#as you can see we are very normal human beings

[bwat5-blog]

"Clearly, Caitlyn Kiramman Should’ve Known Better at 23: A Masterclass in Ignoring Trauma and Believing War Criminals"

**Spoilers for all of Arcane**

Recently I made the mistake of delving into the comments of an otherwise excellent post regarding Caitlyn Kiramman and the aftermath of her time as "dictator", specifically in terms of were there enough consequences? did she do enough to make it right? should more have been done to her? that sort of thing. In the festering cesspool of those comments, I saw a variation of the following statement:

"if we were doing things based on what was fair and just, Caitlyn should have been executed on behalf of the two cities for peace"

It was more crude but you get the point. This person alleged that Caitlyn deserved death for what happened during those few months. Before we move forward lets review what we know about all of this. I have quite recently covered a lot of Caitlyn's arc so I'm not doing a deep dive here. Just enough to address this particular bit of idiocy.

How It Starts:

Like I said we aren't doing a deep dive here, so just for a quick reminder as to where twenty-three year old Caitlyn is mentally at this point(regardless of fault or nuance, just the facts):

Has been almost killed by Jinx three times

Almost killed by Sheriff of Piltover

Abducted naked from her childhood home, forced to dress in Enforcer uniform, bound, gagged, and forced to attend Jinx's tea party where Jinx tries to get Vi to murder Caitlyn

Violently knocked out

Shows Jinx mercy at Vi's request

Jinx kills her mother

Trying to become head of house Kiramman

Undercity attacks the memorial

Survives strike team operations

Brutal fight with Sevika

Vi stops her from shooting again

Very emotional split from Vi after hitting her and leaving her alone

So, with all of that under consideration, a Noxian warlord in her fifties who has commanded troops on various continents across Runeterra, calls her up and says trust me, i have your back, we will get justice for your mother. And Caitlyn folds... Le Gasp?!

Guys I know this is a little more snarky than my usual approach, but this really is just not that complicated. This is not even subtle. We literally see the flash back of Ambessa orchestrating the memorial attack to get us to this point. Caitlyn is an open wound mentally and emotionally, she never stood a chance. Lets take a moment to review some important points here by the way:

Ambessa came to Piltover for Hex-Tech. She doesn't hide this from Mel and is quite clear in her goals.

"If there is a chance hextech can be weaponized, we must have it". Mel responds "Piltover isn't your testing ground... I can't believe you'd start a war just to cover your ass" And Ambessa responds "i would set the world ablaze to protect our family". And the conversation ends with Ambessa ordering her daughter to "let the war unfold".

2. She executes her plan to make Caitlyn her scape-goat in front of:

Councilor Salo

Councilor Shoola

Large group of enforcers

Group of twenty plus people who make up as Ambessa states "every house and family with a modicum of influence"

Not a single, solitary person says a word when Ambessa brings a twenty-three year old grieving young woman with, if we're being generous two months of combat experience though probably less, and says She is in charge now! They let Caitlyn be walked right into the jaws of the wolf herself.

The Great And Terrible Rule Of Caitlyn The Creepy! WHAHAHAHA!:

What she gives her okay on:

Occupation of Zaun

Lawful (under martial law not normal law) arrests of those who cause problems

Yep... there it is folks. There is the great list of terrible crimes against humanity committed by the she-devil of Piltover herself. Checkpoints and arrests. Which by the way I am not justifying. People being arrested subjects them to Ambessa's brutality once they are inside. And as we clearly see Rictus uses the right to arrest to brutalize a Jinxer, and to break up the rally. And Caitlyn absolutely shares some portion of the blame for that. But um.. the way people reacted I was really expecting more public hangings and and labor camps.

**Not really a good place to put this but just fyi, despotic mad-women don't usually have to get up early to please a craftsman guild over supply complaints... just saying..."

"But OP! Sexy Zangief was beating people up and breaking up peaceful rallies!"

Well fortunately we talk about that!

"Was it for my encouragement that your man Rictus was instigating violence?"

How does Ambessa respond? Not with anger, or rage. First with guilt "You don't trust me", then with approval when Caitlyn responds the blade cuts both ways "fearless child, you never shy",

Ambessa is a master manipulator. Caitlyn is and was grieving her mother, and her whirlwind extremely intense romantic relationship with Vi. She had a gargantuan hole in her heart and a woman with decades leading and commanding soldiers and learning strategy slid right in. Recall that in bed with Maddie Caitlyn almost is defending Ambessa, talking about learning so much from her and the lives Ambessa saved with her assistance getting control of Zaun, so they could hunt for Jinx. Caitlyn has legitimately come to care for Ambessa at least on some level. I even believe that on some level Ambessa has come to care for Caitlyn.

