#at best we had someone who wanted to kill him but so indirectly and then someone who was supposed to kill him but didn't get the chance

[cupboardgods]

Thoughts on arresting Klaasje

So I really liked this post by @jjjunebuggg, and I started writing this in the tags. But it ended up being too long and I didn't want to hijack the post with my tangent.

Also, in writing this, I realized I never had to give her a station call slip, did I? Is that something you can do? I've played five times with different builds and intentions, and I think I did 1 arrest and 4 call slips. It didn't occur to me that not doing anything was an option. Oh my god.........................

...

Anyway. I want to talk about not the morality of arresting Klaasje, but moreso the legality of it.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm of the mind that Klaasje didn't do anything to warrant arrest. Not that she didn't do anything wrong! She did, for reasons. But I gave her the call slip so many times because I genuinely didn't think it fair to arrest her.

She came to the city because "corporate espionage" is technically legal in Revachol, so she couldn't be tried for those crimes in Revachol. The extradition laws meant she couldn't get in trouble while she was there without being handed over to the ICP. But you can't legally arrest her for corporate espionage (although you can threaten her with it and then do it).

Maybe this is me being a bad detective, but it's not fair to call her a flight risk, even if she flees--Klaasje willingly hung around the crime scene, waiting to be interrogated, for over a week. She gave her testimony (and lied, but oh well, not under oath right).

Here's the fayde link to the reasons you can give for arresting her--none of which I think are actual charges (save for "murder suspect", for which there is little evidence to accuse her, especially if you know the actual cause of death).

Kim talks about how the RCM relies on call slips and fines over making arrests "to avoid overcrowding". If you don't arrest Klaasje, then giving her a call slip covers your ass. The call slip makes the paperwork clean, absolves the policeman of some fault, especially if you solve the case. More on this in a second.

Because of all that, it frustrates me that your colleagues give you a hard time about "letting a witness get away." Kim can say, "We really should have arrested her," during the tribunal. On what grounds should we have arrested her? To be sacrificed to the ICP because we're moralintern dogs? To be handed off to the mercenaries to appease their wrath? Literally Kim, shit timing. There was no reason. IMO it was her legal right to flee, as much as it was for Joyce to leave on her boat.

When Jean grills you for "failing to assess a flight risk" and "letting the witness go," I think his complaints demonstrate a systemic preference for corruption. Which like, duh. The RCM is full of corruption, they "exist in the twilight of international law", they're an imperialist armed force, etc. But this particular instance stands out to me because I believe in Klaasje's legal freedom, not just moral.

What makes me so sad, for both Klaasje and Ruby, is that if they both run away, they become fugitives. Idk if an officer can shred that station call slip, but if it gets filed, the ICP will know Klaasje's in Revachol right? It's another way of dooming her in the long-term, without a spooky shivers check weighing on your conscience.

Both of them were trying to bury criminal pasts; in playing the game you're investigation digs them back up cruelly. This is made even more ironic because you can spend the entire game wondering if Harry himself is in the the pocket of La Puta Madre. If he is, or was, he's protected by his job.

Even Ruby's involvement in the harbor drug trafficking was only legally dubious right? Not outright incriminating. I think it's likely that both of their criminal identities would fade into obscurity, maybe because of Le Retour, maybe because of time. But still they're two vulnerable people who're permanently on the run when they both could have had a long-term home in Martinaise.

Anyway, great writing in the game as always. Love that I can play five times through and then some, and still fail to question the narration, authority, or even myself. Like I needed another reason to play again.

[sebscore]

TWITCH WAR

pairing: lando norris x driver!reader (brief cameos of charles and russell george)

warnings: swearing. rumplestiltskin. mention of george being a war criminal. wetting pants.

author’s note: not my best work, but this has been sitting in my drafts for too long. anyway, enjoy 💖

• • • • • • •

''Do I play with Y/N?'' Lando read the question out loud, seeing it in his comment section. ''Well, she always told me she was very good at like any kind of game and that she would kick my ass, but then I played with her and… let's say she's definitely not as good as me.'' The Brit bragged about his own skills, a smirk forming on his face.

He glanced at the incoming replies from the fans, enjoying their reactions. ''She asked to play together a few weeks ago and we did, but ever since then I haven't dared to play with her again,'' he grinned, ''whenever she asks me now, I just go offline.''

''Oh, she's gonna kill me when she sees this.'' He giggled like a schoolgirl.

She did in fact kill him when the clip of him talking shit was sent to her by fans and even other drivers. Not literally, that wouldn't be a good career move, but she took to Twitter to indirectly respond to Lando's ''claims''.

YourUsername: people, don't take the words of twinks seriously 😫

Y/N's clapbacks didn't stop there as she went live on Instagram not too long after Lando's Twitch stream. Fans obviously couldn't help but ask about the British driver.

''Do I still want to play with Lando? Nooo~ I don't want to stream with him anymore, I really don't.'' The grin on her face was a dead giveaway she was only teasing him. ''He's super bad, that Rumplestiltskin.''

''She called me Rumplestiltskin?'' Lando read the comment out loud, his eyebrows furrowed. ''What does that even mean?'' He couldn't really remember where the name came from, so he decided to look it up and was met with the character from Shrek.

He gave the camera an unimpressed look before moving on. ''You guys want to know a fun story about Y/N from our karting days?'' A smirk already appeared on his face.

''She was pushed off track by someone and she pissed her pants because of it.''

''It was water! I didn't wet my pants, oh my god!'' The driver exclaimed on stream, not believing that Lando actually told that story. ''We were like 9 years-old.''

''You know, Y/N, I think I also remember that.'' George chimed in, he had been amused by their little Twitch war ever since they started it.

She rolled her eyes upon George's words. ''Hey! It was probably you who pushed me off the track in the first place, you war criminal!'' Y/N clapped back at him.

''Anyway, Lando shouldn't be speaking at all when he still looks and talks like a 9 year-old.''

''Lando, should we invite Y/N to play with us?'' Charles asked the McLaren driver after seeing countless comments in his chat asking about the female driver.

The Brit loudly sighed, causing the Monégasque to burst out laughing. ''What's wrong, Lando?''

''Because of her, people keep asking me if I've hit puberty yet.'' He said, frustration audible in his voice, much to the entertainment of Charles and everyone else watching him.

Their ''beef'' came to an end when the media had started to pick up on their back-and-forths and tried to make it seem like the two close friends hated each other and that they would become a danger to each other on track.

''Are you worried that the words you and Y/N have exchanged over social media will have an effect on how the two of you perform on track?'' One reporter asked Lando in a press conference.

He shook his head. ''We're just joking around, honestly. We've been friends for a long time and we've always joked around with each other like this, so, no, it won't have an effect on track.'' He politely answered, slightly ticked off by the seriousness of it all.

Y/N had been placed into a different group for the press conference, where she was asked about their ''war''. ''There have been some harsh word exchanges between yourself and Lando Norris, are you two on good terms or is there some sort of bad blood?''

''Yeah, we hate each other,'' her sarcastic tone sticking out, ''that's why we voluntarily spent all that time together when we're not racing.'' Her answer gathered laughs from her fellow drivers and even some reporters.

''Also, when we're on the topic,'' she stated, ''just because Lando hasn't hit puberty, doesn't mean that I haven't.''

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

Sorry, but can I just stress something about Louis that drives me insane? 

In his route where you've saved him, he kills Dorian. Louis directly kills another person. He shot her with a crossbow through the mouth.

It’s unavoidable. 

Sure, it’s considered an accident, and even so, it was also self-defense—Dorian sure wasn’t there for a friendly chat, after all. 

But here's the thing... of the Ericson crew, we know that Clementine, AJ, and Marlon have killed someone. And Minerva if you want to count her, too, since she once was part of the group . But the others? Maybe they have killed before and we just don’t know about it, whether it be out of mercy or self-defense.

