#but why does the universe continues to screw me over?

[thinkviolets]

someone please let me know where do I go?

[smile-files]

i continue to find ii3 baffling. why did they make it (this isn't to hate on the season, i'm genuinely curious)

[svnluns]

It was late afternoon in Rome, the kind of day where the sun is too bright and everything feels a little too loud. The city moves on, buzzing and unapologetic, but I can’t shake the weight pressing down on my chest.

I’m sitting on the edge of a fountain, picking at the hem of my sweater, trying not to cry in public like some pathetic cliché. My phone buzzes in my bag, but I already know it’s my mom. Another lecture, another list of ways I’m screwing up. University deadlines, bills, the argument we had last night about me “not having a plan.” I’m trying, but it’s like trying to breathe underwater.

I glance up and catch sight of Niccolò.

Of course. The golden boy, sauntering down the cobblestone street like he doesn’t have a care in the world. He’s wearing that effortless smirk, hair tousled just so, like he didn’t spend ten minutes in the mirror perfecting it. He spots me and raises an eyebrow, probably surprised to see me looking like this—a total It was late afternoon in Rome, the kind of day where the sun is too bright and everything feels a little too loud. The city moves on, buzzing and unapologetic, but I can’t shake the weight pressing down on my chest.

“Ehi,” he calls out, strolling over. His voice has that lazy confidence I can never quite figure out. “You lose something?” He gestures to my hunched-over position like I’m a stray dog.

I roll my eyes. “What do you want, Niccolò?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he leans against the fountain, arms crossed like he’s posing for a magazine. “Relax. Just saying hi. You look…” His eyes trail over me, and for once, they’re not teasing. “…not great.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Thanks. Super helpful.”

He tilts his head, studying me with a flicker of curiosity. Normally, Niccolò is all charm and games, the guy who knows exactly how to push your buttons and does it just for fun. But today, there’s something different.

“What happened?” he asks, softer now.

I hesitate. The last thing I want is for him to know how bad things are. Niccolò doesn’t do real. He does surface-level, parties, expensive clothes, and flirting with anyone who’ll let him.

“Nothing,” I mutter, avoiding his gaze. “Just a bad day.”

He doesn’t buy it. “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”

I glare at him. “Why do you care, anyway?”

For a moment, he looks like he might shrug it off, but then he surprises me. “Maybe I don’t like seeing you like this,” he says quietly.

My breath catches. That’s not the Niccolò I know.

“Look,” he continues, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with practiced ease. He takes a slow drag before speaking again. “You think you’re the only one who feels like they’re drowning? Newsflash, princess. We’re all faking it.”

I scoff. “Yeah, sure. Must be real hard being you. Perfect Niccolò with his perfect life.”

His jaw tightens, and for a second, I think I’ve hit a nerve. Then he exhales, the smoke curling in the air between us.

“You don’t know anything about me,” he says, almost defensively.

“Then tell me,” I challenge. “If your life’s so hard, let’s hear it.”

He hesitates, looking down at the cigarette like it holds all the answers. “Doesn’t matter,” he says finally. “Point is, you’re not as alone as you think.”

I want to argue, to tell him he doesn’t get it, but something in his expression stops me. For once, he’s not performing. He’s just… real.

Before I can respond, he straightens up and holds out a hand. “Come on.”

“What?”

“Let’s go,” he says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Go where?”

He shrugs, that smirk returning. “Anywhere but here.”

I hesitate. This is Niccolò we’re talking about. The guy who never takes anything seriously, who’s probably just looking for an excuse to skip whatever family obligation he’s avoiding today. But there’s a spark in his eyes, and for some reason, I trust him.

Against my better judgment, I take his hand.

We end up at some little café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. It’s nothing fancy, but the espresso is strong, and the sunlight filtering through the windows feels warm on my skin. For the first time all day, I feel like I can breathe.

Niccolò doesn’t ask me to spill my life story, and I don’t ask him for his. We just talk—about stupid things, like the ridiculous tourists we passed on the way here or the overpriced sneakers he’s been eyeing. It’s easy, effortless in a way I didn’t expect.

By the time we leave, the weight on my chest feels a little lighter.

“Thanks,” I say as we walk back toward the fountain.

He glances at me, surprised. “For what?”

“For… I don’t know. Not being a complete jerk today.”

He grins. “Don’t get used to it.”

But there’s a softness in his smile, a hint of something more. And for the first time, I think maybe Niccolò Govender is more than just the careless, cocky boy everyone thinks he is.

Maybe we both are.

[orcasoul]

That Time Again

A/N: Just a little (well it was intended to be little, but, oh well) drabble here because I can't help but think how Din, spending most of his adult life alone when not with the covert, and not knowing much about a woman's cycle, would be embarrassed when he accidentally thinks she's injured and feels bad for embarrassing her too. I think after the initial awkwardness, he'd be such a sweetheart about it ☺️

Warnings: Fluff, mention of periods.

Word Count: 1,333

The hunt didn't exactly go to plan, screw that, it was an epic failure! You and Din had just managed to get away by the skin of your teeth! You'd never been so relieved as when you saw the Razor Crest come into view, Din lowering the ramp by his vambrace. Once safely inside, with the ramp secure, you slump back into the cold steel wall, enjoying the icy chill seeping through your top into your sweaty skin as you catch your breath. "Well that didn't go well," Din panted as he leaned against the opposite wall.

"No shit," You shake your head through a half chuckle, half moan, "So what's the plan, now?" With his breathing finally under control Din stands tall, every bit the confident Mandalorian, even when he's not trying to be. It just naturally oozes from him. "He's scared and desperate now. He knows we're after him, so he'll keep running. I just didn't expect him to have so many men protecting him. But I'll get him, don't worry about that." Raising an eyebrow, you counter, "You mean we'll get him." "No!" came Din's curt and authoritative relpy, "It's too dangerous for you now."

"Din...," you begin protesting but he continues. "I've been doing this a long time, so trust me when I say I have to do this alone. This one just got much more complicated. I can't focus on the target and protect you at the same time. We're lucky we got out in one piece." Reluctantly you agree, but can't help but feel butterflies in your belly at Din's protectiveness of you. It's at times like this that you think, maybe he does feel the same way.

Locking that thought away you push off of the wall and begin to walk away when you hear a modulated gasp and feel Din's gloved hands grip your shoulders, stopping you in your place. "What the-," "You're hurt!" Din's voice quavers as panic grips his chest. You turn your head, utterly confused, trying to see where he's looking. What the hell? He's looking at ...my arse? "What? I'm not hurt. what are you talk-," Oh shit! Your eyes widen and your cheeks burn red as you realise what has happened.

You spin around, slowly backing away, trying your best not to stammer, but failing miserably. "Its n... not what you... you think. I'm... I'm fine." Din straightens, surprised by your weird response. "You're not fine, your bleeding. Let me-," "No!" He stops at your raised voice. "I'll take care of it. Trust me it's nothing." "It's not nothing." Now Din is raising his voice, clearly frustrated which in turn is making things worse.

Maker can't he just let it go? Can the universe do you a favour and open a black hole to swallow you now? He's really going to make you say it, isn't he? "Why won't you just let me help?" Din's asks exasperatedly, walking closer to you as you back away. "Cause it's nothing!' you insist, your stomach in knots. "Stop saying that!" Din blusterd. You drop your head into your hands, pressing the heels into your eyes, embarrassment burning through every inch of you. "For makers sake, Din! It's my period, okay. I've bled through!"

Silence follows your outburst, causing you to look back up at Din, who's stood stock still, if you didn't know any better, you'd think he was a statue. "Oh...," he mumbled, awkwardly. "Yeah... 'oh'," you scoffed. "I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean-," "It's okay," you blurted, right now not knowing what was redder, the blood on your trousers of the blood in your cheeks, "I'm just... gonna... go," you pointed over your shoulder to the fresher. As you shower, you realised that you'd been so eager to escape that situation that you'd forgotten to bring clean clothes with you. "Aw, shit," you grumble to yourself. Well, hopefully he'll be in the cockpit.

You open the fresher door, peaking around carefully. You've already had one embarrassing moment today, you don't need another. To your relief, you're alone. You sigh and look down, and that's when you see the neatly folded pile of clean clothes on the floor, right in front of the door. You smile as you pick them up, taking them with you into the fresher to change. Once you're clean and presentable, you head up to the cockpit, knowing you can't avoid each other on such a small ship. So you'll have to, as they say, suck it up. But when you open the door, your met with an empty room.

"Din?" no answer. "Din?" you shout louder, but still, no answer. That's odd. He never leaves without telling you. Maybe he's just as embarrassed as you? Maybe he can't face you right now? Before you can dwell on it any longer, you hear the ramp lowering. You slide down the ladder to the hull to see Din walking up the ramp with a brown paper bag in hand. He stops a couple of feet in front of you, the atmosphere clearly awkward.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you, Din-," you begin, desperate to dissipate the discomfort between you both. "Please don't apologise," Din lifts a hand to stop you, "I'm sorry. I didn't realise.... if I'd known, I wouldn't have...," Din clears his throat and slowly holds the bag out for you to take. "What's this?" you smile as you take the bag and look inside. Your heart melts at the sight. Inside, there are sanitary towels, tampons, a moon cup, heat up gel packs, pain relief and even a big bar of chocolate.

You feel like crying. Kriff, this man is so sweet and so kind. Could he be any more perfect? If you hadn't already fallen in love with him, you would have now. "Din...," his name leaves your mouth in a whisper, while holding in the tears. You look into his visor, hoping you're making eye contact. "You didn't have to do this. Thank you! This is... so sweet of you." "I wanted to help," he replied, softly. "I didn't mean to embarrass you earlier," he added after a moment. "It's okay," you shrug, feeling the embarrassment melt away by the second. "I think we were both a bit embarrassed."

"Yeah," Din chuckles, his shoulders losing some of the tension in them. He still feels bad about the situation, but seeing your eyes light up at his gift means the world to him, just as you do. Damn it, if only he could tell you how much he loves you. He's fearless in every aspect of his life, except when it comes to you. "Look, I don't claim to know much about 'this'," he emphasizes, "but I want you to know you don't ever have to feel awkward about it around me. We're a team, and if there's anything you ever need or anything I can do to help at this time, you can always come to me, okay?"

Your eyes soften even more and you're sure you're looking at Din like he'd hung the stars right now, but you don't care. You want him to know how much you appreciate his kindness and scincerity. "Thank you, Din. That means a lot." You can't help the beaming smile on your face right now. "You know...," you begin, teasingly, "for somebody who says he doesn't know much about 'this', you sure knew what products to look for."

"Well, I might have asked the lady working in the store if she could help me pick out the best things," Din confessed, in a playful tone. "And this?..." you wave the chocolate in front of his helmet, grinning like a fool. Din shrugged and you just knew he was grinning under his helmet too. "She also said some women have cravings, so I thought, best be prepared." "We're sharing this," you tap the bar against his breast-plate. Din chuckled, shaking his head in amusement, "Whatever you say, Cyar'ika."

[incorrect-green-lantern-quotes]

Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum has Guy Gardner actually displaying intelligence and critical thinking?? Ayo???

wow they're actually acknowledging that these aren't the same Guardians as before!

