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mrpenguinpants · 4 years ago

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Diluc: Comfort HCs

Oh no worries anon! We’re getting through everything and I can just see the top. I’m not sure if people saw it - probably not - but my entire blog has devolved into “See this genshin character? Animal.” and I refuse to have another cat character so I’m making Diluc a hawk.

Apparently (maybe) Diluc’s bird is a nightingale [voicelines]. But I don’t really see Diluc the kind of guy to serenade you at night in secret because your father doesn’t approve of your marriage.

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Today’s appreciation post goes to fulltimeventisimp. Tumblr throws a goddamn fit when I try to tag people (even though I literally have a tag list but that’s apparently not good enough) so I hope you see this^^ You’ve been so nice and caring to me I feel so soft 😭 and I hope you’re doing alright! I’m remembering to take breaks and rest 💕💕

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Semi Part 1: Relationship HCs [I would read this just for the last point]

Diluc Ver: Jealous HCs

[Masterlist]

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[taglist] <- if you want to be added, please read this first.

@hanniejji @mikeysbike @unionwitch @musekala @twistedsunnshiii @stanzastic @akaasea @xoneaboveallx @adoring-ghost @asheseiler @childelover @dilucsz

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Diluc: Comfort HCs

Diluc has always had either an aloof or professional persona based on who he needed to talk to. In both cases, no matter the subject or how Diluc talked, there would always be some sort of forced distance so no one would mistaken it as familiarity or friendliness. There were only a two cases where he felt comfortable and those were with close friends and his staff. The third case being Kaeya but Diluc prefers to not acknowledge him and stashes that folder away. Even with friend’s such as Jean or Elzer, he could never really relax and let his true feelings slip until you burst into his life. Literally. “An unexpected outcome of an experiment,” is what Albedo had told him but regardless, since you entered his life he’s let himself regress into his younger days and let himself take for once.

Maybe that was why you had gotten so used to Diluc’s touched starved self that, when it was suddenly gone, you were feeling uneasy. Lately Diluc seemed to be spending longer hours at his desk or working at the tavern. You knew that he was just busy and there wasn’t any underhanded reasoning behind it, Diluc wasn’t that kind of guy. But did he seriously have to spend every waking moment, day or night, talking to the same people? When was the last time you saw him for more than two minutes? Diluc isn’t a big fan of idle talking but would it seriously hurt just to catch up? You didn’t even get together to have your weekly chess matches too.

You didn’t consider yourself a very clingy person and you knew what a relationship with Diluc was going to be like so why were you getting so bothered? You decided to take the situation in your hands and go visit him at the tavern only to see him so busy at work. It both made you a bit huffy, you wanted to storm in there and drag the man away from his work so he could stop trying to speed run life - not like that would ever happen because the second hand embarrassment would make you dissolve into the ground and you could never show your face to Diluc if you actually did that - but also making you more upset. Here he was, working and running his business, and you couldn’t go at least a couple weeks without seeing him. You ended up turning around and going home to scream into your pillow and sleep the heavy feeling away.

Your inner turmoil seemed to seep out into the open that Kaeya felt the need to bring it up. As much as Diluc dislikes Kaeya around you, he really does care about you and he still does owe you for the troubles he gave you when you first started going out with Diluc. He catches you while you’re off running errands and manages to coax you into getting some lunch with him. You’ve been bottling up your feelings so much that when Kaeya shows some concern you let it all pour out. At this point you don’t care if it’s Kaeya of all people you’re confessing your feelings to, you just want to get it off your chest because the man you’re in love with doesn’t seem to notice you’re actually there and it’s making you feel insecure about yourself. Kaeya gives you a sympathetic smile and tells you not to worry about it, he’ll personally knock some sense into Diluc.

Diluc’s been hard at work on another possible Fatui plan and business with the winery that he can’t help but feel that he was missing something. Was he overlooking something? He had planned this for a while so everything should be perfect. It wasn’t until Kaeya himself had to walk in, press his hand on the tavern counter, and call him an idiot that he realizes that he had been so wrapped up in his work and personal duties that he completely neglected you. He quickly passes his duties to Charles with a quick apology, throws his coat on, gives Kaeya a very strained thank you, and he’s out the door to find you. He’s already lost so much so he’ll be damned if he looses you. Not right now.

You gave him the key to your home after a few months of being together, in case his he needed to temporarily hide should his night activities get the best of him. He’s already at your door in seconds as he quickly unlocks and steps in.

“Beloved?” he softly calls out to not accidently scare you but he receives no reply. It’s dark inside but he can see your shoes at the door so he knows you’re inside somewhere. He softly closes and locks the door as he hangs his coat up. Carefully running a hand down the fabric and beside your coat as he looks around your small home. He’s always felt it was warm even when you weren’t here. The “home” he has will always be the place he grew up in but after everything that’s happened, he feels a bit alienated in there so he always appreciated that you lent him a key.

He catches the sound of some shuffling and follows the sound to see you under your blankets. He breathes a quick sigh of relief that you weren’t in any danger as he carefully circles around your bed before gently placing a hand on your back. He’s never been good at words or communicating his feelings so he’s at a bit of a standstill. Despite his reputation of being a nobleman of high esteem, you’re his first serious relationship. As far as he’s concerned you’re going to be his only relationship for that matter.

“I...apologize for my recent behaviour. It was never my intention to hurt you. I ended up letting myself get too blinded to see you were in pain and that was my fault. You don’t have to forgive me now but won’t you let me see your face my love?” he asked in all his awkward pose, put him in front of massive event and he’ll perform with flying colours but put him in front of his partner and he stumbles over his worlds like a new born fawn. But it seems to bring a small laugh from you as you peek from under the covers.

He smiles softly as he sees your ears flush pink. No matter how many times he calls you that you always get so shy, he adores it. But he can feel the guilt rise up in his chest, you’ve always been there to support and reassure him that he was doing everything right. That things were going to be okay when he re-took his father’s business and you would be with him every step of the way. So in the best and awkward way that Diluc can manage, he tells you this. By the time he’s done he can feel his own face start to pink but it’s made you feel better so it was worth it.

“Feeling better?” he smiles softly as you nod up at him as he lays down beside you, opening his arms in comfort, “Good, come here.”

You shuffle closer to him as he holds you. It’s been awhile since he’s held you like this and even without realizing it, he’s missed this. Just you and him together, basking in each other’s presence. No work that needed to be attended to. No Fatui trying to cause him any more trouble. It was a safe place and one he didn’t want to let go.

“What if we got married?”

There’s a beat of silence.

Then a thud.

You end up scrambling and falling off your bed face first. It’s a bit silent as you give off a pain groaned and climb back up and he can see your face has exploded red. He can almost see steam coming off as you try and nurse your nose. He blinks a bit at you taken aback as you stutter and scream into your hands as your brain seems to process what he just asked. You lift your face from your hands to look at him, somehow go even redder, and scream louder into your hands. He’s not sure if this is something he should be offended or concerned about but the weight he had been feeling earlier starts to fade away as a new and familiar feeling bubbles up. For the first time in half a month, Diluc let’s out a laugh as he tries to console you as you manage out a yes.

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Gripping my writing hand why is no one stopping me? Diluc you’re literally acting like Childe rn. [if anyone is confused ahem Childe: Fiancé HCs (should be in my masterlist)]

Also, I continue to look away from the lore. Kaeya and Diluc are not on the best of terms but if they can have petty rich lady wine talk then Kaeya can walk in and call Diluc an idiot.

I was serious when I said that I researched hawk behaviours. I have learned the internet is horrible in telling me how hawks behave. But I did find this and I found this hilarious:

In the case of the red-tailed hawk, for example, the pair soar, screaming at each other; then the male dives at the female, who may roll in the air to present her claws to him in mock combat.

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letmewriteinpeace · 3 years ago

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" Break room Playtime " || FNaF Nightguards

Of course! I barely see any FNaF nightguard content in the agere community so I personally love this request!

Title: “Break room playtime” Characters: R!Jeremy Fritzgerald, Big/CG!Mike, Big!Vincent, Big!Scott/Phone guy(mention) Genera: Fluff Warnings: Agere, slight reference to past trauma but it’s breif Extra Notes: I love the FNaF nightguards! They’re my favorite part in the fandom, so fun to write for so this request makes me really happy.

Anyways, remember, everyone has different deceptions of the nightguards so my portraying of them may be different than your own because I see them differently than you do.

Also, I’m sorry this one’s a little bit shorter than my usual fics! I’m on a creativity block, and later on, you might see me post some of my creativity block exercises. I’m really, really sorry but I do hope you enjoy this!

I had to answer this request like this because my format wouldn’t work with the answer button. I hope you don’t mind!

Characters: 4,772 Words: 585

Ever since the incident, Jeremy had begun to regress due to what had happened. Most of the time it was involuntary, meaning it would unavoidably happen during shifts if something triggered it - which was usually an animatronic coming too close - so the other workers found out eventually. None of the had a problem with it, in fact, they didn't mind watching him. Though if Vincent was going to watch him, Scott or Mike would be there. Though he swore up and down he wouldn't hurt Jeremy, neither Mike or Scott trusted him enough to be around Jeremy, expecially in such a vulnerable mind state.

Currently, Jeremy was helping Mike with cleaning up some stuff backstage. It was in the middle of the day, Mike had been 'blessed' with the day shift today because he said he needed extra pay and their boss, evidently, thought that meant he wanted to scrape pizza sauce of arcade carpet and try to survive raging robots with the nightshift. They were talking though, there being a fairly happy mood around the whole thing. "Y'know, I really wasn't expecting this. With the whole dayshift thing," Mike laughed softly, "Waking up at 6am is a pain in my rear. Well, mornings in general are but that's beside the point."

Jeremy laughed along with Mike, "I-I can tell mornings aren't your thing." Mike let out a chuckle as he set a box down and began to organize the necessary things. Jeremy was about to set the box he was carrying down when he saw Golden Freddy sitting in the distant corner of the back area. The box just dropped to the ground, landing with a 'thud' as panic flew through Jeremy's brain. 'Why was he here? Weren't all the old ones in the backroom? They should be shut off right now, it's not even the nightshift yet!' Mike stood and looked over at Jeremy with worry, "Jeremy?" Jeremy shook his head rapidly, going and hugging Mike. "There.. O-Over there.." He pointed vaguely where he'd seen Golden Freddy.

Mike sighed as he realized what was happening, "Little guy, he isn't really there. It's your brain playing tricks on you, it's alright. Let's get you to the break room, I know you have a bag in there with some fun toys you can play with." Jeremy perked up excitedly at the mention of toys and nodded happily. Mike smiled softly, grabbing Jeremy's hand and leading him to the break room through the farther back areas of the pizzeria, where the guests couldn't see them. It was more of a rule that put in place since Jeremy wasn't fond of people that much, and too many were overwhelming for him.

Once they made it to the break room, Mike walked inside and closed the door as Jeremy made a b-line towards the cupboard that held his bag. Mike chuckled softly as Jeremy took out the bag and went to the couch, patting the area next to him. Mike went over to sit down next to him but Scott called for him. He looked at Jeremy apologetically, "Sorry Bud, I gotta go help Scott. Would you mind playing by yourself for a bit?" Jeremy shook his head and smiled, taking the toys out and playing on the couch contently as Mike left the room to help Scott.

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When Mike returned, he wasn't sure whether to laugh or be upset. Vincent sat on the couch, evidently stuck as Jeremy was cuddling him and playing with some toys and encouraging Vincent to join him. Vincent was engaged, somewhat, he was nodding along and making small jokes that he seemed too busy snickering when Jeremy asked him to explain to do so. Mike came over to them and Vincent's smile only widened when he noticed. "Mike,~ Hi." "Hi Vincent," Mike rolled his eyes at Vincent before smiling as Jeremy waved a bit, who paused his playing to greet Mike before continuing.

Mike sat down on the other side of Jeremy and listened to whatever story he had going on as he played. It was peaceful for a while, nothing really happening. Mike and Vincent listened, putting in their input every so often. Mike had even begun to play a part in this little show. But after a bit, Jeremy got tired and both Vincent and Mike would have to get back to work soon. Mike decided to put Jeremy down for a nap, and surprisingly, he didn't fight much. They put the toys away and he fell asleep on the couch peacefully. Vincent chuckled to himself, "He sure has a lot of energy, too bad it ran out. That was a good story for someone his.." He paused, "Age?"

Mike laughed a bit at Vincent's uncertainty, "Yeah, he's good at talking and making stories. It's intriguing." Both Mike and Vincent left the room, finding an angry and stressed Scott standing outside. He lead them away from the breakroom before giving them a slight lecture and having them get back to work. They might've gotten in trouble, but eh, they didn't care. They'd help their friend if they could, which included with his regression.

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bthump · 3 years ago

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I wanted to touch on the whole gutsca thing with someone (I know zero people in this fandom so you're my lucky pick!). Am I alone in feeling like their first time together came out of no where? My meta with Guts is that he was not at all comfortable with sex at that time of his life (this instance being his first time [outside of the rape he experienced as a child]). His choice of words too, "here I go", translated to me like someone only doing what they felt was expected of them rather than something he was yearning for. He clearly wasn't even ready given how rough he was and how he regressed and attacked her. This moment seemed very forced and almost rang to me like Kentaro's declaration of "no homo though". I would be curious to know how Kentaro felt about homosexuality (bisexuality, etc) and if he ever addressed the ever blatant gay tension and romantic-non-platonic-love blossoming between Guts and Griffith pre-eclipse. I do get the sense that this may be a case of severe queer baiting or perhaps a PSA against gay love altogether ("falling for a man will literally destroy you and send you and everyone you love to hell" type of message); but I'm a very jaded person so I hope to be proven wrong. Sigh, my point being Gutsca seems pretty dang forced and empty of true development. I buy them more as besties than anything romantic. Especially since both he and Casca are actually in love with Griffith (what a fucking triangle!). Does anyone in fandom have any opinions on the sad possibility of this whole beautiful and ultimately tragic love between Griffith and Guts actually being a fucked up anti-gay PSA? Are there any interviews with Kentaro shooting this theory down so I can stop being sad and bitter about it? What are your thoughts?

Thanks for sending this, I'm definitely down to talk about it! I hope you connect with more people in the fandom but don’t worry about sending random asks even if you do lol.

Anyway you’re definitely not alone. I have a lot of thoughts on Guts and Casca's hook up, and they're all pretty much "it feels really forced and not particularly romantic but I think you can argue that that's deliberate" lol. For instance I discuss in a lot of detail here how various aspects of the scene indicate that Guts and Casca having sex is shown to be a case of both of them rebounding from Griffith and sort of giving to each other what they were unable or failed to give to him.

And I talk a lot about how Judeau essentially orchestrates it all and what that suggests about Guts and Casca's relationship here.

And lol sorry for all the links but also this post is about how their relationship feels one-sided to an extent and is used to illuminate a lot of Guts' flaws, using Judeau as a comparison point.

Oh shit and also one more lol, here's a comparison between the sex scene and Griffith's with Charlotte that suggests that both start as ways for the dudes to repress their feelings.

(Don't feel obligated to read all those posts if you don't want, you should get the gist of what I'm saying w/ those descriptions.)

But yeah basically I do think that Guts and Casca getting together felt forced and awkward. At best it might be intended to be seen that way, as two friends hooking up awkwardly in an emotionally intense moment but probably doomed to failure because neither of them are ready for a relationship with the other, or particularly interested in one deep down, once they finished "licking wounds." At worst it’s just bad writing lol. But again like I think there are good arguments for the former.

I also totally agree that their relationship has a strong vibe of doing what's expected. Like for real, at least to me both Guts and Casca read so easily as gay and repressed lol. Casca talks about her feelings for Griffith in terms of “he was a boy she was a girl can I make it any more obvious”

and I can’t help but see it as Casca like, wow I have strong feelings towards Griffith, he’s a man and I’m a woman, so clearly these feelings must be romantic, there’s no other option. Then when she has sex with Guts she keeps contextualizing it essentially as repayment for Guts saving her, like she owes him. “I too want a wound I can say you gave me.” “Not just being given to... maybe I can give something as well.” Which just doesn’t make her desire for him look all that genuine lol.

And then you have Guts. The way he tells Casca that from the start only her touch was okay with him after he has sex with her, referencing the scene when he wakes up with her on top of him and starts to panic before realizing she’s a woman, is soooo suggestive of repression to me. Like, first off because it’s incorrect, he was also okay with Griffith going in for a face-grab after winning a duel Guts had been projecting his rape trauma all over, which seems like a pretty conspicuous omission. And secondly because the reason he was okay with Casca’s touch specifically is solely because she’s a woman, not because she’s special or because they have a magic romantic connection - it’s because she’s not a man. To me that just screams that Guts was open to sex with Casca because she’s the only woman he knows, and he’s afraid of the idea of physical intimacy with men, regardless of what he might actually want deep down.

