it safe, no empirical experience or “I think that” okay?

Opal exchanged glances with Tenzin, there was a new rejection there, she also suspected about the paternity of that fetus and she would not allow a men already married to push any authority over her aunt. Pema kept the baton of the situation leaving Opal with Asami in charge of watching Lin’s sleep, she asked Mako to devise some medical leave with Saikhan and accompanied Tenzin to take the ferry to the island, it should take him at least three days to return with Katara, in that time they would have prepared Lin to face the exams.

– Jinora can cover us until she returns, you shouldn't… You shouldn’t leave Lin, until my mother and Kya arrive, the girls won’t be able to contain her.

– I wasn't going to leave her alone, even if your family arrives… Should we go ahead with moving her? I'll talk to the acolytes, we'll make it a friendly place for her.

– I said it in a hurry, I want to discuss it with my mother, Lin might… She really doesn't want to, the South Pole is an option too, Saikhan is infallible, she'll get a long leave and we could take her there, far away from the press.

– And if it's not safe?

– Then we'll talk to the other acolytes and we'll welcome her home, it's the least we can give her – Pema nodded and Tenzin looked at her carefully for a few seconds – It's not mine.

– I've been with you for almost fifteen years Tenzin, you're incapable of hiding something of such magnitude… Although, the others will give you that credit, So keep the explanations to themselves.

Tenzin relaxed his shoulders, he wouldn't forgive himself for hurting his wife with the circus that would be set up once that started to reach other ears, he was probably the only subject with whom Lin was publicly related in her entire life, eyes would turn to his figure and immediately award him paternity... Although that only led them to the next question.

– Do you know who he is? You know... The father?

– Lin's personal life is an enigma – Tenzin pointed out somewhat defeated, in his adolescence he knew perfectly well all the suitors she had, even in his time as a councilor he could get an idea of the daring ones who aspired to the chief's attention. But now? No, not anymore – Saikhan might have an idea, he is... Close to Lin.

– Her best friend?

– Close.

– Yes, like a best friend.

– A right hand man is not necessarily a... Friend.

– Honey... You are her trusted ex, there is no shame in that position.

Tenzin kissed his wife on the forehead and got on the ferry completely ignoring the last part of the conversation. Who was offering comfort, resources and care to Lin? Exactly, him, not Saikhan… And of course, he couldn't turn that into an ego fight like in the past when they were under twenty and the nomad argued with the police candidate for the title of best friend… And he gave it to him temporarily while he was dating Lin. But now? No, it was his again. It was the highest title he could aspire to in Lin's life… A life that was about to change irreparably, while Tenzin contemplated the sea he thought about that, keeping her alive was a priority but what about once the baby was born? Lin surely wouldn't want him anywhere near her. Would she leave him in some adoption program? Would she give him to the father? Who the hell was the father? Would he take care of him? He could appear and break all his plans, taking Lin with him to take care of her himself, he could convince her to do things differently if their bond was strong enough.

Tenzin ran his hand over his face pushing those thoughts away, there was a Pandora's box in the back of his heart that he didn't want to open at that moment.

Unfortunately for him someone else asked themselves the same questions and he decided that he wouldn't leave it in the hands of fate but in those of his mother, after all Suyin always knew what to do.

[sing-singy]

Hi!!!!! I noticed your host!Amelia doodles and i thought it was SO cool and just wanted to know if you had any more info abt it?????? sorry to bothhher

Hi ♡ thank you for finding interest in it. I dont mind asks at all so dont even worry about that either... onto the actual question. Ill be real, most of my ideas for that au arent planned because the idea of it wasnt planned either. ...it came out of me playing tomadachi life. . . I can just recount everything so it makes more sense maybe

Scenty doesn't make them do challenges she keeps them on the plane to live life like theyre bugs and basically finds joy in being able to watch them and maintain control while also craving more interaction from other people. this ultimately means that no one gets eliminated and no one is in any real danger. however, Charlotte is literally dying from the mold and ends up . yknow, dying. Freaking Scenty out because one she didn't expect it and two since she had never killed anyone during their stay in the plane she never learns the respawn command making it even more of a disaster to her mental state lol

Ok so this is where things get fuzzy im not to sure how charlotte does it BUT SHES ABLE TO NAVIGATE THE RADIO (maybe another stone is there in the waiting room idk let me have this) and ultimately is able to arrive back at earth. Parker runs into her they have a whole back and forth, Charlotte is avoiding him with her mixed feelings while Parker wants them to have some sort of communication because hes equally as worried for her as he is frustrated. Im pretty sure i planned for them to investigate the whole plane and maybe even more about Scenty (without knowing its the unknown 'deity' who trapped her and the others.) Charlotte concluded she has to stop Scenty by going back which . means she has to kill herself. Which Parker is immediately against and they have their second big fight but it ends with Charlotte dying anyway.

anyway SOMEHOW Charlotte is able to go to Scentys world and wow she finds out shes a normal person who just decided to fuck around and find out i guess. Scenty is immediately overwhelmed with joy because wow Charlottes here and shes alive! And shes. not a murderer, hah. But Charlotte is pissed so they definitely have a very funny bonding moment where Charlotte has to suppress the urge to kill this naive and too overbearing candle. While trying to figure out how to stop what she's doing with everyone else.

..and yeah, the ending is basically undecided because i had planned for either one of them to die.. OR BOTH who knows really but i still dunno either way so there's that. I hope you enjoyed my long spiel cause this might be what you get for a while lol and if none of this makes sense, then sorry, but i literally can not construct anything comprehensible in my current state LOL

[inkstainedhandswithrings]

TBB S3 Ep 5 Thoughts!!

Love Omega’s new outfit

Batcher hanging out with Cross then, I see

Cross is like the dad who continuesly goes “NO PET” and then when you do get a pet they’re suddenly besties

“ITS ECHO” “perfect”

Ah, the duality of man

Love how there’s no end to this dynamic

“What? No hug for me?” “That depends how good your intel is.”

LOVE Echo matching Cross’s causal sass

These two are gonna push against each other a lot huh?

Yanno, given all the promo material, I was kinda expecting Rex to be with Echo when he arrived (hoping phi, the word is hoping.) (she’s delulu.)

“Especially without Tech” 😭😭😭😭

No surprise reactions from Cross through. Means he already knows.