Y'know, it really annoys me when people reduce the Green Lantern Corps to just "space cops." And I'm not just talking about comic readers or casual fans, there have been a lot of times when the DC writers themselves have had the Green Lanterns refer to themselves as superpowered law enforcement.

Personally, I suspect it's one of the lasting consequences of the Comics Code Authority that dictated what American comics were allowed to publish for the majority of the 20th century. After all, the third point in the Comics Code of 1954 was that "Policemen, judges, Government officials and respected institutions shall never be presented in such a way as to create disrespect for established authority." It wasn't until 1971 that this part was officially updated to allow the depiction of corrupt authority, and even then it was with the addendum that such cases had to be declared as an exception to the norm and the wrongdoers face legal consequences.

It sure would be nice if we lived in a reality where established authority was so rarely corrupt, and the bad ones actually were brought to justice. For the most part, the mainline continuity of DC comics (particularly in the CCA era) is this kind of reality. Which is why it makes sense for the Green Lanterns to be the intergalactic equivalent of police, why their archnemesis is a former officer who was expelled from the Corps for abusing his power. But alas, life does not always imitate art.

In the post-CCA landscape, modern Green Lantern writers have not shied away from showing that no authority is incorruptible, and that those in power should be accountable to those they command. Just look at how the Guardians of the Universe are often portrayed as the source of so many problems. Quite a turnaround from the omniscient and perfect masters they were in the Silver Age.

History lesson aside, it's nice to see Guy be the one who uses his brain to question the Guardians' shady actions.

ofc it's Krona's eyeball. I swear, it's like DC doesn't have any other important Guardians. Have y'all forgotten Appa Ali Apsa???

I like to think most Green Lanterns who've been around the block would be at least a little suspicious of the Guardians, given their historic fuckups. But it's so perfect that it's Guy Gardner who stole the Book of Oa to research their dirty deeds. He's been screwed over and used and discarded by the Guardians over and over again, yet he stays a Green Lantern because he knows this is where he can do the most good.

For most of his history, Guy was a brutish asshole with a funny bowl cut. But before that, he was a kind and intelligent man who was dedicated to helping others. Personally, I think the best writers understand that he can be both of these things.

this is peak brother behavior right there. these four have been through so much together that there are no words necessary, just a look of pure judgment to roast him on the spot

[grahminradarin]

SPOP And Queer Joy Tw for transphobia, the Daily Wire, and getting kicked in the nuts

I was watching the most recent video from Some More News about a deeply stupid and bad and transphobic film from the daily wire called Ladyballers, and there was a scene they talked about where one of the main characters who was a guy that has been disguised as a woman for a couple weeks in order to win a woman's basketball tournament realizes he might actually be trans, and confesses this to the basketball coach who is his old friend and came up with the idea. The basketball coach then tells the trans character that she doesn't understand her own feelings and that the coach will help her figure it out. When she continues to insist that she's a trans woman, the coach kicks her in the nuts. And this made me realize the whole conservative mindset is based on an authority figure convincing people under them that they don't understand their own feelings and they don't know who they are, but the authority figure does. And the point of it all is to make someone never trust themselves or their own feelings ever.

And then I thought of the ending of She-Ra.

And I finally get why it felt so right and so triumphant and so different. Catra and Adora have been living with Shadow Weaver their whole lives, and Shadow Weaver has constantly been telling them who they're supposed to be, and it hurts both of them so much over the course of the series because Adora keeps trying to fit herself into that mold better (is helped in this endeavor by light hope) while catra is trying to break out of her mold to put herself in Adora's as the golden child

And then hoard Prime shows up as the ultimate example of an authority figure insisting that you don't understand yourself with the chips, which are literally a direct physical implementation of that idea!

And in what both of them think are their final moments alive, they kill the shadow Weaver in their heads, trust themselves to know who they are, and do what they've wanted to do the whole time. Catra stops trying to prove herself and admits that she cares and wants to just be enough without having to try. She stops caring about whether she's weak and says she loves someone. Adora stops trying to be the self-sacrificing hero and acknowledges that she can care about other people differently than just having to save them and she finally takes something she wants without worrying about the consequences.

They both say "screw authority, I know who I am and I'm going to let that out" because they both think they're about to die. And that one tiny moment of rebellion and understanding saves the entire goddamn universe. It terrifies Prime to the point that he can't even comprehend what's happened, and then it obliterates him and frees everyone he's ever hurt. It fixes everything

That one moment of queer Joy, even at the very end of the world, is all that it took.

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Migration

You know, for a while, I thought Luka was one of the smartest characters in the show, and the fact that he's hightailing it out of Paris in this episode only continues to prove my point.

Let's get into the thirteenth episode of Miraculous Ladybug's fifth season: Migration

We start off with Marinette running over to the Liberty (with her friends laughing behind her back like the supportive people they are) and tries to talk with Luka about her relationship with Adrien once they're in private. Luka is pretty supportive, and it's a nice scene. Marinette then bumps into Adrien, who also wants to talk with Luka, and while the two try to get unstuck, we get a nice visual of Luka seeing the two as Ladybug and Cat Noir, which is there to remind the audience that he's known who both of them are ever since “Wishmaker”.

Adrien then talks to Luka about how he's worried something is keeping Marinette from being honest about her feelings. Luka gives him some advice on how just because he doesn't know everything about Marinette, it doesn't make her feelings for him less valid, and vice versa.

After Adrien leaves, we get an appearance from everyone's favorite deadbeat dad, Jagged Stone. He asks Luka how he can be a better father like he didn't miss years of child support, but all Luka really says is that he needs to spend time with his damn family. Of course, what I like about this scene is that it avoids the usual narrative pitfall of trying to say that Jagged and Anarka, Luka's mom, should get back together, and instead shows Jagged developing feelings for his agent, Penny.

Speaking of, after Jagged leaves, Penny comes in to come to Luka for advice. Okay, is Luka just the Dr. Phil of this show's universe? Penny talks to Luka about her sudden feelings for Jagged Stone.

Penny: No, I don't know why I'm in love with your father. He's disorganized, childish, selfish, and musically speaking, he's no David Bowie. Truth be told, your dad's a walking disaster. So why do I love him?

Luka: Does he make you happy, Penny?

Penny: Yeah. I just can't figure out why!

It's almost like this show will randomly pair people up at the drop of a hat. But hey, at least Luka hasn't asked if Kagami is single yet.

Before Penny leaves, Bob Roth, Jagged's producer, demands to know where he is, as he needs to record a new album. Bob learns that Jagged had children with Anarka (ignoring the potential scandal it could create), so Anarka promptly throws him out of the boat in a scene that I'm pretty sure is meant to be a reference to that one running gag from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Either way, Jazz's scream was funnier.

Kitty Section then practices their latest song about how you don't have to be rich, because even the songs in this show aren't exactly subtle with their messages. Bob somehow gets back on the Liberty completely dry, and offers the band a contract.

Bob: How would you like to sign a contract with me?

Luka: Actually, Bob, you already offered to sign us... Marinette: And you never followed up. Did you forget?

Bob: Huh? Uh... of course! I remember! I was just waiting for the right reason—uh, I mean, the right time! I was waiting for the right time to have you guys sign the contract!

My God, even the characters in this show want to forget it used to have good episodes.

Anarka throws Bob off again, where she and Luka talk about how everyone deserves a second chance and that change is possible.

Yeah, funny how that message almost never came up with Chloe, Lila, and Felix last season, isn't it? And given that they're going to use Bob as an example of this lesson, I don't think it's going to be a positive one. So right after Luka generously decided to give Bob a second chance, Bob offers them a new contract to sign... and as soon as he does, he screws them all over thanks to a lot of fine print they didn't stop to read.

Ivan: He can fire us whenever he wants?

Bob: Yep, and I just did, by the way.

Rose: The name Kitty Section belongs to him?!

Bob: Yep. It’s ugly, but it’s mine. Marinette: He owns everything you’ve made and will make over the next thousand years!? Bob: Gotta cover all bases.

Zoe: Marinette's costumes, the music video Nino shot, the website Mylene runs...

Bob: All mine!

Adrien: And you can’t even start another band together?

Bob: Course not, that’d be unfair competition! EVERYTHING belongs to me! Everything you are, everything you say, everything that’s in your hearts belongs to me!

See, kids? This is why you should never trust bad people. It doesn't matter if they say they want to improve. They just want to trick you and ruin your life, so if you're ever wronged by anyone, that person is never able to redeem themselves, especially if they're rich. As we all know, rich people are far worse than insane supervillains who want to rewrite reality. Just ask the biggest monster in the show, Chloe Bourgeois.

So yeah, Luka's optimism being taken advantage of is enough to attract the attention of Monarch, who attempts to akumatize him into Silencer again. Monarch realizes that Luka knows Ladybug and Cat Noir's identities (why he didn't think to look into it, given Viperion's powers, is left unanswered), and angrily smashes his guitar to free himself of Monarch's influence.

So not only did he stop himself from getting akumatized, he's also one step closer to becoming a true rock star.

Somehow, Bob thinks only keeping Luka on board would mean he wouldn't hate him, but Luka isn't buying it. Bob is shocked that Luka wouldn't want to work for an asshole like him as Luka tears the contract in half, but Bob has backups. Monarch decides to settle on Bob instead, akumatizing him into Gold Record.

Gold Record's design is... okay. It's still better than Sole Destroyer, and it's definitely better than Moolak. The gold coloring looks nice, and the euro symbol on the record is a nice visual. His powers are pretty much just a combination of Pixelator, the Collector, and Truth's powers, transforming people into records who sing their true feelings while using the Horse Miraculous' Voyage to throw the records into space. Nothing too original there, but it's a good metaphor for sleazy music producers, and it works for this story.

Rose and Anarka are the first of Gold Record's victims, and in a hurry, Luka lets Adrien know he knows he's Cat Noir, giving him a place to hide. Just as Juleka is hit by Gold Record, Ladybug and Cat Noir arrive on the scene. While Cat Noir holds off Gold Record, Ladybug tries to come up with a plan.

Ladybug summons her Lucky Charm, getting a knitting needle. She realizes her plan will need to involve using Luka as bait. Luka is forced to reveal that he knows who Ladybug and Cat Noir are, and what will happen if Gold Record gets him, setting up a tough choice that will force Ladybug to rethink her plan... and then the next scene happens, where Luka lets himself get hit, where Ladybug manages send Gold Record's record flying with a makeshift bow and arrow created from the knitting needle and a nearby fiddle, which Cat Noir immediately Cataclysms.

Ladybug de-evilizes the Akuma, uses Miraculous Ladybug to fix the damage, and gives Bob Roth a Magical Charm that even he knows is useless at this point. Ladybug and Cat Noir decide to call it a day and let Anarka throw Bob Roth out again.

Luka reveals that he knows Ladybug and Cat Noir's identities (because once again, sharing that information with your friends is totally fine for some reason), and that he can't stay in Paris. After revealing that he had Fang eat all of Bob's contracts so Luka isn't bound by them anymore, Jagged offers to take Luka around the world to finally make up for years of absence while Luka makes Juleka the new leader of Kitty Section. And so the episode ends with the Couffaine family sharing a hug while Luka gives one last look to his friends Marinette and Adrien.

