#but i also fear him to an incomprehensible level

[dazaistabletop]

In honor of bsd s5 coming out in a few days, let's vote

[corkinavoid]

DPxDC Danny the Guy Who Won't Die

He lives in Gotham, and he is just A Guy. Nothing weird about him, he's just there to study/work/help Lady Gotham to lift her curse/on vacation with Sam. Point is, he is not there to cause trouble and there's no GIW on his tail. Just a dude living his (after)life.

And Gotham, being Gotham, still finds a way to be annoying. There are mugging attempts, robbery, Rogues running around. Only Danny really doesn't want to deal with any of it.

Now there's a dilemma. If he uses his powers to fight, it will sooner or later come to Bats' attention. And if he fights as a human, it will also alert some of the Bats since he doesn't really do a great job at keeping his power levels low. Not to mention the fact he is really not enthusiastic about accidentally punching someone hard enough he sends them to a hospital.

What does he do instead? He pulls the 'I guess I'll die' act.

So every time he is attacked, he just plays dead. The mugger shot him in the chest? He falls down and stops breathing. Caught up in the middle of a Poison Ivy attack? Skewers himself on the vine and goes lax. Scarecrow's Fear Gas? Very dramatically chokes himself and plays a corpse. He makes sure to disappear before any ambulances arrive later, and it all goes well for a few months - he is just a casualty, who cares, really - until one day, he runs into that same mugger who shot him in the chest a while ago.

The man does a double take. Danny doesn't notice - he's been mugged so many times, who has the brain capacity to remember all of those fuckers. But the rumor goes out anyway.

A guy-who-won't-die. It's more of a city legend, really, and the Bats don't give it much thought since, well, it sounds stupid and not very important. A rumor of some man who was shot dead and then showed up like nothing happened? Yeah, it's probably because the mugger didn't check if he was actually dead. That happens. Maybe it wasn't even the same man, Gotham is a big city. If anything, hey, at least that was one less casualty? That's a good thing.

That is, until one day, they show up to Joker's hostage situation and witness the clown screaming at one of the hostages. He is so enraged he is shaking, spit flying out of his mouth, and, contrary to the usual Joker's evil sneers and maniacal laughter, he seems just... furious. But, like, the normal-human-level furious. The 'I just lost the last ounce of patience with you' furious.

"Don't you look away from me, you think I don't remember you?! Na-ah, I do. You were the one I drowned in the shark tank last week! And you were the one run through the chainsaw trap two weeks before that! And you were in the guillotine!!! I saw your fucking head get deattached from your body, how the fuck are you here again?!"

And the guy he is screaming at just looks at him, confused and incomprehensive.

"Um, I'm pretty sure I'd remember getting my head cut off, you know? So, err, wrong guy."

"Wrong guy my fucking ass-"

Joker is so distracted by his screaming match that it makes it almost too easy for the Bats to fight him down and drag to Arkham. Yet, a few of them get just a bit suspicious.

Now, imagine all the shenanigans when they try keeping a watch on Danny the Won't Die Guy.

[queenendless]

ÞŘỊPŁƏ ẄŒØ

A/n: As much as we all love current Jinwoo, every version of Jinwoo is precious. And SO!

All Jinwoos have romantic feelings for you but not for each other cause they're the same person.

Triple Sung Jinwoo x Fem!Adult!Reader

CW: MANWHA SPOILERS INSIDE! SPOILER ALERT: There will be a PT 2 to this one shot cause this got kinda long. So there's that.

BIG TIME What if AU. Angst, hurt/comfort, depression, chronic problems, sleeping anxiety.

NO PLAGARIZING, REPOSTING, TRANSLATING, USE OF MY FANFIC WORK IN AI STUFF ALLOWED. REBLOG, LIKE AND FOLLOW INSTEAD PLS N THNX.

You never imagined you'd become the light of your angel's life. You still have days when you think that it's all been one long dream and you'd wake up back in that grey lonely life you never want to go back to.

But no, waking up that afternoon in your shared spacious bedroom. Rolling in that King sized bed to detect his side had his scent lingering still. But empty. Meaning he hadn't returned from his guild work from yesterday.

The sound of the front door to your shared home opening got your heart racing with joy at the chance to see your dear Monarch again.

And yet, the ensuing situation that followed suit really did feel like walking into a dream. An unusual one at that, sure. But also quite intriguing.

“Neither a curse nor a status debuff, my ass. You'd think these new Monarch powers could undo this side effect?” The tallest Jinwoo grumbled under his breath, brushing back his hair in frustration, pacing back and forth in the living room.

“How are we supposed to be out in public now? Handle the guild? Seeing our folks? Our secret will be found out at this rate!” Post reawakened Jinwoo griped, pinning you in between him and pre reawakened Jinwoo like a sandwich, to your dopey smiling satisfaction.

“In any case, I'll be the one visiting the guild for those matters. Otherwise, you and I will tackle the dungeons ourselves, alone.”

“H-Hang on! Why should I be left behind?! I'm no male housewife!” Starter Jinwoo whined.

“Yeah, don't kid yourself, squirt.” Monarch Jinwoo ruffled his unruly mop of hair affectionately, his baby faced counterparts pouting and puffed up cheeks proving his point.

“Aw, please don't leave me alone.” You nuzzled his pink dusted face like a needy cat, that got him melting up.

“Uh – I – o – okay~” His bashful smile got you planting a big ol smooch on his lips. He couldn't stop smiling as he swooned over your lap.

Jinwoo #2 glared, a vein popping up on his head. “Hey, it's not fair he gets to hog our sweetheart all to himself all day while we have to work.”

“With no reawakening, he can't level up so he'd be putting himself at Death's door again like before. If even one of us dies, we'll all die and leave our family behind, including our beloved here. And they won't be defenseless.” King Jinwoo explained.

The sight of Beru appearing out of your Shadow got Jinwoo#1 trembling from fear instinctively at the imposing entity when Monarch Jinwoo stood between you two and his General.

“Should any harm come to these two, like getting distracted by your period dramas, you know what will happen, don't you?” The deadly gaze of his King spoke doom for the former Ant King.

Shadow Preservation will let him know the moment Beru fumbles.

“Yes, I do, my liege! I will not let you down! And if I fail, I will gladly accept my punishment! But please give me a chance to prove my usefulness to you all!” Beru weeped before his liege dismissed him, meshing into the shadow of —

“Jinwoo mochi.”

“ … Eh?” All three sweat dropped in sync.

The action of cupping OG Jinwoo's supple cheeks, kneading and pinching and rubbing your thumbs in circles on such pure smoothness had your eyes sparkle in wonder and your hums of content heard behind your smitten grin. The visual of pre Jinwoo's face going from pale to rosey red as his grey blue eyes had spirals of tipsy dazeness, incomprehensible sounds spilling out of his dopey smile.

“You are so fucking cute, I can't stand it!” Your playful growling as you indeed began chewing on his cheeks got his nervous laughs rumbling into your chest next, his heart in overdrive, matching beat for beat with yours.

The steamy blow of air through their noses was one warning signal that the other two Jinwoo were irked — envy molten auras in blue and purple another sign — that baby-faced them was getting your current attention.

“Don't you dare forget about me, beautiful~” Jinwoo the 2nd cockily purred in your ear, plopping behind you on the couch, nipping at your nape, his nose dotingly rubbing your cheek, keeping you struggling between focus on both bois.

“I'll engrave myself in your mind then~” The effortlessly hot deepness of King Jinwoo’s inflection had him gently grip your chin to raise your face to meet him over the couch in quite a devouring kiss.

“Hey, sharing is caring, you sneaky bastards!” Baby Jinwoo shrilled up. Breaking free just to save your deprived lungs, an all out argument between all three ensued, your light headed self slacking against the couch.

The cacophony of range these three voices could go filled in your now lively place.

And so, then began this unexpected arc in the story of you and Jinwoo times three.

Pre-reawakened Jinwoo.

While the other two would do their dungeon raids together, that meant you'd spend most of your time with him.

Stuck at home together meant you teaming up to manage it, whether that be folding laundry to even cook together. If you don't really cook, he's more than happy to teach you. Having his hands layer yours, pressed up against you from behind, is the best feeling. Course he'd melt in a puddle shortly after.

Taking walks together outdoors meant holding hands or intertwined arms as you spent hours chatting about anything, mesmerized in each other's eyes while admiring the flora and fauna of nature.

“Okay, I am the male wife.” He mumbled in surrender, slumping against you, both of you in your casual tees and shorts, binging your favorites together in the living room while sharing your snacks together one lazy day.

“He admits it!” You exclaimed dramatically, ruffling his already unruly shaggy mop to his giggling delight.

“I know I'm not like the other mes… but I will do my best to make you happy. I'll do anything for you. I love you with all my heart, saarang.”

You easily top him over, laying atop him, your bedroom eyes conjuring hearts in his grey blue irises. “Then I'll make sure you're reminded each and every day that you're just as well loved. You're all mine now, baby girl~”

His drawn out squeak was the only sign of him still alive from the embarrassment, slacking in your arms like a limp noodle.

He's the easiest to mess with, all out of love.

Post reawakened Jinwoo, still an E-rank.

You did most of your outings into the city with him. Usually he goes incognito, whether in caps and a face mask or keeping his hoodie on, hoping not to be spotted and mistaken for his S-rank self.

You both did the buying, groceries and window shopping. Your phone gallery was chock full of selfies with you and your bashful grinning hunter.

While Tank became his assigned Shadow in the meantime, he could serve as transport. But only when it was just you two around or unless it's an emergency. Besides, he still has his own speed skills. Hence, giving you piggyback rides before zipping away in a flash, leaving folk wandering nearby nearly falling over from the sudden strong gusts of winds he left in his wake. His cheeky grin looking back at you took your breath away.