So yeah that’s basically how I feel about Guts and Casca’s relationship, strong agree with you.

When it comes to Miura’s intent, I can tell you that Miura was asked about the subtext in an interview once, back in 2000, and he responded with something along the lines of ‘two men can have passionate feelings for each other without it being romantic.’ The interview is here, but this is a paraphrase the translator mentioned in the comments.

Other than that I’ve never seen him address it directly, but on the flipside he has cited several textually gay stories as inspiration (off the top of my head: Kaze to Ki no Uta, Devilman, Guin Saga, mangaka Moto Hagio in general), and he has straightforwardly said that the (magical intersex) central character of his other work, Duranki, was intended to have romances with both male and female love interests. Also people tell me there are strong griffguts vibes with the main, presumably canon or intended-to-be-canon ship there. So there’s that lol.

As for the no homo aspect and the potential homophobia in the griffguts subtext... I can’t deny I’ve also considered the idea that it’s a deliberate anti-gay PSA (though I haven’t seen anyone else address the idea as far as I remember, and I’ve only briefly mentioned it offhandedly). Like, Guts and Griffith’s relationship turns bad because they’re both too invested in each other, maybe the barely-subtextual desire is meant to look like a sinister twisting of pure platonic feelings that ruins everything, if Griffith hadn’t loved him the Eclipse never would have happened, etc.

But honestly I don’t think that reading holds up compared to a much more positive reading of their feelings, in which it’s their failure to understand them and act on them, thanks largely to formative childhood trauma and self-hatred, that leads to tragedy.

I don’t know what Miura intended, and there certainly are aspects of the story that are homophobic regardless of his intent, even if my best-faith reading is entirely correct, like the only textual gay attraction being pedophiles and over the top heretic orgies lol, or yk, Guts and Griffith both assaulting the same woman while looking at/thinking about the other in a very sexually charged way.

But the reading of their relationship where it’s positive and good for both of them, even including sexual desire, and only gets fucked up because they both incorrectly think their feelings are unrequited is legitimately so weirdly strong, much stronger than a reading where the sexual nature of their feelings is what fucks everything up, so I’m pretty happy just rolling with that take.

And as much as Casca can be seen and may very well be intended as a no homo, it’s also very easy for me to read her relationships with both as less of a hopeful opportunity for positive heterosexual romance and more of a “here’s how repressing your feelings thru attempts at heterosexuality fucks you up” PSA lol. Griffith and Charlotte too, for that matter. It’s definitely a stretch to think that’s intended, but whether it’s intended or not it’s an easy sell for me and I’m fine with not really worrying too much about possible authorial intent there.

Finally, I also want to link this post that goes pretty thoroughly into why I interpret griffguts as very positive rather than as a cautionary tale or predatory gay lust etc

And also have this shorter post about Femto on the same subject too, why not

Oh and maybe this thing where I split hairs about Guts’ lust for Griffith and desire for revenge to make a point that the homoeroticism isn’t necessarily being equated with violence by the narrative lol

#ask #a #b #anonymous #theme: repression #theme: homoeroticism #interviews #ship: griffguts #ship: gtsca #theme: homophobia #theme: heteronormativity

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life-rewritten · 4 years ago

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Giants of Thai BL AKA The MOST ANTICIPATED THAI BL SHOWS FOR 2021

It's weird to think that the year 2020 has ended. This has been a journey in the past year, on the surface everywhere you looked it looked like there was no place to be happy and excited because of all the things that happened. It was suffocating at times, tiring at best, and it was just astonishing how many things could go wrong in only one year. That being said, one genre/demographic that grew even stronger this year, took some time to impress and improve on its tropes, its ideas and concepts and that's BL. Which also took some of us by surprise, for the ones who've been watching BL since the first oldies, to the new people who joined and also became in love with the genre and have stayed since then. BL has been an incredible, interesting journey, and I am so happy to say that it looks like 2021 isn't letting go of that energy. So to celebrate entering 2021, a year hopefully for a release from all the worries in 2020, a year to restart, refresh and keep getting better, here are the Giants of Thai Bl making their way in 2021. We have so many insane ones, from more mafia dramas to new unique non-university storylines, to og actors, and new powerful ones, to interesting pairings and new channels producing shows for 2021 to many many more countries joining the fight to be the top of our affections and energy. Thai BL is not going anywhere, and you know what that's perfectly fine with me.

GMMTV

I already did a whole squeal about the shows upcoming from GMMTV here: But after careful consideration here is my top 3 most anticipated: Enchante, Not Me, Bad Buddy. I know Enchante beat out ATOTS, but for me, I'm obsessed with the way the writer plans secrets and meta to unveil, and I keep repeating it's by Theory of Love director and production team. I'm so excited. I just hope they put in the same energy and effort they used in theory of love for this you have so many potential incredible actors that can take over this genre if you give them a good script and hard work. Hopefully, GMMTV intends to do so for not just their royal couple shows but also for rookie actors because Book and Force in this trailer? Looks fantastic.

Studio Wabi-sabi

When I hear about Studio Wabi-Sabi, you see two juxtaposed reactions from me, one you see anticipation and excitement from seeing my most loved actors off-screen; however, you also hear a groan from me. I'm sorry I didn't use to be this way, I used to be so ready to embrace every show directed and created by New Siwaj; in 2020, New was one of the directors I kept having headaches about because of all his shows in 2020? What exactly happened? Why did they flop so hard? Why was he so slow? I'm hoping that it's because he had too many projects to handle at the same time since fair enough LBC was filmed same time as GMMTV My gear and your gown and maybe that was too much to handle? But the reason why I like News choices usually are because they're emotional, impressive with their plot lines and have good character arcs and couples we end up falling in love with. He could be an iconic director because he has so much talent in his company, so I'm hoping he uses his lessons and grows and becomes better in 2021. But Let's get to the shows announced so far for 2021 because they both have the potential to take over 2021. I said what I said.

Between Us

Genre: Friends with benefits, Romance, Comedy, PTSD, Angst,

Ahh, this is incredible. I'm so happy. Win and Team are from a great tv show already with Until We Meet Again and not going to lie, but seeing Buon as Win and Prem as Team? Perfection. Like guys I actually fell so hard for this couple despite their low screen time. Buon stole the scene each time he appeared, with his little smirks, and mischief, with flirty bad-boy energy and their relationship, was precisely what I live for passionate and full of chemistry. They're great, which is why it's so exciting to see that Between Us is getting its own show, the show based on these two love story in a parallel timeline to Until we meet again. I screamed. The book sounds interesting; we're getting some conversations about PTSD, some healing relationships, and angst and more passion. I'm so excited about this since I first saw BuonPrem. I knew they were going to get known enough to bring their own show. And they deserve it, let's hope we get an interesting script that keeps us invested, enough opportunities for these two to have softer and profound moments whilst still holding on to their passion, and let the drama not be stale but addicting. Please New, don't let this show also be slow-paced, I'll lose it if another show is ruined by directing from you.

Ratings: 4/5: BuonPrem, they leap off the screen, their chemistry is that great. From hearing about the plot I'm also excited to a more in-depth look into Team's insomnia and his past and psychological scars, and I'm hoping to see a deeper reason for why these two should be together.

Love Mechanics 2

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Angst, Drama, Friends with benefits, Unrequited love,

That's the thing about Wabi-Sabi; they have amazing actors that steal our hearts away. This shows cast is no different, it's YinWar and it's a collab with Channel 3. Like What? It's everything. YinWar from Love Mechanics trended with millions of people obsessed and wanting the show to be extended and actually appropriately done. In came Channel 3 and we have this gem coming on April. No words. YinWar on screen is thrilling; War is just outstanding as Mark, his nuances, his glares, his looks of pain and longing, man I was absorbed into it. Although LM's writing is toxic and really left me feeling confused and uncomfortable with the details pushed aside, it was hard to ship VeeMark when Yin's character made terrible decisions and was awful even in the book. I'm the queen of analysing damaged flawed characters, and I don't run away from toxicity as long as there is a growth and change later on, as long as there's a good reason we needed to see that. For Vee's character, his actions were unnecessary for us to know about his character; they were just messy and upsetting. That's why I think seeing more depth for his actions and seeing Mark regress and also make mistakes like him will even out their relationship and make me feel more understanding about how these two flawed characters came to be and why they should be together. Let's hope with funds from Channel 3, more effort and energy put into the show, it'll be great because with actors like War this show can be just as big as it was when it had errors. Maybe even better.

Ratings 3.5/5 Love mechanics messy storyline makes me worried about this, but I think I might have a great time watching and analysing Mark's revenge after being heartbroken. The angst and drama of it all just sound interesting.

Channel 3

2020 brought a new surprise with Channel 3 deciding to invest in BLS. BLs have always been not on mainstream channels, so seeing Channel 3 in Thailand decide to make their own shows, a collab with other companies, and bring some directors and writers and actors known in the BL world already, shows they are serious. This may be because of the success of 2gether and other breakthroughs in 2019 taking over the scene. But I can see that Channel 3 did not come here to play, they are researching, looking for ways to make a great BL with the information provided on the past BLs and they want to make it big. And you know what with shows like GEN Y showing up last year, I want to believe that Channel 3 is a competition for GMMTV and others. They invest in funds and have longer minutes for their episodes, and they also pay attention to international fans by streaming on new places like Iquiyi and others. It's exciting. Channel 3 has already dipped their toes with Love Mechanics, and in 2021 they have even more shows to give us:

Teddy Bear Miracle

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Supernatural, Drama, Friends to Lovers, Fantasy, Mystery, Lakorn

What a weird title for a show. What an odd premise. What a bizarre book. But you know what I'm so excited about this; this is meant to be a lakorn series that is BL. Like wow, it has a good cast, known faces in the Thai acting scene and a director/screenwriter who has won awards for his own script. That's even more exciting. But the best thing about this is that it's a fantasy and has supernatural themes, yep it's weird we're dealing with a magic system where teddy bears come to life, and other inanimate objects talk? But I'm so excited to see what this brings; we have a man transformed from a teddy bear with amnesia who's searching for his past and how he ended up as one and his owner who's not yet ready to let his comfort go. It's so interesting, with family history and drama and of course, a romance that will probably touch my heart. I'm excited for this zany, wacky and dramatic show. Normally, I shy away from the crazy because I don't like crack humour, and it just means a bunch of many irritating sound effects and editing choices. But I want to trust the whole team from Channel 3, from the behind the scenes the show looks great, the couple has chemistry, and I'm excited to delve into the mystery at play and see what this story is meant to become. So excited honestly.

Ratings: 4.1/5 The wacky magic system scares me not going to lie, but I have faith for some reason in Channel 3, so I think this might shock us all. I think we'll get good acting, and perhaps good directing too. The mystery might also make me want to analyse. We shall see.

Lovely Writer

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Angst, Drama, Acting/Writing Industry, Haters to Lovers,

Did you say Kao and Up and P'Tee the director of TharnType the series? Sign me up I'm there; I've been screaming a bit since I heard about this series. From the first time, it was announced that Channel 3 was turning the book into a show, I was like this sounds unique again? And it has an interesting plot, I guess, and it's also going to have drama. I'm hopeful then. When I heard about the whole team and watched the trailer, I got into it even more. Lovely Writer sounds right up my alley, to be honest, we have this introverted writer who is determined to write a masterpiece and stop his company from making him produce BLs for the hype only for his next project to be a BL show which leads him to his new sneaky, sly, wolf in sheep's clothing roommate. Kao played his roommate from Until we meet again who won my heart as Korn and made me cry buckets. So, of course, I'm excited, Nubsib (Kao) may have some tricks up his sleeve to get next to Gene, but I think things will be more complicated than he thought, I'm ready to explore the world of the film industry and dating scandals that Gene and Sib will fall into the more they fall for each other. The angst and drama. Can't wait. Also, TharnType is one of my favourite series, and one of the reasons is because of Tee so... That's even more reason to see Gene and Sip's love story develop. Will it be as angsty, passionate and filled with plot twists? From what I hear maybe.

Ratings: 4/5 I just think this is an excellent team for a BL backed by Channel 3 and also has an exciting plot filled with ups and downs. I'm excited to see what happens and from the behind the scenes they released in the new year I think it'll be right up my alley.

NADAO

It had to be mentioned that I'm still in shock that Nadao is investing more into BL's. I don't know why, it just feels too good to be true, after giving me show after show that's perfection and quality I'm starting to have high expectations and hope for more, despite my weary heart not wanting to trust that this is real. I'm dramatic, I know. Anyways Nadao has gifted me twice with two shows that have shocked me and made my jaw fall in awe. I'm just like wow, they really did that. Every single piece of work that comes from them is art. Every single script is exceptionally written. Every single show is acted beautifully, and every single director and producer makes me inspired by the way they create. This is when focusing on their BLs because Great Man Academy and I told sunset about you are masterpieces in their own way, they deserve to be praised and never forgotten. It's just incredible that with a company like Nadao, everything falls into place, even when we think it won't because of past experiences. Nadao has shown up and decided to create unique pieces each thoughtful. Deep and breathtaking. Why won't I be over the moon when 2021 announces that we're getting another part from them with I told sunset about you getting a sequel. You bet I haven't stopped screaming and looking at the time to hurry up, so we get to March 11. I'm serious.

ITSAY PART 2

Genre: Romance, Angst, Drama, University, Coming of age

And that's because of what ITSAY was to us in 2020. It was something that can't be explained concisely. It was everything. To hear that we're getting the second part of the story of Oh and Teh, I feel like I am already preparing my heart and mind for another invasion, last time I was a mess because of this show, I was all over the place because of this show, and I was incredibly happy for a moment because of this show. To relive that again would be everything. It's slightly worrying that Teh and Oh finally getting together and fighting through the odds to stay together will run into more obstacles. Are you kidding me? After all, we went through to see them together?? It makes me worried, I have this real distrust for sequels of BLs, and it hasn't changed despite 2020 producing some okay follow-ups. Sequels never meet the expectation set; sequels are always reduced in quality because the focus is now on popularity and fame, sequels lose their integrity of the characters we've come to know and love and sequels hurt. They make me sometimes give up on a show that is my love, and it hurts. It's a painful realisation that I can't take away or forget the sequel events, so these characters are now ruined infinitely for me—looking at Together with me next chapter. It's scary. But Nadao hasn't failed yet, I mean it when I say their scripts are like works of art, I mean it when I say you can tell they put blood, sweat and tears to create their shows, why would ITSAY part 2 be any different? These two shows I mentioned before are coming together because the director of GMA is joining the team of ITSAY to produce whilst Boss becomes the producer. As long as he's there, I'm fine, as long as we still get hard work, energy, effort and thought put into it. I'm fine. Because it translates on screen, I'll try to lower my expectations, but I can't wait to see BilkinPP as TehOh again. I can't wait to fall in love with the show all over again. Let's hope we all end up satisfied.

Ratings: 4.5/5 The being a sequel is what's deducting the 0.5. I can't come here and be a fool; I must guard my heart against disappointment somewhat, despite failing already to do so.

Other Affiliates

We have our other shows. These were a pleasant surprise. With all the growth of new BLs, it's starting to get crowded and saturated, but as much as it's hard to see which shows stand out above all the noise, some make you see it. These shows are the ones that stand out for me out of the rest in 2021. I don't know what companies they're from, all I know is the information given to me and past experiences.

KinnPorsche

Genre: Romance, Mafia, Angst, Drama, Friends to Lovers, Haters to Lovers, Bodyguard trope

AHHH. Can you hear me AHH. Okay, I'll calm down. But no really, KinnPorsche is finally preparing for filming and the cast has been set and I'm screaming. KinnPorsche was the book in 2020 that was announced as the most coveted; I remember so many fandoms wanted their actors to be chosen as the main cast. The reason? Because this is meant to be the first Mafia/Crime BL. Yes, you heard us, no more universities and engineers we're doing bodyguards and spoilt gangsters. I'm... But just knowing this, you just know that the show will also have angst, angst angstttt for days, drama, and a romance that probably involves haters to lovers, passion, and character development. We're coming in with guns blazing, with many side couples that look just as good and interesting, and many actors that look perfect for their roles. I cannot wait for KinnPorsche, especially when one of my favourite actors is going to be in it as a second lead Jeff Satur! Have you seen the posters, the character introduction, who they're casting for the rest of the show? This looks amazing, it seems well put together, and the whole team looks determined and ready to give us a great show. I'm honestly so excited, but I've also heard things about the book that I will have to wait for the show to be a judge of before saying. All I can say is quality of a show also includes the themes in the script, we're trying to evolve past the toxic plots and ideas in BL, so I'm hoping if there is any we cut it real quick and change that part. It's the producers and directors' choice to keep parts in that could be edited or removed. I haven't read the book, so I'm going to be wary about it for now, but from the whole cast, teasers, and posters I really think this show could be a favourite if appropriately handled.