But also, Cross coming in with the solve <3

Is Hunter,,,, JEALOUS??? of the fact that Omega is spending so much time with Cross? Like that SIDEYE when they walked past each other on the platform

Like, God forbid Omega spent time with the member of the squad who everybody is always suspicious of and spends the most time alone

BUT ALSO!!!

“Don’t hold it against him. His only worried about you.” CROSS YOU BIG ‘OL SOFTY!!!

“I’m older than you are, little brother.”

THE CHUCKLE

AND WRECKER GIVING BACK CROSS’S ARMOUR AAAAAAAHHHH

oooohhh the girls are fighting

“Hey, kill each other later.” SIR THE WAY I CACKLED BYE ✋🏻

“He started it.” Sir, are you 5?

MAYDAY’S HELMET

Echo not wanting Omega to see the straight up Bitch fight between Hunter and Cross

TELL HIM CROSSHAIR!!!!!

Jesus Christ, fucking finally

I wrote a post at some point about Cross becoming the mirror held up to Hunter in which he can view his own shortcomings because of his adamant refusal to change AND ITS HAPPENING

“I risked everything to send you that message and you ignored it.” THIS

Hunter’s mistrust in Cross played a big part in Omega getting captured, but also ofc Cross thinks the message was fully ignored, because no one came to save him either

Also Cross just not hiding anymore that he’s always cared for Omega too I LOVE

Love how quick they put that plan together

Batch is Batching :) (almost) (Tech, my love, come back)

“We’ll try to dig through.” “You’ll try?” “Glad you heard me properly.” I AM WHEEZING

Cross patting Batcher

BIG ‘OL SOFTY

Say did Hunter abandon the bandana for a god damn leather strap

wtf

Cross and Hunter walking back to base side by side, when the last time Cross was walking back to this base was with Mayday dying in his arms🥺

Wrecker hugging them both

AAAAAHHH

“See? They always work it out. And I don’t even see any blood this time.”

EXCUSE ME??

i am worried.

Blood??

Was typical??

Jesus Christ

Don’t know how much I appreciate Hunter getting on a high horse and giving Cross advice

Bird flying away from Cross After always being with him on that base, like the shadows of his past leaving his life, now that this period of his life is over (also sun setting, signifying the day is over)

Good symbolism yes

Okokok good episode! Tbh I thought “The Return” would be Echo’s permanent return to the Batch, but narratively that wouldn’t’ve made sense for him anyway. And I am LOVING the fact that it is actually Crosshair’s return to the turning point in his life, followed by his full return to the batch. Like yeah, last ep they re-met, but he hadn’t fully arrived until the end of this episode and GAAAAHHH I love it!

Also the dialogue is just totally A1 chefs kiss mwah this season (or maybe I just appreciate sarcasm)

Loved this one!! Would love to tag Saturn and Steph because I wanna see their thoughts of Echo being back but idk if they’ve seen the ep already and I don’t wanna spoil them so,,, idk guys if you see this hmu lol

[alexanderlightweight]

Hello! For Writing Wednesday could we please have some more Spoils of War or Created for Death? I’m obsessed with both of these to an insane degree:

What I love about SoW: tentative!Alec whom Magnus has to work at gaining trust from? I love it. There’s a line in one part about Magnus having to fix how the Clave broke Alec before Magnus can gentle him and I just—gorgeous, perfect, headcannon accepted. Veiled consorts? Hooooooly that’s so cool omg I swear I heard a symphony in my head when I realized where you were going. The mask? Alec’s hesitance and obedience, thinking everything is out to hurt him but doing it anyway because what choice does he have, is so beautiful, and Magnus mourning a little that he didn’t have more time to make the experience better for Alec but not willing to risk the delay and risk Alec growing even more distant is just 😍—lmao I could write an essay about how much I love this universe.

CoD: I fucking love eldritch angel nephilim and this is giving EVERYTHING. Nephilim who are cobbled together projects of the angels, their biology so skewed by angelic power that even the nephilim don’t know what their children will look like/heal like/die like. Mostly the difference being subtle, but sometimes Not. Raised to hate and fear their full potential, anything that is Too Angelic, and Alec a living hearsay/blasphemy even when his blood was only 30/70 because if it. AND THEN. It’s not losing Jace that tips Alec over, it’s Magnus dying—demon-born prince/king of edom enemy of the Clave. So gorgeous, holllyyyy. I can’t even think too much about Magnus collaring 6-winged Alec, about Alec kneeling for him, about the terrible kindness and protection in Izzy disowning her brother, about the gentleness of Magnus hiding Alec away and covering his eyes and hushing him because even the ANGELS wouldn’t know what to do in this situation, with this new body, and then Team Immortal coming in and IMMORTALITY and wow

Anyway yeah sorry for spitting up my lovestruck brain in your asks but I had to make sure that you knew you’ve struck me deeply with your writing and that’s why I’m begging on your doorsteps for literally any content in either one of these verses 💜

i'm very glad both stories are being enjoyed so much and please don't apologize i love stuff like this! it's a huge compliment but also it's just really nice to see that other people are as into and obsessed with my verses as i am. because sometimes i wait for my sleep meds to kick in and i just plot where i'm going and end up passing out in the middle of a mental scene being written lol

so i wrote a thing for spoils of war and thank you! i'm glad it was enjoyed because i have this big headcanon about how consorts are really magically important to warlocks and magical kings if dominion magic is in the fic and a big thing about that is protecting the consorts identity. via masks but also cloaking the consort in so much magic that you can't even tell anything abut them besides what the warlock allows you to know. and there is a lot of history thats hinted at

-

for created for death

izzy was fucked up about that, okay. but she had to relinquish alec as a brother because otherwise the clave still had ties to him. since they don't need them anymore, the clave sort of doesn't let true nephilim have any rights. so alec had to be disowned as a nephilim and then magnus was basically like 'okay but my magic is on him so hes mine since i calmed him down' and izzy was like 'he totally counts as a weapon. yours now. because thats the safest thing for alec atm

so alec is actually 70/30 and most nephilm are 30/70 in a angelic/mundane equation. which is why he was being kept watch over by the clave but uh, the fear of magnus dying kinda made him lose it

i hope you enjoy this!

<3 lumine

spoils of war

—

Alec doesn’t know what’s going on.

Magnus didn’t bother explaining what the ritual was or what it did beyond that it was yet another bonding ceremony. But even their political wedding that signified the end of a war didn’t feel this elaborate.