Joining him in on his daily quest workouts nearly do you in, your physically ailing limits being the root cause. Your legs turn to jelly as you nearly collapse from fatigue but your dashing hunter lover makes sure to catch you in his arms, holding you tightly while riding on Tank for the trek back home.

While you can openly tease and mess with him, he's on even footing with you, even more so.

“It's a pain to be split in three and not knowing how long it'll last, so having you with me is a blessing. Now tell me, what will it take for you to make me the best Sung Jinwoo in your eyes? Come on, honey, let your angel Woo you over~”

That cheesy pun out of the blue sent you buckling over in bouts of laughter, nearly falling over but his arms enveloping you kept you standing within his grasp. “Wow. Can't believe that actually worked,” He murmured in astonishment, grinning confidently in response. “She has Sung her approval~!”

That got you cackling, clutching your aching tummy, as more puns came your way to leave you a breathless mess that went beyond his expectations, utterly convinced to be more silly from that point on, even after he hopefully becomes whole again.

And Shadow Monarch Jinwoo, the tenth S-rank hunter in Korea and the head of his own guild, is hands down the most possessive over you. The rare moments you get alone with him happen in his own private office when he takes you to work with him.

The selfie of him putting you in an explicit headlock rivaled every single photo you took with his reawakened past self. His vibrant violet eyes on his smug smirking face littered by your lipstick smooches, your blushing squished cheeks, those veins along that flexing bicep smothering your lip smeared shameless face.

Making a group chat with just the Jinwoos proved a bad call when the other two were driven up the wall with envy at their superior version laying claim to you when they weren't around. The stream of emojis from Jinwoo 1 merging with the countless threats from Jinwoo 2 made big boss Jin darkly chuckle in the entertaining response, the mirthful twinkle in his eyes rippling from spotting you red in the face like mush in his big leather desk chair.

Unwinding from the stress of his guild master duties and keeping face with his colleagues and family while also having to wait out however long this three in one problem will last. Taking rides together on Kaisel gave you both a much needed breath of fresh air. Updating you on pupil Jinwoo's progress leveling up although the Gates turn red whenever he joins in said gate all to challenge him. He assures you immensely that he ensures his other self’s safety while sharing the EXP.

“Sharing you with my other selves has been quite the test for my tolerance.” Tugging insistently on his tie, the taut muscle definition of his upper chest peaked out, his neck flexing those veins, flaring his collar out in the process. “However, I am resolved to remind them just who truly is in charge here.” Pinning you literally on top of his desk came just as quick as you did already feeling him brush up against your valley. “Including you~”

Chronic problems plagued your form. Daily migraines, tense knots in your neck, the works. Regardless of which Jinwoo does it, massages always come your way. Whether resting your head on their lap or laying down on the bed, you melted from their shared skill touch.

Of course not every day is sunshine and rainbows. With chronic issues also came depression. Of course, all three dudes come to an agreement on equally giving you space to unwind as well as teaming up to give you all their affection.

Jinwoo #1 gifts you single flowers that grew surrounding your home, placing them behind your ear after presenting you one each day. Home-cooked meals are a given at this point, keeping in mind your allergies and dietary restrictions should you have any. He helps prepare salt baths that you more than invite him to join you to keep your clingy self company. And he lends his hoodie for comfort on those moody grey days.

Jinwoo #2 gifts you during your shopping sprees together, purchasing plushies and apparel to even getting fried chicken that you make sure you have enough to share with all your bois at home. You and him game together when he comes home early from raiding. Although his fatigue relief skill kicked in, he still deflated in your embrace welcoming him back home in the foyer, nuzzling your adorable face like a needy feline himself. Plus, his rambunctious commentary sends you into a wheezing mess, handing him easy wins. The times you did dethrone him resulted in his stubborn self knowing he could do better, challenging you for another round.

Jinwoo #3 is the one most able to give you anything your heart desires. With such influence and connections on top of his limitless abilities as the reincarnated Monarch, he would make anything possible. But considering he was the busiest out of the three, all you really wanted was to spend more time together. He still gifted you the same items as his other selves, but he made sure to include a fancy dinner and a dance among the stars as an inviting bonus.

Sleep anxiety is also a struggle you face. Incidents from your dreary past late at night left their scars. So taking naps now and then throughout the day after sleeping in the morning was your norm.

Even now, comfortably sleeping through the night is difficult, anxiety making you uncomfortable on edge for the unpredictable and unknown.

One step, one night at a time, the secure embrace giving you reassuring squeezes in bed reminding you you weren't alone. Whichever Jinwoo it is, they all are perfect bedmates. Their cooing words became your ASMR.

“Ssh. There there. I'm right here. Listen to my breathing, my heart, my voice. You can rest easy now, sweetheart.”

Kissing your teary face and letting you rest on their cozy warm chests as they rubbed comforting circles along your back, the combined sensations slowly aided in your sleep, however long or short.

So returning the favor only made sense.

All three Jinwoos suffered from nightmares. Mostly Jinwoo #1. Night terrors were his own sleep struggle throughout this story arc. Especially from dreams of the Double Dungeon. Breaking out in a cold sweat, tossing and turning, whimpering and weeping, before screaming out in awakening, heaving haphazardly, desperately reaching his hands out to you, clinging to you like the lifeline you are. Especially on nights when your other Jins’ are still out due to whatever reason.

Singing a lullaby song you heard from a show that really stuck with you helped a great deal in calming him down. Cradling him in your arms, brushing through those sweat matted bangs, your voice was the angel of music gracing his ears. It's too mesmerizing to ignore.

“You're okay. You're alright. I'll never ever leave your side. I will stay and I will fight with you~”

Unbeknownst to you two, Beru's shadow linked to both versions of his master, Jinwoo #3 swoons over your heavenly voice, smiling like a lovesick fool, Jinho silently hoping they finish work early so his big bro can get back to you, his one and only.

“Please don't leave me. Please stay, Y/n.” Your Jin baby's wish gets granted by your doting, utilizing the same exact methods they use to treat your night troubles.

Jinwoo 2 is less vocal when he wakes up from bad dreams. Yet you feel a sturdy heat envelope around you. His endearing gaze grew the more he stared at your peaceful face, his stare blurring from warm wetness, blinking them back before pecking your forehead. “You're my dream come true~” He whispers lovingly in your ear before cuddling up against your precious self, tears actually shed as you return the hug through your slumber, thoughts of you and only you lulling him into good old dream land.

Now Jinwoo 3 is something else. He usually sits up, lost in thought for a bit, before heading to the kitchen for a mug of water and maybe even preparing some food to keep him busy. And every time, he could feel you arising, finding him, and joining him all so he wouldn't be alone. He'd do the same for you. They all would, absolutely.

You can hear the aching vulnerability trembling with each breath he took as his towering frame draped over you, his shoulders shaking as his hands clawed at your back, your very existence grounding him in the here and now.

“Parts of me will never be the same, not after all I've done … yet you still choose me. How did I ever deserve you, huh?” His nose caresses yours, rocking with you side to side, as his submerging look sunk its hold upon your trembling soul. “Y/n, you truly are something else. My safe haven~”

While having three Jinwoos is indeed a handful, seeing every part of him that make up who he is reminds you of his empathy, sympathy, cleverness, tactfulness, and brilliance.

But you too hope that your three darlings become whole again soon.

And soon enough, at last, your shared prayers were finally heard.

The solution to this dilemma?

Well ...

What do you think~?

[bastam]

I love being highly specific, but like almost throwing darts at random concepts levels of totally judgemental sometimes. it makes insecure people who are absolutely in the in-crowd because of their natural beauty and talent think they're unfuckable monsters. Like the other day I was complaining like "I hate it when people write a funny joke but they have used the word 'moss' or 'mushroom' to denote an incomprehensible or mystical phenomenon taking place- its the poor man's 'eldritch' with none of Lovecraft's genuine mental illness and childhood compulsion/contamination-fear-based avoidance that slowly made him act increasingly racist into adulthood, which was at least a psychological building block in his brand of alien-terror anyway" and this girl who loves that Pinterest shit got sad as fuuuuck like she was like "is that bad? I don't know? Is this wrong? Is it not cool anymore to love moss?" Yes girl. It's wrong because I say it is. And you have to listen to me and take my word for the lord's. Now walk around in the yard in circles with your head hung low. Because I say so. Also for future reference you absolutely have to base your opinions and identity status off of a complete stranger like me. like you need to let me have that kind of power over your life. Because that's normal. I expect always to be taken seriously and to have my word placed in immediate proximity of the highest authority at all times. Walk faster I'm getting bored

[idiotmf]

Moving into a house infested by shadow demons

I may have this recent obsession with my newest creation for random blurbs I write, but... hear me out while I dump random information on you that you didn't ask for... (also NSFW, minors scram)

Shadow demons are beings made of, well, shadows. They can hide in yours or manifest as anything they want, shape-shifters if you will.

Since they are beings made of shadows, they cannot catch light, therefore they are a little hard to make out, often appearing more as a silhouette but they do have very distinctive, glowing eyes.

Very original, I know.

Now... They infest houses, apartments or just general areas. They're typically regarded as low level demons, as they are bound to the area they infest, feeding off of human emotions; specifically strong emotions like fear, hopelessness and, most importantly, lust.

I currently have two shadow demons that I adore writing about and they are... Well, I feel like they would hate each other.

× Aryllus

Aryllus is a sweetheart. He isn't interested in feeding off of emotions. He finds life fascinating, he loves spending his endless time reading, observing the animals and humans outside this old brick cottage that he can't leave.