2. "Arrests require cause"

When Ambessa is suggesting someone in Zaun knows where Jinx is, this is how Caitlyn responds. Not with orders to start dragging people out into the street. Not executing children in the street or burning down buildings. And when Ambessa tries to justify it "What greater cause is there than returning peace to the city?" Caitlyn responds:

3. "Why is peace always the justification for violence".. (Note Ambessa laying comforting hand on Caitlyn's shoulder during conversation)

Ambessa gives her this speech: "we've lost so many.. the anger, the sorrow.. it's tiring. Gods, I know it's tiring.. But you will never rest knowing that she's out there. Or maybe I underestimated you. Maybe you have the strength I do not.. to forgive.. and trust in tomorrow.. the decision is yours commander.."

"I know you are so tired, I know you are exhausted. I know you want this to be over. But you can't feel safe with her out there. I know you can't. Unless of course you can do what even I can't. Forgive your mothers FUCKING MURDERER. But ya know, up to you"-

If you truly cannot see the insidiousness of how Caitlyn is being twisted and manipulated, I envy you the charmed life you have lead. But be weary my friend, "you're off the edge of the map, here there be monsters." (POC 1)

"But OP! Ambessa was experimenting with Hex-Tech and committing brutal interrogations!"

I will admit the show does not explicitly state that Caitlyn did not know about this. Explicitly. However, given our context clues I feel quite confidant suggesting she did not:

See literally everything she said above

Every time we see them doing this she is not present

It seems like they are in some deep and away part of the prison when they are doing this

In private after the failed hex-tech experiment, Ambessa laments that they didn't secure the scientists before seizing control of Piltover. She is openly discussing that they are the actual ruling power. I seriously doubt she would be doing that anywhere Caitlyn may come knocking.

She Could Have Stopped At Any Time! Maddie Even Say So:

You mean that Maddie? The Noxian spy who keeps an eye on Caitlyn from her fucking bed, taking advantage of Caitlyn's grief and guilt over how things ended with Vi? Caitlyn is reminded she has a choice twice. The first time by the spy in her bed, and the second time by Ambessa herself. Her loyalty is being tested. Not her conscious. Ambessa literally put eyes and ears in her bed, and some of yall wanna argue Caitlyn wasn't being controlled. Ambessa assumed the role of Caitlyn's mother, and had her spy take on the role of Vi. And I will say this. Sure. Caitlyn could have gone to Ambessa and called it all off. No more war, no more martial law, the council is in charge again so no more imprisonment and hex-tech experiments. And maybe.. just maybe Ambessa would have row-row-row your boated her homicidal ass home. I rather doubt it. I suspect that conversation would have ended with Caitlyn getting this treatment:

We have been over this already but for a reminder:

Ambessa came here for hex-tech to fight the blackrose. She instigated the memorial attack for her cause.

"I would set the world ablaze to protect our family"

As we will come to see later, her last living child begs her to stop the bloodshed, even offering to go back with her, and all Ambessa can see is weakness.

Other indicators of how she is doing with everything:

"I never expected this to go on so long.. I thought.. I don't know what I thought.."

"Up again?" Maddie tells us Caitlyn hasn't been sleeping

Forbids the use of the cells Vi was kept in

REWIND BACK TO HELLFIRE:

I recently just did an in-depth doc on the strike team, the use of the grey, and what all of this means in story. So I will keep this brief here. but I do want to discuss it as "SHE WAS GASSING KIDS!" is still being vomited up by every double-digit iq booger eater with a keyboard.

Ambessa orchestrated the memorial attack to force Piltover retaliation

The strike team is an alternative to a full-scale invasion by Piltover.

They are hunting dangerous drug lords, destroying shimmer, and hunting Jinx. All three seem fairly reasonable. The issue is not if they are doing something wrong, it's the reason Caitlyn has them doing it. All you have to do is refer to the handy dandy song lyrics they use as Arcane always does to understand this:

"Can I do the right thing for the wrong reason? Is it bad that I'm making friends with my demons, and Living by a couple deadly sins Just to make sure I finish what you began And I ain't afraid to lose a life or ten If it means that I get to win in the end (woo) So I'ma do this on my own, step into the danger zone Pull the pin and watch it blow" (Hellfire Fever 333)

4. Using a crowd dispersal agent that incapacitates bad guys with no documented fatal effects (see multiple characters exposed who are all alive and seemingly well, those images of the people with health issues were from the unfiltered, unaltered smog the Undercity used to live with)to hunt a target who likes to blow shit up seems fair. Also the fact that it knocks people out means they don't have to kill them.

Caitlyn's Remorse And Attempts To Make Things Right:

Literally starts a war with Ambessa to save Vander

Saves a hurt Vi with Jinx's back exposed to her when she is armed

Takes care of injured Vi in her own bed and postpones any judgement of Jinx until Vi wakes

"I Know!"

"We can't erase our mistakes.. none of us"- Equates herself with Jinx

"No amount of good deed can undo our crimes"- Equates herself with Jinx

"Hating you.. I've hated myself.. I just don't have the energy for it any longer.."

