#as a 'cutaway' from the main story

[rasoyas]

i just found a huge folder archive of most of kiss me in komorebi and :'((( shit's boutta make me start the whole thing over. it was sooo rushed and daniel was still formulating as a character for me as he passed through so many different trials and tribulations: idk if he was ever truly the type of man who could thrive in a challenge like this, tbh. he loved them all so much and for their own reasons

and tbh what happened to julesx2 was NOT FAIR. dskjfhd ugh i will definitely have to revisit this at some point. i miss them all so much :'(

@buglaur @rebouks @anarchosimdicalist @retro-plasma @mattodore @gothoffspring i'm deleting this i promise but AHHH look ;~;

[amyrlinegwene]

It’s become really apparent to me how TV has changed based on the shorter seasons.

I feel like so many TV shows want to tell really in-depth complicated plots, but they’re only given eight episodes (sometimes less). And this can work if you have a smaller cast, or you are very strict about who the core cast is, for example in succession, the core characters are the family unit and the secondary characters—the people who work at the company— are not given a similar level of focus, the actors do a really great job of conveying who those characters and what their motivations are, but they still leave you wanting more because ultimately, you know, you might get a hint of something in the script that you can’t go into in depth.

I think the problem is trying to fit a really complicated plot(s) in an eight episode season that also has an extremely large cast of characters that they want to focus on. I see this in Wheel of Time, I saw it in The Gilded Age too.

And one of the main ways I feel like the stories really suffer is that you don’t really get to sit with a story or the implication of things that happen like you do if there is a longer season. For example, there’s a lot of cutaways right after dramatic event instead of seeing peoples’ reactions and afterwards reactions are implied, or perhaps you skip an important scene altogether, and then just tell people that it happened. 

And I think there’s choices that you can maybe make as a writer or a director once or twice for a meaningful reason, but sometimes it happens so often it really feels like it’s only to save time. You didn’t want to see the character having in that emotional reaction for more than two seconds because you don’t have enough time the episode to focus on them, now you have to go to someone else’s plot. Or you skipped over that explanation/event to just have the character have already found out in the next scene because you know if they were to have that scene, it would take up at least a couple minutes because of course they would react to strongly to that news. But now they have known for hours/days etc so their reaction is stale and can be implied with a withering look or a long sigh and a quick mention to let the audience know that something happened.

When you have a large ensemble cast in a short season, there simply isn’t time to give everyone a meaningful plot all the time or there isn’t time to examine everyone’s deeper characterization as a result of their plot; this often ends up with audiences wanting more and writers relying slightly on stereotypes or character tropes to help round out the character in audiences minds.

I really hope the strike helps reverse the trend of shorter and shorter seasons for television shows, because while not every show needs to be more than eight episodes, many shows would benefit from the ability to have more time to tell their story. It is wild to me that a 12 or 13 episode season for a drama series is now a long season to me.

[thecraftyninjacat]

Mahoro, Matakara, Aladdin and the Princess

I think Episode 8 finally confirmed to me that the role of the Princess in the Aladdin allusion was actually split between Mahoro and Matakara, rather than it being one or the other. There's a reason why they're both represented by Jasmine-chan during the Nyan Nyaight Love cutaways!

Preface; imo Bucchigiri's narrative takes inspiration from both Disney's Aladdin and the original Aladdin story, so I'm going to switch the Princess's name depending on which version of her I'm referring to. So Jasmine -> Disney's Aladdin, and Badroulbadour -> 1001 Nights Aladdin.

From what I saw in the 1001 Nights Aladdin, Badroulbadour didn't have much of a personality, so it makes sense that a lot of Mahoro and Matakara's personalities were taken from Jasmine, while their roles in the story were slightly more influenced by Badroulbadour.

Mahoro: The feistier side of Jasmine. She has a sharp tongue and always speaks her mind, regardless of potential danger. Eg. Mahoro stands up to Akutaro after he gains the upper hand on both gangs, similarly to how Jasmine refuses to bow to Jafar when he becomes Sultan.

She's also regarded as pretty desirable, and has charmed several men to get them to do what she wants (something that both Jasmine and Badroulbadour do at some point to trick Jafar/the sorcerer). Arajin falls for Mahoro at first sight, similarly to how both versions of Aladdin fell for both versions of the Princess, and like Aladdin his crush on her becomes his driving motivation throughout the series. Akutaro also talks about turning her into a NG Girl and…abusing her, a la Jafar. Ik it's just to trigger Arajin but yk what I mean!

Matakara: The gentler, more naive side of Jasmine, in that he trusts/believes in Arajin...a lot more than he should, really. The main 'lying' plot point between Disney's Aladdin and Jasmine is directly implemented into Matakara and Arajin's relationship. On a surface level there's also their blue colour schemes and phonetically similar names (Asamine -> Jasmine). Near the climax of the 1001 Nights version, the sorcerer tricks Badroulbadour into giving him the lamp with the genie in it, similarly to how Akutaro manipulates Matakara into shooting himself with Ichiya. Both actions trigger a Very Bad Turn of Events that Aladdin stops/will have to stop with the help of his own genie.

Also very interesting how Ichiya has a moon motif, and Badroulbadour's name is a metaphor for female beauty meaning 'full moon of full moons'. Totally not losing my fucking mind over that no sir

Though they both fit the Princess allusion, the entire show is screaming that Matakara is Arajin's true Jasmine, and Arajin is going to realise he was what he needed all along. Honestly, it doesn't get more obvious than Episode 9.

That's not to mention how Mahoro and Matakara also have many, many parallels to each other via their relationships with Arajin. (Both visit him one-on-one at his mom's restaurant to convince him to do something and order the exact same dish, Arajin thinks of child Matakara after seeing both current Matakara and Mahoro get hurt, his meetings with both of them are juxtaposed with one another and described as a 'fated meeting' in this trailer, etc.)

Aside from that, there's also a lot of little stuff that the two have in common! (Both suck at cooking, both deeply care about their older siblings, both are cute as hell etc etc.)

(it's also pretty neat how they're technically both the respective 'princesses' of Minato Kai and Siguma, being the younger siblings of the leader/former leader of each gang!)

[artist-issues]

are there any controversial pieces of media that you like? why is it controversial? why do you like it? do you defend it against people who don't like it, and if you do, how?

Do I

Oh boy

This answer is going to dive in to how I've worked out "The Right Way to Make Sequels." So it'll be another long one.

I really, truly like Star Wars: The Last Jedi. And without that movie, I would not like The Force Awakens as much as I also like it.

TLJ is one of the most hotly contested Star Wars movies of all time, which is saying something, because the Star Wars audience loves to hotly contest everything.

I think Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the best Star Wars film since the original trilogy. I would rather rewatch it than any of the original movies, or the prequel movies, or any other Star Wars media.

Because it's just good. It's just a really good movie—and it is also a really good Star Wars movie, because it nails the whole theme of Star Wars, which is "Faith Triumphs Over Fear."

But. Not everybody measures the phrase "really good movie" or the the phrase "good Star Wars movie" by the same metrics I do.

You know that I believe a story is good when it reminds you of the Good, the Beautiful, the True, or all of them at once—by nailing the "main point" or "theme," instead of being entertaining alone. Add to that the fact that I believe a Star Wars movie (or any franchise movie, or story-sequel) is good when it believably emphasizes the overall main-point of its predecessors, without losing the ability to be compelling.

To be "believable," it has to make sure that the characters (if they're returning from their predecessor appearances) make in-character choices. It does not mean that those returning-characters have to make choices that the audience approves of. Nobody likes the fact that the two characters in La La Land choose not to stay together forever. But there comes a point when it doesn't matter what the audience likes, it matters what the characters "would do."

Anyway.

Another way to have the sequel be "believable" is to make sure that what filmmakers call the "style & tone" stay somewhat familiar, echoing their predecessors. There's a lot of wiggle room for this. Some deviation from what the predecessors did in terms of style or even is good and right. But you want to keep the core stuff—because "style & tone" are just another tool used to "nail the main point" that the predecessors used, so you don't want to change it too much.

What I mean is, in The Last Jedi, you have things like:

Epic-scale visuals (dramatic shots that make use of big objects and light and shadow in the composition)

Dramatic Use of Color (Red is bad, blue is good, black is bad, white is good—very in-your-face symbolism)

Quirky Alien Cutaways (even though it's a dramatic adventure, you still sometimes cutaway to see a funky alien or a funny little creature, to remind you this is a fun space-romp.)

Somewhat-Obvious Adventurous One-Liner Dialogue (No explanation needed)

INTENSE emphasis on orchestral score (I don't have to explain this, Star Wars is one of the greatest examples of all time for music in movies)

All of the above contributes to the "tone and style" of a Star Wars movie. The Original movies have that. Most of the Prequel Trilogy has it, too. The Last Jedi does it right. You're supposed to feel heights of "operatic" drama, but it's not working very hard to be subtle or "clever." It's just common-sense, easily-accessible storytelling, from the lighting to the colors to the dialogue. Everyone of all ages can watch and enjoy.

(It doesn't mean a Star Wars movie is not profound—it means that it lets simple-truths shine, because truths that are plain and simple are profound, and only arrogant "intellectuals" can't accept that and clamor for something more "complex" just for the pleasure of hearing the gears in their own heads click. Anyway.)

So The Last Jedi gets that right. You know what doesn't?

Andor. The Star Wars show on Disney+. Andor does not get the Star Wars Style & Tone right. It tries too hard to be complex. It is all about grey areas and blurring the line between right and wrong, good and evil. It tries really hard to be "sophisticated" and "for mature fans." And its style and tone reflect that. It doesn't feel like Star Wars.

So you see how I can show the different examples of what gets this right and what gets this wrong, even in other areas of Star Wars—I'm not just biased and using the movie I like as a template. I enjoyed Andor. But Andor is not a good Star Wars story; not if I apply the metric fairly.

So that's "believable." You have to make the audience believe that they are re-entering the world, and seeing the characters, or the story itself, continue. Otherwise you lose them. Because you got them in the first place with a promise: "you're going to see a continuation."

Let's move on to "compelling."

To be "compelling," you have to tell a good story. That's it. That's all.

It is good and right to re-enter a franchise's "world" and shine a light on the same main-point as the original stories—from a new set of characters' perspective. It is good and right to not re-tell and reboot the same old characters and recount their lives, over and over. It is good and right to make a new story that continues the theme of the old story.

And as long as you're doing that, you don't need to follow any other supposed "rules" that the "fandom" made up.

The Last Jedi does that perfectly. It takes the characters that were introduced in "The Force Awakens," takes into account where each of them began and where we last left them, and then believably and compellingly moves forward.

That's all it was supposed to do. And it did it, super super well. In a way most Star Wars media does not.

Like for example, I said Andor is a bad continuation of the Star Wars franchise because it gets the Style and Tone wrong, right? So it's not "believable" as a Star Wars story?

Well, the other side of the coin is also true. Ahsoka, another Disney+ Star Wars story, is on the other end of the spectrum. It might nail (in lots of ways) the "Style and Tone" of a Star Wars story, to make it believable. But it's not compelling. Because it gets the other thing wrong: it's a bad story.

The Last Jedi gets both "believability" and "compelling storytelling" totally right.

But the fans didn't want a good story. They didn't want a continuation of the Star Wars theme, because they probably never really thought about what that theme really was.

No. The fans wanted what I call 💫 A Checklist of Star Wars Stuff Disguised As a Story 💫 . They wanted to hear more name-drops of characters from Deep Cuts in the previous movies. They wanted the New Characters to have familial ties to their favorite Old Characters. They wanted the movies to be about the Old Characters—so they really wanted Luke Skywalker to come out swinging as an undetectable Jedi Messiah with no character flaws who makes the New Characters look like fools because the fans hate the New Characters. They also wanted more Old Characters to come back, and they would only have liked the New Characters if those characters, in and of themselves, were...bad characters, because Star Wars fans, by and large, really often forget what made their precious Old Characters well-written characters in the first place. And that was: human flaws.

Luke is always focused on how he can control his future, especially when it comes to fulfilling his destiny or saving his friends. That's a flaw. That's pride. But Star Wars fans forgot that that's Luke's "fatal flaw." They just remember the nostalgia of green lightsaber backflips and retconned Legends books.

So then when Rey comes along and is focused on her past, and has her own pride issues, the fans go "ew, she's so annoying, let's nitpick about whether or not she could win a fight in real life."