He's very blunt and emotionally not the most intelligent but he makes up for it with his academic intellect. He's been trapped here for a century, maybe two. He doesn't know. Time is of no concept to demons, after all.

He's also shy at first. He doesn't want to be discovered by humans. He dislikes being treated like a pest or an inconvenience, so he would rather starve for all eternity than be viewed as a monster.

When you do discover him, and you don't seem afraid of him, he rejoices. He's patient and gentle in every interaction, thinking he has no morals as a demon but very clearly being a kind entity.

But... be careful, even if a shadow demon's primary food is emotions, Aryllus will probably steal your sandwich. And then try to eat the plastic it came in. (-_-')

And then there is...

× Oryllion

Oryllion is heartless, manipulative and possessive. His only interest lies in breaking the inhabitants of his infested house, making them his mindless little toys for his insatiable hunger.

His preferred method is keeping you in a constant state of arousal by any means necessary. You're working on something? Too bad, he's eating you out/ sucking you off under the table. You want to leave? No, he's tying you up with his tendrils and attaching little suckers to your nipples until you scream in agony and pleasure.

He's dominant and degrading, never once uttering your name. You're merely his pet or his toy. His eyes, while nothing more than glowing white orbs, show disgust with you. Even while he shapes his body into the most incomprehensible shape, writhing with obscene appendages and a sheer endless amount of limbs just to force you to orgasm for his next feast, he clearly looks down on you. Humiliation is a part of the fun for him.

But... As much as he wishes, even Oryllion can't fuck everyone into submission. Occasionally, families will move into his domain, much to his dismay.

But hey, at least he gets to traumatize children with his SFW Eldritch horror shapes for a quick snack.

[tallykale]

episode 19

as you can probably tell, i've thought a lot about what post-canon one would look like in my vision... i've said before that i have issues with straightforward fix-its, and i do genuinely love the tragic open-ended conclusion that the series has, but i... am not immune to playing with characters like dolls LOL

here's some writeups about where everyone is at mentally in these pictures. please please please PLEEEASE feel free to ask me more about this cuz i love talking about my beautiful mind palace

charlotte: somehow the most optimistic person in here, mostly out of necessity. when she died, she saw parker leading her out of a cave as her waiting room and was about to take his hand when airy respawned her, so she has a brief moment of bonding with bryce when he talks about the waiting room and seeing stella. with the knowledge that there is potentially a way to get out (bryce and liam being the proof) and the fear of rotting away again she is by far the most actively motivated to help liam figure out the computer. a lot of her days are spent talking to liam over the mic and writing out the code in the dirt so she can try to understand it. she still has to push against her natural misanthropy (and often shouts at liam or bryce for being fucking stupid and useless) but both working on the code and helping amelia give her something concrete to focus on outside herself. she wants to get home so she can make amends with her friends. charlotte is scared of dying! she's really genuinely horribly scared of dying and has awful vivid nightmares about rotting away. she often pushes amelia into talking about her life which causes some tension, but it's because she really hates seeing amelia lose herself like that - a metaphorical rotting away of the self.

subway seat & atom: not on the same level of pure existential depression as the batch 1 contestants, but they both feel the hopeless mood pretty harshly regardless. subway feels very lonely as the only hidden object still 'awake', and likes to carry whippy creamy around rather than just leave him sitting on the ground constantly. tray is too big and unwieldy for him to do that with, but he 'hangs out' with her anyway, talking to her and whippy creamy in the hopes that it'll get them to want to wake up again. atom doesn't talk much, but he still carries his piece of grass. he's definitely the person who's the least affected by the prospect of being stuck on the plane forever, since he… doesn't really perceive existence in the same way as everyone else? he's an atom. but his time in the competition definitely made him view everyone else as friends, and he feels even more powerless than usual in the face of this incomprehensibly difficult problem.

amelia: falls into total hopelessness when bryce rejoins, basically seeing it as the final sign that they're never going home. still calls everyone their competition names (she actually gets into a big fight with bryce about it lol). she gets really clingy and dependent on bryce when he first comes back but it crashes and burns pretty quickly when, during an argument, bryce tells her how much he wishes he could just go back and never have let liam in and forgot about everything… which really sucks for amelia to hear, given that she's part of that everything. after that, with bryce isolating himself, she's kind of reliant on charlotte to keep her going. she blames liam for airy dying and secretly kind of thinks he killed him but just isn't telling them… she also doesn't really believe there's any way of getting out and is just kind of waiting around to die of, like, old age i guess. after how long she's been here, amelia is convinced that she has nothing to even go back to and frequently forgets details about her life. regularly cries and hates being alone. the shift markings on the side of the water tub have changed from being a way to keep track of time and stay sane to a horrible reminder of how long they've been here and how much longer of an eternity they have before them.

bryce: hates himself and liam and airy and the plane and his entire stupid fucking life. bryce is really, really fucking pissed off at liam for losing the notes and letting texty die and every other mistake he's made, and isn't shy about telling him that. as well as being angry, he's also incredibly miserable, because he was finally starting to turn his life around (he quit drinking after the plane) and now it's all for nothing - and even worse, those 7 months he spent getting better were 7 months he did nothing to help the rest of them, especially amelia. he's horribly guilty about that, and that he didn't tell amelia about the fake votes before he was eliminated… but finds it easier to just let liam take the heat for that one at first. after he fights with amelia about it he becomes a bit of a hermit, hanging out by himself next to the plug, and never responds when liam tries to talk. contemplates suicide regularly but pretty much the only option is drowning himself, and the idea of that still scares him more than staying like this forever. would kill for a beer.

liam: tortured by horrible guilt every day over a million different things. these include getting bryce pulled back into this (plus delayed guilt over getting him for real killed), letting texty die and not saying anything about the charger, not telling amelia that everything was fake, knowing that charlotte is going to die if he doesn't get really smart really fast… he's frequently gripped by fits of rage where he almost smashes the computer and has to hobble around outside with the axe for a while to blow off steam. he has really bad nightmares and dissociative episodes, made worse by the isolation and spending hours in a dark cave. liam really wants to fix things with everyone but genuinely has no idea how to start that conversation. he assumes airy killed himself (and views it as an unforgiveably cowardly move) and directs a lot of resentment towards him. he has a lot of things he wants to say, especially to bryce, but the fact that he cant talk to anybody one on one makes things difficult. spends a lot of time just reading through the code, too afraid to actually make any changes in case everyone explodes, but talking it through with charlotte at least makes him feel like he's doing something. more than he would like to admit, liam catches himself staring at the plane as if it's a simulation or a livestream.

[intermundia]

so starting around page 375 in revenge of the sith, the book begins to bleed highlighter from the amount of psychic damage i was taking while reading it. it's one thing to see on screen and another thing to peel back the visual to stare directly at obi-wan's mind as he takes in something incomprehensibly painful.

just.... twisting the knife!! it was only a week since the conversation where anakin apologized about his arrogance and wished him well!! since then obi-wan has been shot at by his friends and had to walk through the halls of his home strewn with the bodies of his slain family, but it is seeing the truth about anakin that makes him give in to despair.

it's a good thing that yoda is there, for all his brutal honesty. "Make a Jedi fall, one cannot; beyond even Lord Sidious, this is. Chose this, Skywalker did." i love how explicitly clear he makes this for obi-wan, not letting him evade the truth: anakin did it on purpose. nobody forced him to do it, sidious merely invited him forward but he took the step, and "why matters not" because there is no excuse, no valid, acceptable, or moral rationale for what he's done.

"out of his misery, you must put him." while i think yoda is right to associate anakin's potent mixture of fear, anger, and suffering with misery, there is also some level of dramatic irony in these words from the audience knowing that obi-wan's confrontation with anakin on mustafar will do the exact opposite of that, putting anakin in far more misery than most human beings could possibly withstand.

[confusedmothboy]

hate travis haters cause like what did i ever do to you

thats in a joking manner btw i just relate to him on an unhealthy level lemme spew up my thoughts below the cut

so like. we all know hes an asshole the first few episodes. im gonna keep my thoughts and rationalizations on that to myself cause that's not what this post is about, and im not defending him there. BUT. he is such a relatable and accurate depiction of a man stuck in a matriarchial society. my source? *points to myself* i dont feel the need to delve into my home and family life too much on here but im gonna need you guys to know that i know.

okay continuing: travis is never the focus, and he knows that, which is why hes such a fucking asshole for the start of season one. his grief isnt the focus, his father (flaws and all) isnt the focus, and hes never considered that a) he would be stuck out in the wilderness with 15 teenage girls his age or that b) he would not be immediately feared and respected simply because hes a man.

i think he realizes this the second ben gives natalie the gun that he has almost no influence over the group, which he lashes out about. his love for natalie and his willingness to listen to her during season one overrides all of that soon after.

ever since then and through to the end of s2, hes an active side character, but only exists to further nat or lottie's arcs. he comes back a bit when javi is rescued, but as a character, he understands his place in this mini society and fits into it, mainly out of fear, considering what happened to jackie.

jackie also didn't fit into the yellowjackets' dynamic at the beginning, but unlike travis, she refused to adapt to a survivalist mindset. (she was also less of a incendiary dick but whatever whatever)

on doomcoming: i think that that's when travis realizes that not only does he not have control over the group, he doesnt have power over his own autonomy. the girls nearly gang rape and kill him, and he knows that by the morning, he cant do anything about it. considering its the 90s (though this mindset is still SO prevalent) he also probably feels like he should have enjoyed the parts before they held a knife to his throat. the only one who doesnt immediately let it go is jackie (someone who also took advantage of him btw), and she is literally frozen out for it. when they eat her, it serves him as a reminder that he would never have autonomy in the wilderness again, even after death.

