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thewriteadviceforwriters · 5 months ago

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How To Plan A Book Series: Ultimate Guide

Writing a book series can be an incredibly rewarding experience for authors, but it also requires careful planning and execution. A well-crafted book series can captivate readers, build a loyal fan base, and provide a steady stream of income for writers. However, planning a successful book series is no easy feat.

It demands a deep understanding of world-building, character development, and plot progression. In this ultimate guide, I'll help you explore the essential steps to help you plan a compelling and cohesive book series that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Develop a Compelling Premise The foundation of any successful book series is a strong premise. Your premise should be unique, engaging, and have the potential to sustain multiple books. Consider exploring a complex world, a captivating concept, or a character with a rich backstory that can evolve over the course of several books. Ask yourself: What makes your premise stand out? What will keep readers invested in the story for multiple installments?

Create a Detailed Outline Before you dive into writing, it's crucial to create a detailed outline for your entire book series. This outline should include the overarching plot, major story arcs, character development, and key events for each book. Having a solid outline will help you maintain consistency, avoid plot holes, and ensure that each book contributes to the overall narrative. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as you write, but having a roadmap will keep you on track.

World-Building: Crafting a Vivid and Consistent Universe One of the hallmarks of a successful book series is a richly developed and immersive world. Whether you're creating a fantasy realm, a futuristic society, or a contemporary setting, pay close attention to world-building. Establish the rules, customs, histories, and geography of your fictional world. Consistency is key, so ensure that the details align across all books in the series. Consider creating a "bible" or a comprehensive guide that outlines the intricacies of your world, making it easier to maintain continuity.

Develop Compelling Characters Great characters are the heart and soul of any book series. Your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters should be well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and undergo significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Craft backstories, motivations, flaws, and strengths for each character, and ensure that their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. Remember, character development is an ongoing process, so be prepared to explore new facets of your characters as the series progresses.

Establish Recurring Themes and Motifs Themes and motifs are powerful tools that can add depth and resonance to your book series. Identify the central themes you want to explore, such as love, redemption, power, or identity. Weave these themes throughout the series, allowing them to evolve and deepen with each installment. Motifs, like recurring symbols or imagery, can also create a sense of cohesion and add layers of meaning to your narrative.

Plan for Cliffhangers and Resolutions One of the key strategies for keeping readers engaged in a book series is the strategic use of cliffhangers and resolutions. Cliffhangers create anticipation and leave readers craving for the next installment. However, be cautious not to overuse this technique, as it can become frustrating for readers. Balance cliffhangers with satisfying resolutions that tie up loose ends and provide a sense of closure, while still leaving room for the story to continue.

Consider Pacing and Narrative Structure Pacing and narrative structure are crucial elements to consider when planning a book series. Each book should have its own narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, while also contributing to the overall story progression. Vary the pacing between books to maintain reader interest, alternating between action-packed and slower, more introspective sections. Experiment with different narrative structures, such as multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, or frame narratives, to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Manage Continuity and Consistency As your book series grows, maintaining continuity and consistency becomes increasingly important. Keep detailed records of character descriptions, plot points, world-building elements, and timelines. Regularly refer back to these notes to ensure that you're not introducing contradictions or inconsistencies. Consider creating a series bible or a wiki to help you keep track of all the moving parts.

Plan for Character Growth and Evolution In a book series, characters should undergo significant growth and evolution. Plan for character arcs that span multiple books, allowing your protagonists and supporting characters to face challenges, make difficult choices, and emerge as changed individuals. This character development will not only add depth to your narrative but also keep readers invested in the journey of your characters.

Anticipate and Address Potential Plot Holes As your book series expands, the potential for plot holes and inconsistencies increases. Be vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues during the planning stage. Regularly review your outline and notes, looking for any logical gaps or contradictions. Enlist the help of beta readers or critique partners to provide fresh perspectives and catch any potential plot holes you may have missed.

Consider the Overarching Story Arc While each book in your series should have its own narrative arc, it's essential to plan for an overarching story arc that spans the entire series. This overarching arc should tie together the individual books, building towards a climactic conclusion that resolves the central conflict or mystery. Ensure that each book contributes to this larger narrative, advancing the plot and raising the stakes for the characters.

Plan for Marketing and Promotion Finally, as you plan your book series, don't overlook the importance of marketing and promotion. Develop a strategy for building buzz and engaging with your audience throughout the release of each book. Leverage social media, author events, book tours, and other promotional opportunities to keep your readers excited and invested in your series.

Remember, writing a book series is a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared to invest time, effort, and dedication into crafting a truly remarkable literary journey. Hope this helped!

Happy Writing - Rin T.

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

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catladyoftheyr · 8 months ago

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Too Sweet (Ch 3)

Harvey x Reader

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 4

Summary: picking up off last chapters cliffhanger and diving straight into Harvey’s 4 heart event. You resolve the conflict after the incident with George, Harvey gives you a checkup, and you two share a jar of pickles in his apartment. 💘🥒

Authors note: I know nothing about the Air Force I’m so sorry. It’s just for the plot and vibes. He needed a backstory!!

Word count: 1.7k! A longer chapter as a treat

“Harvey! Oh my god why are you here? Wait, no, I don’t mean it like that” the surprise visit from the doctor had you stumbling over your words. “You scared me. And I don’t actually think your mustache is stupid. I just… I was really embarrassed about what happened earlier.”

“I actually stopped by to thank you for backing me up earlier. George can be stubborn, so I’m glad you got him to listen to you.” The doctor averted eye contact and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Oh uhhh, sure. How much of what I said did you hear by the way?” You hoped silently that he hadn’t heard you call him cute, especially since you’d been talking to a chicken.Harvey slid down and sat next to you on the floor of the coop.

“Just the part where you insulted my mustache,” he replied, stroking his own facial hair. “The farm is coming along nicely. You must be very dedicated to make such a turn around in such a short time.”

Oh thank Yoba you thought to yourself. “Thank you. I guess I’m trying to make up for lost time; I want to honor Grandpa’s memory because he loved this farm and the community. I used to spend a couple weeks here in the summer when I was growing up. I haven’t been back to the valley since I was a teenager. I didn’t think Lewis would recognize me when I came back.” You laughed quietly, an image of you as a gawky adolescent with braces coming back to you

“About earlier, we can put that behind us if you’d like. I didn’t mean to be short with you either. I was startled so I apologize for being curt.” Harvey looked at you with a kind expression before rising from the floor. “I’d like for us to be on good terms going forward.” He extended his hand and helped you up.

———————————————————————————

The bell on the door chimed as you walked in and Harvey’s head poked up from his paperwork. “Hey! Just the person I wanted to see today actually.”

“Oh?”

“I was about to write you a letter recommending that you schedule your annual checkup. If you don’t mind, I’ve got time today actually for a cursory exam.” Truthfully you weren’t very fond of hospitals, or doctor’s appointments. But you were also a terrible liar and had no time to think of an excuse. Better just to get it over with, you supposed.

“I can make it work.” You set the jar of pickles aside temporarily and followed Harvey to an exam room. You sat down on the paper, uncomfortable with the sudden formal shift in your dynamic. You’d gone from friend to patient in a matter of minutes. Harvey placed his stethoscope just under the collar of your shirt and you flinched at the touch of the cold metal.

“Sorry it’s chilly,” Harvey said. “Your heart rate is a little high. Do hospitals make you nervous?” He asked with a slight furrow in his brow.

“A little bit” you admitted. It certainly didn’t help that this was the most physical contact the two of you had shared since you met. He placed his hand on your shoulder and your eyes met. You felt your palms start sweating.

“Take a deep breath for me please” you did as instructed and tried to focus on anything else but the feeling of his hand on you. “Your lungs sound strong.” Harvey was in his element as he checked off the boxes of a routine checkup. He tested your reflexes, examined your ears and eyes, writing down his observations on his clipboard. “So far you seem to be in good health. I just have a few more questions about your lifestyle”

“Ask away, Doc.” Harvey seemed slightly flustered at the nickname but made a quick recovery. He pushed his glasses back up his nose and stood up straighter, clearing his throat

“As I was saying. Working on the farm involves a fair amount of physical labor I assume, so I’m sure you get enough exercise. What do you usually eat in a day?”

“Oh I usually just eat the foragables I find around the valley. There’s a lot of leeks and wild onions out now. I saw a weird looking berry the other day and I ate a couple of those. Sometimes I eat eggs from the chickens, or buy something from Gus for dinner.” Harvey was visibly stressed as he absorbed the information you gave him.

“I would highly advise that you eat a more balanced diet. Foraging is fine as a snack but it won’t provide enough energy for your activity levels. Eggs are good, but I’d implore you to try and eat from all the food groups”

“So this probably isn’t a great time to say I also eat the algae I find in the mines?” You’d never seen the poor doctor so stressed; you imagined most of his patients weren’t quite as odd as you.

“Let’s move on. How much sleep do you get at night?”

“6ish, sometimes less, sometimes more”

“Well, 8 hours a night is recommended but 6 isn’t terrible I suppose. But I’d encourage you to try and find a healthier routine. Farming is labor intensive and if you don’t give your body the care it needs you won’t be able to keep up sooner or later.” He had a look of genuine worry in his eyes and it pulled at your heartstrings. You’d only known each other for several months, but you sensed the beginning of a deep connection.

“I’ll try to be better,” you replied softly. You weren’t used to being chastised, but you understood he meant well.

“Thank you. You’re free to go and have an official clean bill of health from me”

“Well I stopped by to ask a favor actually”

“Oh?”

“I was wondering if you’d do me the honors of being the very first taste tester of my first batch of farm fresh pickles” you grinned and gestured toward the door “I left them on the counter.” Harvey smiled back and held the door open for you.

“I’d be honored. I’m actually about to close up for the day, would you like to come upstairs?”

The two of you headed upstairs to the small apartment above the clinic. Furniture was sparse and well loved, and there was a small kitchenette off the main room. The back wall held a large bookshelf that boasted an assortment of books and some small trinkets. Another shelf was lined carefully with model planes. There was a radio station in the corner by the window. “It’s not much, but it’s home,” Harvey said sheepishly.

“It’s great” you replied, eyes scanning the room with eagerness. You were itching to learn more about him. You took a seat on his small sofa, your heart nearly skipping a beat when he sat next to you, his knee inches away from yours. “You can have the first one” you offered, extending the open pickle jar toward Harvey.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Harvey reached in and plucked out a particularly large pickle before biting into it. His eyes lit up as he tasted it. “This is delicious! You’ve really never made pickles before?” You shook your head. “Well you certainly have a knack for it.” You grabbed a pickle for yourself and were pleasantly surprised at how good they were. You were glad he wasn’t lying to spare your feelings.

“What’s with the planes?” You saw Harvey get a far off look on his face while he thought about his response

“I’ve always been fascinated by aviation. I did a stint in the Air Force years ago. I wanted to become a pilot but it didn’t pan out. It ended up paying for my med school tuition though. The model planes are something I like to do in my free time. I find them relaxing, and they remind me of my time in service.”

“I would have never guessed that. Pilots and doctors are pretty different. What led you down this path?”

“I think I’ve always had an affinity for helping people. I joined the Air Force to serve my country; this feels like a way to serve the community in a different way.”

“That’s actually really selfless.” You toyed with images of Harvey in uniform as you reached for another pickle, not realizing that Harvey had the same idea. Your hands met in the rim of the jar and you flinched back instinctively. The small touch left you wanting more. You adjusted your legs slightly, tentatively letting one fall against his. Harvey made no effort to break contact.

“Tell me more about yourself. You said you explore the mines. Are there really monsters in there?”

“There are! I haven’t made it down very far but there’s all kinds of creatures down there.” You animatedly described the things you’d encountered on your adventures: colorful slimes, stealthy rock crabs, large buzzing insects, agile bats and more. Harvey looked on with a mixture of awe and fear.

His voice grew soft as he spoke “please be careful in the mines. I’d hate to see you get hurt.” Suddenly it was as if a switch had gone off in his mind and he got up from the couch. “Wait here one second!” He bolted across the studio and down the stairs. You heard rummaging from below before Harvey emerged again holding an armful of various medicines and first aid supplies. “Take these.” He thrusted the bundle of supplies into your arms.

“Harvey I can’t just take these from you. These are expensive” you insisted, trying to hand them back to him. A roll of gauze unraveled on the floor. Harvey plucked it from the ground and placed it on a table.

“Nonsense. Consider it part of your checkup.” He looked you in the eyes with a pleading expression. “Please take them. And promise me you’ll keep them with you in the mines”

“I promise.”