Violet in her route had the chance to kill Minerva, but understandably, she didn’t. She opted to shoot her in the shoulder instead… but we never see her kill anyone herself. 

Maybe you could count indirect kills because of the bag of bricks/log that kills Yonatan, and maybe you could consider Mitch’s death as indirectly Tenn’s fault… Speaking of Mitch, he tried to kill Lilly, but we all saw how that turned out, didn't we? 

…but Louis? He killed Dorian. That was his first kill. His first. 

And he feels awful about it! He apologizes to the body as it lays warm at his feet! He’s shaking and can barely speak!! It feels like bile! He doesn't even have time to process it because uh oh, the boat's going to explode!

But he’s also been so hardened over the season by everything that’s happened to him that he comes out of it glad that he has it in him to kill because if that’s what it takes to protect Clementine, AJ, and his family and home, then he’ll do it even if he doesn’t want to.

How does that not drive anyone else utterly mad?

Fandom considers him the funny guy! He's cute and silly! He makes Clementine laugh!

He's also done murder! He's taken a life! Just like Clementine and AJ have! Just like Marlon did!

And honestly, I think this also leads to him forgiving AJ for killing Tenn because at this point, he understands. He hates it, and he wishes it didn’t have to be this way, but he gets that AJ saw something that he didn’t. Louis knows that AJ’s hurting just as much as he is, he even says as much if Clementine says anything other than “AJ saved your life” on the bridge. 

He relived Marlon’s death when Tenn died, but it’s not like his hands are clean, either… and neither were Marlon’s. Clementine’s hands definitely aren’t clean. 

It drives me crazy that best friends Louis and Marlon have each killed someone in TFS but Marlon killed Brody in a moment of panic because he’s a coward who wanted hide what he did while Louis killed Dorian in a moment of panic because he was trying to save Clementine from Minerva and she came up behind him like… hhhhnnnnggggggggg, y’know?

Oh, and don't even get me started on the clouis aspect of this because I'll lose it. He talks to her about it because he knows she'll understand, just like how she's always understood him. How he goes out of his way to tell her that having a home means protecting it and he's going to protect it [that home being her, AJ, and Ericson] no matter what because he wants to build this new life with her aaaaaaaaaaaaaand I've lost it—

[fsfghgee]

How do you think Bi-Han's father died? We know it was an accident and Bi-Han probably just stood there watching. I'm curious to know how that accident happened and why Geras was telling Scorpion that he wasn't ready to see how it happened 🤔

Also, was Bi-Han's father really respected in the clan? Why did everyone follow Bi-Han after he decided to stop serving the land. The only ones who refused to follow him were Kuai, Tomas and apparently Cyrax too.

I still think it's weird that a powerful cryomancer like Bi-Han's father should have been just died in an accident. Not that I doubt it, because Bi-Han sounds very sincere when he admits that he let their father die, but it's weird to imagine that the Grandmaster died in a simple accident. Like, I know there are people who think that Bi-Han actually killed his father because many characters accuse him of it, but the reality is that they simply associate Bi-Han's lack of remorse along with the information that he let the old man die as an intention to kill. And I don't blame them, really, if you refuse to save someone you could have saved, you are indirectly responsible for that person's death.

However, I feel that despite him not having the best relationship with his father — and that just like Sektor looks up to her father and has a good relationship with him, Bi-Han admired his mother more and had a good relationship with her — Bi-Han, being the first in line of succession and trained since childhood to be a Grandmaster, lived following his father around. Accompanying him everywhere and observing how his father behaved. I can bet that Liu Kang watched Bi-Han and Kuai Liang grow up and this hatred Bi-Han has for Liu Kang and his deceased father has been growing inside him since he was very young, it has been inside him for a long time, most likely since his mother's death. He actively blames the mediocrity of the Lin Kuei on his father's bad decisions and his blind loyalty to Liu Kang. However, he didn't hate his father as much as he hates Liu Kang to kill him in cold blood…

Which makes me imagine only two scenarios for the death of Bi-Han's father:

1 - Bi-Han, accompanying his father on another mission to a hostile place in some realm, was attacked by enemies who, despite having been subdued by him and his father, the Grandmaster ended up hanging on the edge of a cliff and Bi-Han ignored his father's calls for help and just watched him fall to his death.

2 - Bi-Han, accompanying his father on another mission to a hostile place in some realm, was attacked by enemies who, despite having been subdued by him and his father, the Grandmaster ended up buried by a landslide/rockslide and Bi-Han just watched his father take his last breath instead of trying to rescue him.

Geras must have seen in the hourglass Bi-Han watching his father die with a sinister smile on his face. And if the vision must have been a shock to him, I imagine he believes that Kuai Liang would hate his brother even more and go after him to kill him right away if he saw it. And we know that according to Geras' bio, he is responsible for trying to ensure that Liu Kang's vision for his timeline is not changed, and among this vision is that Scorpion and Sub-Zero should be brothers, belong to the same clan (Lin Kuei), be allies, Hanzo never being relevant enough to the point of threatening Bi-Han's life so that Bi-Han would never die and be resurrected as a Wraith in Quan Chi's service. If Geras showed the vision of their father dying with Bi-Han probably smiling and with his arms crossed, he would be fomenting the hatred and desire for revenge that Liu Kang wants so much to prevent from taking over the Scorpion of his timeline.

About whether Bi-Han's father was respected or not…

I believe he had respect for being the Grandmaster, having the ideal of only serving and defending Earthrealm and for carrying the cryomancy blood of the Lin Kuei founders…

But he didn't have even half the charisma that Bi-Han has, that's why most of the Lin Kuei remain loyal to Bi-Han. Some of Bi-Han's intros about the followers and the things Sektor says in the story mode (and some intros too), reveal that Bi-Han is a greatly admired leader and most of the Lin Kuei believe that the clan should really be an empire and rule Earthrealm:

And as Bi-Han himself said…

This power he seeks for the Lin Kuei is simply the only solution he sees that can be effective in freeing the Lin Kuei from Liu Kang's control forever. Bi-Han and the Lin Kuei do not want to continue hiding and only coming out of the shadows to defend people who have never expressed any gratitude for their sacrifice over the centuries.

They no longer want to get involved in conflicts they didn't start and lose family members under Liu Kang's orders. They no longer want to serve as lackeys to a god who clearly favors others…

They want to fight for Earthrealm on their own terms. And receive the respect they deserve by doing so.

,,,,,

[beevean]

It took me a lot of time to put into words that Isaac, simply, wants to feel important.

On one hand, there's his wanting to be the perfect weapon for Dracula. He is subservient to a T, he changes his body for him, he refuses to think about what they're doing, in pursue of surpassing Hector and becoming the Lord's favorite. He never accomplished that. It eats him up inside, and drives him to do illogical actions, like insisting on fighting Hector on fair terms to prove himself.

"I'm not as thoughtful as you, Hector... If you have a good weapon, you use it, don't you?"

"Good for you that you can judge our Lord’s deeds… It’s not bad for my position. But I will not tolerate any disservice and betrayal towards Him."

"I will not deny your loyalty..."

On the other, there's Hector. Isaac isn't going to submit to Hector, of course, not when Dracula indirectly forced him in that position already. At first, he wants to be at least his equal: he respects him but as I mentioned he wants to prove himself against him in a fight. Again, he doesn't accomplish that, and in fact Hector defeats him when wounded - and, in a last spit to his face, leaves him alive, unworthy of being finished off.

"Take a look at this pathetic sight, my Lord, my broken sword used as a cane. My body is the proof of Your expectations for him. Please ridicule me, scold me, next time I will do whatever it takes."