just gonna throw the point that his character is very reminiscent of how female characters are usually treated in media out there (reblogged something that went SO much better into it than i can)

anyways, by season 3 hes damn near lobotomized. lottie breaks his mind with shrooms and manipulation and he has like 5 lines the whole season. could this be pinned on the Different style of writing that we were given in s3? yeah, but i think its him understanding thats in the new post fire dynamic, its not enough for him to be on the side, he needs to be PASSIVE. him exerting his strength or emotion is a reminder to the girls that they weren't always like that. he knows that hes one crashout away from being labled a dangerous, naturally aggressive man. him distancing himself from both nat and lottie is his way of undoing all connection from the girls he's grown to fear. plus, hes fucking Tired. hes given up on ever returning to society.

it doesnt matter that his biceps are the size of boulders or that he gets to hold the rifle whenever natalie decides hes allowed to. he is stuck!! my boy is trapped!!! he cant fucking do or say anything no matter how much they do against him - this guy is rightfully scared! despite all his rage hes still just a rat in a cage guys

sorry if all this is fucking incomprehensible but i feel really strongly about him because sometimes it feels like im the only person in this fandom who Gets It and whatever feel free to still hate him this is just yelling into the void

[rainyinautumn]

alright with wild life ep. 4 coming out soon it's time for me to start talking winner predictions. in order to understand my bet, let's first understand why past winners won—and, for bonus effect, why another player who I think really had a shot ultimately lost.

GRIAN. The traffic crown typically falls on the head of whichever player is most able to bend and break the rules to their advantage. 3rd Life, as the archetypal Life Series with the fewest rules to manipulate, was won by the man who understood (and broke) them best—their inventor. Throughout the series, I think Impulse demonstrated a similar cunning and could have been able to pull off a win. His error was failing to establish trust with his allies in a series that was defined by its faction loyalty.

SCOTT. With the introduction of the Boogeyman, Last Life demanded a winner with a level head. With favorable relationships paving the path to regaining lives, there was very little wiggle room for more aggressive, risk-taking players, making this season favor players with high survivability. Continuing the trend of rule breakers, Scott was the only player to weigh the odds and refuse to act on the Boogeyman curse—which ultimately paid off for him. Similarly calculating and loyal is Etho, who lost this win by aligning himself with a volatile group that failed to lend him the stability Scott had throughout the series.

PEARL. It was so, so much easier to die in Double Life than any other series, and so its winner was the player who proved to be able to survive without a soulmate at all. The thing about Life Series gimmicks is that they are always, always the thing that kills you—as such, refusing to engage with them as intended elevates one's chances of victory. Such is the case with Pearl. Cleo also failed to engage with the Double Life mechanic as intended, but lost (ironically) due to her ability to forgive and the endgame belief that aligning with her soulmate was the wisest move.

MARTYN. Limited Life introduced the ability to live longer by killing, and as such encouraged players to pursue maximal violence with minimal risk through traps (namely, falling TNT minecarts). If playing by these rules led to a win, the victor would have been crowned on Skynet. Instead, Martyn broke the season-long strategy and a few series expectations along the way to opt for an absolutely brutal PvP win, which he pulled off by being the only one crazy enough to try. A good few other risk takers had a solid shot of winning this season—namely Joel. Unlike Martyn, however, Joel was unwilling to gamble with the permanent death of his teammates, and this soft spot led to his demise.

SCAR. On the surface level, Secret Life's gimmick asked its contestants to be good at the game—to be good at keeping their mouths shut, good at following directions, and good at reading other players. The kicker with all of the tasks, however, is that the gimmick is the thing that kills you, and what the tasks actually asked was for players to be bad at the game in one way or another. This made earnest attempts at success by far the most risky path forward (especially once yellow names started being able to guess tasks), and as such, Scar's continually baffling behavior worked in his favor. Similarly incomprehensible, Skizz's playstyle lent itself well to this series—however, he was simply too likable. The secretive nature of the tasks in this season brewed a hostile atmosphere in which trustworthiness made one a threat, and the Heart Foundation painted a target on him that he was unable to shed.

So. Who do I think is winning (and almost winning) Wild Life?

GEM. Of all the players in the Snailpocalypse, Gem was the only one to doggedly refuse to fear and avoid her snail. Wild Life is designed to breed uncertainty and chaos in its players, and her refusal to give in to this makes her a good contender for the crown. However, other players have begun to notice this, which could place her in hot water. My second winner pick is BigB—although more willing to engage with the wildcards, BigB has always thrived in the strange and peculiar, making him less outright afraid of them and putting him in position to potentially rise above them down the line.

[ottersul]

Cyclops & The Phoenix Force Pt. 2

So, picking up from part 1—Scott’s trauma with the Phoenix is deeply rooted in guilt, failure, and emotional disconnection. The Phoenix marks the moment he truly lost Jean—emotionally first, then literally—and he carries a heavy sense of responsibility for that.

Scott Summers' deepest trauma isn't grief; it's the systemic failure of his entire world. When Jean Grey became the Phoenix, she didn't just die—she became an incomprehensible force he couldn't protect her from. This panel from Uncanny X-Men #144, shows that where he dreams of their wedding in a tuxedo pulled over his uniform, says it all: he tried to be both the man and the soldier, and in his mind, he failed as both as he saw the woman he loved corrupt.

Fast-forward to X-Factor in the mid-80s. Jean is back—but not as the Phoenix. And that completely destabilizes Scott. Sure, there are other reasons they don’t immediately fall back together (Maddie, Nathan, Warren), but there's this recurring need in Scott—to prove Jean is still the Phoenix.

Jean died as something massive, cosmic, and tragic. Now she’s just back? Just Jean again? That breaks Scott’s internal logic. Because if she’s still Phoenix, then maybe her death meant something. Then maybe he didn’t fail her. Then maybe all the guilt, grief, and chaos he’s carried wasn’t for nothing.

And that’s the thing with Scott—structure is his lifeline. He builds his world around control, roles, and clarity. Change is overwhelming, and Jean—especially as the Phoenix—is change incarnate. She constantly shakes the ground under him. So if Jean is just Jean again, then he has to stop loving a goddess and start facing the messiness of real, human love?

So when Jean says, “I was never her,” everything collapses. And that’s when Scott breaks. He’s devastated—not just because he was wrong—but because it changed his life experience, his guilt, his love was always directed to a cosmic entity, it wasn't real, there's no coherent narrative in his feelings. He changed for her, he kept going for her for nothing? And even that is unpredictable, there's no explanation and that is far worst.

Then comes Inferno. Jean merges with the Phoenix’s memories—and with Maddie’s. It feels like a step toward healing, but also a reminder of how tangled and devastating that whole legacy is. Around this time, Scott goes through another deep trauma: giving up his son. That pain, in a way, overshadows the Phoenix fear, but it doesn’t erase it.

He builds a life with Jean again—predictable, as far as the X-Men go. But even in the 90s, the fear never really leaves. He’s okay as long as Jean stays “just Jean.” But when she begins to explore her Phoenix identity again, we see it: that same uncomfortable boy from the 70s, terrified on the possible change the phoenix bring.

That stability shatters two decades later after The Twelve arc and his fusion with Apocalypse. Now, Scott experiences power and darkness on a whole new level—perhaps a twisted mirror of what Jean once went through. I won’t dig too deep into that part because the writing is... inconsistent at best. But the takeaway is this: he dies and comes back different.

And from here on, Scott’s relationship with power, identity, and the Phoenix shifts again. But the core remains: that original wound from losing Jean to something beyond comprehension never truly heals. It just changes shape. This time is him who changes

Don't wanna extend more so pt 3 is gonna be New X-men

[neodymiumcuilz]

ISREAL HAS COMPLETELY CUT OFF INTERNET IN GAZA, THESE FUNDRAISERS NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND VOICES.

WE NEED TO AMPLIFY PALESTINIAN VOICES AND FUNDRAISERS NOW MORE THAN EVER Since Israel has shut off the internet in Gaza, many people cannot connect to the world. People in Gaza are going through genocide and ethnic cleansing. Not only are they being deliberately starved, and not getting the aid they need, but the occupation has killed more than 400,000 people in Gaza since October 2023. Out of a 2.3 million population, it has went down to 1.9 million in the past year and a half. The killing and death on this level is incomprehensible, and people in Gaza live with the constant fear of death hanging over their heads.