Alec knows it doesn’t really matter, that he’ll be taking part in the ritual whether he knows what it does or not. In fact, it's almost better not to know than to know what he might need to do.

Alec can’t say no to whatever is going to happen and he knows that, so he takes comfort in the fact that he can still see. The mask has magic in and through it and Alec tries not to consider where it’s from and why he can feel nephil magic still fading from it.

Instead, he concentrates on Magnus and his magic and puts out the thoughts and details of his surroundings, like being watched by over a thousand warlocks and their companions, all hidden with their faces hidden behind a variety of masks.

It’s daunting to be here, to be taking part in something that feels so old and sacred when Alec was supposed to be no more than chattel. Fodder for a war built on the blood of innocents that Alec’s own people started.  It feels wrong to be here so defenseless and yet know that Magnus’ magic will protect him better than any weapon.

—

Carefully, Magnus uses magic to take off Alexander’s ceremonial collar and he instead replaces it with a loop of pure magic that will slowly take on more and more power until the image of it will always become whatever Magnus wishes it to be.

For now, however, it is a tight loop of deep purple magic that pulses with Magnus’ magic and power in time to Alexander's every breath.

It’s a show of power to summon a single adamas arrow — one that Alexander gave to Magnus by his own hand — and hold it without harm. Alexander sucks in a startled breath — perhaps at the sight of one of his own arrows or that Magnus can hold it with ease — and Magnus can feel him quiver under Magnus’ palm.

“My protection is absolute. When you bleed it will be because I wish it, for no other is allowed to spill your blood.” Magnus uses the arrowhead to nick Alexander’s upper lip — just as he cut the lower with the stele — and then he leans forward to lick it off and suckle the cut until he earns a whine of pain.

“The flames of Edom will devour all before allowing anyone to touch you without my permission.” Magnus promises and his fingers dance with flames that brush harmlessly over Alexander’s neck — the shard of Magnus’ soul claiming Alexander in an undeniable way that will protect him from harm in Edom.

Alexander seems torn between leaning forward and stepping away and Magnus knows his boy better now than he did when they were wed. Alexander needs no leash as Magnus first thought, just a steady hand and Magnus’ voice.

The bonds between them are the only tether Magnus will ever need with Alexander.

“Sweetheart—” Magnus teases, his voice caressing Alexander with magic and he can see how his boy shudders at the sound and feel of it. He steps forward unconsciously, he's been instinctively drawn to Magnus from the very beginning and Magnus croons and reaches out. His palm blooms with hellfire before settling on Alexander’s hip and Magnus pulls him closer still.

“Should any look at you without being graced by my benevolence, their sight shall be consumed by my magic. A payment for stealing a glimpse of what is only mine to see.”

Magnus’ vows are instinctive and there is a primal surge of delight as he takes the ritual a step further, cursing any being who would dare look at Alexander’s uncovered face without his blessing.

It’s an old tradition.

Older still than the ritual Magnus is using and it’s something that has been out of style for over three centuries. Magnus still remembers the stories of how the legend of Medusa started. A warlock desperate to protect her gorgeous consort cursed her love with a vicious, loving protection.

Magnus knows now that Alexander expects to be a spectacle.

A disgraced nephilim in the eyes of his own people, traded away for a peace bought with his soul and virginity. Alexander expected to be paraded around as a mockery, a whipping boy for the clave to offer to the warlocks and it’s clear that’s what the clave told him he was.

But Alexander is not something to be gawked at.

He is not someone who Magnus will allow others to see, not to admire and certainly not to laugh over. Alexander is his consort and if that means that Magnus veils him in magic and curses all those who dare look upon him, then so be it.

[raveneira]

Me- maybe next chapter it will make more sense

Also me- 🤡

anyway thanks! i like reading your posts and appreciate your pov. Any idea as to what could be next?

Pfffft nothing wrong with being optimistic, just make sure to always prepare yourself for the worst as well, that way even if the worst happens it wont hurt as much lol

And no, thank you, Im happy you enjoy reading my posts 🙈

As for what I think could be next...well I dont have one singular idea, but I have a few hunches

Boruto is gonna gonna get bodied by Jura, because as KK said, he's seen multiple futures and all of them end with Boruto being killed by Jura if he went there

We know Boruto isnt going to die, but he, by KKs own words, can NOT survive against Jura, he is destined to die in every future, so we know this for sure at least that Boruto is not winning this fight.

Kawaki's limiters being brought up was probably for this moment, Boruto couldnt restrain himself and went there against KKs warnings, so now hes going to get dominated by Jura, and since Boruto cant die and none of team 7 can help him against Jura since they dont stand a chance either, the only logical outcome is that Kawaki will have gotten his limiters off and go there to save them.

Sarada will probably sleep through this entire ordeal until its over, to keep consistent with her constantly being left out of all the major details [Kawaki sealing away Naruto and Hinata, Mitsuki and Shikamaru being on Borutos side, Ada working together with KK and Boruto, Hidari being her fathers clone etc] so Mitsuki and Konohamaru will witness and learn everything but Sarada wont, and majority of it they wont tell her, at most they'll tell her that Kawaki saved Boruto and called a temporary truce to team up against the Shinju, everything else that ensues they'll keep to themselves.

I hope not because theres been way too many fake out deaths, but its possible Yodo isnt dead, because Ikemoto cant commit to killing anybody

if Yodo is dead it would be interesting to see Shinki's reaction to it since it was HIS clone and HIS power that killed her, and we also got this flashback of him saying how he wants to protect his father and the village and sacrificed himself to protect his dad and give Yodo and Araya a chance to escape

I also think he'd probably feel alot of guilt about it, not just cuz it was his power that he wanted to use to protect the ppl he cared about that did it, but also because of what Araya said, that he should pay Yodo some attention too [implying he wasnt] so thats probably gonna weigh on him alot, that he should've listened to Araya and treasured his time with Yodo more.

What makes it sadder is what Yodo said shortly before dying

To her Shinki was someone she wanted to stand by even if the rest of the world hated him, which could imply Shinki wasnt as accepted by the village as we might think, which would explain Yodo's overprotectiveness and attachment to him.

So it will really be interesting if Yodo dies and Shinki has to live with the guilt of losing someone who cherished him so much, his friend, someone he wanted to protect, died to his own power.

But of course something that actually delves into the characters emotions and raises the stakes is too much for Ikemoto so we're probably gonna get none of that.