This episode was just average, all things considered. The plot and the lesson it was setting out to teach, while not terrible, felt a little tacked on. It was if the writers were trying to acknowledge the stuff that happened with Chloe and wanted to show an example of redemption arc done right in the case of Jagged. It falls flat because once again, more focus is given to showing how easy it is to be screwed over trusting someone than showing the benefits to trusting someone, especially since Bob is already an outlandish villain we already have a lot of reasons to hate.

I'm also mixed on the handling of Luka here. While I'm glad Marinette isn't being forced to learn a lesson here, I don't get why Luka had to be the one to be taken advantage of. He's already aware of how easy it is for Monarch to learn his secrets, so it feels weird that he lets himself and his friends get taken advantage of so easily. Outside of the scene with Ladybug's Lucky Charm, I don't get why he needed to tell the others the stuff he knew. I can sort of see why he'd tell Adrien, but why would he think telling his friends he knows who Ladybug and Cat Noir are wouldn't endanger them too?

Speaking of that, despite being established for almost an entire season, we really don't see enough of Marinette and Adrien reacting to Luka revealing that he knows who they are. Marinette only gets a few lines, and Adrien doesn't even get to say anything. While I am glad that Marinette and Adrien aren't dominating the plot for once, it feels weird that we don't get to see their reactions to something so shocking, especially with how often the identity rule has been enforced.

On the other hand, the writing is still handled a lot better than usual. I like how Monarch chooses to change his strategy to focus on Luka halfway through the episode, and the idea of the risk using Luka for Ladybug's plan brings is an interesting one, even if they don't really go anywhere with it. The running gag with Bob constantly getting thrown off the Liberty is a funny one, and it proves you can actually write slapstick that doesn't involve humiliating Marinette. Who knew?

As a whole, while I think this is the best episode of the season so far, this episode still has its fair share of problems.

THE BIGGEST IDIOT OF THE EPISODE IS... LUKA

Not counting the time Marinette got the award in my review of the Shanghai Special, we have the first character this season to get the Biggest Idiot Award twice. For someone who is usually smarter than the other characters, Luka made quite a few bad choices this episode. He decided to trust Bob Roth after he screwed him and his friends over in “Silencer”, he didn't think to read the contract he was offered, and after being endangered by what Monarch knows now, he decided to tell his friends and family that he knows who Ladybug and Cat Noir are, potentially putting them all in danger too. Yeah, the next few episodes will probably just ignore it, but there's always a chance Monarch could try another Optigami, even if he doesn't have the Peacock Miraculous anymore.

And with that, I'm officially done with the first half of Season 5. What do I think of it? Well, I think Immortan Joe said it best:

Yeah, this season was pretty boring, all things considered. To be perfectly honest, I struggled here more than I did last season because I wasn't sure what to say about half of the episodes I watched. There was almost nothing of substance these past thirteen episodes, and I could barely say anything other than “this episode is okay” or “this episode is bad”. Whenever I had ideas, they were usually extensions to things I've already talked about, like the Marinette angst, the historical and cultural inaccuracies, and the villains genuinely being incompetent. If you showed someone a few episodes of Season 1 and this season, outside of Monarch's new appearance, it'd be pretty hard for them to tell the difference.

But hey, maybe things will pick up in the second half of the season. Hell, maybe the next episode will be even better than this one, and... huh. Does anyone else hear an ominous whistling in the background?

[littledollll]

Foolish

Lucifer Morningstar x human!reader

A/n: this started as one thing and turned into another so I’m sorry if the plot is all over the place. But hey, first October post, it’s my birthday month‼️

Warnings: humans being stupid, unrequited love? idk what else.

____________________________________

“Have you ever seen them in such despair?… I’m almost worried for them..” a servant whispered to Mazikeens ear as she watched her lord in what seemed to be a depressive state,but no… That’s not possible… is it? No. The devil, the great ruler of hell doesn’t sulk. At least that’s what she was lead to believe before today.

Mazikeen merely looked her way in acknowledgment. It was a weird sight. She’d been with Lucifer through their best and worse. She’s seen plenty of them in all types of situations, but never like this. She’d hate to admit her lord looked… pitiful? Oh they’d have her head if she ever uttered those words aloud.

Mazikeen ushered the girl away. Lucifer’s pride couldn’t possibly take another hit. Lucifer’s sigh of relief as she left was visible in their shoulders, they turned their back to mazikeen.

“I should’ve known.” Lucifer says under their breath, mostly to themselves. But it was loud enough for her to hear. “An unexpected turn of events, sire. If I may?” With a nod, she approached. If there was anyone with a level head they would listen to, it’s her.

“I don’t know much about all of this. But.. seemed quite hesitant to leave you, you know.” That sounded like a bunch of nonsense to Lucifer if they were honest.

You were truthful hesitant. This dumb mistake of screwing around with things you definitely shouldn’t seemed like a bad idea to even you. But the devil was so captivating.. and you made a promise. Could you break it? Even if it is with the devil how could you?

Oh how they wanted to rage and scream and throw a tantrum. But no no, you’re better than that Lucifer. Much better. “He’s a rat, that man. Stealing away my rightful spouse.” If only it were possible for literal venom to spit through their mouth, it would.

That rat, your friend, of course wouldn’t allow you to go around continuing to indulge yourself in the paranormal. Any well- normal person would also save themselves and their friends from it too. But is breaking a deal with the devil as easy as simply running away?

“Isn’t it more complicated than that, sire?” What a brave thing for her to say. “Complicated? What could possibly be so complicated? It’s simple. They’re my spouse, mine… or at least supposed to be.” Lucifer’s voice goes from angry to solem.

They’d catch up to you eventually. If they ever get over their slump over your involuntary rejection. You can’t run away from the devil anyways. They could find you. They could take you away forever. But does Lucifer truly want to forcefully take you away? They don’t want you here if it’s not by choice. So they’re left to ponder.

“But I should’ve known. Why would they ever want me? Of course I’m great. I’m powerful, I’m wise, I’m beautiful! But I am the devil… isn’t that all they’ll ever see?”

They really are lovesick, aren’t they? Mazikeen couldn’t be more amused. But it’s never a joy to see her lord so pained, of course. “I could list a lot more reasons than you just did for somebody to want to stick by you… it’s foolish if that’s the only reason they aren’t here.” Mazikeen said, sounding confident. But that didn’t really help the devil.

“They probably want a mortal. Somebody who lives in their realm and will die alongside them.” How could the most prideful being in this universe be so pessimistic? “Overrated! They rather that, opposed to you granting them immortality?”

“The mortals see me as evil. Perhaps that’s why.” Excuses excuses excuses. “Sounds idiotic to me. I can’t believe you’re so worked up about some human who obviously isn’t good enough for you.”

Lucifer sighed. “They were perfect.” This whole situation was just making Mazikeen irritated at this point. “Please. It’s a mortal, how perfect can they be? Especially if they turned away from you like that.”

That was quite conflicting. How could they be perfect for each other if their meeting was a coincidence? A mistake made by a foolish human dealing with the otherworldly. But something about you captivated their own soul. Did you not feel the same? Were you mindlessly moving on with your life now, already forgotten about them?

But no, the image of the Beautiful devil haunts you in your sleep. An endless reminder of a walked out deal, a promise. One which will surely come back to bite you some day.

Or not. If you were foolish enough to come back to them.

[destinygoldenstar]

☀️The Brunch Of Trauma☀️ - Total Drama Viewer Reacts to Disventure Camp Season 1 Episode 5 “Baking My Heart”

...last time on Disventure Camp I screwed over Nick and caused his elimination because I put him in the heading.

DON'T WORRY, I'M NOT CAUSING JAKE'S ELIMINATION THIS EPISODE. (I hope)

I'm pretty certain it's not him this episode. He's not a target for anybody, at least for now. That and I think it's gonna be Lilly this episode, so...

Yeah. I'm playing my heading card smart this time. King deserves it from last episode.

...oh god what if I DID cause his elimination?

"Goddammit Golden! Why'd you put me in the heading, huh?!"

Alright, let us continue with our journey!

OMG THE PHONE! I FORGOT

PLEEEAAASSEE tell me they take advantage of this!

ALSO, not even a second into the episode and I already caught the fruity boy staring at a certain someone.

YES THEY'RE CALLING! I'm excited!

"Dad! It's me! How are you?"

"Fine, I guess... what do you want?"

Oh he does not sound thrilled.

"Are you taking care of my plants? How are my cats my little birds my fireflies my spiders my iguanas my fish and my crabs?"

GEEZ THAT'S A LOT

I mean I'm not surprised Gabby has a whole zoo at her house. Sounds in character.

Girl has more pets than my own partner.

"Yes... everything you just said is fine... no need to rush home."

Okay, so Gabby having a neglectful family that is annoyed by her existence is canon.

"Do you want to meet my new friends?"

"I have to go attend some business. Bye."

YOU DON'T DESERVE GABBY SIR

Girlie, here you go

"Hi Gretchen! How's it going out there?"

Gretchen? I mean I guess it makes sense she has a nickname, but I just liked saying Grett.

"Did you know that your brother won the football championship? I'm so proud of him sweetie!"

"Guess what's happening today? Your brother's getting a certificate of honor for his high grades in university."

"What does that matter?!"

"I'm just so happy that someone in this family is actually successful!"

OH MY GOD.

I'm actually hurt for Grett.

I would say "Yes, Grett characterization, let's go queen!" But my gosh I feel so bad for her.

I'm so happy we actually get a motive for her now. I knew I could stan her!

'Grett: Overthrow family disappointment'

Add that to the list of motives I made in Episode 4.

"You making a call Tom?"

"Oh... I don't think so, my family isn't home."

Tom... do you have a family? Cause it sounds like you don't.

And that's really sad to hear.

"Is mom home?"

"Oh, they're not here, they went shopping."

WHAT ARE ALL THESE PHONE CALLS?!

Why does everyone have such neglectful families?!

"I'm just... I'm fed up."

Aw, Grett...

"From what?"

"My mom can't go a single day without mentioning my stupid brother!"

"Well, you're not the only one who feels left out in your family..."

Bonding?

I'm loving this scene.

"SHUT UP! You and I are nothing alike! Don't call me friend. We are not friends, and we never will be!"

"Okay, calm down!"

"Just leave me alone!"

Ouch... I do see Grett's POV though. Yeah she's awful, but I guess in her mind she's so inferior to her sibling that she feels the need to be dirty with her tactics.

"We should've listened to Will."

YA THINK?!

If Lilly really is the one gone this episode, you're all alone Ashley. You gotta step up for them!

"Don't give up Lill! It's not over till the rooster crows!"

I like her, she's such an optomist.

"Do you want to go first?"

"I have no one to call."

...what?

No one?

You don't have a spouse? Kids? Grandkids? No one?

"Quit being a nosy brat!"

Lady, he was being a gentlemen and offering you to go first!

Where you pulling this 'brat' shit from?

"Fine, I'll go!"

And right after I say that he gives attitude.

Go call your grandma Jake. Tell her how you love her and you're gonna help her with the money.

Maybe this one will be a bit wholesome.

"Hey Shawn!"

"Hey... Jake..."

...

What...?

"What's up? Is everything alright?"