#my writing #harvey fluff #harvey x farmer #sdv fanfic #stardew fanfiction #stardew valley fanfic #harvey stardew valley #stardew valley fanfiction #harvey x reader

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dear-kumari · 4 months ago

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Okay, topical Malevolent ep 44 reaction. Based on the wiki, it looks like the characters' choices to not return to the windmill and to get the witch's body were made by voting patrons, which further convinces me that the votes don't improve or even significantly change the story most of the time. Whenever Jorthur (yes, Jorthur) make a Patreon decision they usually have to justify it in-universe with a little debate, and besides just being kinda tedious, the justification often doesn't line up with the story's action. The patrons understandably wanted to explore the hallways over the windmill, which was justified in-universe by saying Arthur was too weak and injured to climb back there. But then the only interesting loot on offer is a piece of the witch, and once they chose that there's suddenly a big pool in the way and the world's most stabbed man suddenly has incredible lung capacity (I checked, he's underwater for 3:20 minutes and is yelling as they're launched out) and can swim with a metal breastplate on and cut through limbs once he's down there. He even conveniently brought all his shit with him despite the potential for water damage, so they didn't lose their inventory by being unexpectedly spat out. (John doesn't even sound like he's all that worried about him drowning either lol, though that's a separate issue of him being a slow horror podcast narrator first and an active character second.)

I understand why you would gamify a story loosely based on a role-playing campaign, but as someone who already doesn't get the appeal of listening to other people play TTRPGs, I struggle to imagine what the patrons get out of this (besides financially supporting a show they like, obvi). It's not really like a role-playing game because you don't control everything the protagonists do or have the context you need to make the best decisions (in this case, the characters know they dumped the witch in a deep pool, but the patrons probably didn't), nor is it really like a choose-your-own-adventure story because you don't get to try the alternate paths and everything will lead back to the author's planned narrative anyway. It's good for the story but presumably not much fun for the players that the author has an outline and an ending set in stone iirc.

Since someone could see this and go "well here's when the voting really worked for me," I did want to be fair and find an instance where the voting mechanism (probably) led to a good story choice. I like that the seemingly innocuous choice to ring the doorbell in ep 33 leads Arthur to realize that he fucked up several episodes prior by leaving his name at the hotel. That was a nice reveal, and maybe the lack of context actually made the vote more fun. It would have been revealed either way by Daniel being shot at the door, but ig Arthur stopping him before he opened it saved his life or something, idk. It feels pointless to speculate on when we're never going to see what happens if he knocks. Ultimately the difference between that and ep 44 to me, a non-patron, is just that Arthur fucking up by trying to be smart and realizing it at the last second is a good story beat, one with a clear line between cause and effect. Jorthur faffing about in the halls when they apparently could've just left through the windmill and then diving with armor on to mutilate a woman's corpse because the author is on a birth imagery kick is not.

Uhh other thoughts, I guess I am pretty glad they're finally out of the weird yonic caverns, even if I can tell that Jorthur entering civilization will lead to more ~historical liberties~ that will cause me actual pain. The voice acting is great as always. I like Yorick. I don't like that we're getting more dad!Arthur moments because come on. Also personally I would not have named the cute owl sidekick after the heavily implied CSA victim with no voice or agency from Oscar's grimdark edgyboy backstory, but that's just me

#genuinely shocked that fans seem to love Oscar's backstory. truly one of Malevolent's lowest crassest moments imo #tbf I wouldn't be surprised if the shared name was unintentional after Peter Parker Yang #anyway. the show is extremely mid but I do enjoy it #And yes I went ahead and blocked the official account to be safe. I generally don't criticize art for the artist's benefit #Kumari comments #Malevolent #Malevolent podcast #Arthur Lester #John Doe

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twstfanblog · 6 months ago

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You know, the more I think about, the less surprising it is that "7-8 students overbloted" and more "How has NRC gone decades without an overblot?"

From my understanding, blot is a measure of magic mixing emotional pressure. And overbloting is basically bottled-up emotions finally exploding, yes? Between: - NRC is a prestigious magical academy, therefore drawing lots of magical talent - the students having such big egos it's pulling teeth to get them to willingly together - various past/present traumas, pressures, stress, etc - NRC is a boarding school, so this likely the first time most students have lived away from home How is overblot so rare? Judging from what we've seen, one would think a kid would snap and overblot once every 5 years or something, bare minimum

Anyway, what do you think?

Okay, this is gonna actually be a decently long ramble. Buckle end

So...We got two choices. Either Overblots ARE super rare, which story-wise I'm not entirely sure about either since there are seemingly 10,000 phantoms on ice in STYX. If all of those containment boxes have a phantom in them then that is a FUCK TON of overblots happening around the world at a pretty decent pace.

Overblots AREN'T super rare and plenty of mini-overblots happen that only have the phantoms being taken away with or without casualties.

It's kinda just storywise of the Twist boys just being very powerful teen mages who seem to have the most tragic backstories ever seen in the world and THAT'S why only now they're over-blotting. But even then, 7-8 seriously intense overblots like months apart on the same campus is still fucking weird...

But within my own canon (That I will really deep dive into in my Main story rewrite fic), is that the Overblots are being TRIGGERED BY CROWLEY.

We are a non-magical being, brought to NRC against our will with no idea how we actually got there or how to get home. Once we were rejected by the Dark Mirror and Crowley learns we're potentially not from this world at all, instead of like...handing us over to some type of authorities or even STYX...Crowley puts us in an abandoned, isolated building and tries to make us what is basically an indentured servant???

You can mainly just chalk that up to Crowley being an asshole. And you can even use that logic for the prologue and Book 1. But within my canon, Crowley is the mastermind triggering all these overblots for an end goal. Those were TESTS, to make sure that we can actually survive an overblot fight, and to make sure the chosen target can survive an overblot because OVERBLOTS ARE SUPPOSE TO BE FATAL.

Because from that point on, Crowley is the one throwing us at every issue that leads to an overblot. He puts us on the case for the Spelldrive accidents, he tells us to figure something out with Azul, (kind of a stretch) He has us feed the fire fairies in the cafeteria to be in Jamil's crosshairs, He just DECIDES we need to host the VDC team when literally anywhere else is better than Ramshackle (WE CANONICALLY DON'T HAVE RUNNING WATER AT THIS POINT????).

Book 6 didn't have much Crowley pushing us, but he was busy getting grilled by actual officials on WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING AT THIS SCHOOL????

Book 7...after literally having...no talk since the start of book 4 about us finding a way home...just comes out and says that he might of found us a way home??? Very...convenient since Malleus was on the verge of an emotional breakdown.

Plus just...how did Grim get into the school? Like Grim is a monster, that's a fact. NRC is on the top of an evil ass mountain, there's SOMETHING outside those gates and the school has some type of spell to keep whatever it is outside. But Grim manages to break in like twice? "Undetected?"

Even in the prologue, he had a mage stone collar PREPARED to accept Grim into the school as a student. He's like...weirdly prepared with a lot of shit.

Crowley is sus as fuck and he is the one causing all of these overblots

#twisted wonderland #twst #disney twst #twst wonderland #valencia rambles #Twist Theory

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xshingie · 3 months ago

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Edouard Character Profile and Analysis: A second look at the man behind the bright-eyed smile.

Introduction/Context:

One of the most difficult challenges when analyzing Edouard’s character is that much of his backstory is enshrouded in mystery. The most we know of him is told through Annette, which necessitates peeling back layers from how Annette would perceive him with her limited perspective.

However, we can look at history to construct what sort of life Edouard might have had, and what unique challenges he might have faced. By piecing together circumstantial details of Saint-Domingue’s theater culture, we can start to ask the questions: What might have shaped Edouard’s motives, ideals, and beliefs? What motivates Edouard’s character?

So, let’s embark on a iceberg-level deep dive where I explore a potentially cynical interpretation of Edouard that hasn’t been examined before...

Note: Throughout you will notice certain words enclosed in brackets following the end of a sentence with a number. This references the cited source by author's last name or website name, which is listed in full at the end.

PART I. Annette and Edouard, Revisited

1.1 Initial Impressions

I initially held the belief that Annette/Edouard relationship was intimately close -- closer than anything, family, perhaps bordering on romantic. There was something implicit in their connection through demonstrated character actions: (1) Edouard saving her from Vaublanc, (2) fighting side-by-side during the Haitian slave insurrection. (3) How Edouard chose to follow Annette to France without hesitation (4) how Edouard’s death affected Annette so deeply.

At the time when I had completed my first Annette/Edouard fic, I had written an in-depth analysis ("On the Edouard/Annette 'ship'") where I posited how deep their closeness must have been, and what they had meant to each other.

However, as I’ve let things sit in the fridge more, certain observations have made me reconsider. I believe they were 'close' in terms of trust when fighting alongside each other, but they didn't truly understand each other on a deeper level.

1.2 Re-Analyzing Sampled Interactions

Richter: Are you alright? You can’t be sure that was him. Annette: Those were his eyes.

At the time, I had thought that Annette recognizing Edoaurd’s eyes in a vastly different form was an implicit indication of their closeness. However, as mentioned in this previous post here ("Exploring The Narrative Significance of Edouard’s Blue eyes"), my stance now is that this speaks more to her own personal perception of how well she thought she knew him, rather than actually knowing him.

Annette: Edouard believed singing was the soul's way of speaking. That's why, from pauper to statesman, everyone is drawn to music. He'd say that when he was on stage looking out to the audience, he could see the colors of everyone's soul. Mine was pink. He was wrong, though. Green is my favorite color.

When Annette recounts Edouard’s belief about singing and souls, there’s a wistful quality in her tone, sentimental and romantic with a subtle laugh. This scene can be interpreted in multiple ways -- perhaps she felt the notion Edouard held was silly, something she appreciated but perhaps didn’t understand or didn’t quite see it the same way he claimed. Note the visual storyboarding setup -- she is quite literally, reconstructing an subjective image -- her subjective image -- of Edouard as she speaks through memory.

As I began to research more into Saint-Domingue’s colonial theatre scene, I began to understand on a deeper level what kind of environment Edouard was in. This led me to question why the only things we heard about Edouard from Annette was from a rosy lens. Of course, here I ought to extend some grace. When grieving, it is only normal human tendency to want to remember the best parts of someone.

Annette: My sweet, beautiful Edouard has been turned into a monster conjured from hell.

But… Annette’s phrasing of “my sweet, beautiful Edouard,” combined with the fact that we only hear only rosy things, suggests me that either (1) Edouard didn’t share much about himself beyond his romantic ideals, and/or (2) Annette didn’t know him as well as she thought, perhaping lacked the capacity to understand him deeper with her framework of understanding at that stage in her life.

Another instance that may hint at this disconnect is when she finds NightCreature!Edouard, she offers to give him penance through killing him.

Annette: I can make it quick, Edouard. No. pain [..] I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I thought that's what you would have wanted.

This situation, taken in isolation, is not a strong one. With limited knowledge of night creatures, Annette wouldn’t have known that Edouard could be cognizant or the extent he retained his humanity (his case being unprecedented in the animated Castlevania universe). However, this still highlights Annette’s tendency to jump to conclusions and take action first rather than seek understanding.

----

PART II. Who was Edouard, Really? Constructing a Character Profile from History and Headcanon

2.1 Saint-Domingue’s Political, Social, and Economic backdrop in context of French Colonial Theatre

At the peak of the Haitian revolution, the racial diaspora in colonial Saint-Domingue had evolved into a nuanced and complex one -- with the burgeoning rise of the mixed race population, some of which had amassed wealth and economic influence. Even within the mixed race population, there were nuances and subtleties regarding their rights -- i.e., a gens de coleur that would have been born free, compared to an affranchis, a slave that had earned their freedom. A mixed race person’s circumstances of birth governed mobility in what careers, ownership of property/land, voting rights, and strategic marriages/unions could be pursued (Maguire[3]).

Edouard was shown performing in the Comédie du Cap (also referred to as the Comédie le Cap), which became open to the public in 1764 and experienced a boon/bustle in hosting performances, ushering a peak of French colonial theatre all through the 1780s before the slave revolution sunsetted the end an era.

Background Art from the Portfolio of Mark Adams, Lead 3D Artist @ Powerhouse Animation, where he shares the design inspiration is from the theatre Comédie du Cap.

This theatre was situated in the heart of Cap‑Français. now known as Cap-Haitian. At the time, it was one of the wealthiest cities with its key strategic seaport location and boasting a diverse urban population, and eventually became a key staging ground for the Haitian slave revolt that sparked in 1791 through 1793.

A fun detail comparing the skyline of modern Cap-Haitian (courtesy of Wikipedia) and Cap‑Français as depicted in Nocturne. Note the similarity of the eminence of the peninsula that resembles a "widow's peak."

Note: Detail the specific theatres and setting will be important once I discuss Edouard’s transition from theatre to joining the maroons, or escaped slaves.