I feel bad for Araya tbh, the whole time all he did was worry about her and even saved her when she got bit, which caused him to lose his only counter to Ryu, and the last words she had said to him was this

So yea, really sucks for Araya, especially since even after all that hes still really devoted to her

Anyway movin on

6 Sarada and Sumire's convo after this could go one of 3 ways...I plan on making a theory post delving more into this topic but for now I'll just give you the possible scenarios

Sarada could confess to Sumire that she does in fact like Boruto and has been holding back these feelings this whole time and she apologizes for lying to her, which will cause alot of awkward tension because while Sumire was honest and open to Sarada about her feelings out of respect for her as a friend not wanting to go behind her back, Sarada essentially lied to her face for 3 years, which is a valid reason for there to be tension between the two.

Basically a worse written version of this.

Sakura couldnt wait to tell Ino [and the others] who she liked, but Ino kept her feelings to herself, which Sakura eventually found out on her own and thats when their friendship ended

I can see Ikemoto possibly going for a half assed version of that, Sumire felt comfortable telling Sarada how she felt, but also didnt wanna just step on her toes if she happened to also have feelings for Boruto, so Sumire did the good friend thing and ASKED how she felt about him before telling her how she felt and Sarada said point blank that no she doesnt like him, so Sumire felt at ease to tell her she DID like Boruto since things wouldnt be awkward now right? Sarada doesnt have feelings for him, so Sumire excitedly declaring she does like him should be no problem.

After all, Sarada said other girls liking Boruto doesnt bother her.

So thats scenario one, Sarada admits she likes Boruto and Sumire feels betrayed because yea, kind of messed up, not that its a problem for Sarada to like Boruto just cuz Sumire does, the problem is Sumire was honest with her BECAUSE she wanted to be respectful of Sarada, if Sarada has said she liked Boruto back then, Sumire wouldnt have felt bad about it cuz why would she? she was honest with her, she'd just admit she likes Boruto too and they'd just pursue him together.

The ugliness comes from Sarada keeping this from Sumire for 3 years, then rubbing it in her face under the guise of just her missing/being close with her childhood friend, when all along she WAS inlove with him too and was basically makin moves on him behind her back [cuz Sumire just thought it was platonic when it wasnt] and just completely disregarded Sumire and her feelings for him, she didnt even acknowledge Sumire HAD them, she told her how she felt and Sarada never once thought about it since, only her own feelings.

So yea, Ikemoto might do a worse version of what happened between Sakura and Ino, one being open and honest with who they thought was their friend, and the other lying to them and eventually being found out and feel betrayed, putting a strain on their friendship.

Sumire will feel betrayed by Sarada and rightfully so, lying to her face THIS LONG when Sumires been open and honest with her this whole time, its totally valid for her to feel some type of way about it and distance herself.

The second scenario, Sarada actually doesnt like Boruto and apologizes to Sumire for her lack of consideration and vows to be more considerate and supportive of her feelings from now on

The third scenario is Sarada still doesnt address if her feelings are or arent romantic, but she apologizes to Sumire regardless and promises to be more considerate from now on and the two reconcile

Those are the 3 possible outcomes

7 Sumire might go through her own mini arc and have her own development from this, to stop being so passive and start being more proactive, to not just feel hurt by Sarada making moves, but to start making her own moves.

Obviously not the same moves as Sarada since those are reckless and careless, but ya know smart moves, or moves that show her courage and just how far shes willing to go for him etc.

If the lesson Sarada learned from this arc is to stop holding back her feelings, then the lesson Sumire should learn from it is to stop being overly considerate of others, because its great that she cares about and respects other ppls feelings, but sometimes you can be considerate to a fault which Sumire is.

Im not saying she needs to stop caring entirely, but she needs to learn the opposite lesson from Sarada, whereas Sarada needs to learn to be LESS selfish, Sumire needs to learn to be MORE selfish.

She's too selfless, too understanding, too considerate of others who arent considerate of her, she holds back her feelings not because she thinks their weakness but because she doesnt wanna upset other ppl, she doesnt wanna make things awkward, so she bites her tongue, keeps her true thoughts and feelings inside which is a bad thing.

So its possible, maybe, that Sumire will learn a lesson from this as well, which is hopefully to start being more selfish, its ok to love Boruto and be jealous of someone makin moves on him [if Sarada likes him]

Its ok to say what shes feeling whether the person likes it or not, its ok for her to have an opinion of how to address the Boruto situation and not just constantly following Sarada's reckless lead, its ok for her to be bothered by Sarada still calling her class rep despite all they've been through, its OK for Sumire to be selfish and allow herself to feel how she feels without shame, without guilt, and without remorse.

As for Kawaki getting his limiters off...I really dont know where the story is headed once that happens, will it make him stronger than Jura? if so then whose gonna take his place to have Boruto and Kawaki still on defense? we know its not Code, not without a massive power up atleast. And Daemon, will Kawaki be stronger than him? if so then that means he can finally take out those two threats to Naruto, Ada and Daemon.

Its hard to tell really, so until I know Kawaki's EXACT power scaling unlimited I cant make any predictions.

Anyway, thats all I can think of to potentially happen thus far.

Oh, some might be wondering about Sarada's EMS, some ppl think shes gonna get Hidari's Rinnegan but the whole reason Sasuke only got one is because Kishimoto thought he would look too alien with two, so Sarada getting both is slim for the same reasons.

Her only possibility for a EMS is the Shin clones, their all still alive with MS of their own at the orphanage, other than that theres a very slim possibility somebody nabbed the sharingans Obito had at his hideout, which I can only assume Orochimaru has the motive and intel to of gone and stole, so that might be a good chance for Sarada to have more of a connection with Orochimaru.

But yea, thats all I got for now, sorry if its a bit of a long read 😅 I didnt mean for it to be

[gojoidyll]

Eeek! Act one is doneeee!! Congratulations!🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉. Wahh, you did ittttttttt

I still can’t believe y/n likes Jing yuan after this, bruh 💀💀 and geppie too. I would literally tackle him head first the moment I saw him. I would turn him into Gepard powder, out of everyone I expected to betray y/n geppie was not one of them. This is gonna be personal.

I’d also slap Jing yuan, like mtfkr, you think that’s enough to appease me???

I think blade is the only person I feel bad for, yk, he loved y/n and he just had to watch so lonely on the side lines 😭😭😭. I’m sorry for slandering you bladieeeeee.