Since my mother (who forbid me from using tumblr) is gone on a trip, I have made an effort to try and come back for the time being. Knowing that Gaza is now isolated from the world makes me worried sick, here is a list of fundraisers that are in dire need, I asked people in that post to adopt thise fundraisers. The following families need help and need to be shared as much as possible, this situation is made alot more dangerous since many cannot connect to the world right now:

URGENT:

!! ENDS IN NINE DAYS !! ( @abood-3 ) Abdulkarim's brother is trying to raise funds so Abdulkarim can recieve the health care he desperately needs after being attacked and shot by IOF forces. He needs urgent surgery so he can see again, and donations are slow and not alot has been raised. https://chuffed.org/project/125993-help-abed-alkarim-recover-from-his-injuries

Ahmad ( @life-111 ) has a newborn son who is on a ventilator. His baby is extremely sick and donations are needed more than ever. This is urgent and time dependent, so please SHARE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. https://www.gofundme.com/f/xxxx-excape-xxxxx

Kholoud ( @khloud-family1 ) has two children who have skin conditions, their skins cracks and bleeds every day, this is made worse by the fact that the conditions in Gaza can cause wounds to get infected, and the lack of medication (which in this case, costs $500 every three days!) So please SHARE THIS AND DONATE! https://gofund.me/63b8342a

Ahmed ( @samirahmed125 ) needs to help his son Samir evacuate Gaza, to recieve life saving medical treatment. Samir has fallen into a coma, and might even lose his foot, so please, ANY DONATING AND SHARING IS APPRECIATED! https://gofund.me/72d6689f

Aida ( @aydaabushanab ) needs urgent surgery and medical care for herself and for her two daughters who suffer from a genetic condition. Her fundraiser is very stagnant, and more and more help and donations are needed in her difficult situation. PLEASE SHARE HER STORY!! https://gofund.me/1bd2cc5e

Musab ( @mosabahmad1 ) needs to undergo a second operation after being injured during a bombing. His daughter also had treatment, and needs proper care. Please help Musab afford his surgery and care for this three young daughters amidst the genocide, and SHARE HIS STORY/FUNDRAISER. https://gofund.me/2e8603b5

Ahmed ( @mazen-fmaily ) needs urgent medical care to support his father, who is extremely sick and needs urgent surgery. Medical care is very dangerous and scarce in Gaza, so any support and sharing in appreciated. https://chuffed.org/project/120683-medical-treatment-for-mazen-in-gaza

Hilda ( @hildanasr ) is carrying a child, and has anemia. Carrying a child is extremely dangerous in Gaza, all she wishes for is a safe place for her child to be born and raised, and basic supplies. Please help her. https://gofund.me/b0b26932

Moamen ( @moomenmeshal3 ) has three children, and since his source of livelihood is destroyed, he relies on this fundraiser which as only raised him 12% of his goal. They live in miserable conditions, please support him. https://gofund.me/37434c96

Amal ( @amal-family2 ) is desperately trying to save her son after he was shot, please help them afford medical bills and healthcare. Any amount counts and helps out tremendously. https://www.chuffed.org/project/121907-help-mohammed-and-his-sick-father

Sahar ( @saharfamily89 ) has recently had a baby, her daughter. She wishes to raise her daughter in a safe area, away from the constant bombing and shelling they face. Please help them leave Gaza. https://gofund.me/e07ab154

Enas ( @enasfamily55 ) is a widowed mother from Gaza, trying to look after her two children, and do everything she possibly can so they can survive. They are starving, and freezing in these conditions. Please help them. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-enas-and-her-children-in-gaza?lid=gzp8ovlpirbm

Enas ( @enas67ha ) has eight children, and they need care and support to survive this genocide. She lost her home, her job and they have been living through this devastation for over a year. Please, help them have a dignified life, afford the urgent health care and medication needed. https://chuffed.org/project/128579-support-enas-and-her-eight-children

Aisha ( @aisha-family ) has eight children. Her husband is sick, and cannot work. Two children in her family were born during the genocide, and there are martyrs all over, so please help them, they have raised hardly enough to buy food, let alone sustain a large family. https://chuffed.org/project/117828-help-falah-and-his-family-survive

Suheila ( @suhailaalwan2 ) has five children, and has recently had to move to an area without stable internet connection, so sha cannot connect to us, so she need our help sharing more than ever. She needs any help she can get. https://gofund.me/e231bb99

Mahmoud ( @mahmoud3sblog ) is from Rafah, he has six children, and they live in humiliating and degrading conditions in Gaza, they need food, water and medicine. He lost everything, and we need to help him rebuild his life. https://gofund.me/bca456db

Maha ( @gazamaha4 ) is 20 years old, her life and education has stopped and came to a halt. She would like to study abroad and evacuate Gaza. She also needs support for her family in need. Any help is appreciated. https://www.gofundme.com/f/xax9t-help-maha-family

Kareman ( @kareman33 ) has no more source of livelihood after her husband's fishing boat was destroyed. Her son is her whole world, please help her. https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-kareman-dohans-family-from-despair

Wissam ( @wesam75 ) lost her two twins, and is now pregnant with her third child, her daughter needs healthy food and proper care. Her husband has fallen ill and they are exposed to the elements, they may not survive much longer, please help her and her family evacuate. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-wissams-family-escape-war-and-famine/cl/o?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl%3Aec117ad5-ad6a-4fbe-bcc3-5653f329acf6

Mahmoud ( @mahmoudayyads ) has a family consisting of 43 family members, and they are forced to accept the most horrid conditions and are being driven crazy by this genocide, any and all donations are accepted and appreciated. https://gofund.me/409f63bb

Rania ( @raniagaza ) has two children and her family have escaped death multiple times. Her parents are elderly, and any and all support is needed more than ever. Please help them afford basic supplies and leave Gaza. https://gofund.me/72e229bb

Abdul Rahman ( @a-hero-from-gaza ) is from Gaza and says he is living in hell, in Gaza people are dying of everything all over. He needs to evacuate to a safer area, but he cannot afford a tent, urgent donations are needed, PLEASE SHARE AND DONATE. https://gofund.me/96678aac

Hassan ( @yousefhasan55 ) has not seen his family in the north of Gaza for the last 10 months, he needs €25,000 to ensure a safe passage so his family can leave Gaza. Please help him, the north of Gaza is extremely dangerous as of now. https://www.gofundme.com/f/jczht-help-hassan-and-his-family-get-out-of-gaza

Hanan ( @hanan95s ) she dreamed of becoming a teacher, however she tragically lost 23 of her family members throughout this genocide, she needs donations and help more than ever, her fundraiser will end in 6 months. https://chuffed.org/project/124563-help-hanans-family-survive-gaza-crisis

Youssef ( @yosefgaza122 ) has three children and are deprived of their most basic needs and are terrified while living through this. They cannot provide the most basic human rights, like warmth and shelter. They need donations and support. https://gofund.me/d5d84a39

Eileen ( @eileenfamily14 ) has only raised €770, which is hardly even enough to afford a bag of flour in Gaza, the suffering is incomprehensible and her situation is very difficult, please help her, please donate to help her. https://gofund.me/25f52f17

Maram ( @maramgaza6 ) has lost 50 of her family members and neighbours throughout this genocide, her and her family live in constant fear and suffering, lack of basic supplies and humiliating conditions. The fear of death is constantly hanging over their heads. https://gofund.me/895307f4

Laila ( @lailaa1989 ) and her three children live near Rafah, and they are seeking funds for food and medicine, costing of hundreds of dollars in Gaza, please help them through their immense suffering and sustain the cost of living in Gaza. https://chuffed.org/project/126382-help-support-laila-and-her-children

Reham ( @rehamo3cats ) dreams of becoming a nurse, and her family lives in an area under threat. They need to evacuate urgently, and they need funds to do so. They hope to leave to a safer place and live the dignified life they deserve. Please help them urgently evacuate. https://chuffed.org/project/115418-help-our-life

Mai ( @maimabuhamda ) has recently been diagnosed with hepatitis, and aspires to complete her education. The cost of living in Gaza has gone up to insane prices. Please, help her with donations and shares. https://gofund.me/057d3ed1

Lubna ( @lobnafamily1 ) has three children, who are suffering under the terrible conditions in Gaza, and her husband has been detained, so Lubna now needs to provide for her children alone during the genocide. https://chuffed.org/project/117668-help-my-family-get-out-gaza

Lama ( @lamahouranii12 ) and her family have been living through this genocide, in the terrible conditions that are unlovable, even her tent was bombed and became unlivable, she also has eczema, and needs expensive medicine since she is in pain. Please help her. https://chuffed.org/project/122664-help-lamas-family-to-rebuild-her-life

Abdullah ( @abedallah-gazza ) and his four children and pregnant wife are in Gaza, they live in unbearable conditions in a tent. He has lost everything, so please help him and his family survive the ongoing slaughter in Gaza. https://chuffed.org/project/abdullahfamily

Samer ( @samarsh1l ) has lost everything, including livelihood and a source of income, and his father is paralysed. Any and all donations are needed and appreciated. https://gofund.me/5b6f1940

Khetam ( @familykhetam3 ) and her family have no safe place in Gaza, she is constantly worried about the saftey of her family, family members and friends are martyred every day, her life has become unbearable. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-khetam-and-her-family-from-gaza/cl/o

Falah ( @help-family11 ) and his family have been displaced 10+ times, they are 10 people living under the extreme bombing and aggression, and would like to coordinate to Egypt. Donations are slow, please help. https://chuffed.org/project/115864-help-falah-and-his-family-survive

Esraa ( @shadialwan1 ) was admitted to get medical help due to malnutrition, she needs $600 to cover the medical bills. Please help her, she deserves to live a dignified life like the rest of us. Anything is appreciated. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-shadis-family-in-their-time-of-need?attribution_id=sl:2a9bd67b-43d0-4398-a8df-3dbf8417af06&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Arej ( @arijfamily ) has a passion for life, and wishes to raise her girls in saftey and security, she needs $50 per day to get food, prices in Gaza have gone up and up, beyond the means of most. Please support her. https://gofund.me/3f02ce6d

Ahmed ( @ahmadahmadgaza ) is trying to support his family of 7. The fear of death never leaves them. He wishes to coordinate his family from Gaza to Egypt, and buy food in these insane prices while they have little to no income. Please help them to the best of your ability. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ahmed-and-his-family-survive-in-gaza-crisis

Yossef ( @yosef-gaza5 ) is now in the south of Gaza, and needs urgent support so he can see his fiancee again, and survive in Gaza, ends in 6 months, so this is time dependent and donations are needed more than ever. https://chuffed.org/project/119367-help-save-josephs-family-from-war-and-famine