Tender moment showing IMMENSE regret during she and Vi's big scene.

The Cost:

One statement I saw opined that there is a difference between remorse and punishment, and that Caitlyn should have been punished. That giving up her seat and losing an eye hardly qualified. Well! Boy oh boy do I have good news for you. Let's take a gander at the physical "not punishment" she acquires willingly leading from the front lines against Ambessa:

Cracked in the head with rifle stock, twice: Skull fractures anyone? how about a lovely concussion?

Stabbed in the stomach: Internal bleeding, bile leaks, intestinal obstruction due to scar tissue adhesions, bowel perforation, the list goes on.

Kicked in the midsection while still stabbed: potential to drive knife deeper lacerating organs and such, just massive pain, potential catastrophic bleeding if a blood vessel was hit, potential rupturing of stomach, kidneys or liver releasing harmful fluids into abdominal cavity, potential for long term chronic pain or permanent organ damage

Leg sweep by Ambessa driving Caitlyn's head into the ground: potential tbi, brain hemorrhage, or further skull fracture, potential vertebral fractures, potential long term cognitive impairment or loss of motor control if spine is damaged

Kicked again: We covered this. Knife is still there.

Ankle pinned/Leg kick/backhand: All sorts of fun things happening to ligaments and tendons. Potential permanent disability. Potential concussion and bruising as well as a whole host of lacerations.

Headbutt with War mask on: Concussion, skull fracture, brain bleed

KICKED OFF OF HER FEET

Pulls knife out of her own body: Potential fatal bleeding, massive pain, possible peritonitis and respiratory distress depending on what all was damaged during the fight with the knife still in her body.

Sacrifices her own eye

Now lets take a quick look at some reasonable assertions for the mental "not punishment" she will likely suffer from after all of this:

Massive potential for PTSD just from the wounds alone

Losing an eye impacts her shooting which is a huge part of who she is and a link to her mother

A woman she shared a bed with levelled a rifle at her neck and pulled the trigger. Caitlyn thought she was going to die.. that doesn't just go away..

look at her face...

She is twenty four people....

4. Guilt over death toll of war

5. Guilt over Vi's possible death from downward spiral

6. Guilt over Vi's possible death from explosion in commune all born from Noxian;s arriving there

7. Guilt over everything done to the Undercity

8. Guilt over perversion of her families ventilation system

9. The fact that from season 1 Act 2 til now, she only ages a year and probably not even a whole one. Refer to my list in the beginning. She has not a single fucking second to breathe or heal from any of that shit

RESTITUTION:

So aside from willingly leading the battle that most of the undercity walked away from until Jinx shows up and almost dying for it, how does Caitlyn start to make things right you may ask? (because it is a start, for those who don't get that. This is the beginning of a story not an end). For the first time in what we understand to be the history of the twin cities, Zaun has a seat at the table. People are REALLLLYYYYY underselling this. I guess because they wanted a whole political treaty signed and to watch Caitlyn get shame-nunned through the street or something. IDK. But what I do know, is that Caitlyn gave away the ancestral seat of house Kiramman, and all the power and authority that came with it, and it now belongs to someone from the undercity. An equal voice. And it's just the beginning. It's not perfect. It's not all wrapped up in a big shiny bow, it feels real. Change isn't instant. It never has been and it never will be, and if you need that to feel fulfilled I understand, but this show was never going to be that for you.

Caitlyn Should Be Executed?:

So back to the original statement. Caitlyn should be executed in the name of peace between the cities. Well, I'll say this. if you see a 24 year old woman who inside of a year had her entire reality imploded, fell prey to the manipulations of a violent war monger close to 30 years her senior if not more, yet found her way back to herself and shed her own blood as a war hero TO SAVE HUMANITY, and your answer is she should be executed. Sure! So long as you admit you have the humanity of a toaster oven you fucking idiot.

To those of you who have continued to read, and share your thoughts, and been open to kind debate and discourse in good faith. You all mean the world to me. As I have said many times, opening myself up to this community has really happed my "real" life in a lot of ways and I love getting on here to appreciate and celebrate this story with all of you. That being said, this particular issue is so god damn irritating to me I am done being nice about it. Have a wonderful day!

[solar4seekstron]

They’re Hot!

TFRID2015!Bumblebee x Cybertronian!GN!Reader One-shot

Content: 16+, Bee loses his memories and Reader sees a side of him where he’s more open. Reader and Bee reconnect in the end where their relationship has grown.

TW/Tags: Angst, relationship problems, Bee neglecting reader, child bee showing his true feelings, argument at end, more angst again. Have fun crying you simps.

Notes: Reader is slightly taller than bee and reader has a very grabbable waist.

It was a normal day at the junkyard. It was getting late and Bee was still on his patrols with the others.

You stayed with the humans and Sidwswipe.

You have been super busy lately and honestly, you’ve needed a recharge. And so when the humans and Sideswipe noticed you were struggling to stay awake.