Ratings: 4?/5 The question mark is for the rumours I've heard about the book. I can't lie that I want this show to be great and become one of my all-time favourites but with angst and violent personalities and passion comes leeways to toxicity and more and that's just not cute or needed.

My Engineer Season 2

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Angst, Drama, Friends to Lovers, Haters to Lovers, Unrequited love, University,

Okay, this is it, folks. My Engineer came in 2020 and knocked our socks off; it's the most underrated great show in 2020 (apart from why r u) in my opinion. It was brilliantly constructed with enough screen time and plot for every couple of the show. My Engineer is a great show; it didn't make it to my favourites because I had issues with the main couple, but it was my most enjoyed when it came to the side couples. Because we had KingRam, TharaFong, and MekBoss. (Sorry to BohnDuen Fans). These were some of the most exciting, heartfelt, loving couples in 2020, KingRam was just chef kiss. And to hear that we're getting a sequel based on them? Well you know what I did, I screamed. I loved both KingRam and TharaFrong they were done so well, acted so well, and they made me laugh and laugh and then squeal and blush. They were too cute. The ending of my engineer left both these couples on a cliff hanger; we had a depressing bro zone with TharaFong as Fong came to realise his feelings, we had a wait what moment with Ram telling King he wasn't drunk when the kiss happened which is essentially a 'we need to deal with this new situation' text. And it's got me so excited to see what happens next. The first part of this was excitement. The second part is sigh, sequels. I told you didn't sequels are just urgh. I couldn't stop my excitement about KingRam, and I went to read the novel, and I usually don't mind it, but I don't think if the sequel is based on their story that I'd like them in season 2. And that's ridiculous because they're finally the main couple of season 2, and TalayPerth is impressive to see on screen. Sigh. I wasn't happy when reading the book; there are specific actions and choices made that just shifts the dynamic of the first season into the opposite. And I'm not particularly excited to relive those moments. Let's just say I still have high hopes for My engineer mostly cause I don't know what's happening to the other couples; I really hope there's a change in the script, maybe more information, more reasons for the characters to act the way they do, more depth? Because I want to like this show, I want it successful, but I'm not a clown I can't pretend it will be if it's based on the books. We'll see if I'm proved wrong. I hope I am.

Ratings: 3.5- Why did I read the book why?? I should have come into it blind I would have given it a 5/5 just for KingRam. Sigh

Love Stage

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Gender Bender, Friends to Lovers, Childhood friends,

This was a shock. Thailand has started to remake mangas from Japan, and it's all the most loved ones. In 2021 we already have Antique Bakery being remade by GMMTV (Read my GMMTV Giants of 2021) and now we have Love Stage which is also getting a Japanese Movie remake out in 2021. It's a great manga, anime and it's going to be a fun show. I enjoyed the characters, and I liked the storyline. But what I'm the most excited about when it comes to this is Kaownah and Turbo finally, after years of waiting have a new series. YES. Kaownah plays Long in TharnType our villain, and he was incredible in that. I heard he and Turbo were meant to be in the show My Umbrella, but it was cancelled and forgotten which was disappointing. These two are so cute, they're known for their fanservice and their chemistry and friendship. And I like them a lot. I can't wait to see Love Stage. I think they'll kill it. Can't wait to hear more about it let's hope this time it sticks and comes through on our screens.

Ratings: 4/5 It's a fun storyline, and it has an excellent acting couple. I'm excited.

If 2021 already sounded brilliant because of GMMTV 2021, 2021 sounds even more exciting with these new shows; there's so many coming out, so many breaking stereotypes, so many unique plotlines, and so many great actors showing up. It's going to be a great year. I'm just glad BLs are growing, things are changing slowly, things are starting to have meaning and improve, international fans are being listened to, LGBT voices is also being listened to, we are getting there, not yet there but closer, every single time someone makes a choice to create a great plot and story that is more than just two guys making out, a show filled with heart, messages and essential representation with the good actors that also want the shows to mean something or are willing to put their all in it, every time someone chooses to make a good BL, you're paving the way for change and for the meaning of BL to change as well, for it just to be seen as something more in media. And that's needed for so many people who want shows like this to be respected and created for voices that need to be heard and displayed. Let’s see more with excellent quality in 2021.

#thai bl #bl series #bl drama #gmmtv 2021 #between us #love mechanics #itsay #i told sunset about you #my engineer #lovely writer #wrpup #2021

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thattimdrakeguy · 4 years ago

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TIM DRAKE being ROBIN again IS NOT regression. That’s a misunderstanding.

Tim being Robin again, is honestly the best thing for the character that they could do at the moment. I know a lot of people in the fandom have started after that fact, and therefore aren’t aware why people so many people aren’t happy and want Tim to be Robin again and stay that way, but there’s plenty of reasons why.

---

To me, the argument against it is always based on accepting things without knowing that the events may not have been well-written from the start, or this weird notion that Robin doesn’t mean much and it’s a bad thing for Tim to be it. But to me, that doesn’t make any sense.

I’m not a fan of people who act like it’s weird to want Tim to be Robin again, because they always never really try to process the whys.

They always say “He’s moved on”, or that Robin would be regression.

But that’s all based off of writing that was made to validate the decision, and superficial logic, rather than reading enough to know that the writing wasn’t good, and well, superficial logic isn’t the best.

You can’t just naturally assume all the writing is good as part of the defense to your argument. That’s something I’ve learned just by reading as much as I have.

Robin isn’t naturally regression. Just because Dick viewed Robin as being a kid’s thing, doesn’t mean that’s what Tim thought.

Just because one person viewed something as one thing, doesn’t mean another will. That’s not how that would work when writing things in a natural manner.

Tim is a fictional character with a certain development and made purpose. To be Robin, he is a character made purely to be Robin, and developed as only wanting to be Robin.

So by that token, what I’m saying is, Tim’s purpose as a character is to be Robin, and the character itself would not want anything else.

That’s generally agreed upon.

But something people accept is that Tim being kicked in the first place made any sense when considering everything.

In the screenshots above, Tim was telling that to Dick Grayson, so Dick would know that if Tim wasn’t Robin, that would mean to Tim that he wouldn’t be a hero anymore. Dick Grayson is incredibly protective of Tim. When he is aware on Tim’s feelings on Robin, and how Dick feels about Tim, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for Dick to kick him.

People use that Dick was mourning as well, Damian needed Robin, and that Tim was his equal to defend that. But that’s just the stuff that was written to validate it afterwards, not what made sense.

Tim was Robin for 3 years or so in canon, he is established as not being as good as the other Robins as far as natural talent went. It’s what a lot of his character moments and stories are made out of. Dick was Robin for 8 years at the least, and was a natural talent.

Dick cares a lot and loves about Tim, but he’s also one to shove him out of trouble, and here’s about how not so good he feels. He wouldn’t be blinded by his love to just say he’s his equal when that’s shown to not be the case.

So what I’m saying with that is that them using the idea that Tim is viewed as Dick’s equal doesn’t actually make sense. Tim is still a kid, he was 17 years old at the time, he wasn’t ever as good as Dick and that’s part of his established character, Dick is well aware on Tim’s feelings on Robin, just because one character views Robin in a certain way doesn’t mean another will.

Plus Dick knows and cares about Tim. He’s protective over him. He shoved him out of trouble, technically killed the Joker when he thought he had killed Tim. This is a person who cares a lot about Tim who is his little brother. He isn’t a personality who would just not think about him when they’re both grieving over the same man.

So why does it make sense that Tim would be kicked from Robin in the first place that isn’t contrived?

Who said that Damian needed to specifically need Robin besides what they wrote to validate it?

It’s accepted now because of what they wrote to validate it, but just because they suddenly did it and validated after. Doesn’t mean it made sense or worked.

When by this point they establish that Robin is there to keep Batman level headed, and Damian clearly isn’t going to keep Dick that way. There’s nothing much more than superficial reasons as to why Damian was Robin in the first place.

Not to invalidate Damian’s character, because the thing about Damian’s character compared to Tim is, Damian was made to be Damian, he doesn’t need Robin to work, Tim does.

Nothing really meant Damian HAD to be Robin. He needed a guiding hand and some training. Someone to love him. Robin isn’t needing for that.

If Tim wasn’t ever a thing, of course I think Dick would make Damian Robin, but the thing is-- Tim WAS there, and Dick has too many feelings and personal connection for Tim that makes seemingly ignoring him make sense. Especially when the writers oh so suddenly decided to make Tim equal to Dick, when that doesn’t make any logical sense. Dick may view Robin as one thing, but he isn’t one to just ignore Tim’s feelings on the subject as well. Which makes a lot of difference.

As in, with no Tim, it’s only Dick’s feelings on Robin to go after, and while Dick did make Robin, his personality is a caring one, and he is shown caring a lot and being protective over Tim. Which means that’d he would also consider Tim’s feelings more likely than not. Especially when considering Tim’s clearly very mentally weak. Dick’s the person Tim would call when Tim was depressed, he wouldn’t not know how Tim would feel or treat his feelings as lesser.

In a real world situation, when you have a compassionate person who loves and cares about someone, in a situation involving grief like this, you’re going to take consideration of their feelings to make them feel good.

Damian is there as well, but as said before, nothing specifically meant he had to be Robin. They used a superficial rule rather than using character logic, which isn’t where good writing comes from.

A lot of the people that weirdly get very defensive at people wanting Tim to remain Robin, always use what was written to validate it, while not considering that some people genuinely don’t like the decision, because it goes against what’s already been seen.

Unless you stretch your imagination to make it seem like Dick didn’t care about Tim or some how forgot a very important thing about a person he’s very protective about, or what the established point of a Robin is, it doesn’t make much sense.

(Someones probably gonna look too deep into why I used that screenshot, but it just fit the tone the best.)

Then there’s the assumption that it’s regression for Tim.

That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Because so much of his character depended on Robin, that he’s been lesser ever sense. At least to a large extent.

Nothing logically make sense about Tim getting a new identity being an actual promotion.

Tim was a character developed to just be plain Robin. He was specifically designed to be the best Robin he could be, and that’s how his character was made, and who he was made to be. A ton of stuff about him was made for him to be ROBIN.

Tim no longer being Robin doesn’t equal bigger and better things, because there’s nothing with substance that says it’s any better.

To put it simply, Tim has flopped since not being Robin, because he wasn’t made to be anything but Robin. His depth, and stories, depended on Robin.

Dick after they aged him up after the cheesy era was developed to stand on his own, practically a different version of himself from the silver age because standards had changed. Him having his own identity wasn’t going to destroy Dick, when at that point, he was more of his own character than the typical ideal of a sidekick.

Meaning that Robin was Dick Grayson, Robin as it stood as a single person’s identity before DC worried about branding, was just Dick in a costume. The specific identity of Robin would not change a thing about Dick besides name and appearance.

Tim’s character was developed to be attached to the hip with Robin. His character isn’t nearly as strong without Robin, because unlike Dick where Robin depended on him, Tim depends on Robin.

Tim was made to be a sidekick. He could stand on his own of course, he did have a solo. But a lot of his solo was based on how he was Batman’s sidekick. That worry of disappointing him. Being kicked from being Robin. Not being good enough to be Robin. Not being good as the others. Robin is so much more a part of Tim’s character than any of the other Robins.

Take Tim away from Robin, and he’s not much. Seeing how Red Robin is based on a very specific reason and time frame, as well as not being as well written as people assume, Tim just flops.

None of that even means Tim is a bad character. It just means he’s a victim of having what made his character worked be taken away.

You make Indiana Jones and take him away from hunting artifacts and he wouldn’t be much either, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad character. He’s just made for stories in a certain way.

When Jason became the Red Hood as well, so much time had passed that he didn’t depend on Robin, and he didn’t depend on Robin as much in the first place. He was made to be Jason, his character wasn’t dependent on Robin either, it was dependent on him being Jason Todd, angsty street kid, who needed more help than he allowed himself to get.

So the reason why it’s specifically Tim that a good deal of fans want to be Robin again, is that because he was so specifically made to be Robin, it’s just when his character works best, and how he even became something else wasn’t even well-written to begin with. He was taken away from what made him work.

Compared to every single of the other Robins, Tim being taken away from Robin takes away depth more than what it gives, because of how Tim was developed compared to them. Tim has the angst of it being taken away, but then what? They just completely changed his character from thought processes, to morals, to general personality. He doesn’t succeed.

Now that Tim is past that story and all: Who is he and what keeps him interesting?

Red Robin depended on people really buying into his mental breakdown to accept that Tim is more different then ever before. Even Geoff Johns’s Tim who already wasn’t doing the best representing the character.

When the circumstances that made the change in identity is contrived at it is when taking it all in, it doesn’t help it out either.

People will villainize Dick for taking away Robin from Tim I notice, but to me, it just wasn’t in-character to begin with.

I don’t understand the logic of assuming every piece of writing was well-written just because it stuck, because a lot of the time for the past to decades given the standards of DC changing, it just isn’t.

Tim as Red Robin wasn’t the success people think it is. It’s popular in fandom, but it wasn’t a true success. It was something that the readers of really liked, but wasn’t something that caught the world’s imagination. Tim’s former fanbase had left, because you don’t get much out of not truly feeling like you’re reading your favorite character. You expect a dorky, insecure, Robin, and get an angsty, brainiac, loner, and that change only happened through contrived means: A lot of people won’t like that.

Red Robin as a series made Tim the opposite of who he was and developed to be, based on the logic that Tim Drake, a kid who is actually seen in his own series as working past his grief because he’s naturally hopeful things will get better, would have a mental breakdown so great that he isn’t the same personality anymore.

Now that Tim is past that era: Who is he now? What makes him interesting? Where does his depth come from?

He’s a character taken away from what made him tick and work.

That isn’t good character writing. When you give a character in a situation, you have to naturally build on what’s developed about them. Red Robin was written on doing the opposite of that. Hence why a lot of people who knew Tim before hand, didn’t like it.

Why don’t people like serial killer Jason? Cause it was contrived, didn’t go with the natural development of the character, and made you have to really raise your suspension of disbelief to believe that he’d actually go that mad, after already seeing that he only kills criminals.

For Tim, his success came as Robin, his character was made to be Robin, so his character worked best as Robin.

The idea that it’s regression for Tim to become Robin again makes the assumption that him not being Robin made him better, but it didn’t. It took away from him as a character. He couldn’t function properly because of how he was built.

Robin makes Tim more.

Having another identity doesn’t naturally mean he’s a better character. That’s a contrived notion people made because Dick had become a better character as Nightwing, as well as Jason.

The same thing isn’t going to work for everyone, and it didn’t work for Tim.

You can’t naturally assume, just because you only read what happened after, that what happened in the first place was well-written and a good idea.

And there’s nothing to say you can’t enjoy Red Robin.

It’s just that there’s a lot of reasons why Tim going back to Robin is actually a good thing for him.

Just because he’s Robin again doesn’t mean he can’t grow as a character. Tim was more when he was Robin. Robin doesn’t equal no more growth. It’s the position Tim’s best at, he’s still a person, and being a person he’ll grow no matter what. With Robin, it just makes him a fuller character again, and regain his purpose of what he was built for and had most of his popularity with, because he worked best there, and hasn’t worked as well without it.

When you have a job, in the position you wanted, and the position you’re best at, and feel like you’re made for, and you get kicked from it, you won’t feel like you’ve grown, you had something taken away from you and then you’re less.

Tim being Robin again, is only going to add to his character. Make him feel more like how he was meant to be. And make him a more functioning character with a purpose.

Tim being Robin is a good thing.

#Tim Drake #Robin #DC Comics #Batman #Bat-Family #Batfamily #Batfam

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unordinaryquotes · 4 years ago

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How Dark is Uru Willing to Go With Arlo? FastPass

When I say dark, I don’t mean something like a main character death or gore, but more in the psychological aspect. We’ve dealt with PTSD, child abuse, and how mentally ill people don’t receive the help they need, but we haven’t tackled the even darker side of depression. And I’m thinking Arlo might be the character to do it.

From what we’ve seen so far, Arlo’s the type of person to hold his feelings inside. He hardly ever shares his worries with anyone, even the people he’s closest too. The only time (from what I remember) that we’ve seen him genuinely smile was when he met his aunt. We also know that when he feels he loses control, he acts violently. When Rei died, Arlo horribly beat up Rein and tried to bring Sera back to Royals because it was the only way he knew how to regain control. Notice he didn’t let Sera do anything, because he wanted to be the one to take control.