Ola ( @olagazza4 ) wishes to provide her children with education and stability, all children deserve a safe and dignified life, so please, anything would he appreciated to save her children. https://gofund.me/fd23011c

Weam ( @weamfanona ) was in her final year of high school, but cannot achieve her dreams due to the genocide. Her mother is in severe pain and needs treatment, and to be away from living in a tent. Only 4% of goal raised. https://www.gofundme.com/f/seeking-safety-and-healing-weams-journey

Lean ( @leangaza ) has only raised less than €400, the children that once dreamed of a bright future can no longer bear living through genocide, please, any help. https://gofund.me/dbf05351

Randa ( @randasobh23 ) is very tired of a life of bombing and destruction, she has lost everything and cannot bear living exposed to the elements in the harsh conditions. She has hardly raised any money, help her. https://gofund.me/e043273c

( @jwanandsham ) Joan and Sham are two children who are terrified while living in Gazas horrid conditions, the family needs €15,000 to evacuate Gaza, any and all help is needed. https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-my-brothers-life-and-his-family?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=customer&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_ft&attribution_id=sl:01f7186b-9142-42f2-bf5d-8efaa0e4c278

Mohammed ( @mohammedkassab2 ) has lost everything, and simple things are now a luxury to him, he has rented a small place, and lives in a tent. Please help him afford the rent for the next 3-4 months. https://chuffed.org/project/122739-humanity-call-help-mohammad-kassab-find-a-shed-for-his-family

The Al-Qazzaz family ( @hane-qazaz ) doesn't ask for luxury or comfort, only to survive, feed their children of put a roof over their heads. Please help them survive day to day, and get through this genocide. Thank you. https://chuffed.org/project/122695-help-the-al-qazzaz-family-rebuild-their-lives

Wasim ( @wasimhourani6 ) wants to live, his home was destroyed and his mother suffers from back cartilage and needs expensive medicine, they are close to their goal, so please share and help them. Thank you. https://gofund.me/68427a35

( @aligaza4 ) wishes to survive and rebuild a life for their children, return them to education and a dignified life free from this pain and suffering in Gaza, they struggle for the most basic supplies, please help them. SHARE THIS FUNDRAISER! https://www.gofundme.com/f/2kknnp-help-us-to-leave-gaza?qid=e6ee6fee732632f50fd21642cb24f84b

Please, I urge you to please donate to and share these fundraisers, we need to really work hard and keep sharing and supporting as the internet has been cut off. Please share this list also, you can also DONATE AN eSim TO KEEP PEOPLE IN GAZA CONNECTED TO THE WORLD !! The situation is more dire and crucial than ever.

tagging for reach:

@thejasontoddarchives @anarchafemme @sweet-honey-bunnies @lesbiansforglados @dxppercxdxver @sheepory @elb4ckfl1po @millenniumidol @heart-forge @infectiouspiss @baweiii @butchfeygela @fox-guardian @oars @wolfythewitch @technofeudalism @pizzat-i @theomenroom @unearthprisonpanopticon @sealsdaily @ashwantsafreepalestine @ubernegro @bugmatics @kingoftheironcity @checkadii @wolf-tail @thi4f @mt-travaii @redbuddi @plasticduck @risoria @mollysunder @sister-lucifer @punkeropercyjackson @immediatebreakfast @khizuo @nevert-the-guy @ahaura @chanafehs @yourpersonaltimebomb @wolstinien @neechees @ankle-beez @webdings4 @silicacid @schroedingers-mooneater @lonniemachin @dykesbat @charlott2n @watermotif @yeetsintovoid @momorikoz @determinate-negation @girlinafairytale @yugiohz @rebel-girl-queen-of-my-world @painfully-unoriginal @halalchampagnesocialist @sesamie @voidpumpkin @sivavakkiyar @saharawitch @rhubarbspring @teabisexual @fusdoq @infectiouspiss @timetravellingkitty @1995lahaine @brownpaperhag @caleblandrybones @papasmoke @furiousfinnstan @rivertigo @pikslasrce @omtai @carfuckerlynch @aristotels @toesuckingoctober @appsa @withthewindinherfootsteps @sillysymbol @cripsycremecuckery@mercurysreal @caffeinated-reverie @blueberryblowfly @mione-g @legallybrunettedotcom @monstermashpotato @noble-kale @shutterlens @queenpinkireellylikethisname @holistichiatus @mathilda-1819-1820 @vt-valentine @theultracharmingladynoire @bisexuel

[spookymoonybeasty]

Insomnia and the Incomprehensible Ch.2

Wordcount: 1412

Summary: Danny wakes up in the Clocktower, and questions Clockwork's job of watching a birdbath of all things.

<Prev -- Next>

These days it was a rare thing for Danny to wake slowly. So often his poor sleep was interrupted either by his alarm, ghost sense, or teacher waking him up from dozing in class.

So when his mind caught up with the fact that nothing is happening upon waking, he startled and flailed under the heavy, soft blankets. Certain he missed his alarm and was about to be late for school.

Then he froze, having opened his eyes to someplace he did not expect to be. Dull, dark blue brick walls hiding behind tapestries and curtains, teal floor covered in intricately designed rugs, clocks and gears… Right, he was still in Clockwork’s tower. A place where time bent to one being’s will, and that being had assured him there was no need to rush until he left.

Danny sighed and let himself get comfy again. He was allowed to wake up slow this time.

He wished his bed back home was this comfy. His actual bed was a stone slab compared to this one, he felt like he was laying on a cloud. This one also had several blankets of varying weights, thicknesses, and textures, which made him realize he’d been missing out. Maybe he can get his parents to buy him some new blankets later. Soft, puffy, thick ones.

The blankets even smelled good! What kind of detergent did Clockwork use on these things? ...Do ghosts need to use detergent? Or do lairs create naturally good smelling things? Whatever. None of that really matters. Just the comfort of the plushest piece of furniture ever, which smells wonderful (is it herbal? Floral? Woodsy? Oils? He can’t tell.). And the sheets were so soft he kept moving his legs around to enjoy the cold spots yet to be warmed by trapped body heat.

Danny didn’t want to get up. He was fully awake by now, and should probably get moving so he can get to school fully rested for once, but… When was the last time he was so at peace? No fears, no worries. No dangerous ghosts to be alert for, no family barging into his room, no responsibilities for as long as he is here.

Were he absolutely certain that Clockwork would truly allow him to stay for as long as he pleased, he might have let himself relax enough to fall back asleep. If only to avoid the world waiting for him outside.

But the longer he was awake, the more active his mind got, the more restless his body, and the less certain he wouldn’t be inconveniencing Clockwork by sleeping in.

Eventually that tiny niggling anxiety prompted him to finally get up.

He wrangled himself free from the 1, 2, 3… 6 blankets he was buried under, and sat there for several more moments. He’s gonna really, really miss this bed.

Finally, he went ghost and tentatively left the room. The clocktower’s interior was as confusing as ever, with its multiple paths branching off beyond what the tower’s exterior would suggest possible, random variations in level, and the clockwork gears sticking out just about anywhere they wished to be. The shadowy ceilings and corners didn’t help with navigation, especially as they often hid the walls in darkness.

Clockwork’s lair was so creepy and confusing. A total contrast to the cozy room he was just in. Are there other cozy rooms hidden away in these walls?

Danny wandered for awhile, not knowing which way is out. Hopefully this won’t be yet another time he has to get lost before Clockwork comes to the rescue.

Thankfully this was not one of those times, because the tower’s halls seemed to guide him right to the ancient ghost just like it had yesterday. Earlier? However long ago he last saw the man. Despite there being countless clocks here, none of them were any help in telling the time. Did they serve any purpose, or were they just there for looks?

“Good morning Daniel,” Clockwork greeted, sparing a short glance away from the window into another time. “Did you sleep well?”

“I can’t remember the last time I slept so good. That bed is going to make mine feel like a rock.” Danny floated over to hover by Clockwork’s shoulder.

The portal-window-thing was focused on a birdbath, time sped up as evidenced by the birds visiting and leaving the bath faster than what was natural.

“Why are you watching a birdbath?”

“At some point it disappears with no trace, and I cannot foresee the exact moment when that happens. So I am watching it with my own eyes to see what happened to it.” Clockwork explained.

Danny watched the sky turn into brilliant shades of yellow, orange, then purple and black before it turned to night.

“...Is the birdbath important, or something?”

“Yes.”

…

The sky brightened into pinks and golds, looking like a painting until the colors faded to a blue sky and white fluffy clouds. As puffy and soft looking as the bed he just slept in.

“Yeah I’m not sure I’m ever going to understand your job. Why is a birdbath so important? Is a super important time-traveling bird going to keel over and die just because it couldn’t get its bath at a specific time?”

Clockwork chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m afraid you’re still too young and mortal to understand. The best I can explain is that its disappearance breaks reality. Why, I do not yet know. That is why I’m watching it, so I can find out how to fix it.”

A couple more sunrises and sunsets later, the birdbath vanishes in the dark of night. Clockwork twists a knob on his staff, pausing time, then rewinding it to the middle of the night.

“And this, is where I would either send someone to investigate, or go myself.” Clockwork turned to Danny. “I’d offer you tag along to see what happened, but I do believe you have school to get to.”

“What! No!” Danny whined, “You somehow made looking for a missing birdbath sound interesting, and you’re telling me I got to go to school instead?”

Clockwork only smiled and nodded toward the exit.

Danny heaved a great big sigh of resignation, and began to float away.

“Perhaps there will be something more interesting to do next time you visit. Preferably after you get another good night’s sleep.” Clockwork mentioned.

“Yeah, who knows when that’ll happen.” Danny groused.

