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danganronpasurvivoraskblog · 4 months ago

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Dangancember 2024 - Danganronpa Top 24 Class Trials - NUMBER 1🥇: Danganronpa 2 Case 4 {BEST CASE IN DR2}

//One could argue that this case doesn't reach the same incredible heights as the case that comes after it. One could also argue that the emotions that this trial gives off make it unworthy of the top spot.

//Many could argue that there are holes in the writing that really make the intentions not come through as clearly as they could do.

//And to be honest, I was seriously considering putting 2-5 at the top of this list, because I do agree that it's probably the better mystery, and story arc, of this game.

//However, this is still my list. And as I said before, I am ranking these trials based on how important they are to me, how much they resonated with me emotionally, and how much I enjoyed them. Effectively, if they had a lasting impact on me, and how strongly they did.

//And with that in mind, I simply could not put Game 2 Case 4 anywhere else.

//As I’ve mentioned before, the fourth cases in these games often mark the point where the mysteries start to push boundaries, leaning into ideas that feel uniquely suited to the medium of video games. This is usually when the developers get more daring with the setup, location, atmosphere, and sometimes even technical elements of the case.

//This applies to both Kodaka AND LINUJ.

//But among them, this particular case holds a special place in my heart.

//Here's why:

//For starters, I absolutely adore this chapter.

//It’s one of those rare gems where everything feels deliberately crafted to mess with your head, in the best way possible. Much like Chapter 4 in V3, the environment itself takes center stage, practically becoming its own character in the narrative.

But while V3’s virtual world only influences the case itself, this chapter traps you in its bizarre locale for the entire duration. This location, as we've referenced a few times up until now, is a giant, fruit-themed funhouse.

//A murder mystery set in a place that sounds like it was dreamed up by a sugar-high interior designer with a vendetta against logic. It’s as unusual as it is brilliant.

//But yes. We've talked about Sakura's locked rec room, the virtual world, the ballroom, and the Tower of Babel, and now we finally get to talk about the infamous Strawberry House/Grape House; a maze-like funhouse whose entire purpose is to confuse the living daylights out of everyone inside.

//And trust me, it succeeds spectacularly. Like V3-4, and what made that case so damn good, is that understanding how the building, particulatly the central tower, works, is downright essential.

//But while the mechanics of the funhouse are enough to make your head spin, what really elevates this chapter is the contrast. For a case that’s as ridiculously complicated and meta as they come, the setup is shockingly raw, relatable, and utterly heartbreaking.

//The despair kicks in from the moment you wake up in this architectural fever dream. There’s a sense of suspense hanging in the air, and before you can catch your breath, Monokuma drops his latest sadistic twist: you’re not leaving the funhouse unless someone kills someone.

Also, to add to the desperation, despite the fact that we're in a funhouse based on food, there IS NO FOOD! So, you’re left with the cruelest ultimatum imaginable: kill or starve. Survive or succumb.

//Personally, I think this setup is complete bullshit, but it’s also what makes this chapter so unforgettable. It’s a constant pressure cooker, and just when you think things can’t get worse, Monokuma turns the dial up to eleven with mandatory Monokuma Tai Chi sessions. Fun fact: Tai Chi on an empty stomach only makes you hungrier! Who knew?

//But yeah, we've already talked about the motives in this story that are basically "kill someone, or die," but I think that argument works for V3-1, and not so much 2-4. And it's mainly got to do with the difference in motives for the Masterminds.

//While Tsumugi is just desperate to get the latest season of her killing game kicked off, AI Junko in DR2 REALLY needs people to die so she can take over her bodies, which is largely why the motives in Game 2 feel like more targeted attacks. If you think about it:

Case 1's motive feels like it could apply to anyone, but Monokuma must have known that Teruteru especially would fall for the trap because he's the one with the sick mother that he needed to get out and save.

Case 2 was set up to be a targeted attack against Fuyuhiko so that he would stage a plan to kill Mahiru and avenge Natsumi.

Case 3 is bullshit because it's literally a brainwashing disease that conviniently makes you act the opposite of how you usually act.

//Compared to some of that, this is tame by comparison.

//At least in terms of ridiculousness and unfairness. Not in terms of desperation; I will make that VERY clear.

//As the days drag on, the desperation becomes almost unbearable. Watching Hajime slowly unravel under the strain is one of the most emotionally gut-wrenching experiences in the entire series. You can practically feel his grip on reality slipping as hunger, confusion, and tension eat away at him and the others. It’s a situation that’s so dire, it might even make you consider snacking between play sessions just to cope.

//(Pro tip: don’t play this chapter while hungry. You’ll regret it.)

//Now, let’s circle back to the Funhouse itself. It’s divided into two sections: Strawberry House, where most of the boys sleep, and Grape House, where the girls and a room-less Hajime bunk down.

//Each side SUPPOSEDLY has its own tower, and while they seem connected, no one can figure out exactly how, besides a single, maddening elevator.

//There are no windows, Monokuma cancels the morning announcements, and any sense of time completely disintegrates. Oh, and there’s something called the Octagon thrown into the mix, just to make everything even more mind-bending.

//This chapter is an assault on the senses, a test of endurance, and a masterclass in psychological tension. It’s frustrating, fascinating, and unforgettable all at once. By the time you finish, you’ll likely be as emotionally drained as the characters. And that’s what makes it so damn great.

//But when the murder actually happens, things get even CRAZIER!

//One of the standout reasons this case is so phenomenal is because it dares to be wildly different from the others, and not just in a "slight deviation from the norm" way, but in a "what-the-actual-fuck-is-happening" kind of way.

//Let’s dive into the first element that makes this case unbelievably unique: the Victim.

//The unfortunate soul this time around is none other than Nekomaru Nidai, and...I do admit that one of the more unfortunate parts of this case is the fact that Nekomaru gets cucked REALLY bad by the narrative in this later part of the story.

//At this point in the story, Nekomaru has already met his untimely demise in an execution that wasn’t even meant for him. But Monokuma, ever the stickler for his own twisted rules, couldn’t let him stay dead, as that would technically break the school trip regulations.

//So, what’s the solution? Resurrect him, of course! But because Monokuma is also a petty jerk, he didn’t just bring Nekomaru back to life, he brought him back as a robot. A full-fledged, chrome-plated, hydraulically-enhanced robot. Out of pure spite. You know, like any sane bear would do.

//So after his execution, he's not only absent for all of Trial 3/the Despair Disease segment of Chapter 3, but after they bring him back, he DIES AGAIN.

//And it makes me feel a lot of shit, because Nekomaru, when you do his FTE's, is actually a RIDICULOUSLY INTERESTING character!

//The big issue with DR2's characters, as much as I love them, is the fact that the best parts of them are only seen in the optional Free Time Events, and without them, they're honestly kind of one-dimensional, and it doesn't make them as sympathetic when they die. Mahiru, Hiyoko, and Teruteru are easily the biggest examples, and Nekomaru is another one.

//All these characters are amazing, but you have to look deeper into them if you really want to see that. I just feel really bad for Nekomaru, because this part of the story screws him over so hard.

//However...Here’s where things get even more interesting: while Nekomaru himself doesn’t play a massive role in the overall murder plot, his robotic status is absolutely central to how the crime unfolds.

//In fact, it’s safe to say this murder could only happen to someone like him. It’s a case tailor-made for a victim with robot-specific quirks, and the execution is nothing short of brilliant.

//Let’s talk specifics, shall we? First up, Nekomaru’s internal radio clock. Unlike everyone else, he has a perfectly accurate internal timepiece, making him the only one who would know the exact time down to the second.

//Then there’s his sleep function. He has a built-in mechanism to enter sleep mode, complete with a timer that can wake him up. And it’s not just a nifty feature; it’s a key element in how the murder plays out.

//Add in a host of other robot-specific traits, and you’ve got a murder mystery that feels refreshingly original, pushing the boundaries of what a Danganronpa case can be.

//What makes this all work so well is that it embraces the absurdity of the situation without losing sight of the logic and strategy that define the series. The murder isn’t just unique for the sake of being unique, it’s a puzzle that could only exist in this specific set of circumstances, with this specific victim. It’s bizarre, it’s intricate, and it’s utterly unforgettable.

//Which is also a large contributing factor to why this investigation sequence stands out as my absolute favorite in the entire Danganronpa series. From start to finish, it delivers a perfect blend of creativity, complexity, and downright bizarre twists that keep you on your toes. The clues you uncover are not only unique but also challenging, making it nearly impossible to predict how everything will play out. It’s a mental workout in the best way possible.

//Let’s start with the setup. By the time Nekomaru’s body is discovered, the group feels like they’ve got a decent grasp on how the funhouse operates. But then, as you start piecing things together, you realize, some of the evidence directly contradicts what everyone thought they understood about the layout.

//This throws a wrench into the group's theories and forces you to think beyond the obvious. The only way to crack this case is by carefully examining each clue, laying them all out in a neat little mental grid, and connecting the dots one by one.

//What’s brilliant here is that almost all the conclusions the group reaches feel logical in some way, even if they’re hilariously off the mark at times.

//Now, let’s talk about the real highlight of this investigation. We all love to rave about the protag switch in Danganronpa V3, but does anyone remember that Game 2 briefly pulled the same trick?

//During this investigation, Hajime, who’s stuck in Grape House, can’t cross over to Strawberry House to investigate. So who steps up to the plate instead? None other than everyone’s favorite chaotic wildcard, Nagito Komaeda. And let me tell you, it’s every bit as wild as you’d expect.

//The peak of Nagito’s investigation is the iconic Final Dead Room sequence. This part is pure nostalgic gold, as it feels like Danganronpa took a detour through an early 2000s Big Fish-style point-and-click adventure game. The sheer absurdity of solving puzzles in this creepy, isolated room, combined with the ominous atmosphere, makes it a standout moment.

//And then, of course, there’s the Russian Roulette scene. This is where Nagito’s…unique...personality really shines. Not only is the concept of spinning a loaded gun for clues objectively insane, but the way he handles it, like it’s just another Tuesday, is as hilarious as it is unnerving.

//tldr; It’s a brilliant combination of clever game design, character development, and humor, all wrapped up in the offbeat charm that Danganronpa does so well. Whether it’s the jaw-dropping twists, the nostalgic game mechanics, or the pure chaos of stepping into Nagito’s shoes, this sequence has it all, and that’s why it works so perfectly.

//And then when we get to the trial, and all of these things are brought up. And holy shit, basically ALL of these elements come together in a way that is downright MASTERFUL!

//Let me say it again for emphasis: this case isn’t just one of the most engaging mysteries in all of Danganronpa, it’s also one of the hardest to crack.

//Seriously, you’ll need to flex every neuron in your brain to make sense of this mind-bender. From understanding time consistencies to grasping environmental nuances, this case demands a lot from you.

//And that’s part of its charm. It’s a delightful challenge that pushes your detective skills to their limits while keeping you glued to the screen.

//The pacing here is impeccable, and every character gets their moment to shine (or stumble hilariously). Even the less-than-genius members of the group, like Akane, contribute to the discussion in surprising ways.

//In fact, not only does she join in in a meaningful way, but Akane ends up being the closest to cracking the case early on, proving that sometimes brute-force logic works!

//I...almost forget that despite being so dumb, Akane is actually super helpful in these trials, because her gut instinct is almost always right. Case 3 notwithstanding.

//The debates feel surprisingly realistic for such an outlandish scenario, with each character proposing their own theories. These range from plausible to downright wacky, but they all make sense in their own way.

//The theories fly fast and furious, covering everything from the layout of the funhouse to the relationship between Strawberry House, Grape House, and the mysterious tower in the middle. Questions about how the elevator works, how it moves, and what secrets it might be hiding dominate the discussion.

//And here’s the kicker: unlike some other cases, almost nothing in this investigation is a red herring. EVERY clue matters, and EVERY detail ties back into the murder somehow. It’s an intricate web that rewards careful observation and critical thinking.

//Now let’s talk about the murder itself, because, wow, it’s a doozy. The killer ends up being, in a very unexpected fashion, Gundham Tanaka, the Ultimate Breeder and hamster enthusiast extraordinaire. Not only that, but he orchestrates one of the most elaborate kills in the series, using almost EVERY aspect of the funhouse to achieve his goal.

//The method is as over-the-top as Gundham himself, and it’s a blast to unravel. Here’s how it went down:

//Gundham manipulated the funhouse’s alarm clocks, setting them back so they’d go off much later than usual. However, Nekomaru had that internal radio clock that always kept perfect time. So, while everyone else is blissfully unaware of the real time, Nekomaru is the only one to wake up for Monokuma Tai Chi.

//Once Nekomaru is alone, Gundham uses the "power of hamsters" to shut him off and ties him to the handle of one of the tower doors.

//Here’s where it gets even crazier: the tower itself is a giant elevator that moves between floors, though it’s designed to keep this fact hidden.

//Gundham manipulates the tower, causing the floor to descend and leaving Nekomaru suspended in midair. When Nekomaru reactivates, he struggles, triggering his fall, and ultimately, his death.

//What makes this case so brilliant is how satisfying it is to piece everything together. The complexity of the setup keeps you guessing until the very end, and the realization of how it all fits together is genuinely exhilarating.

//The sheer creativity of Gundham’s plan, combined with the funhouse’s disorienting design, makes this case a true standout. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, full of twists, turns, and insane moments. And that’s what makes it work. It’s challenging, inventive, and, above all, fun.

//But of course, we need to talk more specifically about Gundham here. And trust me when I say I have been waiting for this for literally almost a month.

//Gundham Tanaka isn’t just my favorite killer in Danganronpa 2, he’s my favorite killer in the ENTIRE SERIES.

//And no, Kaede does not count, because 1) Kaede did not actually kill Rantaro, and 2) even though I like Kaede more as a CHARACTER, I like Gundham's role as a killer more than hers.

//Largely because he combines a brilliant murder plan with an equally compelling motive, both of which fit his eccentric, larger-than-life personality perfectly. His scheme is a masterpiece of manipulation, utilizing every rule and quirk of the funhouse setting to orchestrate an elaborate, nearly unsolvable murder. Add in the unique mechanics of Nekomaru's robotic body, and you’ve got a case that’s as ingenious as it is wild.

//Honestly, this plan was so good that the ONLY reason Gundham lost was due to a minor accident that most players (myself included) don’t even notice until it’s pointed out in the trial!

//Even if the group figured out how Nekomaru died, they might never have deduced who did it if not for sheer chance. Specifically, if Fuyuhiko had chosen to sleep in his assigned room, Gundham’s identity could’ve stayed hidden. That’s how airtight his plan was.

//But what elevates this case even further is Gundham’s motive, which is one of the most fascinating in the series.

//When the trial ends, Chiaki posits that Gundham and Nekomaru might have fought to determine who would die, with Gundham initially luring Nekomaru out with the intent to sacrifice himself so the others could escape the funhouse.

//It’s a noble, heart-wrenching idea that makes perfect sense, but at the same time, it’s only an implication. Gundham never outright admits to it, which adds layers of depth to his character and his actions.

//Instead, Gundham ties his motive to his grandiose, demonic-villain persona and his unique philosophy on life.

//Earlier in the chapter, Hajime expresses his despair over the situation, saying he’d rather starve than see another murder. To Gundham, this attitude is utterly repugnant.

//His entire reason for committing the murder is to jolt the group out of their apathy, to remind them that clinging to life, even in dire circumstances, is a battle worth fighting. It’s a twisted, almost poetic motive that fits Gundham’s character to a T.

//What really makes Gundham’s actions unforgettable, though, is his refusal to drop his villainous façade, even in his final moments. His last words are both inspiring and devastating, cementing his role as a tragic anti-hero.

//Why doesn’t Gundham explicitly admit to his noble intentions? Well, I think there are two reasons.

//First, as he states during his monologue, he wants to uphold his villainous philosophy until the bitter end, sticking to his "evil" persona even as he faces execution.

//Second, I believe he wants to avoid being called a hypocrite. How could he tell the others not to give up on life while willingly sacrificing his own?

//So by keeping his true motives ambiguous, Gundham ensures that his message is one of strength and perseverance, free from contradictions.

//Now...*sigh* Let's talk about the elephant in the room.

//Not too long ago, and while I was looking at references for this review, I have seen a multitude of people talking about Gundham's motives, and being generally confused, and some even upset by the notion. That they think the game is playing it as a noble sacrifice, but believe that it's anything but.

//Beyond what I've just talked about, the murder itself is so elaborate that it overshadows Gundham’s motivations. The focus on the mechanics of the crime, the tower, Nekomaru’s robotic body, and the use of the funhouse’s unique design, leaves little room for deeper exploration of Gundham’s internal reasoning.

//So people usually walk away more impressed by the puzzle-solving than by Gundham’s character arc, leading to dissatisfaction with how his motives are addressed.

//Some fans take issue with this vagueness, finding it hard to reconcile the idea of Gundham as a noble sacrificer with his over-the-top villainous persona. The lack of an explicit confession leaves people questioning whether his actions were truly altruistic or just a convoluted ploy to "play hero."

//And generally, a lot of people seem confused as to why Gundham didn't just step forward and out himself from the start, like how Satsuki Iranami did in A-4.

//What upsets me most, and not to sound rude, is that the reasoning is so BLATANTLY OBVIOUS that I don't see how people miss it. The reason why Gundham stands on ceremony, lets the trial happen, even though he always intended to give his and Nekomaru's life for this cause, is very simple.

//Gundham’s ultimate goal wasn’t just to save the group but to teach them the importance of persistence. He saw that the others were beginning to waver, paralyzed by the dilemma of starvation versus murder. So his actions were designed to snap them out of their indecision, reminding them that survival often requires difficult, morally ambiguous choices.

//He wanted to inspire them to keep moving forward, even if it meant being vilified in the process. And the reason he didn't step forward is BECAUSE of this.

//Gundham wanted everyone to put more value in their lives.

//So what's the best way to do that?

//He makes them FIGHT FOR THEM!

//I'm in no way saying that this kind of moral quandry justifies murder, but while if Gundham had just outed himself as the killer, that would have gotten everyone out of the funhouse quickly and easily, but he didn't WANT it to be easy! Because even if they do escape, that pessimism will be brought out with them, and if Hajime and co. are so willing to give up here, who's to say they won't lay down and die when they reach the NEXT roadblock?

//Gundham’s disdain for Hajime’s willingness to starve reflects his core belief: that life, no matter how dire the circumstances, is WORTH fighting for.

//His decision to kill Nekomaru wasn’t an act of giving up; or an act of burtality or spite. It was a calculated risk to prevent the group from succumbing to Despair.

//By orchestrating the murder, he ensured that the group would be able to escape the funhouse, while also having them struggle to achieve their goals, and realize that their lives are important to them, effectively preserving their ability to continue the fight for survival.

//On top of this, Gundham’s refusal to admit to a noble sacrifice aligns with his commitment to his "evil overlord" persona. To him, openly admitting a selfless motive would contradict the image he’s built for himself and dilute the impact of his message.

//By framing his actions in philosophical terms rather than emotional ones, he maintains his integrity and avoids being seen as a martyr.

//And I would quote his final lines so I can pick apart what all this means, but...

//I think I'd rather let the man himself do it. Take it away, Chris!

youtube

//Love this man and his voice btw^^^

//But yeah, this is such an important sequence of dialogue for me, and if you don't mind (you probably do, but I don't care about your feelings) I'm going to pick it apart.

//Gundham begins by acknowledging that he cannot, and will not, force others to adopt his perspective. He's aware that his views are unconventional and that others may not fully understand his actions or motivations. However, this also demonstrates his resolve. Even if his beliefs are not embraced, he remains steadfast in them, confident in their validity.

//Gundham directly challenges the resignation and apathy that had gripped the group in the funhouse. For him, life is inherently valuable, and simply waiting for death without striving for survival or growth is cowardly and meaningless. This sentiment reflects his earlier disdain for Hajime's suggestion that starving to death was preferable to murder. Gundham views such passivity as an insult to the struggles and instincts that define life.