Because Star Wars fans went into The Last Jedi believing that "A Good Star Wars Story has Luke Skywalker Being a Total Beast, a Realized Messiah who Dominates New Characters," or "A Good Star Wars Story Has Ultra-Powerful Villains Who Fit the Previously-Done-to-Death Mold, Like a Video Game Boss..." then they found the movie unbelievable. They don't believe it because they had silly expectations going in.

The one thing they can't deny was that it was compelling. Every showing I went to, even way past the premier, you could cut the tension in the theater with a knife when you were supposed to, you could feel the air move as everybody gasped when they were supposed to, you could hear laughter at all the right moments and empathy with the characters at all the right moments. But then a few months after the release, and online, everybody's claiming to have hated it. I know that's not true. I experienced it.

But Mark Hamill, the guy who played Luke Skywalker, ran his mouth about how he didn't understand Luke's character direction. He very cleverly, in interviews, set himself up as the Actor who Understands His Character being ignored and misunderstood by a Plebian Director...and as a "consequence," they "got Luke all wrong." So then of course the nostalgic fan base, who already had silly expectations, feels those silly expectations justified by the actor from their childhood. Who is wrong about his own character, I don't care, that's happened before, actors are wrong about their own characters, get over it.

Anyway. My point is, The Last Jedi is controversial because it's a good story, and not a Star Wars Checklist Disguised as a Story. And people have a skewed idea of what stories are for, so no wonder they have a skewed understanding of what made Star Wars good—and if you don't know what makes it good, you won't be satisfied when the real thing comes back around in the form of a good sequel. Because you thought "good" meant "name drops, intellectual tickling, and a regurgitation of Focus on Old Characters to entertain me."

You could apply this whole measurement-system for sequels to where the MCU did everything right for so long, and how it's doing it all wrong here recently. Anyway.

I have a lot of posts expanding on this. One or two argument-reblog-matches with fans who hated the movie, too. They're not very popular, because people have been majorly gaslit by the loudest Star Wars fans concerning the Sequel Trilogy.

Thanks for reading!

[justmenoworries]

Gonna be honest: This episode felt like someone accidentally switched the A and B plot around.

The Blitzo looking for Barbie plot should have been the main story.

This is the first time Barbie and her relationship with Blitzo get to play a major part in an episode, but it's all just so... pushed to the side. I really would have liked if we'd gotten more in-depth with these two.

Plus, the camping plot wasn't good, I'll say it. It pretends to be a Millie-episode, but really it's just yet another 'Moxxie gets shit on and feels sorry for himself' plot and those got old real fast in season 1.

Despite this being supposedly an episode about Millie and her contributions and her feeling valued for once, Moxxie is still the character the narrative follows 80% of the time. We're forced to feel more sympathy for him than for Millie, because the episode makes sure to always emphasize his struggles and hurt feelings over hers.

If this is the long-awaited Millie-development Viv promised I'm not convinced.

The A plot felt like something that was recycled from a season 1 episode and made worse in the process. I wouldn't have minded it so much if it was just a line of cutaway gags, while the majority of the episode was focused on Blitzo's search for Barbie. And Barbie herself.

Because honestly, what did this episode tell us about her?

She's out of rehab, she's loud and vulgar, she hates Blitzo for a reason we're not told and she's a drug dealer who makes business with humans or at least occasionally hires humans as her suppliers.

Those are all traits. Not characterization.

What makes it worse was that the material to make her an actual character was there.

Like, where did she get that crystal she uses to travel between Hell and Earth? Is she employed by someone more powerful or is she going solo? What exactly happened between her and Blitzo? What made her choose this life? You don't just go from circus performer to drug dealer/addict over night.

All questions the episode deemed unimportant. Instead her dialogue is mostly swear words strung together and yelling at Blitzo. Oh, and beating up Moxxie. Because we haven't seen that a million times already.

[zaynes-nieve]

Zayne: Moonlit Spoilers below!

Memory Reaction!

Okay so we gave a Jade, and it's freaky.

Oh were going on a trip with Zayne fun

Wait. What do you mean that tunnel wasn't there before 😭.

Ain't no way we isekaied. WE DID. AINT NO WAY WE TIME TRAVELED. What in the fanifc. What in the a03!

Oooh yeah get that bag sis. Though how much is 5 cents in this world.

How does this job work tho like without the evol as a History Major now I'm curious 🤔

Oh shit we got separated. Damn how we lose my man so quickly 🙏🏾 😭

Wait. Sick Girl.... Doctor? *Brain making that connection immediately* Awww fuck yeah my boo is around here somewhere

Also how he already get a boat????

Zaynnnnne 💙 ❄️ *fan girl rolling*

AWWWW HE WAS LOOKING FOR MEEEE. Also did he think I would still be in my modern clothes 😭 (He has no faith in us)

Why I think your v neck would be higher until the Kindled. Like I don't mind the view but old century propriety got thrown out ig

NOT THE DOCTOR RP AGAIN, we wild for this one.

New goal find pendant gotcha.

Awwww he carried us! Not the wet shoes tho.

Damn not us walking out the shop. This game got a little too real with that one. I be mad embarrassed

LOL old man is blind as a bat! Or did Zayne inhabit a past life's body????

Zayne the Roleplayer/Con Artist

He is getting a little to good at this

Lol he took one look at me and decided he didn't want to know

DAMN ZAYNE NOT THE ELOPEMENT STORY. GET THIS MAN AWAY FROM THE C DRAMAS XD

"So you elope", LMFAO get this Old man's VA a raise XD

Awwe the domestic life. Going to pick up the hubby from work

Benno is a cute kid/and a gossip

Aww he got hurt. Art is pain or sum shit

Damn a time travel date, here we go!!!!

He is talking a little too smart for me

"Look at Me" Homie you don't need to tell me. I haven't looked away from your chest once

Nah we BOLD BOLD, HIS LAP.

Carving project date commence

Oooh pretty moon

He is out like a light

Let's mess with him den ig

Damn I will be buying this man lipgloss when we get back

Were you ever alseep???

Yall ain't gonna be carving nunthing.

Mc and Zayne are the most horny on main-

Damn we got sent flying. Did the boat rock that badly?

AWWW THE ROCKING IN THE PREVIEW WAS THE BOAT. *Betrayed*

Ooh I'm the Moon! Love that for me. But also I don't like the imagery associated with in Chinese culture 😭 . That Chang'e movie that came out (Over the Moon) psychically hurts me

Yeah nothing is getting done tonight

Now Kiss (not the cutaway, we back to that????)

Awww not him "nervously" why they put that in air quotes? Idk? waiting for the Jade judgement

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH NO OUR MINDS WERE IN FACT NOT CLEAR AT ALL SHIFU

YEAH BE EMBARRASSED For two people who aren't into PDA yall be throwing it in people's faces (....maybe they are into pda now that I think about it)

Lol we went back and bought that poor man's bracelet. Happy ending for him

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Honestly? This chapter took a lot of time to show us the full range of worldwide reactions and while I respect it, doesn't offer much to say we haven't already. This is still a very cool element; the reaction is so scattered and that says a lot about the character of these different lands we traversed. Mock Town laughing their ass off with the cynical take is a favorite. But man was it fun seeing Hina, Margurite, Paulie, Boodle & Shushu was a hit. Always love that type of thing.

Predicting the earthquake for credibility was cool on Vegapunk's part. Very intriguing seeing a Celestial Dragon not knowing about the Void Century. Like, even as a basic concept. We've set this up with Doffy's backstory you know, some of them may be atrocious but it's the only life they've ever known and that makes them a victim of circumstance too.

Chapter was pretty light on the main cast actually. Given what we've seen so far it has me looking for anything that doesn't really add up but so far it's playing straight. Even if it's not a full-blown cutaway segment the broadcast for now is an excellent way to distract us and create another weird gap like last night or the food pile.

Vegapunk calling the earthquake too made me think of that. How it strikes worldwide but within that gap in time last night. Something that might have shaped things you know? And of course Robonosuke is still floating around. Which makes me wonder about Edison's plan here. Logic is sound, expand the cloud layer and you can drop right into the sea. Not to diminish his little guy energy pulling it off...but Egghead's done this so much I have my doubts it's that easy of an answer. You're still very vulnerable scooting across the cloud.

Heh, more York dashing around in the lab. Yeah...I chose that over the Mother Flame. No shame. I know what I'm about. The snailhunt is fun. The Gorosei are getting desperate and the more they do the more they run into that territory of desperation making someone's moves predictable. We start a notion here too with the narration that altogether makes me think about that possibility all these gaps hide some unknown interloper.

After all we've seen of Vegapunk, if this broadcast is taking over narration duties in the story I care so much about places he's talking about predictions and the limits of his own knowledge. We haven't seen it flip over into an unreliable narrator like Oden, or Kuma, or smaller examples just yet...but you're teetering on this. And that will change the whole tone of this segment.

This is why Toki is such a great card to have hanging around as a loose thread. Vegapunk so far seems like he really doesn't know much more than Robin would. Less I'd argue though there is a possibility he's picked up a stray Poneglyph or too. From the sounds of it he may have taught himself to read them which I can buy tbh. But his angle seems to be the start of the Void Century. Toki is interesting because she's born more towards the end of it. So capping off with something that made its way in through her is a great way to turn Vegapunk's message on its head.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

glorious masquerade: final thoughts

I’ve received several asks requesting that I share my opinions on certain aspects of the event, so I’ve compiled and condensed all my major thoughts into one post! ^^

***Spoilers below the cut!!***

I think the setting of Fantasy Paris the City of Flowers is a really interesting one that provides a ton of unique locations and cool lore! From their stalls to Noble Bell Academy campus and its bell tower, to the local specialties and legends, and its jolly people… It’s such a charming place!

It was fun to see the dynamics of each group and learn miscellaneous facts about them through their banter. This is something that TWST has pretty much always excelled at doing, so I can’t say I’m surprised.

The touring the city highlights for me mainly revolve around Sebek being fucking ridiculous 😂 Insisting he isn’t hungry, trying to impress Malleus by answering a history question correctly, chasing the goat around, the coffee mix-up, trying to sit in Azul’s lap, constantly sobbing and shouting like a kid despite trying to be an adult… chsvsidnksne god, it’s so funny OTL

I wasn’t expecting more lore about Trein and his wife, but it was a really welcome surprise. You can tell just how much Trein cherishes the dates and the other memories he had with his beloved in the City of Flowers… ashbldbiyasdbiald AND THE NRC BOYS KIND OF TEASE HIM AND ASK HIM ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP 

Something else I really liked but wasn’t expecting was actual adult involvement in the story, even if it is pretty minimal. (It’s still a lot more than Crowley intervening.) Like, Trein actively tries to guide his students and he cries when he thinks they’re acting unbecoming. He genuinely cares for them and wants them to become upstanding gentlemen.

I was 100% anticipating RSA cameos ever since the event was pitched to us as a gathering of students from various magic schools. It was a treat to see Chenya and Neige show up and actually do something meaningful; their sacrifices really highlight the difference in values between RSA and NRC–and it shows just how much they cherish their friends, something the NRC boys have yet to fully embrace themselves.

I adored the plot twist of Rollo’s true motives and the contrast between the facade he puts up and how maniacal he is behind that cold mask. Rollo in general is just a really fascinating character to me.

NOT TREIN HAVING HIP PROBLEMS, NOT LILIA HAVING HIP PROBLEMS SDHABSIDASLIDASBIDAS

I’m not super bothered by Yuu not being involved in the main conflict; they did their part by helping the townspeople. Even if they are magicless (and thus unaffected by the crimson flowers), it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’d be helpful in combat or anything (being magicless does not ward the flowers off, it just means they don’t attack a person/they can touch a person without bringing them harm); Yuu would just be another body to protect as they ascend the bell tower.

The cutaway gag to Jack and Ace on NRC campus wondering what the symposium attendees are up to was AMAZINGLY TIMED. Ace saying he wished he was with them right now before the game goes back to Deuce having a not-so-fun time with the crimson flowers… That’s peak comedy right there.