Sideswipe letting you know they’ll be fine and to go to sleep. You were hesitant but agreed. You can't keep doing this to yourself. So you stood and walked to your sleeping quarters.

It always felt cramped when in your alt mode.

For you at least and so Danny created a shack for you and your Conjunx bee.

You sent a message through the bond. But he doesn’t respond..

You soon fall asleep once lying down and Bee can feel your warmth once asleep through the bond.

And so you went to sleep. Only to be awakened by a light sound of talks and a bit of arguing. You were lying on your side when the door opened. You then heard the door locked and steps being made to you while you kept your optics closed.

Then you fell a cervo on your side. Digits gently rubbing your frame.

You’d then feel Bees dermas on the side of your neck as he lays behind you.

Spooning you from behind. He then spoke while his arm now wrapped around your waist and you felt his helm pressed against the back of your neck. He finally spoke in a gentle whisper. “Sorry for waking you. And keeping you waiting, Sweetsaprk.”

You let out a soft sigh and responded. Your frame moves only a little to get comfortable as you respond. “How was the patrol? Steel jaw still at large?”

Bee lets out a hum. Thinking back to when you last fought. Bee was so angry with how he flirted and even held you in a way that only Bee should be allowed to. Then again you were captured. So you couldn’t do much,

Bee finally responded. “No luck with even finding their base…” He remained silent.

You two as you looked down. He then spoke once more. “I missed you. Why don’t we..Go for a drive tomorrow? What do you say?” You can feel his stare behind you.

Finally speaking. “Sure. It’s been a while..Sweetspark.” You turned your helm a bit once you said that last word. His optics staring at yours as you glanced at him. You had a smile on your dermas. He has a much smaller one.

And so you both fell asleep together.

The next day when you were getting ready for your patrols and watching that cartoon Grim likes. Something about colorful horses who use magic. Not something you’d watch but you like seeing the big silly bot get excited over the songs and all.

You were then walking to the entrance waiting for Bee until he walked up to you. His face is neutral and he gently took your cervo.

Telling you there’s been a site of a Decepticon on the loose and how you need to stay here to protect the humans just in case. You were disappointed but understood. He understood this feeling through the bond. He apologized and kissed your forhelm before then pressing his own against yours. Making optics contact then leaving with the others.

Who said their byes to you. You let out a sigh and stayed waiting and waiting.

When they returned, you were looking over a data pad and heard the others drive in through the front. It wasn't even past the afternoon to evening yet. You also didn’t expect to see Bee with a large grin.

Something he didn’t really do before. So you know something happened.

You listened as Strongarm told you what happened. You then nodded and told her you understood. You all then are left with how to handle the matter.

As time passes, you continue your evening walks around the base to make sure everything is in order and normal. You didn’t know Bee was pranking the others. You made your way to the center of the junkyard. You were confused for a moment since you heard nothing. Usually, the others are here.

That’s until you then felt two cervos on both sides of your waist. You then feel them lifting you and when you are in the air looking back. It was Bee.

He had such a large grin on his dermas while he stared up at you.

You both heard Strongarm alongside Sideswipe speaking to Bee. Bee soon had a frown on his dermas while you remained in the air. “Sir, No! No bad Bee. Put them down right now!”

Bee stood there for a moment. Slowly putting you down but before your pedes ever touched the floor, he then lifted you once more and started to run with you.

Basically Bee giggling like a child while holding you above his head like you weigh nothing. The others chasing you both through the junkyard. Bee then yelled out with excitement. “Haha, I got a hot bot and you doooooooon’t!” You honestly didn’t even know what to do. You just have a ‘I’m so done.’

It soon got late and eventually, you were able to get down while the others got left behind on the other side of the junkyard. You then placed your cervos on his shoulders while he kept grinning. You then spoke.

”Bee come on now. You’re causing enough trouble already for everyone.” He then started hugging your waist. Taking you by surprise. He then spoke with a cheerful tone. “But I wannaaaaaaa play! Plus you're hot so a hot bot needs a hot gal in My Arms!”

You were surprised. Wondering if these are his true feelings. Maybe?

You then asked in curiosity. “So you find me cute Bee?” He giggled and spoke.

“Yeah! You’re hot! And the bond we have is making me wanna smother you with hugs and kisses even more. Even if it is icky!” He grinned.

Honestly.

You blushed a bit. Bee hasn’t given you a genuine compliment for such a long time. It was…nice honestly. Putting a genuine smile on your dermas. But you also remember this is him…fully. So you had to think fast to fix the situation. Maybe this is a sign to finally have a serious talk with Bee. You then spoke. Gently holding his shoulders.

”Bee, why don’t we play a……game? You be good and not prank the others then….I’ll um.”

He had a frown at first until he soon had a grin. Then speak to finish your sentence. “A kiss?”

”On the cheek.” You finished. Having a small grin on your dermas. He cheered like a little kid who got a lollipop. But then he said he got bored and drove away. Yelling as he got further. “See you later, Hotstuff!”