//Gundham identifies the root of the group’s despair: their sense of abandonment and hopelessness. By calling this out, he frames his actions as a rebellion against this mindset. He believes that resignation breeds stagnation and that nothing meaningful or productive can come from surrendering to despair. His words highlight his desire to jolt the group out of their apathy and push them toward action.

//And then the statement "Giving up on life…That's just an insult to life itself!"

//This statement is the core of Gundham’s philosophy. To him, life, regardless of its hardships, is sacred and worth fighting for. Surrendering to despair or choosing to give up on life, in his eyes, is a betrayal of the very essence of existence. This belief underpins his actions throughout the chapter, including his willingness to kill Nekomaru to ensure the survival of the group.

//He goes on to use a zoological metaphor to explain his perspective on survival. By referencing the natural world's harsh realities, he justifies his actions as being in line with the instinctual drive to live. In his view, killing for survival is not inherently evil but rather a natural part of life. This perspective contrasts sharply with human moral frameworks, which often demonize such actions. By invoking nature, Gundham suggests that survival often requires difficult choices that transcend conventional notions of good and evil.

//But then, Gundham flips the moral question back on the group. If survival through killing is deemed evil, then allowing oneself to die without resistance, effectively rejecting life, must be an even greater moral failing. His rejection of this so-called "justice" underscores his defiance against societal norms and his commitment to his beliefs. This statement also reinforces his role as a philosophical antagonist: someone who challenges the group’s, and by extension, the player’s, assumptions about morality.

//In Gundham’s eyes, resignation to death is not just cowardly but also a rejection of the natural order. He believes life is a sacred, universal force, and to willingly abandon it is to defy the very principles of existence. His critique of humanity’s "arrogance" suggests that humans, in their pursuit of moral absolutes and societal constructs, have lost touch with the primal instincts that drive life. To him, embracing those instincts, even when it involves moral ambiguity, is the true path to honoring life.

//People are free to interpret Gundham's words however they want, but for me personally...these words matter.

//These final words encapsulate his philosophy: life is sacred, and to give up on it is the ultimate sin. His rejection of resignation and embrace of survival, even through morally ambiguous means, reflect his unwavering commitment to his ideals, making his character and his death both memorable and thought-provoking.

//This sequence, and Gundham as a character alone, carry this case to the high-heights, but coupling that with what is generally the best mystery, most engaging investigation and trial, and greatest logical loops in the series.

//And it takes it all the way to numero uno.

//So let's give it EVERYTHING we've got! It's RECAP TIME!

#24: Danganronpa 2 Case 3 #23: Danganronpa V3 Case 6 #22: Danganronpa Another 2 Case 5 #21: Danganronpa 1 Case 3 #20: Danganronpa V3 Case 5 #19: Danganronpa 2 Case 2 #18: Danganronpa Another Case 1 #17: Danganronpa Another Case 2 #16: Danganronpa Another Case 5 #15: Danganronpa 1 Case 6 #14: Danganronpa Another 2 Case 4 #13: Danganronpa V3 Case 2 #12: Danganronpa Another 2 Case 6 #11: Danganronpa Another 2 Case 1 #10: Danganronpa 2 Case 1 #9: Danganronpa Another Case 6 #8: Danganronpa Another Case 4 #7: Danganronpa 1 Case 4 #6: Danganronpa V3 Case 4 #5: Danganronpa V3 Case 1 #4: Danganronpa 2 Case 6 #3: Danganronpa 1 Case 2 #2: Danganronpa 2 Case 5 #1: Danganronpa 2 Case 4

//And with that...Happy Dangancember everybody ;) And Merry Christmas!

-Mod

#danganronpa survivor #danganronpa #danganronpa 2 #dr2 #mod talks #ranking #gundham tanaka #nekomaru nidai #dangancember 2024 #Youtube

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leonardoeatscarrots · 1 year ago

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So i don't really know much about your fandoms or interests so... idk, would you mind giving me the rundown maybe? Like a little description about the games you like, or some info about your different comics? I want to chat more with you but I'm not sure where to start since I'm not familiar with your fandoms

Haha, that makes sense, my Fandoms can be considered a little niche.

First off, I'm super glad to finally meet you, lol. I've sorta been watching you and Pringles from afar, and you two seem like good friends.

But yeah, I'll happily give you a rundown, thanks for asking ^^

Pathologic/Мор: Утопия is a Russian videogame developed by Icepick Lodge. You play as one of three healers in a bo-hum steppe town, and your goal is to try and save the population from the outbreaking plague. The game has a lot of heavy theatrical influences and is well known for being extremely difficult and cruel. Which means the writing is perfectly catered to my tragedy-loving gay-theater-kid ass.

Karamora/Карамора is a show I got into a while ago. Basically, it's a fictional retelling of the Russian revolution (one of my special interests, lmao), except all the nobles are vampires. It's dumb but it's unironically so well made. Plus it has that twinky ginger guy, Evgeny Schwartz, in it. This show is also what got me on the Russian media pipeline to begin with XD

Lost Splendor was a memoir written by Felix Yusupov (aka the guy who killed rasputin, aka an important figure in the Russian revolution), and it's just incredibly funny for no reason. Man killed Rasputin, but all he could think to write about was how gay and ADHD he was.

Comics. I'm just very normal about them. I have a collection of around 80 different comics, single issues and graphic novels included. My favorites are queer and indie graphic novels, but im also a huge sucker for some of the classics like V for Vendetta. I have yet to purchase The Sandman comics, but they're on my list.

As for webcomics, I'm addicted to those too. I'm probably the biggest fan 5-ever of The Peculiar Compendium of Victor Van Wolfe on webtoons, and I've written a few fanfics and made fanart aplenty, as well as made custom stuffies of the characters. But I have a wide list of recommendations across a lot if genres XD

As for comics that IVE written, I currently have two open to the public on webtoons and tapas.

The first is Spaceships and Vodka, which is my primary comic. It's an anachronistic sci-fi surrounding a band of space pirates. It's a monster of the week style story with a lot of extra narrative told through backstories. It's currently still in the exposition stage and on hiatus.

The other is Gentle Hands, which is technically an AU of S&V. It's a gay romance following a disabled WWI soldier in a shellshock home and one of the nurses he has a crush on. This one is, alas, also still in the exposition stage, but is currently updating one page every other week.

As for like individual OCs, I mostly obsess over my comic characters. I don't typically make Fandom OCs.

My absolute pride and joy is Craig. He's also the fan favorite thus far.

I don't even know where to begin with him.

I have a bio for him and some other OCs I think, but I have yet to actually fill out any more >>_>> executive dysfunction my beloathed.

The full main cast list includes

Craig

Mirium

Derick

Terric

Carl

As well as Erasmus, Rusty, Cipher, Jadyn, and Jesper as some other extras.

So long as I'm here I may as well finish all the bios and make a master post lol...

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emmetverse · 7 months ago

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Roach had decided he'd had enough of sitting in the workshop sulking. Getting internet working was a bad idea. Things were better when it was just them - no outside distractions or influences. And yes, that was a lie, and he knew it was. But he lied anyway. Because he was grumpy as heck, and he needed to take it out on someone.

He had meant to go towards the house to find something to do, but instead paused just outside the door, looking towards the crates in the centre. He'd recognise that dumb, white curly hair anywhere. And as he approached, he saw the straighter, familiar brown hair next to them.

He paused mid-step, staring down at them. They each had a tub of ice cream and a spoon, talking about something or other. Brick was on Spark's lap, pawwing at the spoon pitifully.

"Aren't those tubs meant to be sharing size?"

They broke off, turning to look back at him. Threes shrugged, shoving his spoon back in.

"There's so much of it. Why huddle over one?"

Roach couldn't help but scowl. "Are you kidding me? You're actually eating it?"

"... You're the one who asked for it."

"That's suspicious as hell, though!"

"It's food, jackass." Threes glared. "They're all sealed. Unless someone had a crazy vendetta against us, it's not poisoned or anything."

Spark nodded along. "I don't think the internet friends would poison us."

"That, too."

"Wh- no, I don't think it's them-"

"Just have some," Threes huffed, then glanced him up and down. "I think some calcium would do you good."

"You're crazy if you think I'm touching anything like that."

"Crazier than you?"

"Excuse me?!"

Spark turned away, ignoring their argument and looking past them both to the farms that they all tended, to the compost bin and planting beds that Roach and Em had built together. They tilted their head a little, and looked back at him.

"When is the last time you ate something that you didn't make?"

"What the-" Roach stammered, reeling backwards. "Don't psychoanalyse me, freak!"

Spark just laughed softly. And they reached out their hand. "Come down."

He saw Threes tense as their fingers touched his. And he felt it in the way Spark was so nervous, so tentative to actually grip it, to actually pull him down.

No. It wasn't like that. He was good, right? That's why they let him stay here. Why would they be nervous of him?

But despite it, he felt the lump in his gut, the thought screaming 'danger', the urge to bite.

He followed his guide, letting himself be pulled down to sit cross-legged in the sand alongside them. It felt wrong. Something told him to run.

Threes reached into the crate. It took him a moment to get a grip on a tub. He pulled it out, flicking the blanket back over in a vague attempt to keep the rest cold. And then he handed it over. Just held it out. So normally, so casually.

And so slowly, so cautiously, Roach took it.

It was so cold. He must have taken one from the middle, because there was still a little frost on the outside of it. It tingled against his fingers, the cold radiating into them. It was a sensation that was almost nostalgic. It felt like someone else's memory.

He popped the lid off with his thumbs, his nose involuntarily wrinkling at the sickly sweet smell. He tilted it back, looking at the name. 'Jamoca Almond Fudge'. Yeah. That tracks.

He glanced up to the others. They were acting so casually, continuing their conversation, trying to act inconspicuous. It wasn't really working. But that didn't stop the fact that it helped... Just a little. He didn't want it to. That was dumb. Why was he letting himself get swayed by just two people pretending to ignore him?!

But it did smell so good. Nice and cold. It was always the same temperature here. Warming yourself up with blankets and fire was easy. Cooling yourself off was a different matter. And it was so nice to feel cold.

His head lowered and he gave it another sniff. It was a little soft, almost liquid around the edges where he'd been holding it. He tilted the tub a little, watching it slowly run, almost like lava.

A part of him considered the idea that they'd probably all drop dead of blood-sugar induced heart attacks before Em and Rex got back.

What, was he scared? Of a food? How dumb was that?

He stuck his finger into the tub. And before his brain could say anything else stupid, he shoved it in his mouth.

By every god that be, it was sweet. He felt the back of his tongue curl. And the flavour quickly spread as the ice cream melted.

To describe what was going on in this man's head was a difficult task on the best of days. All that can really be said was that he just stared. At the tub, beyond it - it was hard to say. It went on to the point that the others fell quiet; waiting, watching, worried. (Other than Brick, who was taking the opportunity to shove his face in Spark's tub.)

And then he just.. Sobbed.

He didn't bother to try and hide it as the tears rolled down. Spark leant over, rubbing small circles into his back. He didn't pull away.

#𐳱 roach 𐳱 #≜ threes ≜#✲ spark ✲#writing

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sawtastic-sideblog · 2 years ago

Text

Mark watched the man run from his car to the door of his house, rain pelting the brown trench coat that covered his three piece suit. With water dripping off his hat, the man that has caught Mark's eye fumbles the key into the lock. Mark's clear, bright, icy blue eyes bounce from window to window as the man goes about his Sunday night routine. He fixes a quick dinner, watches television for an hour, and, finally, goes to bed about nine thirty. Once the man is in bed, Mark wanders off and head towards his home.

It's a large house on the edge of town. It was built in the 1850s and served as a place of refuge and a makeshift hospital during the Civil War. With tall windows, even taller columns, a balcony above the porch, and a wrap around porch starting at the side of the house with railing separating it from the front porch, and a perfectly manicured lawn, including flower beds and rose bushes. The inside was also perfect, but comfortable, lived in. Mark opens the heavy, brown wooden door and steps through.

"Coat and shoes off! I don't feel like mopping the floors again, thank you!" A female voice calls from the kitchen. Mark obliges and sheds his coat, shoes, and hat. He then makes his way to the kitchen to find his friend and housemate, Amanda, mixing something in a bowl.

"What are you doing?"

"Cake," was the only reply she gave him. Mark nods in understanding.

"Where's John?"

"Out getting us food."

"When was the last time you fed?"

"Three weeks. You?"

"Same, but my cravings haven't kicked in quite as bad, yet."

"Damn you."

Just then the front door opens again. Mark and Amanda stay silent as they listen to the shedding of coats and shoes. Two pairs of footsteps head their way.

"Any luck?" Amanda asks, hopeful.

"Not tonight. I'm sorry," John, patriarch of this strange little family, responds. Lawrence runs a hand through his blond hair and takes a seat on a stool at the counter. He pushes his black framed glasses up on his nose as he takes in Amanda.

"Cravings got you, huh?"

Amanda nods and starts looking for a cake pan. Mark opens a cabinet and pulls one down for her and hold it out.

"Manda."

"Thanks, Mark," she says as she takes the pan. Mark moves over to the coffee maker and starts brewing a pot. Hearing that the hunt wasn't successful stirred something in Mark and now he is craving coffee. Maybe the hope of a good hunt was holding him over.

"I don't see why we just don't move," Lawrence says. He sounds almost defeated.

"Or just eat animals. Sure, it isn't the same as humans, but it may hold us over until we can get a human," Mark tells the coffee machine.

"Tomorrow, you and Lawrence will go out for animals then. We'll try it to see if it works. If it does then we will do that. If not, we'll figure something out. Goodnight."

With that, John leaves the kitchen and starts heading up the stairs. Lawrence looks over at Mark, who returns the look before pouring three cups of coffee. He hands one to Lawrence who accepts it gratefully before putting in the creamer and sugar. Amanda accepts hers and pours in sugar.

"Wants some coffee with that sugar?" Mark asks and chuckles when Amanda cuts his eyes at him.

"I'm going to make brownies," she responds before downing half the cup in one go. Mark chuckles again and sips his black coffee.

"Who were you guys going for tonight?"

"That nurse that killed those patients in attempts to save them and look better about herself."

"Angel of mercy," Mark mutters mindlessly. Lawrence nods.

"Yeah, she was heavily guarded. Then we tried to get the guy that gave that other guy a Glasgow smile, but the other inmates decided that he was a dick and they got him before us. I told John we should've kept the deal with the police chief when they changed over, but he didn't think Erickson would take too kindly to us."

"He has a vendetta against us. Something about being influences in the choosing of the cheif. And this house. Politics or whatever," Mark explains.

"He's a dick. Maybe we should eat him," Amanda suggests, cracking eggs into a bowl.

"Don't go outside until you eat," Mark says as he sets his cup in the sink. He bids his friends goodnight and walks up the wooden stairs. He walks along the red carpet with gold trim and details. He gets to his room and opens the door. His gray duvet with navy blue and black lines lay on the floor. His light green fitted sheet is off one corner and the light blue top sheet is crumpled at the foot of the bed. Mark takes his time making the bed and changing into a white t-shirt and blue and green plaid pajama bottoms.

He thinks back to the man that caught his eye today. Mark had seen him around, sure, but today they actually crossed paths.

"Vanilla latte for Peter!" The barista calls. The man, Peter, walks over to grab his drink and starts talking to the barista. Another barista calls Mark's order and when he goes to grab it, he smells something sweet. It's not the lattes it's this guy standing between him and his coffee. The scent is intoxicating and Mark can hardly breathe. He wants to smell this man forever.

"Excuse me, sir," Mark says as the man steps back to let Mark grab his drink. They make eye contact for a brief moment and Mark lost his breath. Between his ocean blue eyes and his intoxicating smell, Mark was a goner. Then, Peter smiles. Mark's knees almost buckle. This guy is really gunning for him. Intrigued by the new feeling, Mark secretly follows Peter about his day, until he went to bed that is.

"Mark, open the door, now!" Amanda calls from the hallway.

"Open it yourself," Mark responds. His door is flung open revealing Amanda and Lawrence. Amanda has a plate of brownies in one hand and a pot of fresh coffee in the other. Lawrene is holding a cake and three coffee cups.

"You met your person, didn't you?" Lawrence asks quietly.

"What do you mean?" Mark asks back.

"Your eyes have the same gold ring around them like John's," Lawrence explains.

"Oh, I guess I did," Mark says, sitting up.

"Who is it?" Amanda asks excitedly as scrambles onto the bed. Mark shrugs and takes a brownie.

"I think some guy at the coffee shop I like. Did we get forks?"

"I have some here," John says as he walks in with forks and another coffee cup. His tired blue eyes with gold rings around his irises look into Mark's eyes. He nods slowly. "You've met your love."

"Damn you and your super sonic hearing," Amandasays to John before shoving abrownie into her mouth.

"What do I do? And why did it take you guys so long to figure this out? I can't see my eye and I haven't looked in a mirror since 1932."

"I noticed it when I walked in. I just couldn't place what was different," Lawrence answers as he pours himself coffee.

"We're all hungry. We're off our game," Amanda offers around a mouthful of cake.

"What you do, Mark, is get to know him and let things happen naturally," John answers with a hand on Mark's shoulder. Mark nods and the four continue to talk we'll into the night. About everything. How Mark is going to run into Peter again, how much the cravings are hitting Amanda, how John met his person, and everything in between.

The next morning Lawrence and Mark drag themselves from their beds, the hunger really taking its toll after almost a month of not feeding. They decide to have breakfast at a diner.

"Hi, I'm V and I will be your server this morning," the server says in an almost monotone voice. Their apron is decorated with pins and buttons. There's one with cartoonish vampire fangs with a bright red drop of blood hanging off of one fang against a black background. Another is white with a simple black text that reads "they/them", a matching one beside it reads "he/him", a third button with a light blue background and bold, yellow text says "smile." There are many more showing a dinosaur on a skateboard, an astronaut riding a jellyfish, a cat wearing a mushroom hat, pigs, cows, more cats, and one that says "I <3 Vampires." Mark and Lawrence let their eyes wander the array on V's apron

"It sounds like you're not ready to be a human," Mark jokes. The server gives a half hearted smile.

"I'm normally not a person until after four, but I took someone's shift. Need the money, ya know?" V explains, their hair falling over their eyes.

"I understand. I'm never a human," Mark jokes again. Lawrence shakes his head and smiles.

"I'm not quite either, I'm afraid," Lawrence says. The men order and V walks away.

"Where are we hunting?" Lawrence asks.

"Forest twenty minutes out of town. We go for deer. It's deer season."

"Are we sure we're quick enough?"

"We're gonna try."

"This whole lack of blood thing sucks."

"You know Erickson would've burned us at the stake if we had told him."

"We don't scare him?"

"We do. That's the problem with humans. Get rid of the threat to save yourself."

"Maybe we could reason with him."

"There's no reasoning, Lawrence. He has a personal vendetta against us. Something about having influence with promotions or some shit. Remember? And if we tell him we're vampires, we'll have an even bigger target on our backs. We have to go hunt for our blood since we can't take the death row inmates anymore. That's that."

"We can't find anyone willing to give us blood?"

"Be my guest."

"If you're looking for blood, I can get you some. I volunteer at the blood bank once a month," V says absent mindedly as they set the plates on the table. Both men are silent and share looks of worry as V retreats back behind the counter to take the payment of another man.

"Do you think they?" Mark trails off.

"I hope not, but I don't think their brain is completely awake, yet."

"Well, if it is Mark Hoffman and Lawrence Gordon. How's that no good S.O.B., John Kramer doing?"

"Very well, Cheif Erickson," Lawrence answers.

"What a shame," Erickson say shaking his hand and clicking his tongue.

"A shame, sir?" Mark asks. Lawrence looks ready to pounce.

"Yeah, a shame. Once that old geezer kicks the bucket, I'm gonna take that beautiful house that he's turned into a halfway home with your sorry asses and make it my summer home."