Arlo can’t be honest with others, because he’s shamed when he is. His aunt, one of the few people he really cares for, chides and manipulates him when he developing his independence. Another example is when he’s getting closer to John. While at the beginning he definitely thought of John as a nuisance, as time goes by you can see he’s warming up to him. He shares his relationship with Rei, he takes the mango boba, and he smirks at John’s quips. John was able to make Arlo feel less lonely after Rei’s death, and maybe even want to pursue actual friendships. But once again, Arlo can’t be sincere and he has to be in control. He can’t admit that he might actually want to be friends with John, that would make others think he was weak or not fit to be King. He can’t let John have the satisfaction of having Arlo ask to be his friend, a King has to stand above everyone else.

So what do we know about Arlo. He desires control, buries his feelings, and can’t be honest with others in fear of showing weakness. In the new fastpass, Arlo learns the truth about Ember and seems to be thinking. He’s a lot more reserved and vulnerable, reconsidering all that he know. While some may say he’s starting to accept the truth and be more opening, I think the opposite is happening. He’s starting regress back into himself. His feelings are boiling underneath his calm demeanor and a spark can set him off.

Now, trigger warning for those who are affected, but I’m about to talk about self harm and suicidal thoughts. Self harm happens for a multitude of reasons, but one of the big ones is a desire for control. When people feel that the only thing they’re in control of is their own body, they begin to cause harm to it. Either by cutting, starvation, or takings drugs and alcohol. It eventually becomes addicting because through those actions, you feel as though you’re bettering yourself even though you aren’t. The desire to be in control at all times is something Arlo lives with and combined with his lack of self expression, self harm might the only way he feels that he can let his feelings go.

Lastly we come to the topic of suicide, which is always tough to go into. Now, I don’t think Arlo would attempt suicide. However if it comes down to a life or death battle, I’d expect Arlo to give up, especially if it was against his aunt. We might have a moment where Sera or Remi try to pep talk him into getting off his ass. But in the end it’ll need to be Arlo who makes the decision to face the truth and stand against his aunt.

Arlo will be at his lowest point when he realizes Valerie killed Rei, and it’s up to himself and his friends to build himself up again. I hope that if Uru is willing to delve into such deep topics, that she does it with grace and respect.

#tw self half #tw suidice #unordinary #unordinary arlo

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merryfortune · 4 years ago

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Alexithymia

Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS

Ship: Ryoken/Spectre

Rating: T

Word Count: 2,799

Tags: Canon Compliant, Knights of Hanoi as Found Family, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Abandonment Issues, Attachment Disorders, Selective Mutism

Synopsis: Ryoken becomes worried for Spectre when his behaviour deviates, and even regresses, after the defeat of Bohman.

Ryoken was relieved to log out from the Link VRAINS after Playmaker had won against Bohman. He had been relieved to simply have been revived, standing in the plaza with Spectre by his side, smiling as people’s very souls were restored to them after being taken for the Neuron Link but being able to breathe air – even heavily recycled, air conditioned air – of the office filled him with relief and gratitude.

Ryoken got up from his seat and Spectre finally opened his eyes. Ryoken wanted to pounce on him with a hug as soon as he did that, but Spectre was fussy, always had been and Ryoken thought he always would be. So, he gave Spectre a moment and then he looked towards Ryoken. There was an indescribable emotion on the blue surface of his iris; his lips twitched.

“We did it.” Ryoken said. “We lived. The vast majority of the Ignis have perished; the Light Ignis’s faction is a threat no more. We did it.”

“Yes, congratulations.” Spectre’s voice sounded indescribable.

Ryoken beamed. “I’m so happy right now, thank you, for everything, all your efforts.”

He couldn’t contain himself. Yes, the issue of the Dark Ignis remained but for now, now was a time of victory and celebration, no matter how small or what ills were to follow. Ryoken sat down next to Spectre and hugged him. Spectre stiffened as the touch, as Ryoken’s arms came around him and held him. Ryoken sighed. Spectre flinched.

“Please, sir, stop…” Spectre murmured.

Ryoken receded slightly and he gazed up at Spectre who looked most uncomfortable, even frightened, by his embrace.

“Are you alright…?” Ryoken asked and he swallowed a lump in his throat.

“It hurts.” Spectre admitted in a tiny voice. “It hurts when you do that.”

He wanted to get away so Ryoken let him. Ryoken straightened up and the atmosphere turned awkward. Ryoken hadn’t thought that he would be squeezing Spectre so hard that it would hurt, and it wounded him that he had yet neither said a word. There was silence save for the whirring of the air conditioner on the far wall. Spectre pointedly looked the other way, but he could feel when Ryoken stole looks at him.

“Are you okay?” Ryoken asked again.

Spectre attempted to reply but his words came out a stutter, confused and agitated until he finally gave up and changed the subject. “You said Playmaker defeated Bohman but what of you? What happened after I-” He couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“If you can stomach it, I’m sure the Lieutenants may have recordings of the duels that took place after your loss.” Ryoken said.

“I would rather hear it from you first.” Spectre replied with a terse exhale.

“Of course, as you wish.”

Ryoken then went on to explain the events which followed after Spectre’s loss. Some of it made him laugh, some of it harrowed him, but there was an oddness to his reactions, a certain detached callousness, which Ryoken couldn’t deny despite how much he wanted to. He wasn’t certain but he could tell. Something about Spectre was off but he couldn’t confirm it until later. When their conversation finished up, they were both famished, and the Lieutenants had returned so they had a meal together.

The fridge had been stocked up with the best and even though the kitchen was tiny, there was an atmosphere of celebration. Aso, Kyoko, and Genome: they all agreed that with the vast majority of the Ignis terminated, it was time to take the victory no matter how meagre. Spectre merely sat and watched. It was eerie and yet, the Lieutenants hardly seemed to notice but its not like Spectre was a big personality. He was a small one. A wisp of the thing and right now, he just wanted to sit at the dining table chair and watch with a rather blank expression.

Ryoken kept reminding himself to keep glancing towards him, keep checking on him but he couldn’t bring himself to ask for Spectre’s opinion on things. He was reasonably certain that even if he were to ask, then he would merely be stalled out or lied to. He could forgive Spectre either way for that, those were two cores of his character, after all, but Ryoken still cared for him very deeply.

“Thank you.” Spectre said when Kyoko put a plate of food in front him. He didn’t smile.

“Your welcome.” Kyoko replied but she glanced at Ryoken, she had noticed as well.

No one in this so-called household was a gourmet chef but if there was anyone who came close, it would have been Spectre. He cared deeply about his produce and how it was treated, he wanted it to be certain that they were treated with care and respect, so he typically produced the best meals. Not for this luncheon, at least.

Everyone sat at the table and thanked each other for the meal, for surviving, and so forth. The Lieutenants ate ravenously and at the other end, of both the table and the spectrum, Spectre barely ate with Ryoken truly in between. Spectre finished first and then retired to his bed on the yacht; no one stopped him. So, no one did the dishes, either, since after eating, everyone wanted to sleep.

Ryoken left his plate and crockery on the sink then slunk off. He and Spectre shared a twin room and he was quiet as he entered it. There wasn’t much space physically between the two beds since it was kind of cramped on the yacht, but it felt a lot bigger as Ryoken’s eyes settled on how defensive Spectre seemed, lying on his side with his back to the door. Ryoken’s anxieties just worsened.

But it was nothing compared to when he managed to confirm and get a better grapple on what Spectre was feeling at present. Or if he was even feeling anything at all.

The following day, they all woke up at weird times, feeling groggy and bad so Ryoken, against everyone’s wishes, they wanted to lie low and eat some more, and maybe do the dishes if they were feeling really daring but he convinced them otherwise. He returned the yacht to the marina and at dusk, he dragged everyone off the yacht and sent them on their ways. To do anything for an hour and then they would be back.

Ryoken was hoping that even Spectre would go off and do his own thing but very sullenly, he insisted that he would prefer to shadow Ryoken, so he did. So, Ryoken donned the choice of doing something that he thought Spectre would like, even for a little while and he figured there was no choice more obvious than walking along the pier, they had planter boxes and sculptures and similar. He thought surely that would perk Spectre up, even a little, but he was wrong. Really wrong.

Spectre followed at a few paces and Ryoken couldn’t bring himself to grab Spectre’s hand and all but make it a date. But Ryoken was afraid that he might hurt Spectre again, like when he had hugged him yesterday. He stood in front of one planter box and looked out to the water which shone with the oncoming hues of dusk. He pointed at the flowers. He thought they were pretty, all their tiny buds and the wiry stems of a grey-green.

“Hey, Spectre, can you tell me any fun facts about this variety?” he asked. He thought that they were peonies, but he wasn’t sure.

Spectre caught up and he instead mumbled, “I don’t like the crowd here.”

Ryoken glanced around. There were less people here than he thought; maybe they were all crammed inside the bars and restaurants along the pier. But he nodded. He knew that Spectre had never been overly fond of public places and big crowds and all their social batteries were running on empty. It was understandable; it was also excusable.

“Okay,” Ryoken replied, a little downhearted and rejected, “let’s go home.”

“Thank you, sir.” Spectre sounded a little bit happier.

Ryoken had wanted to linger longer along the pier but if Spectre wanted to go home, then they would both go home. They walked back and again, Spectre remained a few steps behind Ryoken. Normally, he didn’t mind, but it felt more indicative of something else given the events of yesterday.

At dinner, Spectre hardly ate again and was the first to retire to bed, Ryoken gave him the space he clearly wanted by washing the dishes but the repetitiveness of cleaning up today and yesterday’s meals, gave him too much time to be inside his head worrying about Spectre. After finishing up, wiping down his hands, Ryoken retired to his and Spectre’s room. He saw that Spectre was sleeping on his side again. It was still unusual, he tended to prefer to sleep on his back and it made Ryoken wonder, was he actually asleep?

So, he prompted him, “Spectre?”

“Yes, sir?” he replied tiredly.

“Are you sure you ate enough today?” Ryoken asked. “There’s snacks in the pantry if you want them.”

“I’m quite right, thank you for your concern.” He sounded scripted.

“Why is that?” Ryoken asked and he already feared the truth, should he elicit it at all.

“It’s simple.” Spectre scoffed. “Losers don’t eat.”

There it was. Ryoken was surprised that Spectre had said that at all, but he was glad to be told the truth, no matter how terribly electrifying, like a live wire come loose.

Ryoken settled on the bed. He wondered if now and here the right time for those sorts of conversations. He stole another look at Spectre. It was obvious he just needed time to lick his wounds and have some space. Ryoken closed his eyes and held the sheet up right, lying the other way to Spectre.

Dealing with him had been easier when he was a child. When he didn’t know all their tricks. When he had come to the mansion, and when the Lieutenants had actually managed to speak with one of the good doctor’s darling test subjects, it became increasingly obvious that there was something wrong with this child’s psyche. And that aberration had already been there long before he had been their test subject in the Hanoi Project.

Ryoken recalled that he would sometimes be schooled by the assistants in order to coach Spectre, engage him in therapy play and the like. Ryoken helped to teach Spectre his own emotions and the like, playing in very staged games and the like but at least in the moment, Spectre had never noticed because he had never really played with another child before. Eventually, once he had gotten good at it, they started him on identifying emotions and the like in other people and for better or worse, he had gotten very good at that as he had a naturally calculative mind.

But they weren’t children anymore and for better or worse, though he would deny it, possibly, Spectre had agency and, no doubt in his mind, Ryoken was both therapy and better than therapy. He would never own up to what he was feeling until he had repressed it and gotten better at masking and mirroring – like he had done in the Link VRAINS, Ryoken realised now. He knew there had been something a little too good about how Spectre had smiled there, in a cascade of glowing, golden specks. He had smiled a little too wide. He just wanted to be praised for going through the motions, following Ryoken’s sincere and earnest grin. So happy to be alive.

A few weeks passed like this. A sort of in-between where the pallor of awkwardness had receded slightly so Ryoken tested his waters again. It occurred to him that maybe the Earth Ignis, who was now wholly and utterly gone, had been holding up more of Spectre’s emotions than either of them had ever realised. Of course, there were other possibilities too. Maybe it was just a depressive slump, maybe it was something else with its roots in Spectre’s childhood and infancy, but either way, they to get back into the network and continue their mission. The Dark Ignis was still at large and therefore, still posed a threat and had to be eradicated. Yusaku was the only thing that stood between them and the final bout of their goal.

However, more mundanely, Ryoken hoped that exposing Spectre to people he knew, even if he wasn’t particularly close to them or even liked them, might inspire a change in him. Ryoken had been observing Spectre and he had taken to routine again, that was good. Getting up early, going to bed late, and doing all the errands and the like in between but he hadn’t absorbed back into his hobbies or the like which was worrying.

At least he came along with Ryoken on that particular mission. Ryoken wouldn’t have forced him if he said no as it wasn’t his thing at the best of times and in consolidation, Ryoken didn’t drag it out either. He said his hellos, he asked about the Ignis, he did his best to ignore Takeru who was hanging out at Café Nagi as well.

But it was just him who had said his hellos and said his bit. He had been hoping that Spectre would say something – anything, even just a hello – but alas. He just stood behind him at a few paces with a grumpy, scrunched up sort of expression.

They returned to the yacht not long after. Ryoken picked up two iced teas for them elsewhere, one for himself and one for Spectre, because Spectre wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, and especially not from Café Nagi, and whilst he didn’t really want it, he appreciated it. But both the one-use plastic drinks ended up on the table and they retired to their room together.

They sat on the edge of their bed; their feet almost meeting in the middle, but Spectre had angled himself away from Ryoken because regardless of if Spectre wanted it, Ryoken wanted to confront the weirdness between them.

“I’m sorry.” Ryoken started.

“Don’t.” Spectre intoned sharply but oddly disappointed.

“I noticed your mutism flared up around Playmaker and Soulburner earlier…” Ryoken said, and also at the iced tea kiosk but he didn’t mention that.

“Yes…” Spectre murmured.

“I just want to know,” Ryoken said, “is there anything I can do for you? I’m just really worried about you.”

“I know…” Spectre murmured. “I’m just having a hard time collecting my thoughts as of late.”

“I can tell.” Ryoken replied.

Spectre hazarded a smile because he knew that’s what Ryoken was likely probing him for.

“If you think of anything, anything at all, I want to help.” Ryoken said.

“I’d like to hear it.” Spectre blurted out suddenly, eyes watering. “I want to hear you say you won’t leave me behind or abandon me, please.”

Ryoken blinked. He was surprised but he also wasn’t surprised, so his expression softened.

“I won’t ever leave you behind, I promise, you mean the world to me Spectre, if I were to abandon you, I would be abandoning my whole world, please believe me when I say that, I love you.” Ryoken replied and then he realised what he had said. “You don’t have to say it back to me, don’t feel pressured, please.”

“I love you too.” Spectre said in a tiny voice and he smiled. It was small and twitchy and even a little uncertain but Ryoken knew it was genuine.

Ryoken smiled. “Can I hug you?” he asked. “Please.”

Spectre flashed him a look that made him look very fawnish and hurt but he instead said, “No.”

“Oh.” Ryoken murmured. Not quite a gasp but he couldn’t be surprised. It was Spectre’s decision; he would respect it even if it made his heart flutter.

“I want to hug you.” Spectre said with clarification, but he still carried this odd look about him.

Spectre got up and he sat next to Ryoken. His heart hammered in his chest. Ryoken felt similarly. Spectre hefted his legs up and he cuddled in, holding Ryoken at the bottom of his waist. He had this very petulant look of dislike on his face, but he closed his eyes. He listened to the swift beating of Ryoken’s heart. Ryoken smiled and put his arms around Spectre.

“Does it hurt?” Ryoken asked in a quiet voice.

“No, it doesn’t.” Spectre replied as a whisper.

Ryoken wanted to reply but he was fairly certain that his gladness was already conveyed as Spectre continued to settle. He didn’t seem all that uncomfortable anymore so Ryoken patted his back, stroking him gently.

#respectfulshipping #yugioh vrains #vrains #yugioh #ryoken kogami #kogami ryoken #spectre (vrains)#specter (vrains)#writing tag #i teared up twice: once whilst coming up with the idea and once whilst writing it #so im hoping that it elicits the same/similar reaction in anyone who reads it #i also hope i've respectfully portrayed the disorders i've written spectre as having too....