But then, he chooses another way. For three years, Hector dominates Isaac's every thought, as he rots away, hidden, a waste, a failure, while Hector gets everything he ever wanted.

"Mhh... You make that kind of face too… I've gotten a lot better too... How many times has the moon waxed and waned, I wonder?

"That’s a nice expression… I'm happy. Good pain is proof of life. I won't afford you the peace of death easily: live, spit blood, and then…"

He writes Hector's name under his boot, which can be interpreted in many ways, but I personally see it as a symbol of how thoroughly Hector owns him, like a toy.

So, then, Isaac flips the script on him.

I have spent words already on the significance of Isaac killing Rosaly. I also mentioned how repaying Hector with the same trauma he had inflicted on Isaac, albeit unwittingly, puts Hector in the position of the one being "owned" like a toy. Now it's Hector the one who is obsessed with Isaac, ruled by his anger and hatred. Isaac can play with him as he pleases. He can move him around like his puppet, and Hector will obey, not because he's stupid, but because Isaac has seized control of his emotions and thoughts. Isaac went from being dead in Hector's eyes to being his only reason left to live. At last, for a short while, Isaac was the most important person in Hector's life - and you bet he was relishing in that power, he who was made to feel worthless by the same man.

Hurts even more than even in his death, he was being as second best, as faulty material for his Lord's resurrection, his body left to be crushed under the castle.

It contrasts with Hector, who wants mostly to feel safe.

"The ability to rebel and blaspheme against the Divine Providence is accepted without blame. A place where we are allowed to exist."

When he talks in the MF manga that he sought power for the sake of remaining human, he was most likely referring to the power to live in peace, unthreatened, not feeling weak or vulnerable. He didn't care at all about being important to Dracula, something that Isaac envied instead.

It's yet another tragic parallel that Hector ended up being important to many people. To Dracula, as I said, as his best Devil Forgemaster. But to Rosaly as well, as someone she could live with and love, and to Julia, as someone who could help her and support her in her grief. Hector clings to people much like Isaac does, but not to the point of destruction, whether to himself or others.

[cleabellanov]

Jet-Skiing through identity: A deep dive into Mobius M. Mobius (part 4)🛥️

"And I'm yours but you're not mine" (Say Don't Go)

That's Mobius in season 1, because from all we know, he was the one to fall first. A fall that, just like domino pieces, results in a beautiful union of...well, everything.

But now, in season 2, his love is finally reciprocated. He showed Loki something they hadn't seen in themselves. And not only he loved them, but proved to Loki why they're deserving of that love as well. And now that he is finally appreciated and seen by the last person he was expecting, he also gets the insight he never knew he was looking for. This is like always running from something right into the chasm, until someone takes your hand and makes you stop. Even if it means facing your fears.

Open first episode of season 2, when the entire Loki legion was on the verge of a heart attack waiting to see what will happen. (That's actually me, I think I'm not alone). Those were crazy times indeed. Now, to our Mobius: a relative present version of him, not the one that didn't recognize Loki. That was scary. His first line is:

<<Hey, everything you've been doing is wrong, and all your gods are dead. How are people gonna take that?>>

I interpret this as his own thoughts and feelings projected on the collective. It's true for them, but it's relatable to Mobius.

And after all, why would everyone at the TVA believe all this time? The same reason as why we do it: we want to: that's where it all starts. And for someone like Mobius, who didn't believe in himself, it was much more logical to believe in the time gods. Putting the blame on fate takes the burden off your shoulders. But no burden, no glory. Few of them had guts to admit. But even indirectly, Mobius did (and has been for a while).

Backing the argument that he cares about Loki, and that he fell first, his reaction to hearing his name from Casey is immaculate.

He immediately tries to figure out a way to locate him. He might take a more "slow, deliberate approach", but not when he knows people he cares about are in danger. Not when he can still help.

Then, to X-5's attempt to make him feel bad about his spot on the original timeline, he responds with a neutral approach, not letting such things get to him. He even goes to explaining why jet-skis are so cool. This is something that shows how passionate Mobius can be about the things he likes. I don't think he would do this if he wouldn't be provoked in some sort of way, because the total absence of interest from others can kill a spark pretty quick. But he doesn't let it go just because no one around him sees jet-skis as important as he does. I love him for it.

His pure care for Loki and the way he comforts them the best he can is also very important in this episode. Mobius does his best to calm Loki down, trying to see the situation from an outside point of view so it can be solved efficiently. He's there, he doesn't let Loki down, and we know he would never; "Okay, you wanted time to think, so let's think." - as in let's think together, you're not alone.

Also, when Loki rushes to find Sylvie so they can fix what is happening, Mobius slows him down. He knows Loki wouldn't take the time to take care of themselves, so he does it for him, knowing exactly how much to insist, and that the timeslipping can't be let out if control for a long while.

Another trait resulting from the episode is sort of a disapproval avoidance, from the convo with O.B. Mobius obviously had his memory wiped and doesn't remember him, but doesn't admit it: it could hurt this nice guy and make him look like a fool (it wouldn't, really. he didn't have to worry abt it).

Then, at the end of the episode, this care (LOVE!!!) he carries for Loki is once again is highlighted:

Because, even at the risk of losing his skin (and, jokes aside, losing his life), Mobius still waits over the limit for Loki to make it back. What was I saying about believing? Even if the gods of the TVA are dead, the God of Mischief isn't. And Mobius always believed in him.

[cococubess]

Things I Would Ideally Want in Sofia the First: Royal Magic

(obviously this is going to be a show for pre-schoolers again, so they can’t get away with anything too dark. HOWEVER they did include some heavy topics in season 4)

(a lot of this is assuming that it takes place close to/directly after the finale)

• Cedric and Sofia father-daughter bonding time

•Sofia passes the amulet on/looses it in some capacity at the end and has to confront who she is without her powers. This would include parting with Clover, Mia, and Robin.

•Sofia and Roland talk about the fact that he indirectly (at best) killed his wife and they are most likely the only two people who know about it. Like take accountability bro

• The Protector’s acknowledging that they have basically made Sofia into a child solider

•The Magic Library episodes since those got really sparse at the end and felt really half assed

•Sofia confronts how much pressure has been on her for the past 4 years of her formative life

•Sofia and Miranda have a proper talk about the Amulet and how much Sofia had been hiding from her

•Tbh just have Sofia run away at some point, she is under so much stress and has the means to with her powers. Of course she’d come back and regret it, but acting that way wouldn’t be out of character for someone her age who is so mentally exhausted

•This one is pretty clearly going to be answered, but what exactly this Royal Magic School is. We didn’t see it at the school fair to my knowledge, so how is it found and why didn’t we know about it before?

•Sofia goes to the school by herself, rather than with James and Amber. Sofia’s already a very independent person, but I want to see James and Amber react to properly being away from each other for the first time

•It’s unclear if the schools that the royals choose to go to are sleep away schools, or another that they commute to. Either way, I’d like to see Roland and Miranda deal with empty nest syndrome while their kids are either living somewhere else or just very busy.

•Have focus on the other characters. Now that the Enchancian kids futures have been firmly stated, it would awkward to only have episodes focused on Sofia’s adventures. It’d be really rewarding to see James and Amber at their respective schools as well

•More detailed Cedric character arc. Now that Sofia is off at school and much more busy, Cedric has to work on being a good person without her influence being around to push him in the right direction as often. Give me a good one on one between him and Roland about their childhood issues

•If they could get Zach Callison back as James that would be AMAZING! Especially with how much his singing has improved, I think his and Darcy Rose Byrnes voices would sound amazing together

•SABRINA BACK AS VIVIAN imagine how much attention the show could get if they do! And because she was great as Vivian, of course!