"No offense, chief, but you sound like a villain from a children's film," Mark says as he brings his coffee cup to his lips.

"And besides, the house goes to Mark if anything happens to John. So, unless Mark wants to give it up, you're not getting it," Lawrence states defiantly. Erickson glares at him. Mark chuckles as V comes back to the table.

"Everything to your liking, gentlemen?" V asks.

"I believe so, V," Mark answers.

"Can I get you anything else?"

"No thank you," Mark answered again. V nods, writes something down, and places the check on the table. Mark grabs the check and stands. "You know, I think the mayor would love to hear what you've been saying about his dear friend. Don't you think, Cheif?"

Erickson glares as Mark gives him a devilish grin. Lawrence follows Mark up to the counter where V rings them out.

"I'd watch my back if I were you, Hoffman," Erickson says as he leans against the counter

"Is that a threat?" Hoffman raises his eyebrows.

"It's a promise," Erickson says. Mark, Lawrence, and V watch him walk out.

"Wow, what a dick," V says as they open the cash register. "I can be a witness, if you turn him in."

"Thanks, V, we'll keep that in mind," Mark says and gives Lawrence a look. Lawrence nods and takes off his glasses.

"Hey, V," Lawrence calls in his soft voice.

"Yeah?" V asks spinning around and looking at Lawrence, who makes sure that they make eye contact.

"Have a great day," Lawrence says with a smile. V looks almost in a trance until Lawrence breaks eye contact and puts his glasses back on. They shake their head and looks back at Lawrence.

"Yeah, you too," they say, confusion lacing their voice. The men exit the diner and start walking down the road.

"What did you put in their head?"

"What I needed to. They'll help us, though."

"Good. Now, let's go get some blood."

#saw 2004 #saw franchise #lawrence gordon #amanda young #john kramer #mark hoffman #saw fanfic #took me like a week but i finally got it done #work and school are kicking my ass #hope yall like it because i have lore now #also 90s villain erickson is my new favorite thing #not entirely edited so forgive any mistakes

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the-somewhat-rambling-reviewer · 8 months ago

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Peaceful Property EP 3 Thoughts

First, let me say this isn’t a criticism of the show or even of Pangpang’s character. I like the fact it’s shown that Peach’s issues aren’t the only reason he and Pangpang are struggling financially.

Pangpang could get a more conventional job, but she’s not responsible for any actual dependants. If she wants to chase her dreams of being an influencer, good for her. The fact she’s clearly sticking with Peach instead of trying to strike out on her own, where she might have some more luck, shows how much she loves her brother. At this point, Peach would be in much worse shape if he were all alone.

All this said, she can be so exasperating.

Her buying some vitamins, fine. For some people, vitamins do fall within the role of a necessity. Even her buying some makeup before giving the rent over would have been fine. But it seems as if she bought really expensive makeup, possibly too-expensive vitamins, and who knows what else instead of giving the rent to the landlady, and then, using what was leftover to buy some things, and then, saving the rest.

Exasperating.

To further this, awesome Kan is a fair dealer. She, a lawyer, told these non-clients to actually read the contract before signing it.

Trust between people doing business is good, but still, always read or have someone with a vested interested in you read for you any contract before signing it.

One thing, I don’t think Peach was actually shown signing during this scene.

Kan explaining how much money they’d get was a nice character moment, but still, the fact this is a non-objectionable deal to them doesn’t mean Home isn’t a massive asshole for tricking them into taking what he assumed would be objectionable to them.

And I’m still not feeling New in this role. He’s not doing a bad job, it’s just, there are several moments that I think, if a different actor did it, I’d feel what was expected. As it is, I’m watching New act. I mostly despise Home with me occasionally giving him tiny amounts of credit, but it’s sort of hollow.

Moving to a different part of this scene: Just buy two cheap full mattresses, at least, you asshole. Expecting the siblings to sleep on a blanket until/unless they can provide their own bed/beds is- ugh. It wouldn’t cause you any real effort at all to have two queen beds with decent quality mattresses set up. Even bunkbeds!

Next scene.

I’m kind of shipping Pangpang and Kan again.

Poor Kang, glad she didn’t quit last episode, by the way, she just wants to enjoy her sweets and complain about these idiots she’s been saddled with (no disrespect to Peach and Pangpang), and here they come running.

It’s weird Peach is all floor it! When I’m not sure how much harm the ghost can actually do. One did possess Pangpang, but it seems ghosts are limited to what they can do.

But then, I’ve never known about a ghost on a motorcycle riding straight towards me, a family member, someone awesome like Kan, and someone not awesome like Home, so.

Okay, that was funny.

I mean, it looks like the siblings have actual mats rather a blanket to sleep on now. Still, even though that’s a step up for them, it’s really not for Home.

Poor Kan keeping getting startled by living people. Heh.

I don’t know if Home’s vendetta against gas cooking is legit or not. If so, though, just get them a damn electric stove. Expecting them to only do takeout, which they might not be able to afford, or microwaveable food is- ugh.

I didn’t write it fast enough, but at the beginning of this scene, I was questioning the amount he ordered, presumably for himself. But yeah, he totally ordered it for the siblings.

Maybe a sliver of credit.

But no more.

I mean, I won’t take the sliver away for him clearly mourning his grandfather, but seriously, just take your emotionally stunted self over the siblings with these bags of food, and you won’t feel so lonely and lost.

But the thing is, I think New could play grieving and lonely so well. He has played the latter well. It’s just, this role requiring some of the comedy to come from this character being something of an ill-socialised, emotionally stunted asshole, again, he’s not doing badly, but I’ve very aware that I’m watching an actor act.

Going on an off-topic tangent, before all this with Johnny Depp and Amber Heard came out, I always thought 1. Johnny Depp was normal looking, outside of roles where he drastically changed his appearance. I’d call him handsome, even, but basically, he looked like a normal guy, not some drop-dead gorgeous person.

And 2, I don’t think I have ever connected with any character of his. He’s a great actor in I never found myself analysing his acting choices, but I’d be able to recognise what his character was thinking and feeling, and I just wouldn’t feel anything unless another actor was in the scene. Sometimes, I do think he helped heighten what the audience was supposed to feel about and/or towards other characters, but I never felt anything particularly about his.

Now, Leonardo di Caprio, I never feel like I’m watching someone act when I watch him, and I do feel things when I’m watching whatever character he’s playing.

Likewise, I’ve said before, there are some actors, like Matthew Goode and Chris Hemsworth, where, if the character is intended to be likeable, I’m all in. If the character is meant to be an asshole or outright villain, then, they do it very well, but I don’t want to watch them do it.

Thankfully, New isn’t at the extreme of being like Depp or the above two, but as much as I’m glad he’s in another project with Tay, I really don’t think this type of character is right for him.

Back on topic, glad Home found an excuse to go crash with the siblings, but also, I’m sorry for them. No one deserves having to put up with him.

As much as I’m on Peach’s side, when someone mentions their dead parents, maybe, immediately calling them a rich brat isn’t the best thing.

I do like this scene.

Where are Peach’s glasses, though.

Damn it, show, if you get rid of his glasses, I swear…

I mean, the ghost rider could have been trying to hit on a guy or trying to deliver whatever to a man he loved.

This is reasonable.

I understand Kan is trying to do her job, but this man, I think he’s the sinister attorney from last week, but I’m not sure, is absolutely correct. Home owning the building doesn’t mean he can just having access to resident information.

Something might be up with the uncle. Shame, because, I really like how nice he was with Kan here, even if it should have been much harder for this information to be obtained.

If the translation is accurate, Pangpang called Home “big bro”. If this means they won’t end up together, fine.

Or trying to hit on a guy. I don’t think this will be the case, but just pointing out.

Try calling the men!

So, Peach’s glasses are still around, but he’s not wearing them. The show’s going to get rid of them, isn’t it?

Damn it.

Oh, good, he still has them for now.

Based on the way it was shot, I’m guessing Jennie Panhan’s casting is a big deal in some way. I don’t really know much about her. I remember she was in Only Friends, and I watched a YouTube video where she and Offgun reacted to an episode of Not Me.

Anyway, her and the ghost rider’s first meeting is cute. I think I’m going to be sad at the end of the episode.

However, I am a little taken out by how young the actor for him looks. According to mydramalist, Chokun Puttipong Jitbut is 18. The show couldn’t have gotten someone a little older to play opposite of 37-year-old Jennie?

Oh, that’s awkward.

Okay, Home didn’t handle that badly.

Aw, he was getting her favourite food and planned to bring that with the rose on her birthday. Aw.

By the way, New is doing really good in this scene, but I don’t think Home would have this sort of emotional maturity and delicacy.

I was a little wrong. It might not be her favourite food, but he got her a house!

Her tears are like rain.

Aw, Pangpang clung to Kan.

“She never got a chance to go out with our rider.” For some reason, I love this line.

Peach is right, but that makes it even more tragic in a way.

Welcome back, Home.

I preferred the other you who acted like a nice human being and wasn’t annoying.

And I’m definitely shipping Kan and Pangpang again.

Actually, Home/New’s English is better when he’s singing.

My first thought when Home walked in with the food is, ‘Well, they can’t kick him out.’

Probably not what the show was going for.

Good on him to offer them, possibly, a proper house.

No, Peach, accept the offer. There’s a chance it won’t be given again. Sigh.

Little Home is adorable, though.

It does add an interesting layer to everything, Home depositing the siblings in a place he loved as a kid and being protective over them not accidentally destroying it.

Still, get them an electric stove, then. Or other cooking instruments besides just a microwave.

I wrote too soon.

Good, Home.

I like how everyone is not there for some of Pangpang’s antics.

I love Kan casually taste-testing the salt before adding it.

I like the mirror shot of the sinister guy. And I still hold out hope that the uncle really will be a good guy in the end.

Why has YouTube changed the title to On Sale?

#peaceful property the series

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sasarasfan · 1 year ago

Text

Cant find any 6th anniversary questions so we’ll settle for redoing 5th anniversary!

Answers under the read more hehe

1. Uhmmm idk 2021 sometime,,, I don’t remember exactly. I got into it because of a post saying happy birthday ichiro and it was on my to watch list for a while before I caved in and watched the anime

2. The artstyle and the eyes of the characters I thought they were really pretty

3. I’m into MILGRAM which cough music project,,, but hypmic was the first one that put me through multimedia hell so thanks to hypmic for that

4. Doppo definitely. I loved him so much in the beginning. Now to a lesser degree, but I’m still obsessed with him. I did not really care about BB, but I liked Saburo. Now I really like Jiro!! And saburo!! I have personal beef with Ichiro. Same with MTC tbh. Samatoki was pretty so yeah. I liked FP and MTR originally, that hasn’t changed

5. Doppo or Gentarou thanks to the anime probably

6. Kuko and Ramuda. I did not really like Kuko, but then I became a changed man after watching multiple lives (I love his VA) uhmhmhmh I did not really like Ramuda in the beginning but now I think he is super silly and I cherish him dearly. On another note, I did not like DotsuHom in the beginning cause I don’t like change and DotsuHom was a division I didn’t know after I finished the anime. Well. Guess who loves DotsuHom now

7. Matenrou and Fling Posse

8. Well Sasara is my favourite character now, and Rosho is a very very close second I don’t even know what happened I was influenced by my twitter mutuals,,,, and then I still adore Doppo and Gentarou, and I have a feeling BAT are gonna start creeping up too

9. Whatever the first rhyme anima song was. Besides that, it might have been BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE

10. Dont stop the party, both Sasara solos, Positive is my life, Rinka (I LOVE Rinka), both jyushi solos, black or white, and hmm too many to name tbh

11. Ah osaka dreamin night, but I also love JACKPOT! And pretty much any DH song they’re all bangers. Uhmmmm every FP song too minus Stella (I have a vendetta against Stella). I also like TDD Legend but I don’t listen to it often

12. I JUST RECENTLY FINISHED TRACK 3 OF THE STAGE ITS OSAKA 24K GOLD OR WHATEVER ITS CALLED JTS SO SILLY I LVOE IT I also love crush your mic but I have to listen to the rest of the songs to give a better opinion on this

13. Still not sure what it means by bonus but I love Hella Awesome Banquet and Naniwa Paradise Sake. I also like HOT GAME and Murder in the House of Magic and idk if it was a bonus or just yeah but once upon a time in shibuya

14. Glory or dust? Division battle anthem? Summit of divisions? Idk they’re all good

15. White and black, JACKPOT!!, Osaka big up, hella awesome banquet, this means war, and GAY although most of these aren’t slept on (minus Jackpot grrr) I think people should listen to them more

16. Uhmmm a bunch of DH songs are my favourite so yeah, but a LOT of them are from Fling Posse, Matenrou, or BAT

17. Rapper hmmm maybe Dice or Doppo they have some good lines, and I think Dice is very,,, very good at what he does

18. Sorry I still don’t pay attention to composers Aha

19. No clue again

20. Black journey, anyways get on the floor, rivals! Jackpot, This means war, maybe Ah osaka dreamin night or Wara osaka, but I think FP is a great introduction to hypmic

21. I play ARB but I can’t get the friend code rn sorry :(

22. IM SO HAPPY FOR THE ROSASA SONG AND I LOVED THE DICEDO STUFF TOO!! I really liked the duets in the block party especially white and black so yeah all my dreams came true already though I do wish for a duet of Samatoki and Doppo.

23. I am the worlds number 1 Samado fanatic. I also love Sasaro, Gendice, Hifudo, fling poly, jirojyushi, poly MTC + doppo, and ichikuu. Any ship with doppo (minus the old or the young characters) are my favourite like I love samasasado and roshdo even though sasasama isn’t really my thing

24. No not really which is kinda surprising

25. Rosho and I would get along well. Hifumi (not host mode), and maybe Jyushi

26. Rosho is one of my highest kins actually. I won’t explain it cause I don’t want to like vent here

27. I HAVE FANARTIST KEYCHAINS!!!!! I HAVE SAMATOKI, ICHIRO, AND DICE!!! I also have ramuda keychain and cat Matenrou keychain too. I have a card of BAT. I have nothing from DH (im going to explode)

28. Mics with Hypmic branding please its not even that weird they just haven’t done it yet

29. Uhmmm I don’t really know with

30. Samado samado samado samado… and also rosasa of course!

31. RIO RIO HES SO CUTE RIO PLEASE MORE RIO LOVE and also I found that Rosho doesn’t get a lot of love either :(( which is really sad cause I love Rosho so much :((((

32. Sasara is just…. He’s so silly, but he’s also serious in a way that I just can’t describe. There’s not much to him or what we know about him actually, but I think he’s an interesting character. And I love Rosho cause he’s so me core (I kin him)

33. Sasara eats floor cookies (real) uhmmm and Doppo occasionally goes to Yokohama to spend time with Samatoki and they go on dates together (jm gojng to explode)

34. I like nemu she is so cute hehe

35. Dotsuitare Hompo because it has Sasara and Rosho in it. Their songs are so so so so so good too!! Their stageplay actors are all so silly :3

36. I don’t really have any for DH :(

37. Someone younger again!! Like I know it wont happen, but someone around Saburos age maybe? And someone who fits between the ages of 35 - 46 cause that’s a really large gap between Jakurai and Hitoya and Rei.

38. YEASSSS!! I FOLLOW A LOT OF THEM ON TWITTER DOT COM!!! And MTC VAs on Instagram

39. Haven’t really watched or heard sorry </3

40. My 12k rosasa fic that I’ve been working on since last year

41. I like the manga! But I think the stageplay is super good too

42. Rosasa break up and get together and fight in manga form, VD form, stageplay form, and anime form

43. Nope no theories

44. Please expand more on Sasara I am begging

45. I infodump about hypmic all the time to my friends I think they’re sick of me

46. DH DH DH DH DH DH DOTSUHOM FOR THE WIN RRRAHHHHH

47. Ichiro says “this truly was our Hypnosis Mic” the screen fades to black. THE END appears in white letters. It is the end of hypmic.

48. It’s the first community I was ever serious about and stuck with for over a year. I’ve met some great people through it and I’m truly happy that I got into it. It also acted like a gateway towards some of my other interests so yeah. It means a lot to me

49. SASARA NURUDE AND ALSO WE HAVE SO MUCH MEDIA LIKE THERES ALWAYS MORE STUFF TO CONSUME IFS KIDN OF INSANE

50. Hiiii future me!! I’ll probably see this in a year or so from now but hey!! I hope you’re doing well! I just got back into hypmic and yeah I’m reliving my greatest moments here. Take care of yourself hehe :3 ps I am the number 1 samado fan and the 10k word sasaro fic is still not finished sighs

Also also I love Rosho okay bye love you I hope you still love hypmic by the time you’re reading this again!!

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pyroclastic727 · 5 years ago

Text

Is Amity autistic?

In the Owl House fandom, we hear a lot about how Luz is written to be ADHD. Now I would like to present the flipside: Amity is coded as autistic.

Here’s the breakdown.

Amity is touch-averse. “BuT aMiTy ToUcHeS LuZ aLL tHe TiMe” nice try. The key to autistic touch-aversion is only being okay with touch when she initiates it. And that totally matches up with Amity. See, Amity is really happy when she initiates touch with Luz. She’s also cool with it when Luz holds her hand after standing near her for enough time that Amity can predict an incoming touch. That’s because Amity consents to that touch and expects it.

But when other people touch her? She doesn’t take kindly to that. When Luz initially bumped into her at Covention, she snapped at her and degraded her. Even when she bumped into Luz in Enchanting Grom Fright, her initial instinct was to snap at Luz, since she didn’t expect to be touched. When Hooty touched Amity’s face without consent, she flipped out and beat him up. Not even Lilith beat Hooty up when he wrapped her up in his mucus-filled tube, but Amity gave Hooty the injuries we all wanted to see him with, because he breached her boundaries without her consent. Even as late as the last episode, Amity fell over when her face got close to Luz’s on the bleachers, because she didn’t expect it.

Amity stims. Okay, this one took me a while to catch, since most of the time, Amity is very controlled with her actions. This symptom isn’t very intense; her senses aren’t understimulated too often, and she really only does it when she’s really excited.

Mainly, when Luz offered to carry her. While she adorably scrambled for words, she also flapped her hands against her legs. At first I thought it was just a cute thing she did, but there’s more to it. She was so excited to be held by Luz that it showed up in her hands flapping...a common stim. With Amity feeling more comfortable around her new friends than the old ones, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more stimming in the future.

Amity always has The Mask as her expression. You know, the one with her eyes half-lidded, eyebrows raised, mouth slightly downturned. I also call it the Resting Blight Face, for...reasons.

At first I thought it was just a way to hide her true emotions, since her parents are assholes. But even though Luz makes her feel accepted, she keeps doing it. It’s more like...you know that feeling when you’re thinking really hard, or uncomfortable, or ashamed, or even just relaxed, and you can’t think of which expression to wear quickly enough, so you put on an unreadable one to tide people over? Apparently most people don’t do that, since allistic people tend to have expressions for those feelings, ones that arise naturally.

Another symptom of autism is having hard-to-read expressions, or being less expressive. In Amity’s case, it’s the fact that she doesn’t see a need to have an expression in calmer moments, so she just uses her usual expression.

Amity hyperfixates. This has several facets, so I’ll break this down.

She initially hyperfixated on school. And that’s how she became top student. Amity Blight is who you would mistake for a “gifted student.” But make no mistake...she is not gifted, and gifted is a bullshit label used to overexert people and force them to keep school as their special interest for their entire lives (and I may have a bit of a vendetta against it). Anyways, we already know she’s a perfectionist. My theory is that Amity originally was hyperfocused on school--the Abominations track, to be exact--and that’s part of how she got so good. Then, her focus shifted, but the school expected her to keep being top student. Cue the perfectionism; she was no longer able to focus on school like she wanted to, but everyone expected her to, so she got insecure about it.