And Sunday only using 0.00001% of his brain power?

——

I didn’t really understand the last chapter 😭😭😭. Maybe cuz I gobbled it up to fast?? Can you explain in it monkey language for me plsssss.

——

And thank you for the song recs!! I’ll be sure to listen to them while I work/study/ travel.

——

You don’t also need to bust out the wallet for “Who made me a princess” you can read it at vyvy manga for free but it is illegal so if you want to support the artist and writer, buy the comics but I don’t want you to feel that the money went to waste in case you don’t like the story. So ye, maybe try out the first few chapters on vyvy manga?

——

Webtoon is also free and legal! Though there’s a fast pass system where you can buy webtoon currency and use them to read ahead of chapters.there’s also a free option but all the manhwas there update like once a week. 😭😭😭.

I think “who made me a princess” is a really good beginner manhwa work to start since everything is pretty sweet and the storyline is good. You can also read the novel version.

I would sort of leave “your throne” for later since it’s a little bit graphic. Not as in r*pe or anything but it’s super bloody. Though I think the good plot compensates for it.

Another easy to read is “Beware of the villainess”. It’s comedy and literally peak crack manhwa. If you’re interested, you can see the trailer for it on the tapas channel I think?

——

I hope you have a fun time reading and again, congrats on finishing🎉🎉🎉. Mwah, gud nighttt!

Y/n may not like yuan like that just yet which is why she didn't say yes to his proposal. (He has to prove himself first) though, there is always a chance she ends up with someone else (looks over at a certain general and guard who deserves some screen time)

Gepard deserves an redemption arc cause y/n won't let it slide either (even though technically geoard doesn't remember anything of what had happened)

Both Blade and Sunday deserve a break me thinks

-

Lol, when I need someone to dumb something down I say "can you write it in crayon" XD

Anyway, so basically at the beginning y/n died again, but Jing Yuan went so far back in time that je prevented Robin's death, but instead of Robin dying y/n died in her stead. (You know like that one trope where if you save one person the other will die or vice versa). Then, y/n woke up a brand new day with a new life ahead of her. So basically Jing yuan didn't become some evil emperor, sunday is alive with his sister, and everyone came to see y/n.

And jy wants to get back with y/n (the right way) but of course she won't make it easy for him (or may not even end up with him at all)

-

No problem!!

-

I honestly don't like reading on illegal sites 😭, tbh, I really like supporting the author and if I don't like the first volume I can always give it to my friends (they eat that stuff up!!!) But I'm sure I'll like it 😌

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And sadly I'm the type who likes physical copies 😭 the only stuff I'll read online are fanfics 💀 idk why I am this way, but it's just how I am 😭😭

Tbh, I don't really mind the graphic stuff (unless it's like super bad) but I haven't read anything like that except for this one time *shivers* that book still sits on my shelf unfinished.

But anyway! I do plan on checking out the ones you recommended!

-

Thanks! Act Two will certainly be starting (hopefully) soon!!!

[herefortheships]

No but I gotta share something with you all 😂

Listen, you know that weird dream I had about Beetlejuice 3? (I totally shared it in detail here if you're curious 😂), that it was pretty bad up until the third act when Betelgeuse finally showed up? Well, I had another weird dream about Beetlejuice 3 the other night and in that dream it was ALSO awful! It was terrible 😂. I don't remember the details as vividly as I did after that other dream, because the focus of my dream this time around was that I was at the movie theater with my sisters and my mom and dad (which it was so weird that both my mom and dad were there lol).

Anyway the one detail I do remember was that I was telling one of my sisters quietly "Ok the way this is going, either Betelgeuse will die in the end or he's gonna sacrifice himself for Lydia", and the movie wasn't even funny. It was like more dramatic than the other two and it was moving toward a sad ending.

And then this stupid girl (I am sure I've seen her on TikTok 😂) showed up late to the movie and she had already seen it, but she was meeting a friend, and from the entrance she started yelling at her friend about the ENDING. Something like "Oh! I know how this movie ends! Do you want to know how it ends?!" Like her friend was at the other end of the theater and instead of going up to her she was just shouting to her for some reason (I think her friend wanted her to spoil the ending for her and that's why she was even there??). She was just yelling from the door and even though I covered my ears I could hear her say that the movie ended with Betelgeuse dying. And I was so mad! Even though I totally knew he was going to die in the end, I was still mad I was spoiled, obviously.

I don't remember if he was actually going to sacrifice himself for Lydia but he was definitely dying at the end, and I think it would have made the movie a little more bearable if he did sacrifice himself out of love, but the movie was so terrible, it didn't matter. It wouldn't make up for it 😂.

Ah! So that makes two dreams (nightmares lol) about Beetlejuice 3 being awful. One of my sisters said "those might be premonitions at this point" 💀. I hope not! Like, I rebuke! 😂 In that case we're better off with a sequel with an ambiguous ending than a third movie with a terrible plot that ends with Beetlejuice and Lydia forever separated. I repeat: rebuke, rebuke, rebuke. My sister said my dreams are preparing me for the worse 😂. I personally can take a terrible plot Beetlejuice 3 if it has a good ending (and Beetlejuice x Lydia are endgame), but if it's gonna be terrible AND end up with Beetlebabes separated forever, then nope, I don't want it. 💀

[butchtwelfthdoctor]

something i've noticed about the difference between good omens and doctor who fandoms rn is that the good omens people are either making funny art or coming up with increasingly unfeasible theories about supposed 'hidden messages' in the show and generally being weird about it going out of their way to say they LOVE EVERYTHING about the show, and the doctor who people are like. damn this sucks.. unfortunately it's also really compelling. oh well <3

like idk the good omens people (generalising here of course) seem incredibly strung up on what Could Be Meaningful and making wayyyyy to much of a big deal out of minor details. and like the show is clever! there are secondary levels of meaning! but not everything is or should be. not everything is a metaphor. continuity errors exist. and the doctor who people (even new fans) are still yknow eating drywall over it but are also like HAHAHAHthat bit was awful. anyways its also incredibly thematically relevant to these other episodes so it's very important you watch it lol.

and i think the difference is that good omens is twelve episodes. just twelve. there's the book of course, which is a different angle than the show, there's the radio version etc. but there's only so much story. and a lot of the version are the plot of the book in different formats. whereas doctor who goes on forever and ever and ever and there will always be more content. so the good omens people are overanalysing the same few moments over and over again because thats all there is, they probably know their content better than the doctor who people, but b/c you only see them in so many Situations, its also easier to begin to warp your perception of them. you only see them deal with a crisis a couple times under very specific circumstances. there are only so many character moments, so things can be blown out of proportion b/c you cant compare it to another similar moment.