•Miranda’s backstory. Who are her parents, how did she and Birk meet, how she adjusted to palace life. We see everything through Sofia’s perspective, so seeing Miranda dealing her same problems like grief or such a stark change of environment as an adult would be super interesting

•Tbh I don’t want to see Sofia in any romantic relationships. Like maybe it’s because of how young she is but I really can’t see her in a relationship with anyone😭😭 As much as a chunk of the fandom wants to see her get with Vivian or Hugo, I want them to just avoid the topic all together

•Do SOMETHING with Carrol of the Arrow, like they set up a whole thing of showing that the royals kind of suck and then never used the characters again

•Prisma doesn’t show up. Just mention her in passing like “Oh yeah remember Walmart Princess Ivy? Yeah lol that sucked”

•Jade just doesn’t show up <3

•Some sort of side special where Ariel Winter is fully interviewed about her time as Sofia. She seems so interesting, and was beginning the shower during Modern Family, meaning she would have been insanely busy but clearly cared enough about the show to continue. Desperately need an interviewer to ask her about her silly Disney Jr show😭😭

I have 2 years to come up with new ideas so expect more👹👹

[rangetsuryuu]

tales of the abyss is the best tales game except for one thing. bad foils.

okay every party member has at least one foil/rivalry when it comes to the god generals, right?

In game foils as follows. In the most straight forward, one to one examples. The final battles of each God General really cements this in mind.

Luke - Asch

Tear - Legretta

Natalia - Largo

Jade - Dist

Anise - Arietta

Guy - Sync

Some of these foils aren't really as strong as others, I'd argue. And on top of that some of these characters have much stronger relationships to the final antagonists of Van and Asch, than others do.

Meanwhile, Jade also has a vague relationship to Sync and Asch, as the father of fomicry. Jade is protrayed as someone's indirectly responsible for some incredibly unethical crimes that Sync and Asch are victim to. That's one of Jade's personal dilemma's, so even if it's not acknowledged directly in the game, we can interpret this to be an indirect relationship with these characters who were directly wronged by his science. A bit of a miss to not have any interactions, but still something that we could reasonably interpret from clues even if not seen outright.

But you know what's a bigger miss? Not swapping Anise and Guy's foils.

They should have made Arietta as Guy’s primary foil and Sync as Anise’s primary foil. 

Because listen. Arietta and Guy don't have a single interaction together but they have an actual historical connection to each other?

Both had their homelands totally wiped by the same tragedy.

Arietta and Guy both respect and adore Van and sided with him. They both want vengeance against a world that's wronged them and stolen their family.

But Guy doesn't go through with it. He ends up rejecting Van and vengeance. So doesn't that put automatically pit him against Arietta that's still stuck in that old mindset? Arietta, whose whole deal is vengeance against Anise for taking her only friend in Ion? Arietta, who's stuck in this idea that a single person can be responsible for her grief, in the the same way Guy was convinced that the death of Duke Fabre's family, could bring relief to his pain?

But Guy was able to recognize this wouldn't work. Luke's death wouldn't change the past.

So isn't it possible for him to see himself in Arietta when he found out she was from Feres Isle?

Hod and it's sister isle of Feres, were both wiped out for unfathomable reasons. Guy and Arietta both left as sole survivors of their respective isles. But isn't that insane? To find a survivor of a tragedy you thought was yours alone?

Imagine then, if Guy had been able to see his own past unfolding with Arietta's revenge against another person who had nothing to do with any of the horror. If he's able to recognize that Luke wasn't a justified target of revenge, then shouldn't he see that Arietta's grudge was just as petty as his own?

But Guy's change of heart isn't actually something that's seen in game. It's just something that's revealed to you. So woudn't it be exciting to see someone who can actually be a reflection his past ideals?

So then. The final battle against Arietta could have been a brutal clash with Guy. We could have had that revelation unfold in front of us, no?

Unlike Anise's final fight with Arietta, he wouldn't have necessarily considered Arietta a lost cause. He could have seen himself in Arietta, he could have asked her to choose a different path then vengeance. He could have told her they were both the victims of a war beyond their scope. Survivors of a nation doomed by something completely beyond their control.

Guy could have revealed to her, his own history with Van and vengeance, he could have appealed to her. Maybe she could have felt that connection. She could have heard it. Listened to it, and then admitted that his sympathy had fallen flat.

"You're right. That was short-sighted of me. Killing Anise, wouldn't change anything. But killing all of you will still bring bring the vengeance and justice that my monsters deserve. And if that brings us closer to Van's revenge too... then all of you have to die."

And Guy could realize that there wasn't any talking her out of it. That she'd somehow become even more embolded in her revenge despite his plea.

In a way, Guy could understand that her vengeance was different from hers but still identical. The only difference was that Arietta didn't care about the abstraction of responsibilty. She wanted real and immediate justice for her real and immediate pain.

Hod and Feres Isle could have been left in the dust to her for all she cared. Feres Isle was nothing compared to her love for Ion and Van and her monsters and her pain for them. If that was the case, could Guy who had claimed his vengeance was for all of Hod still be in the right?

When faced with Arietta's selfish, single minded desire for vengeance, could Guy really have claimed that his own vengeance was for anything more than his own twisted idea of justice?

He could have been terrified to see that she was the worst version of himself come alive. Excuse after excuse for a reason to take out his grief on the world. He could have been disgusted with her revenge or resigned to it. Or maybe he could have embraced it. Regretted it? Wished for things to end differently?

Either way he would have been forced to kill this version of himself that he saw in her, regardless of how he felt about her.

He could have seen Arietta as someone beyond help. He could see the way that Largo and Anise still grieved for her despite everything. And he could have grieved for their shared loss. He could have grieved for the two of them who could never get any justice that could satisfy their pain.

He could have lost the one last connection to his home that he had left, and he would have had to end it himself.

What would it have been like if he had to carry that on him? Wouldn't it have been more fun for us to see that grief unfold firsthand?

Or is that kinda sadistic...?

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for telling a girl why I disliked her after she repeatedly asked me?

So I, (M17) had several adopted siblings, we had all been held captive in a facility that was experimenting on us in the past, but we managed to escape together and went on the run. The experiments that had been done on us resulted in major health issues, and one by one my siblings started dying off until there was only me, C (M19) and L (F26) left.

L was a bit different from the rest of my siblings, while the rest of us had either been born in the facility or kidnapped as children, she had been kidnapped as an adult as a way to punish her mother who tried to whistleblow on the facility. She was only there a few months before we escaped, which should have meant she should have had a long life unlike the rest of us.

It didn't turn out that way though, one night while she was walking home from her part time job, she saw a girl being attacked by a man with a knife and stepped in to help her. Thanks to her intervention the girl escaped, but L was killed by the man, who turned out to be a serial killer.

Afterwards me and C moved away, leaving behind A (M28) who was L's fiancee. (They had gone to school together and we'd run into him after our escape and he was helping us) He would have come with us, but he was in the middle of his residency and couldn't easily leave.

Only a year later though C also passed away. and so I moved back to live with A, since he was the closest thing to family I had left. I ended up running this little antique bookshop and one day one of my regular customers ended getting murdered, and so the police came to talk to me regarding it. After the case was solved one of the detectives M (M30) kept coming back to my store, both because he apparently really likes old because, but also he said I remind him of his older sister who went missing as a teenager.

Anyway long story short I ended up getting indirectly involved with the police because of him, and ended up meeting one of his coworkers N (M26), which was fine, and then N's younger sister Y (F20). That was less fine.

See, Y happens to be the girl my sister died saving. Now I don't know if L regretted saving Y in her last moments, but while I know its messed up to feel that way, I wish she'd just walked away. I also know that its not like Y asked my sister to save her, but I still can't help but resent her and I didn't want to be around her.