The theatre scene in Saint Domingue was complex social, political, and economic space that both (1) reflection of a system that reinforced the French hegemonic colonial presence, but also (2) may have influenced and challenged the complex social structures that arose through the eventual Creole influences in performances -- all the while serving as a melting pot where a diverse body of people convened to immerse themselves (the perception of) high-end French culture and music (Prest[6], Clay [1]).

As discussed, there were a lot of nuanced social ordinances, not too dissimilar to a caste system. The majority of theatre attendees were wealthy plantation owners, businessmen, stationed military, or visiting government representatives traveling abroad on business or behalf of the crown; eventually, gens de coleur and free blacks were admitted. Enslaved persons only of the audience if they were attending their masters, and were only allowed to perform under very strict circumstances (Prest[6]). Theatres also enforced French colonial cultural influence by primarily performing French pieces (as we know, African-influenced expressions of song/dance were greatly suppressed and theatre was no exception) (Clay[1]). Structural rules on theater seating arrangements and social fraternizing by race were also imposed.

With the vibrant diversity of individuals also came varying motives within the theatre’s social scene. People gathered to negotiate business or political deals, exchange ideas/sentiments regarding the current economic and political climate (sentiments that were growning increasingly tense as the revolution progressed). Wealthy gens de couleur saw this as an opportunity to enhance their social standing and economic influence, given Au Cap’s self-touted reputation for French sophistication and culture. It was also a place where less scrupulous motives were afoot, where colonists and soldiers would visit specifically to seek the company of the mulatto prostitutes (Clay[1]); or colored families would strategize in matchmaking for their daughters, tutted in well-spent attire, in hopes of being backed by a white sponsor (Powers[5]).

These details paint a vivid picture of Edouard's position within a broad social circle, ranging from the wealthy and educated, petit blancs, freedmen, and possibly even enslaved persons. By playing his cards right, Edouard could have gained insight into military, political, or business dealings and conversations happening at the time.

2.2 Edouard’s Unique Challenges, Motives, and Ideals

What drives Edouard as a character?

Edouard clearly has a passion for song, and any opportunity he has to express himself so, he eagerly does. We also know that and he verbally espouses romantic ideals. If the theatre was such a place where people constantly tried to leverage to climb higher within the social and economic ladder, did Edouard ever have any similar aspirations or motivations? Or was he just content with the pure passion of singing and performing?

Edouard openly admits to being relatively privileged due to his birthright and likely enjoyed access to material possessions, given we are shown his inclination to accessorize with jeweled rings and the first thing he says to Annette is, “You’re stepping on my French silks.” As a side note, the theatre scene was also a place where gens de coleur often saw this an an opportunity to flout their wealth and proximity to french culture to up their social standing. Since fine goods (most fabrics in Saint Domingue were muslin/linen) from France would to be imported, and carrying/wearing something like silk in a social setting is to the effect of an opulent display of indulgence.

What other disadvantages or challenges Edouard might have faced?

We must also consider if Edouard faced any financial or economic pressures or constraints. As discussed, opportunities afforded for mixed persons depended on the circumstances of birth and their family's amassed wealth of social network and monetary resources. A subset of gens de coleur had indeed acquired wealth through merchant, administrative, artisanal, or clerical areas of business (Walton[8]). The primary passageway for a nonwhite to live or study abroad in France, i.e. to receive education, would be through sponsorship from a benefactor (Powers[5]). Was Edouard already born into wealth, or did he have to procure a benefactor or sponsor to fund/support his lifestyle?

During this time, the majority of performers were imports from France during this era (Powers[6]). Since it was a challenge to retain native French performers in Saint Domingue, salary contracts customarily were generous in incentives for these white performers (Clay[1]). If Edouard was a native of Saint Domingue and of mixed-race origin, it is likely he may not have been able to levy a favorable salary contract with the theatre relative to his white colleagues.

Although there were mixed race and black artists in performances documented in passing mention, the majority of their identities and names were lost (more likely, white people who left written records didn’t care to name them). The individuals who stood out enough to be recorded in history by name often had their talent begrudgingly acknowledged alongside backhanded remarks about their status or skin color in historical records. To obtain the opportunity to be be showcased as a soloist like we see in Edouard performing in Nocturne (i.e., the theatre agreeing to hold a named benefit in concert) especially for a mixed-race person, would have required a benefactor’s backing. The most well-known case was Minette and Lise, two affranchis both sponsored by Madame Acquire and Saint Martin (Powers[5]). This suggests that, given the disproportionate lack of named black performers in written records, Edouard would have faced additional hurdles to gain recognition and credibility as an individual artist. He would have had to overcome social stigma while competing against predominantly white contemporaries -- most black performers never achieved this. Additionally, he likely needed a benefactor to sponsor him to achieve headlining solo performances.

Although the culture of benefactors sponsoring performers is known in theatre settings elsewhere, I have not found conclusive source regarding what the environment for Saint Domingue would have been like -- the why and what constituting these arrangements, and each party’s respective leveraging influence in negotiation. I can only remark on what would be an inherent power disparity due to financial reliance -- it begets the question, what would the benefactor seek in return, and what would the performer be able to offer? (Note: I have written an analysis regarding 19th century opera scene in Paris where is a harrowing example where young female performers were exploited by their benefactors) However, I don't think circumstance have to be that dark -- perhaps Edouard came from a family who was able to leverage a business deal, or Edouard’s talents were remarkable enough to draw in an audience to generate revenue.

What were Edouard’s motivations, ideals, and beliefs?

Annette: Why do you sing for these people, then? Edouard: I make them happy, and they loosen their tongues. You learn useful information that way.

If we revisit the above exchange with additional historical context, this exchange might be the closest insight to Edouard’s underlying character. It hints of an Edouard who is fully cognizant of these invisible, subtle barriers governing economic/social mobility within the different sub-classes, and is willing to engage in what types of flattery are necessary evils to grease interactions with socialites to acquire a favorable standing.

Theatre played an important role inculcating the audience with not only French sentiment; pieces normally performed centered on themes of virtues of innocent love, pursuit of pleasure, tranquility and serenity -- a stark contrast to the growingly disparate mounting tensions arising in reality due to the oppressive political, social, and economic climate. Issues like increasingly non-virtuous behavior of French men toward black and colored women, misery, corruption, and other intricacies of court and city. (Powers[5]) Edouard would have been singing and trumpeting about rosy ideals all the while reality was the opposite.

Edouard: It's in our hearts what matters, Annette.

Yet, some part of me now has to reconcile: to what extent these rosy ideals he spouted were truly ones that he believed? Given his explores to various facets of human behavior that shed a darker light, how can he say something like, "It's what in our hearts that matters”?

Perhaps he was aware of this hypocritical farce, or perhaps that in spite of certain darker realities, some part of him did continue to harbor these romantic sentiments.

Some part of me can't help but speculate -- did he ever feel like an empty puppet within the society, effectively an empty puppet for the French crown? Did he ever become jaded, if he ever witnessed greed, corruption, and indulgence?

All these details provide insight on not only the potential complexity of his personal circumstances, but also how Edouard would have required social acumen to navigate around -- observing both things that would jade him (greed and corruption), but also engaging things that make him happy (enjoying the privileged life, being able to perform his passions).

----

Part III. Annette and Edouard: Revisiting Their Relationship Yet Again, with Historical Context

3.1 What motivated Edouard to leave stage life to join Annette?

If Edouard ostensibly was happy and comfortable doing what he loved performing and singing, what prompted him to join Annette to fight in the front lines, putting his life at risk for no good reason?

This is actually a two-pronged question: Did Edouard leave of his own volition from a true character growth standpoint, or did he have no other choice to leave? Again, the timing and aligning of the history that occurred is a little murky If we look at the excerpted timeline courtesy from (Dayan[3]) as follows:

August 22-23, 1791: Slave Insurrection in the North

Sept 26, 1792: Cap Francais, the oldest, riches, and most densely populated city of the colony, burned to the ground by rebelling slaves.

June 20-21, 1794: Cap Francais again consumed by fires, and white inhabitants desert the island.

We know that the Comédie le Cap likely would have been burned/looted alongside the raid of Cap-Français in 1792 and faced subsequent closure. When Annette and Edouard blaze into the frontlines from the Vodou Ceremonial ritual, there is a shot of the same seaport view we were afforded, now on fire.

We also know that present Nocturne takes place in 1792. I am inclined to think that when Annette recalls taking up arms and Edouard is shown alongside her it would have referred to the August 1791 revolt, meaning that Edouard must have joined before the theater closed down. Maybe he had heard the disgruntled rumblings and saw the writing on the wall through the grapevine. Perhaps he had become jaded with the business of theatre. Maybe something about Annette's honesty, candor, and simple and straightforward nature inspired him to take up arms, too.

3.2 How well did they understand each other?

Edouard’s lifestyle was markedly different from Annette’s, full of subtlety and nuance. Ironically, what drew Edouard to Annette (her simplicity and candor) may also have created a fundamental rift in their ability to understand each other. At the start of Nocturne, Annette’s simplistic approach to situations would have prevent her from comprehending the nuanced aspects of Edouard's life -- a life that both granted him relative privilege and constrained his opportunities.

With Edouard’s background in interacting with various people, he is portrayed as observant, empathetic, and kind, as seen when he inquires about Maria’s connection with her birds. Being naturally emotionally attuned to others, he would have recognize Annette’s short-sightedness and tendency to make overly simplistic judgments without considering nuance. Knowing these traits, Edouard likely contributed less to their dynamic, often following her lead rather than suggesting his own ideas.

In conclusion, although Edouard and Annette were close, I believe there would have been certain things Annette wouldn’t have been able to understand about Edouard; ultimately limiting the depth of their connection before it was tragically cut short with Edouard's death.

----

PART IV. Conclusion, Acknowledgements, and Further Readings.

tl;dr I way over-engineered a potential backstory for not even a side character that had less than five minutes of screentime in total probably

If you managed to read all of this, thank you! I mostly write these character analyses for personal reference when I find myself struggling writing a character. Because Edouard’s screentime in Nocturne is lacking, I had to substantiate insight with an unusual amount of research.

I think I’m ready to tackle a writing story focusing on Edouard perspective now.

Cheers! - Shingie.

Citations: Works Referenced for Further Reading

Clay, Lauren R. Stagestruck: The Business of Theater in Eighteenth-Century France and Its Colonies. Cornell University Press, 2013. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctt1xx50x

“Colonial Society.” Traveling Haiti, 23 Mar. 2016, www.travelinghaiti.com/colonial-society-haiti/

Dayan, Joan. Haiti, History, and the Gods. 1st ed., University of California Press, 1995. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt5hjhnv.

Maguire, Léa. Haitian Soldiers at the Battle of Savannah (1779), 8 Jan. 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/haitian-soldiers-battle-savannah-1779/

Powers, David M. From Plantation to Paradise?: Cultural Politics and Musical Theatre in French Slave Colonies, 1764–1789. Michigan State University Press, 2014. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.14321/j.ctt7zt6t5.

Powers, David M. “The French Musical Theater: Maintaining Control in Caribbean Colonies in the Eighteenth Century.” Black Music Research Journal, vol. 18, no. 1/2, 1998. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/779400.

Prest, Julia. Review of Public Theatre and the Enslaved People of Colonial Saint-Domingue, by Julia Prest. The French Review, vol. 97 no. 3, 2024. Project MUSE, https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/tfr.2024.a920002,

Walton, Charles, "Saint Domingue", The Digital Encyclopedia of British Sociability in the Long Eighteenth Century [online], ISSN 2803-2845, URL: https://www.digitens.org/en/notices/saint-domingue.html

#castlevania nocturne #castlevania edouard #edouard #castlevania netflix #Edouard Castlevania

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mikuchan · 5 months ago

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more thoughts on my Minthara Baenre AO3 character tag deep dive that were too much for the og post, but are still interesting

how I organized main / side / background character categorization:

If the fic focused on Minthara or on a Minthara ship, I counted it as a main character work.

If she was within the top 3 tagged characters and/or had a clear role within the fic's description or additional tags, but was not the main focus, I counted it as a side character work.

If she was one of many characters tagged and/or had no clear role within the work, I counted it as a background character work. An exception was made for collection works, which I counted as main character works.

more on organization:

for the sake of streamlining, I didn't include multi-character ships as their own category. Instead any multi-character ship was subdivided (a Minthara/Alfira/Lakrissa work -> 1 tally for Minthara/Alfira, 1 tally for Minthara/Lakrissa). Ditto for endgame, breakup, or similar fics: as long as the ship was present in the work, I included it in my tally (so a fic starting as Minthara/Durge but becoming Gortash/Durge was still a tally in the Minthara/OC category). For this reason, some of the numbers don't quite add up since one fic might include multiple ships. I did not include tags such as implied relationship, previous/past relationship, etc as it was not relevant to my purpose.