I mentioned this before already, but this event showcases how resourceful the NRC boys can be, specifically in the use of their unique magic. They’re limited in what magic they can use to begin with since the crimson flowers suck it from them and become stronger as a result, so they’re forced into corners where they need to come up with creative solutions. For example, Epel uses the coffin conjured by Sleep Kiss to protect Riddle from making contact with the flowers. Ruggie and Jamil use their respective unique magic to get NBC mob students to do the fighting for them. Azul uses It’s a Deal to borrow Deuce’s Bet the Limit/Double Down in preparation for the battle he anticipates with Rollo at the top of the bell tower. It’s so masterfully done!

I also enjoyed seeing Sebek and Silver fight together. Despite how often they are at odds with each other with their personalities and general demeanors, they are perfectly coordinated in combat and their grueling childhood training comes in clutch here.

GARGOYLE-KUN 😭 I’M SO GLAD HE AND HIS FRIENDS CAME BACK

The NBC students and Gargoyle-kun are useful side characters that help paint a nuanced image of Rollo to us long before learning the truth of his dark machinations. They see him as such a good and reliable person, and cannot fathom that he would stoop so low, which makes the tragedy all the more bittersweet.

THE SSR CHARACTERS FOR THIS EVENT WERE ACTUALLY IMPORTANT. Every character gets their time in the spotlight, but I really liked that the SSRs actually played significant roles in the story (unlike in a lot of previous events, especially the ones involving an extensive cast of characters). Malleus actually leads the trio as their powerhouse, Azul strategizes, and Idia is there to emotionally shame Rollo/foreshadow the twist with his little brother. They actually earned their standing as the event SSRs, and their strong ties to the event story makes me feel more compelled to actually roll for them.

AZUL AND DEUCE’S UNIQUE MAGIC INCANTATIONS AAAAAAAAH

I’m not a fan of Malleus at all (and I’m still not; he continues to be my least favorite character by far), but he’s significantly more interesting in this event than in his other appearances. Most of this is due to the fact that he’s actually allowed to be in an active leadership position rather than sit around waiting for others to act on him or to him (as is the case for a lot of the main story).

I don’t like the moments where Malleus lashes out in anger, but I did appreciate the parts where he was a gracious and strong leader. He thanks his peers for volunteering to be decoys, he praises Sebek and Silver for their vigilance, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Rollo and stop him. Malleus realizes the threat that Rollo’s plot poses to his country (which is predominantly fairies, beings of magic), and he’s finally behaving like a true king to the Briar Valley, doing all in his power to save his people. This is admittedly very admirable of him (well, if I focus on the duty he has to his people rather than the petty personal grudge he has with Rollo).

I really want to see more complex aspects of Malleus’s character like this rather than the emphasis on his woe-is-me loneliness that so often occurs within the fandom and in the main story; however, this really isn’t different from what my opinion of him was prior to Glorious Masquerade. I have always known that I was dissatisfied with his general portrayal and that I wanted something more substantial to him. It’s just that the game is now finally getting around to providing the kind of Malleus content I was hoping for, but it doesn’t necessarily endear him to me or make me like him. This is just him meeting my bare minimum 😂

Malleus fanboying over meeting Gargoyle-kun though, that was 👌 Gargoyle is best boy.

ROLLO UNIQUE MAGIC????????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?? HELLOW???!?!?!?!?!?

Man. Rollo’s actions are so atrocious and unjustified but you also end up feeling so bad for him when you learn about his full backstory 😭 This is the kind of content I live for, characters and stories that make me think deeply about what drives them and why they act in the ways that they do.

Yo, Idia laying the verbal smackdown on Rollo????? Shaming him to hell and back????? AND DARN IT, Idia’s speech made me remember episode 6 and I started crying all over again OTL

THE GARGOYLE GIVING AZUL MALLEUS AND IDIA NICKNAMES AaAhHhHHHHHH AnD OFFERING TO LISTEN TO ROLLO’S WOES 🥺

THE NBC MOB STUDENTS BEING SO SWEET AND WORRIED ABOUT ROLLO????? ADMIRING HIM SO MUCH??????? GOD THEY’RE SO PURE AND INNOCENT THEY LOOK UP TO THEIR PREZ 

Rollo’s punishment is so ironic, but I think it’s perfect for his character. Living with the weight of his sins is worse than death itself for Rollo, someone who heavily internalizes guilt.

Aaaaaah, I love that Rook is super proud of Epel and how much he has grown up… asbhldilbasdbas and how he talks about telling Vil about it when they get back?? Pomefiore family for the win…

SILVER AND SEBEK TOSSING PEOPLE INTO THE AIR TO PRAISE THEM ASDKHABSILDLABISDBIASBD THAT WAS SUPER CUTE, AND I LIKE THAT IDIA SUFFERED FOR IT

The two rhythmic sections were cute! (GRIM SPINNING LIVES ON IN MY HEART FOREVER) Malleus, Idia, and Azul providing a song with lyrics in the second one caught me off-guard but it was super enjoyable and the vibes reminded me of a grand and somber opera.

Idia suffering is my bread and butter of his appearances cbjsvsjshwksns The way he just hides behind a pillar while his classmates praise him and he complains all the way up to the performance, trying to stave it off or to avoid it entirely… Relatable.

ROLLO AND MALLEUS SHARE A DANCE TOGETHER AT THE END????? I like how this is how they “reconcile”, it’s so awkward. LIKE. Malleus asks Rollo to dance with him, Rollo tells him to fuck off find another partner, and then Malleus guilts him into accepting by saying “Oh, are you really going to refuse an invitation from an HONORED guest?” AND THEN ROLLO PASSIVE AGGRESSIVELY DEMANDING MALLEUS’S HAND??? Hey, baby steps I guess 😂 (One of my friends was screaming about how the ending felt very “enemies to lovers” to them, but I was just excited for the prospect of Rollo’s return in the future!)

It’s interesting the way Malleus talked about being fearful of Rollo almost like it was a positive experience 😂 I guess that’s a novel feeling for the oh-so-great-and-powerful Malleus Draconia so anyone willing to approach him (regardless of their reasons for doing so) excites him. And that weirdly gives him a playful “rival” dynamic with Rollo, who still pretty much hates his guts cldbskxbjsmdkzh

… As expected, Yuu learned nothing in the City of Flowers which would help them find a way home 😂 I knew Crowley was full of bullshit.

I’m surprised that I like most, if not all, of the Groovies??? Usually I find event card Groovies to be kind of unappealing (*stares at Groom Ace*); I think the last one I was SUPER crazy for was actually Groom Idia… but the Maskquerade Groovies had a ton of atmosphere, nice lighting, fluttering fabric, and the boys just looking like they’re enjoying themselves. I do find it kind of odd that the background looks so empty for a dance (you’d think there’d be more people), but I can forgive that as the artists probably wanted to avoid clutter. The SSR Groovies were especially a treat; the lighting there is so heavenly and the detailing on each individual student is astonishing.

Overall, I really loved this event! I might even call it my favorite one so far!! ✨ I definitely appreciated its more serious vibes and how dark the story got. It was balanced pretty well with the light-hearted moments and worldbuilding, and a lot of characters had their time to shine. I’m hoping that we get more events with similar vibes to Glorious Masquerade in the coming future!!

[marshmallowprotection]

HI do you remember the ask about what saeyoung would have been like if saeran hadnt broken into the apartment?

this isnt describing how i think hed be like in those days where he stays at the apartment, but (since i was replaying his seasonal birthday chat) i think he keeps working as a secret agent, therefore, hes never able to reveal his true identity (not sure if he would reveal it to mc...). but im just not sure about saeran. because in the seasonal chats, he does show up, but saeyoung has no idea who he is

so either he never figured out the unkown situation, or unknown just decided to pop into the chatroom on his birthday

BUT that also had me thinking about mint eye and rika, because wasnt rikas plan to interfere with the party in some way??

idk, this is just me kind of rambling but id love to hear what you think !!

It's difficult and painful for me to imagine that Seven goes on not knowing that his twin brother is being tortured to the brink of his inevitable death.

Make no mistake here, if he stays in Mint Eye and the truth doesn't come out, he'll die in there due to a combination of malnutrition, an ungodly cocktail of drugs that we don't know the extent of because the elixir recipe never stays the same twice due to supply chains, and his poor habits that've been crafted to survive the night.

Saeran will die in Mint Eye if nobody gets him out, and if he doesn't die, we've seen that Rika doesn't have any qualms about siding with Saejoong Choi. Dying in Mint Eye would be lucky compared to that fate, since we don't know what Saejoong would do to Unknown. He's already been in the role of Prime Minister for a while by that point in the timeline. He's amassed even more power than what he had in the Another Story timeline.

I don't have much confidence in Saeran's safety in Casual/Deep Story when it comes to that.

I like to believe, AND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION, the Seasonal Chats are set up in a more realistic manner. You know, because in reality, it would take months and months of working with the RFA to plan the party and get to know everybody, so it's normal to have chatrooms for a variety of seasons. It's just like the Christmas DLC, there's a big charity party held by the RFA for Christmas, we are NOT planning a Christmas party AND the normal RFA party back to back in the same week.

That makes NO SENSE.

So, if you apply this theory to the Seasonal Chats, yeah, it makes a lot more sense to imagine everyone fitting into their roles, and why there happens to be a wishful cutaway where Unknown might willingly talk to his big brother even though it may not make sense when we apply the 11 day Routes.

Also, at the end of the day, I do worry about Saeyoung's safety as an agent. He has targets on his back. He has pissed off a lot of people in his day... more people than his father, and sooner or later, he could be at their mercy if Vanderwood isn't there to provide backup, or, like he laments in Ray Route, "Why the fuck didn't I stay armed?"

Rika's plan for an Eternal Party is the main and overarching theme throughout the story that lingers, but a lot of people have no idea what her goal is... A party. It's clear that it's a party, much like a party meant for the RFA's goals, but her plan is a party that never ends. A party that stays eternal.

Her happiness never ends.

Her glint at being the shining light rather than the big devil she fears.

That's what she wants to get rid of.

As the Savior, Rika can be an angel by force, and nobody will ever think of her as a cruel monster as long as she is in control and owns the narrative. Drink your elixir, close both of your eyes, and follow every word out of her mouth because it's better that way. It's better to accept she knows better than you, and she has your best interest at heart.

She had their best interest at heart before, so why doubt in her dreams now? She will SAVE everything in the world from Jihyun's clutches because he tried to smother her devil. She felt suffocated with him, and being with him made her feel... well, no matter how angelic she made herself to stop seeing herself as the devil, she saw a devil. She couldn't become an angel, she couldn't become the sun, and she couldn't become Jihyun to escape being Rika.

The Eternal Party is about more than inviting all the RFA guests to paradise so they can be pressured into joining alongside the RFA... it's about bringing the RFA together under Rika's watchful eye so she can have everything the way she likes it. She wants to ensure they do what she wants so she never loses them. She wants to use elixir on all of them so they will be forced to stay by her side and live in whatever delusion she's determined to create in her false paradise.

It's an Eternal Party because staying with her in paradise means life will feel like the glitz and glamour of the first one-to-two RFA parties. Where everything is perfect, Rika is an "angel", and nobody dares to think of leaving her behind because she's the one who created what she believes to be Heaven. She's going to give them everything they may ever want or need... so she's never abandoned for being a devil ever again.

Because, in Paradise, Rika is accepted for being what she is and that devilish side is seen as her "best quality" as opposed to something in life that might make others leave her behind, like how she views the end of every relationship she's ever held before the downward spiral she went on after the death of Mother Choi. She's going to become a devil that has it all, one that both radiates darkness and light, in her own way.

People will accept her, even if she has to force them to do so, that is the goal she possesses.

[secretkittywolf]

As someone who's decided to rewatch Winx Club (for nostalgia) I have grown to really hate The Trix.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them in season 1. Icy, Stormy & Darcy were so cool and I adored them but after that, they appeared in every. single. season.

It drove me insane when I was a kid and I can see why. Why couldn't the villains in Wind Club be:

S1: The Trix

S2. Lord Darkar

S3. Valtor

S4. The Wizards of the Black Circle

S5. Tritannus

S6. Selina & Acheron

S7. Kalshara

S8. Valtor & The Trix

And not be:

S1. The Trix

S2. Lord Darkar & The Trix

S3. Valtor & The Trix

S4. The Wizards of the Black Circle

S5. Tritannus & The Trix

S6. Selina, Acheron & The Trix

S7. Kalshara & The Trix

S8. Valtor & The Trix

I get it, they're fan favourites but do they have to be shoved into every season? I've started S4 and I'm loving the focus on the Wizards and not having the Trix show up. I think they were in an episode but that was it.