So I did my best to avoid her and if I had to be around her I'd try to ignore her, but she just could not take the hint. She kept showing up at my store and tagging along when I was with N and M. And she did finally seem to figure out I didn't like, but that just seemed to make her decide to try harder to win me over.

It finally came to a head recently though, me, M, and N were all going out to eat to celebrate a case and Y tagged along uninvited. While we were eating she kept bugging me about why I didn't like her, and as usual I tried to be diplomatic and simply told she just wasn't someone I could get along with but she kept pushing and so finally I snapped and said 'hey do you remember a few years ago when you almost got killed by a serial killer and a woman died saving you? That was my sister. That's why I don't like you' and then I went home cause I didn't feel like socializing anymore.

I told A about it and he doesn't think I did anything wrong, and M also came and talked to me and also thinks I didn't do anything wrong, but N came to talk to me and while he was horrified to know it was my sister who had died saving his, but he also told me that Y had been crying nonstop and that I shouldn't have told her and that I should just come to him once and realized it and told him, and he would have kept her away from me.

At first I thought that was stupid, but the more I think about it the more I doubt myself. AITAH?

[raventhekittycat]

fuuuuuuuuuck just fuck

Kir asking to shoot Camel in the face and Akai's reply just fhsjskskksfj the thoughts that had to fly through his brain at that point and the fact that they gave the line back to Ikeda rather than having it stay as Okiya hits it further home.

Like Akai trust Camel. He thinks Camel has some of the best driving skills. And he also recognizes Camel's guilt for blowing his meeting with Gin and his cover and endangering Akemi. And he's not above using him for it. And here it comes out perfectly.

Here we have Kir who's cover could be blown by Camel being exposed. And he picks Kir who's CIA not FBI over Camel. Even though it's a bet on his part and even though he fully thinks he still can rescue Camel, he picks Kir's safety over Camel.

He has multiple reasons to do so. First Kir is still undercover and he has her partially betraying loyalties and working for him. So part of it is prioritizing any information he can get about the Organization out of her. Another part is she's undercover where he used to be, where he still wishes he could be. He wants his teeth in their flesh and if he can't have it he'll have someone else have it. And to top it all off? Even though he's fine using Camel and trusts Camel and Camel's guilt, he probably still is not happy with him somewhat (bad phrasing but my brain is refusing to feed me the words I want). Camel directly blew his cover, and indirectly killed Akemi. Even if Akai mostly blames himself for Akemi's death the fault in his cover being blown with nothing to show for it is Camel's. He cannot appreciate or like him for that.

So he picks Kir who isn't his own and likely has a slighlty different purpose than Camel who is on his side. He'd sacrifice him before Kir, which I find interesting. Even if he trusts he'll save him in the whatever miniscule percent chance of failure Akai sees in his brain he chooses Kir over him.

[gretahayes]

AITA for being mean to a kid?

I (m40s) am having a dilemma. I recently had to bargain with the loss of my second son (early teens) in a terrible incident that I should have prevented. I should have saved him. I bear full responsibility for it and will never forgive myself for not being there for him, even if it was to hold him in his dying moments. He died alone.

After his death, I...became a different man, almost. Drew into myself and became more reckless, violent, in my job. I was trying to kill myself indirectly, and now I see that.

This caused a boy to intervene. The boy (13) who I’ll call...Jack. Jack is a big fan of me and my family's work, has been a fan since a chance encounter with me and my (not yet my ward) older son (20) (I’ll call him John) a decade ago. Due to a tragedy he witnessed and we took part in (not as the perpetrators but John as one of the victims), he was deeply attached to us both, without our knowledge. When he saw me...going off the rails, he felt the need to intervene. Stop me. Help me.

I initially refused, as it would only put him in danger and the role he was asking for in my life was the same one that got my younger son killed and I didn’t want that for him, but he proved he was needed and had what it took, so I agreed. To be ready for the role, he needs extensive training. I don’t want another boy to die due to my negligence, and wanted him extensively prepared to minimize that risk.

I sent him back off to school come Monday (he goes to boarding school and only found the time to intervene because his school had a vacation week, wherein he stayed with me) and when he reminded me I agreed to let him take on the role, I (somewhat sharply, unnecessarily so, something I regret) said he needed training before I let him out on the field, which someone dear to me will oversee before I train him.

Jack has the makings of a good partner, but what do I need a partner for really? My son died and I’m not sure it's the best thing for Jack to be involved, as it seems I only mess everything up.

AITA for being a bit harsh? He only wanted to help.

[yukikogazingthestars]

"Will you give me the same look when the time comes?"

Mori Ougai × reader

TW:Angst/ Mention of death/ Dark Era Spoiler/ Angst with more Angst/ just a little comfort at the end

The Life of the Leader of the Port Mafia is never easy.Mori Ougai, that manipulative and calculating man is targeted by almost everyone in every way. Power, Authority, Wealth and Intelligence makes this man so intoxicating. Everything about him is so breathtaking and amazing. A former military surgeon, a former underground doctor who also worked as an information broker, the man who assassinated the tyrant former Mafia boss, the man who uses everyone for the gain…

Everything about him is so bloody and so astonishing. To be the sweetheart of this kind of man is something that someone can't even imagine,right? Even a terrifying man like him has someone who can make his life delightful and charming.In the world of bloody games, she is the healing pill of his miserable days.

“Mori san, You're making that face again~”

He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice his lovely girl approaching until she whispered to him. The fruity and floral fragrance of “Miss Dior” visited his olfactory system and Mori smiled while he was hugging her waist. He absolutely loves playing with her love handle.

Y/N was a bit tickly so she couldn't help but giggle while Mori was playing with her cute love handle.

“Awww,I can do it all day long.My girl dresses so well, You wish to go somewhere today?”

“No, it's just I love showing off,”answered Y/N while she was trying to move a little since Mori’s still grabbing her waist.

Finally, Mori let her go and led her to the couch where they could sit comfortably. He didn't start the conversation, he just gazed at his S/O who was sitting beside him.

The sweet fragrance,the soft and silky hair,the glowing skin, the plump lips with cherry color,foxy eyes under them are mysteries, light make-up to show off the best figures of her face and the face which he can remember even if he goes blind, that elegant posture, that lovely body figure, everything about her is so intoxicating.She smiled and stared at him with thoses eyes filled with warmth and calm.

“Something bothers you?”

She asked while she was pushing the tea cup towards Mori.

“The way you stare at me right now,...Mori san , I know that look, you have something in your mind.Would you let it out? I am all ears if you want”

She asked again and this time she gently led Mori to put his head on her laps to relax. Mori laid and put his head on her laps and she gently brushed and massaged his scalp.

“Much better?”

“Thanks to my lovely girl…”answered Mori and his purple orbs met with his lovely girl watercolor orbs.

Her eyes may be so mysterious and even hide a malice but she always gave a warmth and comfort vibe to him whenever their eyes met.

“It’s just the Special Division “

Mori finally let his guard down, closed his eyes and started to talk about what is bothering him.She replied with a hum while she was gently touching the wrinkles under his eyes.

“They have already made a move,I doubt that there's a double agent in the Port Mafia”

“Again? That's really a troublesome case” replied Y/N while she was massaging his temples.Her gaze was softened and she looked so sad. Mori knows that she can't completely move on from the death of Oda and his Orphans since Y/N had a great relationship with them.

The only fear Mori has is that Y/N finding out the Death of Oda and his Orphans was his plan. The last thing Mori wants her to know is that he is the mastermind of that tragic event. Bringing Mimic to Japan, Giving the information about Orphans to Mimic,Putting the Special Division in the Crisis, leaving them no choice but to give him the business permit, indirectly killing Oda to get rid of Dazai.

He doesn't want her to find out. He doesn't want those eyes of her giving him a disgusting look, a hateful look.He doesn't want to lose all her caring and love for him. He sighed.