“Whenever you please. You will always be welcome here.” Clockwork paused, looking away as a thought came to him. “Well, so long as you don’t get time powers and intend on bringing my lair to ruin.”

“Ha! As if that’d ever happen.”

Clockwork’s expression did not change.

Danny frowned.

“It wouldn’t, right?”

Clockwork smiled. “There are infinite timelines, infinite possibilities.”

“Hmm. Don’t like that. Welp! Goodbye Clockwork! See you later!” Danny waved goodbye and flew out the door, remembering the ancient’s warning yesterday that he should hurry back lest he be late.

Danny flew back up into his room, gathered up his things, then ran downstairs to grab a pancake or two if there were any left.

Jazz was in the kitchen, cleaning up after breakfast save for the plate of pancakes on the dining table. She startled at his footsteps, but relaxed upon seeing him.

“Danny! Are you alright? Where did you go? I can call the school and say you’re sick if you-”

“I’m alright Jazz. I just went to Clockwork’s for some sleep. Y’know, the time controlling ghost?” Danny checked the time before grabbing a pancake to eat plain. There’s no time for butter and syrup, unfortunately.

“Oh.” Jazz calmed down. She walked over to her brother and gave him a hug. “Well I’m glad you’re doing alright now. I assume he paused or sped up time for you?”

“Yup.” Danny leaned into the hug while he chewed on his first bite of pancake, and spoke around the pancake mush squished into his cheek. “I go’ a full night’s shleep for onfe!”

Jazz squeezed tighter and ruffled his hair. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

Danny wriggled away and took another bite of pancake to speak through. “C’mom! Gonn’ be la’e!”

“Ew shut up! You got pancake mush on your chin now!” Jazz scolded as she hurried to put away the pancakes. Pancakes that would come alive the next morning to avenge their devoured comrades.

Hopefully Danny will be rested enough again to give them a valiant fight.

[sepublic]

No but the way Pucci being Christian is so intertwined with his motives as a villain... He’s every story I’ve heard of the Christian convert who suffered something horrible and senseless, and after drifting through life lost and without a sense of purpose, found hope by believing in God. He’s so many stories of tragedy I’ve seen where people managed to cope by finding peace in the idea that this is all part of God’s divine, incomprehensible plan; It’s fate, it’s his will, and by accepting it they can move on. It’s for a reason, even if they’ll never understand what they’re looking at.

That’s what Heaven is for Pucci; His core trauma is a series of horrific coincidences with no rhyme or reason, and so he latches onto the idea that it’s all part of “his” plan, God and/or DIO’s. That’s why he finds comfort in knowing the future, knowing it’s all in the hands of Fate and removing his own blame and agency, which is why the narrator asks the viewer to judge for ourselves who did wrong, when we see the backstory of Wes, Enrico, and Perla. Pucci made a decision and it backfired horribly, so he doesn’t want to choose anymore.

It’s the way Pucci’s desire to be the messianic hero screws him over and causes tragedy; He’s so devoted to his position as a priest that rather than sabotaging it in order to just tell Perla the truth to her face (thus breaking the rules of the confessional), Pucci relies on this roundabout method so he can have it both ways, only to cause heartbreak and death. Pucci is so desperate to save humanity to make up for his own guilt and failure that he resets the universe, making him the worst kind of evil in his brother’s eyes; One totally oblivious to its nature. Pucci begs to die a martyr from Weather Report and Emporio, rather than just dying here and now.

Ungalo and Rikiel are prepared to die for Pucci once he gives them a sense of purpose to all of the inexplicable misfortune in their lives; Versus is also emboldened by this realization, but chooses to weaponize it for himself. The sons of DIO are people who all went through misfortune their whole lives, they’re ‘children of God’ who find comfort in devoting themselves to something they can actually believe in, that they believe will take care of them in some way; Like many Christians following the path of God, believing Heaven is waiting for them at the end of the tribulation and that it will all be worth it, that it all meant something and mattered and served a cause, like them. 

Pucci and the sons of DIO can no longer bear the pain and uncertainty of moving forward, so they aspire, Pucci especially, for a world where fate will move things along for them. They don’t have to take the first step, especially not Pucci, when Made in Heaven’s reset will compel him and everyone else to do what’s fated, regardless of what they try. 

Pucci fears and admires the courage of the Joestars who are able to step forward and face fate, engage and grapple with it, rather than just blindly accept and surrender in despair. If Diavolo precedes Pucci as someone too resistant of fate, Pucci is the opposite; Someone too resigned to it. Unlike the Joestars who know their fate but can work with what’s written in stone to change the other details. 

It’s why Pucci admires the first human to try a mushroom despite knowing it could kill them; But rather than put in the effort to get up to their level, Pucci would rather everyone stoop to his own, and claims he’s just sparing people noble yet needless pain (He’s only sparing himself by avoiding the reminder that he could and should be braver than this). He says he pities the human who tried a mushroom, adding that they were probably only motivated by hunger and desperation, and had no choice anyway.

I think Pucci is secretly envious of that courage, and that’s why he always downplays it afterwards by suggesting it’s foolishness rather than bravery. Pride, Envy, Wrath... Sloth given his despair, and a bit of Greed with the $800 dollar pants. Then there’s the BDSM vibes of Whitesnake for Lust, all that’s missing is Gluttony, which I guess the cherries and being devoured by the Green Baby account for...?

In all seriousness, Pucci wants guidance; He surrenders himself to God, follows the instructions led by DIO, and relies on Fate to tell him what to do when Made in Heaven resets the universe. Remember that time Pucci got around his brother’s Heavy Weather by removing his sight, and forcing Anasui to guide him? Yeah.

There’s a reason why Whitesnake obsesses with preserving the past, and I think part of it boils down to Pucci being afraid of its counterpart the Future; Which Made in Heaven, not entirely unlike King Crimson, allows Pucci to speed through and glimpse, to get through the worst of it ASAP and lessen the pain. He doesn’t want to accept that sometimes things just… happen.

[ranticore]

Chapter 3 - To Be Phocid [Qedivar's research]

It's that time again. Ishmael is a teenage boy, fair warning.

I'm posting this on mobile so I cba linking the previous chapters but go into the siren tag to find them.

x

Following these events, and at Maris’s insistence, Ishmael began to keep a journal. To the delight of this author, his writing was deep, introspective, and highly detailed. From now on, I no longer had to rely on pieced together scraps and reports, but from a primary source. As such, the way these events are related will shift a little, but that is only for events concerning Ishmael.

Cherta, unfortunately, did not keep a journal at this time and remains frustratingly opaque, given Ishmael’s somewhat biased recounting of their activities. Although one must concede to the difficulties of keeping a journal underwater, before the age of sub-aquatic writing systems, and with eighteen other overambitious adolescents in relatively close proximity.

Ishmael’s journal was recorded on a computerified device and was not written by hand, though his deep dream education had serviced to educate him in handwriting skills. This was tested when he was younger, as part of an evaluation to determine the extent of his dexterity. Although the notion of a form of writing which is stored in a purely hypothetical space is very odd, especially in its permanency, it has enabled us to access his thoughts at this day and age, whereas traditional aquatic knot-writing would have long since rotted away.

He wrote in the language of the Predecessors, which I believe to be the root of all air-speaking language families. The translation of these texts is what has taxed me more than any other part of this process, aside from the grievous bodily harm, and it has taken a fantastic span of time to achieve this translation. I cannot credit my sources for fear of implicating them but you can be assured that the finest minds of the Spire collaborated on this project. This Predecessor tongue is what is spoken in all of the videos, enabling me to learn it to a conversational level, though I am hardly fluent.

Some of the journal is rendered untranslatable due to it referring to objects or concepts which were considered common knowledge at the time, requiring no additional definition. These concepts or objects will be clearly marked. However, I believe much of the text to be familiar to many people, telling of the frustration and longing common and recognisable today. That said, I believe it is also important not to take for granted the relatability.

Ishmael is not always familiar to us and existed in a time we would find nigh incomprehensible. Do not take this as reason to doubt his interiority or personhood, and do not fall into the trap of believing that you would have done better in his place, that you would have seen clearly what he obviously did not (and had good reason not to). They may have been phocids, or the predecessors of phocids, but they were new. If you were the first of your kind, could you do better?

I will now present the text in chronological order, starting from the eve of his sixteenth birthday:

-

Entry 1 – I hate seeing that baby siphonid. It’s still moving. It drags itself around on the leg the researchers didn’t take. Now I’m just going to remember this forever, since I wrote it down. Great. I hate that fucking noise. Why can’t they just get it to shut up?

Thank [deity]. They took it away.

Update – it didn’t even taste good.

-

Entry 2 - Maris told me to talk more about my feelings. What does she know? Nobody understands me anyway. I don’t think they can feel all that on their face like me. The sipho noise kept touching me. The researchers are always talking about hydrofoils and antennae but I bet they don’t know what I do - how the siphos talk to each other. I told Callum and he didn’t know what I meant, even though he has a beard.

Talked to Lee again about sex since Dan said he wouldn’t tell me himself. I don’t think Lee told the truth about a lot of that stuff. The other kids sometimes joke around a bit too much, but it is kinda funny I guess.

Update - Dan shouted at me for asking, but now I have proof Lee was wrong.

-

Entry 3 – The phocids click at each other underwater with their tongues.

Dan got so angry after I pulled my face hair out. He made the interns [untranslatable] search my room for the hairs and they actually found them. They didn’t even do anything with it, just put it in a bag and sealed it away. Looks like nobody wants it at all. Dan says Atom spent 120 billion nua making me, so I think one face hair is worth a few million. If I started selling them to the people outside the lab, I could buy my own stake of land on Siren just like them. I wouldn’t let Lee in. My fingers are probably worth a couple billion each.