OC fics were often tagged with multiple variations of character tags (ie Tav, Original Character, Original Female Character). Unless it was clear there were multiple OCs being shipped with Minthara, I counted these as one character using a waterfall/basket system Durge -> Tav -> OC (with /Reader being its own separate category).

I considered breaking down work authors as well (amount of authors vs amount of fics, etc) but ultimately decided against it. I DO want to mention, though, that some of the stats have the potential to be taken in a skewed light because of that: ships that seem more popular may have a vocal minority writing multiple fics for a single pairing, or a pairing might have less fics overall but from a wider spread of authors.

It was interesting and frustrating to see how many works tagged Minthara without actually including her as a character -- or tagged her and gave her one line (or no lines). Here are a few of the top reasons for this that I noticed:

work was an ensemble piece, usually following a Tav or Durge's journey from beginning to end, with every companion + semi-prominent character tagged

work was a preemptively tagged collection, with the author tagging every ship and/or character they planned to write about

work was set around or within the Goblin Camp, with Minthara as a background antagonist

work was about a Drow OC with a Baenre-adjacent backstory

Obviously most of this data is interesting, but not great for drawing conclusions from. It does seem like other characters have similar issues:

fics tagging Minthara without including her, or without giving her speaking lines, almost always gave other characters the same treatment

some Minthara-specific situations, like tagging her for backstory or background antagonist purposes, can be assumed to affect other characters in similar but different ways (ie, tagging Isobel in Last Light fics). I didn't dive into this, though, so it's all conjecture.

some fics did seem to suffer for Minthara-specific reasons. Multiple fics tagged her with her only role being to be killed by the main character, almost always without including the Archive Warning for Major Character Death. This indicates to me that the author probably never recruited her, and considers her a basic enemy NPC on the same level as Dror Ragzlin or Dribbles versus a fully fleshed companion character.

The top 5 categories of 'fics that tagged Minthara but are definitely not about her' were as follows (in order of amount)

Astarion/Original Character

Astarion/Gale

Shadowheart/Original Character

Gortash/Original Character

Shadowheart/Lae'zel

I don't necessarily think this means anything beyond these being popular ships, but wanted to include it.

I'm not going to do this with any other characters (probably), but if anyone does, it would be interesting to see how they compare to the Minthara tag.

#bg3 #minthara baenre #minthara #baldur's gate 3 #mine

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seth-shitposts · 4 months ago

Text

Kanan & Dimal

CW// descriptions of dissociation, reference to the grand inquisitor’s suicide attempt, reference to order 66 & everything that followed. Portrayals of slight dermatillomania [i think that’s all the relevant pieces]

UNEDITED AND UNFORMATTED BECAUSE MY INTERNET IS A BITCH

——

Backstory+Context:

What I’m adding in is that he had become a temple guard almost immediately after his knighting, that he and the council had thought and agreed it to be a good idea. His connection to the force is atypical, much different from most Jedi. He doesn’t connect in the same way, and it’s far easier for him to be detached. The line of thought for putting him as a temple guard was that it would be highlighting his strength, since a key element of a guard is choosing to forego all attachment and dedicate to the title.

There was a single oversight on all sides, one that would lead to his obsession and therefore his fall. He hadn’t built a strong sense of self. [It’s one thing to have had a sense of self and then choose to let it go in favor of committing to something higher than yourself. It’s another thing entirely to have not had that foundation before hand.] Because he didn’t go through building that in a secure way, it left him liable for insecurities down the line. There’s a lot he didn’t know about himself and he didn’t know how to figure out, or even be aware of it. One of the major things having been why the force had chosen him, because he didn’t have the same innate empathy that Jedi have. It started as a curiosity to learn more about the force and how it works, to go deeper than the base line of understanding. The answer had to be somewhere. He attempted several times over the course of a few years to learn more about the sith as well, but he was declined from those deep dives.

Through his search, he found a series of journals written by one of the founders of the Jedi Order, but only random volumes. He really resonated with this author; they had written a description of their connection to the force that matched his own, and *that* is something he’s never found before. He thought that maybe this author would have written more not just about their struggles, but how they preserved through them, because he had access to the final volume, which painted an ending where they had worked through their struggles, and now would help build the future that their friends are envisioning to help everyone across the galaxy (thus, beginning what becomes The Jedi Order). All of the other volumes were restricted. The harder he tried to gain access, the more obsessed over it he became, which only led to a more firm decline, resulting in him beginning to have doubts.

(Long story short, Palpatine had planted thoughts similarly to as he had with Anakin and swayed his unsureness of himself to a full betrayal of the order)

———

+[Following the events of s1 finale]+

It draws him back to consciousness at a slow pull before thrusting him back in all at once- the sound of life that surrounds him. A breeze that ruffles through leaves and rustles grass, chirps and clicks of different species of insects, hums and songs of avians as their wings flap in time with a heart beat, constant trickling of water.

It’s all soft… no, it’s separated. Far away. Like his head is trapped in a bubble, but the moment the bubble pops, as does the separated gentleness.

And then it’s all so deafening to his sensitive ears, it reminds him not to allow himself to be so vulnerable and ill informed of unknown surroundings in such a vastly open space.

Alarmed and with lightning shooting through his veins, he rushes to sit up, trying to gather his bearings.

Surrounding him are thick forestry. A quick twist to peek behind him gives him two different pieces of information. One being the sight of some ruin, something older than his knowledge as the only thing that still stands is a stone arch of sorts with scribbled writings. The second vital detail is the fire that shoots halfway up his back.

Fire…

Wincing, he tries to shift his lower back away from the blazing pain. As he does, he realizes he’s moving farther into some pool of water his legs are soaking in. The water is the home of some type of strange colored algae that glows with unique flowering floating on it. It takes him a moment to look to his legs through the clearness of the water. Burns that… look like they had rapidly healed.

He withdraws his limbs from the water to inspect them, and the moment he does, the algae no longer glows.

Picking at the healed scarring gently, he tries to piece together…

The last thing I remember… Speaking to Kanan Jarrus, right before I…

Curling his lip, he glares at the flesh on his bones. I threw myself into an exploding… How in the entirely blasted galaxy did I survive that? How did I wind up on… this…

The last person he had seen before his vision was over taken by flames trying to swallow him whole, forcing him to succumb to the burning inferno of pain enveloping him.

Kanan Jarrus.

He shakes his head in disgust. Fucking nobility of a Jedi, their need to save and spare everyone. No matter the monster.

It had been the last choice that would have been my own. And now…

He can’t very well just return to the inquisitorius, not after the string of failures he’s just weaved for himself. That last one being just a beautiful ribbon to wrap it up. And not going back isn’t going to grant him any safety from what will begin to hunt him. He’s still blood in the water. He can’t wait for the sharks to find him.

It’s pathetic, having run to death with open arms and failing even a task as simple as that. Simple in comparison to what the alternative was. And now… And now there has to be another escape. There’s always…

Dragging his nails across his scalp, he rattles his recollection, but every thought is so, so far away.

Distance…

Separation.

Can’t be tracked with no trail to follow. He doesn’t like it, but it will buy him time until there’s something better; an opportunity.

Until then, a decision has been made. Throw distance between himself and the force.

——

+[Soon after Kallus agrees to help]+

Kallus holds out an indie commlink, “I’ll gather equipment and resources, and once I’m available to meet up with you, I will contact you through this. If you ever have an emergency, contact me. Just to be safe, don’t use-“

The spy halts suddenly, staring up at him, seemingly trying to think.

He can feels his brow twitch from being stared at. “What?”

“Forgive me, I just realized I have never learned your name.”

Growling, he snatches the commlink from Kallus’s open hand. “You don’t need it.”

He can hear that Kallus has some kind of bite back on the tip of his tongue, but thinks better of it, and swallows the bitter words with a second thought. If he’s being honest, he would rather Kallus bite back at him than…

Straightening his shoulders, he places the commlink in one of his most secure pockets, tucking it close to his chest.

——

+[One of the first sessions; probably the first session, ngl.]+

“So,” Smirking, he levels with Kallus, about to enjoy when the moment when realization strikes this blond that he is in way over his head. “Tell me about how exactly you plan on helping me become a Jedi Knight again, Agent Kallus.”

Rolling his eyes, Kallus organizes stolen imperial equipment. “We’ll start with you telling me about the Jedi.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you were a Jedi Knight yourself, so wouldn’t you know the basic principles best?”

Tearing his gaze away from the rebel spy, he crosses his arms over his chest, suddenly finding the wall much more interesting.

“Look, I’m going to need you to be the least bit cooperative if I’m going to be of ay substan-“

“I don’t remember.”

“You don’t remember?” Kallus stops what he’s doing entirely. “What exactly?”

“The principles. Anything, really.” He masks his frustration with an amused smile, turning back to Kallus, hoping to irritate him, with the reality of the situation.

“How do you not remember? What do you mean? What, did you just eviscerate your understanding of your enemy when you decided to leave your station in the empire?”

He isn’t getting he satisfaction he thought he would from this, and he can’t tell if that’s more or less frustrating than the truth he’s having to swallow and now spill. “No,” the syllable is released through gritted teeth. “It’s not that I chose not to remember. It’s that I can’t remember.” Just another blaring fact of his own short comings.

“Elaborate.” Kallus is withholding his own frustration. Withholding it, but still choosing to patiently listen.

“Best I can explain is that after choosing to close myself off from the force, I also shut myself out from the dark side of it. It was shell shocking. For the first time I could breathe properly without having realized before that…” He takes in a sharp breath. “Long story short, my memories are a ‘mess’. Some are twisted versions of the truth and I have no way of figuring it out on my own. I have more gaps than I do recollection.”

He watches as Kallus turns away from him, slowly dragging his fingers through his hair as he tries to process this unexpected challenge. Still feeling bitter at his admission, he waits to see this man who had once not been able to apply the definition ‘quit’ throw in the towel. He had missed it the first go round. He wants to see it for himself.

“Change in steps,” Kallus swiftly strides back to the speeder, “we’re starting from scratch.”

Eyes narrowing as they follow the ex-imperial, he tries to grapple the words just given to him as if it’s a silly little errand. “What?”

“We are going to outline a series of expeditions to find the pieces we need to start with.” Grabbing the most tattered and slapped-together datapad to exist, Kallus begins to break through firewalls to cross reference imperial databanks with ones that existed before the empire itself, to find any trace of a location that may have been overlooked where they could find more information about the Jedi.

Trying to wrap his head around Kallus’s words, he’s reeling as irritation claws its way up his spine. “Would be great, but one of the first orders I had been given as grand inquisitor was to carry out and oversee the destruction of anything relating to the Jedi. There’s nothing-“

“There’s always something. There’s always ones that got away. Ones never found to begin with.” Kallus skims over the lines rapidly. “Don’t be so eager to give up. If you want to turn me in so bad, know that I won’t go down without a fight, but same applies here.” He pulls out an empty datapad and scribbles some locations on it. “I said I would help. Just because you chose to hide some details doesn’t mean I’m done here.”

He can’t tell if he’s more annoyed or further intrigued. Sliding a couple fingers across his jawline, he considers his options.

While he, personally, would see the value in handing over someone like Kallus, nestled so deep in the empire, he’s well aware that the spy wouldn’t get him nearly as far as he would need him to. Going back is still wildly out of the question. The middle ground action, leaving altogether, would just leave him back at where he had been. Aimless, unable to focus. Some could settle for that, and maybe he could too, but…

Maybe entertaining the notion a bit longer will be worth the effort. As the one who had been in charge of overseeing the destruction of the Jedi’s existence, he can remember that he hadn’t entirely agreed with the decision. He had thought the command was purely out of a place of emotion rather than reason. Even if the Jedi had been wrong and mislead, from a scholar standpoint, it would have been smarter to keep their archives, to teach why they thought how they did and show how it would have been misinformed.

But at the time… Had it been another moment where he was thinking through that false clarity? The lense of the dark, had it led him to choosing anger over reason? Or did that come later? Why had he gone through something he didn’t agree with? Or did he actually believe it to be a good idea at the time?

The face of the man who gave him the orders still escapes his memory. Why can’t he remember the face that he followed at the cost of everything? What was he looking to gain? What did he lose?

“Hey,” Kallus’s voice is soft, gentle. “You won’t have to go looking through these places by yourself. I’ll slip away when I have the chance. I’ll also try getting in touch with my informant again. They may have intel that could help.”

He blinks down at the human whose harsh features and guarded demeanor has momentarily shifted to make room for assurance.

“Seeing as how no other option is appealing, you’re still the most interesting choice.” He smirks teasingly, “Regardless of how annoying you get.”

Returning to his usual rigid posture, Kallus rolls his eyes, “I get that frequently, thank you.”

“You really don’t give up, do you? Is chasing ghosts something you’ve just always done?”

“Seems so. We’ll leave for the nearest location in half an hour.”