I also get that there's a story with them that after S1, they're at this prison or a rejuvenating site and they escape, they're on the run, get imprisoned, break out but why did they go from cool & badass to just sidekicks/henchmen to the other villains?

This is nothing against them being in love (even tho that was annoying too) but I just wished the show focused on the season's villain and have no Trix whatsoever or have cutaways to them but don't have them be the main focus.

I also understand that they want revenge on the Winx and that's understandable but wouldn't it have been cooler to have not seen them until S8 where they have trained and planned the revenge? Like they weren't seen because they were making themselves stronger and are actually beating the Winx in fights when they reappear again.

I do apologise for the long rant but rewatching this show has made me realise why younger me loved the Wizards of the Black Circle way more and S4 as a whole.

[sanvirtheobserver]

Taking Flight, An SMG4 Fanfic: Volume 3

Here we are with Volume 3 of Taking Flight. After the Ketch adventure, our crew finally decides to return home to lick their wounds, catch up with old friends, and make new ones on the way.

Also, I MIGHT be rebranding this soon. More info on that once I wrap up Volume 4.

..............................................................................................................................

Chapter 11: Tender Love And Care

It's a relatively calm day in the Castle as Karen tidys up. You see, SMG3 made a deal with Karen that Depresso would babysit her kids if she agreed to upkeep the Castle while the Gang was gone.

Karen: I wonder how Clownie is doing....... Eh, I'm sure he'll be fine.

So far it's been going well.......... for Karen. A quick cutaway gag reveals Depresso stuck to the wall with duct tape. Katie is the only one actually trying to help him while Zack is busy playing Call of Duty and Cory is just spinning around in place.

Karen had just fed BEEG SMG4 when she notices SMG3 coming in through the front door.

SMG3: Honey! We're home!

Karen: Oh, hi Three. How was your trip? You all make it back alive?

SMG3: Just barely. Speaking of which, is the guest room open?

Karen: Of course. Why do you ask?

We see Tari and Melony rushing in.

Melony: SMG3, we need that guest room. Tari, you get the medical supplies from the Storage room.

Tari: On it!

Karen: Woah woah woah, what's going - GASP!!!!

Karen is shocked to see Mario and SMG4 carrying a barely conscious and bloody Meggy.

Karen: CHRIST ALMIGHTY, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!?!?

SMG4: It's a long story.

Karen opens the guestroom and readies the bed as the three make their way in. They gently and carefully lay Meggy on the bed as Tari enters the room with an IV and some medical supplies.

Karen: Alright, set it up over here.

Back in the Main Hall, we see Whimpu and Melony going over Meggy's condition. Melony seems....... out of it. Everything is muffled and there's this ringing in her ears. She jumps when she feels Luigi touching her shoulder, snapping her out of her daze.

Luigi: Melony?

Melony: Oh, Luigi. It's just you.

Luigi: Is there something wrong?

Melony: Sorry, sorry. Zoned out for a bit there. It's just........ where do we even start?

Karen comes out of the guestroom to give an update.

Karen: I had Tari ready an IV for Meggy. That should help with the internal bleeding.

Luigi: I have more painkillers ready, and Mario is off to get some One-Ups from the garden.

Karen: Hold up! That much rapid healing with this many injuries could cause more complications. We don't wanna risk anything healing backwards or upside down.

Luigi: Oh. Okay.

Karen: We also need to dial back on the painkillers a bit until she's stable. She has a concussion, so we need to keep her awake for right now. Any more right now and she'll ABSOLUTELY black out.

Whimpu: You really do know your way around medicine.

Karen: You kinda have to when you're a single mom with four kids. Melony?

Melony: Hm?

Karen: I need you to hold her down while SMG4 realigns the bones and applies the sutures. Can you do that.

Melony: Yes ma'am.

Karen: Luigi, I need you to get the plaster ready for the casts.

Luigi: Okie Dokie.

Tari steps out while holding her left shoulder.

Tari: SMG4 is ready with the sutures.

Karen: Alright. I'm gonna look and see if anyone else needs some help.

Melony and Luigi go back into the Guest Room while Karen goes off to meet with SMG3. Saiko comes in and notices Tari headed for the bathroom. Once she's inside, Tari heads for the sink and takes a deep breath as she removes her jacket. The left side of her shirt is bloody. She winces as she removes her shirt and sees that her left shoulder is covered in burn marks that stretch across her chest and up her neck. That's when Saiko knocks on the door.

Saiko: You okay in there?

Tari opens the door a crack

Tari: Yeah I'm just getting changed.

Saiko: Tari....... I can see the blood. Let me help.

Now knowing she can't hide it, Tari reluctantly allows Saiko to enter. To say she was concerned about Tari's condition is an understatement.

Saiko: Jesus......

Tari: It's fine, really. I can handle it. You should be concerned about Meg-

Saiko suddenly pulls Tari into a hug, much to her surprise.

Saiko: I should've been there. I could've helped. I could've smashed that thing and kept it from taking you, I........ I'm sorry.

Tears begin to well up in Saiko's eyes. Seeing Tari hurt like this makes her wish that she had been there. Maybe things could've gone differently, maybe they wouldn't, but that doesn't matter right now to Tari. She gently wipes the tears from Saiko's face.

Tari: What matters is that you're here now.

Back in the Guest Room, Meggy is screaming her lungs out as Melony holds her still and SMG4 reinserts the last compound fracture. Mario holds her hand as tears stream down her face.

SMG4: And.........done!

Meggy: NGH.......AGH.......pant.......pant Okay.........Okay...........

Melony steps out of the way as SMG4 gets to work on the sutures. Meggy winces with every pull of thread.

Meggy: Hey Mario. You wanna play Super Smash Each Other In The Ass Bros after this?

Mario: Meggy, I don't think-

SMG4: No, that's good! Mario, keep her engaged while I finish up here.

While SMG4 finishes with the sutures as Meggy and Mario are talking, Melony's leans against the wall holding herself. Luigi comes in with a tub of casting plaster.

Luigi: Plaster is ready. You sure you don't want any painkillers?

Meggy: Yep. Doc said my brain is bleeding, remember?

Luigi: Whimpu never said that! He said you had a concussion!

Meggy: Eh, Tomato Miyamoto.

SMG4: That's not how it goes, but she's right. She needs to stay awake, and if she takes anything right now it could be lights out. Melony, I'm gonna need you to hold her still again...... Melony?....... MELONY.

Melony: Oh, right! On it.

She places her hands on Meggy as Luigi readies the plaster.

Meggy: Bring it on, doc!

Luigi: Okay, here it goes.

Kaizo is entering the Main Hall when he hears the screaming. Meggy tightens her grip on Mario's hand and Meggy's shoulder as Luigi applies the cast. Mario keeps trying to pep talk Meggy as Melony holds her.

Mario: It's okay Meggy! Just think about video games and Ramen!

Luigi: Keep her still, I think I got it!

Melony keeps mentally repeating "I can do this" as the noise gets louder, but even that's getting drowned out. Meggy's screaming, Mario and Luigi's yelling, the increasing grip pressure on her shoulder, it's beginning to overwhelm her. It's too much as her breathing gets faster and faster as she can hear her heart beating in her ears. That's when SMG4 gives her a light tap on the shoulder.

SMG4: Alright, Melony. You can-

It's too much. Without warning, she jumps back and backs herself against the wall, hyperventilating as she holds her head and begins to tear up.

SMG4: Melony?

Kaizo is caught off guard as Melony rushes out of the Guest Room, right past him, and straight into the Storage Room before shutting the door. Everybody is shocked, unsure what to make of what just happened as Kaizo enters the Guest Room.

Kaizo: So, um......... is the ginger still alive?

Meggy takes a deep breath as the pain subsides for a moment.

Meggy: Yeah........ I'm good.......... But I think Melony..........

Kaizo: I saw. I'll look into it. Also, the cat said that you should be good to start on painkillers again. Keep it to small doses, though.

Meggy: Yaaaaaaaaaaayyyy.

SMG4: Thank's, Kaizo. We have things covered here.

In the Storage Room we see Melony curled up into a ball and quietly sobbing in the corner as the door creeks open. She doesn't even acknowledge Kaizo standing right beside her.

Kaizo: Hey......... can you talk to me?

She shakes her head. Kaizo notices red splotches seeping out from under the clockwork armor. She's been wearing it since they had escaped the Ketch. He kneels down and keeps his voice low.

Kaizo: Look. I know I'm not too good with this whole "comfort" thing, but I can see that you're hurt. And I want to help.

She slowly meets his gaze.

Kaizo: So......... what do you need?

She waits a moment before signing "Take it off, slowly" before raising her arm to him.

Kaizo: Alright.

She winces as Kaizo gently removes the gauntlet, revealing a pattern of circuit shaped wounds underneath. The arm and armor are both covered in blood.

Kaizo: Damn........ is the rest of it like this?

She nods, signing "I wanted to make sure she was okay first". Kaizo takes a deep breath.

Kaizo: Alright......... let's get the rest of this junk off of you so you can wash off.

Tari and Saiko exit the bathroom, with Tari's arm and chest wrapped in bandages. They see Kaizo exiting the Storage Room with Melony, now bereft of that armor and covered with a blanket.

Tari: Melony?! Oh my God what happened?!

Kaizo: She........ had a bit of an emergency. Don't worry, it's all under control now.

Melony signs "he actually helped out a lot" with a smile.

Tari: Is there anything we can do to help?

Kaizo: Yeah. Is the Bath Room open? Because she is in desperate need of a bath.

Tari: Sure thing! C'mon Melony, let's get you cleaned up.

Melony signs "thank you" to Kaizo as Tari escorts her to the Bath Room. He notices Saiko smiling too.

Kaizo: What?

Saiko: Nothing. C'mon, let's go check in on Meggy.

They both head over to the Guest Room. Judging by the lack of screaming, they're done with applying the casts. They've also started on painkillers judging by the copious amounts of giggling. In the room we see Mario sitting beside her on the bed, letting her rest her head on his shoulder while they watch meme compilations on his phone. We see Karen and SMG3 talking with SMG4 and Luigi, with Karen handing SMG4 a jar of green liquid.

Karen: This is a diluted extract from the One-Ups Mario gathered. Put an ounce of this in her IV once per day and once per night. If all goes well, she'll be back on her feet in two weeks.

SMG4: Understood.

Kaizo and Saiko enter the room.

Saiko: Everybody still alive?

Luigi: Alive and well! Say, where's Tari and Melony.

Saiko: Kaizo helped Melony out with her armor and Tari is helping her clean up.

Saiko didn't say it directly, but she was proud of Kaizo. Those kindness lessons were really paying off.

Kaizo: How's the shortstack?

Karen: Well, we got everything patched up the best we can for right now. I'm having someone come over to help monitor. I gotta head back home and make sure my kids haven't killed Mr. Depresso.

SMG3: Thanks for everything, Karen. We all owe you one.

As Melony steps out of the shower and Tari helps dry her off, a knocking on the front door can me heard. They head over to the front door and Tari is surprised to see.........

Tari: Whisk!?

Whisk: Hey guys. My mom called and said you needed some help.

Tari excitedly welcomes her inside. We zoom out from the Castle as Whisk is introduced to the rest of the gang.

Tari: Guys, look!

Karen: Hey Whisky, glad you could make it.

Luigi: Whisky?

Whisk: Mom, I told you not to call me that in front of others!

Meggy: MOM!?

Karen: Oh, so you've met my daughter.

Tari: Wait, Whisk is your daughter?

Meggy: Karen's your mom!?

Mario: And I'm-a Mario!

SMG4: MARIO!

This goes on for the rest of the night.

Chapter 12: Chillin' Out

It's a cool spring night over at the Showgrounds. Peering through the Game Room window we see Tari, Saiko, Melony, Meggy, Belle, and Whisk all sitting on and around the couch watching a new movie called "Midwest Angelica" on the TV. Now, you'd think that after facing LITERAL GODS that they'd be numb to this kind of horror, and you'd be right.

Whisk: EEEEP!!!!

Not for Whisk, though. The first creature sighting has her vaulting over and behind the couch, much to Belle's amusement.

Belle: Whats the matter? CAT got your tongue?

Meggy: Be easy on her. You alright Whisk?

Whisk's head pops up from behind the couch.