She hyperfixates on Azura, just like Luz did. Yeah, she keeps it secret from the world, for most of the time. But she definitely likes Azura a lot. I mean, she started to reconsider her opinion on Luz when Luz offered her an Azura book. She destroyed her jock career because she tried to use an Azura move in real-life Grudgby. Her interest in Azura is long-lived, starting about the time that her interest in school would have expired (which would explain why she stayed closeted). And we can’t ignore the fact that she sees Azura in Luz and is definitely enjoying the parallels between herself and her fictional counterpart. (Which might not be a coincidence, but that’s an entirely different theory).

She hyperfixates on Luz. Yes, part of this is a crush. But a lot of us have watched Amity’s personality go from alpha bitch to cutest little bean in the Boiling Isles, all thanks to Luz’s influence. Lumity is not a rivals-to-lovers speedrun due to bad writing, it’s due to Amity hyperfixating. She’s already extremely introspective, going so far as to keep a diary where she analyzes and makes sense of herself. It’s not a stretch to say that she identified the faults that kept her from Luz and worked hard to change those off-screen.

Amity keeps a journal. To me, this seems like masking. You see, Amity is what people would consider to be high-functioning, since she can pass for allistic. But in order to do this, she has to put in significant effort on her part. See, when she does something that makes it so she doesn’t pass, she just sees it as a problem (since she probably doesn’t know about autism, and she passes well enough that she would totally be undiagnosed). Then she tries to fix the problem, in order to keep being perfect.

Amity has awkward body language. Thanks to the journal and other ways of masking, you don’t see this early on. But once she feels comfortable enough around Luz to let her guard down...she completely forgets boundaries. To review: in episodes 15-17, she throws herself at Luz, holds her formal rival’s hand for 24.71 seconds, blushes every time she sees Luz, and loudly declares her thirsty thoughts about Luz in uniform before literally running away. While some of this can be seen as normal gal pal things or crush things...you’d think a repressed wlw like Amity would try very hard not to touch Luz, so as to avoid being outed. Or at least she would do less of that stuff, so as to respect Luz’s boundaries the way she wants her boundaries to be respected. But that’s not the case, since she straight-up misses a lot of social cues. And since she feels comfortable around Luz, she doesn’t feel the pressure to be so paranoid about the cues, and can be her awkward self. From her point of view, she probably sees it as being freed from her parents’ judgment.

Amity takes things literally, sometimes. Now, this doesn’t happen all the time, since she isn’t heavily affected by this autistic trait. But when Luz says “I’m picking up what you’re putting down” and Amity says “I’m not putting down anything” and looks down...she not only missed the conclusion Luz drew from her words, but also assumed a literal meaning from her words. I can’t come up with many other instances of this, mostly because this doesn’t happen often. I would assume that Amity missed these a lot early on, and learned how to mask/identify them.

Amity is easily upset when things don’t go as planned. Let’s review these. In the library, she gets really mad at Luz when they end up stitched to a book, and it takes Luz’s sweet personality to get Amity to loosen up and laugh over it. When she goes to practice magic, and Luz steals her wand and uses it to get her siblings kidnapped, Amity locks Luz in a cage and assumes that she will get badly injured if she tries to fix the problems she caused. When Luz comes to her school, she panics and focus on how that doesn’t change anything. When she burns Willow’s mind, she appears absolutely terrified of being punished, flinching and bracing for impact when Luz finds her near the memories, constantly trying to distract Luz as they work together to save Willow, and hiding behind Luz when she confronts the Inner Willow. When Luz asks her to join her in Grudgby, Amity doesn’t initially agree, instead taking much more of the episode to come to terms with her involvement in it.

Amity likes predictability. She’s not attached to routines, but she does like being able to expect things. If she makes a plan for the day, she expects that day to adhere to that plan, and she doesn’t respond well when it changes. When Luz comes to her school, she focus on how that doesn’t change anything...not how that would ruin things or complicate things. Whenever she gets involved in Luz’s shenanigans, she either gets angry, scared, or takes a while to accept it. In a broader sense, she takes a while to accept that Luz and her shenanigans are a permanent fixture in her life--sixteen episodes, to be exact.

Finally, it would make for some excellent representation. An ADHD Dominican-American bisexual protagonist is pretty groundbreaking. But an ADHD Dominican-American bisexual protagonist girl who dates an autistic wlw witch girl from another dimension is exactly the kind of intersectional representation you’d expect to see from an unrestricted Owl House crew.

...Now, this might just be me hardcore projecting. I’m a little scared to post this because I don’t know how much of this is me reading into imaginary things, or trying to convince myself that Amity is like me. Feel free to debate/disprove me or support me in the comments.

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6blackfilin9 · 4 years ago

Note

I love your Anko fanart! Tell me, what are your views/headcannons on Anko X Kazuku?

hThank you so much for the ask, finally I can answer it

here is my big thank you for the waitng

In a nutshell, the shipp was created by accident while me and my buddy were working on our first Naruto AU in 2019, where Kakuzu and Deidara survived their shitty plotholes end eventually ended up in Konoha

Yeah

so, the shipp’s birth date is july the 1, 2019

anything like classy, aristocracy kind of tension-filled passionate gothic romance with playful, psychological games & hurt/comfort vibes with slight scent of rivalry is KakuAnko

Basically, they are: a very, very old man with absolutely horrendous background who’s trying to finally have his mother*cking 10 or 30 years of peace, and a rather young lady with a rocky youth who’s being good & noble yet has very strong antihero tendencies

You know, I think they do have potential, since, in fact, they seem to be very similar, at the core

They are both very pragmatic realists, the people of logic and reason, yet if Kakuzu’s irritability doesn’t affect him a tiny bit due to his ideal self-control, Anko’s can lead her to quite bad places, sometimes. They put their interests in the first place, and even though she tries to attach them to Konoha’s, she still has ‘personal’ things (I’ll write ‘bout it lower*). Their mindsets are so complicatedly organized that, at some point & way, it prevents them from having many close people, and makes them very hard to see through and predict

Both of them are very flexible & adaptive, independent individuals with similar outlooks on plenty of things and high intellectual level. They clearly can find plenty of traits that they would highly respect and adore in each other

Here I will speak mostly for “why and how” kind of things, bc both of them are terribly tricky to accurately figure out. But there will be some headcanons too

So, there are still some odds about them, due to the strong difference in their occupation, like, in plenty of cases they are really tricky to be brought together, because:

- Of the job

In original, Anko is a Konoha’s special jounin, and she is very dedicated to serving the country. Independently of whether she likes her job or not (depends on the plot), she orienteers at the people, at society’s gain from her work. So, accordingly, in any other AU her job is somehow connected to civil service, whether it’s something police-like, connected to science, or something like CCG in Tokyo Ghoul

Kakuzu, on the other hand, is a hitman and a persona non grata in literally all the five big countries, Konoha too (which makes it barely possible to bring them together in the original universe without hard complications or heavy drama. But still possible). He orienteers on his own gain alone, but, depending on the job, it can include others’ gain, too.

This detail makes him a saint once he holds supervising position in some company or any high position in the government (the better the working conditions of the staff now- the more money in the prospective), and the sheer nightmare once he has it on the opposite side of the law. Him as a mob boss is a complete different topic for discussion, but to get the point, in this case, the trouble isn’t him increasing the level of criminality (its rather vice-versa), but taking hold of too much control in the high and underground structures. Even as an ordinary hitman he’s rather tricky, since everything depends on the case

In most of the stories, they come to some sort of compromise, and how hard it is to reach it depends on how shitty his job is and how attached they are to each other at the moment

Like, in the above mentioned Shippuden AU and Harry Potter AU (which I also wrote with my buddy) everything went like clockwork, because there they are both more or less on this side of the law, in Tokyo Ghoul AU (which I also wrote with my buddy) it is a bit more complicated, with her being in-law and him being very much outlaw, in the Avatar AU (which I also figured out with my buddy, but we never happened to write it) it is also pretty smooth, with both of them being outlaws and then jumping out to the glory after all the shit is done, but in another Shippuden AU of mine, this all would be just a motherfucking bloody disaster

- Kakuzu is actually a hard nut to get attached to anyone

He lived too long to be truly afraid of anything, though. Its mostly because he doesn’t really need to get attached to or become close with someone to satisfy his need for communication. The man can get along with anyone once he wishes to, he can have countless acquaintances and plenty of buddies, but he doesn’t have many comrades and barely can call anyone a friend. Because he is used to lose everything and everyone he ever had or happened to have, because of his inhumanly lengthened lifespan.

It requires time for him to get used to the person, and then, eventually, in some cases, spend plenty of it to get attached

Plus, for him, due to his profession, each close connection is a really great responsibility for him. In most cases, he’d think twice of weather he is ready to take it or not

Though it of course has the personal factor, too

In Anko’s case, she has a grand privilege by being a very intelligent and keen woman, not just in cognitive plane, but in emotional, too. High emotional intellect is actually a rare trait, so she automatically stands out of the crowd for him. Even though it won’t guarantee his alliance, it will grant her his high respect and some sort of sympathy

- Kakuzu is, technically, an asshole

He does have his moral compass, which includes a great amount of common social morality, but he also has that “I am working” state

Even though Kakusu has a set of professional principles, and he still acts accordingly to what he thinks is right, one and the very same situation can be solved diametrically different once the context changes from working to casual and vice versa

This, and him being very independent and quite antisocial, makes the degree of assholeness depend on various factors

This can lead to major conflicts of interests, and if they are possible to have any compromise or not is strongly attached to the circumstances. After all, both are very, very prideful and dignified people

- In other words, the only major issue for them would be morality questions. It’s possible to make the case acceptable for Anko, since both of them ain’t truly squeaky clean, along with Kakuzu being willing enough to watch his borders

- She is provident and doesn’t really need a lot of money on a daily basis, which is much of a joy to him lol

- *they both seek for the stable ground, first of all

Taking in consideration the life conditions Kakuzu had in his youth (despite war state, he still stably had family, friends, grand respect from everyone, home, warmth and food) and how terribly he was torn out of his secured social environment, I believe what he seeks through all his bounty hunt and other money-connected manipulations is stability. Sustainability he had back then. The only way to have it in the conditions of our existent world order is to have money (and a very good mind and luck)

Anko has indeed much more altruistic motives, yet it’s still not that simple. It seems to be, on the first sight, yet considering the “Orochimaru related cases” and her very wayward behavior toward them, it’s clear she keeps her own motives and needs in mind oh so well. The service she has is very well payed, it allows her to do what she likes or believes is right, and to have the living conditions she finds comfortable. And only here, relying on the made sustainable basis, she does what she does

- Thus, they both illustrate the principle “first help yourself, next help the other” just right

- She knows she can keep an eye on him, yet it’s clear for her that her influence isn’t borderless, as well as telling him off some stuff is kind of a not wise thing to do. So in the majority of cases, she never interferes

- This is not common, yet he can actually change some plans if the situation is serious and the compromise can’t be found. He is that kind of person who works on a further prospective, and in this context, this would be the relationship with his loved one

- While Kakuzu is quite conflicted and has very reserved controversial persona, Anko is both controversial, conflicted, and sort of two-faced, on top of that

She is a very sincere, cheerful and humbly honest human being, yet she has some darker natural traits of her character that became rather strong with age and traumatic experience. Cunningness, guile, ways-depend-on-the-case and a bit of ruthlessness, that is. Moreover, she has some unsolved personal issues, which makes her even more twisted.

Like, remember the time when she confronted Orochimaru during the exam? And Kabuto, on the war? Getting rid of them is indeed beneficial for Konoha, but it’s clear that for her it is personal vendetta in the first place. She wouldn’t have tried to do this alone, otherwise, because these two are rather dangerous ones, to say the least.

She uses greater good to cover her real motives (even though it is not truly complete bullshit), and seems to have a terrible habit to keep silence about really important things, which makes her quite prone to lying, in some cases

And sometimes it very badly pisses Kakuzu off, since it makes her prone to doing useless but dangerous shit too

Yet this not any kind of separate hidden side, it is integrated into her personality, and coexists with her bright one. That’s where her violent humour comes from, for example.

But Kakuzu, on the other side, is completely monolith individual, yet sometimes his mindset can create contradictions when it comes to something important to him. but it's another topic

And seeing these layered constructions, and motives, they can pretty finely predict each other’s behavior. Not super-neatly, but they for sure see the basis. This is what helps Kakuzu to prevent Anko from doing some stupid shit, sometimes

- Anko has a role of an indicator for the people who don’t understand and see the changes in Kakuzu’s mood sometimes, since she usually reacts quite openly. Yet, when she has the same unreadable mask of cold, or one of guile, it’s a nightmare for them

- They prefer the non-verbal way to show their feelings, even though Anko is obviously the more chatty one

- They don’t say things such as “I love you”, or other sensual stuff like that really often, believing it to be some sort of cherished words that shall not be spelled mindlessly

- Anko isn’t majorly into PDA, but she fancies it much more than Kakuzu does. She has her whole moments of studying something with her hands, whether it’s a hand, scar or face. He’s more into passive display of affection, like wrapping an arm over her waist or leaning to her or something of this kind; they can allow themselves to (not sexually) kiss in public though

- She knows he doesn’t like to walk hand in hand due to considering it a youthful thing, so there are times when she intentionally walks holding on to his sleeve; generally they walk separately in order not to bother each other, but sometimes they walk arm in arm (like an old Victorian couple lol)

- Being older and wiser, Kakuzu eventually upholds some kind of mentoring position, yet he never considers himself any kind of a teacher or master to Anko, believing her to have a good head of her own. He is just insightful enough to break something through to her or give a word of advise

- This, combined with his highly powerful demeanor, also makes him have the leading position in their relationship

- Anko respects him much enough to fortify this, entrusting with plenty of life questions (like organizing the family budget), even though they make the majority of decisions together. Mostly because he is truly wise and highly experienced individual.

- This makes him one of the very few people Anko would actually listen to and take their opinion in consideration

- So basically they have equal relationship with some tendency to patriarchal order

- And it is, really, mostly economically-based disbalance, with him earning much more than she does

- Yet they never have any financial-based issues, since both of them keep in mind and respect the contributions of each

- There is major power play here, too. He has the absolute might, she has seduction. Anko loves how he makes her want to submit to him, let him have all the power, so she likes provoking him. And she knows he adores it, loves the subtle control she has over him

- They don’t have conflicts in their everyday life. Each knows how to avoid pissing one another off

- He cherishes her playful demeanor, her intellect. Combined with her cunningness, it allows her to rival him, in social sphere. The way she constructs her phrases, the way she speaks, mimics, moves, how bewitchingly it suits her feminine snaky features makes his blood boil and heart melt

- Both of them, actually, have rather specific kind of dry, dark humour. Kakuzu’s is very cynical, satirical, quite often menacing and subtly demeaning; Anko’s is very sarcastic and quite dirty, even gruesome and rather violent

- Sometimes they “fight” verbally as a form of a play. In some circumstances they may sound pretty vile, so some unobservant people mistake this for display of hate

- In general, Anko is the one to heat things up with her playful demeanor, which can include provocation and rivalry, and Kakuzu is the one to keep this energy in borders, accumulating it up to much more intense states

- They both put the comfort in the first place when it comes to household. Everything must be cozy, useful, silent and super clean

- Yet they are both very unpretentious and modest, really

- She absolutely adores when he is showing his serious, severe side, or powerful demeanor. She finds it incredibly suitable for him. She also likes how his real age is sliding out in this or that way. Like, even though he has rather young face (that of 37-40 y.o.), his eyes give away that he’ve seen oh so much more than it seems; the grumpy noises and grunts he makes, the lazy attitude in movements and the way how rapidly he finds a comfy pose once he has a chance to take a seat

- They are both rather patriotic, yet while in the most stories Anko’s feelings mostly lay towards the country she lives in, Kakuzu’s more often lay towards some places, so called small motherland.

- Kakuzu actually could be a source of deep, strong admiration and delight for her, despite all of his bullshit. The unbreakable will he has, mighty burning heart, all the wisdom, talents and mind. Being sent to fight god damn Hashirama, clearly a genius of his times, financial & management genius at the least. And, still, after all the hard times he’ve been through, he maintained the very strong sense of dignity and nobility, even though slightly twisted due to the profession and abnormal lifespan

- And the very same things can serve as the source for her chagrin: with all those traits, he could have been so much more rather than a criminal. With all the gifts he’ve got, he could have been of great use to society. He’s much easier about this, since his prospective is much wider and embraces decades (and in some universes even centuries) instead of months & years, and he knows that he’d be switching sides throughout his life, being on this and that side of the law, yet he still is a bit uncomfortable once it’s brought up

- They are deeply into science, which makes them atheists. He’s into medicine and human biology, she’s into chemistry and reptilian biology; both of them are nuts for physics, history and psychology

- They solve complicated physical and mathematical problems together time to time. She is the first one to have tea-breaks due to losing her temper over it, he tries to figure things out right until you can sense the smoke coming off his head

- Actually, they do have a stumbling stone aside from job & morality complications. And this is Anko’s attitude towards Orochimaru

What she does is basically ruins her life very-very slowly, maintaining the issues she has and planning to make him pay for all he’s done

Kakuzu knows exactly what is really going on with this attitude and why, but he can’t really do anything about it. Like, he knows he can’t make her change her mind or put something into her head

All he can do is really nothing but try to explain how those things are working, and even this option is basically a landmine field for him. At some level she does understand that he could probably be right, yet she just refuses to go back on her mind. And this is actually really dangerous, so at some moments they can fight quite badly about it

- He’s scared shitless to lose her, though; especially like that, even though he knows clearly that he will, anyway, sooner or later

- he knows that losing loved ones ends up with sheer disaster for him, yet he isn’t afraid to pay such a high price for those six, five or four decades of being with her. Because these decades are that of a paradise ones for him. Wife and family, as well as stable job, incomes and life conditions, are some sort of physical definitions of sustainability he craves. Especially family, yet it’s far ahead to plan

- The fact that he will have to bury her one day makes her rather depressed, as well as the knowledge that the only thing she can really do about it is to try to bring him as much happiness and comfort as possible before she dies

thank you, i'd say more, but it's too much already

#my art #naruto #naruto shipuden #akatsuki #naruto akatsuki #akatsuki kakuzu #kakuzu #naruto anko #mitarashi anko #kakuanko #they are very entertaining disaster

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tinyboxxtink · 4 years ago

Text

"Doppelganger" *Part 12*

I give you this my babies, because tomorrow I have tons to do and I don't know if you'll get a chapter during the day, it might just be tomorrow night after most of you are asleep. So enjoy the plethora when you can!

Also, I hope you're not getting whiplash from the twists and turns. I'm just making it as dramatic as possible, apparently.

Please still read my stuff.

Part 11

Part 13

Tag List

@madamsnape921

@lolliepopsicle

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@milkshqke

@wanniiieeee

@word-scribbless

@gibbs274

@sassyada

@aprildecker-blog

@bookishfanfic

@stars-in-the-skies-world

@stars-trash-18

@omgsuperstarg

@objection-argumentative

[Once again top is Nevada as 'Rafael', Bottom is Rafael]

---------

You walked silently through the park while crying. You were fuming, you felt guilty, but mostly you were heartbroken. You knew Rafael didn't mean what he said, he was just hot headed. But you did mean what you said. You didn't know if he could ever get past what happened, and you weren't positive you could either.

You wanted to, but just knowing the damage was done to Rafael's heart killed you inside and how you could spend the rest of your life just feeling guilty?

You were so lost in your own thoughts you didn't notice cops running through the park towards the cave.

-------

"FREEZE!!!!" An NYPD officer yelled at Rafael as several more surrounded the cave and him.

"Okay gentlemen, I try that you're doing your job but there's been a mistake--" Rafael put his hands in the air.

"Save it, Ramirez. Barba told us everything,"

Olivia had told him over the phone that Nevada had gotten to the people at Ryker's and they had alerted the NYPD but he didn't expect them to be this fast.