"I'm sorry..."

*I covered my mouth to hold back a gasp*

"A couple of days ago... grandma passed away..."

OH MY GOD NOOOOOOO

*I'm actually upset for him*

Oh my god...

OH MY GOD HE'S CRYING. OH MY GOD.

"Mom told me not to tell you till you came back... but I had to..."

He's still going. Oh my god...

"You're lying..."

"She was conscious for a few hours before she got worse..."

JUST STOP. JUST STOP TALKING.

"She wrote a letter... I'll give it to you when you get back... I'm sorry man..."

JAKE, I'M SO SORRY. THAT'S AWFUL!!

I'm actually hurt as well!

AND THEN TOM COMFORTS HIM?!??! AWWWWW 😢

I thought he was here to help her! I didn't think she was gonna die before he can even get back! That's horrible!

YOU ALL BETTER GIVE HIM VIRTUAL HUGS.

FOR HIM AND FOR HIS GRANDMA.

Okay, okay, I'm calming down, I'm calming down...

GOD. DAMN. IT. ME.

I SHOULDN'T HAVE PUT JAKE IN THE HEADING!

I KILLED HIS GRANDMA!!

I'M SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN TO!!

Jake, if you hate me for this, I understand. I deserve it.

"Why won't you take the slay pass?!"

"Because slaying killed my grandma, okay?!"

(I'm sorry)

"Teal Team I hope you enjoyed your call home!"

BRUH. NO. DON'T EVEN.

"We made sure the ingredients are... what's the word... DISGUSTING."

Knew it.

I'm calling this reaction the Brunch of Trauma. As a callback to Total Drama's 'The Brunch Of Disgustingness'

"How are we supposed to get chicken guts?"

By killing a chicken. Duh.

"I can't eat cockroaches! They have feelings!"

No they don't Gabby. No they don't.

"I don't think Jake's in the mood to run around looking for ingredients."

Thank you Tom. Thank you for being so supportive of him and understanding his situation.

"Does anyone know how to cook?"

No.

"Do I have to?!"

"Do you want to win?"

"Fine."

Why is Fiore so grumpy all of a sudden?

"The winning team will send a representative from their team to tonight's elimination ceremony! Where they will get the sole vote to pick an extra person from the losing team."

It was the slay pass I gave Jake that he threw away.

Who wants it? It was sent by me.

"The team that attends the elimination will lose TWO people tonight!"

OH SHIT.

...it's gotta be Teal that loses then, right? Purple's already down a member, and that'll make numbers REALLY uneven.

Oh god did I cause Jake's elimination by putting him in the heading?!

Look, Purple, if you get this marker, even if your name is Fiore, you leave Gabby Grett and Jake out of this. You have my permission to use this marker, but ONLY to use it on Dan.

Dan's the only one on that team I wouldn't really care gets sent home.

Dan and I guess Miriam. I'm sorry Miriam.

Cause there's no way they're gonna make Purple lose here and make the team HALF the size of the other. Right? There's no way.

"Ever since I heard from home this morning, I've been wondering if there's even a point in being here. Should I leave?"

I feel so bad for Jake.

What did this precious bean do to you writers?! Why'd you have to break his heart like this?!

But yeah, what even is his motive now? It's down the drain now that she's gone.

"Jake, are you okay?"

Oh, so now you care.

"Since when do you care?"

And he said the same thing I said.

"You're always telling me to shut up and leave."

Facts.

"You don't need to pity me."

"I know it's hard, but remember that she'll always be in your heart and in your memories. We can always honor our loves ones by keeping their legacy alive. By lovingly remembering them."

...guys, I didn't start watching this show to cry. I'm gonna be honest.

"I'm saying this because I've been there before."

Oh?

*cuts away*

GOSH DARN IT NO I WANTED TO HEAR THAT! COME ON!

"'The hillbilly girl and wrinkles have no idea what I did' I can't believe it. She's been plotting against us this whole time."

I'm not surprised.

"How could a little girl do this?"

Demon child. CLEAR upbringing issues.

"We have to tell Ellie and Alec!"

"Are they going to believe us?"

They already do!

Though, you can probably get through to Ellie. I can hear her screaming on the inside about her being roped into a villain alliance.

"Do you even cook for your family?"

"Not recently to tell you the truth. Hard to make meals when we're going through a rough patch right now."

You're broke?

The Bucket family?

"I haven't told anyone about this..."

"You can talk to me."

Please talk. We're already eating up a lot of trauma for dinner tonight.

"A couple of years ago, on my husband's birthday, I wanted to surprise him with a cheesecake..."

Oh no from the other episode... I know where this is going.

He died from the cake, didn't he?

"So I told my son to take him to the mall, maybe buy his dad a gift while I baked... but when I had the desert ready, I called them to come back but they never did."

They both died?!

"Apparently a drunk driver hit their car... a head collision... no survivors."

Shit... that's awful.

Why is there so much trauma in this episode?!

"It took me to a dark place for a long time, those two were the only ones I had..."

"I'm so sorry, Miriam."

"It's never easy to lose someone you love. When I heard what happened to your grandmother, it all came flooding back..."

YES. HUG. PLEASE.

PLEEEAASSE WE NEED SOMETHING COMFORTING IN THE MIDST OF THIS HEARTBEAK

Okay how many virtual hugs can we get by the end of this episode?

Is Miriam gonna be nicer to Jake from here on out? I hope so.

"Don't worry. Everything is under control."

I am so bloody confused by these hosts plotline, I'm gonna be honest.

What are you talking about?

I know Tom stole the dude's ID, but why? Is he a criminal?

"Let's say... they didn't send the smartest spy they had."

Oh they ARE talking about Tom.

So Tom does know stuff and he's sus as shit.

So he's not a ninja... I was thinking it would be spy too.

So he's not on the show to win. He's here to stop... whatever these guys are doing.

Also YEAH, they DIDN'T send the smartest spy.

Cause hum diddly hum, I wonder which one among the cast is the impostor? Maybe it's the one guy who never shows his face.

ALSO, he SAW Tom running.

"He didn't see me! I was wearing black! And I was out in the night! I was practically Batman!"

"Yeah but you stick out like a sore thumb during the day and in the sun."

"BUT IT'S THE SUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNN"

"Jake thinks it was Dan and Dan thinks it was Jake."

That's not what they said. I distinctly remember that's not what they said.

"Grett won't let me talk to you."

Yeah it really sucks they're on different teams, cause they seem to get along well.

"Why? She shouldn't get to control you like that."

Thank you Ellie.

She's a good bean and she'll do the right thing when time comes. I'm sure.

"I know, but it's the only way to save myself."

Yeah, being outcasted SUCKS.

I mean, I get it, I've been there in my past. Everyone found me annoying and hated me and would say it to my face. But also, you can't get people walk all over you Gabby.

As a Grett stan, you have permission to leave her behind.

"Let me know if you need someone to talk about it with."

Yes, confide in Ellie. She's a good person too.

Despite, you know, the alliance she's in not being the best choice.

Side with the heroes. You can side with Lilly and Ashley and get rid of Fiore. You'll be one happy family and they'll take you in.

"I like you Gabby. You aren't afraid to speak your mind."

Is that a platonic compliment, or...?

Actually, I can see it.

"Here's an idea, if my team wins, I can offer myself as the representative to make sure you're not in danger."

That sounds like a great plan actually! Do it!

But Ellie I swear to god you leave Jake out of this. Use the pen on Dan!

That pen is the slay pass I granted in the game, and I tell you how you use it!

"And if your team wins, you can do the same."

"You can save me from Fiore using the pen! And I'll be free! It'll be a glorious victory!"

In dream land where everything works out perfectly, that's what happens.

They're actually really sweet. I love that Gabby has a friend to confide with.

I love that Gabby gets to be happy in this miserable world where everyone is traumatized beyond belief!

NO NOT THE CHICKEN

I'm sorry Ashley, but you need to get clotheslined by a clothesline.

Even the birds are bullying Dan.

Awww their little chef wear, that's so cute on them!

"You've done this before?"

"Thank you... I used to cook with my grandmother a lot."

I'm glad he's staying strong for her.

Even Fiore is like "I'm glad I'm not your child!"

"I think we screwed up."

What are you talking about? It's supposed to be screwed up.

You're doing it perfectly.

Idk how fair this is considering one team has more members eating.

Yeah Teal's gotta lose here, right? They have more members...

It also might come at the expense of Miriam if I'm being honest. Just when I was starting to like her.

But that happens. Once you start to like a character on Total Drama, they get eliminated.

"I can't believe what I'm about to say, but... this is delicious!"

Alright, who put DJ's Mama Spice in the mix?!

This face XD

Aaaaaannnnddd we get vomit rockets...

I'm not showing that.

SO... my prediction was completely wrong.

That ended a lot faster than I thought it would.

How are that team gonna function with just three?

"Cooking is my passion. And when Jake and I cooked, I haven't felt that normal in a long time. I guess I judged the boy too soon."

I'm glad Miriam is coming around.

Gabby's the representative, as we established.

"I wanted to use the slay pass you gave me last episode, Golden!"

I'll give it to you sweetie. Use it for whoever. If you want to slay Fiore with it, go right ahead.

"It was convenient for everyone that Gabby volunteered. No one wants to make enemies right now."

You guys all blew your chance of making her an ally a long time ago.

Lilly and Ashley are being very blunt about this. I like it.

"Fiore has been sabotaging our team! And she can't get away with it!"

"Wow..."

What do you mean wow? You know this already.

"Well, who cares?!"

"Not me."

BRUH

"Ellie, you have to help us!"

YES ELLIE! JOIN THEM! GET HER OUT!

"They're just saying that cause they're desperate. Did they reach out to you when they were making their original alliance?"

What's it matter now? Ellie was desperate too back then.

"How did this happen? I went from being in the worst position to deciding the vote! It feels good to have this power."

Ellie... this is gonna sound really bad, but... I can't trust you with a slay pass.

"What do you mean Golden isn't on my side?!"

"SURPRISE BITCHES!!"

QUEEN 👑

"Remember when you vote me out at the first day?!"

"AND HERE I AM. REVENGE IS MINE."

"Gabby has a red marker. She will write the name of one of you and when I read the name of that one unlucky contestant, that person is immediately out!"

"It was a slay pass granted from Golden to Gabby because whoever Gabby hates probably deserves it."

I know how these shows work.

I have the gut feeling...

Ellie's not gonna side with the good guys.

Yep. I was right from the start of this. They're voting Lilly.

"I'm voting for you so you can crawl back to whatever Disney movie your wrinkled which face came from."

Why does she look so evil?

"See, that's why you have bad taste Golden. All the favs you picked are evil and/or have serious issues!"

'LILL'

Yep. We know.

'FIORE'

I feel like it would be hilarious if Gabby wrote Fiore's name.

Ellie would be like, "See, that's what makes me the swing vote! Good or Evil? I choose NEITHER."

'LILL'

'FIORE'

It's Lilly.

RIP.

Ashley, it's up to you cowgirlie! You gotta take up the mantle and survive!

...WELP, YOU SURVIVED FOR TWO SECONDS.

GODDAMMIT.

I had a feeling she was gonna do that.