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ramblings-of-a-mad-cat · 4 years ago

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Okay. I passed Y6CHR45, and... I want to say that this is very bad. I mean, that... This plot twist with Merula is very illogical and obvious. I'm not a fan of Merula, but. First, why it's obvious. Because in the storyline, Merula is our rival, not our friend. How many nasty things did she do MC, etc. Well, it's too obvious that in the future they will try to make her our enemy. Second, why it's illogical. Merula has very different goals. Don't be the same as your parents, take revenge on Rakepick and kill her, become stronger and more powerful. There is not a single point in being with 'R'. Why would she want to work with someone she wants to kill? I think it would be logical if Merula joined the Death Eaters. She and her aunt had been threatened by the Death Eaters. This is what Merula said in Y5CHR28. And Andre was talking about the mark on Merula's hand in year six, when Bill taught us the Barrier Spell. Still, I think Merula was framed by someone. Merula was still ready to drink the Truth Serum. And one more thing. Won't the MC say anything about it? Not to the professors, not to Ben, not to Jacob, not to anyone about what they saw in Knockturn Alley? Hey, JC, we have a Muggle Studies class on Y7, and there will be Merula. MC will just forget about it or what? It's just stupid. I apologize, I have nobody to express this misunderstanding of the JC logic. 🤨 And one more thing. I don't think Merula is a mole. In fact, I think the mole is Penny. Because it's very logical! 'R' could have threatening and blackmailed her, like... They could steal Beatrice, or threaten to kill her, if Penny didn't follow their instructions. Penny, in her fifth year, said she would work with anyone to save Beatrice. And if you add it up in this form... I mean, Penny is the most logical option. She's the most popular girl at Hogwarts. She knows every rumor, she knows the secrets of many students. No one will even think about it! How can you think of one who is very kind, helps everyone, understands Potions, etc? This is my theory, and honestly, I still stick to it. Knowing the character of penny, for the sake of Beatrice she would betray even MC.

I don’t know, I don’t think of it as being that illogical. I suppose it was rather obvious, but in a sense, those two ideas are in conflict with each other. If a plot twist is logical, it can be predicted. If it’s not, then it won’t be, but that’s a whole different problem. In any case, this got very long, so I’m putting it under a cut.

Was it obvious?

She has been our enemy from the start, but her character arc seemed to suggest that was changing. In a way, this actually made her a less obvious suspect. At least to me. She was the primary antagonist of Year 1, but we quickly got used to her nonsense. Stopped taking her seriously. Meanwhile, the story gave her depth. Many players grew to care for her, many pitied her, but even the ones who didn’t no longer saw her as a serious threat. At the same time, the scale was gradually increasing. By Year 5, Merula wasn’t the antagonist anymore, not just because she had been deconstructed, but because the story was darkening, and the times of a school bully being the villain were long over. Hell, by Year 2 we knew about R, and by Year 4 we had Rakepick to wonder about. Year 5 not only brought Merula’s character arc to the point where she became more of a friend (but no less prickly and combative) it also fleshed out the game’s Big Bad to the point where it became clear that this was much bigger than MC, or anyone in their year. Year 5 also exonerated Ben, and later unceremoniously killed the “Rowan is R” theory by having Rowan be imperius’d like Ben was.

No one took Merula seriously anymore, people felt sorry for her, and we felt as though we understood her completely. That nothing she did could surprise us. This was capped off by the betrayal of Rakepick, compounded with her using the Cruciatus Curse on Merula. Because MC was betrayed, but not by any of the students. But by their mentor, who was always shady in the first place. Merula was put in a horrible position where even her greatest Antis surely felt a twinge of pity for her. Anyone left who suspected her probably wouldn’t have after that night. What’s more, it played into the idea that we understood Merula perfectly. Because she reacted exactly as one would expect her to. She regressed. Year 6 depicted her as someone firmly on our side, but predictably not someone who would be nice about it. From her jabs about Rowan, to her fawning over Jacob, people were annoyed with her, but no one suspected her. The game practically taunts the player, in hindsight, with the veritaserum scene. Because that’s just it - no one thought she would betray MC. They were worried she would go rogue, but no one doubted her loyalty.

Why did she do it?

As for the logic of her decision, I likewise disagree. I believe Merula had every reason to join R. I don’t think that the Cabal and the Death Eaters are so different that one would make sense for her to join, and not the other, if that makes sense. She could have gone either way, but at a guess, Merula doesn’t think very highly of the Death Eaters. She refers to Voldemort by his name without a care in the world. If they really were threatening her, I feel like she wouldn’t want to cave in, but she might be attracted to joining a rival faction that could provide her (and her aunt?) with protection. If there’s one thing we know about R - it’s that they have a history of making enticing offers to children, provoking them to “prove” themselves to be accepted into the Cabal’s ranks. The description of them being her new “family” gives me cult vibes, and it really sheds some light on why Merula might have been drawn to them. She was lonely, she was angry, she wanted power...and R came along to offer her everything she wanted at the time. Whether she wants to leave now is uncertain, but if we assume that she’s been the mole since the very beginning, it’s probably way too late for her to just walk away. R would not allow that.

As to the sequence of Rakepick torturing her, we don’t yet know what was going on in that scene. Though I am feeling somewhat vindicated in the knowledge that there was more to that scene that meets the eye, just like I was sure there had to be. Perhaps Rakepick and Merula planned that whole thing, perhaps it was staged. Which would mean that Rakepick faked the spell, and Merula pretended to be tortured, and that her entire vendetta against Rakepick has been a facade. Or maybe the curse was real, but Merula agreed to it beforehand. Or maybe she knew the betrayal was coming, but Rakepick went off-script by turning her wand on Merula. Either way, if Merula’s vendetta was real, I don’t think it’s out of character for her to want revenge. Who cares if it’s someone on her side? This is Merula we’re talking about - I don’t think that would stop her. Now, if we assume she was not yet an R mole at the time (I think she was, but for the sake of argument) then perhaps R reached out to Merula, apologized for Rakepick’s torture and promised that they did not authorize it. Promised that there would be consequences, and Merula could be the one to inflict them, if she agreed to join them. It’s a longshot, but I guess it’s possible.

The Future.

The existence of this twist doesn’t really create any holes, I don’t think, and while it may put the writers in a tricky position moving forward, that’s not the same thing as them screwing up the continuity of the past. They’ll have to find a way to make this work, and until we see the ramifications, I’m willing to wait on judging how this arc plays out. MC will have a choice to make, certainly, in how they handle this. I can’t wait to see the dialogue. What they do next remains to be seen. Do they confront Merula? Turn her in? Or...if we want to be really sneaky, what we should do, in my opinion...is act as though nothing’s changed. Spread the word to people like Moody and Ben, but...do not let Merula catch on that we know. The way to salvage this situation, from a purely tactical perspective, is to let R believe they still have a spy at Hogwarts...but begin to feed her misinformation. Lead them astray. This is quite literally a war tactic, because hey...this is a war. Now, the issue with that is that Merula will likely face punishment once R figures out that she’s being misled...but hopefully we can save Merula before that point, and to the players who despise her - or even feel like she’d deserve it for her treachery...they probably wouldn’t care anyway.

I don’t think we can really judge based on the Muggles Studies classes, or anything that we know about Year 7. I also don’t expect Jam City to consider what we “know” and in all fairness...I mean, they don’t have to. That is unreleased content. Nothing in the data-mines is, strictly speaking, canon, or part the continuity. With the way that scene ended, it suggests that Merula won’t be returning for Year 7. Maybe. The data-mines contradict this, but data-mines don’t provide the full context. They aren’t released content, and anything could change. There were once data-mines that confirmed Skye as being in MC’s year, as well as suggesting that Murphy felt embittered about his disability. Both of these things were cut. So they’re not canon. In general, I think Jam City has a terrible approach to dealing with hackers, but one thing I will say in their defense is that they aren’t required to write their scenes based on what the fandom has discovered in the data-mines. If we’re confused, well, that’s kind of our own fault. But I’m sure everything will become clear eventually. I hope.

Penny.

For meta reasons, I don’t see them pulling a double twist and revealing a second character to be the “real” mole, but it’s not impossible. And I’ve said all along that the Year 1 characters were the real suspects. MC unknowingly being the mole was my theory, mostly because Moody is shady as all hell. But Ben is shady too, it’s just that he had a rock-solid alibi in the form of Rakepick trying to kill him, since she couldn’t have known that Rowan would intervene. Setting aside Merula, since I’ve also said from the start that she isn’t a good liar...that leaves Penny. I really don’t think Penny is shady. I’ve never thought that. I’ll admit that she does essentially approach MC out of the blue to befriend them, but I mean...so does Ben. This happens on a much larger scale later on with Alanza. I can believe Penny would go to the ends of the earth to protect Beatrice, and maybe when she was imprisoned in the Portrait, R contacted Penny and strong-armed her into this deal. The issue is, Beatrice is safe and sound as of sixth year. The Black Lake incident is still a bit spotty, and perhaps that was R going after her again...but I just don’t think there are enough hints for me to believe it, personally. If this were true, why was Ben the character who insisted on coming to the Portrait Vault instead of Penny? She could have demanded to come along too, and no one would have blamed her. Everyone would have understood. Not to mention, Penny has severe tells when she’s stressed. She does not act like herself. She’s mostly back to normal in Year 6, and her behavior reflects that Beatrice is safe now, just pulling away. If Beatrice was still on the hot-seat, I feel like Penny would not be keeping it together. Finally, that raises the question of how much Beatrice is aware of all this. Does she know about this deal? Because I find it hard to believe she wouldn’t tell anyone.

#Merula Snyde #HPHM Theory #HPHM Spoilers #Patricia Rakepick #HPHM Analysis #HPHM Cabal #Penny Haywood #HPHM R #Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery #HPHM Datamines

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travllingbunny · 5 years ago

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The 100: 7x01 From the Ashes

Disclaimer: This post is about the episode of the show The 100, From the Ashes, the season 7 premiere, and only about it. In this post, I will NOT be discussing any original scripts, unused takes, bloopers, behind the scene photos or videos, scribbled notes exchanged between the writers, or any tweets, Instagram posts, SMS or e-mails by any of the cast or crew members, considering the fact that none of those things constitute the show’s canon, which consists of the actual episodes.

I will also not be discussing anything about the future episodes posted by any ‘spoiler accounts’, and, in fact, I am unaware of most of these things, since I’m trying not to read any spoilers. Please do not tell me any spoilers for future episodes or ask me about them.

I really enjoyed this episode, in spite of the unfortunate lack of Bellamy (which I was already expecting since what happens to him here was already spoiled by the trailer. Of course, I’m looking forward to see Bellamy again, and, before that, to everyone finding out about disappearance and it becoming the focus of the season. But until then, the show has quite a few other storylines to deal with, from setting up and delving more into the Anomaly mystery, to dealing with the fall-out of season 6 in Sanctum, and both of these were handled well, for the most part.

This episode in particular had really good characterizations all around - for Murphy, Echo, Indra, Madi, Raven, Emori, Gaia, even Jackson - and, of course, Clarke, who had an arc that took her tendency to try to repress her feelings to an extreme, until they exploded in a most memorable way. It will cause her trouble, no doubt, but it was great to watch, and something I had been wishing for for quite some time.

There is just one character whose storyline I’m still not sure how I feel about, because I’m not sure what the show is doing with him.

After the last season’s cliffhanger, there was some concern in the fandom that Bellamy would regress to being all about protecting his sister, after their relationship had been redefined with “You’re my sister, but you’re not my responsibility”. Some of that was really exaggerated: there’s absolutely nothing odd or surprising about Bellamy crying over his sister disappearing in his arms. Of course he loves her and wants her safe. But I was concerned they may regress his development if they make him forget about everyone and everything else in his life in order to impulsively jump after her into the Anomaly. However, that did not happen - Bellamy didn’t decide to go on his own, rather than tell others and make a plan. He was taken.

The mysterious people from the Anomaly seem to be able to control the Anomaly, and have some sort of a cloaking device, presumably connected to their suits and helmets, that makes them invisible to others. They also have some sort of a screen inside their helmets, with facial recognition of targets and commands. It’s all a bit creepy - these seem to be humans, but they are receiving orders the way a robot would. (It’s all very Terminator-like!) Maybe because they also have lost their memories while going through the Anomaly? Where did they get the info about who Bellamy, Gabriel and Echo are - was it from Octavia’s memories?

Memories and memory loss are obviously going to play a huge role this season. People who come from the Anomaly to Sanctum seem to lose their memories, except when the Anomaly is still there. Does this happen only on Sanctum, or at the other side(s) as well? How does the fact that the Anomaly sucks in radio signals fit into that? Hope had to use a message she put into her own arm to remind herself to “TRUST BELLAMY”. (Interstellar is mentioned a lot as an inspiration for this season, but this reminds me of another Nolan film, Memento.)

We also see Clarke spout knowledge about how the big mansion was built (by Russell for Simone, to remind her of her house on Earth), which she would know due to still having some of Josephine’s memories. And I’m sure that the fact Madi still has the memories of past Commanders will play a big role - specifically, the fact she has Becca’s memories, which could be the way to tie the present day story to the prequel/story about what happened during and right after the apocalypse. (She also probably knows about Sheidheda more than anyone else alive, which may play into the Sanctum story.)

It’s too early to judge Hope as a character, but the mystery surrounding her is certainly super interesting. Why do the mysterious people from the Anomaly have orders to kill her on sight (as opposed to capturing, which they were supposed to do with Bellamy, Echo and Gabriel)? Is it because of who she is, or what she is - is it about her actions, does she know too much, or is her existence itself that’s the problem?

I loved the Octavia cameo in Hope’s hallucination, with the confirmation that she was an “aunt” figure to her, a part of a found family with Diyoza and Hope. The Anomaly makes you see your biggest desire or biggest fear - and Hope’s biggest desire seems to be to be reunited with her family

Echo’s hallucination, on the other hand, is obviously about her biggest fear - so it makes perfect sense that it’s Roan who appears to her, as he exiled her from Azgeda. Of course biggest fear would be losing her kru and her king/queen and being left alone and adrift. I’m as surprised as anyone that I found Echo's scene to be maybe the best in the episode. But she did have some really good character moments in seasons 6, and this is IMO her best character moment so far, picking up from her red sun hallucination in 6x02, and flashback from 6x11. which revealed that even her identity as “Echo” is fake. It seems the show is finally doing the character development it neglected to give her in season 5, and addressing all the obvious issues with Echo’s development and her relationship with Bellamy. I think this confirms that it was indeed Echo talking to herself while hallucinating Emori in 6x02, since her hallucination of Roan tells her the same thing, that she is still just a killer following another master’s orders. We finally see Echo feeling guilt over the things she did in the past, including her betrayal of Bellamy in season 3. When she imagines him calling her out on betraying “the man she now claims to love”, is it just about her thinking the others would doubt her love, or is she herself questioning whether her feelings for Bellamy are really romantic love, or just loyalty to her current leader? Their relationship, especially in S6, often came off more as the latter.

(It was also really cool to see Zach McGowan again)

The timeline of 7x01 seems to have confused some fans, but I think it’s pretty obvious that, at the beginning of the Sanctum story, no more than a day (probably less than that) has passed since 6x13 - going by the facts that 1) the Anomaly storyline picked up minutes after the end of 6x13, and the Sanctum story was presumably happening at the same time, and 2) Indra had to explain the situation in Sanctum to everyone. The only thing that seems to go against that is that Russell is said to “not have slept” since what happened on the ship, which makes it seem like it’s been longer. Or maybe Russell was just being extra dramatic. “Oh, I have no slept for a whole day!” He certainly spent a lot of this (his last) episode feeling sorry for himself. At least he seemed to have finally realized he wasn’t the superior good guy in all of it (”Tell them I’m treated better than I deserve” - yes, indeed.)

Indra was great, even though poor Adina was forced to be an exposition machine for a part of the episode.

A common complaint I’ve seen among fans is that it’s weird that Clarke and others in Sanctum aren’t worried about Bellamy and co. I don’t understand this complaint, as it’s clear that very little time has passed and that Bellamy, Octavia, Echo and Gabriel must have told everyone they were leaving and why (though I don’t know how many details they told them about the Anomaly Stone). People have been gone for a whole day in season 6 when they just went to the Offering Grove (Echo in 6x06) or the radioactive shield (Raven, Emori and Echo in 6x05), which are within the confines of Sanctum and much nearer than the camp by the Anomaly. What are they supposed to do but wait for a couple of days for them to come back? It’s not like they can call them, when radios and other means of communication usually don’t work on Alpha because of the Anomaly sucking the signals.

In fact, their absence was mentioned in the picnic scene, when Raven toasted to “absent friends” and we got a reaction shot of Clarke (I know, Clarke, I'd be annoyed too if I was you, but Bellamy had to be all "I'm gonna go now and explore the Anomaly Stone while Sanctum is in chaos and you're in mourning for your mom" because the plot needed him to..., before Niylah toasted to the “departed ones” (which would include Kane and Abby) and we got a close-up reaction shot of Clarke trying to keep it all inside, as she did every time in this episode someone mentioned Abby.