but doctor who is infamously long and infamously has a Very large eu so you have a lot more time with the characters to pull together your perception of the characters, even when regenerations and new companions come and go. you simply have more to work with to build your understanding.

like if you compare the 'i just lost my best friend' scene from good omens to any of the 'doctor thinks companion is dead' scenes--crowley reacts like that only once. he is distraught, obviously, doesnt quite know what to do about it at first, doesnt know what's happened to aziraphale--but its a specific moment. bookshop burned down. world is ending. aziraphale Gone. whereas doctor who there's a range of scenarios with a range of reactions--guilt and also hope when bill gets shot and then taken away. anger and denial over clara willingly dying knowing that she must (actually resolved her character arc quite well i thought, though so did hell bent). there are more but i forget. uhm end of s1 second to last episode rose gets vaporised but it's actually a teleport, the way nine responds to that. there's just more to work with!! which i think is why the good omens fandom is so deeply embroiled in arguing over minutiae of character and background detail b/c they dont have anything more to read about them except fanfics (which are obvious a feedback loop in any fandom) and because they only see aziraphale and crowley for such a short time. they cant compare their reactions during times of The Literal End of the World and The Disruption Of Their Quite Nice Life Together And Also Possibly the End of the World to them just chilling.

[turtlesocksv2]

Liveblogging Dead Friend Forever Ep 8

Shit has hit the fan and is going to continue hitting the fan this episode. Let's go!

Tee didn't steal the cash Non gave him to pay off his mafia debts? I am, honestly, shocked. I am not, however, shocked that mafia uncle thinks that Non is a police spy. This is not going to end well for Non but at least mafia uncle ends up in jail.

creepy teacher keng is going to get his ass a pair of cement shoes and I am here for it. dude, you are a math tutor why are you trying to investigate the mafia. They really are not trying hard to hide the fact that this is a mafia front. "the bathrooms are off limits, order food and get the fuck out" indeed. The closeup on the water jug makes me suspect poison but instead we get the frankly hilarious getting hit by a car scene, i hope that's how he dies.

OOoof, this favoritism from Non's mom is painful. Like, we knew she probably loved New best but hearing it...yikes. Non's not a good kid, like New is! Non can't do anything right, like New can! Poor Non.

Non's breakdown is so sad. this kid is Going Through It on all fronts.

oh my god, those voices reading the tweets...the salacious tones. so gross. Be On Cloud is Making A Point. very well done.

Non writing out the kills exactly how they happen 3 years from now. Either Non is (one of) the Killers or the killers found the script. So like, YES this is a revenge story! That shouldn't be shocking or disappointing to you, it was telegraphed! The fun is in how we get there not in complicated twists for twists sake! ok, moving on.

Tee being ordered to kill Non...i see i see. Tee doesn't like Non at all but is still horrified at the thought of killing him or his uncle killing Non. because Tee IS still a highschool kid himself, no matter how long his uncle has been making him do mafia shit is probably wasn't that. Tee's still got some goodness/innocence in him, which is probably the side he shows White.

LMAO at the netizens causing problems. yeah that sounds about right!

i am dying to see the awkward conversation between Jin and Non about Non coming back to finish the movie.

Tee being suspiciously nice. he's either plotting to kill Non to prove himself to his uncle or feeling incredible guilt that he's going to take Non to his uncle to get silenced. Or a mix of both! if I was Non i would not trust that water lol.

Jin stares at Non but can't even meet his eyes when Non looks back at him. GOOD. I don't care if he was upset about his crush 'sleeping with someone else', you don't just record people like that! He is, in fact, old enough to know that, even if he has poor impulse control because he's a dumb teenager.

is the prop an ACTUAL AXE. lol. lmao even. how did none of you realize this was going to end badly?!

Anyway, the knife being Non's, actually, is so fun. Just another little detail that the killers wanted the boys to recognize the calling card that's why Por got cut up a bit after he got stabbed by the branch.

You tell them, Non!

Oh, Top getting stabbed and Fluke having to take care of him...part of what Fluke was talking about how it's always him taking care of those things. I'm glad Non got to stab Top a little.

Jin trying to apologize for everyone but let's play some One Republic ft Timbaland 🎵🎶Because It's Too Late! To Apologiiiiize! It's Too Late! 🎵🎶

LMAO I was right to be suspicious of the water!!!! man did that kick in at just the right moment.

LOL Jin lying to the cops is just painful. You can tell that he's lying from a mile away, especially when he says that Non and Mr Keng truly loved each other. I do think it's interesting that they plotted to have the story be that Non ran away with Mr Keng.

Jin winds up the Final Girl of the version Por wound up shooting, even though Non had changed the script to everyone dying...them going back to the valley mansion because of Jin leaving the country...it's all about Jin, just like i've been saying! everything is connecting!

lol they all know Non is probably fucking dead and not with Mr Keng.

Tee, don't ask questions you don't want the answers to.

i knew it! I knew those were going to be Phi's last words to Non and it was going to eat him up! It's going to drive him insane and he's gonna murder people about it!

using the actual footage of Non's murdery breakdown in the movie...evil. Phi going to the movie premier... Iconic.

[what-if-i-just-did]

Guilt & Revenge: Race Against The Clock

Whumptober, Day 1: Race Against The Clock

Guilt & Revenge Masterlist

I was really struggeling with this prompt until my father, believe it or not, came up with a large part of this idea. It ended up being way longer than it was supposed to, lol. I'm so excited for the rest whumptober!!! Hope you enjoy!

TWs: poisoning, capitivity (on a boat), partial starvation, hunger, torture mention, begging, sobbing, lot of thoughts/discussion about death/dying/murder, victim blaming (by victim), mentions of being trained

Amber woke up when he heard footsteps on the deck, instantly dreading the second they’d head his way. He didn’t even have hope that they were only there to give him water and maybe food, because he’d been fed already yesterday- and the footsteps were close enough now for him to recognise them. It was Eileen and Mercedes… they never came in two’s when the visit was just to keep him alive.