You let out a sigh as you turned away a bit. Holding the bridge of your nose.

Later that night Sidwswipe and Russel decided to babysit Bee. You leaving with Strongarm and Grimlock to deal with a Decepticon. Before you both knew it when you both saw the police. Knowing this might be harder than you thought. You three then heard Bee speaking.

Be then tried to make his way to the police until Strongarm gave the order for Grimlock to watch over him.

You and Strongarm making your way to the police.

When they were clear. You and Strongarm got to work with dealing with elephants. Everything else was kinda a blur since you were too tired. But you do remember Bee somehow getting to you and Bee riding on Grimlock.

You though were able to catch the Decepticon. Bee later joined you in the weird bouncy house place. Though you did struggle to keep your balance. “Bee! Stop goofing around and try to get him!”

Bee just ignored you and continued to have his fun. You have to step out to catch your breath.

When you walked back with the others. Bee was able to miss the quills and the Decepticon got hit instead. You and Strongarm stared at Bee in shock while he remained energized.

Strongarm then later gets the idea to strap him up somewhere. Strongarm then glanced at you for your opinion. You thought for a moment. Then looking at Bee. He then had his arms open trying to get closer to you while making kissing sounds.

Your cervo holding his face while his pedes keep moving.

Creating a line in the dirt while you remained still. You then let out a sigh and looked back at Strongarm. Speaking you then moved Bee around and held around his waist with your arm.

”Alright Strongarm. What’s your first order.” This caused her to grin and speak with enthusiasm. “Alright, everyone. Let's get to work!”

Should smiled at her then at Bee. Who looked a bit scared nod started to struggle to get out of your grasp. You and Grimlock getting to work with timing up Bee to this tower. You guys then tell him it’s a game.

The next morning, Strongarm and Grimlock went back to the base.

They were exhausted and you offered to stay behind. Napping against and sleeping elephant until you and the poor elephant then heard Bee shouting.

” Whoever did this! Is getting a large scolding when I get down!”

You let out a soft chuckle and then stood up. Stretching your arms then yelling to him. “I’ll get you down Bee. Just hang in there.”

You chuckle. Able to get him down soon while he grumbled and tried his best to remember what happened. You then explained while just seeming upset. “So instead of dealing with the Decepticon first. You decided I was more important? What were you thinking, Y/N?”

You frowned and spoke. Almost staring down at him. “You’re our leader Bee. Decepticons will always come. The same one or not. And You can complain all you wish but team or not. I’m still your Conjunx.”

He let out a sigh and spoke again. “That isn’t an excuse. Our job is the Decepticons come first and to not let foolery come first.” He almost got into your face. But only making it to your chest. You just glared down at him.

”So…if I was in danger but the Decepticon got away…” Bee seemed to be taken aback for a moment. His optics were a little wider as you spoke once more.

”Would you go after the Decepticon….even as I bleed out?” You were serious.

He just stared at you. Then turned his helm away for a moment. Trying to find his words. You continue to glare down at him. Farrowed optics and your optics dim as you stared at him. You then speak once more.

”You know the way you speak about ‘these’ Decepticons. Makes me rethink how you see me before I decided to join you on this earth mission. You changed Bee….But not for the better….I’m going home.” You turned away. Walking to the excite. But you soon felt his cervo grab your wrist.

He then spoke. “Wait. I’m sorry I didn’t mean.-“ You cut him off.

”Oh I know what you meant. But the team- family. Is everything. And I do wish to be a part of it still. But not as your partner.”

You pulled your wrist away. “We have Decepticons to deal with. Don’t want them getting away. Right?” You started walking away once more. Making it past the gate and soon transforming and driving back to the junkyard.

Bee standing there in almost defeat. Looking down with angry and upset optics.

Angry with himself he feels the bond soon break. Things weren’t the same much since then.

Oh man this one actually made me sad. Whe I realized how I wanted to end this i story while writing it. Rewriting the beginning was a bit hard. But I think I was able to make it work. If not. Oh well.

Hope you guys enjoyed this one like I did and as always a repost is appreciated. I hope you guys have a good rest of your day and I’ll see y’all in the comments!

[wendylianmartin]

Something I really like about Siren and Kappa is how well they work as a dynamic of a stronger partner protecting the other partner.

I feel like that's something we see in a lot in mlm stories, a stronger and protective partner while the other is weak and helpless. Even in heterosexual romances, where the girl often ends up being the weak partner. But I often do not like the relationships portrayed in these cases. 

The thing is, not being strong and needing physical protection is not a problem in itself. It's fine if one of the partners is physically stronger than the other and thus provides protection. What really bothers me is how it often leads to an unbalanced relationship with a power dynamic between the two. 