The idyllic picnic by the mansion - everyone’s attempt to get some rest and nice time after everything they had been through - was such a contrast to the “powder keg” of Sanctum and the end of this episode. But it also felt fake - just as fake as the deception and lies that Murphy and Emori are Daniel and Kaylee Prime, or that Madi still has the Flame in her head - to keep the devout and Wonkru under control, respectively - and just as fake as Clarke’s attempts to convince everyone she’s “fine”. As usual, the song playing in the background (”Darkness” by Pinegrove) was very fitting:

Suddenly I find I've got darkness on my mind It's a question mark that keeps me looking And it's never satisfied And it's never what I thought Saying I'm happy when I'm not No, I got darkness on my mind Leaning out the frame When it's particulate and gray I'm perpendicular to my whole being When I lean a certain way Saying I'm happy when I'm not Finding roaches in the pot Oh, I got darkness on my mind Some people spend their whole lives looking For someone who could understand While meanwhile a lilac blooming Sometimes on the driest land And I know it's been a long time coming I'm angry and I know that's weak And I'm longing out that open window For whatever it is I seek [musical breakdown] Some people spend their whole lives looking For someone who could understand And while meanwhile a lilac blooming Sometimes on the driest land And I know it's been a long time coming I'm angry and I know that's weak So I'm trying not to be so bitter I'm just looking at it honestly Well, I know it's been a long time coming I'm angry and I know that's weak And I'm longing out that open window For whatever it is I seek Some people spend their whole lives looking For someone who could understand While meanwhile a lilac blooming Sometimes on the driest land, yeah

I like that there was anger, blame and conflict between our kru and that everyone didn’t just forget what happened last season (and for once, Clarke is not the one getting the blame!) It would've made no sense if no one was blaming Murphy, and it makes sense it would be Jackson, who was so close to Abby and who’s not particularly close to Murphy. It also makes sense there was disagreement about the method of keeping peace in Sanctum, and that not everyone would be happy with Memori cosplaying the Primes.

Murphy himself had a really good characterization in this episode - we saw his grief and his feelings of guilt. While he tried to defend himself when blamed that he didn’t know what Russell would do, when left alone, he blamed himself for various actions that led to it, which is something Murphy from a couple of seasons ago wouldn’t do.

It’s great to see Raven looking more like her old, pre-season 6 self, and even better to see that her self-righteousness has gone. She’s more like the old Raven but without the snarky b1tchiness. I’m glad that she got called out by Murphy on her “Miss Morality” role from last season (which never really made sense, pre-time jump Raven was never a moral compass of the group, she was smart, pragmatic and could be as ruthless as anyone).

Another major theme of the Sanctum plot were the new beginnings. Clarke pointing out season 3 feels like another world seems almost like the show going meta and pointing out to the audience how much Clarke and all these people have lived through and been since.What is Sanctum now after the Primes have been defeated, with Children of Gabriel coming back home and clashing with the Devout - brainwashed and loyal followers of the Primes, with the rest of the Sanctumites in between? How are Wonkru and the 36 Eligius prisoners going to start again on a new planet moon? (36?! Wow, so they really suffered heavy losses in that gorge, too, when there are so few left?) Can Grounders be without a Commander? Gaia without her religion? Can Madi be a normal kid, without the Flame - or is that even possible while she has to pretend to still be Heda? The title From the ashes seems to refer to that - and maybe the end of the episode means that you have to burn down the old beliefs and old idols to build something new?

Mothers and daughters were another theme. I liked that Madi mentioned her biological parents (well, mother) on-screen for the first time, since the fandom tends to forget about them and ignore them too often. Madi was unsuccessful in her attempt to make Clarke share her feelings with her - maybe because this conversation showed a big difference in how they see each other? Clarke thinks of Madi as her child, but Clarke has never had a child before, while Madi had parents and suffered their loss; Clarke assumed Madi was talking about her and what happened in S6, but Madi always calls Clarke “Clarke” rather than “Mom”, and tried to connect to her on the equal level, as another daughter who’s lost a mother. Maybe it’s exactly because Clarke sees Madi only as her child that she feels she must be “strong” for her all the time and not show grief.

There was an unexpected parallel between Indra and Clarke in how Indra also tried to suppress outward expressions of grief when her partner - Gaia’s father died, which clearly wasn’t healthy and caused a rift between mother and daughter. (I’m not sure about when that happened, i.e. when Gaia first decided to become a Flamekeeper. I guess it must have been before the timeline of seasons 1-3. So Gaia’s dad is probably not the man that Indra recognized in 2x15 as one of the Reapers? I’m still angry that we never got any resolution to that storyline and that the Reapers were forgotten after season 2.)

The one thing I’m not sure about is Jordan’s characterization and arc. I’m not sure what the show is doing with his exactly, and I’m afraid that they’ll try to leave it ambiguous just how much he is or isn’t brainwashed. 6x13 made it very clear that he has been “adjusted”, which Russell confirmed here, and Jordan’s “adjustor”, who was creeping behind him in the season 6 finale, was very present and active in this episode, and clearly still had a big influence on him. At the same time, we learn that Jordan does not believe in the divinity of the Primes - instead of that, his hallucinations made him see something connected to the mystery of the Anomaly, which Russell describes as something “greater” (almost like he has finally found God, of sorts, after all, which he talked about 236 years before when he first landed on Alpha)? The good news is that it means Jordan will have a role in the Anomaly story, rather than being the advocate for the Devout. What I’m afraid of is that the show will gloss over the fact that Jordan was brainwashed - whether or not he came to believe that Primes were gods, he certainly did a 180 from despising Primes as murderers, being outraged by their actions and knowing very well that Priya was not Delilah but someone who took over her body; to (just a few days later, after “adjustment”) spouting Prime propaganda about the “peaceful” society they had before the Bad People from Earth came (that’s the peace they had when they regularly murdered their people to steal their bodies, left babies to die, and made them go crazy and kill each other from time to time) and having some kind of attachment to Priya herself and her mind drive.

At least, I hope that Russell unceremoniously smashing the mind drive means we’re done with that storyline. I loved it, it was my favorite storyline of the show, but it’s time for it to be over. It makes no sense that anyone is still letting Russell keep his mind drive, for starters. When will they realize they need to destroy these things?

- Clarke’s way of dealing with grief over her mom’s death was certainly unhealthy - repressing her feelings even more than usual, trying to be calm, composed, logical, to do the things needed to keep peace. In her last scene in 6x13, Clarke was open about her grief with Bellamy, looking to him for comfort, finding comfort in his arms and his words. But now he’s absent, there’s no one else she can be that open and vulnerable with. (The only other person Clarke looked for comfort to was Abby.) It’s nice to see that she and Raven have mended their friendship with Raven, she is starting to develop a new one with Gaia over their mutual care for Madi, she has mutual respect with Indra, she’s known others - like Murphy or Miller = for years, since the Delinquent days... and they all want to help her, but she’s not opening up to anyone, not even Madi. She thinks she must be “strong” for all of them, and her Head and Heart are unbalanced - she’s repressing the latter, until she finally explodes.

I love the scene of Clarke finally losing it and beating up Russell (I had already seen it in the trailer, and it was my favorite moment) and then crying while holding Abby's clothes. I don’t know about anyone else, but I love seeing an angry, emotional Clarke, letting it all out, especially when it's anger at people she has every right to be furious at. We haven’t seen that from her since early season 3 (when she yelled and spat in Lexa’s face over her betrayal). It had bothered me for a few seasons that Clarke - who used to be vibrant and could be impulsive, angry, hold grudges, yell at people in seasons 1-2, had become so repressed and muted due to her constant self-blame. I’ve had enough watching Clarke look sad while other people keep yelling at her and blaming her. (The only other instance of Clarke being furious was her hurt and rage at Bellamy and the slap in 5x09, but that was more of a silent, “internally screaming” rage/hurt, which turned into Clarke being emotionally frozen for the next couple of episodes, until learning he was alive. When Clarke is keeping everything inside and not yelling, that’s when she’s in the worst emotional state.)

It is, however, so sad that she still blames herself, too, for her mother’s death, whispering “I’m sorry”, the same way she whispered after seeing her father floated.

My only problem with the scene of that stupid palace burning down is that "mistakes" is a serious real understatement for what Russell has done. I know, I know, this will cause a lot of trouble in Sanctum and Clarke will probably have to go back on some of these decisions to keep peace. But there’s really nothing morally wrong with deciding to execute Russell - not only does he deserve it, but he’s arguably even an exception from the general objection to death penalty, since he’s lived several times the normal human lifespan, by stealing other people’s bodies. And the palace burning down is a symbolic way to send the message that the old power structures are gone - which Clarke pointed out when she said there will be no kings or queens anymore.

Sheiheda taking over Russell’s, or rather his latest host’s body, wasn’t surprising, as that was the most popular theory. But it was cool to see Sheidheda’s creepy mindspace again and Sean Maguire as the original Russell. The bodysnatcher got bodysnatched. That’s something like poetic justice.

I just have to post this because it’s such a beautiful shot!

Rating: 8/10

#the 100 #the 100 season 7 #the 100 7x01 #from the ashes #clarke griffin #john murphy #jordan green #bellamy blake #echo kom azgeda #madi griffin #the anomaly

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baby-pigtails · 5 years ago

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Kiddo Sites/Apps!

Hi hi! I always see a lot of posts recommending sites and apps for age regressors but a lot of the time they’re the same things, so I thought I’d make my own! All the sites and apps on here are free, don’t worry! (Some may have ads or in-app purchase, though!) It’s under the cut cause I tried to include some preview pictures which made it kinda long! If anyone would like to add more or have me add more, just let me know! Have fun and stay safe during this time of quarantine and social distancing!

WEBSITES

- DisneyClips

This is probably my FAVOURITE site for when I’m regressed! It’s made by Disney fans for Disney fans, and is updated with new activites pretty often! It has a bunch of safe and fun games, quizzes, coloring pages, and even things like analysis charts for kiddos whose special interest or hyperfixation is Disney! It has dress up games that are super-duper easy and cute, and I love them because their style looks like it could come right out of the film it’s from! Like the dresses and everything, and they stick to each princess’s style while making different dresses from the original ones! It’s crazy!!

-PBS Kids

A classic but awesome site!! You can watch all sorts of episodes for free, you don’t have to put in an email or anything! There are even games and episodes from shows that have long since gone off the air!

-American Girl

Don’t be fooled by the site’s title, this site is for everyone! If you’re familiar with the American Girl characters, there’s lots of dress up and themed games, and if you’re not familiar with the characters, don’t worry cause there’s still super cute games like pet grooming and, my favourite, Coconut’s Safari! I linked to the games page, but there’s quizzes and polls, too!

-Webkinz

I’m sure a lot of you know about Webkinz already, but it hasn’t gone anywhere even after all these years! It’s one of my favourite sites, and it’s free to play now! For people unfamiliar with Webkinz, it’s a virtual world where you can raise a pet, decorate rooms, and collect all sorts of objects, food, and clothing! You can play this one online, with their new desktop app, or with their mobile app! (I will warn you, though, the mobile app does not have that much stuff on it)

-Poptropica

Poptropica has been around for a while too, but it’s changed a lot in recent years! You can play it online and there’s also an app. This one is probably for older kiddos, though - it has a lot of puzzles and requires a lot of thinking at times, so if you’re looking for a relaxing game this probably isn’t it.

-Poptropica

APPS

- Habitica

Habitica is a super-duper easy habit tracker/reminder app! I use it to remind me to take my meds, shower, brush my teeth, things like that! But you put in your habits and to-do list so you can personalize it! Usually I don’t like apps like this because they offer no incentive but Habitica turns it into an RPG like Dungeons and Dragons!! So you can level up and get equipment and even pets! What I love about it, too, is that if you ever have any question, their FAQ is super clear and easy to understand, which makes it ideal for autistic kids like me!

- Cookie Run

Cookie Run is an oldie but a goldie! It’s a running platformer game where you can collect lots of cute cookies and their pets and learn their stories! Plus there’s canon LGBTQ+ rep with some of the cookie heroes! Cookie Run has a lot of bright colours and fast movement though, so it might not be the best game for kiddos with seizures or sensory issues!

- My Tamagotchi Forever

Super cute revamp of tamagotchi!! Your pets don’t run away or anything in this one, haha! You can decorate your town and your house with coins you earn from simple minigames, and you can dress up your tamagotchis in different outfits and fill out their scrapbooks and collect them all! I really liked this app, definitely one of my favorites :)

- Hello Kitty Lunchbox

Super simple “cooking” game! Again, this is a super easy, no hassle game and is good for really young kiddos. You get to make a lunch for Hello Kitty and decorate it, along with her lunchbox before “eating” your meal. But again, I wanna stress this one is super simple and some kids may get bored of it.

-Pocket Ponies

A My Little Pony version of the classic ball shooter game. You aim to hit enemies with your balls, and eventually charge up your ponies so they can perform their special action. You get to collect My Little Pony characters and each one has a different ability.

-Hello Kitty Music Party

This one’s more of an idle tapper game. It wants you to tap on your screen along with the beat of the music, but even if you don’t tap with the beat you can still get rewards! It has a couple cutesy pop songs in the app, but it can also access your music library on your device so you can tap with whatever you want! The app itself doesn’t offer much instruction but it’s fairly simple to figure out. But like the other Hello Kitty game, it can grow boring quickly for some kids, which is why it became an idle game for me.

-Disney TsumTsum

This one is kind of like Bejeweled or Candy Crush - you connect little Disney characters to make them “pop!” You get to collect a bunch of different characters and each character has a special ability.

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

-RescueHero’s Nostalgia Zone

A lesser known channel but it’s one of my favorites! It’s a gameplay channel, but pretty much every video is old video games like TV plug and plays, leapster/leap frog games, or CD-ROM games from the 2000s. It’s an active channel, too, and tends to upload every week or so! From what I can tell, there’s no voiceover and their videos are just simple, nostalgic gameplay.

-Shirley Curry

This one’s a little weird but it’s very wholesome - it’s a grandma in her 80′s(?) who loves to play video games! She mostly plays games for older kiddos like Skyrim, but her videos are very calming and she’s very cute in the way she comments on games. She’s super sweet to her viewers and calls them her grandkids, and usuaslly responds in comments. Her videos are also easy videos to listen to in the background, too.

-pstoyreviews

I don’t watch a lot of toy channels because a lot of the time they’re over the top and super corny or just... really weird, but this channel is run by two people (I think they are a couple but I’m not sure) named Shannon and Paul, and they’re very casual about their videos (despite the corny thumbnails, lol). Anyway, they mostly do blind bag openings for trinkets and toys that are currently on the shelves - things like Tokidoki, LOL Dolls, Shopkins, minifigures, things like that. It’s a very good channel if you like those cutesy sorts of things but don’t have the money to get them yourself! To my knowledge they’re not really sponsored, so there’s no encouraging you to buy a product or anything like that. Like I said, they’re very casual and do talk during the videos but they talk a little slow and there’s no background music, so they are very easy to understand! I believe Shannon also has a doll-specific channel, too, if you’re into that.

-nana825763

Better known as piropito, this channel is well known for its really cute and wholesome Minecraft gameplay that you can start watching here. This is a Japanese channel, but he captions his own videos, so don’t worry! Anyway, his goal was to figure out everything in Minecraft with absolutely no cheats or searching the web for information or anything like that. That’s really the only thing I’d recommend on this channel, however, and do be careful because they do have some horror game playthroughs on there so stay safe!

-Sesame Street

Not much to explain here! It’s Sesame Street, and they post clips of the show, songs, and sometimes even full episodes.

#goodness this took forever #kidcore #nostalgia #agere #chire #piggy tales #I feel like these are all kind of girly too so if anyone would like boyish' ones let me know!