———

+[After much training and progression and work put into slowly dedicating to this task.]+

+Context for this next part:

Through [redacted], an informant, Kallus is told he has to make the decision to either continue missions with the former grand inquisitor on their own, attempting to gather an understanding of the Jedi that is doomed to be lacking and incomplete, or make contact with Kanan Jarrus and gain his trust when Kallus has yet to have much experience or credibility as fulcrum, having only been given the mantle shortly ago.

Initially, Kanan (rightfully) believes that they have lured him out as a trap and that they are both still loyal to the empire. Only after a lot of convincing is it that Kanan is willing to even hear them out.

-I am still working the timeline out and locking it down, but this would take place not long after the season 2 finale, Kanan being more on edge and untrusting than ever.

Kallus had believed it wise to bring peace offerings a an attempt to be heard out. Kallus instructed the former inquisitor to retrieve and bring a Jedi artifact while Kallus brought intel.

The former inquisitor had still been undecided on whether he would want or even ask for help from the Jedi knight. It wasn’t until Kanan addressed him directly, asking what his intentions are to be. A bitter response sat on the tip of his tongue, but he caught a glance of Kallus, who’s eyes were still on the Jedi.

Thinking on how far Kallus has put himself out for him, how the spy time and time again met him where he was to figure things out with him, and now how Kallus has chosen to pursue the superior aid directly from the knight at the expense of his own plans and compromising his own position- all because he has faith in him.

He resists the urge to lash his tongue at Kanan and admits to wanting to understand the full picture, learn and preserve the truth.

Eventually, Kallus has to leave and it is just him and Kanan. Kanan is still untrusting. (Again, rightfully)

+++

“I have no reason to trust you. Either of you. Not after everything.”

Pulse still racing, Kanan keeps distance from him, facing harshly in his direction.

Curious. If he’s so against me surviving as a perceived threat, why would he have gone through the effort of keeping me alive? He decides to view this as a trial, a test. Prove himself. Show that he’s taking this seriously, that the sacrifices Kallus chose to make won’t be wasted, that he won’t be left back where he began.

“You’re right. You have no reason to take either of us at our word. Nothing I do or say will take back what has been done. It does not make what I’m pursuing any less true. It’s taken a lot for me to get where I am as I am here today.” He makes sure to keep the distance between them Kanan holds, hands clasped behind his back. “I will be honest, at first I had no intent on taking this seriously, but then Kallus took the time to show me that what I had previously thought to be true were only lies to get me to side my loyalty to the empire. I’m still unsure of many things. I desire nothing more than to stand by the truth. Kallus started me back on that devotion. The only thing I am asking of you is to remind me of who the Jedi were and what they stood for.”

“Why?” The tension in Kanan… shifts. Still present, but different. “You were there, weren’t you?”

Taking a deep breath, he tries to find the right words to string together. This doesn’t get easier for him to digest each time he explains it. He runs the tip of his tongue along his sharpened teeth before he speaks, the slight motion reminding him of his body. “My recollection of the Jedi, my perception of them, had become… twisted as I fell. Overtime, memories shredded until there were few left. As an inquisitor, as a servant of the dark side, I had been under a false belief that I had a clear mind. It wasn’t until I finally distanced myself from the force entirely that I realized that not to be true. And now most days I cannot differentiate between what memories are real, what’s true, or not.”

“Still, why should I help you?” It feels as though the Jedi knight is cutting his eyes at him, holding what is a more than reasonable grudge and distrust towards him.

“Because I am asking for it.” Despite trying to appear calm, he can feel his ire rising like a heat traveling up his spine, setting every cell of skin on fire on its way up. This would be simpler if he just out right says he does not wish to help me. Instead, we’re playing this game.

“What gives you the right to ask? After how many of our people fell at your hands? After the betrayal you committed?” Kanan’s voice slowly rises in volume, adding fuel to the flames in the former inquisitor’s body. “And you just forgot? You forgot?!”

“My inability to remember detail does not negate the damage I’ve done, do not confuse my desire to understand what happened and inability to remember as a cowardly attempt to evade accountability for everything I’ve done, Kanan Jarrus,” he meets Kanan’s spit of fire with the same level of heat. “If you were to be so against rising above and helping me understand where I went wrong and would rather I have died, then why in this blasted galaxy didn’t you let me?!” He can no longer smother the sneer on his lips, a growl almost becoming audible from his vocal cords.

“What in the hell are you talking about?”

“Don’t play ignorant with me! You know what I’m talking about! Back on that star destroyer, when you had bested me in a fight and I made my choice! My way out! When I succumbed to the flames, you and your crew dragged me off that ship and abandoned me on an uninhabited planet!” He glares, the scab of it being ripped open raw right when he had thought it was finally healed.

“I don’t know what you are imaging,” Kanan seethes, the words hissing out from gritting teeth, “I had other priorities than making a futile attempt to save someone who had very clearly made their choice!”

The words wash over his body as though he had been thrown into a lake of ice. His voice loses its rage, “What?” There is no lie, no deceit in the knight’s features. “Then… How did- that doesn’t make- That’s impossible, I shouldn’t have survived- Much less unharmed- healed even-“ Dragging his nail along the ridges on his skull, he can feel his back hit a wall. The walls spin and blur in the background. The foundation that he had scrapped together since waking up in that algae filled pool shatters beneath his very feet. Not because Kanan hadn’t chosen to save him, that what he would have expected- hell, it’s what he would have done himself; but its the fact that now, no he doesn’t have any iota of a clue.

As improbable as it was, Kanan being the one to have pulled him from the fire, it was the only answer that had been viably possible; so much so that he latched onto it. Believed it. Been convinced.

But now? His thoughts are spiraling every which way, wrecking his brain for anything, but there’s no feasible way he should have survived, especially nearly unscathed aside from scarring of the burns he had endured that should have been much more detrimental.

Boots step into his line of vision, dragging him out of his mind slowly. “You’re… serious. About all of this?”

Realizing not until now, he had slid to the ground against the wall.

It’s a fight, trying to get back into his body enough to meet the Jedi’s face. He has to force his eyes to focus on the other’s features. Guarded, but curious, almost open. Something distinctively empathetic. Despite who it is Kanan is talking to.

“Jarrus, I’m always serious.” He screws his eyes shut after pain washes over them from the force he had behind them to manually focus them. His vision blurs in and out when he opens them once more. “I need to see the full picture. I’m sick of only having pieces. I want the truth, nothing more. Nothing less. So I can make informed decisions about what is just.”

Through the blurred vision, he’s able to make out that Kanan offers out a hand.

He only stares at it for a long moment. Not sure if he’s waiting for it to come into focus, if it’s his turn to be distrustful, or if he just isn’t able to get his body to cooperate.

“If you’re willing to be receptive, then I might be willing to help.”

He finds his hand setting into Kanan’s offer. Not without immense effort from himself.

———

+[The second meetup between Kanan and Him?]+

+Contextual notes for this scene: Kanan and the former inquisitor are in a Jedi temple, thus far they have pulled against the grain and become lost in the temple. At this moment, they are in the middle of an argument.

“I may have said that I could help, but you still have yet to prove that you are trustworthy,” the Jedi Knight pushes the words out through gritted teeth, body tense and on edge.

It’s been taking everything in him not to inflame and agitate this man’s every blaring fault and flaw; physical and psychological.

Remember why you’re committing to this. Remember the balance. Let go of that which is fleeting. Return to the pursuit of unbiased truth. Let go of that whic-

“Hey! Don’t ignore me just because I can’t see you!”

Whatever happened to Kanan Jarrus has no just changed his physical abilities, but also his mentality. “You’re lashing out, I am trying to ground myself. It is not a easy process for me. Whatever happened to having nothing to fear? You are currently laying out all this fear in open and it’s the worst temptation.” Remember what Kallus taught you.

“That right there does not make me any more enthused to help you.”

“Then don’t. I will find my way out of this temple. And I’ll find my own way to the light.” His own words are just as guarded and defensive as Kanan’s.

“You’re well aware that’s not an option, you cannot leave on your own-“

A painfully wide grin cuts across his face with a breathless chuckle, “Actually, Kanan Jarrus, I don’t. I told you already, my memory is as about as reliable as your sight. And what’s better is when I cut myself off from the dark, it’s false sense of clarity is not the only thing that left me. My patience has warn thin. I always had an extraordinarily high amount of that, if I remember even that much. But you are cutting it shorter.” He pauses, breath halting in his lungs before he releases after a moment. “You have no reason to trust me, I do not belittle that nor whatever it is you are personally dealing with. I would give you my honesty, but you do not trust it.”

“I don’t know your intentions, I don’t know your allegiances, and I don’t know your values. And you expect me to be willing to trust you? After everything? That you suddenly grew a conscious?” Shaking his head, Kanan sneers. “I shouldn’t even be here.”

He brings his palms up, open hands, open mind, willing mind. “You’re right, I haven’t ‘suddenly grown’ what you would call a conscious. I never had one- even before my fall, and being honest with you, I probably never will.” He uses every bit of will power he can muster to relax the tension within him then turns to face Kanan.

“Figures,” Kanan scoffs, shaking his head as he turns away from him. “Why did I even-“

Taking the extra effort to humble his own tone, he tries to will out every bit of gentleness he’s capable of producing. “If I may continue. Please.” He keeps his voice calm and even.

The knight still looks displeased, but holds his tongue as he turns back to face him.

“I’m not sure why I never had that innate ability, the one to be empathetic, but that doesn’t mean I’m disqualified from the light. I can built skills. I can dedicate myself. More than anything, I want to pursue the truth. It’s been a rough pill for me to swallow that for too long I have confused my perception for it. My perception is but a limited lense of the full picture. What I believe to be truth may not be what is real or what is true. I think, I have been lied to and misled. But I have nothing else to compare to. It’s a battle just for me to stay grounded at all.” He sighs, cutting himself off. “I find that I don’t know…”

A darker hand slides on top of one of his pale palms. He blinks rapidly, trying to force his eyesight to focus back in. He can make out the notable details of Kanan’s face. He’s noticeably calmer.

“I make no promises, nor obligations. But as long as you are making progress, I’ll see what I can help with. You’re right, you’ve lost patience and you’re fighting for real clarity, but you’re willing to be open, to relearn. If you really are after the truth, I will give that to you.” Sighing, Kanan steps back. “I myself have… been more on edge. I’m more guarded than ever now.”

“It’s hard for you to tell if you’re being reasonably cautious or cynically guarded?” He studies Kanan.

“Yeah.”

He watches as the tension Kanan holds does not lessen. He tries to think of someway he could lessen that stress of distrust from the Jedi, maybe finally make some headway. It’s very appearing that the man worries that he is only using this exchange as a way to get the knight to lower his gaurd, get him closer to his crew before springing a trap.

“I have a deal to offer you, something to set your mind at ease?”

Scoffing, Kanan shakes his head, “What could you possibly-“

“You’ll have my word. No harm will befall you or your crew. As long as you tell not a soul about Kallus’s change in allegiance. You will pretend you know nothing.”

Kanan looks taken aback, almost skeptic. “Tell me why.”

He rolls his eyes, “You know full and well that you need to be very clear about your questions while i lack my proximity to the force, Jarrus.”

“Why should I trust that Kallus’s position as a rebel spy- whether he really is or not- holds any importance to you?”

“Because Kallus has risked much more than a shiny little status to help me, to reveal himself to you. I also don’t like owing people, regardless of whether I consider them a friend or not. And at this moment, everything I am working on, everything I’m cultivating to be is owed to him. If it’s a future I owe him, it’s a future I will secure for him.”

———

+[This either will take place at the end of them in the Jedi temple, or during a third or final meet.]+

+The two have just finished a session where the former inquisitor spoke of what events he thinks he can remember before becoming The Grand Inquisitor. It will be snippets from the first set of notes on this post.

+Kanan pieces together that he needs to carve out an identity for himself. That before he can commit himself, he has to at least know himself, or the cycle will only repeat.

“Figure out who I am?” He has been avoiding dwelling on that line of thoughts. It’s visceral, the reaction to not allow himself to. The very thought makes him sick to his stomach and threatens for the planet to swallow him whole. “How- I can’t-“

“You can, but you don’t have too all at once. One piece at a time.”

“Where would I even begin?”

“A name is a start.” Kanan smiles genuinely, almost as a light hearted tease.

“I can’t remember my-“

“It doesn’t have to be what your name once was. You can chose anything.” Kanan rubs his chin after a short pause, “To make it easier to narrow options down, is there anyone in your past that resonated with you? Or something that holds meaning to you?”

He pauses, pieces of the journal series floating in his thoughts. “Maybe, but I cannot remember their full name. Just a couple syllables.”

“That would be as good a start as any. It can be yours, unique to you, inn that light.”

He nods slow, chewing on his lower lip for a moment. He takes a deep breath, Kanan listening intently and patiently.