"We still don't know who …”

“Ango's betrayal….it led us to heartbrokening events. I don't want that again”

For the first time in a while, Mori felt a little guilty. But, all his doings are for the sake of the organization. He is both a slave and the leader of the organization, it's his duty to bear this sin. All his sins are forgiven by his lovely goddess. She accepted him, she granted him healing, comfort and love. But, in his deepest mind, he knows that his lovely S/O will never forgive him that one sin if she knows.

He secretly wishes that his S/O will never find out about it.

“Mori san,.....you’re losing in your thoughts again”

She gently reminded him. When his consciousness returned to her, she gently smiled and gave a warm kiss on his forehead.

She stared at him with thoses eyes filled with warmth and comfort again.

“My Dear, will you give me the same look when the time comes?"

She doesn't know what those words mean but she also doesn't try to think hard to find out too. She somehow feels a glimpse of Mori’s guilt towards her. But, she doesn't use her smart brain to see the whole picture and the whole reason as she doesn't have to hate Mori Ougai.

“Mori San, that time will never come and I will always be here with you.”

Mori was stunned by her words and His eyes widened. He saw Y/N staring at the glass window opposite of her. Her gaze was soft and somehow seemed a little sad too. Her hands on his shoulders were a little shaky. She sighed as if she was taking out all of her grief through that sigh.

“I don't want to know your guilt and your sins but I won't let you suffer alone. In order to be with you with all my heart, I mustn't know what you did.Please do not confess what you think I should not know. Please Mori san, I beg you”

Warm tears dropped onto his cheeks.Y/N was crying.She was crying with guilt and pain.

The guilt she held for her friends’ death, the guilt she held for not wanting to know the truth, the sin of being the sweetheart of the Port Mafia Boss…

Mori got up and hugged her crying form tightly.His girl hugged him back tightly.

"Please don't let me know... please"

I am so sorry….for choosing this man.I am so sorry for choosing to give him the same look he wants everyday.I am so sorry.

She silently apologized for her sin…

[sandeebridges2]

The Problem with the West: Understanding our Responsibility

I believe I’ve finally come around to the way of thinking of many anti-western activists, from a video about ‘Mouthwashing’ of all places. I know this won’t make me a lot of friends, but stick with me, please. And to anyone reading who already knew this, I’m sorry that it has taken so long for me to address it.

One of the most fundamental issues with western culture is that we find ways to places degrees of separation between us and the acts that our nations commit. We believe that, just because we had no active hand in these atrocities, we aren’t responsible for their consequences.

To give an example, when a man is revealed to be an abuser, the other men around him won’t feel guilt, because it wasn’t them who actually committed the act. What they fail to see is the fact that, even despite recognising the heinous nature of the crime, they still hold responsibility for having failed to act against the system which allowed this to happen in the first place.

Many of them will dismiss the abuse by saying it’s ‘not their problem’ and that it’s best if they stay out of it. They refuse to recognise that it is their complacency in a patriarchal system which allows downtrodden, unstable men to find someone whom they can inflict their wrath upon. They’re complacent in allowing the abuse of women to continue, over and over, since the system doesn’t allow for women to make meaningful change without the help of the very men they are abused by.

The same applies to the West as a whole. Not every American is a Bush, not every Brit is a Blair and not every Israeli is a Netanyahu. However, they still hold the responsibility for upholding the offices of power which allowed those monsters to come to power. When an American brushes off the atrocities committed in the global south as ‘not their problem’ because they ‘didn’t have any part’, that’s a complete deflection of blame.

They never pushed back against Bush and Blair when they meddled in the Arab world, they never pushed back against Netanyahu when he launched a genocide in Gaza. It suits them best to believe that it’s not something they have to feel guilty about, enabling them to continue living a life that they know is built off the backs of the oppressed. The only time they’ll oppose against these monsters is when it threatens the lives of their fellow westerners, not when thousands upon thousands of the ‘enemy’ are killed and forgotten.

Of course, it goes without saying that most of the time, these people, whether men, westerners or both, do not have malicious intent. The average person doesn’t feel sympathy for the abuser, they just disregard the abused.

And it is this which underpins the fundamental problem with western culture. We want to believe that we don’t have to worry about the issues of other people, so that we can live undisturbed in our own comfortable bubbles.

To confront the reality that our lives exist in tandem with the suffering of others, indirectly caused by us, would break the illusion that we aren’t responsible, that it’s not ours to worry about.

And to my western friends, yes, it is difficult. It’s hard to come to terms with the idea that you’re responsible for the actions of people you might detest, but it’s only through doing so that we can try and make meaningful change for the people we have failed for so long.

After all, the oppressed can break their chains, but unless the oppressor changes his ways, the freeman shall once again become a slave.

[the-crow-binary]

What are the top 5 reasons for why Dramont is the best ship(s)?

It's Shippy On Main time...

5. Generational ennemies to lovers is hot ngl. Love that there is always a Belmont waiting for him when he wakes up and is at the peak of his strength. 😏

4. The homoerotic tension between the most powerful vampire hunters and the old friend of their founder who also happened to become the Dark Lord A.K.A the most dangerous and powerful vampire Of All Time ❤️

3. The Bond. No character in Castlevania can claim to have quite as strong and meaningful and important and special of a bond with Dracula as the Belmont clan does. Something something they are linked in a unique way and it's the worst yet best thing that could have ever happened to them. Literally the heart of the franchise. ❤️ (they are pretty much literally made for each other)

2. Dracula being a deeply possessive bastard over the Belmonts. They are his, his to hurt, his to kill, his to capture. His to mark forever, whether in the form of physical scars... or mental ones. :) His to destroy and no one else shall lay a hand on them. Had there been an ennemy not from his side who would have tried to kill them, he would have protected them just because fuck them, he did not spend a millenia fighting the Belmonts just for them to get hurt or killed by someone else. He might be above all vampires and creatures of the night, but he is not above the inherently possessive and obsessive nature of said vampires. His standards are just very high and the Belmonts are the only ones truly reaching them... they're just as possessive of him, btw. And obsessed. The only difference is that they don't want to admit it to anyone, not even themselves. Maybe they don't even realize it. :) But no matter what they think or say...

1. ...They were made by Dracula. ❤️ None of the Belmonts we know would have existed had Dracula not betrayed Leon and made him killed Sara. Had he not decided to become a vampire, indirectly forcing Leon to abandon everything and leading to Sara's death, they would not even have become a family of vampire hunters. Better yet, they would not have become the most powerful of vampire hunters, only growing in strength each century to match Dracula's own growing strength. The Belmonts are so dependant on Dracula, you could compare them to vampires he sired. :) They did made Dracula the way he is, too, in a way. Being killed over and over again by the same group of guys does Things to a man, lol. But also, Mathias would have never succeeded without Leon. Basically, Dracula and the Belmonts' existences revolves around each other in every sense possible, and I love that for them. :)

Honorary mention to the fact they're all very hot and sexy and beautiful and unhealthy for each other and that's why i need them to make out sloppy style and do much more nasty things together 🥰

I also like to imagine that Mathias participated in the creation of the VK with Rinaldo, because not only it make sense since it means he pretty much planned for Leon to use Sara to complete it... but also simply because I love the idea that Dracula helped to create the One Weapon who would ever be able to destroy him. And then put it in the hands of the only ones strong enough to defeat him at his strongest. Oh the irony ❤️ It adds a little bit of spice, you know? ❤️ Dracula really helped a lot to create his own demise. ❤️

[francesminos-tt]

I have no idea how to put this into context, but I hope you can understand it.

Joffrey survives the fall and becomes king of the Seven Kingdoms, but he is emotionally broken beyond repair.