ELLIE. WHYYYYYYYYYYYY

And why did Gabby use the slay pass on Ashley! I specifically told you to use it on Fiore!!

"I'll give it to you sweetie. Use it for whoever."

I feel like I should blame myself for this happening.

SLAY PASS MISFIRE

"Ellie, why did you do that?"

"I'm sorry Lill, we were getting down to the wire and Fiore could be helpful if we reached the merge."

How would she help you in the merge exactly?! She's a KID. She has limitations! She's not exactly a good alliance member to have.

And who's to say she's not just gonna ditch you after this?

I'm sorry Ellie, but I'm calling you out cause I do not see your logic there.

"Not to throw a hissy fit, but this is seriously unfair!"

I feel like Ashley is saying that to ME specifically.

"GOLDEN YOU LUNATIC REACTIONARY! WHY WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE A SLAY PASS WILLY NILLY?! AND IT CAME AT THE EXPENSE OF ME!"

"There's three of us and only two of you. Even a six year old can do better math than you."

Fiore secretly takes Algebra. The highest level. And she's a straight A honor roll student.

"Y'all WILL regret this decision!"

Specifically Ellie. She's gonna regret this, I can already tell.

Honestly, Ashley was robbed. I get it, limited episodes, but really? That's how she's eliminated?

Awwwwwwww 💗

At least they're besties till the end.

"Okay, Fiore tricked us. But if she managed to do that with us, she can do the same with the other team."

AND she can do the same to YOU.

"Luckily Ellie and Alec didn't fall for their desperate attempt to throw me under the bus."

They DO know. Alec just doesn't care, and Ellie apparently knows what she's doing.

Honestly, I still feel like Ellie can redeem herself from this, especially if she's merging. She can be the swing vote, see the light, and join the good guys. I don't think she's a bad person at all, she's just playing the cards she's dealt.

I don't have to approve of her plan, but I understand why she has to do it.

I don't blame Gabby either. That was my fault. I'll take the blame for her. I forgive her.

Plus it's also, you know, karma for that alliance.

I was expecting that alliance to lose like, two members before the merge, but DAMN, it COMPLETELY collapsed pre-merge!

Reality TV's Stupidest Alliance everyone!

I was thinking Ashley would lose Lilly, her last ally, and be the outlier of her team trying to survive. Even if she wouldn't last long merge-wise. But when the Tribal Council started I realized, "Nah, Ashley's screwed."

I do feel like she was robbed though and they could do more with her. If she's in Season 3. The red marker is kind of a bullshit move to boot someone, ngl. But I get it, there's only 13 episodes so they had to do a double elimination. The TD Reboot had to do that as well. But really? That's how Ashley gets booted?

I liked her. She was the one reasonable fellow of that alliance.

Lilly... Well, I predicted her pre-merge boot from the very beginning, and I was completely right. And I think she works as plainly that. A pre-merge boot, AKA, an early elimination, with a one note personality that wasn't bitchy. She was also kinda the mom of that group.

I feel like they have to scramble up the teams now, right? Cause Purple has 3 and Teal has 6. It's not really fair that one team has DOUBLE the amount of teammates.

Or maybe because of that they throw someone from Teal to put them on Purple. My bet would be Gabby.

"Gabby, congrats, you're on the Purple Team now."

4-5, and it's a little better.

That would really screw Grett over though. I love her and I love the characterization given to her this episode, but also, I don't expect her to win at all.

If you guys want me to continue these reactions, be sure to let me know.

[twistedwonderlandshenanigans]

How do you think Rook would respond to MC!Reader going/went through a similar childhood? At least pertaining to the extreme mess, neglect and homebody parents.

I'd imagine MC would be absolutely relieved to be in a new different world rather than being trapped. Like Ramshackles not the best but it's a step up from what MC had; and they have Ghost friends (and Grim too I guess) to help clean it up. Not unlike a Disney princess and their familiars!

MC invites him to stay at Ramshackle during the breaks and summer. There they'd regale him with what it's like being the eldest child. Nevertheless MC feels deeply sympathetic towards him and wants to establish a place where he can be free. Together making a better home.

(Bonus points for him being romantically involved with MC)

SORRY THIS IS REALLY KINDA RAMBLY LMAO I hope it kinda. like tangentially answers your question if nothing else, I'm sorry I struggle to respond to asks about hyperspecific situations, but I'll try!!This is a really good question! I think we have slightly different interpretations of Rook, so this is my take on him in this scenario-

Rook is a very closed-off person when it comes to his personal life. He doesn't take kindly to being asked about his past, and the likelihood of him being open enough about his past to get MC to be sympathetic towards him, I feel, would be very low.

That being said. I do think there are hints MC could pick up on.

Let's say MC and Rook have been friends right from the very beginning, MC capturing Rook's attention as a being from a different universe, and Rook capturing MC's attention because of his Particular charm.

Let's say winter break rolls around, so about four months of being friends. Rook never goes 'home' for breaks, he just says he does to avoid any sort of confrontation on what he's doing over the break or if he has any family plans. He lets the mirror teleport him, and he spends his time in the woods rather than in the house. 'Home' looks more cluttered than ever, there are boxes starting to pile up outside, he can see through small gaps in the window the black mold continuing to fester on the walls, he can smell food decomposing in the midst of everything. He can see portions of the ceiling falling apart, he can see how splintered the kitchen cupboards are, he knows the integrity of his home is not dependable. He can see his dad struggling to bring food to his mother because of all the mess. He knows, his parents would be happy to see him for the first time in two years, but he would want to clean, and they would not let him. It's too much for him, he goes back to NRC.

He knows, that there is at least one person still at NRC, but likely more as he is aware many merfolk cannot return home due to the ice floes. The last thing he expects to find when he returns is an empty Ramshackle.

Two parts of his mind are immediately at war, one, trying to reason why you wouldn't be present, and if he should go find you. The other is the overwhelming compulsion to fix Ramshackle to the best of his ability. He remembers that the headmage asked you to tend to the fireplaces on campus, and despite his instinct to track you down, he starts fixing.

He isn't thinking very rationally in the moment, he just can't stand the thought of another person that he cares about, living in a dangerous, dirty home. You shouldn't have to walk around with shoes on all the time just to avoid splinters. You shouldn't have to use duct tape to patch over holes in the wall. You shouldn't have to be worried while you walk around your home because of rusty metal ware that threatens to cut you.

He travels to the woodworking classroom (bear with me for this one) to grab a sander, hacksaw, axe and a few other tools. Even though it's freezing outside, he cuts down wood, and brings it inside to dry out. Every splinter he sees, he sands it down, every wayward nail and screw, removed or sawed and filed down to no longer pose a threat to you.

Somehow he's worked through the entire night. You're not home yet, and he's exhausted and paranoid, which only makes his compulsion to clean worse.

When you finally come home, Rook is furiously scrubbing away at dirt you can't see, and Ramshackle is in the best shape it's ever been. His hands are raw, and the bags under his eyes are the darkest you've ever seen them.

You're home, and Rook could not be more relieved, even as you take his hands and fuss over them, all he can do is plop his forehead on your shoulder before pulling his hands away from you enough to hug you.

Both of you are exhausted - you've dealt with an overblot and he's had a major mental breakdown and also worked himself way too hard. You don't want to be alone, he doesn't want to be alone, he ends up sleeping in the corner chair of your room, and Grim ends up curling up in his lap. Grim can faintly hear Rook mumble something about having had a pet once and missing her.

Rook doesn't want you to speak about that night, not the state you found him in, at all. But it was more than enough for you to be concerned.

He still can't handle Ramshackle, it's still reminiscent of the home he left behind, and there isn't much he can do to change that...however, he does notice you inviting him to 'hang out' whenever there is a break coming up, and he takes you up on it, usually also planning activities for you two to do either outside or in the pristine environment of Pomefiore. It's not until post chapter 5, once renovations are done, that he really feels he can go to Ramshackle and be comfortable there. By then, it's in a state that is structurally sound and does not resemble home, and also easier to maintain the cleanliness of the entire dorm.

It's the one place where he finds he can sit down and be still for a while, without being on the hunt.

It's the one place where he knows he made a physical, meaningful difference to someone.

It's the one place that feels like home.

But that's nothing he did. That was you. :D

[fleetsonourgecentral]

Um. okay. Yeah, I could go on. Right back at ya, don’t apologize for your long answer either. It’s so nice when someone goes into detail with this kind of stuff.  Thanks for also sharing a few facts of the fleetway emeralds btw. Kinda what started this whole second train of thought.

Archie’s chaos energy isn’t screwed up like the Fleetway universe. True. But still very much insane in terms of power and ability. It’s given to the rise of entities like Perfect Chaos, fused Tikal + Chaos, Enerjak, Chaos Knuckles, and Turbo Tails. And ofc Super forms. Could grant wishes and immortality. Capability to warp time and space to the point of rewriting reality entirely. Which I assume the Super Genesis Wave never happens in your canon thank goodness otherwise RIP to everyone.

…And Scourge took power from the damn Master Emerald. 

So much possibilities for him based on the bonkers lore that is Archie and the potential was squandered. Understandable since he’s not a hero and HAS to lose. That being said, it can be argued in-universe reasons that Scourge is just very ignorant to what he can do. For all his power and speed, he’s simply not pushed to his limits the same way his Prime counterpart was. His skills are not honed as they should be. It’s canon that he doesn’t consider the capabilities/consequences of using power sources or what he ‘can do’ until Sonic spells these things out for him. Your Sonic had to come up with the idea of vibrating through handcuffs in which Scourge latched on the knowledge immediately from there.  Not always the critical thinker but fast learner indeed.

And ah yes, Scourge becoming good this way is terrifying. Characters that forcibly go under personality changes like this has been a long running concept in fictional media and it always hits hard on how horrible it is to have your mind manipulated to the point where you’re no longer you. I guess it’s a questionable last resort for the truly despicable, but for someone like Scourge..…why condemn him to such a fate ? 

Which leads me to another way on what a good Super Scourge would be like. 

As much Super Scourge is nice, starting off, he has a rather simplistic view on the concept of doing good. He’s no killer but lacks the understanding that people are pretty complicated. His first course of action would be to boot Sonic off the team. If Sonic is still stuck with his own Super form then he would forcefully separate Sonic’s Super form from him claiming he’s saving Sonic. Only to be surprised by Sonic still being an ass by default. 

He could be hostile to even pacifistic Super Sonic, simply because chaos energy conflict bullshit, attempt to absorb him.  Overall, it takes time to get a grasp on how not everything is painted black and white. With the added risk of being manipulated too, develop a more warped sense of good, the FF have to be really really vigilant with him on this.

Super Sonic gets more destructive the more chaos energy he absorbs. Super Scourge absorbing more energy, gives him the opportunity to do more good. Absolutely radiating. Then there’s the thought of going off to save other universes. He would leave the fleetway universe continuously absorbing the plentiful chaos energy the multiverse has to offer, not realizing his mission will be an endless one. Cue the bitter tears from Sonic, because that’s gonna be a long daaaayyyy to retrieve him. And probably Sonic spitting some vile words after, since he lacks the ability to cope with loss too well. He’s got the bloody receipts with Porker fully leaving the team & Johnny dying.