"Look if you go into my jacket pocket you'll see my wallet with my ID," He assured them.

"Yeah how dumb do you think we are?" One cop scoffed. "Even my fifteen year old sister has a FAKE ID,"

"Fair point," Rafael nodded.

"Now where's the girl?" Another police officer barked.

"Girl?" Rafael’s brows furrowed.

“Barba's girl. You know it takes some balls to kidnap the ADA's fiancée, I'll give you that,”

“Wha---he DID! I just rescued her!” He insisted.

"Yeah, before you got what you wanted?" The cop asked him suspiciously.

"And what did I want?" Rafael asked.

“You wanted your boys free,” he replied.

“No HE did. That's why HE was there. Come on guys you're smarter than this,” Rafael started to take a step forward.

“DON'T move,” The cop cocked the gun closer to Rafael.

“Really then how did he explain why he was there breaking them out and not me?”

“He said you had the girl and when he brought you the boys you'd let her go.”

"What would be the point of that if we look identical?!" Rafael exclaimed in exasperation. This was ridiculous.

“You think we're gonna buy you're that stupid to walk into Ryker's completely unarmed, just because you look like the ADA?”

“No he's just that cocky,” Rafael rolled his eyes at Nevada’s ego.

“Alright enough, where is she?” The cop ordered.

“She just ran away….” Rafael realized this didn’t look good.

“Oh really? She just ran away from the love of her life, who just rescued her from an evil man?” The officer asked sarcastically.

“Yeah she--we--- it's a long story,” He sighed. If he had just kept running after you, you’d be together right now. God knows what was happening to you right now.

“Right, well you can tell it downtown,” One cop nodded to the others to handle him.

“Well fine, Olivia Benson will vouch for me,” Rafael was talking a tough game, but secretly praying he was right. Olivia would know he was himself, right?

“Whatever you say Nevada,” Two cops grabbed by the shoulders and dragged him out of the cave.

---------

You suddenly realized as you reached the end of the park that you had no cell phone, no money. You didn’t even have shoes. You really didn’t want to continue to fight with Rafael, but it seemed you had no choice in the matter at the moment. You started heading back to the penguin cove when you saw a bunch of NYPD officers surrounding the place, and after a few minutes they were dragging Rafael out in handcuffs.

You were just about to run and tell them there was a mix up, when a hand clamped over your mouth. And then everything went black.

When you woke up, you were back in Nevada’s limo.

“Are you fucking kidding me…” You muttered to yourself, but you quickly realized you were not alone. Two more of Nevada’s men that you had never seen before were sitting across from you, huge evil grins on their faces.

“Hola, mami,” One rubbed his leg up and down your bare leg but you kicked him away.

“Now that’s not very nice, mujer,”

“Especially when we brought you refreshments,” The other one pulled out the champagne bottle of mind serum Nevada had on him the last time you saw him.

SERIOUSLY?

-------

Rafael was dragged through the precinct, glares from every single cop and detective, finally reaching the squad’s room. Olivia rushed over, trying to help Rafael out of the cuffs.

“What are you doing? THIS is Mr. Barba!” She exclaimed.

“No offense, Ms. Benson, but this man is very good at fooling people, you’re no exception,” One officer told her.

“Then why did he have Mr. Barba’s phone?” Olivia asked them with an attitude. The officer’s looked between each other, not really having an answer for that. Maybe they had been mistaken.

“.....Because I dropped it when I was running for my life with my fiancé,” A voice came from behind them. Everyone turned to see ‘Rafael’ with you draped on his arm.

“No….” Rafael whispered. This couldn’t be happening again.

“Ah, Mr. Barba,” One of the cops nodded. “Thank you so much for helping us catch this guy. That’s a decade of fine police work’s worth,” He shook ‘Rafael’s’ hand while Olivia circled around them to talk to you.

“What are you doing?!” She hissed.

“What are you talking about?!” You hissed back.

“Why are you vouching for Nevada?”

“What are you talking about? This is Rafael,”

“....Seriously?” Olivia was taken aback.

“Yes Olivia, SERIOUSLY. Don’t you think I would know my own fiancée?” You gave her an offended look.

“Yeah well from what I heard, you’re not that great at it,” She smirked.

“OLIVIA,” ‘Rafael’ suddenly stepped in between you two. “This vendetta you have against Y/N has got to stop, I thought we talked about this,”

“I...she...you…” Olivia looked from him to you, her eyes searching both of your eyes for anything telling.

“Do you have any idea what she’s been through?!” ‘Rafael’ barked, you laid your head on his shoulder looking very scared and traumatized.

“Yeah, I don’t know why you’re so mean to me,” You pouted, making Olivia gag.

“Oh my god, there is no way you are--”

“We’re done here, Olivia.” ‘Rafael’ shut her up. “If you can’t tell the difference between a hardened criminal and your ‘best friend’, then clearly we’re not as close as I thought we were.”

-----------------

Inside your mind prison, you were watching all of this go down with absolute horror. How could this be happening again? How did you do this to yourselves AGAIN? What is WRONG with you? And now, now it was worse than ever because now Rafael was actually in trouble, and it was your fault.

“OLIVIA!!!!!” You screamed. You couldn’t believe out of all people, you would need her help. But here you were.

Olivia watched in shock as you and ‘Rafael’ walked arm in arm out of the station, leaving ‘Nevada’ in cuffs, with the most pitiful look on his face.

“Alright Ramirez, you can drop the act. It’s gonna get you nowhere, the jig is up,” Olivia sneered at him, with a wink.

“Olivia,” Rafael looked at her sadly. “I know you know me better than that. You know about….things that would convince Y/N that Nevada is me,” He muttered softly, looking around them.

“I know,” Olivia pressed her forehead to his. “I never doubted it was you, Rafa,” She smiled; now that you were completely out of the way, and turned against him, he needed her. For the first time, he needed her. And she was going to take every advantage of that.

“But they’re not going to take my word for it,” She sighed. “You might just have to wait it out in Ryker’s a bit while I sort this out,” She shrugged apologetically.

“Oh no, he won’t be going to Ryker’s Detective,” The mayor had entered the station, and heard the last part of their conversation.

“...Excuse me?” Olivia asked worriedly.

“For all the bad things this man has done-- murders, rapes, pillaging, for a DECADE now. No for that he’s not just going to ‘wait it out’ in a cell, wasting our taxpayer dollars. He’s getting the chair as fast as I can sign the release,”

Both Olivia and Rafael’s faces went white; Oliva fell back as if she was going to pass out.

“Mr. Mayor, please-- I understand this is a serious manner but this is a man’s life here. Don’t you want to make absolutely sure that you have the right man?”

“I’m pretty sure Miss Y/N knows her own fiancée,” The mayor pointed out.

“Well no offense to Miss Y/N but that’s how she got herself kidnapped, sir. By NOT recognizing her fiancé,”

“....I’ll take that under advisement,” The mayor nodded.

“Liv,” Rafael looked at her seriously. “Look whenever someone’s under….the influence,” He whispered looking around the both of them.

“They are still ‘there’. I know it. I know Y/N is there, she's just...trapped,”

“...I’ll see what I can do,” Olivia nodded. “Don’t take him anywhere until I come back,” She instructed a cop, before running out of the station.

---

“Nev---Rafa!” Liv came running out of the station where you and ‘Rafael’ were waiting on an Uber.

“Liv,” He nodded curtly.

“Look you’re right, I need to talk to Y/N, give her a proper apology,” Olivia looked between the two of you. ‘Rafael’ eyed her curiously, but then addressed you: “Go on baby, I’ll wait here for the car,”

Olivia took you to the side and lowered her voice so ‘Rafael’ couldn’t hear.

“Y/N, Look--” She put both hands on your shoulders. “They are going to put Rafael to DEATH,”

Inside your mind prison you let out a blood curdling scream, making ‘you’ wince in pain. Olivia stood in front of you so that ‘Rafael’ wouldn’t see, but she tried to talk to you.

“Yes, exactly. You should feel bad, because we both know that that--” Olivia pointed to ‘Rafael’. “That is NOT our Rafael,”

“Okay, ‘our’ Rafael is pushing it, Olivia,” You rolled your eyes. “But whatever-- this, this cannot be happening. My body cannot be this vulnerable. I have GOT to love Rafael more than this, GOD DAMMIT!!!!!”

You pulled at the bars until your arms felt like they were going to fall off, you sobbed until no water was left in your body. How could this be happening? How could you be failing him this hard? How could you keep hurting him like this, and now you were going to get him killed!

“Please,” You looked up to the sky, whimpering softly.

“Please, I don’t know-- I don’t know who or what is up there, I’ve never really believed in a lot. Hell I’ve never even believed in myself. But I believe in Rafael, and I believe in our love. I really, really do. And I believe that our love can beat anything, I just-- I need, help.”

Suddenly a blinding light appeared, and when you adjusted your vision, you were back in your body. You looked up at Olivia, who was apparently comforting you from another ‘migraine’. Before you could say or do anything, ‘Rafael’ came walking up to the two of you.

“Carino, our ride’s here,” He smiled at you sweetly. You wanted to vomit; But as long as he thought you were under his spell, you were safe.

“Coming baby,” You kissed his cheek sweetly, over exaggerated. You know his ‘version’ of you was over the top, like a freaking trophy wife stereotype.

“You have to get him out of there, Liv,” You whispered, tears in your eyes. "This is all up to you now,” Then you turned and followed “Rafael” to the car.

Olivia stared at the car as it drove off. How had you just...woken yourself up like that? But you were right. It was all up to her now. She bolted back into the station where they were processing ‘Nevada’.

“Ahem, gentlemen,” Olivia nodded to the officers, then the mayor. “Sir if I might have a moment,” She motioned him to the side.

“Sir, like I said you want to be absolutely sure you’re going kill the right man. And I have a way,” She told the mayor.

“Which is…?”

“Let me take him and get a DNA test,”

“A DNA test? Right now?” The mayor laughed.

“The lab doesn’t close until eight, it’s six now,” Olivia looked at her phone. “I can get to the head of the line, and you can get your results instantly. Then if it turns out this is indeed Nevada Ramirez, then you can execute him tomorrow,” She explained.

“....I suppose that is the best course of action,” The mayor nodded. “Do you think you can handle him all on your own?”

“Trust me sir, I’ve handled worse,” Olivia shook her head, showing her gun.

“Alright,” The mayor walked over to the men holding ‘Nevada’.

“Men, Detective Benson will be taking Mr. Ramirez to a genetics lab to get a DNA test, to make sure he is in fact Nevada Ramirez,”

“Seriously? Sir, come on--”

“Did I stutter, Donahue?” The mayor narrowed his eyes at the cop.

“Alright fine,” The officer shoved ‘Nevada’ towards Olivia.

“Let’s go, Ramirez,” Olivia grabbed ‘Nevada’ roughly and dragged him out of the station to a squad car. She threw him in the back and got in the driver’s side.

“Liv, I appreciate you getting me out of there, but we need to go to Nevada’s place and get Y/N,” Rafael instructed.

“Screw that, I’m proving your innocence before anything,” Olivia scoffed as she drove towards the lab.

“OLIVIA,” He emphasized.

“RAFAEL.” She emphasized harder.

“Come on, Liv I know you don’t like her but--”

“Nevada’s not going to hurt her, you know that. I know that. She’ll be fine,” Oliva rolled her eyes.

“She won’t be FINE,” Rafael pounded on the glass between the front and the backseat.

He thought about your last conversation-- your last fight. He had told you that you hadn’t been ‘assaulted’, that you ‘enjoyed’ being basically raped. And now, you were back there.

You were probably just thinking how he’d be upset, how he’d react, when really he was just scared for you. He realized none of the other bullshit mattered. All that mattered was you, and him, and the love you both shared. And that had to pull you through, didn’t it?

------------

Back at Nevada’s place, ‘You’ changed into a see-through red teddy, and waited on Nevada. You knew that you were supposed to be under the elixir, so you had to act obediently, at least until Olivia showed up. She’d show up, right?

She had to show up.

#law and order svu fanfiction #law and order #rafael barba #rafael barba x you #rafael barba x reader #rafael barba imagine #nevada ramirez fanfiction #nevada ramirez x you #nevada ramirez x reader #nevada ramirez #trouble in the heights #raul esparza #doppelganger

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kuackity · 3 years ago

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Im back to life and ready to answer more questions , so queso:

1-. Maybe he goes between K! and C! because I don´t think his memories will come to hit him at full force, more like they will appear slowly, mostly when something triggers them, so yeah, he goes in and between.

2-.Ok so, we know for facts that DreamXD is a powerful good, but not the most powerful one of the DSMP (don't remember where I read that) so maybe he does it to get more power, letting Heberon take away one of the people from his server, in exchange for power. And we know that the only person that DreamXD will work is George.

3-.Truce

4-.This is what happens when someone (probably) hyperfixates in something.

5-. C! and K! Quackity is almost our punching walking bag of theories, we all know it

-Silver

Good Morning Silver! Well at least is morning for me, fuck I got up at like 7:30 am.

1. Everything of what I have seen of the memories of the others is like a feeling or routine that comes back. I think that k!Quackity will get strange habits around people but after it gets pointed out to him he will go "???" and depending of in which order memories get triggered they will influence k!Quackity cause if he starts with him being left alone in Las Nevadas we will make a conscious effort to never let people go. I think is a coin flip after the memories he will revert back to c!Quackity or k!Quackity will try to get as far as possible of the same ending.

2.How letting c!Quackity go will give him more power? But we go back to the same question why c!Quackity, c!George hasn't interacted that much with him to have a vendetta and if giving away people will give him power why not give away more people or give away someone with power to get more? Like why him?

4. Yeess, I have a favorite too and I am making little writings for that AU that may see or not the light of day in this blog .

5. Yes that's true, but soon I will give angst to more of my Karmaland people, soon very soon I see you Vegetta is time to inflicted pain.

#k anons #silver #me rotating this theory in my mind even if its damn early

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thattimdrakeguy · 4 years ago

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Weirdly enough Red Robin is the series I’d be most scared to review, because for obvious reasons I imagine more than any other character it’s the Tim fan base (I won’t say fandom, because I feel like that gives a different connotation nowadays. and it’s a bunch of chill, un-interactive but very passionate, chaps) that follow me.

And I’d just get sooo many people giving me nit-picks, and telling me stuff I already know.

Cause I can say anything against Teen Titans 2003, New 52, Rebirth, and Wonder Comics stuff cause that’s the generally agreed upon stuff that you can complain against for Tim. Cause like, to not play dumb to it, this whole Bat-Family fandom acts like there’s freaking laws to abide by if you don’t want a bunch of batty (not a pun, not even saying not a pun in sarcasm lol) fans and stans down your neck. Normally involving certain characterizations or comics that, honestly, aren’t even usually the more accurate ones, but the contradicting ones that don’t make a lick of sense, and that’s not even talking about the straight up fanon ones.

Not to say I wouldn’t get why it’s the Red Robin series that’d get people to give me crap out of all the Tim stuff, because I do. It’s a lot of peoples entry to Tim, and it’s pretty heavy implications of suicidal ideation, and more so obvious mental breakdown journey across continents means a lot to people. I can get why, and if it wasn’t those characters in it, I’d think it was great too.

Also I know for a fact people would act like I’m just bias for 90s Tim, and point out Timmy’s in a teddy bear hoodie in my header. Cause it’s the most weakest defense someone could possibly make cause they’re lacking an actual point. Like they know everything a fucking ‘bout me, when they don’t, I’m just allowed to think my own stuff, and I’m allowed my dang comfort art, so blah blah blah. I’ve proved myself enough. I don’t need some random dismissive guys random approval or not, but man can it be annoying when someone thinks they’re smart about it.

Like basically put, it would be very exhausting to go through the many different series and years of comic book content to explain why I think the way I do, when all the other person has to say is “I like this series a lot, and it means a lot to me, it’s story about depression, and plus it’s Tim being at the button of his sanity so-- And I think this person is stuck on 90s Tim” cause like I freaking get it, and acting like cause I prefer a different Tim comic means my opinion isn’t valid, is the most childish thing ya can really do. Like I love 90s Tim the most for a reason, and I started reading Tim as Red Robin first, ya ninny.

But to just be honest, it is an incredibly flawed series that has overall, in the long game, soiled the character of Tim Drake, and directly influenced the New 52 and beyond depiction of him. Not to give Lobdell an excuse, I just find it really odd that people getting praising it as the peak of Tim content when it’s even caused some really freaking toxic fandom beliefs.

When some of the most important scenes in the series are so botched that it has genuinely made people despise other characters when I don’t even think they were portrayed well for that to make sense. The messy inconsistent writing as it went between two different writers causing some absolutely terrible characterization for Tim that isn’t even always consistent within the series itself because FabNic is just awful, and how forgettable most stuff after the first story is.

That first story I can understand the love for it. But people treating the whole series as a whole like it’s a great journey of long-term story development just feels like a real bad describer for it. Because to me by the end of it’s run it caused Tim to be put in the terrible spot that he’s only now escaping from little under a decade later. As well as only really starting cause people in the company didn’t like Tim and the characters around them as much as you’d hope.

In total, I honestly feel like if it wasn’t released during a time were the common tastes were very edgy and emo-esque, as well as around the time the online fandom spaces were only really then being formed in a way that was practical for casual interaction and discussion, and being the only series titled “Red Robin” therefore people seem to think it’s Tim’s variation of “Nightwing”, when it’s honestly not, it wouldn’t be a series that highly regarded.

I’m not saying the whole thing is a pile of shit, cause it’s also frankly not. There’s some powerful stuff in there, and some moments that really do hit super hard in ways that don’t feel superficial. Cause another thing people don’t seem to understand that when I say his characterization isn’t good in it, does not equal me saying “He is not the same exact character he was 15 years before the series came out”, it legitimately just means I feel they took the character to places that felt more forced than genuine, or just had him stuff that goes against what he’d do for the sake of just being edgy as if it’s deep, even during his circumstances and it created people having a false understanding of who Tim is at his heart, that made it incredibly difficult for Tim to get a good story for basically a freaking decade.

It’s a series I want to review because I have genuine things to say about it, but when ever I do say anything about it I feel like I see several sub-posts that are almost undeniably about me (hasn’t happened for a while cause I don’t really bother talking about stuff I don’t like anymore, cause life's hard enough, and I’ve seen the worst end of a lot of people from it) trying to downplay me, because they got defensive about it, rather than actually trying to process what I meant by things instead of just assuming it cause it’s touchy for them.

Like I’ve openly shit on Damian’s most popular series’, and accepted fandom malarkey, because I legitimately think they’re overhyped as could be, not that great, and only have the popularity they do through bandwagoning and going along with things. And I did that while knowing how defensive the Damian fandom is, and how quick they are to just leak out nasty assumptions or outright suicide bait you (yes I remember someone tried to defend me by suicide baiting someone else, but fuck them too, I never defended them or asked them to. idgaf which fandom does it. i’m clearly not on anyone's team. this isn’t a fucking sports game).

I’ve even straight up shit on pretty much every single Jason story except Under the Red Hood, while defending some Robin Jason stories, and I haven’t even got crap on me for that, which is honestly strange. Surprisingly just got told “Ya know what. Fair point. I can accept that. I don’t agree, but I can accept it.”. Which given what I have been shown of the Jason fandom I expected much worse, but they’ve honestly been really chill with me. Me and the Jason fandom has been actually some of the most pleasant interactions I’ve had outside my own bubble.

The majority of Steph’s existence as a character I’ve criticized and gotten crap on it, but honestly I found the response of countless anons going “YEAH MAN I AGREE WITH YOU” and going way harder on her than I ever did to be pretty dang annoying, and even more annoying cause people kept thinking I said stuff I freaking didn’t out of it. So every now and again people will just straight up lie about me to my face. Like you try to talk to someone that’s been preparing to talk to you by fighting an imaginary version of yourself. It’s pretty difficult if I had to be honest. Talking ‘bout bias’s like I didn’t write TimSteph fan fictions before I realized they weren’t that great and didn’t work, while realizing that I honestly didn’t think Tim was into girls in-general.