They didn’t come to him immediately though. They stopped to do things in one of the rooms that he’d never seen, and he strained to listen to what they were doing and saying. Usually that meant they were preparing food for him… he knew he’d had food yesterday, but he couldn’t help but hope. He was already hungry again.

He contemplated getting up and kneeling, but… Hugo was the one that trained him to do that, and he wasn’t there, so Amber probably wouldn't be punished for it…. he shook his head. He was being trained to kneel when they walked in. He’d been doing good. How could he say he’d been doing good, if the moment Hugo wasn’t there, he didn’t do what he’d been trained to?

He got up and knelt, facing the bars of his cell. Arms folded over each other behind his back, eyes on the ground… the tilt of his head made Amber uncomfortably aware of the lack of hair on his head, and his eyes teared up. No- he could NOT start crying. They hadn’t even come to see him yet, damnit.

When they finally walked in, his mouth watered, and it took him a second to catch up- food! There was actually food! He was being fed twice in a row! He could smell it- it was a plain omelet… Also a small bowl of what looked like yogurt, and something in a mug. He could hardly contain his excitement.

“Up.” 

Eileen spoke with the same tone she always used on him when she wasn’t angry or emotional. Cold and detached and dominant, with hatred and disgust shining through. With Eileen, this was the good tone. When she’s angry, emotional, lashing out, she gets messy. Messy hurts more.

He could handle the cold hatred that came with commands and orders. The accusations and hatred that were spoken with raw pain in her voice usually meant weeks of pain for him. But either which way, he dreaded Eileen the most.

He obeyed the order effortlessly, instantly getting up. He didn’t speak, but he was looking at the food with anticipation and hope. His stomach growled, and he cursed it in his mind. He hoped he’d get to eat…

Mercedes opened the cell door and put the tray on the side of his bed, which was currently folded away. He looked at her nervously, and she smiled reassuringly. 

It only calmed him down a little.

“You can eat that”, she said. Amber didn’t ask for confirmation, didn't wait for them to change their minds- he started eating. The orange juice was delicious, he hadn’t had orange juice in… fuck know how long. It didn’t taste quite how he remembers, but it was exquisite. The yogurt was bland and honestly kinda gross, but he licked the bowl clean anyways, unwilling to waste food. The omelet was probably the best. There weren’t any spices or herbs in it, no cheese or onion or anything of the kind, but the omelet itself had far more flavor than most things he got to eat here. He finished it all as quick as he could, and then stared at the empty plate wishing he’d savored the flavor. Especially the omelet. It’s okay though, he’d get more chances… if they’d bought eggs again, he’d have eggs a lot the next while.

For a while, all that happened was Mercedes and Eileen looking at him curiously. It made him nervous. He didn’t dare say anything, taking solace in the fact that he could feel the food safely in his stomach. It felt heavy- maybe he wasn’t used to being fed twice in a row anymore. He tried to taste the remnants of flavor in his mouth. 

Why were they looking at him like that? 

The anxiousness of it was giving him a stomach ache. He turned his eyes to the floor.       His skin felt clammy, and he wished more than anything to be anywhere but here. Under their scrutinizing gaze, waiting for… for what? For him to make a mistake? For him to get nervous enough to start begging? For him to collapse from the sheer effort of standing, for him to start shaking?

Wait, what? Why was staying upright costing this much energy? Why was he sweating? He felt warm, hot even. The boat was not warm- just hours ago, he’d been shivering and trying to fall asleep. Now it felt like tropical temperatures. “Wha- ?”

Amber tried to ask what was going on, but stopped once he realized his speech was slurred. Mercedes and Eileen were fucking grinning at him. It scared him. They’d done something- the food! Of course, the food. Of course they wouldn’t just feed him twice in a row. Of course he wouldn’t be that lucky. “Wha’d’yy do tuh mee..?”, he slurred, and stumbled when the boat rocked.

“We gave you poison.”, Eileen said bluntly. Gee, thanks. That was obvious. 

“But we’ll give you a chance to earn the antidote”, Mercedes said. Oh, thank whomever was listening for Mercedes, letting him earn things, giving him a chance. More merciful than he deserved. “If you can guess what poison we gave you, you get the antidote. You’ve got about.. half an hour until it’s irreversible. And don’t think we wouldn’t let you die.”

At her words, Amber’s blood ran cold. Guess the poison? He didn’t know that much about poison. He would die. They would let him die. His eyes shot up to the clock on the other side of the bars. Half an hour. The boat rocked against a slightly larger wave, and he fell over. His shoulder and side hurt, but he didn’t even care. His stomach was cramping, and he was already soaked in sweat. His thinking was blurry, but three words blared through his mind like a siren on repeat. “Half an hour”.

He could hear Eileen laugh. Of course she’d love seeing him dead… he tried to think through the pain. Poisons, what type of poison? What would they even be able to get?

“R- rat poison?” He didn’t know the symptoms of it, but.. he didn’t have any way to narrow down.. he didn’t KNOW that much about poisons! A terrified little sob escaped him, hurting more than he’d like- it terrified him. 

“Incorrect!”, Eileen said, with a manically cheery smile on her face. He looked up at her, and caught sight of the clock again. Damn non-digital clocks for being so goddamn unspecific. He couldn’t see if it had moved or not.

Tears mingled with the sweat on his face as he curled up in pain. He didn’t wanna die. He didn’t. He wished more than anything he was home. Gods, he hadn’t even thought about home in months. When did he stop thinking of home? He didn’t wanna die here, on this boat, in the middle of he had no idea where, alone and in pain and FUCK, he needed to focus. 

He couldn’t focus. The clock ticked.

“Uhm, um, urm, uhh,” What else could it be? Something they’d actually be able to get… Not cyanide or some kind of fancy snake venom or anything like that. Something that made you sweat and hurt your stomach. Something that.. that disordered your thinking, that could kill you. Something with an antidote that had to be administered within half an hour. Something he hadn’t tasted- or, wait… no, he had. Had he? The orange juice, was it supposed to taste like that? And.. and the yogurt, and the omelet, had had a bit of the same taste… he’d thought it was the leftover taste of the OJ. Oh god, oh fuck, he was gonna die…

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock…

The sound of that blasted clock had bothered him before, but now he clinged to it. He’d cursed it out and cried over it and had panic attacks about it, but right now, it was his hope. Every second that the clock ticked away was a second he had to earn his life. To earn the antidote. He tried not to hyperventilate, every breath agitating the pain in his stomach and chest. 

Tick, tock, tick, tock..