He tries his best to live and look after his brother Aegon who has also been affected by the war. (Joffrey might have severely injured a leg and uses crutches to get around better)

Daeron is also alive, but he is a prisoner.

I can't remember if you wrote something like this, but Joffrey visits Daeron. He hates himself every time. He hates Daeron too. This man who helped to indirectly kill the people Joffrey loved the most. Joffrey also feels the guilt burning inside him and boiling his blood. The shame for giving himself over to someone so filthy, a traitor.

Joffrey lets Daeron fuck him. He doesn't understand why, he could have a thousand lovers, but he can't allow anyone to touch him if no one does. it hurts. Joffrey will soon have to get married and he won't allow this to continue, but for now he enjoys it.

When they come, Joffrey feels sick and so good. He wants to die, but it's also one of the only moments he feels alive.

It takes weeks before the next visit. (I love reading Daeron in love and suffering from almost unrequited love.) Joffrey self-blame. He's cursed himself. He tries to be strong, but he isn't. Not anymore.

The context is actually sad boy Joffrey hating himself for having hot and sentimental sex with his uncle

I am not sure if the sex is hot enough, but. Enjoy.

Sitting on the iron throne was not as pleasant as most nobles thought. The seat was uncomfortable, to say the least, and the blades surrounding it were menacing and unkind, as if waiting to seek revenge from the decedents of the conqueror. The iron was bone-chillingly cold, enough to freeze Joffrey’s blood no matter how many layers he wore. Sitting on the throne was a punishment, rather than an achievement.

“Your grace, ravens from various ports came this morning, all of them reporting strange deaths of sailors its harbor area. It might be the result of an unknown plague.”

“Disputes of inheritance in the Vale is raising more concerns, your grace. Which claimant should the throne support, your grace? Ser Joffrey or Ser Arnold?”

“Will it please your grace to reconstruct the Dragon Pit?”

“We don’t have the coins yet, Lord Treasurer.”

“Well, gold from Lannisport should arrive anytime now. We can also make loans from the iron bank or the bank of Lys. I heard that Old Town has formed its own bank too.”

“My lords, forgive my bluntness, but I think the most important matter right now is to secure a marriage pact for our king. We need heirs. Or the succession conflict will never end.”

All the arguing lords fell silent, and directed their gaze to their king. Joffrey, first of his name, king of the Andals, the Rhoynars and the First Men, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm, sat on the iron throne with a grim face.

“Enough.” Joffrey said, clenching his jaw, “I have already addressed the matter of marriage, my lords. My young brother Aegon is already betrothed to Jaehaera. I am sure they will become a lovely couple when they come of age. The throne has its successor.”

“But you are the king, your grace.” The Hand, Lord Manderly said on behalf of his fellow council, “We need your heir, not your brother’s. Perhaps your grace will honor your late brother, Prince Jacaerys’s decision.”

The northern lord’s intention couldn't be clearer. Joffrey was betrothed to Lady Manderly as part of the pact Jace had made to earn White Harbor’s support, and now the Hand wanted the king to make true of the pact. Lord Manderly’s words were no surprise to Joffrey; what surprised him was the reaction of the other lords. They seemed to agree with the Hand. The small council seemed to have formed an alliance to push Joffrey into making decisions that the king might not want to make.

“I will,” Joffrey spoke, gripping the throne a little too tightly, “consider it.”

Holding a council in the throne room was a tiresome thing. Joffrey wanted to do it in the council room, as all the former kings did, but all his council suggested that he should be seen sitting on the throne as often as possible. Joffrey had no choice but to agree.

Sometimes, Joffrey felt he was not a king, rather a prisoner, trapped in this gilded castle.

Joffrey spent the rest of the day in his room. He read, wrote some personal letters to Rhaena and Baela, and took a long, hot bath. He skipped the dinner and dismissed all his maids and guards early, for he was too tired and wanted an undisturbed sleep.

“The tunnels are piled with traitors’ corpses.” Joffrey said to his personal guard, “They are enough to scare away any assassin.”

Joffrey slipped out of his bedchamber in a black cloak half an hour after midnight. He headed downstairs, quiet as a cat, grim as a ghost. Despite having no torches to light his way, Joffrey still moved swiftly, as if he was so familiar with this route that he could get to his destination with his eyes closed.

Joffrey went down and down, until he arrived at the heavy door leading to the most gruesome part of the Red Keep. The Black Cell.

There was another reason why Joffrey didn't bring a torch. The Black Cell was so dark that any light source in it would draw unnecessary attention. Joffrey slipped through the door, went down the narrow corridor, and finally arrived at his destination.

“Uncle.” Joffrey murmured, his voice soft, but in the dead silence of the Black Cell, it sounded more like a desperate cry than a soft murmur.

The shadowy figure in the far end of the cell jolted up, stumbling to the sound source.

“Joff?” the figure came to Joffrey, hands on the cell bar, “You came.”

Joffrey hesitated for a moment, before reaching his hand up to touch the dirty and cold fingers on the cell bar. The fingers were rougher than he remembered.

“Yes,” Joffrey said, barely a whisper, “long time no see, Uncle Daeron.”

In the darkness of the Black Cell, the light violet eyes of Daeron Targaryen shone with anticipation and relief, brighter than the purest amethyst.

Joffrey wouldn't call his irregular visit to the Black Cell therapy, though it was, by every means, a therapy session including long and sentimental sex. Daeron was a war criminal, destined to rot in the deepest and darkest part under the Red Keep. Few people knew of his existence, for Daeron was a threat to Joffrey’s claim. If the Green supporters knew Daeron was still alive, the realm would plunge into another civil war. Joffrey could not allow or afford for it to happen.

“I lost count of time since your last visit.” Daeron whispered in Joffrey’s ear, his breath reek of blood and lack of hygiene, “There is no light here. I have no way to track the days.”

“That’s purpose of the Black Cell, uncle.” Joffrey replied, “It is designed to drive you mad.”

“Maybe, but it won't work on me.” Daeron kissed the sensitive skin behind Joffrey’s ear, “I have you. You are the anchor of my sanity. Expecting to see you again is the only thing that keeps me alive.”

Joffrey had no reply for that. Daeron was better dead than alive for the good of the realm, and Joffrey hated himself for his quickening heartbeat after hearing Daeron’s confession. He shouldn’t be excited, or proud. He wasn’t allowed to.

Daeron’s kisses were soft, like a gentle drizzle that enveloped Joffrey in a comforting bubble. Joffrey shivered when Daeron’s hand slip into his cloak, the blonde’s rough fingers dancing on his bare skin. Joffrey didn’t wear anything under the thick cloak; he presented himself like a fair maiden to a noble prince, not a sad king to his prisoner. Perhaps, in another life, they could fuck in the comfort of his bedchamber. They could have wine and a nice dinner. Joffrey would stoke enough firewood in the hearth to last forever. They could chat, laugh and wrestling with each other until they ended up on the carpeted floor. Then they would kiss, undressing each other slowly and sensually, taking their time to explore each other’s body. They would fuck on the floor, on the armchair, in bed, on the window sill, everywhere.

“You are distracted.” Daeron said, returning to kiss the corner of Joffrey’s mouth, “Something is bothering you, my king.”

Joffrey reached a hand up to stroke Daeron’s shaved head. Joffrey had ordered to shave the prisoner’s head as soon as Daeron was thrown into the Black Cell. It prevented the lice, and it would be easier to conceal Daeron’s true identity.

“There is an unknown plague breakout in port cities. The Vale is about to plunge into its own civil war. Reconstruction of the Dragon Pit can’t start without the coin, but the Red Kraken is making it difficult to carry the gold back from Lanniport.” Joffrey repeated all the council topics today; he had to clear them from his head, or he would explode. “And they want me to marry.”