“My name will be Dimal.”

#this is unedited and unformatted #this is the first draft of these scenes #very rough draft #SoFS&V AU #sofs&v #sense of faith self & valor #star wars rebels #swr #star wars rebels au #swr au #the grand inquisitor #kanan jarrus #alexsandr kallus #star wars #dimal

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buckybarnesss · 11 months ago

Note

parts of fandom: derek's age is entirely unknown and he wasn't a teenager when he was involved with kate and the fire happened

If people don't believe that Derek was a teen in the show, doesn't in the novels clearly tells that Derek was 16? The novels are slightly canon, right?

there is only 1 novel and it's on fire: a teen wolf novel and it's non-canon. i consider the novel an au of season 1. it was published in 2012 and the author nancy holder only uses canon material from the first 5 episodes.

per nancy holder herself she was given the okay by jeff davis to create her own derek and kate backstory which is fandom has leaned on because we actually very little about in the show.

i recently completed a deep dive into the entire novel.

derek's age in the show isn't specifically said but i've seen around fandom places before that there's people who believe he's in his late 20s and even his 30s or something. which is just completely disregarding many, many contextual pieces of information we are given that derek is in his early 20s.

#my blog #thoughts on teen wolf #teen wolf #derek hale

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cynicalrosebud · 1 month ago

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Writing Ojibwe Characters: A Basic Guide

Creating well-rounded, respectful Ojibwe characters takes a bit of research and consideration. This guide gives a quick overview of things to think about when writing Ojibwe people and incorporates some context to avoid common pitfalls. Writing any Indigenous character means approaching with care, so let’s dive in!

1. Understand Ojibwe Culture and Community

Get to know the basics of Ojibwe culture, beliefs, and values. My people, the Ojibwe (also spelled Ojibwa, Ojibway, or Chippewa) are part of the Anishinaabe people. We are present across Canada and the northern U.S. Midwest, with diverse communities that each have their own practices and perspectives.

Community-centered thinking: Many Ojibwe people have a strong sense of connection to community and family. Recognize that we tend to prioritize our connections and often have a deep relationship with our elders and youth.

Language and terminology: Use respectful terms. The Ojibwe language (Anishinaabemowin) is central to identity, even if a character doesn’t speak it fluently.

2. Avoid “Spiritual Mysticism” Stereotypes

Steer clear of clichés about Indigenous mysticism. Instead, focus on how Ojibwe spirituality is lived in everyday ways—whether through ceremonies like smudging, seasonal celebrations, or even just respecting the land and ancestors. Characters don’t need to be “shamans” or mystical guides to show their culture.

Spirituality in balance: While many Ojibwe people honor spirituality, each person practices differently. Just as in any culture, some may be very connected to it, while others are more secular.

3. Use Realistic Names and Nicknames

Ojibwe names often have meaning and are given in specific cultural contexts, sometimes in ceremonies or after significant events. If using an Ojibwe name, make sure it’s well-researched, and consider including a backstory on how it was given to your character.

Nicknames are common and can range from family names to personal traits. Think about nicknames that resonate with your character’s personality and family background rather than something “exotified.”

4. Research Traditional Roles, Not “Warrior” Stereotypes

Ojibwe people are often cast as “warriors” or “stoic fighters,” which is limiting. In reality, Ojibwe communities have had diverse roles throughout history, including diplomats, healers, artisans, teachers, and more.

Consider what makes sense for the time and place your character lives in—an Ojibwe character could be a modern-day artist, teacher, software developer, veteran, or lawyer. Complex portrayals highlight our adaptability and contemporary lives.

5. Acknowledge History Without Making Trauma the Focus

Many Indigenous communities, including Ojibwe, have endured hardships like colonization, boarding schools, and loss of land. However, it’s essential not to reduce characters to trauma alone. Show their resilience, joy, humor, and everyday experiences alongside their histories.

Avoid “tragic backstory syndrome”: A good character is multidimensional. Balance struggles with strengths, showing how they thrive in the modern world while honoring their roots.

6. Respect Language and Use It Thoughtfully

If your character speaks or knows Anishinaabemowin, use it respectfully and sparingly unless you're fluent. Small phrases or words can add depth without risking inaccuracies. If they use Ojibwe words, provide a translation for context.

Resource suggestion: Check out the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary for phrases, pronunciation, and examples of how the language fits into daily life.

7. Research and Connect With Indigenous Resources

For non-Indigenous writers, it’s important to engage with authentic sources and, if possible, speak with Ojibwe individuals or consult books, articles, or online resources created by Ojibwe authors and scholars.

Media to check out: Look for books, films, and articles by Ojibwe creators (such as works by Louise Erdrich or Gerald Vizenor) for direct perspectives.

8. Show Ojibwe Humor and Resilience

Ojibwe humor is a big part of the culture—often dry, sarcastic, and shared among family and friends. Including humor adds authenticity and breaks away from “stoic” stereotypes. Remember, we laugh, joke, and enjoy life as much as anyone else!

9. Give Credit and Respect Acknowledgments

Mention that you’ve researched Ojibwe culture and language if possible, and consider a small acknowledgment to the sources you used. It shows respect for our culture and the people who helped make the character accurate and relatable.

Sample Character Traits for Inspiration:

Joyful and witty, known for quick humor but deeply thoughtful.

Family-oriented, regularly calling or visiting relatives or helping out in the community.

Resourceful and resilient, finding creative ways to navigate the modern world while honoring traditional values.

Quietly proud, choosing to celebrate their heritage subtly but meaningfully, like wearing Ojibwe beadwork or carrying traditional items.

Writing an Ojibwe character respectfully and fully means creating someone real and complex. Remember, the best portrayals come from genuine understanding and thoughtful depiction. Happy writing, and Chi miigwech (thank you very much) for taking the time to represent us well! 🪶✨

And if you are ever confused, ask! I love answering questions about my culture!

#ojibwe #ojibway #chippewa #writing #writing poc #culture #anti colonialism

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thewriteadviceforwriters · 8 months ago

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Crafting The Perfect Lovers-to-Enemies Betrayal: A Guide for Aspiring Authors

Fellow writers and aspiring authors, you may be in need of crafting a compelling lovers-to-enemies betrayal for your fiction novel. Few plot twists are as captivating and emotionally charged as the transformation of once-intimate allies into bitter adversaries. In this guide, I'll help you explore the art of creating a lovers-to-enemies betrayal that will leave your readers gasping in disbelief and eagerly turning the pages for more.

Laying the Foundation: To build a convincing and impactful lovers-to-enemies betrayal, you need to establish a strong foundation for your characters' relationship. Begin by developing a deep emotional connection between them. Portray their love as genuine, passionate, and unbreakable. Let readers witness their shared moments, inside jokes, and unwavering support for each other. This foundation will make the eventual betrayal all the more shocking and heart-wrenching.

Foreshadowing: Witty and subtle foreshadowing is the key to creating an unforgettable betrayal. Pepper your narrative with hints and clues that something is amiss. Use foreshadowing techniques such as cryptic dialogue, ambiguous actions, or symbolic objects to plant seeds of doubt in your readers' minds. Engage their curiosity without revealing your cards too early, allowing the betrayal to unfold gradually.

Character Development: To make the lovers-to-enemies betrayal resonate with readers, it's crucial to flesh out your characters' motivations and inner conflicts. Dive into their backstories, fears, and desires, unveiling the hidden layers of their personalities. Develop plausible reasons for the betrayal, rooted in their individual growth arcs. This will add depth, complexity, and authenticity to their transformation from lovers to enemies.

The Breaking Point: Every betrayal has a breaking point—a moment of no return. This turning point should be meticulously crafted to maximize its impact. It could be a shocking revelation, an unforeseen twist, or an irreparable loss that shatters the trust between the characters. Build up the tension gradually, heightening the emotional stakes until the breaking point becomes inevitable.

Emotional Fallout: Once the betrayal occurs, the emotional fallout should be palpable and heart-wrenching. Explore the raw emotions of anger, grief, and disbelief. Allow your characters to confront their newfound enmity head-on, engaging in intense confrontations and verbal sparring matches. Show the depth of their emotional wounds and the lasting scars left by the betrayal.

Consequences and Repercussions: Betrayal carries consequences, and your story should reflect these repercussions. Illustrate how the betrayal affects not only the characters involved but also their relationships with other key players in the narrative. Show the ripple effects of the betrayal within the larger story arc, allowing it to reverberate throughout the novel and impact other subplots.

Transformation and Growth: A lovers-to-enemies betrayal can be a catalyst for profound transformation and growth. Allow your characters to evolve in response to the betrayal, exploring the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery. This will add richness and complexity to their arcs, making them more relatable and compelling to your readers.

Resolving the Conflict: The resolution of the lovers-to-enemies betrayal should be as satisfying as the betrayal itself. Whether it leads to reconciliation, revenge, or tragic consequences, ensure that the resolution remains true to the characters' development and the overall tone of your novel. Tie up loose ends, provide closure, and leave your readers with a lasting impression.

Checklist For Writers

Establish a strong foundation:

Have you developed a deep emotional connection between the characters?

Have you portrayed their love as genuine, passionate, and unbreakable?

Foreshadowing:

Have you included witty and subtle hints and clues throughout the narrative?

Have you used foreshadowing techniques such as cryptic dialogue, ambiguous actions, or symbolic objects?

Have you engaged readers' curiosity without revealing the betrayal too early?

Character Development:

Have you delved into the characters' backstories, fears, and desires?

Have you established their individual growth arcs?

Have you created plausible motivations for the betrayal rooted in their personal journeys?

The Breaking Point:

Have you built up tension gradually leading to the breaking point?

Have you crafted a moment that is shocking, unforeseen, or irreparable?

Does the breaking point shatter the trust between the characters?

Emotional Fallout:

Have you depicted the raw emotions of anger, grief, and disbelief?

Have you allowed characters to confront their enmity through intense confrontations and verbal conflicts?

Have you shown the depth of emotional wounds and the lasting impact of the betrayal?

Consequences and Repercussions:

Have you explored the consequences of the betrayal on the characters involved?

Have you shown how the betrayal affects their relationships with other key players in the story?

Have you illustrated the ripple effects of the betrayal within the larger story arc?

Transformation and Growth:

Have you allowed the characters to evolve in response to the betrayal?

Have you explored themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery?

Does the betrayal serve as a catalyst for profound transformation and growth?

Resolving the Conflict:

Does the resolution of the betrayal remain true to the characters' development?

Does it provide closure and tie up loose ends?

Does the resolution leave a lasting impression on readers?

Examples & ideas On How to Establish A Deep Emotional Connection Between Characters

Shared Vulnerability:

Have the characters confide in each other about their deepest fears, insecurities, or past traumas.

Example: Sarah opens up to Jake about her fear of abandonment due to a troubled childhood, and Jake reciprocates by revealing his own struggles with self-doubt.

Intimate Moments:

Show the characters sharing intimate moments that highlight their emotional connection.

Example: Emma and Alex cuddle together on a rainy day, sharing their dreams and aspirations while basking in the warmth of their love.

Inside Jokes and Shared Memories:

Include inside jokes and references that only the characters understand, creating a sense of exclusivity and camaraderie.

Example: Lisa and Mark burst into laughter at the mention of a funny incident from their first date, showcasing a shared history and deep connection.

Unwavering Support:

Demonstrate the characters supporting each other through thick and thin, offering unconditional love and understanding.

Example: When James faces a career setback, Lily stands by his side, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and assuring him of her unwavering support.

Emotional Intimacy:

Showcase moments of emotional intimacy, where the characters express their feelings and empathize with each other.

Example: During a heart-to-heart conversation, Michael and Emily discuss their hopes, dreams, and the challenges they've overcome, forging a profound emotional bond.

Sacrifice and Protection:

Illustrate instances where the characters prioritize each other's well-being and safety, even at their own expense.

Example: When faced with danger, Sarah shields David from harm without a second thought, displaying her deep love and commitment to him.

Shared Goals and Dreams:

Establish common goals and dreams that the characters work towards together, reinforcing their shared aspirations.

Example: Emma and Ryan are both passionate about environmental conservation and collaborate on a project to create a greener community, strengthening their emotional connection.

Few Extra Tips For creating Believable Lovers-To-Enemies betrayal

Build Complexity:

Make sure the characters have multifaceted personalities with their own strengths, flaws, and conflicting desires.

Avoid stereotypical portrayals and strive for nuanced, relatable characters who are capable of both love and betrayal.

Foreshadow Effectively:

Use subtle hints and foreshadowing throughout the story to create anticipation and suspense.

Drop clues that something might be amiss in the relationship, without giving away the specific betrayal itself.

Motivation and Justification:

Develop strong motivations for the betrayal that align with the characters' growth arcs and personal journeys.