But, to get back on topic, with the Tim fandom it’s less like, open faced attempts to make you feel like a garbage human being, and more just straight up rudely dismissive as quite often the ones I’ve seen do it try to portray themselves as some calm knowledgeable unbias source of Tim knowledge.

And there’s a different sensation of annoyance at that.

Like what is the point of trying to pretend to be some source of knowledge and for a few comradery, while also being a dismissive person that first has to make others seem lesser.

And there’s some that I’ve seen do it that I don’t even think are dicks honestly, and have no problem with it, cause it’s just so innocently “I just really like the series and still think it’s good”. That I’d be confused why people would think I have a vendetta against everyone else. I’ve never been like, straight up offended more than once over the specific topic of Red Robin. But it is a thing that makes me like “I’ll get so many people giving me crap over having a different opinion for this won’t I”. And get some people trying to validate just being a bit of a fucker to me for no good reason.

So like, may or may not write a Red Robin review, but I might not cause despite quite a few people in the Tim fandom being quite chill about it, there’s quite a lot of people that are low-key toxic about it, and a lot of bad fandom things came out of it as well.

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rwbyconversations · 5 years ago

Text

RWBY Volume 7 Review

Two weeks out from Volume 8 and I finally cared enough to write this. Go team I guess.

Part of it came down to my feelings on Volume 7. It’s a complicated season that’s made me realize a lot of my overall feelings on RWBY as a series, particularly a lot of the less flattering feelings. Volume 7 is just... frustrating in general, as for all the good that it does have, and it does have a lot of great elements to it, it’s let down by a frustrating script and writing choices that feel distinctly amateurish, especially as the series moves on and gets better and better looking each year. There’s elements and kernals here of great character writing, season-wide arcs that land in a really good way and get me emotionally invested in the characters. But on the other... Ren only has two hundred words the entire season and you can tell!

Volume 7 is a season of dizzying highs, some of the best moments of the entire franchise... and some of the series lows. It’s a season where there’s no production reason for its shortcomings... it just comes down to an awkward script that focuses on the wrong elements far too often. Let’s talk about that. In a very long and drawn out manner.

Thanks to @jamesbranwen, @h-e-m-o-goblin and @retro-riffraff for help with GIFs and consultation on this review.

1) The Good Stuff!

A) Atlas is very pretty!

I cannot stress enough how on a set level, Volume 7 is leaps and bounds above the other seasons in sheer environmental detail and setting dressing. Mantle has a great atmosphere with its New York influences, the smog covered backgrounds and oppressive streets and alleys. Ironwood’s office which is deliberately designed to evoke astronomy themes to represent James’ love for the stars. The cold oppressive atmosphere of the Schnee Manor and how Jacques has begun warping it to glorify him with only lip service paid to Nicholas in public. Penguins!

There’s a lot of great set design work that went into this season and the crew deserve props for it. Genuinely.

B) Ironwood’s arc is the best character arc in the entire franchise

Yeah just wearing my heart on my sleeve there, I fucking love Ironwood and his character arc here in Volume 7 is the best written arc of the show. I simp for the tin man who just wants to do the right thing. This one season of content is better than a lot of the series-wide material being honest. I went back to James’s big volumes in the last month to rewatch the show and it’s interesting to see the early seeds in retrospect for where his arc goes. His need to protect everyone he can and the brutish measures he considers necessary for such an act, his conflicting loyalties towards Ozpin that manifest in both frustration at Oz’s seeming apathy to the growing conflict, but also desperate desire for validation from Ozpin that what’s he doing is the right call. After the Mistral seasons set up James as going off the deep end following Volume 3, having him open the season with an earnest smile, an immediate apology for the team’s arrest and trusting them with his plans for Amity and Salem is a jarring but pleasant surprise. He’s not been slacking off, he’s been trying to keep the world together in the way he thinks is best. He lets his guard down around the heroes and we see the good man underneath, which makes the moments where he raises his walls hurt all the more. While Em and Merc are still probably my favorite characters period, James is absolutely my favorite character in Volume 7 and Top 5 favorite characters series-wide. I’m very eager to see where he goes from here. He also rocks the beard and fixed his T-Rex arms so James came out of the washing machine that is Volume 7′s costume design. He truly is the Best Boi, and I cannot give Jason Rose enough credit for his performance this year. He hit every note of Ironwood’s character perfectly and I wish the fandom would give him more credit for giving James as much life as he does.

Oh, and as the obligatory comment on mlm rep that I am known for getting obsessively weird anon hate over: IronQrow hug nearly had me crying on a convention floor from how goddamn soft it was. Remember conventions? Ah good times.

This just... hits me... ya know? Seeing him lower his guard so much to come in for a hug just shows how isolated he’s let himself become to let himself have this moment of contact... Godamnit James. Also this is the second time after Martial Arcs that two guys hug and I really liked their ship for the following hiatus.

C) Soft Qrow hours are nice

Qrow’s a good guy, he went through a lot of bad stuff in Volume 6 but now he’s on the other side and purged his voice of the demon within. I think Volume 7 was a very good year for Qrow overall. It was great to see him interacting with more characters his age and lowering his own guard. His moments of letting the facade drop around James and Clover especially are great expansion for his character. Jason Liebritch hit the ground running as Qrow and gave him a far more dynamic range than I think Vic could. While I wish Qrow going off alcohol had been given more of a focus as it’s kind of done off-handedly that he’s gone cold turkey and otherwise doesn’t get brought up barring his revulsion at the wine in the Schnee Manor, he overall had a great year. And trust me I’ll get to the fights later, I have a lot more I can say about the bird boi there.

D) I liked the Ace Ops!

I was ambivilent towards the Ace Ops on first watching. They’re kinda underdeveloped in the context of the season at large and most people immediately pegged them as a miniboss squad/fodder for Salem to kill. But in rewatch they do still get to shine, if not as brightly. They’re very enjoyable. Clover especially is just really fun in retrospect, I love cocky fighters in general, and he was infectiously enjoyable (I’ve already covered the FG stuff in the past, not doing it again). Marrow came a close second because... well it’s Marrow, he is The Best Boi. Harriet got points for being a punchgirl which is always cool, I liked how her Semblance was shown and being cocky while being able to back it up is always a win. Elm and Vine are tied for dead last, I like the body diversity Elm introduces with her muscles and Vine... existed... but overall I think with the time they had, they did get to establish themselves well. I wish I could say that about their relationship with Team RWBYORNJ but this is the Nice Section so we’ll leave it there for now.

This is one of the best shots of the entire season. I adore it. God I like the Teryx design.

E) God the villains rocked this year!

I am a villain whore. I own that. I will embrace that monkier. But when they’re as cool as this, I feel validated in this Chilli’s tonight. Watts and Tyrian really make the season shine and don’t have a dud scene all season. They have great chemistry together, shining bright in even the weakest or most mediocre episodes. Watts went from “Oh yeah you exist” tier to “Oh yeah you rule” tier. His vendetta against Ironwood feels so real and pre-established, even though this season is the first time it’s ever come up. Watts just ozzes style in everything he does. The animators bring him to life and make every step, every flick of his twist and even just how he moves his eyes all bleed contempt. He’s such a rat and I love him! Chris Sabat finally gets to stretch his wings after a few years playing Watts as just Evil Scientist Guy, and he makes the most of it.

And Tyrian remains an absolute treat. He didn’t get much in V6 but here he takes center stage with Watts and also gets so much impact because of it. All the little twitches, and tilting of his heads, and dramatic gestures, he’s still just so goddamn cool to watch and we even get a little backstory of him. I know he’s irredeemable. But I just want to watch Tyrian kill people and scream. Like hot damn his line “THE GRIMM SHOULD HAVE DESTROYED OUR ENEMIES, NOT MADE THEM FRIENDS!” is so fucking raw. He’s having fun destablizing a nation with his boyfriend!

“You want more chaos than a Grimm invasion?” “If anyone on Remannt can do it, wouldn’t it be you?” There is no heterosexual explanation for how these two look at each other and yes this is me outing myself as a Nuts and Volts fan.

Watts and Tyrian really do become the absolute highlights of the season alongside James. They have a great dynamic and even during their more slower moments there’s so much care and thought put into their every mannerism. Animators, seriously, great job, I love what you did. And their fights... we’ll get there. But they’re so goddamn good.

Look they even run the same! They’re soulmates!

Honorary mention to Salem by the way. She’s only in two scenes but her presence is felt throughout Ironwood’s arc and his growing fear of her and she damn well delivers when she shows up. That shot of her arriving in person is a killer shot to end on as well.

Oh and I guess Cinder and Neo exist don’t they? Eh, we’ll come back to them.

F) Oscar got a character arc!

Finally! He did it! He got an arc that began, continued and ended all onscreen! It only took four tries!

But yeah Oscar had a really good set of scenes in Volume 7. I like him being the first to confront Ruby on the Ironwood lie, bringing up the hypocrisy after their condemning of Ozpin just last season. I like him having a more forward role (outside of not getting to be part of the celebration in episode 4 what the hell guys), and that he’s the big link between RWBY and Ironwood was a great call. Having Ozpin shelved for one more season so Oscar can take center-stage was an inspired choice. I love his dynamic with Ironwood, and how James closing himself off emotionally gets reflected in how he begins slipping in how he refers to Oscar, starting off as treating him and Oz as separate, ending with him gunning Oscar down as he doesn’t care anymore to differentiate the two.

My big issues with Oscar’s arc are that I’m first of all annoyed at the lack of followup on the Oscar stuff from V6, I’m still waiting for Qrow to apologize for punching Oscar guys! I also really wish Neo’s first attack wasn’t offscreen. CRWBY’s cliffhanger fetish meant I got to break out the Offscreen Pine jokes again. And of course, the Neo hallway punch was a bit bullshit.

G) (Most of) The fights are amazing

There’s no punchline. These fights are great, two of them are in my Top 10 Series Wide fights list and at least the duds aren’t Volume 5 bad.

If you’d told me before Volume 7 that Watts would get an extended firefight with James, I’d have felt that a bit cheap as Watts to me doesn’t feel like a fighter, more a planner who hides behind armies of mechanical soldiers. But damn if they didn’t sell me on Watts “You’ve yeed your last haw” Watts whipping out a Glock just to spite James.

This is another one of my favorite shots in the entire series.

Ironwood vs Watts is potentially my favorite fight in the entire series, and if it’s not, it’s easy Top 3 alongside Yang vs Mercury and Pyrrha vs CRDL/Mercury. It makes great use of Amity in the abandoned gravity biome meant for SSSN vs JNPR, with Ironwood and Watts deftly moving around in a manner that very easily could have been difficult to track with the constantly shifting gravity, but the crew do their best to keep it coherent as to who’s where. The credits showed their dedication also stretched into visual continuity, as James and Arthur’s route throughout the Arena was carefully considered so they’d loop around organically.

This is what I mean when I say the crew went above and beyond to keep things clean.

Ironwood vs Watts could have easily failed to impress, given its lack of choreography on the level the series usually does, but the team’s efforts went instead into showing a situation that lets Watts get a dragged out battle: James wins whenever he closes the distance here, so Arthur’s constantly on the run and being forced to tamper with the arena. Great camerawork, a GOD TIER song from Caleb Hyles that I’m still listening to today, and two characters with a fantastic history coming to blows makes for easily the best fight of the season and a series-wide highlight. Watching it develop from storyboards, to mocap, to animations and the full version is a delight to see. This is what CRWBY can do when everything comes togehter. The orchestra’s all tuned. It’s a goddamn symphony.

THIS is my favorite shot of the season.

Tyrian also gets to shine with his two battles this year. His alley fight with Qrow, Robyn and Clover is short but sweet, the corvid and the scorpion especially trading brutal blows in the cramped space. Qrow goes full Devil May Cry with his style-switching here, Harbinger being swapped between sword, tonfa and gun forms freely alongside Qrow applying The Power of Punching. His 1v1v1 with Clover and Qrow though is the true highlight of the season in terms of choreography. It’s lighting-fast, and has some impeccable shot work. Qrow gets to use his scythe with deliberate nods to the Red Trailer, Clover gets to shut up everyone who doubted his weapon, and Tyrian is just along for the ride and he makes the most of it. It’s frentic, it’s heart-pounding, it’s everything a fight should be.

Honorary mentions as well go to Ace Ops vs the Geist, which is just really fun and has a great backing music choice, the opening battle with Sabre having Ruby’s obligatory ten seconds of fighting that come at the start of every new era of the series, and the Ace Ops vs RWBY fight which has some good choreo in places.

H) Winter and Penny have good chemistry

I don’t have a ton to add here, I just like their dynamic and how they advance each other’s arcs. It’s nice writing. I also like Winter apologizing to Penny when she’s angry at Jacques and takes it out on Penny by accident with the “You wouldn’t understand” line.

Penny as a Maiden is a nice idea, I think her new design is cute. Penny says trans rights.

Those are a lot of my favorite things about Volume 7. It’s a killer season when it’s firing on all cylinders but unfortunately... it often misfires in frustrating ways, many of which are unfortunately due to core emblematic problems with the series that won’t go away.

2) The Bad Stuff

A) The costumes

It’s been a over year. It’s low hanging fruit. I don’t care. Most of them are still not good and they’re ludicrously over-designed.

Blake’s in a fetish suit and I wonder how she even goes to the bathroom. Weiss just looks like an abino Sabre alt, Yang is what a Halloween costume site would describe as “Sexy UPS Driver,” (why does she have a thigh window) Ruby... looks fine, it’s one of her better costumes. Jaune’s hair is silly, Ren’s model has lost some muscle definition and he looks like an e-boy, Nora’s costume really doesn’t fit the Atlas visual design and looks like a rejected Kingdom Hearts costume. Cinder’s is too black and I actually can’t track her in darker scenes because of it (which is kinda bad during... a fight scene... where I need to know where she is...), Neo looks like a Ren Fair cosplayer doing a bit for her OnlyFans, Winter’s is anatomically weird with super skinny arms and legs, and Blake’s hair is a fucking hate crime.

Qrow’s is one I liked at first but in retrospect it does feel like a downgrade. To quote @h-e-m-o-goblin from a Discord chat:

in a show like rwby, where color is such a vital defining aspect of every character, a cohesive colorscheme goes a long way. qrow's original outfit works great in this regard. neutral tones. greys, whites, and blacks, with red accents that pop against the otherwise sparse color. it's good! it's distinctive! it doesn't feel cluttered and it doesn't look like a clown vomited on him! the subdued colors really lend themselves to the grey, cynical energy qrow seems to carry with him. a literal lack of color in his life. the outfit itself feels like something he would wear; a combination of "clearly trying to look cool" and "a little disheveled and laid back." the design breathes, it isn't cluttered. let's contrast this with his vol 7 outfit. a lot of outfits in vol 7 suffer from this problem, but first and foremost it doesn't look like something he would wear. where his old outfit had a casual feel to it, his new look feels like someone dressed him up for a family christmas dinner. it's too... tidy. now of course you could argue this is him "cleaning up his life," but i dont feel like you have to sacrifice his own personal style in order to convey that. if that's really what they were going for, they easily could have just, oh i dont know, given him a cape that isn't tattered???

remember how i said qrow's original outfit really made his colors pop? how less is more when it comes to having a character with a specific color theme? vol 7 butchered that. we suddenly have articles of clothes that are tinted with greenish blue tones, browns, and with gold trim? on TOP of the old colors he already had in his design. it's muddy. it's ugly. the burgundy vest is fine, if they wanted to work more color into his outfit they should have done it that way throughout, shades of grey and different tones of RED. his COLOR. it just feels like they tacked so much on there without a second thought and i really think he deserves better. its just. such a mess.

The ones I did like were Watts’ new coat (I like the puffy hood), Penny’s is fine, the Ace Ops look great, Ironwood’s new outfit is stellar (those last six are great examples of how to do a lot with just primary colors of white and red), Neon’s Jolyne cosplay is cute and Flynt is slick. Otherwise, Volume 7 feels like it’s taken a lot of the wrong lessons from the costume design of the earlier seasons. Less is often more but now it feels like they have a pathological aversion to empty space on the costumes, leading them to feel like... costume vomit for lack of a better word. I didn’t love the Mistral outfits, but their modifications at least were carried by how many of them called back to the Fall of Beacon and emphasized the themes of loss in Volume 4. The new Atlas outfits... don’t have that shared theme. It feels like a hodgepodge of different design influences without trying to find a way to unify them. It’s like putting Baki the Grappler beside My Little Pony, they just fail to mesh.

Also for fuck’s sake already CRWBY just give the girls muscles already.

2) JNR suck and Ren’s arc is glorified character assassination

I don’t love JNR. They’re fine, but the show has arguably not needed them for a while and while I’ve liked them all at different points, it’s never been adoration outside of Ren in Volume 4. I was cool with the idea of them staying in Argus to help cover Mistral after its Huntsmen were wiped out, and Volume 7 has... made me wish they did that.

Jaune is just comic relief, and it kinda blows for later reasons but the big one is that he’s just not very funny. His big role in Volume 7 is basically to crosswalk some kids so we can have a joke scene during the Mantle Battle where Jaune uses his tactical genius to teach people to walk in single file. I feel like at this point Miles is just actively trying to kill Jaune’s fandom out of spite for how badly Jaundice was received. He’s never allowed to be cool or try and redeem himself. His hatedom aren’t going to stop hating Jaune because he gets more comedy guys. They’re going to stop when you write Jaune well. It’s a bummer he got some genuinely great upgrades for his sword and shield and never gets to use them outside of the opening.

Nora exists. She got a surprising amount of focus this season in that she got focus of any kind. I liked her confronting Ironwood over his choking of Mantle because we know she was once the kind of person Ironwood would have been stifling. I like her being the one to realize the loophole in Jinn’s “You can’t” line. I don’t like much else about Nora this year, or at least the Nora the writing team are pushing. She’s not funny like Jaune but Nora just absorbs so much screentime in the first half with her constant shrieking. Sam Ireland has good range but making Nora into Discount Harley Quinn is pushing her out of it. She sounds shrill, making Nora sound like she has no heart outside of the election rally. A shrill voice is one thing. A shrill voice that never lands a single joke? Yeah that character is tainted by association.

And Ren... oh God Ren what happened to you.

The Volume 7 commentary confirmed a suspicion of mine that Ren’s arc was heavily cut down from what was planned. Even watching V7 I could tell his arc was bare-bones at best, and it’s downright character assassination in places. Why is he suddenly so cold to Nora? Why is he now so obsessed with training? Why does he side with Ironwood for all of... one line which is this last between episodes 7 and 11. Ren only has two hundred words of dialoge in Volume 7 and they feel so weird in places. Ren goes from seemingly disliking Nora, to kissing her, to never referencing the kiss, to partaking in the Worst Scene Of The Season, all with no consistency. It’s not even threadbare. Ren’s arc just has no connecting tissue for so much of it! It’s insane how badly Ren was hurt by this, and I shudder to wonder how bad his Volume 8 arc will be because you know that was one of the first plotlines they cut down on when they inevitably overreached again.

I don’t know how they made Renora kissing feel unearned? But by God they found a way with how much of a trainwreck Ren’s writing is in regards to tainting this.

If Ironwood is an example of RWBY doing character writing well, Ren is the mirror image of how badly they can do. JNR really suffered from Volume 7 (also fun fact, Ren has about 200 words of dialogue? Ironwood has 4400). Maybe not to the level of irredeemable dislike? But very close to being on the same tier as Cinder of “Just go away already.” I’m not looking forward to their content in Volume 8.

3) RWBY themselves are poorly handled in Volume 7

It’s unfortunate that the actual title characters of the series are also some of this season’s weaker links. RWBY feel... superfluous to this season in a way they’ve never felt before. It’s baffling how much of the season doesn’t change if you just don’t include them, and apparently Volume 7′s first draft? Was even worse.