Should I

-

Entry 4 – Emer (the intern) looked at me like I did something wrong when she changed my pillowcases.

Spilled bile EVERYWHERE when they were testing me. I keep thinking about somehow saving it and trying to sell it. I’m supposed to be a digestive model for Siren food, so my insides are probably worth a lot. I should ask Dan when he calms down.

Callum came around to talk to Dan again. He’s getting really tall, he’s taller than me now even when I stand up straight. He’s so skinny, like the baby siphonids (I can snap one in half with just my teeth now). When Callum was there, he didn’t want to look at me, but I get it. They didn’t even cook the siphonid this time, it was raw and with the shell on. His leg is the same width as one of them.

Emer won’t stop changing my pillowcases. Is there a way to prevent them from smelling like that?? Callum hasn’t been around so I can’t ask. Maris thinks it’s just because people my age start getting sweaty but Dan specifically told me he made me not have sweat glands anywhere but my hands. Then he said the phocids do have sweat glands. I still don’t get the point of sweating if you’re already a stupid wet rat who lives in the

-

Entry 5 – I’m seventeen now. Since I’m an adult, I decided to stop being reticent around the phocids. I want to know if they found a comfortable way to walk without the skin coming off their tails. So I went to talk to them today for the first time. There is a window where you can do it, they let it open ever since the climate control got busted again last month.

Cherta is really weird. I knew they couldn’t stay in the pool for very long because they might have a seizure but apparently it can happen any time, not just underwater. They have a button implant that makes their muscles relax. Anyway, their tails have thicker skin than mine so that was useless. But it is still worthwhile, I think, to meet with the phocids. They remind me why I am a human, and they are not. I kind of pity them because all they're ever going to be is a bunch of test subjects in a tiny swimming pool.

Cherta told me that one of the phocids died a year ago. I don’t remember Dan ever talking about it to me, but they said it was a big deal. Apparently they got pressure sickness when climate control broke the first time. I think Cherta broke it the second time, they sounded too proud to mention it. I don’t get it. Anyway, breaking stuff in the lab is against the rules and I think I’m going to tell Dan about that.

-

Entry 6 – I made the right choice. Cherta got so angry when they found out I told on them that they had another seizure. The other phocids had to pull them out of the pool. Dan thought I did the right thing but I don’t think he liked me going to tell Cherta about it afterwards, told me no one likes a snitch. Well, then, what am I supposed to do? Just let it happen? I hope Cherta chokes on that gross pool water next time.

Dan suggested I go do something other than visit the phocids and I agree, they’re clearly not worth my time. I went to see Callum instead but he wasn’t in. He has a games console, I saw him show it off to Lee the other day. I wonder if he’d let me try it.

[End of Journal Entries]

-

It paints an interesting picture. As Ishmael mentions, Cherta suffered permanent neurological issues as a result of their birth mishaps. This was a point of contention within the lab, beyond Ishmael’s knowledge; the finance manager of the settlement questioned the wisdom of keeping a test subject in an aquatic locomotion study group who could not spend much time underwater. Every time, however, Dan Loris would respond that Cherta now provided essential information about phocid neurology and drowning mechanisms.

The phocid whose death Ishmael mentions was number seventeen, Ambla. It is highly likely that number seventeen’s death was accidental, but the circumstances were not caused by a failure of the lab’s climate system.

I have found the experimental notes from that day; Ambla was brought to an isolated chamber which was controlled by the climate system, with its own test pool, and the quality of the atmosphere was changed to match that of the Precursor home planet. The force of gravity was thus increased. What the Humans did not expect was Ambla’s sudden inability to swim to the surface. They inhaled water, which settled in their lungs and caused them to drown even after they had been pulled out of the pool.

Dan expressed grief in his notes, and surprise. He did not understand why such a thing would occur and blamed the climate system for somehow altering the test beyond his parameters. This is likely what led to Cherta’s misconception that the climate system had killed one of their friends, and their subsequent sabotage of the climate system every few months after that.

But any phocid or selkie reading this will intimately recognise the problem, and I believe the mystery of Ambla’s death may now be solved. The water taken to fill the pool was likely Tel!am’s Blood, a phenomenon all sea-faring people will know about. The Precursors, it seemed, were unfamiliar with it, and had pumped water in to the pool which nobody could swim in. But with the increased gravity, even the fittest phocid would struggle to rise in shallow water.

Regardless, there exists a substantial gap between that last journal entry and the next. Almost a year, in fact, when Ishmael did not write at all, and neither did he participate in Maris’s therapy sessions. I do, however, have a copy of Callum’s journal with me which provides at least half of the narrative, incomplete as it is.

[haleingstorm]

Thanks for your reply :D And oh, I should have clarified this, but I'd like to see what Percy's death and his secret relationship with Ethan (who died and also returned to the past) would look like in your fanfiction.

Now I want to send you what I came up with today.

The first thing they do when they realize where they are and that it's most likely their Percy, and even if it's not, it's just Percy, the Percy they've lost, they run to the infirmary, some even barefoot. Everyone stares at them in incomprehension and tries to ask, but they are only pushed away. Clarisse, Will, Travis and Conner, Pollux, Katie and Annabeth can't see beyond their goal of getting to Percy. As soon as possible.

What would their reunion scene look like in your opinion?

P.S. - you can decide for yourself whether to add Ethan or not.

I have to admit I'm a little confused by your request, hopefully this answers it! If not, feel free to ask more clarifying questions.

So for Percy and Ethan's relationship, the real question here is how long does it take for them to realize the other has traveled back in time? Capture the Flag is an easy answer for Ethan obviously Percy is not the same 12 year old he was the last time around. But Percy's harder because the question here is... Is he looking? Does he expect Ethan to come back? The answer to this is probably no, just because Ethan was already dead. Maybe Percy desperately wishes that it wasn't the case, but he can't stop and mourn for too long. That journey leads to madness, utter madness. So for Percy I would say that it takes him at least until after he gets back from the quest to figure out what's up with Ethan.

whether or not Ethan joins up with the rest of the time travelers or stays a loner is an interesting question. I doubt the time travelers would be very open to him, even if he was in a relationship with Percy he was still on the wrong side of the war.

For the reunion, it would be messy, very messy. The time travelers actions have now put them in a tough position where a bunch of people know something is off with these people. Percy at this point also isn't awake fully, drifting in and out of conscienceness. I think once the time travelers have seen Percy with their own eyes rational reason starts to take over and they realize HOLY SHIT we fucked up. And then frantically have to figure out a cover. Especially because at this point Luke is still fully in Kronos's pocket so if he finds out Kronos finds out and they are all fucked.

But, of course after Percy is up and walking around the time travelers basically kidnap him and hug the ever loving daylights out of him. Even Clarisse doesn't bother pretending like she doesn't care, hugging Percy close because it reminds her that he's alive, he's here she didn't fail. Annabeth wouldn't leave his side not even for a moment. Travis tries to play it cool with only a side arm hug, or a shoulder bump, but inside he's near tears. Connor isn't as good at hiding his feelings even if he's trying. the tears are fully pouring and he hesitates because he and Percy weren't really hug level of friends. But also he just needs to hold him for a moment, to feel his heart beat. Pollux and Katie are the calmest, but that might just be because they are the best at staying put together. Katie can't stop smiling, but she hangs back letting others take their time. She knows Percy isn't going away, and something about seeing him moving, talking, living is enough to settle her at least for now. Pollux is also smiling though his is more subdued. He is the best actor out of all of them, the most able to put his feelings aside and play a part. Even if on the inside he can't quite believe this is real.

Just realized I totally forgot about Will. He's there, obsessively checking over Percy's still healing injuries, trying to speed it along, fearful that if he misses something then Percy will crumple and hell lose him again.

[dorothygale123]

Okay, so, I just watched season 5 of Lego Monkie Kid, and I have some things to say. Namely, how the main antagonist has ties to Greek philosophy. Any spoilers will be under the cut, so continue at your own risk.

So, I the climax of the season, the 9 Headed Demon talks about himself and the other inhabitants of the world as living in a cave created by Nuwa, knowing the sun exists but fearing it and not wanting to go out. The only one who does is him, and the others call him crazy after he returns from the outside.

This has striking similarities to a thought experiment by Plato called the Allegory of the Cave. In this allegory, Plato describes prisoners that are chained in a cave (obviously), but they are also facing a blank wall with light coming from behind them. All they know and understand of the world is the shadows that flicker across the cave wall. This is supposed to represent the fact that our own perceptions of reality are limited and biased, as we can never truly see everything for all that it truly is. As humans, we're simply incapable of processing something on that level of magnitude.

Plato also describes a prisoner that escapes the cave and sees the world for what it truly is and goes back to tell the other prisoners what the world is like. The other prisoners, only knowing the cave, think he's crazy and fear the outside. In some versions, they even kill the escaped prisoner for trying to free them, prefferring the safety of the cave to the unknown outside. In Plato's allegory, the escaped prisoner is a philosopher who has left the 'cave' of preconceptions and tries to see the world as it truly is.

LMK's interpretation seems to posit that while the cave is different from the outside, the experiences and people inside it are valid and have just as much a right to exist as whatever is outside the cave. It also put the escaped prisoner, the 9 Headed Demon, in an unusually antagonistic role. Most stories I've seen that use the Allegory of the Cave imply that getting out of the cave and seeing the world in full is the best option, but the world outside LMK's 'cave' seems dangerous and nigh incomprehensible. It's actually the first time I've sided with the prisoners that want to stay inside the cave.

After all, if the only thing outside the cave is Cthulu I'm staying in here!