Provide plausible justifications for their actions, rooted in their fears, desires, or external pressures.

Gradual Transformation:

Allow the transformation from lovers to enemies to occur gradually, rather than abruptly.

Show the progression of small betrayals, conflicts, or misunderstandings that slowly erode the trust between the characters.

Emotional Impact:

Highlight the emotional impact of the betrayal on both characters involved.

Explore their feelings of hurt, anger, betrayal, and confusion, making the reader empathize with their emotional turmoil.

Consequences and Repercussions:

Illustrate the wide-ranging consequences of the betrayal, not only on the characters' relationship but also on other aspects of their lives and the story's narrative.

Show how the betrayal affects other characters, relationships, and subplots, creating a ripple effect throughout the story.

Character Growth and Arcs:

Use the betrayal as a catalyst for character growth and transformation.

Allow the characters to learn from their actions, confront their flaws, and seek redemption or revenge, depending on their paths.

Authentic Dialogue and Reactions:

Ensure that the characters' dialogue and reactions to the betrayal feel authentic and true to their personalities.

Capture the range of emotions, conflicts, and tensions through well-crafted dialogue exchanges and internal monologues.

Avoid Clichés:

Strive to create a unique twist on the lovers-to-enemies betrayal trope, avoiding clichés or predictable plot developments.

Surprise your readers with unexpected turns and outcomes that challenge their assumptions.

Resolution and Closure:

Craft a satisfying resolution that provides closure for the characters and the readers.

Tie up loose ends and address the consequences of the betrayal, allowing for a sense of resolution and growth.

Crafting a lovers-to-enemies betrayal is a thrilling endeavor that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a touch of literary finesse. Hopefully this guide helped you get the foundation of Lovers-To-Enemies Betrayal.

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olderthannetfic · 6 months ago

Note

https://www.tumblr.com/olderthannetfic/751631469583220736/im-kind-of-getting-really-tired-of-people-acting?source=share

I'm a switch/verse shipper but I do notice how some verse shippers have been using verse as a moral high ground. For me, in the anime community, it's been used as an anti-fujo or anti-seme/uke rhetoric. But tagging is a different case. It depends on the fandom culture and I never expected the majority of the English-speaking sites like Ao3 to tag T/B, tbh. I wish, but I'm not so uppity about it.

I agree, though. I'm a verse shipper but even I know there tend to be leanings (to verse shippers it's more a spectrum instead of a rigid binary option). Just that most verse shippers don't mind moving the scale. There are, but not many, who actively switch the ships and try out different dynamics. They are usually smut or PWP writers but generally people write stories with plot and have only one or a few sex scenes nestled in between.

The seme/uke hate is ironic since some people will still use the classic domtop-subbottom dynamic, they will just argue that character A is not a subbottom like "what most people HC", but character B instead, followed by saying how it's better and progressive (esp if the alleged status quo of the "bottom" was a character with shorter, smaller, or feminine features). The whole, "I'm different and better" attitude irks me. You like a dynamic, so what? No one's interpretation is better than the other. We're all fans of the same characters.

Ao3 is dominated by short and smutty fics, so I get the frustration. I also wish people would tag better but it depends on the general understanding of T/B in your fandom.

I always tag my T/B but I've uploaded a PWP with no tag because it has no anal. Since I majorly write MLM, I BARELY tag who's the dom and who's the sub unless it's for peculiar dynamics like "power bottom [A]", "bratty bottom [B]" or "stone top [C]" and even then, it's only for very obvious D/S and I don't really write BDSM.

I know my leanings, I know my preferences, but I still think my readers will have to understand how I characterize them by reading the story themselves. Because a character has lots of nuance. A character who I often write as a bottom might act more dominant and jagged, very masculine sometimes, but I'm not against feminine or submissive bottoms and I have ships with both character types. Most characters in my ships have both feminine and masculine traits, a lot are GNC or enby-coded to me, and they have various roles and traits that makes it hard to box them into two or four categories. It all depends on my relationship with canon.

I usually use canon proof, like their backstory or confirmed character trait by the creator, to write but I have a ship where I reject canon because the writing sucked and I prefer how other fan authors wrote it. Fan to canon relationships are very determental.

I know Bucky and though I've never encountered that side of the fandom (maybe because I don't ship stucky), I can imagine what you are experiencing. I know he is really pretty and pretty characters tend to bottom more. Steve is also handsome but I know people tend to profile through facial features first before diving into personality. Next, most people love to woobify a difficult and traumatized character. Some woobification turns to feminization even though there is no canon proof Bucky has a feminine side, at least not as far as I know (I'm not deep into Marvel). There's also the fact that a lot of people project their own IRL experience and personal preference in their ships. Maybe they relate to Bucky and want to imagine themselves as Bucky getting rammed by Steve and basing Bucky's personality from themselves. No harm in that, I too use my irl experiences as fic reference almost all the time, I just have to know when to separate myself from the character.

I'm not surprised if some people don't realize or won't admit they are writing OOC!Bucky or Fanon!Bucky because there are so many who are used to fanon interpretation or even rejected some canon interpretations.

Between getting fed canon content once or twice every few months vs reading 3-5 stucky fics every day almost 24hrs, do you think some people won't get used to fanon versions more? It's usually this case.

I personally like Canon!Bucky just fine so I obviously only want to read Bucky with that flavor but lately I haven't been reading much. So if I encounter a fic that's slightly different, I'll get so bamboozled and my brain will be like, "since when??" even though that fic has been there for a few years.

If there are more stucky fics you don't like, I suggest writing for yourself instead of asking other fans to change, unless they want to.

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tragicallywicked · 4 months ago

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jamethinks · 3 months ago

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I am being a bit of a hypocrite here but I really do hate when people nag too much about the conspiracy of sxf. Mainly about Anya and the source of her powers because while it is a very interesting story it’s also interesting to not know. Like something certain things we don’t need to know. I am being a bit hypocritical here because I do ask a lot of questions but my questions (at least to me) are centered more around world building than actual lore.

I don’t need a full depth deep dive in Donovan and why he is the way that he is I just want more of an understanding of how politics (specifically his politics) played a role in the conflict b/w the east and west. I also want an idea of why there is a conflict in the first place, I don’t need a deep explanation for everything but a simple tidbit to launch myself off of.

I would still like to learn more about Donovan and see him be fleshed out as a character rather than just a target but that’s just to do with the narrative and me being invested in the characters.

Of course a lot of what I want is what the author is actively avoiding. I want concrete politics and actual commentary on world issues when Endo just wants to promote love and family over war and strife so in that case I am the problem.

Similarly with Yor I don’t need her full backstory I’m fine making that up myself but I would like to learn more about her and a few hints of why she is the way that she is. ATM she feels shallow and one dimensional TO ME PERSONALLY but again at the end of the day I’m just a consumer here.

Personally I don’t care about the mystery behind Anya’s powers I don’t need to know the lore about her powers. Most I am concerned about is how her powers impact her and affect her well being, a more in depth exploration on how being a telepath (a good metaphor for disability) affects her and how her parents and the adults in her life can help her cope with it even without a clear answer.

I don’t want to know more about project Apple. Whenever they drop subtle hints about it I’m just like yeah ok I don’t really care. Until we reach that point where it’s actually being addressed and expanded on I just move past it. Like last chapter (103) Loid mentions project Apple and everyone was freaking out and I was like who cares.

I saw a post on Reddit that was like “Anya had #007 does that mean there are more out and when we meet them” and I get it but also she probably just got that number as a reference to James Bond and nothing else. It would obviously be a cool and fun story to have another telepath or someone with powers appear but until then I don’t care.

I also don’t think Twilight’s dad is alive and until he is confirmed to be alive I don’t care about the possibility. His dad being alive is meaningless to me unless the story is going to use it an actual interesting way to expand on Twilight or the world.

I just want the story to get too caught up in lore and mystery that it forgets what’s actually important, the characters. Because again Yor and Donovan are two key characters that are very flat underdeveloped IN MY PERSONAL OPNION so I would like to get more info and expansions on them. I wouldn’t advocate for more lore when there’s still stuff to be established in the primary story before you get into the expanding.

So for its fuck project Apple, tell me more about Yor’s experience raising her brother and how hard it was for her losing her childhood 🖕🏾🖕🏾🖕🏾

#spy x family #sxf #loid forger #twilight #yor forger #anya forger #donovan desmond #rant #hypocritical moment #I want plot development not lore #I’m find hc for anya anyways shjdjdjd

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thedroneranger · 1 year ago

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The Drone Ranger's Be Kind Rewind ⏪ mygyn Edition!

A rec reblog series dedicated to the fics that we love so much, we've re-read them!

The next Rewind has landed: @mygyn! Look, mygyn did the most in the best way. They did a deep dive to share some of their hidden gems.

While we continue to churn out amazing new content, let's be kind and rewind to look at some of the OG content we love. And don't forget to reblog when you re-read! Continue to show your comfort fics and favorite creators some love. It helps keep the fresh content coming :)

We want to keep this going throughout the summer, so I'll continue to invite friends—other creators and readers—to share their lists. Stay tuned!

If you're interested in participating in the Be Kind Rewind, message me. The more, the merrier—let's keep this going as long as we can!

If you want to know when a new Rewind drops, join the tag list, and check out previous Rewinds!

fics below the cut (listed in alphabetical order by title)

‘86 Flyboy Matchmaker, '86 Top Gun pilots, @semperhuggs This is a piece of art! I 100% am a fiend for a good IceMav story! So often, I fall into the trap of reading X Reader and inserting myself into the story, but if you want a classic story that goes through the pain that Ice and Mav would have felt during DADT, this 100% is a story for you to check out (There are several offshoots that are a chef's kiss as well).

Angel by the Wings , Jake Seresin + Bradley Bradshaw, @makethatelevenrings Okay, can I say that love this. 10/10 for great representation. Jake and Roo and you. I’m a huge, huge sucker for threesomes so seeing an ethical one where all parties are equal and consensual is a huge win.

Great Balls of Fire, Bradley Bradshaw, @bratshaws As a plus-sized reader myself, the story of Bee and Roo has had me smiling laughing and crying, along with the insecurities that come along with being so fabulous! If you want a story that tackles the real and vulnerabilities of a relationship, I 100% suggest this one. Also, fun fact: This was the first story that I fell in love with on Tumblr.

Golden Barn Light, Jake Seresin, @siempre-bucky This blog hasn’t posted any stories recently, but this was the first story that made me fall in love with Hangman. It explored his softer side, his love for his family and, quite frankly, was an adorable read.

I had to let go of you to find myself, Jake Seresin, @gennyanydots Speaking of Hangman, if you want to read an angst story with redemption, love and, in my opinion, one of the most accurate descriptions of Hangman, and how he would deal with trauma, this is a winner.

Sleepy Baby, Jake Seresin, @discount-shades Soft Jake what is this… I think I’m just an angst lover! But Jake meets a girl and ends up tracking her down to help her overcome her tragic backstory and moves forward into a life of love and relationship!

Starting Over, Bradley Bradshaw + Jake Seresin x Natasha Trace, @bellaireland1981 What’s this? Jake has a sister who married an asshole? Do we get to see soft Jake and Phoenix? Yes. Do we get to see Bradley and Jake's sister? Yes. Do we get to see Daddy Roo? 100. This story fills each and every one of my boxes.

Stepping to You Toe to Toe, Jake Seresin, @dingochef I first fell in love with this story on A03, but the amazing and wonderful author has brought it over to Tumblr. If you want a story with plenty of smexy time plot, and to see several beautiful relationships grow and bloom, this is the one for you.

The Same Mistakes, Bradley Bradshaw, @ofstoriesandstardust This list wouldn’t be complete without Rebel. This is a story where Rebel Mav’s daughter is a pilot and goes through the trauma of having a Father who is notorious in the Navy and she has to overcome his reputation and find her own wings to fly.

you said you would grow old with me, Bradley Bradshaw, @blue-aconite If you need to cry, this is the one for you. I’m a sucker for angst apparently. This is an amazing piece that covers loss, love, and it shows a great example of putting the one you love before yourself.

Bonus!

Since I don’t write but am an avid reader and reblogger, here are some amazing authors that I know will be featured at some point <3

@roosterforme

@ereardon

@callsign-magnolia

@cherrycola27

I literally would recommend anything that they have written. If you want angst, smut, great story lines, these four are my go-to’s.

Tag list and friends: @petcr3 @desert-fern @Sagittarius-Lovewitch @mygyn @sweetwhispersofchaos @horseshoegirl @the-annoying-fan @dingochef @moon42flight @thecitysgraveyard @galaxy-of-stories @taytaylala12@malindacath @violyn20 @awildewit @potato-girl99981 @shanimallina87 @blue-aconite @djs8891 @linkpk88 @furiousladyking @daggerspare-standingby @princess76179 @jstarr86 @hecate-steps-on-me @darkheartcherry @soulmates8 @roosters-girl @dempy @roosterisdaddy36 @hangmanscoming @s-u-t @mavrellover91 @chicomonks @averyhotchner

A kind reminder, this is a 18+ blog. While not all stories in the recommendation list are 18+, please respect boundaries and do not interact unless you are 18 years of age or older.