Because either it ends up being what the whole relationship is focused on, making the relationship seem one-sided, because the "weak partner" ends up being completely incapable without the other. Either these traits end up being a reflection of their whole personality, where the "strong" one is always aggressive and asserting power, and the "weak" one is always vulnerable and powerless, and the relationship seems unsettling, sometimes outright abusive.

I really like how we can clearly say that Siren is the one protecting Kappa and ensuring their survival. But it doesn't make their relationship feel unbalanced at all. Because how well one of them can protect the other from attacks doesn't sum up their whole relationship. There are many moments where we see Siren vulnerable while Kappa supports him in various ways: making him laugh, saying the right words to calm him down, defending him, showing concern for him, and so on.

It shows that there are more ways to take care of each other. And most of all, I really like how it does not reflect either of their whole personalities in any way. Even though Siren is the fighter and the strong one of the duo, he is really gentle, sweet and attentive to others. Meanwhile, Kappa is really more assertive and flirtatious by nature. They feel more human and realistic about how relationships work, which is a really nice touch that makes me appreciate them even more.

I’m happy you like how their relationship is portrayed. ;)

For me, it’s important that each person in the relationship really wants to put some kind of effort into caring for the other.

And that often looks different depending on the character which makes it very interesting to me. I like exploring how different characters show their love.

Characters aren’t perfect and they often having growing to do so it’s normal for relationships to be unbalanced and for characters to not be contributing equally at times. But as long as each character WANTS to show love to their partner and wants to do better for them, that’s what really makes me, as a reader, care about their relationship and get invested.

[wolfofcelestia]

oh, i didn’t really think about that. but yeah judging by what we know from the main story, sylus seems well liked by people who know him.

the mechanic he takes MC to talks about how sylus is often scapegoated, and implies sylus is a much kinder man than the impression he gives

the fact that the defected branch of onichynus created unnecessary casualties and bombed civilian areas show that some of the criminals within the organisation didn’t agree with sylus’s management style, which suggests they just didn’t like how he sort of played by a code of honour and wasn’t actually greedy for more power. like they think he’s not doing enough to “dominate” the city.

sylus’s biggest asset is mephisto—who he uses to watch over the N109 zone like a protector. he’s just sort of in the shadows watching over everyone, making sure things are going smoothly while keeping an eye on the EVER group

which reminds me, i think he watches over MC for the same reason. like ofc that’s his soulmate he’s been searching for through space and time but i think he also does it because MC’s life truly is at risk and he keeps tabs to make sure she isn’t exploited or taken as a test subject like tobias was.

we’ve only ever seen sylus kill corrupt people. so he clearly is an antihero with a moral code. he killed the EVER guy to send a message because these people are literally enslaving and abducting innocent people (including the almost extinct lemurians) and doing experiments on them to prolong their lifespans. sylus has seen firsthand what happened to the twins and i’m sure he’s seen even worse. the other guy he kills was a defected member of onichynus who was double-crossing him and was using the onichynus name to bomb civilian areas. i don’t think he killed the man because of betrayal, but rather because he was a threat to innocent lives and was absolutely shameless about it. like you said, he’s not a cop so he takes justice into his own hands. very antihero behaviour.

sylus also repeatedly has said he doesn’t like picking on the weak. in his anecdote he frees the captive beasts and returns the treasures back to their rightful owners after killing a tyrannical overlord.

you’re definitely right. he’s not only distrusting of the law, he’s been burnt by the law system. he’s been treated unfairly and he knows the real criminals are the people in power (like the story he mentioned in Lost Oasis of the seven gods that were beheaded for being capricious and exploiting their followers). every aspect of his story is so heavily connected to corruption in power, greed, and exploitation of the weak by individuals and organisations who want to “play god”. and he’s at odds with such people because these people are the kind who wiped out his entire species in a genocide, trapped him in an abyss for centuries, are directly related to the EVER group who successfully managed to prolong human life and move to philos, etc etc.

i’d love more anecdotes on sylus and his life and yes! more companions. i’m almost entirely sure that he was imprisoned in the space-time prison for going against some corrupt person in power, or he was scapegoated.

Yeah, we don't actually know the reason why he was in that top security prison huh? I wouldn't be surprised if it was Ever behind it all, either using him as a scapegoat or sentencing him harsher than normal. Even in one of the first glimpses we saw of Sylus, when he deliberately walked past the flower struggling to grow in an unnatural environment, it was clear that he isn't one to hurt or destroy anyone/anything that didn't warrant it

Even though we have his myth, we still don't know much about him in the present timeline. They really need to step up with giving us his lore before he gets overshadowed by Caleb entering the game

He was definitely keeping tabs on MC to keep her safe. We know a lot of people are after her aether core, but I also like to imagine him letting her do her own thing to see how brazen and strong she can get without him. If she had failed to become a hunter, I feel like he would step in sooner when she began investigating her past. And I feel like he would train her himself so that she could protect herself from people tracking her down and so she could come along to some of his "deals"

[megpricephotography]

31st December.

A new update on Flynn's health/kidney problem & treatment/ medication is below the cut.