Whisk: Y-yeah. I'm g-g-good.

Tari: Guys, maybe we should watch something else.

Whisk: No, really! It's fine. It's fine it's fine it's fine. I'm just gonna be...... back here for a bit. Heheh......

Meanwhile, we see Bob and Boopkins plotting something over in the Storage Room with a variety of cheap Halloween junk.

Boopkins: Bob, are you sure this is a good idea?

Bob: Oh come on, Boopkins! One does not simply see a bunch of girls having a sleepover without messing with them a little.

He digs into the pile and picks out a ghost costume for Boopkins and a creepy mask for himself.

Bob: Showtime.

They very quietly make their way into the Gaming Room while the girls are distracted, with Whisk all bundled up in a blanket burrito on the floor between Belle and Melony. Another jumpscare makes her flinch, but she manages to stay in place this time.

Melony: See? Nothing to be afraid of.

Whisk: Y-Yeah.......Yeah, you're right. It's just a scary movie is all. It's not real, and it can't hurt me.

That's when Boopkins makes his move, stumbling out of the shadows as he makes the scariest noises he can possibly make. It's not very effective, but it does make for an effective distraction as Bob catches them off-guard.

Bob: OOGILY BOOGILY BITCH.

That's enough to make both Whisk AND Boopkins scatter. Bob laughs his ass off, having successfully completed his mission.

Saiko: WHAT THE HELL!?

Bob: Holy shit, did you see that!? I sent her flying! Thanks for the assist, Boopkins. Boopkins? Boopkins where are you?

He looks behind the couch and sees them both holding each other in sheer terror.

Boopkins: trembling Oooooooohh maaaaaan.

Bob: Oh, damn. I'm a lot better at this than I thought.

Meggy may still be a week away from recovery, but that doesn't stop her from punting Bob out the window and into the dumpster. A faint "ow my ovaries" can be heard in the distance as Tari sits beside Whisk to comfort her.

Tari: I'm sorry about Bob. He can be....... troublesome, when he wants to be.

Whisk: I-it's okay. Hey...... can we put on some MyStreet?

Tari: Of course.

Over at the Café, we see SMG3 and SMG4 having their own little get-together with their old friends.

SMG4: I'm glad you guys could come over.

Remember when I mentioned X and FM getting new designs all the way back in Food Wars 2? Well, now they're right here and I finally get to describe them to you! X is around the same height and build as Whimpu. He wears a Turquoise hoodless jacket and Beanie, a dark green scarf and sweatpants, and a pair of glasses.

X: It's good to be here, Four. As for FM, he's as tall as Ganondorf and ABSOLUTELY jacked with a gorgeous blonde mustache and mullet. He wears a red skullcap and plad shirt, a black leather vest, some scuffed-up jeans, and a pink and blue friendship bracelet.

FM: Hey Three! I saw your new ride and I gotta say she is BEAUTIFUL.

SMG3 gives a clearly forced smile, silently grinding his teeth into powder as he prepares some coffe for the four of them. Looks like he's still not over the whole "abs" thing. SMG4 and X take a seat.

X: So, I see you guys got yourself a new place.

SMG4: Yeah. Things were a little crazy for a while, but we eventually managed to carve out our own little slice of paradise.

X: And judging by the ship, you've been on quite the adventure lately.

SMG4: Yeah.......... Hey, can you take a look at something for me?

X: Sure.

SMG4 pulls out a small device and places it at the table. It's the same one that stranger placed on Melony to drive her crazy. X picks it up and carefully examines the design.

X: Hmm.........looks like a piece of Xelor tech.

SMG4: Xelor?

X: Time magi. They're followers of Xelor, the God of Time in the World of Twelve. I've rarely seen them on Earth though. Where did you get this?

SMG4: It's a long story.

Back in the Castle, we see Boopkins and the girls are fast asleep in the Guest Room. Meggy, Whisk, and Boopkins have taken the dog bed, Tari and Saiko have taken the casino bed, Belle has taken the chair, and Melony just brought her own mattress........ but she doesn't seem to be resting as easily as the others. Taking a look within her dream, we see she's back aboard the Ketch, once again clad in that Clockwork Armor. All her friends lay dead around her as she holds a wounded Tari by the throat.

Tari: Melony........ please........

Melony wanted to stop, but she had no control over her own body. She could only watch as her blade pierced Tari's heart. Tari gave one last teary gaze, her heartbeat growing slower and softer as the light faded from her eyes until....... nothing. Melony was in silent anguish as she dropped Tari's lifeless body to the ground. A figure emerges from the shadows. It is the Stranger, the one who had turned her body into a weapon she could no longer control. He placed his hand on her shoulder, and a single phrase echoed within her skull......

?????: Good work, my puppet.

Melony awoke from her nightmare in a cold sweat, her distressed breathing rousing Boopkins from his slumber.

Boopkins: Mh.......huh? Melony?

Melony didn't respond, her eyes damp with tears as she held her legs. Boopkins hops down from the bed and walks over to her matress.

Boopkins: Are you okay? You look scared.

Melony looks to Boopkins, slowly regaining her composure as she wipes the tears from her eyes.

Melony: Y-yeah....... I just..... had a bad dream. Sorry for waking you up.

Boopkins: It's okay.

Boopkins hops onto the mattress and gives Melony a hug.

Boopkins: I'll go get you a glass of water?

Melony: Yeah...... yeah I think I could use that. Thanks.

Back in the Café, we see FM trying to make some small talk with an unamused SMG3.

FM: Anyways, we decided that Alex and Derrick would handle fireworks for new years. Like, what's the worst that could happen, right? Not FIVE SECONDS later we see Derrick is missing a hand and Alex has third degree burns on roughly ninety percent of his body.

Meanwhile, SMG4 had just finished regailing the tale of their Ketch adventure and the not-so-pleasant aftermath to X, who is tinkering with the Xelor device.

X: Yikes. I had heard that Xelor Armigers weren't the most pleasant to use but....... mind control? That's a whole new level of scuffed. Poor girl must've been mortified.

SMG4: Yeah. That guy was a MENACE. Pretty sure we'd all be dead if it wasn't for Tari coming in with the clutch.

X: Speaking of which, has she figured out the whole "ancient heritage" thing yet?

SMG4: Not yet. To be honest, we've all been taking our time getting back into the swing of things.

X: I don't blame you.

SMG4 gets up from his seat and does a stretch before heading for the door.

SMG4: Anyways, I've gotta get some shut eye. I have one hell of a meme backlog to get through tomorrow.

X: Well, before you go........

He tosses the Xelor device back to SMG4.

X: I modified the device into a temporal anchor. It should come in handy in case you see that Xelor again.

SMG4: Oh thanks, X.

X just shrugs with a grin.

X: Anything for a friend.

We close out the night with SMG4 heading back to the castle. He checks the Guest Room and sees everybody fast asleep, with Melony and Boopkins now peacefully snuggling on the mattress. SMG4 smiles as he heads to his room and calls it a night.

Over at Mushroom City, we see Wario and Waluigi rummaging through the dumpster for valuables. So far they've made quite the haul as Waluigi finds a vintage lighter and tests it our by lighting a cigarette.

Waluigi: I know a few folks who would pay quite the coin for this.

Wario: That's child's play. Check this out!

Wario manages to haul out a broken motorbike.

Wario: I've meet meaning to get myself a new ride, wahaha!

They both share a laugh about their finds, but fall silent after noticing someone else in the alleyway, his piercing red eyes set on the brothers. Wario pulls out a gun and Waluigi pulls out a bat as they both approach the figure.

Wario: This is our haul, wise guy!

Waluigi: Yeah, go steal someone else's junk!

The figure says nothing. He merely holds out his bandaged gauntlet and presents two gear shaped devices to the brothers.

Chapter 13: Lunchtime Tussle

It's a beautiful day in Mushroom City as Meggy, Whisk, Melony, and Tari are over at Peppino's Pizza for lunch. Unsurprisingly enough, Mario and Luigi are already there, with Mario getting started on his fifth Spaghetti Supreme. Something tells me Luigi isn't gonna be happy with the bill.

Whisk: Does he........ normally eat that much?

Luigi: Not really. Usually he'd be on his tenth by now.

Whisk: That....... can't be healthy. Have you tried getting him on an exercise plan?

Meggy: It's not impossible, but......it usually ends in disaster.

Clench: He turned into King Kong at one point. Climbed a skyscraper and everything.

Peppino comes out of the kitchen with the girls' order and a timid smile on his face.

Peppino: One Surf n' Turf Stromboli and a side of Garlic Knots. Enjoy!

Meggy: Thanks, Peppino.

He nervously watches as Whisk takes her first bite, knowing how crucial a first impression is when it comes to first-time customers. Luckily for him, Whisk is more than impressed.

Whisk: WOW! This is amazing.

Peppino breaths a sigh of relief. Another satisfied customer.

Peppino: It's a pleasure doing business with you.

He heads back into the kitchen for Mario's 6th Spaghetti Supreme as Whisk goes ham on the Stromboli.

Tari: Hey Melony, wanna see what I've been practicing?

Melony: Sure.

She holds out her hands and focuses, creating a small hollow bubble of blue light.

Whisk: WOAH. How are you doing that?

Tari: I've been practicing my barrier projection. I've got the basics down........

She tries to expand the bubble as much as she can, getting it to around the size of a volleyball before it pops.

Tari: ........I just need to work on my focus. I haven't gotten a chance to train since the incident on that Ketch.

Meggy: Speaking of which, did we ever figure out who the Captain was?

Tari: I mean, even with all the other factions on board, it was predominantly a Ketch, and even the Grineer and Corpus had those black Fallen banners. The captain could've been the Kell of whatever House those Fallen belonged to.

Melony: Well........I have a theory.......

She thinks back to that Xelor that attacked them on the bridge. If they were to place bets on who the Captain of that Ketch was, her money's on him. But her train of thought is interrupted when they hear a rumble coming from outside. Mario and Luigi also take notice of the rumbling, which was then followed by police sirens. They look outside to see a circle of police cars led by Mr. Monitor surrounding a local pawn shop. Even the military is getting involved as Chris and Swag come riding in on a UNSC Falcon. We pan over to see a pair of armor clad individuals. One is short and stocky, with barrel like arms tipped with mechanical bronze claws and a gear shaped signet on his chest. The other is tall and lanky, with an arm mounted crossbow, a quiver on his back, and a similar signet on his right shoulder. Both are carrying sacks filled with various items from the now wrecked pawn shop.

Swag: KIDS GONNA DIE TONIGHT!

Chris: This is Babygirl to Mamamia. Targets are in sight.

Hal: I read you, Babygirl. Keep those guns on standby. ATTENTION, FELONS. WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED. STAND DOWN AND YOU WILL NOT BE HARMED.

The Stocky one replies by launching his fist like a wrecking ball, sending Hal and several cop cars flying across the street. Swag opens fire with the Falcon's mounted machine gun to little effect. The Lanky one retaliates with a precise explosive bolt to one of the Falcon's engines, causing it to crash. Chris busts out of the cockpit as Lanky hops on top of the wreckage and pulls Swag out of the passenger bay, holding him up by the throat as Lanky aims for his chest.

Swag: You fool, do you really think you can best Swagmaster6969696969? I'll have you know I served as one of the generals of the Anime Secret Service and lead the charge towards dismantling the Anime Cartel. I know over 200 ways to kill a man with my bare hands alone and blew up a small Malaysian Island by sheer accident, so you can imagine the kind of carnage I can do Intenionally. You could've lived a happy life if you hadn't crossed me, and now I will reign hell upon you until you are nothing more than a blood stain and a memory.

Chris: Can you please just kill him and get it over with?

But just before Lanky can do just that, we see Melony come in and dropkick him off the wreckage before catching Swag all superhero style as Tari tags in with her glaive drawn. They both get ready to face off against their assailants.

Melony: That armor........ this must be the work of that guy from the Ketch.

Tari: Then we need to aim for the signets.

Swag: Alright ladies, it's time to kick some HOLY SHIT IS THAT A SURF N' TURF STROMBOLI!?!?

He rushes by Meggy and Whisk as he heads straight into the restaurant, much to Chris's bemusement. I guess that Stromboli must be one hell of a hit. Stocky hands his sack over to Lanky and charges forward. Lanky makes a break for it with the loot while Stocky battles Tari and Melony. Meggy readies her bowgun to give chase.