The commentary says that many of the RWBY moments were added later in production. Stuff like Ruby and Renora at the rally, Blake and Yang’s talk with Robyn and Ruby and Qrow’s chat were all either added in near the end of the writing or were “low priority” enough that they could have been cut which is... veyr alarming that’s stuff even the main protags have to worry about!

Ruby feels half-baked. I was looking forward to her in V7 after how V6 gave her a more dynamic personality and the focus she got in Brunswick, and having Penny’s return had me interested in seeing Ruby grapple with her emotions about it. She watched Penny die, how would it influence her to see Penny back and OK? Good question, we never get to see it. Ruby’s just OK with Penny’s return, the one time they touch on it Penny immediately glosses over it. Ruby just goes back to her old happy go lucky persona where any and all negative emotions are immediately forced down instead of confronting them and growing from them. I’m getting a little tired of Ruby bottling her grief and being teased about finally getting her snapping like a Twix Bar. We finally got her crying and it lasted all of ten seconds. And it doesn’t help that Ruby’s still getting shafted for fights. Her scythe choreography has no excuse being as flacid as it is now after Qrow vs Clover showed they can do scythe fighting! Why is Ruby being upstaged by (let’s be real) a supporting character! Why is she being limited to ten seconds of good combat then nothing for the rest of the season outside of flimsily swinging it or shooting. It’s disappointing, especially after how good V6 Ruby was.

I swear, Gravity’s not just my favorite episode of the season just because Ruby finally cries in it.

Weiss was kinda just done dirty though. At least Ruby has a good outfit. Weiss confronting her father has been a long standing plot thread for the series, it’s been Weiss’s Big Thing since the White Trailer. And when Jacques finally appears, he’s very... bland. He’s just evil corporate dude who exists less as an obstacle for Weiss and more just a roadblock for the plot through the election. Weiss finally gets a chance to take her father down and work to redeem her family name... but instead of earning said victory and it being treated with the same gravitas and emotional weight as Blake defeating Adam... Weiss has her victory handed to her. And it’s played for comedy by her abusrdly attractive mother.

Listen, I like I Willow Schnee. I think she’s a fascinating character and I like the idea of a person who is aware of the harm they’ve done by accident but is too broken to fix the issues she accidentally left. I love her calling Weiss out on her treatment of Whitley. But she is absolutely a Deus Ex Machina that exists to get Jacques out of the plot as fast as possible. You mean to tell me Hackerman Watts never once made sure Jacques had hidden cameras? Or that none of the staff found Willow’s cameras and reported them under the assumption they were White Fang spies? It’s so... convenient. It’s handing Weiss her victory on an unearned platter. Which sucks. I was really looking forward to Weiss beating Jacques. Instead she just gets given the plot device while JNR engage in the Worst Scene of The Season in that Whitley food stunt.

Me whenever I’m asked to rewatch Cordially Invited

Blake and Yang have much the same problems, in they never separate. I know they’re going to be together. I know CRWBY are making it canon (get it over with already). I still would like Yang and Blake to have individual character scenes. I’d like Blake and Marrow to talk about being a Faunus Huntsman in Atlas (another thing that got cut thanks to Robyn Hill). I want Yang and Ironwood to discuss their PTSD and have Yang thank Ironwood for his trust in her that he commissioned the arm despite Yang attacking Mercury. I want Blake to be well animated in fight scenes so she’s doing more than just jobbing so Yang looks better. I want Yang to stop hogging all the good Team RWBY choeography. I want them to interact with other characters and continue to grow instead of feeling like two halves of one character. And no, making a meta joke of how Blake and Yang don’t talk to other people doesn’t make it OK. It just means you’re self aware about your own faults.

(Also give Yang better merch or quit the favoritism. If you’re gonna milk her, put effort into it beyond crapply overpriced flannel. RT’s merch store is actively making me hate Yang.)

Team RWBY’s biggest contribution to the season is the Ironwood Lie which is... a can of worms. They certainly had a point in withholding some of the bigger truths from James but I feel by Pomp and Cirumstance he’d proven himself truthwrothy enough to warrant being told the truth about Salem. But then when he’s finally told the truth, it’s offscreen’d and the consequence isn’t “Why didn’t you tell me earlier” but “Fucking Ozpin man.” Gravity has it bite them in the ass, but it’s more an accessory to Yang and Blake telling Robyn about the Amity tower. I wish more had been done with the team disagreeing on whether the lie was a good choice or not, maybe have Yang be hardline against it due to her own “No more lies and half truths” policy instead of... having Yang tell more lies and half truths (Commentary confirms she never told Ruby and Weiss about the Robyn stuff BTW). But that’s a wider problem where RWBY aren’t allowed to disagree beyond surface level “I don’t know if this is the right call” dialogue. There’s never a threat of one of them cracking and just spilling the beans to James, everyone just blindly trusts Ruby and Qrow tells the audience “No this is different from when Ozpin lied. Trust us.”

This is the most RWBY get for content in the season finale: Ruby just nuking Cinder with no difficulty after having trouble with the eyes three episodes ago. Kinda lame tbh.

Team RWBY are just disappointing in Volume 7. They’re not given good animation, their story roles are largely insignificant, the impact of their roles on the story is threadbare and... well most of their costumes suck don’t @ me even CRWBY have admitted Blake and Weiss’s haircuts looked bad. It’s a whole barrage of a letdown for the main girls. And it’s really sad that the best scenes of the season... are usually the ones where RWBY are nowhere in sight.

Why the hell didn’t Yang get to keep the sunglasses come on guys. One job.

4) Robyn, the election plot, and the Happy Huntresses

Oh God, Robyn Hill is... not great. I could and likely will write a full meta on her character and how they bungled it but I’ll just be blunt here: I don’t like her design, the colors don’t mesh well, he head’s too small, Christina Vee is sleeping through the role and her weapon’s lame. Introducing her in a scene where she threatens to attack our heroes, and her agents are actively sneaking up on them to do it, is not a great first impression for a hometown hero. And that the commentary thinks she’s meant to be the hero in that scene is... staggering.

RWBY’s greatest threat yet is a wine mom Karen and her Home Owners Association army.

The election plot is less a misfire and more the engine just exploding. There’s so little good content between when it’s introduced and concluded, with it usually being individual scenes that are more good in spite of their connection to the plot (such as Tyrian’s massacre). It drags in pacing, going on for nearly half the season between episodes 5 and 10, and it purely exists as a roadblock to keep RWBY spinning their wheels while Watts and Tyrian keep going with the main plot. I don’t know why CRWBY went for this plot. They could have easily had something else fill the gap that also allowed for a lot of the character beats (such as Marrow and Blake’s talk and Ren’s entire arc) to shine, or at least condensed it to the important elements instead of letting it become bloated. It ends in such an unsatisfying way where Willow just shows up and goes “We have four episode left, here’s the plot device to beat Jacques, get back ot the main plot.” If they wanted to do the election plot, the best route would have been to give Volume 7 more episodes or stretch out its events to two seasons, but neither is realistically possible while RWBY lives off the teat of AT&T.

Jacques and Robyn are just boring. Evil corporate man and a lame adaptation of Robyn Hood who only has fans because of thirst who also like downplaying Robyn making a racist remark at Marrow (to say nothing of that weird subsection of Robyn fans who make her a Fox Faunus who cut her tail off to join Atlas Academy which is... certainly a creative choice especially when Marrow and Neon are punching holes in that angsty BS backstory). They can’t carry this plot and the artifical attempts to make it seem more exciting with the two cliffhaners ending on Mantle under riot or Grimm attack are laughably cut short by the next episode in each case opening the morning after. On binge watch it becomes weirdly funny more than anything and that’s not a good reaction. The dual cliffhangers being cheaply resolved is a short but succint example of V7′s pacing issues, and they almost always loop around to the election plot being too bloated, slow and just boring.

Also the Happy Huntresses are just... lame. I like their Semblances but that’s it. Fiona’s OK because she gets some screentime but May’s just “the surly one” and Joanna doesn’t even get her Semblance or much dialogue (oh wow she really is just a female Sage Ayana isn’t she). Robyn should not have been leading the HH and running for Council. That’s really stupid. And kind of wrong. Having May or Fiona be running instead while Robyn leads the team in relief efforts would have been better and could have split the focus more effeciently instead of leaving May and especially Joanna feelng like roster padding. There’s also some delicious irony in the show trying to frame the HH as the resistance fighting for the people and representing individuality, only for them all to have the same boring outfit and weapons (I think even the exact same model just with different sizes) while the Ace Ops are meant to be the military drones who are “Just following orders,” only for them to be more racially diverse, more diverse body-type-wise, and have more unique weapons. It’s another one of those odd creative dissconnects between what the writers wanted and what the artists/animation teams chose to do.

The election plot is overall toxin for Volume 7, and Robyn in my opinion, has one of the worst introductory scenes of any character in the franchise (and CRWBY have tacitly admitted that V7 had a character they were surprised at how controversial they were, which has to be Robyn). In a year where they were already juggling so much content and characters, adding in this bloated subplot was something I don’t think anyone wanted, especially now that we know we lost so much content on the sacrificial altar for this. It’s a black mark on the season and I don’t really care for the return of the Happy Huntresses or Robyn in Volume 8. None of them are interesting enough to care for outside of meta reasons like “cute.”

Also fuck you Fiona, can’t believe you got a shirt before Ironwood.

5) Cinder and Neo sure exist

To be fair, this is one of Cinder’s best years, easily her best since Volume 3 but that’s more because Cinder in the Mistral era was crap. (And if I wanna be cruel, because Cinder wasn’t in two thirds of the season)Her fans were finally vindicated after years of telling anyone who dunked on Cinder that “nooooo she has a super covert backstory that’s gonna be amazing when it’s revealed! You’ll see!” And well they finally got it. All of one line during a fight about how Cinder “refuses to starve.”

It’s still something so I guess we have to take it. Seriously... how do we still not have Cinder’s backstory.

There’s just not a ton to say about Cinder and Neo in V7 barring I that don’t think they needed to be here. They feel very superfluous and just here to have a big boss fight in Cinder’s case alongside continuing her streak of ending the odd numbered seasons fighting a female side character... which for me became an exercise in tyring to find during Cinder during the damn fight.

And this is why when most people saw Cinder’s V6 outfit they went “It’s gonna be hard to see her in darker environments,” then were vindicated when it became legit difficult to see Cinder in this scene. God if they at least just made the inside of the cape red it’d be easier.

Neo is Neo, which means she makes funny faces and mocks Cinder (I like that), but she doesn’t get a super good fight which uh... we’ll get to. I’m interested to see her finally exploding at Cinder and going for a backstab, but really Neo in V7 was kinda hit hard by the double whammy of the Oscar Hallway Punch and how humiliating ORNJ vs Neo was for ORNJ. Cinder’s definitely had far worse years and after how aimless she was in Mistral this feels like a sep in the right direction, but at this point CRWBY just need to shut up and tell us her deal. It’s been seven years guys. Come on. At least make her interesting if she’s gonna say around. They’ve had worse years, but unfortunately Cinder and Neo’s role in the finale leads into...

6) Some of the fights weren’t good

I wanna be clear, I like most of Volume 7′s fights. It’s just a bummer the worst ones are back and back and make up a chunk of the finale. ORNJ vs Neo is just crap. It’s the worst fight since the Battle of Haven. There’s nothing else I can say, it’s poorly animated, paced, choreographed and written. JNR especially are made to look like complete jokes after they spent all season training, to the point where it looks like V2 Yang could solo V7 JNR after this. Oscar I expect this from because he’s not allowed to have fun stuff onscreen after accidentally stealing the Haven budget for his fight with Hazel, but JNR were just done dirty. There were ways to make the fight work in a way where Neo still won but JNR looked good. They went for the worst possible outcome that just leaves Neo looking like she got fan-wanked and JNR looking like they’re just not allowed to be cool due to Miles’ spite at the Jaune-Self Insert stuff (and that’s not even getting into JNR being forced to run from lame rent a cops who can’t even handle a single Grimm). Cinder vs Winter and Penny isn’t much better, with her dark outfit making it very hard to track the fight because she blends into the background too well. It’s not a great showing for Winter or Penny given their earlier feats but, hey, some random female character had to fight Cinder in this odd numbered volume, carrying on Glynda, Pyrrha and Raven’s tradition. It’s at least better than ORNJ vs Neo, but that’s really not saying anything. At least Cinder’s VA work isn’t too bad this time but this fight commits the cardinal sin of a finale fight: It’s just not super interesting because we know Cinder can’t kill both Winter and Penny and she’s not becoming a Maiden, while Winter’s been too blatantly set up so it has to be Penny.

RWBY vs the Ace Ops also gets a dishonorable mention due to the choreography on display here... and the lack of it for Weiss, Blake and Ruby. Ruby never once swings Crescent Rose the entire fight and is just reduced to getting the tar kicked out of her by Harriet. Weiss barely gets to use her sword and largely just sticks to her summoning and glyphs which makes for a very visually uninteresting fighting style at the best of times. Blake just swings around and gets caught by the bad guys so Yang is motivated to fight stronger. She never dual wields (again) and her best moves are just setting up Yang to do all the hard work while Yang gets to personally KO two of the Ace Ops. There’s a lot that can be said about whether or nor RWBY earn the win, but while the animation team try to sell the Ace Ops landing heavy hits, having only Blake’s Aura even flicker really undercuts the idea from the commentary that this wasn’t meant to be a stomp for RWBY and they had to work together and be in synch to win.

Which is why Yang solos two of the Ace Ops whle Blake plays support, Weiss beats Marrow alone and then kill steals Harriet from Ruby, all while the song playing is an extended diss track from RWBY to the Ace Ops about how badass they are now, and the commentary itself says the Ace Ops are hard carried by Clover’s Semblance (because you gotta love basically saying four POC were only competent because a white guy led them, and then have them lose because said white guy wasn’t around to carry them!). Great job guys, you really sold it.

And talking of Clover, I feel it worth mentioning Qrow vs Clover vs Tyrian. It’s animation wise near perfect, but unfortunately I do feel it would be remiss to not mention that I feel the writing really has to bend over backwards to justify this fight. A lot of it is stuff I would say in that hypothetical Robyn essay, but I feel Robyn, Qrow and Clover all have to become massive idiots for this specific sequence of events to occur, and for Clover especially every retroactive attempt to explain why he prioritized Qrow over Tyrian just sounds more and more desperate. Between the references to MCU Captain America (a person whose entire arc is about learning when it’s OK to defy bad orders) or the attempt in the commentary to say “Oh Clover thought it would be easier to take out Tyrian alone instead of Qrow,” none of them land and just further drive home how much the plot had to stretch and reach to get that moment of Tyrian killing Clover. I like the fight. But I hate the road the show took to get there.

Some of the misc fights are also weak like ORNJ vs FNKI and elements of the Mantle Grimm battle, but those are the big offenders. Otherwise, again, the fights are largely good.

7) The soundtrack wasn’t... great

I mean the vocal songs only, don’t crucify me. Trust Love is just lamer Let’s Just Live/Triumph, Celebrate and Let’s Get Real are so boring I thought they were the same song until the OST dropped, Brand New Day is boringly peppy and Jeff’s vocals are dreadful. I completely forgot Touch the Sky until I was checking the tracklist to make sure I didn’t forget any songs. War has good singers but tries to sell the RWBY-Ace Ops bond as way deeper than it was. The lack of a villain song did really sting though, those are always the highlights.

There are good songs. I really like Fear, I feel it encapsulates the themes of the volume well and serves as a good condemnation of Ironwod’s mentality. Until The End is finally the Ruby song I’ve waited for since Red Like Roses 2 and I enjoy that she got a melancholic song, and Hero is easily, hands down, best track of the record and probably best RWBY track, full stop. Caleb killed it, I loved the second verse, opening opera was strong, guitar riffs were a plenty. Stellar work all around for that one.

The OST has great work from Jeff and Alex as usual, but the Jeff and Casey songs are really starting to lose their appeal. Going for a peppy feel this year didn’t help cover the cracks that are beginning to show with RWBY’s vocal songs (especially Jeff’s vocal range), and while a few standouts remain such as Fear and Hero, they are the slim minority in an otherwise very boring vocal tracklist that barely scrapes above Volume 5 for weakest set yet.

8) It wasn’t as funny as it thought it was

Comedy is subjective but man a lot of these jokes didn’t land. RWBY really needs to realize that does work in traditional 2D does not translate into 3D and just comes off as making official reaction GIFs for your Twitter account. Making characters SUDDENY SCREAM LOUDLY is not good banter. Please stop making Nora into Harley Quinn. Marrow was probably the most consistently funny character but that was it. Also I dunno why CRWBY thought Forrest was funny or what the deal was with that FRWBY crap.

“Honorary” mention to the JNR food scene in Cordially Invited which is genuinely one of the worst scenes in the entire show and I hope whoever animated it has their save files deleted for a game where they were about to beat the final boss. Nothing sums up JNR’s pointlessness in the series more perfectly than this.

C) Conclusion

See what I mean about Volume 7 being frustrating?

It’s weird that I overal think of Volume 7 as a mid-tier volume. There’s so much here I genuinely adore, with some of the best stuff to do with the show coming out of this season (barring lame, overpriced merch that feels like clothing gacha), but simultaneously the whole thing is let down by outside circumstances that unfortunately are ones the show can’t ever really recover from. Put bluntly, Volume 7 is the most technically proficient season of the show with the best lighting, backdrops, (some of the) character models, etc. CRWBY definitely didn’t slack off this year, but the problem isn't with them. It’s with the writing. A wider reaching problem is just that Miles and Kerry can’t really improve to the level that the series now requires. Eddy and Kiersei’s first season could have gone far worse, but it definitely was notable whenever they took over. Volume 7’s core problems are fourfold: The comedy is terrible and none of the jokes really land, the season focuses on the wrong plots and gives them too much effort, too many episodes are spent building up to new plots only for them to be weakly resolved (especially the Mantle Riot/Grimm attacks that are shoved off-screen), and the character bloat strikes hard here and leaves a lot of the cast feeling like dead weight. CRWBY don’t need more writers. They need more editors willing to tell the team what has to go instead of them hemming and hawing themselves on if they if they can include a plotline. The election never should have gotten past its first draft, there was too much already in this season before adding that.

When this is an unironic shot in your series... you’ve got character bloat issues.

At this point, I think JNR need to go. The show had no idea what to do with them throughout the season, leading to Jaune just being comic relief while Ren and Nora became characters I actively dislike. Renora was the easiest ship in the show to land, and they still managed to blow the engines and ram at least three icebergs just to prove that RWBY can’t romance to save its life. Team RWBY themselves are little better, with Ruby’s feelings about Penny’s return being shelved, Weiss’s victory against Jacques feeling un-earned and undercut by comedy, while Yang and Blake are benched for the volume and become a singular entity with how tied at the hip they are. Maria basically yeeted herself out of the show and I didn’t notice, Pietro is just a death flag, and while the Ace Ops had a good intro, it was undercooked by how they had to play the villain role to give RWBY something to do in the final hours. Cinder and Neo didn’t need to be here. Robyn had one of the worst introductions for a character I’ve ever seen, I never enjoyed her moments and it genuinely feels like she only has a fandom because RWBY’s community are in fact that desperate.

On the brighter side, Ironwood’s arc is fucking perfect and Jason Rose deserves all the love. Great fight, great song, great design, love the beard, it was a perfect downfall for Volume 7’s true protagonist. Qrow had a fun volume and I loved his dynamic with Clover (I don’t see the ship stuff but that’s more because I’m an IronQrow main so my blinders were on). Clover was also way cooler than I remembered. His fights stood out but the guy’s just really cool at the end of the day, with Chris doing great work as a VA. Oscar even managed to do stuff this year which was a shock and a half, but a welcome shock and a half. I didn’t mention it, but the Ozpin fear monologue is one of my favorite scenes in the entire show and it and the Ironwood/Oscar confrontation in the vault save the finale. And of course, Watts and Tyrian were the MVPs. I don’t have a bad word about either of them, they fucking nailed their roles and I can’t wait to see them again.