For those who didn't see the earlier post: Flynn has an issue where the fine filtration system in his kidney (he only has the one!) isn't working quite as it should & protein is "leaking" out & being lost in his urine, & it causes damage to the kidney. You can measure the protein loss by checking urine & getting the "UPC level". A normal dog's UPC is 0.5 or less. Flynn's was 3.6 in October & November. At the start of December 2024, Flynn started meds - ACE-inhibitor, called Fortekor - to hopefully bring his UPC down a bit. My last update before Christmas was that unfortunately, while Flynn's blood work was better, his UPC level had gone up - to 5. We weren't sure if it was an anomaly, or if the Fortekor hadn't fully started working yet, or it was actively reducing kidney function. Vet wanted to check Flynn's blood pressure (if it's high, another medication needs to be added). So, we kept giving Fortekor over Christmas & on 30th Dec, I took Flynn to the nurse to get that done, plus, I took another urine sample up. Spoke to the vet today. Flynn's blood pressure results were hard to analyse - low, then kinda normal, then very high! The machine beeped & Flynn is weird about noises... so as well as general stress of being at the vets, that probably didn't help! We're going to re-check, with a different (quiet!) machine but as of now, the vet doesn't think Flynn has high blood pressure. The bad news: Flynn's urine sample showed his UPC level has gone up AGAIN!! It's now at 6!! Urgh. He's also seemed really tired & just quiet lately & maybe feeling a bit sick(?). Given his UPC was stable before starting Fortekor & now gone up twice in 1 month, I've decided to take him off it (unfortunately, this is right after spending £60 on a new packet but that can't be helped!).

We'll do another urinalysis in 2 weeks, so mid-Jan, & see if the UPC level has dropped. If Fortekor was the trigger for this rise, he should hopefully improve once off the tablets. There are other types of ACE-inhibitors we can potentially try... it's just they're made for humans & prescribed "off-label" to dogs. . Anyway, sorry - long & this is not the update I'd hoped for on NYE... I love Flynnie so so much & I hate not knowing if/how I can help him stay healthy. I've definitely felt he's not quite right these past couple of weeks, I'm just hoping & hoping he picks up again & his results in 2 weeks are better, not worse... & then we can maybe try something else.

[judasiskariot]

@judasiskariot and @bhaal-battle-beer-bard personal "Being grateful"

I just wanted to sit down and take a moment to look at all the things I can be grateful for.

A lot has happened this year, bad things, really bad things. On top the last few days and weeks in particular have been unnecessary...complicated again. But I can't help but see that, unlike others, I can't laugh bitterly when it comes to expressing gratitude and seeing the good things.

And there are many, very many of them good things. Every small thing matters.

You just have to want to see them. (It is not always easy, that is ok)

But if you decide to find just one thing every day that you're grateful for and that made you smile, you'll find it. Try it. It becomes more and more easier.

And yes, I may sound like a fortune cookie and that may sound absolutely annoying and superficial and you can ignore me if you like.

But maybe it will help someone. Maybe someone needed to hear that today.

There were accidents, there were losses, but when I think about the year, the last months, weeks and days, I see the moments that made me smile. Celebrate the small moments and not the big tragedies to burden your heart. I am sure you had many victories that you just haven't seen yet.

For example after 10 years of silence I am reconnected with an old friend of mine, like no time was lost.

There is wonderful @aristenfromwarsaw with whom every conversation is a dream 😊

@alpydk without them tumblr already seems not like the same anymore 😄

I can't get enough of rambling with @yennefer-of-vengerbergs about anything! Most fun! 😁🤗

Lovely @pinkberrytea being my mutual is still incredible and unbelievable🤩😍🤩 You lovely human being 😘

@heytheresunflower always has a hug for me 🫂 so as @anacdoce blushing words on works that make me faint 🥹

And @goromimii without her I would never been able to write with all those wonderful persons. It all started with you and I know you always got my back when I need to 😘

@blazingsaza you are just part of my tumblr brain chemistry and also outer space 😄 Writing with you is a joy 💙

And so many other moots.

I just wanted to let you know that you are amazing and taking the chance to tell you I appreciate you.

Small things, small moments.

But for me they are worth being thankful for.

And great interactions and people are just a message away and when I think about what you could miss if you hadn't sent that message 😭😰😱😢 So if you don't know whether to write to someone: Do it! A wonderful conversation is just a Hello! away. Don't let fear and insecurities take that away from you.

Let people know when they had an impact on you, that you love them. They don't know it out of the blue, you have to tell them.

I know it takes courage to go straight up to people and compliment them, to say you did a great job, I'm proud of you. (It's so sad that it is like that, but it is)

But please do that.

Do that more often. Take a heart.

Just one kind word can save someone's whole day, their whole week.

It gives so much energy.

Just a kind word, a smile, can make a difference for someone.

And joy and love always increase when you give them to someone.