Whisk: Meggy, wait! You're in no condition to fight! You're not fully healed!

Meggy: It's fine. I just need one clean shot.

Suddenly, we see a truck roll in with Chris behind the wheel.

Chris: I drive, you shoot.

Meggy and Whisk hop aboard and the three give chase. Lanky notices the truck and opens fire. Chris swerves to avoid the incoming bolts as Meggy returns fire, trying her best to land a hit on the signet on Lanky's shoulder.

Meggy: Keep it straight, Chris!

Chris: I'm giving it all she's got! What the hell is this guy on?!

Meggy eventually manages to land a hit on one of Lanky's hands, causing him to drop one of the loot sacks which crashes through the truck's windshield. The truck serves out of control before crashing into a nearby flower shop, with Meggy flying head first into a bed of roses. A mercifully soft landing, apart from the thorns. Whisk's allergies start acting up as the airbag goes off right in Chris's face.

Chris: I don't get paid enough for this.

Back with Melony and Tari, we see Stocky giving them both no quarter. He easily tanks their ranged attacks while also constantly evading and deflecting their melee attacks, whipping his chained fists around like morningstars. Melony would've activated her Deity Mode by now if it wasn't for that nightmare interrupting her sleep last night.

Melony: Dammit....... he's gonna wear us both down at this rate.

It was then that Mario comes out of the restaurant, which gives Tari an idea. She goads Stocky into using a grappling attack, launching his claw right at her. Tari dodges and allows Mario to be grabbed instead. Since Mario had just eaten ten Spaghetti Supremes, Stocky has trouble moving Mario due to how heavy he is. He isn't even aware of what's happening. This gives Tari and Melony the opening they need. Charging up her sword, Melony lands a powerful strike on Stocky that sends him flying upward. Tari intercepts from above, landing a clean strike on the signet on his chest, splitting it in half as he crashes down into the pavement. When the dust settles, we see Stocky lying in a crater with his armor shattered. His helmet falls off and the girls are shocked to see that it's actually..........

Tari: Wario!?

Wario: It's hot....... in Topeka....... eeegh.

The gang meets back up in Peppino's restaurant. Luigi is paying off some tabs, Meggy is still prying thorns out of her hair, Whisk is recovering from her allergies, and Chris is busy interrogating Wario.

Chris: Alright you big yellow son of a bitch. You have T-minus 30 seconds to start talking.

Wario: And what if I don't? You gonna court marshall me? Send me to the big house? I'll have you know that I am a pretty tough nut to crack.

Swag comes in with a massive bladed weapon labeled "Neutertron 9000". One flick of the switch electrifies the blade, causing it to glow red hot and spin around at hypersonic speed.

Swag: You were saying?

Chris: You have two options Wario. Either you tell us now and we'll let you off with prison time and parole, or you can let my friend here test out the latest and greatest in surgical hardware on your eggroll. What will it be?

Judging by the abject look of horror on Wario's face and his desire to keep his family jewels, he gives in.

Wario: Alright, alright! Me and Waluigi were dumpster diving the other night when this mummy looking guy came up to us.

Melony's eyes widened in shock.

Wario: He gave us these gear broach thingies. We tried them on and........

He falls silent for a moment.

Wario: .........The power was amazing, but it felt like being crammed into an iron maiden full of tazers. Everything was too bright, too loud, and the only thing I could understand was this......voice guiding me. It was awful, like I was a tormented animal on a leash. I wasn't in control at all.

Tari looked over to Melony, who was still processing what Wario had told them. She felt the exact same way when that stranger placed the signet over her eye..... and turned her against her friends.

Melony: So it really was him........... and the guy with the Crossbow must've been.........

Tari: Waluigi..........But what would he want with a bunch of pawn shop knick knacks?

They look over to the sack, and we transition to another scene in a warehouse. We now see the Xelor stranger approaching the bag brought to him by Waluigi. He carefully opens the bag to verify its contents, before presenting it to a figure in the shadows.

??????: I heard you ran into a bit of a snag, Rhode. Did you not intend to deliver more?

The Xelor finally speaks. His voice was raspy and faint.

Rhode: Apologies, captain..........we were intercepted by......... her compatriots.

??????: I see.......

A large metal talon reaches into the bag, rummaging through its contents as a pair of gold glowing eyes peer out from the darkness.

??????: Still, you did manage to pull off a decent haul. We are still one step closer to our destination.

He pulls out what looks to be a blue stained glass dodecahedron etched with odd symbols.

??????: And one step closer to the gate.

Taking Flight, Chapter 14: New Neighbors

It's another fine day at the Showgrounds as Meggy and Melony eagerly watch Tari practice her barrier projection. So far, she's managed to create a dome she can fit in.

Meggy: Alright Melony, you're up.

Melony hacks away at the dome with her sword. Tari's shield seems to be holding up so far.

Clench: Keep it up, Tari. Keep it up.

Melony kicks it up a notch with some energy blasts. Tari winces as small cracks begin to appear on the barrier. Melony then switches to her Deity Mode and readies a charged strike, but Tari falls to her knees and the dome dissipates. Melony powers down and goes to check on an exhausted Tari.

Tari: huff..........huff.......... How long was that one?

Meggy: Two and a half minutes. A new record!

Tari: Great....... anyways I cough cough ..........sigh.........

Melony: Yeah, I think that's enough for right now.

Tari rolls onto her back.

Tari: No, no, it's fine......... I just need to take a breather is all.........

Clench: And maybe an Advil or two.

SMG4: So, what do you think so far?

The girls turn to see SMG4 with......... someone new. He's an odd looking fellow, wearing a deep blue suit adorned with hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds. He also has a lavender scarf with what looks to be a golden "bowtie" in the shape of a pair of wings. His head is a free floating ball with a mouth, and he wears a fedora with a golden band around the head.

?????: It's a rather lovely place. Quite roomy, too. It almost reminds me of my brother's place.

Meggy: Uh......SMG4?

SMG4: Oh, hey guys! This is Aybel, one of our new tenants.

Aybel: A good noon to you.

SMG4: He's gonna be running our new guest house.

Melony: Guest house?

SMG4: Yeah, something to keep things fresh around here. Me and Three have been in talks to get some more traffic flowing here in the Showgrounds, and he suggested we open up a place for guests to stay long term.

Tari: Now that you mention it, Three did say that things have been a bit slow here for his business.

Meggy: That's all good but........ why didn't you run this by us first?

SMG4: What do you mean? I've been sending you guys texts and emails all week.

Meggy: You mean the same things you use to spam us with memes?

SMG4: Well........

While Meggy and SMG4 sort things out, Aybel hovers over to Tari and Melony. Tari gets back on her feet to greet their newest arrival.

Tari: It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aybel. I'm Tari.

Aybel: The pleasure is all mine Ms. Tari. And you must be Melony Greenhorne, I presume.

Melony: You know me?

Aybel: One of my brother's associates told me about these "mangas" of yours. She's quite a fan of your works.

Melony: Oh, wow! Well, make sure to send her my thanks the next time you see her.

Aybel: Actually, you may be able to do so yourself. She's gonna be a patron at the guest house.

Tari: Wait, you already have people lined up?

Aybel: Of course. They'll be here by sundown, so if you'll excuse me........

SMG4 and Meggy meet back up with the others as Aybel hovers over to an open plot of land.

Aybel: .......I must get to work.

And so he did. Motes of light fly from his fingertips and dance to his every gesture. He uses their light to draw perimeter within the plot, sculpting intricate patterns of doors and windows within a 5-layer octagonal frame. When the outline is done, the most fly together to create a single ball of light above the construct. Aybel snaps his fingers and BOOM! In a flash the structure becomes a red and yellow building with a tent-like top, the windows embroidered with a golden trim. An ornate arch adorns the entrance, ordained with a round plaque depicting Aybel's "bowtie". The Crew is awestruck.

Our Guest House is complete.

Aybel takes off his hat and out comes a small floating bubble with beady black eyes and a formittable set of razor sharp teeth.

Aybel: Bubble, could you be a dear and help me get the rooms ready?

Bubble: Gotcha!

The crew comes inside to see the main lounge. In the center we have the lounging area with 4 couches and TVs with various amenities such as video games. To the left we have the kitchen, to the right we have the bathrooms and storage, and in the back we have a stairway that leads to the upper floors.

Aybel: Good to see things are in order down here.

Tari: I gotta say, you have quite the setup here.

There's a knocking at the front door. It seems as though some of the patrons have arrived earlier than expected.

Aybel: When it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of those under my care, I spare no expense.

He opens the door to great three new arrivals: A ragdoll with red curly hair and a button eye, a tall purple rabbit man with a flannel shirt and overalls, and an anxiously pale little jester with red and blue dimples and candy shaped eyes.

Aybel: Oh, Ragatha! I'm surprised to see you here so soon.

Ragatha: It's like you always said, hesitation is defeat.

Aybel: SMG4, this is Ragatha. She's a prized pupil of mine. The rabbit and the jester are her entourage, Jax and Pomni.

Jax immediately heads for the nearest couch before Ragatha snags him by the ear.

Ragatha: Jax....... these are our hosts here. Why don't you introduce yourself?

Jax: Alright alright! Jeez...... Sup guys, my name is Jax. It's a pleasure to be here.

Somewhat satisfied, Ragatha releases Jax and allows him to laze about on the couch.

Ragatha: At least take your bags to your room before you start being a lazy ass.

Jax: Hey, we walked for 30 miles! As far as I'm concerned we earned this.

Pomni: I'm really sorry about him. He can be......... insufferable at times.

Meggy: It's alright. My friend Mario can be like that too sometimes, so I'm kinda used to it.

Tari goes over to grab Jax's bags and heads upstairs with Ragatha and Pomni. We see three floors of rooms connected by a central spiral staircase.

Ragatha: Just place his bags outside of room nine.

Tari: Will do!

Tari heads up the staircase to room nine as instructed, placing Jax's luggage outside the door. She also can't help but feel........ curious about some of their new tenants.

Tari: So....... what brings you guys to the showgrounds

Ragatha: Well........ there was a bit of an "incident" over at our workplace, so Aybel convinced our boss to let us stay somewhere else. It's a bunch of responsible businesses stuff.

Tari: What exactly IS your "business"?

Pomni: We're a performance troop called the Circus. Well, less of a Circus and more of a.........makeshift community for lost souls. That's how Caine puts it at least.

Tari: Lost souls?

Ragatha: Yeah. Sometimes a soul gets lost and ends up becoming....... something else. Jax became a rabbit, Pomni became a jester, and I became a ragdoll. It can be a bit jarring at first, having only fragments of who you used to be. And sometimes even those get lost if you're not careful enough........ and you only have so long to find them again until you go crazy, which is when things start to get....... REALLY bad..........

She falls silent for a moment. Pomni goes over to Ragatha and holds her hand. Ragatha gives Pomni a reassuring smile.

Ragatha: So, yeah. The Circus provides us with a home, good work, and plenty of things to do so we don't start going crazy. It's a decent gig, all things considered.

Ragatha and Pomni retreat into their rooms, leaving Tari to contemplate Ragatha's words for a moment. She can't help but think back to the days where she'd be drifting around, living off of prize money from video game tournaments. Then came that day at the mall, when she first met Mario. In a way, she was a lost soul herself until she joined SMG4's crew. You could say that makes her a Carnie herself.

And with all things considered, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Chapter 15: Abstract Thinking

It's a full moon out tonight on the Showgrounds as more arrivals have come to the Guest House. First up we have Gangle, a ghostlike shadow figure covered head to toe in bandage like ribbons. A pair of white glowing eyes peer from behind a porcelain mask. Sitting next to her was Zooble, who looks somewhat human apart from the fact that their body is divided into various mismatched shapes, sizes, and colors. Their hair is basically a bunch of green triangles. Lastly we have Kinger, a walking white king chess piece with a white beard a pair of floating eyeballs, and two completely detatched floating hands. He wears a red velvet cloak and bears a scepter witn a queen's crown. He's also busy hiding in a pillow fort because he might be a little nuts. We see Tari coming in with a tray of lemonade.

Tari: So, how has your first day been?

Zooble and Gangle take their glasses.

Gangle: It's been really nice so far. Thank you.

Zooble: Yeah, it's good to be out under an actual sun for once......... no offense to Sunny, of course.

Tari walks up to kinger to give him his lemonade.