And that’s kind of what I mean when I say Volume 7 flummoxes me. It’s frustrating at times with how it handles seemingly easy tasks and drops the ball. Renora went from “everyone liked that” to wondering how badly Ren’s stuff got butchered for him to be the way he is. RWBY themselves could be almost entirely cut and so little would change, and the fact that the finale basically hinges its entire emotional stakes on Winter, Penny and Oscar is a staggering call. And it really feels like the season was compressed beyond necessity because they decided going in that Volume 7 had to end on Salem’s arrival. There’s two volumes worth of material here, and maybe it would have been best to have broken up these events. Volume 7 does too much in too little time, and RWBY especially suffered from it. But when it works… it’s good. Never close to the highs of Volumes 6 or 3, but there’s genuinely good material here. The fights are mostly getting better with far less missteps than previously, the acting (mostly) continues to improve and it’s obvious that RWBY is a very good looking show at this point. Ironwood’s arc is franchise-wide highs, I loved Clover, and Marrow remains the best boi. But it’s frustrating that despite all the tech advances Volume 7 has made, it still makes such threadbare, rookie writing mistakes in cast management, comedy and character arcs. I’m glad Miles and Kerry finally realized that they needed more writers, but it won’t mean anything if the show just continues to circle the drain on the core mistakes it’s been making since 2013. Volume 7 has good in it. But I can see where it could have been great.

Thanks for reading, stan IronQrow and please get Whitley a therapist.

And for the love of God already make an Ironwood vs Watts shirt!

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lunarapocolypse · 5 years ago

Text

Cryptic

@terrible-my-hero-academia-aus I blame you for this. For terrible aus prompt week: Dabi is a Jpop idol

------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Love is dead and never existed. All you ever did is betray me as I lay here, sick and festering. You are the definition of dread, the bane of my life.” Dabi groaned, slumping on the couch. Magne gave him a concerned look.

“Are you okay?”

“Shimura ate my fucking ice cream.”

“Not my fault you didn’t eat it quick enough!” A scratchy voice called from the hallway.

“I bought that yesterday, obviously I wouldn’t have finished it by now! How the fuck can you eat partically and entire tub of ice cream, and still be that skinny?” Dabi shouted back.

“Metabolism.” Tenko spoke, chuckling as he entered the hotel room. “And you can’t really say that, considering you’re underweight too.”

“I don’t eat much, so at least I have a reason. You eat all the junk in the world, but you’re still a skeleton.” Dabi pointed out.

“Guess I can’t argue with that.” Tenko shrugged.

Magne let out a sigh.“I really worry for you two, at least try to eat healthy. You’re both practically sticks!”

Tenko rolled his eyes, flopping onto the couch as well.“I do what I want, Magne. No need to be worried, though I appreciate it.”

The makeup artist sighed again. “I can’t help but worry.” She checked her watch, getting up. “Me and Himiko said we’d go out tonight, I have to get ready. You’ll be okay by yourselves, right?”

“Yeah yeah, we will. Now get going, before Crazy barges in here. She broke the door last time. ” Dabi grumbled, waving at her. He wasn’t in the mood to hear Tenko’s screechy shouting about how much it would take to replace the door. That’s at least what happened last time. Then again, Tenko seemed to be in a good mood today.

“Try not to kill each other.” Magne giggled, opening the door and gently closing it. Tenko flipped her off, but Dabi could tell from the placid look on his face that he wasn’t really mad.

Dabi shifted on the couch, as a silence entered the hotel room. It was one of those silences that gave him space to think, to make him sweatdrop at how the heck he got here. He never thought that after running away from home, he’d get scouted for idol training. And never did he think he’d actually like it. He originally went along with it since they provided free meals but he quickly began to enjoy it. He always did like music, so he supposed it made a little sense. He never thought he’d actually be popular either. He had just debuted a year ago, and was already topping the charts.

He had just finished his last performance of a tour he was doing, and it had been a blast. This whole tour had been a blast. He and the rest of the team were staying at a hotel until they headed back the next day. Dabi couldn’t remember the last time he enjoyed something this much. If only his siblings could be there to see it.

“You did a really good job today.” Tenko spoke, a wide smile crossing his face. Most people would describe his smiles as creepy at first, but once you got to know him somehow they became endearing. At least that’s what Dabi thought. Not that he’d admit it.

Tenko was the son of the man who had originally scouted him, Kotaro Shimura, so Dabi had known him longer than the people on his team. He and Tenko didn’t get along at first, but they eventually became close friends.

“Are you congratulating me? I’m flattered, but that’s concerning coming from you, mophead. Are you getting a brain freeze from all that ice cream?” He replied, a shit eating grin appearing on his scarred face. His fans, the Cryptids as he called them, somehow thought this was hot. In Tenko’s own words ‘that’s because they’re monsterfuckers.’

Dabi chuckled as he dodged the water bottle that his manager chucked at him.

“I’d congratulate you more if you didn’t tease me when I tried. But if you’d rather have me be annoyed all the time, then fine! I won’t be nice to you anymore.” he huffed. Dabi pouted.

“Wait no no no, I take it back. Give me validation.” He whined. Tenko turned away, flipping him off.

“Too late. You lost my validation forever.”

“Shimura noooo. Don’t do this to me.”

“You did this to yourself, bitch.”

“I’m sowwy Mister Shimuwa, owo.”

“Please never say that again.”

“Then fowgwive me.”

“No.”

“Baby don’t hurt me don’t hurt me no more-”

“Oh my god, stop, I’ll validate you, just please. Anything but that song.” Tenko croaked, trying not to laugh but failing miserably at it. Dabi’s grin reappeared as the atmosphere went silent again. Not an awkward silence, much more comfortable than that. Until his dear manager decided to speak.

“We got a new sponsor request.” Ah, so that was the reason the mophead was in such a good mood.

“It would be pretty stupid not to take it since it’s the best sponsorship we’ve got yet, but I wanted to run it by you anyways.” Tenko said, turning to face the other. Dabi cocked an eyebrow.

“That big? You’re talking like it’s a hero agency or something.”he joked. He had a bad relationship with heroes, so being sponsored by one would be weird. It probably wasn’t that though-

“I’m surprised you guessed it.” Tenko purred, a smile creeping up his pale face. Dabi’s eyes widened. Okay, it was a hero agency. Well...he didn’t like heroes, but this could help his career, so he could make an exception. It’s not like he had to truly support the agency, after all.

“Oh really? What agency?” He asked, unable to stop the bitter feeling in his stomach.

“One of the best! The Flame Hero, Endeavor.”

Ah.

Dabi froze in his place.

“Personally I don’t like him, too aggressive, but he’s number two so imagine how much this is going to boost us! I can finally give Magne and Toga a pay rai-....hey are you okay?” Tenko said, stopping his rambling with a soft mumble as he noticed Dabi’s stiffness.

“Turn it down.”

“...What?”

“Turn down the offer!” Dabi snapped. “We’re already doing good, we don’t need that bastard’s help.” Tenko raised an eyebrow, giving him a stern look.

“Are you being serious?”

“Yes, I am! I’m not taking some bullshit sponsorship from Endeavor of all people.”

“I get that you don’t like heroes and I don’t either but-”

“This isn’t just about heroes! It’s him! I’m not associating myself with a guy like that.”

“Do you have some personal vendetta against him?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“This is your job, Dabi. You have to put personal feelings aside. Think of how much we’d spread, with his influence!” He hissed.

“I don’t need his influence! I don’t need anything from him!”

“At least give it a chance-”

“I’ve given him more than enough chances!” Dabi roared. His volume was enough to make Tenko flinch.

“I’ve given him so many chances and he fucked up every single one of them, he’s not going to change, Shimura. He...he’s going to ruin this too.” He gasped.

“He...he…” Dabi felt like he couldn’t breathe, and his vision felt blurry. Shit, was he crying? He was shaking too. Oh god, please not a panic attack things were going so well today-

“Dabi? Dabi!” Tenko seemed to realize what was going on because he gently tapped Dab’s shoulder.

“Look, I need you to breathe. Copy me, alright? Breathe in for 5.” Tenko demonstrated. Dabi followed along.

“Hold for 5.” One two three four five. “And breathe out.” One two three four five.

“Good. Now just repeat that. Here, place a hand on your belly and your chest. Make sure it’s expanding when you breathe in and out.” Dabi did as he said, slowly calming down. This continued for a bit until he stopped shaking.

“...Sorry. Didn’t mean to freak out.” He mumbled. Tenko sighed.

“Don’t apologize. Here, I’ll turn it down. He’s gonna be pissed at us, but that’ll be fun to see.” Tenko said, grinning once again. Dabi’s eyes widened in shock.

“But, didn’t you say to put personal feelings aside?” He asked.

“I did, but if those feelings are bad enough to make you have a panic attack then it’s clearly not worth it. I’m glad I asked you before accepting, otherwise we’d really be in trouble.” He said, chuckling a little.

“Thanks, Shimura.”

“Don’t thank me. I’d be a shit manager if I still asked you to take it.” He replied, rolling his eyes.

“Although I’m curious, you said you gave him a lot of chances. And he messed it up. What exactly is your history with Endeavor?” he asked. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, of course.”

“Well, it’s complicated. I don’t wanna go into detail, but if I’m gonna talk about this I’m gonna need a drink.” Dabi figured he’d let him know a little. After all, he’d been his manager for a year and his friend for longer, and he deserved an explanation. Tenko nodded at that, getting a bottle of wine from the cabinet, along with two glasses.

“How did you know how to deal with a panic attack? Tell me that first.”

Tenko shrugged. “Me and my sister get them sometimes, we tend to help each other through it.” Dabi nodded.

“So, anyways, what’s your deal with Mr. Number two?”

“He’s my dad.”

Dabi nearly burst out laughing when Tenko spit out some of his wine.

“What??? Wait,now that I think of it you both have fire quirks and he had a son that died at age 14, the same age you were scouted at and it was only a month before you were scouted too...Oh my god.” He mumbled, taking a large sip. “Oh my freaking god.”

“Connecting the dots, creep?”

“It’s all coming together. I’m surprised I didn’t guess by now.”

“Yeah, yeah. Anyways, he’s an abusive asshole and I’m not taking his help ever again. That’s all I will tell you for now.”

“Understandable.” Tenko had pretty much used his own dad’s influence in the business world to get big then cut ties with him. They didn’t get along, for reasons Dabi only had a vague idea of. Something about All might, and this one old hero...what was her name? Dabi couldn’t remember.

“Wait, he had other kids, right? Do your siblings still know you’re alive?”

“Yeah, we have a group chat. They have no idea where I am though.” he said, chuckling. “I told them I ran off on a pokemon go journey.”

“...That’s a dick move. I respect that.” Tenko replied, nodding with approval.

“Pff, yeah. I still send them pics of pokemon from time to time.”

“You said he was abusive...what about your siblings?”

“He ignored my sis and middle bro, but the youngest...Shoto...he took my place after I left, let’s just say that.” he muttered, bitterly. “...I’m a coward who wasn’t able to help him, let’s just say that.”

“You’re not a coward, you were reasonably scared. And it’s not like you can’t still help.”

“...What do you mean?”

Tenko sat up, his stunning ruby eyes having a spark in them. “Y’know, Endeavor is pretty popular, but if his fans knew he was a child abuser there would be some controversy. Plus, you’re almost as popular, and if you’re this good now imagine how much your popularity will increase in just a few months.”

Dabi raised an eyebrow. “Your point?”

“Endeavor doesn’t stand a chance against an army of fangirls, and the press, if we can get them to side with us.”

Oh.

“...You want me to admit he’s my dad, and basically expose him when I get popular enough?” Dabi said, giving him a bewildered look.

Tenko shrugged. “Well, not that bluntly. If we’re going to do this we have to make sure it’s convincing. And have a little fun while we’re at it, of course.” he smirked.

“Only if you feel up to it. Not gonna pressure you to do anything you don’t feel like.”

Dabi gulped.

“Oh, why the hell not. Down with Endeavor.” he raised his glass. Tenko cackled, raising his as well.

“Down with Endeavor!”

They drank, giggling like teenagers.

“Hey, Dabi?”

“Yeah?”

“I have a stupid idea.”

“Shoot.”

“How about we hype up your fans, before delivering the final blow? Dabi smiled, seeing a gleam in the other’s eyes.

“Oh, do tell.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Todoroki, Midoriya you two have to see this!” Mina gushed, running over to where the boys were eating their lunch.

“Ashido? Is something wrong?” he asked, tilting his head.Mina grinned, shoving her phone in his face.

“There’s this jpop idol me and Kyoka really like, Dabi, and look! In his new album apparently they found a lot of messages when played backwards, but that’s not just it! They have a secret code language in it too.” This caught both the boys’ attention.

“Uraraka was talking about him earlier! This should be fun.” Midoriya commented, a large smile forming on his face.

“Can you play one for me?” Shoto Fan-Theorist Todoroki said, eyes gleaming. Mina happily obliged, playing the first song backwards.

“This is for Endeavor, you big fat white nasty ass smelling bitch-” The song began. It was pretty impressive how it sounded like this backwards, yet it had completely different lyrics when played normally.

Shoto and Midoriya listened intently, cracking up a few times. Although Shoto couldn’t help but feel like the voice was strangely familiar...

“He hates Endeavor too, huh Todoroki? I wonder why?” Midoriya tapped his chin. “Now that I think of it, he has a fire quirk too, right? Blue fire.” Shoto’s eyes widened. He only knew one person with blue fire…

“Oh this one is why I wanted to show this to you specifically is because of this.” Mina played another song, making Shoto’s ears perk up.

“Shoto do your homework and don’t forget to water the cactus, Natsuo. Tell mom I love her and tell dad to fuck off. Fuyumi don’t cry I’ll be okay.” She stopped the recording, smiling at their wide eyes.

“Fuyumi and Natsuo? Your siblings? And he mentioned you…” Midoriya mumbled, glancing at his friend. Shoto gulped.

“Ashido, play something with the secret code language you mentioned.”

“Huh? Okay.” She played a snippet making Shoto jump up, slamming his hands on the table.

It was the same code language they used in the Todokids group chat.

And it translated to “I wanna be the very best like no one ever was! To catch them is my real test to train them is my cause!”

“TOUYA!”

---------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey, look at this guys.” Tenko snickered, showing everyone the comments on Dabi’s music videos.

“Who is Natsuo? Sounds like they were pretty close”

“Guys play it at 0.75 speed, you hear the words “Die flaming trash can””

“Why is there so much Endeavor Hate? Did he hurt our Dabi?”

“Omg he looks so perfect <3 I would die for Dabi-senpai”

“Everyone, there’s not actually hidden messages, calm the hell down”

“Stop hating on Endeavor without actual proof”

“Hey look at 1:46-1:57 backwards! It sounds like he’s saying that Endeavor was abusive!”

“Nooo Poor Dabi he looks so sad in this video T-T”

“Hey look, 0:34-0:47 is kinda scary. Is that some secret code? Sounds like parseltongue.”

“Guys, whatever these messages mean, we’ve got to support Dabi no matter what! Poor baby”

They cracked up, making the driver of the limo groan.

“I can’t believe you actually did this, the press is going to go nuts!” Jin cackled. Dabi simply high fived him.

“That’s the point.”

“Just so you know this was my idea, so I get credit if anyone asks.” Tenko huffed.

“Yeah yeah, whatever creep. How much longer til we get there?”

“Perfect timing, it looks like we’ve arrived.” Tenko commented slyly, looking up at the large UA building. The students would be leaving any moment now.

Dabi grinned seeing a heterochromatic boy leave, talking quietly with his friends. He seemed to be excited.

He rolled down the window of the limo, grinning like a maniac.

“Shoto!”

The boy flinched, glancing at the limo. A few of his friends proceeded to freak out. They must’ve been fans.

“Get in loser, we’re going shopping!”

“...Who are you?”

Dabi laughed. “Aww c’mon, you don’t remember your dear big bro? I’m hurt, Shoto. And just when I finally became a pokemon master.”

The pink girl next to him whispered something in his ear, making his eyes widen, as he ran up to the car.

“Touya?”

“Who else would I be? Although I prefer to go by Dabi, now. Touya isn’t edgy enough.”

“...You forgot to bring milk. For 11 years.”

Dabi groaned. “C’mon Sho, I was busy being a star, give me a break.”

Shoto sighed, a hint of a smile appearing on his face as he hugged his brother from the window. Dabi’s eyes went wide but he reciprocated the hug, groaning when he heard Magne and Toga’s squealing.

“I missed you, Touya.”

“...I missed you too. Now stop being sappy, I have a reputation to keep.” he mumbled, as Shoto let go.

“C’mon kid, we’ll give you and your friends a ride home. Plus, I wanna see the rest of your family when they see Dabi.” Tenko said, opening the door with a grin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I’M HOME, FUCKERS!” Dabi yelled, bursting the door open. Fuyumi and Natsuo stopped what they were doing to blankly stare.

“Wait Dabi? Sho, why is a jpop idol here? Wait, um, can I have your autograph? My friend really likes your music.” Fuyumi said, getting up.

“Guys, it’s me. Touya.” They continued to stare at him blankly.

“It’s true, he has a complete pokedex. Every pokemon in available pokemon go is in there.” Shoto said, walking in next to him. “Only Touya could manage to do something like that.”

Fuyumi seemed to believe it, running to hug her brother.

“Touya! It’s been so long, did you bring milk?” She smiled, seeing Spinner place two jugs of milk on the counter.

“It’s his apology for missing his turn all those years.” The Lizard snickered. Dabi rolled his eyes.

Natsuo still looked unconvinced. “If you’re Touya, then say something only the real Touya would know.” Dabi smirked.

“In middle school we graffitied the entire back of Endeavor’s hero agency with meme and vine references. Oh, and you taught Shoto his first curse word by accidentally saying “Fuck this fucking goddam shit I’m yeeting myself the hell outta here” in front of a five year old. You were in fourth grade when you said it, now that I think of it.” Natsuo gasped

“Touya!”

“Wait, you said that in fourth grade? Natsuo!” Fuyumi scolded.

“Shut up, at least I didn’t kiss my best friend’s girlfriend.” Fuyumi turned bright red as Dabi laughed.

“Okay, clearly some drama has been going on and I’m disappointed you didn’t tell me about it.”

“Well, let’s fill you in.” Natsuo said, laughing.

----------------------------------------------------

“Hey we’ve got to leave for the interview in six minutes, hurry the fuck up.” Tenko groaned. Dabi laughed.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.”

They were on their way to an interview about Dabis’ new album. With Endeavor, due to all the hidden messages.

It was time to let all hell break loose.

“Thanks, Shimura.”

Teno raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

“For, helping me I guess.” Dabi shrugged.

“Tenko.”

“Huh?”

“We’ve been friends for literal years, just call me Tenko.” The man replied, getting on his coat. Dabi smirked.

“Thanks, Tenko.”

“No problem, patchwork.”

“Hey!”

-------------------------------------------------

Dabi grinned walking into the building. It was probably a bad idea to have drank right before this, but he was nervous and couldn’t help himself, okay?

He smiled even wider, noticing Endeavor there as well.

“Hey old man. Long time no see!”

The man’s face scrunched up looking at him.

“Dabi. I advise you not to call me that.”

“What, are you disappointed in me? I mean, I was the failed child, but I really thought you’d warmed up to me since you offered to sponsor.” His eyes went wide.

“...Touya?”

“I lived bitch.”

Dabi grinned even wider, pretty sure his staples were gonna pop out any moment. But he couldn’t resist seeing the look of terror on the other’s face.

Yeah, this interview was going to be hilarious.

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