Scourge would be torn internally by this too because although it was through involuntary circumstances, he was gonna ‘leave for the greater good’ over Sonic in an eerily similar way his father had chose his peace making work over him.

Assuming the chaos energy works the same as it does to Sonic but with a collision of multi-universe chaos energy mix here, then an Evil Super Scourge wouldn’t be like Sonic’s. He would be truly unpredictable. The embodiment of doing whatever he wants when he wants it. A fickle little shit. Moods like a light switch. No one knows if he means what he says. The scariest thing when dealing with this Super Scourge is that he actually knows what kind of powers he has. Not a universe ender though, can’t ‘enjoy’ life and its chaos if you’re wiping everything off of existence.

Sharing Scourge’s arrogance to the extreme, Super doesn’t look for chaos energy to sustain himself because he always thinks he has enough, so he often burns himself out pretty fast. Other times transforming back would either out of sheer boredom, getting tricked, Scourge shakily taking back control, or seeing Sonic who makes him feel extremely miserable to where he just crumbles.

It could be he’s aware he comes from a Sonic. Triggering a sense of worthlessness for him. Or he has a soft spot for him. Idk. Unpack that suitcase of dynamics with him/FF and psychological issues when you can.

He could be envious of Super Sonic for at least he has consistent things to latch onto even if they’re simple and boring to him. (destroy everything/ live life at the Groovy Train). Because he’d partially share Scourge’s apathy towards things. Think of Anti Sonic when he got apathetic after overthrowing Anti King Max and got everything he wanted in the moment. That’s where I’m getting that aspect from.

As for his opinion on Scourge, bygones are always gonna be bygones since in the end, it was thanks to him he could exist to do what he wants. I also rather see your own interpretation on how he would treat Scourge. Geez imagine the new emotional issues and setbacks. If it’s by will? haha, yeah noo, let’s put a lid on this guy. almost forever. Fuck you Sonic why does your dimension have to be such a shitty plac—

If there’s no risk of transforming into either of these personas, then I like to think Scourge could maybe like re-stabilize the energy in Sonic’s universe one day. Bend the rules a bit with them. He’d be so ecstatic they both transform at will with no consequences (Screaming at the top of his lungs “TAKE THAT PRIME I JUST FIXED A UNIVERSE IN A WAY YOU NEVER COULD AND WE GOT COOL SUPER FORMS OUT OF IT”)  Or be very well be dragged in and consumed by it in a way no one is gonna expect.

sigh, I really wish we knew more about anarchy energy because Scourge is likely made of it originally, and it’s a miracle that the energy he absorbed wasn’t incompatible. The smallest way these energies probably did overlap canonically is through cosmetic change so far, if the whole green to purple invert palette is anything to take away from.

Basically the point is it’s like what Zonic says about Scourge,

“Besides, Scourge’s mutation has made him something of a wild card in the cosmic scheme of things.”

So I very much like that you aren’t planning to stick to one set of rules to how the super forms would work because you’re right. YOU’RE SO RIGHT. There’s no official answers on how all of this would even work! This is the sheer beauty of writing whatever the fuck you want. It’ll be thrilling to see what kind of stories you’d make up with that in mind.

Let Scourge be the cosmic wildcard.

Vibrating at the speed of light at all of this I love it all

I love the idea that Scourge doesn't actually know all the things he's capable of because he doesn't push himself the same way Sonic does, so you're right he very well could have abilities that even he doesn't know about. Would he discover them while in a super form? Or would his super form share his strategy of "brute force the way through everything" and continue to never discover any neat hidden powers? Who knows... good for Sonic if Scourge's super form is evil, though. Super Sonic is already a pain with everything he can do, so while a Super Scourge would also be a pain, it'd be easier if he was oblivious to some of the devastating things he can do

HELP FHJDSHJFDSA SCOURGE DECIDING TO FUCKING BOOT SONIC OFF THE TEAM IS SO FUCKING FUNNY..... SONIC WOULD BE PISSEDDDDD. And the idea of Scourge just fuckin. Sticking his hand in Sonic's chest and yeeting Super out is sending me. Afhdshjafd poor Super though.... already has Sonic questioning him, and now Scourge? He cannot catch a break

Oh my god Scourge flying off to "save the multiverse".... god Sonic would not take that well. You're right, he hates it when people leave him, even when they have good reason to (ie Porker) so for Scourge to leave him? He'd hate it. He has his own dimension to protect, he doesn't have time to care about what's going on in other universes, especially since those other dimensions presumably have their own Sonic to take care of things. I imagine he'd try to hide how hurtful he finds it, though... at least until they finally catch up to Scourge and Scourge puts up a fight and argues about how he doesn't want to go back. And the freedom fighters are desperately trying to tread carefully, because Scourge could bolt at any time and it's such a pain to pin him down, but Sonic would not be as tactful as the rest of their friends. You make a really interesting comparison between Scourge leaving "for the greater good" and the way his father chose peace over him, although I don't know if he'd be in a state to come to that conclusion himself in his super form. As his regular self, definitely, but idk about in a super form. I could absolutely see Sonic spitting that comparison at him, however; he's not above low blows, and Super Scourge isn't the Scourge he knows and loves, so if he's already lashing out, I could absolutely see him making some kind of vile comment about it. Something something "you're becoming just like your daddy, I see" or something along those lines

I love the idea of Super Scourge's arrogance meaning he burns out quickly, because I can absolutely see that happening. I think it would be difficult to trick him into powering down, because as you said, he's a fast learner, and Prime Sonic has already tricked him into powering down once, so he'd notice if the freedom fighters tried that, but I do think it would be possible. I think Sonic would struggle a little with tricking him, not because he's not smart or capable of tricking people, but because he's actually at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the freedom fighters. He's never had to calm someone down from a transformation, after all; the only times he has (to my memory) fought a super form was after he and Super were separated, where Super powering down wasn't an option. The solutions were to trick and trap him, or try and find some way to fight him, so Sonic's knee-jerk reaction is to fight. The rest of the freedom fighters, though? They have experience in this kind of stuff. They've had practice in bringing Sonic down from his super form; the time when Tails managed it by using Sonic's ego against him to trick him into solving the problem for them comes to mind. So they'd already have a few tricks up their sleeves - notably tricks Scourge probably hasn't seen, and thus he'd be more likely to fall for them. I also think his super form would have trouble thinking ahead, so while he'd recognise if someone tried an identical plan to Prime Sonic's, he'd most likely fall for other tricks that have a similar effect but are executed differently. So the freedom fighters would actually be pretty good at handling this situation

I think one of the hardest things for Sonic is that feelings don't translate when someone is under the influence of chaos energy. Like, Sonic loves his friends even if he's shit at showing it, but he was more than willing to kill them when he was super. So Scourge's feelings for him likely wouldn't be enough to make him change back, especially if he's evil and possibly even if he's good. I think it would frustrate him knowing he can't get through to Scourge by appealing to his feelings, because those feelings don't matter when he's in his super form

I think Sonic would think he can cope with it better than he can because his other knee-jerk reaction is to see Super Scourge as a completely separate person to Scourge, which is simultaneously easy for him and way more difficult than expected. Super Sonic is (now) a separate person, after all, so it stands to reason he'd see Super Scourge the same way. But I don't think he'd be prepared for how little that separation helps him. I think he almost definitely makes some kind of comment about how Super Scourge "isn't really Scourge" which will inevitably piss Scourge off. Having his identity as Scourge dismissed would hurt even in regular form, so in a super form, that would be multiplied. Especially since, well, Super Scourge is Scourge. Just not the one they all know and love. Super Sonic was still Sonic in the beginning, after all, and only really became his own person after the split. But Sonic has gotten comfortable with the idea of super forms being separate people entirely, so of course that's how he'll treat Super Scourge. Needless to say, I don't think that will go down well, no matter if Scourge is good or evil in his super form

I LOVE the idea of Scourge accidentally being the antidote who can stabilise chaos energy. Normally the chaos emeralds need specific conditions to be stabilised, but imagine if Scourge could act as a replacement for those conditions... I think Sonic would both be thrilled at having a super form he can actually control, and be wary about it. I think he knows he could do a lot of good if he could just control his super form, but I think even if he got a super form he could control, transforming or seeing his fur start to turn yellow would lowkey still make him panic and instinctively try to shut it down. I think it would take him a long time to get over that.

I had a vague thought about Sonic using a dark form like we see in Sonic X in order to get around this and take advantage of all the negative emotions he has around turning super, but that is like, ultimate self indulgent daydreaming lol so probably nothing I will ever elaborate further on

Also, even if Scourge could stabilise chaos energy, chances are Porker would want to run experiments on that, and I can't imagine Scourge would be too happy about playing guinea pig (this would not stop him from bragging to Prime about how he fixed an entire dimension's chaos energy)

I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT ZONIC CALLING SCOURGE A COSMIC WILD CARD honestly that makes this whole scenario even more interesting and demonstrates just how much he could shake up the rules just by going super. Like we really took someone who is already making even the zone cops go "yeah idfk what's going on with this one man" and dumped him in the universe with more volatile chaos energy than normal. What a combination fdhsafhjdsa. Also this makes me wonder how much of a headache poor Zonic would have if Scourge ever did go super with the fleetway emeralds. Especially if he was good and went zooming off trying to "save" the multiverse, because you can guarantee that behaviour would catch the attention of the zone cops. Creating yet another obstacle for Sonic and the rest of the freedom fighters. Honestly the more I talk about this the more I think about things that Sonic would add to his list of "reasons why Scourge should never go super" lmao

[siconetribal]

Put It On My Tab: Chapter 6

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!reader

Tag: @vbecker10 @wordsfromshona @harlequin-hangout @harpy-space @tild3ath @gone-batty-fics @princessbl0ss0m

Warning: The power of coffee, Jason finally gets his drink, Y/N might strangle someone, poor Y/N

Summary:

Everyone deserves time off, and the vigilantes of Gotham are no exception to the rule. The boys decide to take a weekend to let loose. Who knew a few drinks would lead to a stranger in bed?

Author Note:

A huge thank you and shout out to @harlequin-hangout for the amazing banners you made for me. I am excited to finally be able to use them!

If you're new to the story, here is a link to the other parts:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

It all happened so quickly. The flash of white. The clatter of chairs. The sound of a table crashing to the floor. She was on the floor, covered in left over coffee and pastry crumbs, with her a soreness in her lower back and hands from the impact. How was it even possible for him to be here? Here in this coffee shop of all places in the outskirts of Gotham where no one really visits, and the city is trying to gentrify for the rich to come rolling in? Either he was stalking her or this was some sick joke and the universe was mocking her to no end. 

And why would he be stalking you? You gave him a nice hotel room to comfortably get ready in, only for him to utterly trash and leave you with a bill that’s worth more than you. Anger burned in her chest at the reminder of what her kindness had led her to. Screw that, I should demand him to pay me! Who does he think he is?! Here I am busting my butt day in and out while he’s walking around without a care in the world buying fancy-shmancy overpriced coffee while running around Gotham breaking idiot-proof instant coffee machines?! Does he think money just falls from the sky? Hotshot rich pretty boy trying to look tough and rugged. She snapped out of her spiraling thoughts from the throbbing ache in her jaw. How tight was she clenching her teeth? 