Kinger: Oh, thank you!

His hand pops out of the fort and grabs the glass before slinking back in. Tari just starts pacing around after that, clearly curious about something.

Zooble: Got something on your mind, kid?

Tari: Oh, well........... I was a bit curious about Aybel and this brother he keeps bringing up.

Gangle: Oh....... Aybel is very kind....... and.........

Yeah, she's not normally one for conversations. Zooble places a hand on her shoulder.

Zooble: They're the "ringleaders" of this little troop of ours. Aybel handles the logistics, and Caine does his best to keep us from losing our minds.

Kinger: He's also VERY showboaty. Like, a REAL showman. He's always so full of energy, and he loves to plan adventures and activities for us when we aren't out doing temp jobs.

Tari: Temp jobs?

Kinger: Yeah. When it comes to lost souls, the line between the mind and the body is practically nonexistent. As messed up as we are, our sanity is what gives us some semblance of control over ourselves. That's why Caine and Aybel do their best to keep us sane. Aybel thinks that doing normal people jobs will help us feel more "human," and Caine sometimes has us go on an adventure to keep our minds healthy and stimulated.

Tari can't help but think back to what Ragatha said earlier, about out how losing your mind can cause bad things to happen.

Tari: So........Your physical forms are tied to your mental state, so you need to maintain your sanity to maintain your body.

Zooble: That's pretty much the jist of it.

Tari: So.......hypothetically speaking...... if a lost soul DID lose their sanity, then they would cease to exist?

Zooble: Well........Not exactly.

The trio exchanges glances at one another.

Zooble: Let's just say its......... not a good time......... For anyone.

Tari: Oh........um....... okay. Sorry for......

Zooble: It's fine. Look. If anything goes wrong, we'll give you a call. Alright?

Tari nods. She takes the hint and decides not to push the topic further as she takes her leave. An awkward silence fills the room after her departure.

Kinger: Did someone mention an insect collection?

We later see Tari flying above the treeline. She can't help but feel awful about that conversation.

Clench: Look on the brightside! Zooble and Kinger were still nice about it, so it's not like you screwed up TOO badly.

Tari remains silent. She can't help but feel like she messed up as a hostess by overstepping on what was evidently a sensitive topic. Maybe she should wait a bit longer before bringing that up again. She should also watch out for that lance flying towards her.

Tari: Huh? WAAAH!

Tari narrowly dodges the lance. She frantically tries to trace it back to its source right as another whizzes towards her. She brings up a small barrier, but it pierces through and stops a mere armhair's length from her eye. She also sees its not a lance. It's a sharpened candy cane. She dives down into the trees, stows her wings and draws her glaive in case things get up close and personal.

????????: You're a daring little duckling, aren't you.

She spins around to meet her assailant: a princess, dawned in a royal dress embroidered with sprinkle patterns and a crest depicting a piece of hard candy adorned with a crown. She had the face of a swirling orange jawbreaker, and a small crown rested upon a head of red orange slice shaped hair. A bright orange gem sat on her chest.

Tari: Look...... I'm sorry I intruded on whatever you were doing. I did not come here looking for a fight.

????????: Of course you didn't. No one would bring a glowing pair of wings on a stealth mission, especially at night time.

Tari: Of course! This was just all a huge misunderstanding. So let's just-

Tari's words are cut off with a swift kick to the gut, sending her barreling back. The princess then draws a swirling peppermint lance from her gem as Tari tries to get back on her feet.

????????: Of course........ it would be rude of me to not finish a fight I started. Nothing personal, just basic warrior's etiquette.

She rushes forward again, more than prepared to drive that lance through Tari's heart........ but is stopped when her lance meets a pair of cleavers wielded by a familiar ragdoll.

Ragatha: What the hell do you think you're doing?

????????: Oh come on, Ragatha. You know how banefully boring a patrol can be. What's the matter with letting off some steam?

Ragatha: She's with me. And she has nothing to do with this. Now stand down.

????????: And you think you can take me on?

Ragatha: No........ but Aybel might. Especially when he finds out you abandoned your patrol in an area where there's a primeval on the loose.

Tari is shocked to even see Ragatha of all people here, and confused as to what this woman has to do with her.

Ragatha: I'm giving you a choice here. Either we keep up this fight and Aybel finds out you abandoned your duties to "let off steam", or you can stay your weapon and save your murder boner for the primeval.

The air is tense and still as the two stare each other down.

Ragatha: What's it gonna be?

With a sigh, the princess relents and stays her weapon.

Saturday: You're no fun. It's not like I was gonna kill her anyways.

Ragatha: Yeah....... right.

Ragatha stows her cleavers and helps Tari to her feet.

Ragatha: I am so sorry about this. She can be a bit......... trigger happy, sometimes.

Tari: It's okay, but......... could you please explain to me what's going on here?

????????: I am Loolilalu of house Bonbon, heir to the throne of Sugar Canyon.

Ragatha: We just call her Saturday.

Tari: Well, it's nice to meet you, Miss Saturday.

Saturday only replies with a scoff and a roll of her eyes. A bit of a brat, as you can see.

Ragatha: So...... why are you out here, anyways?

Tari: I was just heading home for the night until your friend ambushed me. How about you?

Their little meet and greet is interrupted by a distorted shriek from the woods.

Ragatha: ........That's why.

Saturday: I'll tell you what. You can either fly back to your little nest and forget tonight ever happened, or you can make yourself useful and see how deep this rabbit hole goes. I personally don't care which.

Saturday then rushes off in the direction of the shrieking with Ragatha following close behind, leaving Tari to contemplate her next move.

Clench: I don't know about you.......... but I'd like to show that bitch just how "useful" we can be.

Tari gives a confident smirk as she spreads her wings and flies off after the two.

[cptn-m]

One Piece chapter 1130 review

What a place to leave off before a two week break. As expected, we have actually arrived in Elbaph and man, the art is worth the years of build-up. This is also the ninth chapter of volume 111, making it the book's first possible stopping point. It would be a short volume, with a number of reduced page count chapters, but wouldn't this make an impression to go out on? I'd definitely want to get the next book after seeing it. And it would be nice and neat on Oda's end to finish a volume then take the break to plan out the next few.

I'm glad to get a little bit more of the other half of the crew's post-Egghead outfits as we establish they'll be joining the main plot on Elbaph soon. The cutaways to this group also reveal the purpose of splitting the crew the way Oda did - building tension over Vivi's status a little longer by keeping the group that would recognise her message from reading the paper. It's interesting the acknowledgement of how drastically Luffy's appearance changes in Gear Five that there's even a question of whether he usually has a mark on his arm (and it only takes a cursory review of any Egghead chapter to be absolutely sure he does not) but Robin gives us the info we need to fill in the gaps. I feel like Oda could have gone a little further in emphasising the blur on the arm against the clarity of the mark in his illustrations, but the point still gets across.

And I do love the Alabasta callback (and a 3D2Y one) all these years later, making such an iconic moment important to the plot in a way that feels really natural rather than a pure nostalgia shoutout.

It's also fun officially getting inflation as a justification for the extreme bounty inflation you see with the old generations vs the new. That's the kind of thing you usually see pitched as a headcanon to fill in the gaps, but here it is.

Getting back to the main group, we're introduced to the real Elbaph and it impresses on every front. The scale and ideas - the island built up in the tiers of Yggdrasil, the non-lego version of Bigstein Castle, that steep, enormous rope bridge. The worldbuilding detail of the slats being too far apart for human travellers (Luffy proves he's a Crash Bandicoot 1 vet by walking on the railing instead) and the artistic detail in the braided ropes holding it up. Finding out the apparent columns seen in the sky in previous glimpses of the island are waterfalls trailing from the higher branches. This is beautiful. We don't even see the top of the tree, so it's possible there's more above. But there are no waterfalls cascading down into the highest level we can see, so it's unlikely a hypothetical third tier would be as densely (if at all) populated as the ones below. Oh, and there's also the name, I guess. I was never much of a believer in the theory that it was meant to be 'fable' spelled backwards for some story reason - it's just never been Oda's style of wordplay, especially being in English, and I think if it was an intended reading Oda would have provided the romanisation earlier so both Japanese and English readers could figure it out, and if it was that important the correct spelling would probably have been provided to translators and merch producers so we wouldn't have a replica log pose that reads 'Elbuff' - but I did always think the Elbaf spelling was more aesthetically appealing. But canon marches on.

The Elbaph lore and culture is starting to build. The land perhaps stands rudderless - we know that King Harald is dead and neither of his two known official sons has been able to ascend to the throne. Loki for obvious reasons. Hadjurdin for less obvious ones, but he was talking on Dressrosa about wanting to be king of the giants. Is there a third son, official or otherwise, who's taken charge? An usurper? A queen regent? Or are either the warriors or Elder Jarul simply keeping the peace until the issue of succession can be resolved?

Then there's Loki himself. Very, very cool design on this one, and I have no idea whether I want to see it put to use more as an ally or as a villain. The ambitious assassination of his father, false Sun God angle and talk of the end of the world sure give off a villainous vibe (and that Doflamingo tongue has a bad association) but that's only what we've been told. There may be more to the story about Harald, more to the role of Sun God and the idea that it will destroy the world (remember the double meaning of Luffy's Fishman Island prophecy?) and layers to Loki's personality not yet shown. When he gets free (because obviously he has to) I'll be waiting to see if his actions back up or contract what we've been told.

To fixate on one little part of his appearance, what's with the blindfold? And the rendering in the last panel revealing the shape of his eye? I would put down a reasonable bet that the devil fruit he stole gives a power somehow related to or activated via the eyes. On the other hand, the loss of an eye is a very Norse mythology thing to include. The missing rendering gives the feeling of an empty socket, and we are still due an important character with an eyepatch. Or it could just be intended to imply Loki is using Observation Haki or some some other advanced sense to "look" at Luffy through his blindfold. I can never be sure how far to overthink these kinds of small details.

This is a great chapter that sets the tone for a great arc, and I can't wait to see what's in store when Oda comes back from his well-earned research break. Full arc Egghead review for real next week.

[thefiresontheheight]

I had a dream about a book which began as a fairly boring YA story about a group of teens going to a two week program (experience? Interview? Contest?) at a prestigious, small private college where one person at the end of the two weeks would be awarded a full scholarship based on unclear criteria. There was a kinda quiet, intense, withdrawn kid who the book started with, with frequent asides to other teens here and also references to an undetected asteroid on a collision course with Earth. The kid was trying to win to please “her father” who wanted her here, and also had a crush on this baby butch but other than that we didn’t get much.

The first twist happened almost immediately in like the third cutaway to one of the other teens where it was revealed this popular girl was secretly a werewolf and prepping for the full moon set to happen near the end of the two weeks. The obvious twist was, oh, this is a supernatural teen drama okay. Wonder what’s gonna happen with the asteroid. But I know werewolves. Bet there’s a vampire too.

Then the next aside upped the ante with a quiet boy on campus being revealed to be, as far as he knew, utterly unable to be even slightly hurt. Cannot be killed. Could be functionally immortal. He didn’t know and he also, unlike the werewolf girl, has no idea how this had happened to him. Weirder and strange but still YA fantasy right?

And then the next chapter after that, about 20 percent in, had the main girls dad contact her, tell her that he had put a body guard their undercover, that “an enemy operative” was there and it was her responsibility to find them. She jumped to the conclusion it was the butch, used a “simple paraphysical construct” to cast fireball on the butch’s door. The butch then admitted that yea, she had come from the secret magitech space empire personally ruled by the intense girl’s dad, yes, she did kinda hate him and his secret police shit, like her, yes she had violated the law that said that Earth and other reservation worlds could not be contacted, but no she was not the enemy here on campus who, in less than two weeks, was going to try to wipe out life on Earth.

And I have no idea how it ends, but I kinda wanna find out.

[legendary-lunatic]

Okay, So I just finished binge watching all four Despicable Mes in one day, and I gotta say that I did not care for the fourth movie.

It was disappointing… which is a shame, because Maxime Le Mal is awesome.

The concept of a cockroach villain, is epic. He had a great character design, a fun personality, and he had past conflict with Gru.

The problem with the fourth movie is that it is not plot driven enough and instead keeps splicing screen time for family fluff moments and side characters like Poppy.