(Yeah, there are better options than the end of the year and it shouldn't take this to be grateful and to reflect, but unfortunately I didn't get around to it before. And I may sound like a dumb inspirational sayings calendar, but if it helps just one person not to end the year sad or frustrated, or it makes someone smile, then it has served its purpose. All I wanted to say is, that it is normal that we can't see the beauty of the world when darkness is deep within us. And at the end of the year, many people feel that way. It makes me sad to see this. And I just wanted to let you know that the wonders of the world are not disappearing, but are waiting for you when you are ready to see them again. But maybe one or the other needs a little reminder. Maybe I could help them with that. I would be happy. Maybe delete later because I don't know if my blather should be in the void out there.)

[donaviolet]

I was at school break today and one of my friends was playing Honkai Star Rail on her phone instead of talking to us and we started joking that she was being controlled by the Evil Brick of Globalization (her phone) full of Homosexual Cowboys (Boothill) and that the Church (us) was against it

Then I simply said ✨I cast Divine Punishment✨ while making magic-like gestures and one of her characters died at the exact same moment

[trauma-bot]

patron saint of never growing old

[apollos-olives]

"go to palestine and see how they treat you" okay. i did. they treated me like normal. i'm palestinian and queer and they treated me just fine. but you know where i was treated like shit for being queer??? the u.s. of fucking a.

[alxastrx]

When you're one of the most selfish mc who only saves people because it's part of a job you never wanted and did not get to chose or you would've died, who took your co-workers' morals and ideals because you didn't have any and desperately wanted to fit in somewhere, be it with the heroes or the villains, who's activelly haunted by one the most tragic past to have been created and suffer from a psychosis so bad (dare I say schizophrenia) that even your enemies acknowledged that you are mentally ill and objectively flawed in your judgement, never hesitated to try to kill anyone and has the most egoistic reason to be a good person but the fandom still thinks you're just a kind crybaby "I don't know what a gun is" homosexual twink.

[jessamine-rose]

*lovingly tackles Aine*

Read my Yandere! Pierro longfics first ♪( ´▽｀)

Last week, my beloved mutual @ainescribe surprised me with Savior! Darling fan art and AHAI9232@2-!/! CRYING SCREAMING I WANT TO LOOK AT THIS ART AND WORSHIP YOUR VERSION OF SAVIOR THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BLESSING ME WITH YOUR ART—

*clears throat* Anyway, now that I finally have the time to properly sit down and comment on the fan art, I’ll do just that. Feedback will be in the tags and it will be unhinged. Once again, thank you so much to Aine for drawing this <3

[shippy-from-apocalypse]

Ok im Very sleepy rn it's 2 am bare with me

What do we think Jon would think of How The fandom sees him? And I don't mean this in a pedantic "oh fandom bad because dumbed down and Insert Petty Headcanon Disagreement"

I mean this entirely in a "How would Jon, The man who believes himself to be an Irredeemable monster who is to blame for everything that ever went wrong, react to Just so so many people listening to his shortcommings and ultimately seeing his side"

Like yeah everyone agrees he's kind of an asshole sometimes but he is so beloved by The fans?

I'm sure some people did but I've never seen anyone doubting his humanity or blaming him for the horrors™ he Just clearly understood as his fault? Like yeah Martin tried telling him it wasn't but what I'm getting at is

I love to think about what Jon would do If he saw just the ocean of people who listened to (what he considers to be)

the most unsympathetic person in the world becoming a monster and making choices that brought the literal apocalypse upon humanity

and pretty much everyone saying "he did the best anyone could reasonably expect and he is not a bad person for being caught in the crossfire of an impossible situation with no good solutions"

remember that time in mag 187 a lady grabbed jon in fear and he shouted and presumably pushed her away? and everyone and their mother defended jon's humanity because that was a textbook trauma response i think he would break down crying if he saw that

[sometimesmaybespoof]

CHRIS GETS HIS NECK ADJUSTED BY HIS TRUSTED CHIROPRACTOR :D

OC by my beloved friend @cult-rangoons <3 hi bestie teehee

[elytrafemme]

my best friend (no. 4, i'll start assigning emojis soon for lore followers) asked me about BPD and i told them i'd talk more about it in person because BPD is the exact overlap of my own lived experience (note: i am not diagnosed but have extensive history with BPD in a secret more confusing way) and my psychological interest. but like now i'm thinking about it and generally speaking i think anything that was a symptom towards BPD i experienced has either grown more mild now that i'm out of an active trauma situation, OR has just become part of what i consider my amorphous CPTSD thing,

but i do like. think about the efforts to avoid perceived/real abandonment. and maybe i've not gone to the lengths some folks might with this but to be honest the more i think back to my own personal history the more i realize that i do in fact repeatedly do insane shit to avoid abandonment 😭

[lanshappycorner]

Sometimes I look outside my scope of mutuals and I'm like.....I'm glad I'm not them (whole essay in the tags)