Daeron’s hand reached Joffrey’s lower belly. He grabbed Joffrey’s cock without hesitation, gently pulling the skin on top before giving it a good stroke. Joffrey’s breath caught in his throat, the sensation foreign and familiar at the same time. Foreign because Joffrey had been touched for more than two months now; familiar because Joffrey dreamed of the same thing almost every day since his last visit. Daeron’s palm was so large and so warm, like a shelter reserved only for him. Joffrey hated himself for being weak under Daeron’s skillful hands, but he couldn't help it. He needed to feel safe, if only for a brief time in the place that most would consider dangerous.

“You can marry me,” Daeron said half-jokingly, “I am of noble blood. I can serve you, my king, better than anyone ever could.”

“I am afraid it's not my decision to make.” Joffrey replied, neither agreeing nor denying Daeron’s suggestion.

“You are the king,” Daeron reminded him as the blonde continued to stroke his cock, “your task to choose the best solution, not to come up with one.”

“That’s a…” Joffrey trailed off, moaning slightly as Daeron’s finger ran over the tip of his twitching cock, “nice way to put it.”

“Believe it or not,” Daeron said, his movement becoming quicker and rougher, “I spent more time with a king than you did.”

Joffrey cried out as he came, trembling in Daeron’s arms like a lone tree in the harsh wind of winter. His vision went blank for a second, before the darkness of the Black Cell resumed. Joffrey was still trembling when Daeron flipped him over, pinned him on the dirty ground and pushed a finger in his closed hole. Joffrey hissed in pain, but Daeron paid him no mind. Daeron’s previous tenderness was gone, replaced by a harshness typical of a Targaryen.

Daeron pushed another finger in, then another, and another. In Joffrey’s pathetic cries, his hole was stretched to its limit with only his own seeds as lubrication. Joffrey twisted on the straw pads on the stone floor, his hands trying desperate to hold on to something, anything that could keep him there. What were all the straws for? Joffrey wondered abruptly. Were they to keep the prisoner warm? Or provide better hiding place for rats so they could feast on the prisoner’s flesh?

“I am going to fuck now, nephew.” Daeron said before he thrust into Joffrey in one go.

Joffrey squeezed his eyes shut. He might have cried, or not. He didn’t know. All his senses were reduced to one place, his hole. He could only feel the pulsing cock inside him, filling him to the brim and making him whole. It hurt. Oh, how it hurt, but Joffrey welcomed the pain. It was the only thing to make him feel alive.

Something soft touched his hand, and Joffrey finally opened his eyes. He was lying on his stomach, the cloak under him, protecting his skin from the rough straw. His butt was lifted to meet Daeron’s crotch, the blonde hugging him from behind, his back to Daeron’s chest. Daeron’s hand was on top of his, their fingers intertwined together on the floor, like a sailor’s knot tied so tightly that it was impossible to separate them.

“I love you, Joffrey.” Daeron whispered in Joffrey’s ear as he pounded into the brunette’s body. He kept kissing Joffrey’s nape, nibbling on the fluffy curls cascading down there.

Daeron sounded sincere, but Joffrey couldn't answer. Joffrey dishonored the throne and the legacy of his mother by just coming here and offering himself like a whore to a Green. But Daeron was the only one who truly understood how much he had been through. They had both lost their loved ones in the war, and they both still had people to care for. Joffrey had to protect Aegon, the only surviving brother to his knowledge, and Daeron had to protect Jaehaera, the only remaining one who shared his blood. They were both dragon riders who had lost their dragons. They had both been princes. They were both third sons.

Joffrey could go on, but the thing was, Daeron was the only one who understood. He never asked Joffrey to release him, because he knew his existence would raise havoc. He just stayed here, in a cramped cell stinking of piss, and waited for Joffrey’s visit. Just as he had said earlier, he would have gone mad a long time ago if not for Joffrey’s visits. They needed each other to stay sane.

Joffrey bit his lower lip and let out a muffled moan in his throat. He spread his legs further to give Daeron more access. He could not speak, neither could he give Daeron any hope or promise, but he knew Daeron would understand.

They came at the same time. Joffrey’s cock spilled hot seeds on the cloak, while Daeron emptied his load inside Joffrey. They stayed there for a moment before Daeron pulled out, letting the sticky liquid leak from Joffrey’s breathing entrance.

As the euphoria faded, Joffrey began to feel incredibly cold. The cold spread from inside him, like a needle pricking at his veins. He enjoyed it. He enjoyed being fucked by Daeron, the murderer of three dragons and a Green leech. How dishonorable of him. He was not fit to rule. That was why he had cut himself on the iron throne today.

“I hate you.” Joffrey said, determined not to let the tears fall, “I fucking hate you. You can die in the most painful way, but it will still not be enough to make up for your crime.”

“I know.” Daeron said after a long pause, “See you later, Joffrey.”

When Joffrey went back to his room, he wondered whether Daeron had understood the true meaning of his curse. By hating Daeron, he actually hated himself.

Joffrey was confident that Daeron would.

[broodwoof]

this isn't so much my theory abt DA4 as it is my delicate little hope for DA4 but

I'm p confident Solas will manage to tear down the veil, and I'm p confident that the voice at the end of the new trailer was Elgar'nan

I'm also p confident that Mythal is still alive - she's in Solas to some degree, and may or may not be exerting a level of control. idk if he genuinely thinks he killed her or if he knows that he took her in instead, but possibly the latter with her implication that this kind of transference can't be done without consent

I think there's a good but not absolute chance that Solas will end up back on the protag's side partway thru the game - my hope here is that we're not actually allowed to kill him bc he's a necessary character, but we shall see!

now for the less certain stuff, with some headcanons to contextualize it:

1. I think Mythal and Solas were very close in Arlathan and very possibly were lovers - the description of the lyrium idol and their interaction at the end of the base game both imply a certain intimacy

2. I believe that Mythal was a good person in Arlathan, that Solas' description of her being the best of them was based in reality

3. It feels likely that Mythal was a victim of domestic abuse from Elgar'nan, given descriptions of his character and her being said to be the only one who could calm his fury

4. Very possibly Flemeth's story parallels Mythal's story, in that both had a meaningful lover outside of their marriage and both were condemned for it - this similarity may be what drew Mythal to Flemeth

5. Considering that the Evanuris, the strongest mages in the world, tried and failed to kill her - then the HOF couldn't kill her - then Solas either didn't or couldn't kill her... she may not be indestructible but the Evanuris are damn near impossible to kill. She may be uniquely survivable, and her having aspects stored in other people and possibly the lyrium idol may be part of that, but either way, I don't think she's any kind of dead. She might have been weakened by the attempted murder, but that's all, weakened

6. See also: Solas was implied to be one of the Evanuris (and one of the Forgotten Ones), which also implies that his strength in Arlathan was comparable enough to be considered among their number - and he couldn't kill them. The best he could do at the time was imprison them. Given this, I don't see Mythal dying in DA4 being inevitable or appropriate.

so with all that said: my aforementioned delicate hope is that Mythal ends up joining the protag, maybe directly, maybe indirectly, idk, but I want to see her in her own skin as a standalone entity. and I want her to be a big part of how Elgar'nan is defeated. and then I want her to live - I really don't want her destroying herself to save the world or anything, bc even tho that'd be powerful in its way, I don't want to see someone who's written as a very plausible domestic abuse victim having to die to stop her abuser. no matter how carefully and well done it is, I'd find that cheap and belittling

I think she and Solas need to work some shit out, and I think both of them should be part of the final battle, and I think both of them should live afterwards. I want Solas going off with a romanced Lavellan if that's imported and keeping in touch with the friends he's made - Mythal could either go off mysteriously as is her way, or possibly lead the released Evanuris towards a different kind of society and culture, one that's more in line with how she was trying to shape them back in Arlathan

I just really don't want either of them to die