Poppy, as much as I thought she was a fun presence, was NOT needed in the movie, and neither was all of that Safe House Country Club shit. Why would they go out of their way to say ‘Hey Gru? Let’s stop acting like the grumpy protagonist we love and instead behave completely out of character so you can pretend you like playing tennis.’ It was unnecessary and not what we needed from a character we have grown to find charming because of the way he can be both kind and a grumpy asshole. (Like Shrek.) Shrek does not belong at a country club, and neither does Gru.

We introduce a villain school that Gru went to only to not only completely avoid talking about him or the school in that context, but bring it up again solely for an irrelevant character who overall contributes nothing the the story at hand.

All of the other films in some way had a proactivity to them that kept the main antagonist in mind, and this film does not work because they keep shoving Maxime to the side. They should have completely scrapped all the minion fantastic four hero parody crap and stayed focused on the overall narrative and developing the new central antagonist.

It would have been fantastic if we had gotten more background on the conflict between Gru and Maxime. Apparently they had a little rivalry or just generally were jerks to each other in school as we find out that not only did Gru steal his song, Maxime pantsd him in front of the school, not to mention how they interacted in the beginning of the film, so clearly there is bad blood. This is the first villain that had conflict with Gru specifically, and it would have been an excellent central plot point to focus on his early life, or a great way to develop a villain that’s built out of personal grudge rather than inherently destructive ambition like the others.

And instead that was SQUANDERED by this absolutely directionless travesty. Maxime’s girlfriend, first of all, was useless and distracting. All the little cutaway moments and side stories were unnecessary, and overall it was incredibly disappointing to have a guy that can CONTROL COCKROACHES do absolutely nothing with them. He could be strong and invulnerable, He could have been mutating more people, controlling swarms, he could have been going after Gru more intensely and talking about how they bullied each other and that could have been very interesting.

But no. This is the only film in which the main antagonist takes such a back seat that he can effectively be cut from the film and it would hardly impact a thing. Maxime had potential and stage presence, and they did nothing with it in favor of fluff.

And Listen, LISTEN, fluff isn’t bad, I love their family- but it should not comprise 98% of the film!!! It should be wedged into little moments between plot points. Even Despicable Me 3, which had a bizarre out of left field twin plot, handled their villain with more respect and managed to tie in the two narratives in a way that culminated in a final act that was satisfying to all the characters.

Brat had charisma and was a genuine threat and was present enough in the story that he was still necessary to the story overall because he and his diamond were the reason Gru lost his job and he and his brother did the heist to retrieve it. By the end of the first half of the film we knew that Brat was a washed up star that peaked in his childhood and was trapped in his nostalgia, and he had a fully fleshed out motivation and draw to him despite being rather simple that allowed us to indulge in his quirks. His pathetic nostalgic personality CARRIES that film because it’s funny and endearing and believable because we’ve all met someone like that.

But Maxime is not such a simple character by design because his motivations are relationship focused- and in this film they spend most of the time running away from Maxime, which is counter intuitive and lets us understand absolutely nothing about the guy. Because they didn’t delve deeper, Le Mal’s motivations were weak, and thus the overall STORY was weak. We don’t even know why he has such an intense hyper fixation on cockroaches that he would literally roachify himself and make that his central theme!!!

Why didn’t Lucy and the kids go to the safe house and Gru could stay to deal with his rival? It doesn’t make sense!!! And the AVL was doing nothing about the threat at all and instead was being ridiculous by giving the minions super powers? Ineptitude to the point of absurdity. What is the point of going to a safe house if they aren’t trying to resolve the issue and then Gru does it anyway?!!!!

Brain dead. Disappointing. On every level.

They didn’t even resolve the personal conflicts the girls were having, what with Margo having trouble at school and Agnes not liking telling lies! What was the point?!

The animation may have been pretty, but the plot was weak. The character motivations were weak because they didn’t expand on them. There were thousands of directions they could have gone with this film and they chose to go NOWHERE.

The best part of the film is the end, and only because we got to see Maxime be relevant for three minutes and it implies that they’ve managed to wrap up their implied but borderline nonexistent rivalry. And we got two seconds of Brat dancing way too over sensually to ‘Rule the World’ because it’s an 80s song (the power of character consistency)

I don’t like hearing ‘ItS JuSt a KiDs FiLm’- NO. Pandering to children is not an excuse for bad writing in family media, and this franchise has been out long enough that it has an audience larger than just kids. Kids media and family media deserve better and should still have good narrative standards. Do not insult our intelligence by giving us content without purpose. It costs millions of dollars and months upon years to make a film nowadays, there is no excuse for not sitting down and coming up with a decent story direction and cohesive plan. A family film can be enjoyable for little ones and still have depth to it-

Family movies have been getting insanely messy lately with their story content because they think seeing characters we like regurgitated at us with good animation is enough to keep the company afloat and appease everyone, and it’s irritating. Dig deeper, have some respect for your craft. Keep our expectations high to keep us coming back!

I love the Despicable Me world and characters, but honestly this was such a disjointed film that it was almost hard to enjoy because I just kept waiting for something, anything to happen, and was utterly let down.

Maxime Le Mal deserved better as a villain, and this film deserved better. This franchise deserved better. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

[ltstrikesback]

I know none of you like this show, but here’s more The Impossible Heir ramblings [spoilers ahead] because I do like it:

SO, I liked The Impossible Heir at first because I was queerbaited (lol), the main leads were all hot, and it had an ~eat the rich~ vibe.

Some shenanigans happened here and there that I didn’t love but I just attributed it to the writing and looked the other way. I’m willing to suspend my belief for entertainment and sometimes just want to turn off my brain. Mainly I was rooting for the main three characters and their plan.

WITH THAT BEING SAID: now that one of the main characters is a certified murderer, I’m rooting for the other two to continue their mission to eat the rich. Full stop. Fuck Inha. And if we’re being honest it was always Fuck Inha.

It is here however that I am having some trouble looking the other way. My brain will not turn off—this is directed towards the writers and the audience.

To the writers: asdfghjjk.

My main gripe is Inha. He was always characterized as arrogant. He picks a fight in school with multiple classmates in episode 1/2. He refers to his father as a God, and how that makes him more important than other people in society. He’s frustrated that his family won’t let him live up to his own potential. Because of this characterization, it’s not a shock that he has turned into a power-hungry person who is coming for the chairman’s position. In fact, this feels pretty consistent with the character; it was the plan he made with Taeoh all along.

I suppose that he turned on Taeoh, however, was supposed to be the twist. I’m having trouble with that because it feels consistent with how rich people are lol. Since I’m watching this through a Marxist lens (lol) his position in society was never far out of my mind. I wish that the writers kept his emotional characterization a little more consistent and treated his reach for power less like a revelation. Specifically, in the early episodes he was funny, dramatic, and comic relief. Now his facial expressions are all angry and aggressive. I’m guessing it’s because the show just revealed that he’s a murderer and abusive and now they’re trying to sell it to us. I think those choices would have hit harder if he was still funny, dramatic, “comic” relief through them! This is always who he’s been. It’s just now that he’s come within grasp of his power that he’s able to throw away his friends from a lower economic class. He’s finished using them. It’s a harder pill to swallow if the person who’s acting like a friend is actually fucking you over. I think that might be a more fun viewing experience and convey a more compelling message.

For this same reason (the idea that this was always who Inha was) I wish the writers didn’t treat the murder and abuse as a mystery. We saw cutaways of phone calls being made, and photographs being taken and feet in a hazy memory. When it’s revealed that Inha the one who called Hyewon’s mother, who killed his own brother, who set up his friend, it’s supposed to be a shock. I just don’t feel shocked that he would stoop this low. This would have been better for me if the story being told was that rich people are always going to be rich people. They shouldn’t be trusted.

To the audience: you know you hate women right?

I shouldn’t be surprised but here I am. I am going to quote my own post and reiterate: Taeoh and Hyewon were neighbors growing up. They’ve Seen each other with a capital S. They relate to one another and understand one another’s drive. The reason Hyewon says she’s too busy to date early on is the same reason Taeoh doesn’t pursue her. They individually have long term visions.

They are parallels in my opinion. They’re kind of the same person AND THEYRE BOTH EMOTIONLESS FOR THE RECORD. And it’s fine! Or at least it would be fine except you people hate women because they don’t smile at you. Or worse because a fictional character you’re crushing on likes her. I keep seeing comments like “why does he like her?” and you sound bitter tbh. Also I’ve seen comments where you think just Hyewon was using Inha. What?? They literally all say they’re using each other. You know what makes Taeoh and Hyewon different?? They haven’t sent their spouse’s abusive parent to harass said spouse. They haven’t assaulted their spouse. They haven’t killed anyone. They haven’t framed anyone for murder. They haven’t tried to get someone the death penalty. But you know who has? Inha. And Inha deserves to get used for the record. I hope the show ends with her as the owner of Kangoh tbh. Now that would be fun.

[sapphic-suchoripterus]

might be some controversial takes about Hazbin/Helluva under the cut but honestly I really don't know what the popular consensus is about any of it. I'm gonna try to keep these short but here's a list of thoughts I have so far.

-I'm interested in where Hazbin could go. The concept of rehabilitation for sinners and how the meaning of rehabilitation could change, as well as the unbalanced power of heaven vs. hell and who are the true sinners is very interesting.

-I don't find myself laughing at the humor of any of these shows. It feels like the kind of humor that's only supposed to shock you with the vulgarity. Which is only really funny to a teenager, not the intended adult audience.

-the music is hit or miss, mostly miss. The Hazbin pilot songs I particularly did not enjoy.

-the animation and design are nice, tho I'm not really sure who to credit with that, as I have been made aware that Vivziepop tends to take "inspiration" from artists in an informal manner.

-really do not like the sound design. The noises are obnoxious, the volumes are all over the place and there have been times where I cannot hear what characters are saying.

-voice acting is pretty good. I understand that fans got very upset when a lot of the actors for Hazbin had to be recast with union members and tbh I'm not bothered by that. Support unions.

-im worried about what they're gonna do with Vaggie. She's starting out as the partner to the main character but she's also been established as the "PC" character who annoys the fan favorites Angel Dust and Alastor.

-I'm not at all interested in Alastor, he looks like a satire of the Vivziepop style.

-Angel Dust is interesting, and I'm not too bothered by seeing an openly and overtly queer character, even if it's not sanitized. I am a little concerned about how quickly his character depth was revealed long before the first season is even finished. Could Viv really not wait to talk about Angel Dust that much? What will be left to explore in the show?

-also like, we are getting a LOT of content for Hazbin including a spinoff already on its second season, tons of merch and lots of droplets of information that end up on the wiki BEFORE the first season of the show is even out and it doesn't feel right, like the crew is celebrating the success of the show before its even out. Weird stuff. Not sure if it's gonna bite them in the ass yet.

-the Helluva pilot was not enjoyable at all and I didn't actually start watching the show until the second season

(here comes the big one)

-I actually don't mind too much what's being done with Stolas. It makes sense that a person with very few friends and trapped in an arranged marriage with a cruel partner would make the decisions that he has, regardless of whether or not they are the right ones.

-What I am concerned with is if the story with Stolas was planned from the beginning, or if it was decided later on to recontextualize his character when they crew decided they liked Stolas more than as just a cutaway gag in the pilot.

-Moxxie and Millie are... okay. On one hand it's nice to see throughout everything Moxxie has been through, as well as literally being in Hell, he still retains his kindness, empathy and love for his wife. Millie is... okay, but I get the feeling that she exists to keep Moxxie from becoming the series punching bag, like as compensation. Or a way to inject some "wholesomeness" into our main characters. I keep hearing that a Millie episode is on the way, but I don't know what really to expect.

-as a furry/scalie who isn't into canine anthros, I'm not into Loona.

-I'm interested in seeing more of what the other rings of Hell look like, tho I fear that the Gluttony ring is going to be filled with fatphobic jokes.

-The action scenes are usually pretty cool, tho with the Vivziepop style it can be a bit eye-strain-y for me.

-vivziepop stans are scary. seeing them jump to her defense whenever she faces a major criticism is frustrating and it only incites a bigger wave of criticism. see this post if you want my extended thoughts about it.

-this series is being produced, written and released in a way I don't think I've ever seen so I'm gonna try to keep an open mind about it, but that does not mean I'm gonna enjoy it blindly NOR am I gonna nitpick it. I'm gonna keep up with it and maybe share more of my thoughts, tagged accordingly and under 'read more' lines.