“Are you ok?” The deep voice that haunted her dreams followed soon after, a hand came into her line of sight. Of course, he saw her and her spectacular display of grace. Her anger that was boiling inside her was quickly quelled by the ice-cold bucket of embarrassment that came crashing down on her. How was she going to intimidate him? She was a minimum-waged paycheck-to-paycheck living citizen just barely making ends meet, and she wanted to get him to pay for her? Someone who seems to only see her in humiliating situations and is always trying to help her out? If she took that hand, she knew she would somehow be on the line for something more expensive.

That boy is going to be the death of me. It’s better to just leave it. Who knows what he’ll do if I tell him. I might end up in a loan with interest that even my great grandkids will be trying to pay off. “No, thank you.” She muttered under her breath, lightly pushing his hand aside before pushing herself up off the floor. Keeping her head down, she brushed the crumbs off her stained apron and straightened her shoulders. Turning on her heel, she took a step with confidence. She was not going to be the damsel in distress needing help again. Her heel landed on a puddle of coffee and continued its journey forward. She stared at her foot that was in the air, realizing that she was falling backwards once more. 

Oh, for the love of, she braced herself for the second impact and squeezed her eyes shut with her hands extending backwards to catch herself. She waited for pain to shoot up her spine and her hips would be crying. Yes, any second now. Her palms would be slamming into the floor and possibly bruise at the heel. She waited. How long does someone fall for? This is getting a bit ridiculous! She opened her eyes to see was stopped mid-fall. Blinking, she looked left and right to see she was reclined back and meant to be falling, but something was stopping her. “What the?”

“Can’t say I’m not used to women falling for me, but this is a first.” He chuckled, and her heart jumped into her throat. He had saved her again. Her face was on fire as she scrambled out of his arms and carefully stepped around the to be out of his reach. “Hey, are you ok?” He asked again.

“Yeah, fine, thanks.” She pulled her cap lower and tucked her chin to her chest for added measures as she started to pick up the knocked over furniture. She nearly jumped through the roof as his arm came into her periphery as he helped her pick up the heavy table with ease. “You don’t need to do that. You should order.” She deepened her voice and crab-walked around the mess and made sure she remained facing him, as she was to avoid him from seeing her face. When she felt she had gained enough distance, she quickly spun around, gathered her cleaning supplies.

Jason watched the awkward employee move around, obviously avoiding him. He looked down at himself. Do I offend? He wondered, not sure what he had done to get such a bizarre reaction. Normally, women were eager to flirt with him, but she was doing her best to do the exact opposite. She was trying to make sure she was unrecognizable, but the odd behaviors made her more memorable in a way. Frowning, he walked back to the counter, where Citlalli offered him an apologetic smile.

“I am so sorry about that, sir. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He nodded his head, looking himself over once more. “Where was I? Oh, right, the coffee order.” He pulled out his phone again and began swiping through the chat to show her. With him distracted, Y/N turned back around and made sure to stand behind him so only Citlalli could see him. She excitedly waved her hands in the air until her best friend looked up at her.

That is him! He is 4k man!  She aggressively pointed at him, glaring daggers and punching at him in the air. Jason felt the burning look and turned, watching Y/N duck her head and do some sort of odd stretch. Seeing no one else looking at him, he shrugged and returned his attention to his phone, and Y/N signaled once more. “He,” she pointed to him as she mouthed the words. “Broke,” she held the mop in both her hands and mimed slamming it down on her thigh. “Coffee,” she pointed to the stain on her apron. “Him!” 

“What?” Citlalli mouthed back, her face scrunched in confusion. When Jason had looked up at her apologetically, she quickly put on her customer service face. “Not at all, please take your time, sir.” She assured him. As soon as he was looking at his phone again, she looked up at Y/N who repeated these motions a few times. On the fourth repetition, it dawned on Citlalli what Y/N was trying to say. “Oh, him?!” She mouthed back before eyeing him when a loud cracking sound came from behind Jason. Both of them looked to see Y/N standing there, holding a now broken mop.

Her face paled at what she had done. Their boss was going to really blow his lid now. Looking between the two pieces frantically, Jason turned back to the register. “Is she…alright?”

“Hm?! Oh, uh, yeah. Uhm, well,” Citlalli nervously laughed. “She’s still,” she slowly responded to him as she racked her brain for something to try to salvage the situation without him recognizing Y/N. “Recovering!”

“Recovering?” He raised a brow at her sudden shout of the word.

“Yes, recovering.” she proudly nodded her head. “She’s still recovering from a Joker incident. She’s one of the victims who were exposed to some laughing gas, but it wasn’t too bad in the sense that she was made into a laughing mess. Her mind is still, you know, and doctors have said it’ll take time. Please don’t mind her too much. She’s trying her best.”

“A victim of the Joker, damn, that’s rough.” He muttered under his breath, glancing over his shoulder to see Y/N down on her knees, shoulders shaking a little. He presumed it was her trying to stop herself from laughing, but in actuality she was trying not to cry. “I know how fucked up he can be. Uh, here’s the order.” He showed the phone screen to Citlalli who quickly tapped it into the register along with his regular coffee order.

“Thank you very much for understanding. We’ve had customers who’ve been offended by her.” Not a lie, she’s argued with rude people before. “Will that be all?” She quickly shifted the conversation back to the order, and he shook his head. 

“No, that’ll be all. I’ll pay with card.” He pulled out a black plastic rectangle and tapped it against the terminal. “Alright, here is your receipt. Please sign this copy here.” She handed him one sheet and then a pen with another. “Your drinks will be ready at the end of the bar to your right.” She pointed over to the pickup station. “We will call your name out for you, mister,” she glanced down at the receipt and her eyes nearly popped out of her head. 

“Just call for Todd,” he cut her off and pulled out a few high numbered bills and put them in the tip jar. “For you and your co-worker, and a small thanks for not using the name.” He flashed her a grin and waved, heading over to a clean table to wait.

“Oh, of course.” She nodded her head and quickly removed the cash from the tip jar to avoid anyone seeing how much had been put in and possibly cause trouble, and quickly got to making his drinks.

Y/N managed to clean up the mess and the rest of the sitting area after tapping the mop back together with packing tape. She prayed her boss would not be too upset, or perhaps not even notice.

We’ve needed a new mop for a while anyway. Maybe he’ll finally just buy it and not even ask what happened? As soon as she walked back in behind the counter, she felt herself being yanked forward and her forehead nearly collided with Citlalli’s. “Woah, what’s gotten into you?!”

“Are you sure?” Citlalli cut her off.

“Sure of what?”

“Don’t you play with me! Is he really the guy? The one who damaged the room?” She sternly asked, motioning towards Jason, who was patiently waiting for his drinks that were nearly done. Releasing Y/N from her grip, she handed her a cup and motioned to the pot of coffee. “Help me make his drinks while we talk.”

“Why would I not be sure? How many people go around with a voice like that and hair like that? That is him, I swear I’m not mixing things up.” She stressed, confused by her friend’s reaction. “Cici, what’s going on?” She glanced at the order details before making the coffee.

“Well, remember how you said ya might need to work for Bruce Wayne himself to pay it off?” Citlalli glanced at the order list as well.

“Yes, what about it?” She placed the first drink down. “Regular coffee, Todd. Regular coffee for Todd.” She shouted as she walked back over to Citlalli.

“He’s a Wayne boy.” She handed Y/N the receipt as she finished the second drink and brought it to the pickup counter. “Here is your second drink, we’ll be done with the third drink in just a moment.” She smiled at Jason, who was about to come pick up the drink. Nodding his head, he sat back down. Meanwhile, Y/N stood frozen in place. She had was saved by and spent a night in the same room with one of the famous Wayne children. There’s no way! How the hell did I get mixed up with one of them?! How am I supposed to approach him now?! I can’t just demand money, he can just laugh it off and say I’m making it up! This honestly can’t get any worse. She curled up into a ball, holding her head. I made an utter fool of myself just now, he’s definitely not going to believe me. This has to be some sick joke! She wanted to pout and whine, but she was on the clock. And I have a hotel room to pay off. She thought bitterly as she put the receipt in the register drawer before taking the next customer’s order. Cici can make his drinks and he’ll leave. He can leave, and I can stop having terrible luck because of him. She pulled off her hat, tossing into the shelf under the counter. Stalking me, yeah right. Try haunting me.

[a-bit-too-critical]

I swear, the more I listen to Octavia’s song, the more I want to cry

This turned a kinda vent-ish and it does convey my childhood trauma from a missing parent and how it relates to the song/Via, so ya might want to skip this one if you’d rather not see that.

I relate to her so hard. So many lyrics are ones I can connect to my own experiences.

“I’ll remember what you said/or was it just another lie” - my father has a serious lying issue, he told me so much back then and during a period where I really trusted him… and yet probably 3/4 or even more just wasn’t freaking true. I can’t even tell now.

“Or are you just another ghost” - he’s ghosted our whole family for a solid 6 months now. No child support, no check ins, no visitation. It was so sudden too, like we were supposed to come over one weekend and then he was just… gone. (Sounds kinda like Via considering Stolas just suddenly decided to dip with no warning and leave everything behind, leave his daughter to suffer)

“If you thought that I’d take it you were wrong” (referring to her forgiving Stolas) - I’m never forgiving this man. I barely even see him as a father anymore. Both Via and I are so much better off without them.

“I will be ok/though ill never be the same” - ties into the last one, i am better off without him though obviously nothing will ever be the same

And that’s just a few of the big ones. So yeah, I relate to her. And that means I can say for sure that this episode would’ve broke me if I was still a Helluva fan.

I joined the critical community due to Tumblr, as I browsed the tag for a bit to see why some people disliked the show. At first I was defensive, then I understood some points, and then I realized I agreed with so much of it. This was a little after Apology Tour.

I think if I hadn’t joined tumblr then I would’ve continued being a Viv supporter and major hellaverse fan through GhostFuckers and Mastermind, especially Mastermind. But this? The way Via talks about Stolas (the character I used to love and support) like my own father, the way they show “gay cheating is ok kids!!! Especially if the ex-wife is a bitch!!”, it all would’ve made me start to wake up and realize how screwed up this show is. So if you’re a fan or ex-fan that became even a little critical today, welcome! We’re glad to have ya here :D

Anyway, Stolas is an absolute piece of shit and one of the worst hellaverse fathers. And in a universe where every freaking character has daddy issues, that’s an achievement. This whole thing just made me want to beat him up more.

As for the song and Via, I’m gonna seriously be practicing singing it for a cover. There’s no way I can’t make a cover of this. Got a friend who’s a musician so I might be able to borrow her mic.

I do believe Octavia has beat Beelzebub and Stella for my favorite Helluva character. I think once the hyperfixation wears down a bit too I might want to see if I’m Octavia fictionkin because I do truly feel as if I AM her right now.

Not tagging this either, this is just kind of a brain dump type post lmao

[mofsblog]

League getting a singular cohesive universe, Arcane being canon and Why I'm worried

[disclaimer: This is all the personal opinions of one sleep deprived rando on the internet and its fine if you disagree with anything I say]

On a surface level, the decision to make to make Arcane canon and make the runeterra universe one cohesive canon sounds pretty harmless and actually good. After all, Arcane's writing was really good and the idea of having a consistent universe sounds really good in theory.