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pianoandcookiedoughlover · 4 years ago

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jamie johnson 5x10 rant/review/me being worried about all my children

okay, so first of all, the episode was so choppy?? like, you would have scenes that were no more than 30 seconds cut into other scenes and it just felt really jarring.

but anyway, onto the individual storylines (jesus there are a lot):

zoe and kat

i just have to say this... zoe, honey, what are you wearing here

anyway, now on to the important stuff.

so proud of her for taking initiative and trying to start a women’s team, it’s really good to see in this show since we’ve only ever seen either all-boys teams or co-ed ones, and this will definitely inspire so many young female footballers out there.

and i’m really glad they brought jack back and we get to see her improvement with archfield (i miss her a lot haha). it was really interesting to see her and zoe chat, considering how rocky their relationship was in season 3 and 4. i think they really are moving towards a better place with each other. i also thought this was very telling:

interesting how they cut this conversation in the trailer, but i genuinely think zoe has learned now. from all of the experiences she’s had over this show, she’s matured and grown so much. i really hope they don’t make her regress as a character and have her go back to being very competitive with the other girls at hawkstone.

which reminds me . . . my girls got into hawkstone!!!!! i’m so proud <3

they look so HAPPY god

now, moving on to the relationship between the two... wow. thank god zoe finally gave back the pendant, we were all waiting for this.

i will say, when i saw this my heart just about stopped

it’s fine we’ll just write our own fanfics and tell ourselves that they’re canon

no, but seriously, i thought this scene as a whole was a really good start but could have gone so much further, and they would have had time for it if they didn’t have so many plotlines running simultaneously. but i digress. maybe i can continue on this scene as if they didn’t have a time limit, if you guys would read that?

anyway, here are just two moments that i found zoe to be really soft in (the first one was more the way she said it - i see you maddie, i know what you’re doing here):

honestly i’m just really excited to see these two at hawkstone and see what happens with them.

wow okay now we’re onto another storyline

jamie and boggy

well. this entire scene honestly was really revealing.

boggy is in a horrible state right now. it looks like we might get some resolution(?) in the next episode with his storyline, or at least it’s going to get to a breaking point. i just want to give him the hug he so desperately needs. i don’t want to comment too much on this yet until we get to see the next episode, because i think we are going to get a lot of content regarding his anxiety.

i might make another post talking about what jamie said in this scene because i think there’s a lot to unpack there and i don’t want to drag this post on too much.

dillon

now, we didn’t get to see too much of him, but i’m glad they’re making an effort to make sure his story is continued on-screen in every episode.

so, when his dad said this, i was smiling a bit:

and then i threw my phone when he said this:

his excuse for “wanting to protect” dillon is just bs. he only cares about whether or not foxborough would kick him out because of his sexuality, which if they did would be insane and it shouldn’t be a club he aspires to go to anyway. and he only cares about that because he wants dillon to become a professional. that’s it. he doesn’t care about the homophobia he may face and all of the horrible attacks that are made on people in the lgbtq+ community daily.

i was a bit surprised when becky suggested that dillon give him a second chance. while yes, it was good to apologize and for him to move past his own personal prejudices (maybe? unclear), the things he said after were not second-chance worthy, in my opinion. but maybe i’m being too harsh. it would have been nice to see becky or dawn talk about their own experiences with coming out at some point - maybe one of them had a difficult time with their parents as well?

i’m glad they didn’t make this out to be some smooth process, though - his dad has betrayed dillon’s trust a lot, and it’s not going to be easy to get back.

i didn’t see anything about him in the next episode trailer thingy?? i’ll be big sad if we don’t get at least a small update

the love triangle

why oh why oh why. just . . . can we not?

i’m surprised how open eric is being about his brother’s death after how closed off he was about it in season 4. it’s nice to know that he trusts aisha enough to confide in her like that.

i honestly don’t know what they plan to do with these 3 so i’m just holding my breath hoping they don’t royally screw this up. and that’s all i’m really gonna say about that.

ruby and alba

i’m so glad they got adopted!!!! abandonment issues are really common among kids in the foster care system, so i think their initial reaction to becky and dawn’s secrecy at the beginning of the episode was realistic. i love their family so much, it’s so wholesome. and i loved the idea of the album, that was so cute.

miscellaneous

i loved this shot:

and this one:

and aisha speaks straight facts, we stan:

so that was much less of an analysis and more me just being emotional over a tv show for kids, let me know your thoughts on it and if any of the things i mentioned in this you’d be interested in reading :)

#5x10 #football #soccer #dillon #dillon simmonds #analysis?#jamie johnson

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oh-theatre · 5 years ago

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You Can't Force A Fairytale (Chapter 3)

Chapter title: Clouded

A/n: Hi im back im so sorry tHAT ITS BEEN SO LONG BUT UHHH WHATS NEW!! I LOVE LOGICALITY!! THEYRE BAPEY!! ALSO REMUS AND PATTON FRIENDSHIP! ALSO YOURE GONNA SEE ALOT OF FROZEN INSPIRED WRITING CAUSE AAA ANYWAY SORRY IT SUCKS

also if this is confusing i understand, so please tell me and ill try and clear it out!

words: 31499

summary: The return of a certain dastardly twin sparks and ignition for adventure

pairings: Eventual logicality, eventual prinxiety, eventual demus, eventual remile (These might change but for now im love them)

warnings: bow and arrow, violence, injuries, magic, swearing, bruises, scars, blood, fighting

Ao3 Link

“Roman?” Remus barely whispers, the prince wastes no time rushing into his brothers arms. A tight embrace between tearful brothers.

“Youre...youre alive!” The prince cries, their father growls and the boys, as if routine, separate and stand stiff in position. They watch each other, silly eyes to communicate between siblings. The doors open once more as more people rush in, the twins turn bright smiles across their faces.

“Remus!” Patton cries running through the carpeted hall, his cloak flying behind him. Remus laughs as his friend jumps into his arms, embracing quickly they pull away. “Are you alright?” Patton checks, his eyes move quickly as he examines his friend. Remus rolls his eyes grabbing Patton's hands.

“I'm ok!” A goofy grin is his response. Patton huffs but resigns stepping back, Logan catches up a quick squeeze to the prince's shoulder. “Ah, Logan” Remus greets.

“Enough of this, bring in the villains” Their father commands, Patton takes the three to the side as the door opens allowing guards to stroll in. They push forward three figures, each grunting disheveled as they finally fall in front of the king. Roman sucks in a sharp breath, one of the figures lands closest to him, his deep brood catching the prince's eyes. “Name yourself”

“Fuck off” The dark character speaks, Roman feels his face flush as the growl falls from his mouth. His purple hair falling in his eyes, the underbags quite prominent. Remus stifles a quick laugh, grasping to the hem of his battered outfit as his own eyes fall on the quiet adventurer with a small sparkle of yellow in his eyes.

“To the dungeons!” Their father demands “Both of them” He shouts, the guards topple over themselves to do as he says. Quickly they move, dragging away a confused Dolion and an angry Virgil away. Roman and Remus find it in their will to try and move forward, feeling Patton take their arms. He shakes his head as a warning silently, they nod both seemingly worried however for these characters they'd barely known.

“Father surely that's premature” Roman steps forward as the doors shut with a hefty bang. He turns to the children, a swish as his mighty swivel lays face on them. He glares with an anger the boys had only seen every so often. Remus puts a protective arm on his brother, planting his feet in the ground. “I-I apologize your majesty” Patton takes a look at them then back at the increasing number of royal figures including the King. He takes the twins' hands, quietly followed by Logan and leads them out of the room. Walking sullen they arrive at the stables, the princes making sure the doors are sealed.

“Wouldn't want Remy trying to find us” Patton jokes dryly, the air shifting uncomfortably around them. Remus sinks into a hay bale, caring nothing for his newly tailored outfit. Roman sits regal in one of the chairs as Logan makes himself a sweet spot on the clearing. Patton moves to the horses, Nork whines, desperate for a chance to race through the meadows. “I know bud, me too” Patton sympathizes, stroking his mane delicately.

“They didnt do anything wrong!” Remus cries, kicking the ground below him “Why should they be locked away?” He argues, Patton turns to him. “If anything we should be helping them” He stomps, his pout regressing his age.

“Calm Remus” Logan advises, playing quietly with the straw at his feet. Remus growls, a glare shared between the pair, Roman hums gently trying to tune out his brother. Patton feels the room grow with anger, overwhelming his senses, he takes a shallow breath looking away from the group. Covering up a cough he regains himself.

“Oh!” He brightens, a smile crosses his face. Remus looks up to him, his arms folded tight against his chest. “I almost forgot” He giggles, with a delighted swish and a glimmer of murky magic Patton holds out his arm. “Your morningstar” He offers, holding out the weapon to the prince. Remus takes it, a triumphant snicker, he spins falling back into a comfortable hold with it.

“And so Remus finds himself motivated once more” He recites, instantly dropping his weapon, closer to Romans feet that either would have preferred.

“Careful!” Roman warns, jumping up as it clatters in front of him. Logan stands curious at the outburst, Pattons eyes widen, his hands tickling. “What was that?” Roman wonders

“I-i dont know! It's been happening ever since I...disappeared” Remus moans, feeling frustrated once more. Patton moves forward, removing his gloves, clipping them to his side.

“May I?” He questions, holding up his hands, uncertain Remus nods. With the smallest flash of envy from Logan, Patton places his warm hands on Remus’s cheeks. The others watch, waiting for something. The room grows dim, colorful flickers dance around the room. The boys watch in awe, their eyes glinting enchanted. The trance so deep neither notice Patton's struggle to keep himself stable, the color quickly turning dark before a sudden bang. The prince flies back, hitting the stable doors. Logan and Roman rush to his aid, Remus coughs but joins them soon after.

“Are you alright?” Logan questions, trying to keep his tremble to a minimum. Pattons eyes dart to Remus, concern fill the bright blue. He struggles to stand with Logan as support.

“Remus?” He whispers ever so softly, the distraught prince shakes his apologetic head, scared sorrys are shared. “You have nothing to apologize for” He assures, a quick glance to his hands, biting his lower lip he places his gloves on once more.

“What's wrong with him?” Roman spits, concern but anger flows from him. Determination above all else.

“Dark...dark magic” Patton confirms “Magic unknown to this land” He looks to Logan, one of their talks takes place

“Are you sure?” Roman pushes, moving now to Remus, wishing to comfort his timid brother. He had never seen the prince so… un-enigmatic. It was as if someone ripped away everything that made the prince himself.

“Lo and I know magic Ro, we can check again but this isn't just caliginous magic” He shakes his head, watching Remus “This is darker than that, rooted in a deeper evil than the old villains” Patton laments, knowing his tales only worsen Remus’s shame. “I need to see Emile” He decides

“You can't possibly be serious” Roman and Remus scoff united. “They put him in the dungeon with the two unknown’s” Roman reminds “After they found him with...them...they decided to hold him. And you can't go into the dungeons Pat!” Roman fears

“Can, have and will” Patton promises, wishing nothing more than to help his troubled friend. Before things simply worsened, and an evil unlike any other spread across the land. Roman groans, Logan remains quiet but his own mind runs with the same troublesome doubts.

“What if Remy catches you? Or the King gets words of what you've done?” Roman proposes. Patton knows his words are well meaning, but he knows this is something he must accomplish. Recognizing the expression that lay upon Patton's face his shoulders fall. “Fine, then I'm coming” The three of them purse their lips before uncontrollable laughs emerge. “I'm capable!”

“Its not that, but with your father breathing down your neck at every second, we’d be caught instantly” Logan explains, his tone calm once more. Roman knows the truth in his sentiment, still feeling annoyed.

“Surely that eliminates both you and Remus?” Roman notes “And Patton? I mean the King has his eyes on you at every moment” Logan and Patton share a look, nodding he steadies himself. “W-what was that?” Roman points between them.

“I don't think we need to worry about me” Patton takes a deep breath, the stuffy stable air coursing through him. A dim flash, and Roman wonders what mushroom he might have consumed from the Beryl Forest as his eyes fall upon not one but two Pattons? “Ah!” He squeals excited, Logans eyes gaze in awe, the wheels turning furiously in his mind. “It worked!” Patton takes the prince's hand as they speak quickly in their delight.

“I… hi?” Roman greets, Patton 2.0 smiles at him. Patton nods pleasantly.

“I must go before I miss my entrance but make sure everything goes smoothly” Patton prepares himself, tightening his coat “If he starts acting weird, remove him from the situation and just make up some excuse” Patton requests. Once the crew is ready they go their separate ways. Fearful goodbyes and wishes of luck to Patton before they return to the grand hall.

“Are you as afraid as I am?” Roman whispers watching Patton 2.0 walk ahead of them

“Indubitably so” Logan replies, fidgeting at his palms.

~~~

“Let me out!” Virgil screams, kicking once more at the frigid bars that keep him locked away in the dark. Dolion sits calmly in the corner, marking the soil with silly art. Virgil grunts turning to Dolion. “Aren't you upset?” He yells

“Of course I am” He hums “However, my mother always taught me to keep a levelhead. A clear mind so I can conjure up a solution” He explains, a sad feeling tugs at his stomach as he longs for his mother. Virgil slides his back against the rough rock, burying his head into arms, trying hard to stop the tears.

“I just want to go home” Virgil cries, Dolion watches him, his lips twist sadly. He goes to the boys side, soothingly rubbing circles on his back. Listening to the silent drops of water and the tears flowing down Virgil. A creak alerts the pair, shifting their silence into alertness. “Who's there!” Virgil tries, though more timid than he wished.

“Easy!” A sweet voice replies, the boys stand looking through the darkness. A face appears, one Virgil remembered. The round glasses and the cheery grin set it off. “Patton” He introduces, reaching his hand through the bar. Virgil cocks his head but shakes it.

“Virgil” He eyes, keeping himself steady. “This is Dolion” The boy waves at his name, but hides himself from sight. “Can you help us out?” Patton glances at the lock, hesitation crosses his shadowed face but he nods.

“Stand back” he advises, the boys find it best not to disobey. Patton takes a breath, removing his glove, squeezing his fingers deep. With yet another moment he holds out his hand carefully, focusing intently at the bars. Soon the room grows brighter, small pellets fly through the air, latching to the lock. The jail shakes but soon enough it cracks, blowing open. Gasps of excitement are heard from the boys.

“That was..” Dolion marvels, quickly interrupted by Virgil.

“Awesome!” He exclaims, they push through the door. Patton smiles, facing away from them as he returns his gloves to their rightful place. “You're...awesome!” He nudges softly at Patton, a light blush as he nods.

“Patton!” A voice from the darkness calls, the prince jerks his head a bright smile flashing his face. He races towards it, lighting up the path as he walks. The other two follow him, finding a whole area they hadn't known of.

“Em!” Patton cries, hugging the bars as the magical man approaches. “Oh my! Are you ok?” He asks, examining through the prison. “Stand back” He cautions performing the same trick on the lock, quickly rejoicing into a hug. “I missed you” He whispers, Emile squeezes tighter.

“Hey love the uhhhh love but can we get out of here?” Virgil begs, Patton chuckles feeling an instant connection. Something about the way their paths would intertwine. He turns to the boy taking his hand gently, Virgil finds this comforting, until a light gasp from Patton as his eyes blind him.

“No!” Patton cries, collapsing in on himself. Quickly the ice shatters, crumbling to the ground around him. The cold circles him and fast, dancing around him, almost taunting him. His tears bellowed but heard by no one. The silence of the world set him uneasy, where was the fire, the passion that burned through the world. “No” He sobs silently, shuddered breaths.

Every inch of him trembled as he mustered the strength to stand. The solid base he shook upon, cluttered with the remnants of his powers. He feared to look at his hands, the source of his chaos. The fresh breeze from atop the mountain suspended itself, frantic glances around him and his mind understands.

Frozen

He numbed fast, the dark from the night he once deemed so beautiful and mystical now his prison. He would succumb, letting it take him. The stars that left him through life, comforting his every excitement were gone now. Their shine disappeared with his glint of love. The light that once sat ablaze in him now faded as the cold trapped it away.

“He was right” He bites, he grabs the fabric from his satchel, furiously placing the gloves on his hands once more. He shakes away his sadness, knowing he must fix his mistakes. With one last look of defeat he begins his descent. Careful as he slides and races through the mountain. Finally running into the field, the grass stiff as moves through it.

The palace finds itself in his view, the pit only grows in his stomach. Dreading what he might find he urges himself forward, feeling his hands grow antsy in their cages. Walking through the streets he finds himself glad at the time of day, knowing he doesn't have to walk by the frozen faces of his people. Reaching the steps of the palace was easy, but alas nothing of his journey was simple from this point forward. The thoughts only push themselves to the front of his mind, taunting him with their whispers. He shakes it and strides through the chilling doors, everything felt so still.

His eyes fell quickly on a familiar face, tightening his hands as they pushed into his palm. Roman stands triumphant with his sword drawn facing a less than worthy opponent. His face is determined though his odds may be low. Patton looks him over, taking his hand through tears.

“Im so sorry Ro” He laments, finding his breath shaky he moves once more through the castle racing up the stairs. His fingers tracing the handrail, the ice freezing it from his fingertips. His powers grew out of control, breaking through their bounds. He winces but continues. The halls crowded with men and women fighting, everything a still life picture. His heart aches just a little as he brushes past a bloodied face of his befallen friend. Remus lay on his last straw, facing the man Patton loathed the most. Scared to look he races away, guilt consuming him. His tears only speed up as he makes his way to the treasure room. His breath ceases as the room opens up, the crown dead center and the doors to the balcony swung open in frozen action. But Patton can't see that now, his eyes stay planted on one thing, one person.

“Logan” He whispers, his throat unable to comprehend. The man stands final in his pose, his fiery eyes directed at the King as he holds tight to his breath. Bruised, beaten and ready to fall the sight hurt Patton more than anything he could describe. He takes Logans cheek, placing a tearful kiss on the princes lips. A moment of connected foreheads before Patton pulls away, his entire world collapses.

He did this

This was his fault

Patton falls to the hard rock of the dungeon below him, Emile dropping with him in safety. Virgil stumbles back, confused as to where his vision went.

“Patton are you alright?” Emile questions, the prince ultimately nods rubbing his heads. They return to an upright position, Patton gathers himself with a breath. “We should get out of here” Emile advises

“Yes and soon” Patton agrees hearing the sound of incoming soldiers.