“Tick, tock.”, Eileen teased. “Better hurry up, Nic.”

The use of his deadname hasn’t bothered him in years, almost as many years as it had last been since someone called him his real name, but right now it stung. He didn’t wanna die as Nic, or Domenic, or Dom. When he died, he wanted it to be as Amber. He frantically searched his brain for what poison they possibly could have used, what fit the parameters… but with his brain foggy, and without a lot of knowledge on poisons in the first place, it was difficult, so, so difficult…

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock…

“Mercury?”

“Incorrect”

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock…

The next thing to pop in his mind was, maybe some kind of prescription drug. But how would he know what they have access to? He sobbed. “Please. Please, just, please please please… Please.”

Tick, tock…

“As soon as you guess it, you can get the antidote.” Mercedes said, comfortingly.

“That is, if you can guess it.” Eileen added with a sneer.

Tick, tock, tick, tock…

He could tell better now, the clock indicated time had passed. It was hard to see through the tears but… ten minutes? Fifteen? Fuck, was he halfway through already? How much time did he have left? He didn’t wanna be in this body. He didn’t wanna feel this pain, he didn’t wanna be here, he didn’t wanna DIE.

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock…

“Punish me! Let me earn it some other way, please, I can’t, I can’t, please, please, please… Please!!! I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna die, I know I deserve it, please!” Desperation soaked his words as he screamed out in pain, curling up further on himself. His thoughts, his vision, everything was as if through a haze. Everything hurt, hurt so bad… 

Tick, tock…

“Please, make it stop, please, please..” He babbled incoherently; frantic, unintelligible pleadings dripping with anguish. 

Tick, tock…

“GUESS!”, Eileen screamed. 

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock…

“If, if you kill me, you can’t punish me anymore! Think of all I did to you! Surely you don’t- you don’t want me dead, or, I mean, of course you do, I mean, you want me to suffer! I can’t suffer anymore if you kill me! Please, I know I deserve to suffer! Please! Please, please, please….!! You won’t be able to punish me anymore! Don’t I need to be punished?!” He was grasping at straws, he knew. He HAD to convince them. He’d never be able to guess, he needed them to give him the antidote, fuck, and quickly.. How much time was left?

Tick, tock…

“You deserve to die like the pig you are.”, Eileen spat at him. Mercedes’ voice was softer. “Death would be just as deserved as more punishment. You’ll go to Hell anyways, we’re giving you the option to stay here longer. Just guess, Dom.”

Tick, tock, tick, tock…

Amber struggled to breath through the sobs and the pain, and his mind screamed at him that he was gonna die. He was gonna die. He was gonna die, die, die, die, die. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick FUCKING tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock

He took it back. He resented that fucking clock, he hated it, he wanted to smash it to pieces, he wanted it to stop informing him of every second he was losing, every second he got closer to his death. It would come sooner or later. Even if they gave him the antidote, he wouldn’t live forever. He knew he wouldn’t be getting out of here ever again, had cried about never seeing the sun again, never being on firm ground again, never not feeling pain. Why hadn’t he realized before that of course he would die here, as well?

Tick, tock

“Four more minutes. Four minutes to guess, or else you die.” 

Tick, tock

“Please,” Amber whispered, in too much pain to do anything else. Please. Please, he didn’t wanna die. A tremor ran through his body, spreading the agony further. His lips felt dry and cracked, his movements sluggish as he lay on the floor and writhed. He was covered in sweat, and felt gross, although he didn’t have energy or time for such thoughts. Of all things to think of when you’re being tortured, poisoned- murdered. 

Tick, tock, tick-

A sudden increase of his pain and lack of air in his lungs alerted Amber to the fact that he’d been kicked in the stomach. “Time’s up.”, Mercedes said. 

“No, please, please- !” Amber feebly reached out for Mercedes as she and Eileen left. They didn’t come back, didn’t even look back. He curled up on himself further. That last kick would bruise. Or, well, no, it wouldn’t. He’d die before it would have the opportunity. Right? 

Wait, would he? How long would it take for him to die? He knew it was half an hour until it was too late for the antidote, but how long after that would it take for him to die? Please, fuck, let it be fast. He didn’t wanna be like this for hours. Maybe he could pass out from the pain- fuck, please. It wouldn’t be the first time. 

He shut his eyes. How long would he be here, suffering like this, alone? Would it be hours and hours? A day? Would they come back tomorrow and find him still writhing on the floor, still in agony? Or would they come back to find his corpse? Would they dispose of him? They must, right? Where? 

For the first time in years, he wondered about his family. His found family. Where did they think he was? Did they already think he’s dead? Would they ever find his body to bury? Did he even want to be buried? He hadn’t had time to think about it. He’d never thought about it. He didn’t know.

Or maybe his life would slip away in just a few minutes. Did he want that? He wanted the agony to end, but he didn't want to die. Oh, fuck, he didn’t want to die, and he didn’t get a fucking choice. He was dying. He was gonna fucking die, alone, in ridiculous amounts of pain, all sweaty and gross and with a tearstained face, on this stupid fucking boat with that stupid fucking clock still TICKING…

He was gonna die. Tick, tock, tick, tock. The sounds didn’t mean anything anymore. The time was just passing, now, not heading anywhere, or waiting for anything. He sighed. He screamed. He sobbed. He cried. He laughed, deliriously. Until finally, his eyes closed, and he couldn’t be arsed to open them again.

Tick, tock, tick, tock… a fading sound.

But then his eyes opened. He coughed, and he was clearly alive, and very confused. His head hurt like a bitch, and his limbs felt hollow. His stomach and arms were bruised where he’d been kicked, his side where he’d fallen hurt, his lips were cracked and his skin was covered in dried sweat. But he wasn’t dead.

With a groan, he rolled over. Whatever they gave him wasn’t lethal. They lied. No wonder he couldn’t guess it. They probably hadn’t even had an antidote. Of course not. They just wanted to scare him. 

He thought about Noah-Elise. About Jake. About Dave and Zander. About Trevor. How long had he been gone? How old was Trevor now? Were they still looking for him? God, Jake would absolutely murder Eileen and Mercedes and Hugo and Paul if he knew. Would they ever know?

He didn’t have tears left in him, but dry sobs passed over his lips until he lost track of time.

The boat kept rocking. The clock kept ticking. He was still breathing, his heart still beating. Nothing had changed. And nothing would.