The problems start to arise when you remember that Marvel and DC have been trying to make a singular cohesive universe for decades and have both failed every single time. It's nearly impossible to make a single cohesive canon when you have so many characters and stories and that's not even getting into the implications of Arcane being canon

Arcane being canon

Now, on paper, it doesn't sound too bad and if I'm being completely honest, I wouldn't have minded if they just implemented some worldbuilding from Arcane (like shimmer) into the main universe, my problem arises with the fact they are planning on making the Arcane characters fully canon

The reason why I personally think Arcane worked so well is because it wasn't confined to the main canon and was able to use it as a jumping off point to do its own thing. By making it canon, they're essentially going to have to do one of three things:

Let Arcane continue as it's going and just have the Arcane lore and characters become the main universe's lore and characters (essentially nuking the old characters we've had for years out of existence)

Restricting what Arcane can do and making it so the Arcane characters eventually become their main universe counterparts (which I feel would be a little forced even if they somehow manage to do it semi smoothly with the good writing)

Instead of one completely taking over the other, they merge the Arcane and main universe characters (That's probably the best option but that still means we're gonna lose something)

They essentially can't do anything without either changing or erasing parts of the main universe's lore or Arcane's lore. There is also a part of me that's scared that if Arcane lore does overtake the main universe lore, it's going to set a precedent for potential future shows doing their own thing with the main lore and then that show's lore overriding the main one

Optimism

Okay so before I move onto the next section, I do want to share a bit of cautious optimism I'm feeling in regards to this. Call this copium if you will but who knows? Maybe Riot will have actually learned something from the Sentinels of Light event and will actually give this whole "one singular canon" thing the money and resources it desperately needs to work. Maybe after seeing Arcane's success, they'll allow creatives more freedom but have weekly meetings across all departments and constant check ups from lore coordinators to make sure nothing contradicts itself. Maybe Riot being a gaming company, and not a comic book publisher with comic issues coming out frequently. will actually allow them to somehow manage to do the impossible and make a cohesive universe. Maybe if there are screw ups, they'll be minor and be patched up relatively quickly

i fucking wish Anyways, moving on

"One Big Shared Canon" and the Restrictions on Creativity

As mentioned before, making sure nothing contradicts itself in a universe with this many characters is almost impossible. I wouldn't mind the whole "one cohesive universe" thing if I didn't know it was almost impossible to manage and that the easiest way to have a strict cohesive universe is to restrict everything and simple it down and that scares me. Riot the corporation literally didn't give two shits about lore until it made a line on a graph go up for them. I'm scared they're not gonna give this the effort and funding necessary to actually maintain this

An pre existing example of them already restricting creativity because of the canonisation of Arcane and Runeterra becoming a singular shared narrative would be Legends of Runeterra. LOR has been carrying most of the main universe's lore and worldbuilding. It has expanded so many forgotten champions and is one of the main reasons Runeterra's lore is so vast, complex and interesting and Riot fucking pulled the plug on it, by cutting its budget and forcing a lot of its artists to move to other departments, and told the remaining LOR team to stop developing all new narrative content because they didn't want any runeterra lore to be developed independently and not as a part of the entertainment division. All of this to say making everything one big shared canon, they will probably end up just restricting most of their creative departments and creating less interesting and unique art and stories as a result which I think is a shame

In conclusion, fuck capitalism (kinda ironic, because, yknow, arcane,,) and go play lor/hj

[mossmutant]

My AquaCadet / GWARRIOR character redesign.

Reintroducing Cap’n Canis Lupus! Formerly known as Carnivorous Canis Lupus.

I am cadet #2000858!

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My Aquabats fan character who used to be apart of GWAR. He was created in November 2023. He is my first fan character for an existing universe of established characters, well two universes, so I don't take him seriously at all and you shouldn’t either!

As a representation of myself as an Aquabats character, he reflects me and my interests. I'm a huge fan of GWAR and I actually got into the Aquabats because of the GWAR vs. The Aquabats radio play for the Ska Parade Radio Show in 1998.

In the 90s, “Carnivorous Canis Lupus” was a member of GWAR, he was a stagehand for their band and would help set up the larger props for the performances. There wasn’t really much to him with GWAR aside from being a stagehand and to eat and piss on slaves whenever one of them fucked up. He previously fought the Aquabats in the “GWAR vs. The Aquabats” radio play and became somewhat fascinated with them. Once the Aquabats defeated GWAR, the two bands went their separate ways, and he forgot about the Aquabats entirely.

A year later, GWAR had went back to Antarctica but forgot Carnivorous Canis Lupus and left him behind in California. When he couldn’t find the rest of GWAR he found a cave to live in. He was still evil, fucked up with drugs, and hateful. Canis still wanted to destroy things around him, and that’s when he came across the Sandfleas who had similar goals to him. He fought them and became apart of the group once the fleas realized he could be of good use to them. Mel gave him the name “Jaws”. Since Canis stood out too much compared to the rest of the fleas, Mel gave Canis a mask, sweater, and necklace like the rest of the group, and that is how he went from being a Gwarrior to a Sandflea.

When the Sandfleas encountered the Aquabats again it brought back a vague memory from 1998 when he fought against them alongside GWAR, but he couldn’t remember much about them. Just that their costumes looked familiar. After losing the fight and some bickering with the fleas, Canis was still trying to remember where he’s seen the bats. He didn’t want to ask the fleas so he quickly shrugged it off and went about his business.

Later that year, the Sandfleas fought the Aquabats again. When Canis was fighting one of them (for some reason, it’s Crash in my mind) he got their scent and remembered exactly where he first encountered them. He then got distracted by the memory and lost the fight a third time against the Aquabats. The Sandfleas continue to be pissed off and couldn’t come to a conclusion on why they kept losing against the bats.

Canis continued to be interested with the bats and had slowly started to become a fan. He admired the Aquabats from afar and in secret to not get caught. He thought they were cool and respected them for defeating GWAR. He secretly believed in the good of the world, which is what the bats stand for. Although he always put on a great fight. He never admitted to anything in regard to the bats and never spoke about them.

Canis was the only member with powers, so one day they got into some serious shit causing them to blame Canis for everything, and basically end up screwing him over.

So once he got out of the slammer he went to the Aquabats and wanted to be apart of their group, but Commander turned him down and told him he can be apart of the Aquacadets and Canis gladly accepted. So now he does the best he can to help the other cadets out when needed, though sometimes his aggressive tendencies come out so he’s still learning on how to better himself.

He is apart of a cadet friend group called “Cadets Viva La Skateboard”.

Fun Facts

-He is from the planet Scumdoggia and was apart of GWAR's Scumdogs Of The Universe, so technically he's an alien wolf-like creature.

- I like to imagine that he was close to Slymenstra, Beefcake, and Balsac. He hated Techno Destructo and often got into fights with Oderus Urungus.

-When learning about the Aquabats, the MC Bat Commander became his favorite and started to look up to him. (CCL and MCBC are best friends in the alternative version of his story!)

-Is trying to break the habit of eating crack.

-His speaking voice and attitude is similar to that of Freddie Mercury's...for obvious reasons.

[teecupangel]

Submitted by @fanworldbuildingfun

I may or may not have aquired Aegis in Syndicate. And while it’s a beautiful set, the broken static effect it gives off drives me insane. So have an idea: before becoming a bartender, Desmond had a stint as assistant in pawnshop/illeagal antique shop.

There are entire shows made about what kind of gems you can find in those. And Desmond, despite not yet having Eagle Vision at this point, does have a rather keen intuition. So when a man pawned off a few crates of “antiques” that belonged to a relative, Desmond chose not to ignore the sudden feeling of Imporance@TM. 

I imagine you see where I am going with this

One of the things that are in the crates, is the Aegis. Dulled by time and lack of care. Barely noteworthy in appearance. But to Desmond’s intuition? Oh, a few years on he would look back at that moment and laugh because it would have definitely glover golden.

The owner of the shop lets Desmond keep the old thing - it didn’t recemble anything truly vintage, and gimmick old clothing didn’t tend to sell well in that area

…Don’t ask me how Desmond managed to make Aegis fit him. Let’s assume he has some sewing skills, and since the Aegis was meant to be Minerva’s, there was plenty of clothing hidden in the seams. Evie and Jacob just never checked because they did not know how to sew. Or tailor

(…If Jacob’s starting set is anything to go by, it’s more than likely)

The thing is… It doesn’t take Desmond long to figure the funky new coat he has, has a strange reaction to tech. As in, any attempt to record him in it leaves the picture so grainy and full of static that Desmond brought in a loaned geiger counter just to make sure the thing wasn’t radioactive

It wasn’t

So Desmond just shrugged and added it to his limited wardrobe as a guilty pleasure thing

In this universe… Abstergo has a much harder time finding Desmond. To the point they get desperate and thus, clumsy. The kidnapping is recorded, and the damage is attributed to Abstergo trying to erase the data. It doesn’t help that Abstergo tried to take even those videos down

In short, this is a blurb intended to get Desmond into Aegis and has no other intristic value

===============================

Additions from teecup:

We can make this work.

I like the idea that the Aegis isn’t in top condition with the golden pauldron missing so it just looks like normal-ish kinda off white clothes. The off-white shirt and pants were easy to ‘mend’ for Desmond who received basic sewing lessons from the Farm (as part of the whole ‘we’ll take care of ourselves’ mentality they had going on) and they’re super soft and light which he enjoyed. They were also tight and shows off his body which always helped with the tips so it’s a win-win. The long… coat? Jacket? Desmond wasn’t sure how to describe it, to be honest, looked like a cross between sheer and lace so Desmond was careful in handling that. Mostly, he just liked how fluttery it feels when he wears it so he starts wearing it over the white shirt and pants but he also wore a black hoodie on top of it. It was also warm so even in the coldest night in New York, Desmond was fine.

That’s really the main reason why he kept wearing it.

When he learned that his outfit has a strange reaction to tech, Desmond just thought “huh, must be the fabric” and didn’t really think about it all that much after making sure it wasn’t radioactive.

He did also notice that it screwed up pictures taken of him so when he got his motorcycle license, he made sure not to wear it so it wouldn’t screw up his application.

That’s… how Abstergo learned of him.

And yes, Desmond continued to wear the Aegis after he got his license and, really, Abstergo was fucked the moment they tried to kidnap Desmond because they were being sloppy.

Lucy had to pretend to get him out sooner, before they even finished Altaïr’s memories, because Abstergo was getting a lot of flack for Desmond’s kidnapping. Taking him to the Assassins would lessen the heat.

Probably…

Also, also…

Aegis is noted to be Minerva’s combat outfit so it would make sense if it grants some kind of protection as well.

I think the broken static is meant to show how the Animus is unable to process Aegis completely and the Animus is meant to be one of the most high-tech devices humanity has developed. It’s even based on Isu tech so the fact that it could not completely process the Aegis shows how the Aegis’ protection is not only against physical threats but technological threats as well.

Including…

The mind control capabilities of the Apple.

So, in this idea, it would be fun if Desmond’s Aegis protected him from Juno’s mind control. Lucy lives and Juno is annoyed af.

And…

Juno tells everyone that Lucy is Templar. XD