~~~

“A suitor!” Patton 2.0 exclaims, Logan has to admire the authenticity, although curious how it works. He hopes this isn't draining Patton too much, picking at his own robes in worry as he listens to the argument.

“You will not raise your voice at me!” The King bellows, slamming his hands on the table. “Prince Patton sit down immediately” He commands, Patton 2.0 shakes his head walking out of the room. Logan hesitates before following him. He follows the clone through the winding halls, taken aback as a group of people walk towards him. A quick flash of light and Patton 2.0 is gone and the prince stands in front of Logan. Accompanied by three others.

“Patton youre alright” Logan identifies, a soft smile as the prince smiles back at him. A quick restrained hug and yet they keep their hands together. The three approach, one Logan knows. In Fact it would be a crime for him not to, everyone knows Emile. “Your sorcery” he nods in respect, Emile grins back. His interest takes over as he looks behind the godfather.

“Lo?” Patton questions, Logan scans the figures recognizing them from earlier. “This is Virgil and Dolion” Patton introduces, pointing. “They're not from here” Logan scoffs, but delicately.

“Clearly” he notes, Patton bites his lower lip hiding his amusement “Their clothes, the way they present themselves, the clear disrespect for royal titles” he rants, a rare occasion but sometimes he would just go about it. Virgil and Dolion share a look, unsure whether they should be offended.

“If it isn't the prisoners!” Roman cheers approaching the group, Virgil feels his face flush, rolls his eyes at the sentiment. Remus finds himself quiet as his own eyes fall on Dolion, the boys bright eyes observing the grand room around him. “Im prince Roman and you've already met my dear brother prince Remus” He greets, a gallant bow.

“Dramatic much?” Virgil mocks, a raised eyebrow over his folded arms. Logan and Patton glance between the animostic pair. “So can we go home yet?” Virgil wonders, turning towards Patton, Logan tightens his grip. Feeling a sense of uneasy as everything falls onto his friend.

“First we must exit the palace, it is unsafe here” Patton decides, an assuring smile to the group, feeling as though this journey would be long and hard, facing trials and obstacles to overcome together. Remus only confirms his notion.

“And so with an idea and mind, the group sets off on the most perilous journey of their lives. Ready to be faced with betrayal, lies, secrets, passion and more” He gasps, coughing once his muse is over. Roman takes his side, quickly tending over his brother. “Onwards!” He chokes out, doubling over.

“Onwards” Logan agrees timidly, the words barely escaping his mouth. Patton watches all of them, biting back his secret, feeling a rising heat as he holds tight to Logan. Oh this was going to be an adventure.

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forsakentoast · 5 years ago

Text

Wildflower

Chapter 3- Basically plot part 2

As the sun rose in the sky, the heroes stirred from their slumber and began to filter out of their rooms, all with the exception of three. Laughter and a groan were heard from the room that housed the other three companions.

Wind was about to volunteer to see what was going on with the other three when Warriors came out of the room struggling to contain a fit of laughter.

“Baby faced boy!” before all other words were lost to laughter.

As the others rushed to the room, they were met with a concerned Hyrule speaking to a mass under the blankets.

“Wild, it’s not bad! Just come on out.”

A muffled no was heard.

“What’s going on?”

“Warriors hasn’t stopped laughing.”

Off in the distance, the cackling continued as broken words of apology spilled from the young man.

“Shut up,” came the muffled reply.

“It’s just… Wild has regressed and-”

The small mass moved, “Don’t you dare say it.”

“His voice cracked,” Hyrule whispered to the group.

A groan just resounded with the blankets.

“Wild, it’s okay! Just come on out.”

With a sigh of resignation, Wild removed the blankets and stared at the other six. Messy blond hair accompanied a disgruntled face.

“Pfft… Baby face! I’m sorry. I need to go.” Legend left to go join Warriors outside.

Wild just deepened his glare. Baby blue eyes soon landed on the other five. Smiles of varying degrees were observed. “Just out with it, will you.”

“You are so adorable!”

“Honestly, it isn’t that bad. You still are you, cub… Just younger.”

“I look stupid!” Eyes became wide. Snorts of laughter left some and Wild just hid. “My voice sounds so stupid!”

Despite Time being amused, he gingerly placed his hand on the mass under the blankets. “Your voice cracked. We all went through that.”

“Yeah, Wild. I sometimes go through that myself. But you look pretty neat though! And don’t mind the baby face. I also suffer from the syndrome as well.”

“Okay, okay. Can you please leave? I’ll get ready so we can see Impa.”

As everyone left, Twilight stayed behind, “If you need help, just call out, okay?”

Scoffing, Wild became offended, “As if. Now get out of my room.”

“Bossy, bossy. We’ll be waiting for you.”

----

Legend and Warriors waited for the others as they regrouped nearby.

“I shouldn’t have laughed. But the way his voice cracked made me lose it. Normally I don’t let things get to me, but it was just different. I guess it was the baby face that did me in.”

“He’s not ready to go?” Legend looked around.

Before anything else could be said, the sound of a creaking door grabbed the attention as eight heads swiveled around to see a meek-looking face peering from the side.

“Twi? I need help.”

-----

Exiting out of the inn, Legend commented, “Oi, didn’t your clothes shrink with you or something?”

The boy harbored his usual garb, minus the boots. His champion tunic hung off of one shoulder and his pants were rolled up and a piece of torn fabric looped around the belt loops to keep the pants somewhat in place.

Looking Legend up and down with a glare, Wild responded, “Wouldn’t you and your pasty knees like to know.”

Laughter erupted from almost everyone.

Flabbergasted, Legend became offended. “You leave my knees out of this, brat!”

He only earned a stick of the tongue. Legend had to be held back by Sky before he smacked the young boy upside the head.

Upon arriving at the grand home, two sheikah guards stood at attention and blocked the entrance to the staircase with their weapons. Shoving the others aside, Wild came up to the two men.

“Hey guys! I’m here to speak with Impa. It’s for important business. And these guys are with me.”

Upon looking at the young boy, both men saw the sheikah slate hanging by a piece of fabric- at the demand of Wild to Twilight.

“Ah, Master Link! Apologies. We have been notified by Impa to be expecting your visit. We did not recognize you at all.”

“As stated, please step on inside. Impa awaits your visit.”

“Thanks Cado, Dorian! Come on guys!” Wild began making his way up the stairs as he held on to his loose pants and looked behind him as the others all filed along and followed after the smaller boy. Upon reaching the grand doors, Wild adjusted his pants once more and pushed the doors open, allowing himself and his companions to enter along.

“Ah, young champion, I have been awaiting your arrival,” an old voice called out. “So there was truth to what Purah had said. You do not look a day over ten.”

“I assume Purah has told you everything there is to know?”

“Indeed I have been made aware of the unfortunate incident that has befallen you. It has been such a long time since these old eyes seen such a young lad.” Impa hadn’t missed the bashful smile that graced Wild’s features. “But I must ask how you have been feeling so far, young hero?”

As Wild began to delve into how he had been feeling, soft footsteps took the attention of the others in the room as a young sheikah woman made herself known.

“Grandmother? Has Master Link arrived yet?”

She stopped at the footsteps and her bashful nature took over as she noted the others who were in the room.

“Ah! I-I’m sorry! I didn’t r-realize our guests were here al-ready!”

“Paya!”

A gasp left the woman as she was soon overtaken by a hug from a young boy. Looking to her grandmother, she received a nod from the elderly woman and realization dawned that the young boy hugging her was the champion she deeply admired and low-key crushed on.

“M-Master Link! S-so good to s-see you!” She couldn’t help but hug back awkwardly.

“Paya, why don’t you accompany the young champion and get him at least a set of clothes that will properly fit him. Link, here. This should be enough to buy you something.”

“Such kindness you harbor for me, oh great village chief. Thank you.” Taking the rupees, Wild immediately ran to Paya, grabbing her hand and leading her outside with such energy that the poor young woman did everything to not trip over her own two feet.

The smile soon faded from Impa as she directed her gaze back to the others in the room. “Purah tells me that there were instances that he recalls memories of long ago. What has he said or what has he shared?”

Both Warriors and Hyrule looked at one another.

“Well, when we arrived at the dead of night at the inn, Wild, I mean, Link, was just exhausted. Swaying as if he spent days with no sleep.”

Hyrule continued, “He just started responding to someone or something. Something about flowers and how he needed to go see you. I tried to bring it up this morning, but he had no recollection and was angry.”

“Angry? Because of his predicament or because of something else?”

“Well, you see,” Warriors became a bit meek, “I laughed at his voice. It just cracked. I don’t know why it made me laugh, but it did.”

“I see. But nothing else?”

All heads shook.

“Just to clear things up, Purah did let you know that his behavior would change, correct?” all heads nodded. “The display of affection was not of his character. At least it hasn’t been since a while. I know questions are whirring in those minds of yours, but do not utter them. Those conversation pieces you heard last night must be from his young life that is bleeding into his current memories.”

“So you say that it’s not just behavior that would change but memories will surface?”

“Aye. how far and to what extent is truly unknown. I pray to Hylia above that it is not harsh on him. I do have one major concern for him. The Yiga.”

The room became cold. Time swore his breath could be seen. “There has been mention of that group.”

“A group of assassins whose goal is to murder the Hylian champion for the blood spilt from their lord and master. With the defeat of the Calamity, the pursuit of the hero has decreased some, but not enough to stop completely. Link is not out of danger. I am aware of the switching of worlds, but I urge you all to use caution when you are in this world.”

“I think we can manage,” spoke Time.

“I believe it to be ideal to pick and choose names when in the company of strangers. I do not believe titles would be wise as the Yiga are aware of the title of the champion. The only ones who are currently aware of Link’s condition are a select few. Zelda has also been notified. But I have a feeling that you lot will not be able to see her as the goddess has a timer currently set.”

“We will be careful. Thank you for that. And we will be taking good care of him, worry not.”

“Thank you.”

And at that moment, the doors opened as the young woman before stepped in, “I’m s-sorry… Master Link demands you all join him and Koko for breakfast.”

Standing up and dusting himself, Twilight turned his attention back to Impa. “I believe that is our cue to leave. You have our promise to watch him safely.”

“May Hylia above grant you patience and strength. He was a wild child.”

“I freaken knew it...”

-------

Exhaling a breath, Paya looked to her grandmother. “He was such an endearing young boy. So energetic and lively.”

“He wasn’t always like that. Younger? Yes. But it felt like eons since I saw that energy once again.”

“It must have been nice to see once more. You were very kind to give him some rupees. He was able to purchase a hylian tunic set. He was a little embarrassed to have asked for assistance in measurements, but he was so elated. He claimed it to be a gift from the ‘Great Village Chief’. He would have thanked you, but he saw Koko cooking and wanted to help prepare a meal for his companions before he demanded I come get them.” Paya could help but laugh as the memory of the small Hylian puffed out his cheeks to come get the others.

“What’s the matter, Grandmother?”

“I have been filled with such great sadness, my dear granddaughter. Those rupees were a mere gift to slowly attone for the sin I have committed against the young champion. I cannot help but fear a storm is brewing. I just hope they all exercise caution.”

Paya wanted to inquire for more. But she did not. Nor did she want to worry her poor grandmother over an acclaimed suspicion of a merchant that both her and Link encountered. Paya, like other sheikah, has been wary of outsiders that come to visit Kakariko. But that one merchant just sent shivers down her spine. There was no time as Link pulled her inside the Enchanted Armour shop, losing sight of that merchant. But it must have been her nerves.

Before she could excuse herself, Cado came bursting in, followed by Dorian.

“A dark portal appeared and Master Link with his companions all went in!”

“The portal then disappeared and there is no trace whatsoever of the young master!”

“Calm yourselves. If it were a dark source of energy, I would have been out the door praying and creating a barrier of some sort, would I have not? It was the will of the goddess that that portal appeared there. You may go in peace. You are also excused, Paya.”

Finally alone, Impa began to pray, “Hylia above, watch over them.”

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #toast writes #child!wild #he is babey #i love legend and his pasty knees #I just love all of them basically #but strap in bois... the story is just starting #Babey faced boy

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secret-engima · 5 years ago

Note

What's the Little Nox universe? Hi, I'm new and I found you through your HZD x FFXV crossover which has a too long for me to write in this ask. I know the barest minimum of FFXV -- let alone the FF universe on its which is close enough to zero -- but I started the game the other day because I'm almost done with HZD... and I stumble upon this Little Nox thing that is the cutest stuff ever even if I don't know half of what I should about FFXV or FF in general. Hence this ask XD

Hi! Welcome aboard my crazy! Can I just say real quick that I ... ADORE the fact that you found me through my crossover? That thing gets barely any reviews on my Ao3 and FF accounts so knowing someone reads it (and knows the HZD side of it) makes me smile.

Really quick, ineffective summary of FF: don’t worry about playing FFXV before anything else because all but a handful are stand-alone games. Final Fantasy is just a Brand and all Final Fantasy games thus share some world-building traits such as the name of currency (gil), the use of potions and phoenix downs, the existence of chocobos (think Giant Adorable Ridable Chickens), some flora and fauna and some reaccuring minor characters (there are two characters named Bigs and Wedge after the Star Wars pilots who always pop up SOMEWHERE in an FF game as something of a running gag/cameo for example). But when it comes to overarching PLOT and major characters, each game is a new thing unless it’s popular enough to spawn spin-offs (such as FF7′s expanded universe, which had several spin-off games and a movie).

Hopefully Non-Spoiler summary of FFXV: Evil Technological Empire of Evil offers a supposed peace treaty with the Magical Kingdom Of the Good Guys after about 100+ of intermittent war, with one of the conditions being that the MC, Prince Noctis, marries their Oracle Princess, Lunafreya. Insomnia (the magical kingdom of good guys) accepts the treaty because it’s that or continue to slowly loose ground to the empire’s superior technological might and thus four bros consisting of the Husband-to-Be, his buff bodyguard Gladio, his faithful Team Mom advisor Ignis, and his civilian photography loving friend Prompto head off on a road trip to go to a neutral city to get Noctis married.

OBVIOUSLY things go Sideways stupid fast because Evil Empire of Evil™.

Also no one dares travel at night because of a plague of creatures called daemons that are slowly getting stronger and eviler and more of a threat to the world. Noctis is going to have to Deal With This at some point but that falls under spoilers so if you haven’t already been horribly spoiled by my blog or want to AVOID spoilers than I shall stop there.

Also if you want to avoid spoilers ... read my blog with caution. I have tagged literally nothing as spoilers even though I talk about late game meta and lore A LOT because I honestly never expected to drag newbies into my fandom.

If you DON’T mind spoilers or are just curious, feel free to drop me an ask! Or read my blog, the spoilers are all in there somewhere. Anyway-

My Little Nox verse is ... sorta complicated? Okay so- I have a HUGE weakness for time-travel shenanigans, so I have multiple AUs for FFXV where Noctis (the MC) time-travels either alone, with his three bros, or with Ardyn who you may or may not have met yet depending on where you are in the game. ANYWAY, the AU where Noctis and Ardyn go back in time together is called Nox verse because Noctis can’t exactly parade around with the name of the young Crown Prince who ALSO exists. Since Noctis is terrible at thinking up cover names and needs something similar enough to his old name that he’ll respond, he calls himself Nox.

Now, in Nox verse Prime, Nox is 7 years older than his non-time-travel counterpart, which leads everyone to believe that Nox is a royal Oops baby from back when his dad was traveling the world. Because Nox and Ardyn travel together and Nox is always jokingly calling him Uncle, everyone thinks that Ardyn is Nox’s mother’s brother who is taking care of the teenling Oops Prince. They later get discovered by Regis, who takes in his son and ... sort of brother-in-law.

Of course, SOMEBODY yote the brilliant idea of an AU of my AU where instead of coming back in time OLDER than his counterpart, Nox was YOUNGER. Way younger. So young that his body couldn’t handle his adult magic/memories and so he kinda mentally regressed to a kid, even if he still has his adult memories in something of a dreamlike state. Ardyn, who never once took a childcare class or raised a kid, promptly panic-rampages his way across the local timeline, trying to figure out how to CARE FOR SMOL CHILD and ends up making everyone believe that the Evil Empire of Evil attempted to clone the royal good guy family and that the teeny clone is Nox. Regis, upon discovering a supposed clone child, immediately takes him in and raises him as his own because Regis is the Dadliest Dad to Ever Dad (his official in-game Epithet is the Father I’m not even joking).

Being a sucker for Fluff and Drama that I am, I immediately took the idea and ran with it, thus spawning the Little Nox verse spinoff of my Nox verse.

I ... hope that ramble was helpful?

#SE asks #spectrumcrovn asks #Little Nox verse #Nox verse #Secret Engima Rambles #ffxv #final fantasy

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