#tgm be kind rewind #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #top gun maverick #tgm #top gun #mygyn

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beefromanoff · 1 year ago

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Project Mockingbird Ch. 8

summary: Charlotte deep dives into her backstory and all the dark, twisty parts. Bucky has flashbacks. It's getting angsty.

pairing: Bucky Barnes x OC

author's note: another long one, I'm so sorry it took me so long! the next one is ALMOST done too so it'll come out super soon! thank you so much for reading!

tag list: @bangtanxberm (let me know if you want to be added <3)

chapter list

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chapter aesthetic

In the quiet hum of the infirmary, the Avengers gathered outside Charlotte's room, concern etched on each face, She’d barely vacated the room for a week before landing back in the same place. The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with unspoken worry. Benchmark testing had abruptly ended six hours earlier with Bucky emerging from the woods, Charlotte’s body draped across his arms. She hadn’t woken up yet.

Tony paced back and forth in the laboratory, one room over from the infirmary. "This is absolutely unacceptable. We knew this could happen. Bruce, we let this happen."

"Tony,” Bruce sighed heavily. “We weighed the risks, she deserved freedom of choice, she insisted on competing. I’m sure she’d stand by her choice. We can’t sideline her based on a discovery we didn’t even give her the courtesy of telling her about."

“I’m sorry,” Natasha crossed the threshold into the lab, arms crossed. “Care to let the rest of us in on your little secret?” Steve and Bucky strode into the room behind her, looking equal parts concerned and angry.

Sighing, Tony rubbed his jaw. “We…took a second look at her brain scan after she was released. Then a third. We found an…alteration.” He chanced a look at Bucky. “Courtesy of our friends at HYDRA.”

“They tampered with her ability to self-regulate…” Bruce added sheepishly. “Her mind has been rewired, it’s like they took away her ability to govern her own physiological limits. Most people have mental limits, lines they can’t cross when their body needs to quit to save itself. They took that away from her. She, quite literally, doesn’t know when to quit.”

Nat leveled a pointed gaze at the two scientists. "And you just…let her compete with all of us today. What did you expect? You said yourself he doesn't know her limits, and now she's paying the price." She glanced back through the doorway, leading to the room where Charlotte still lie unconscious.

“We didn’t think it was our place to take away her autonomy.” Tony’s voice was uncharacteristically soft. “Until we had enough information to give her and let her decide for herself what she wants to do, we decided to keep it to ourselves. Clearly we didn’t work fast enough.”

“Clearly.” Bucky spoke for the first time, his gruff voice cutting through the room.

Steve’s brow furrowed in concern. "Whatever happened before, that’s in the past. We convinced her to come here and told her she’d be safe with us. We need to figure out a solution or our word means nothing."

Tony ran a hand through his hair. "Look, we have some information. We pulled every single file we’ve extracted from HYDRA over the past decade and cross referenced it with the limited intel we have on Charlotte." He winced. “It’s not great.”

Bruce interjected, "We're working on something, a way to regulate abilities without sidelining her completely. But it's complicated…and it’s far from ready."

Natasha's piercing gaze shifted from Tony to Bruce. "Complicated or not, we can't have her collapsing every time she pushes herself. We need a fix, and we need it now."

Steve stepped forward, taking charge. "Tony, Bruce, we appreciate the effort and the discretion, but we owe her all the information we have. Even if it’s incomplete. Ready or not, let her make her own choice. It’s what we all would want if we were in her position."

Bucky pushed off the wall, his face twisted in an expression between frustration and pain. He said nothing.

Tony nodded solemnly. "Fine. We'll expedite the process. But this is risky. It's experimental, and we can't guarantee—"

"We don't have time for guarantees anyways," Natasha interrupted. "We just need to try. Charlotte deserves that much. I didn’t bring her here so we could put her at risk and make decisions for her. I brought her here so she could be around people like her and be safe."

The hushed tones of concern were abruptly disrupted as Bucky, still standing at the periphery of the conversation, tensed. His keen senses caught a sound, soft but unmistakable—a groan emanating from Charlotte's room. Without a word, he swiftly turned and made his way to her room.

The group followed, their collective worry etched on their faces. They filed into the room only to find Charlotte blinking back into consciousness. The relief was palpable. Bucky couldn't help but mutter, "Welcome back to the land of the living."

Charlotte, still groggy, managed a weak smile. "You guys always know how to throw a party."

Steve quirked an eyebrow. "Yeah, and you sure know how to make an exit."

She chuckled, a raspy sound, and shifted on the bed. "Well, sorry to ruin the mood. Next time I'll make sure to schedule my collapses better."

Tony smirked, relief evident in his voice. "You do that. Maybe put it on the Avengers calendar."

The others couldn't suppress a few chuckles at the banter. Natasha leaned in, her tone dry, "You know, collapsing is very last season. We're aiming for superhero landings now."

Charlotte groaned as she shifted to sit up in the bed. "Noted."

Bucky, satisfied that Charlotte was -- at least for the moment -- all right, turned abruptly to leave the room. His departure didn't go unnoticed.

"Where are you going?" Steve called after him.

Bucky shot a glance back, his expression guarded. "She's awake. You guys got this." He disappeared into the hallway, leaving the others to surround Charlotte.

Natasha, a wry smile on her face, remarked, "Buck’s gonna give you a run for your money in the dramatic exit department."

"Dramatic? An angel like me?” Charlotte croaked.

Tony added, "An angel with a penchant for collapsing. Very celestial."

In the hallway just outside the room, Bucky leaned against the wall. He heard the exchange from the room but couldn’t stomach the jokes so soon after the scare. Rolling his eyes, he pushed off the wall and strode for the doors.nSteve caught up with Bucky in the hallway, jogging to match his friend's brisk steps.

"Hey, Buck," Steve began, concern etched across his features. "Why the rush?"

Bucky didn't meet Steve's gaze, his jaw set in a tight line. "They say she doesn't know her limits, but she knew. She knew and she kept going. You didn’t see her in the woods, Steve. She was laughing. She's playing with fire and doesn't even realize it."

Steve placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "She's been through a lot. You know that. We don’t even know the extent of it all yet, and maybe we never will. You know as well as anyone that it’s not easy to acknowledge your weaknesses. It's not easy for her, either."

Bucky's frustration spilled out in a sigh. "I get that. I do. But seeing her collapse like that, it... it brings back things I'd rather forget."

Steve's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. He guided Bucky to a nearby bench, encouraging him to sit. "Buck, I know this is hard for you. Seeing someone go through what you went through with HYDRA—it's like reliving your own nightmare."

Bucky clenched his jaw, his metal fingers tapping an agitated rhythm on his thigh. "It’s not just that - I mean, it is, but…I don’t know. I’ve been getting…glimpses. Maybe flashbacks." He ran his hand along his jawline. “I can’t tell if they’re memories or nightmares or just my mind messing with me.”

“What do you see? When you have them?”

“It’s…blurry. I get bits and pieces at a time. When I saw her for the first time, that’s when it started. I got a flash of us running, in the woods. I couldn’t tell who was chasing who. Then when she…blacked out in the gym, I had another one. We’ve fought before. I don’t remember when or where, but it was familiar. In a God awful way.” He stared down at his hands in his lap. “Then, in the woods, seeing her bleed and collapse…I saw a glimpse of what they did to her.”

The pained look on Bucky’s face made it clear he was done talking. Steve let out a sigh, leaning back on the bench. “Well, this isn’t really an easy thing to give advice on, but you have to remember you’re still in recovery too. Just because you’ve been here longer, you’ve broken the brainwashing…it doesn’t mean nothing ever happened. You’re gonna deal with a lot of trauma for a long time. It’s okay to take a step back if you need to.”

“I shouldn’t be the one who needs to take a step back right now. She needs more help than I do.”

"You are helping her, just by being here. But you're not her keeper, Bucky. You can't control everything. She has to make her own choices, even if some of them worry you. We’re all figuring out the best way to help someone we just met.” Steve gave a half smile, nudging his friend. “If you recall, you didn’t exactly give us clear instructions on how to help you, either.”

Bucky forced a smile. "Guess not. Should’ve taken it a little easier on you guys.” He leaned back on the bench. “It just... it feels like I'm back in that damn lab, watching people suffer because of me. At the end of the day, she’s in this position because of me.”

“That’s not fair, Buck. You know it. You didn’t ask for this any more than she did.” He raised a hand and waved off Bucky’s protest. “I know that Project Mockingbird was a response to the Winter Soldier Project. But last time I checked, you didn’t sign up to be the Winter Soldier. You’re both victims of the same sadistic scientists. We’re all here for you both, but at the end of the day, no one else went through what you two did. Don’t let them win by keeping a divide between you.” Steve's voice was gentle, a steady reassurance.

“Damn.” Bucky gave a half smile. “I guess some of that therapy finally stuck.”

__________________________________

The morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow across the medical wing. The aroma of fresh coffee lingered in the air. Agent Hill sat in a chair beside the bed, Natasha perched on the edge near Charlotte’s feet.

Maria, her expression businesslike, clicked through her notes on the tablet in front of her. "Let's go over this one more time. There are still some gaps here.”

Charlotte sipped her coffee, her gaze fixed on the swirling steam escaping from the cup. "I told you everything I remember."

Natasha shot Maria a warning look as she opened her mouth to protest. Her face softened. “I know this is difficult, Charlotte. I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through. But, if you’re able to give us anything else, it will get us that much closer to bringing HYDRA down for good.”

Nodding, Charlotte steeled herself. “What else do you need to know?”

“They’re known for their incredible discretion and secrecy. No one gets in or out. Hell, it took Bucky seventy years to escape and that was through a freak accident at the Triskelion. You escaped from the facility, from the headquarters. How?”

Charlotte's eyes glazed with the distant recollection. "I was kept in a different part of the facility than the Win - than James was. Bucky." She shook her head. “I don’t remember much, but I was able to pick it up over time. Piece things together. Things people said, glimpses I got at files here and there…it wasn’t the full picture, but it was something.”

The two women stayed quiet, letting her continue.

“To my understanding, I was one of around a dozen people in Project Mockingbird. All of us were brought in just before 1950. The Winter Soldier project had gone well, too well. I remember hearing screams, hearing him take down agent after agent. They said he was too strong. That he couldn’t be controlled. That was before they perfected the memory wipe. He knew who he was, and that was why they couldn’t stop him. I always wondered what he was fighting so hard to get back to.” Charlotte gave a soft, sad smile. “The rest of us didn’t have much of a life before being captured. I think that’s why they went after orphans. When Captain America, er, when Steve came in and raided the base to free Bucky and the rest of the soldiers…they learned. They stopped taking prisoners that someone would miss. I didn’t really get to know anyone else in my group, or if I did…I don’t remember. I know we were all around the same age, sixteen to eighteen. About to age out of most orphanages, if we hadn’t run away already.”

She took a slow sip of her coffee, seeming lost in her memories.

“I don’t remember much about the experiments. I remember pain, needles, being restrained. Some didn’t survive the first dose. They tried to alter the serum they gave Bucky…it killed two immediately. A few didn’t survive the brainwashing, it made them go insane.”

“What happened to them?” Maria’s voice was unusually gentle.

“They got shot.” The nonchalance in Charlotte’s voice was chilling.

“I believe, well, I was told…they tried different methods on all of us. Some got a serum, some got brainwashing, some were…enhanced in other ways.” She winced. “Prosthetics. But they ran out of vibranium, and their version ended up poisoning the whole group they used it on. So, you know.” She mimed a gunshot to the head. “I was in the lucky last group. They took everything they got right with the others, the ones they deemed most likely to survive anyways. Their best chance. I know there was a version of the serum, very diluted. It enhances the senses and makes us…me, stronger and faster. Not as strong as him though. They believed they made him too strong. We had to be enhanced enough to contend with him, but not so strong that we posed a threat to HYDRA.”

Nat reached a hand out, squeezing Charlotte’s knee.

“Things got a little blurry for a while. I didn’t know how much time had passed, how long I had been there. I think I was kept in cryo for long stretches while they figured out what to do with me. I know they used to make us run hunting exercises.”

“What were the hunting exercises?”

Charlotte took a slow, shuddering breath as she raised her eyes to look at Maria.

“They would release us into the woods. The group of Mockingbirds…and the Winter Soldier. No weapons. Miles and miles of cold, Siberian wilderness. No food. They made us hunt him. To see if we could actually survive, track him, and to see what we’d do if we caught up to him.”

“Did anyone ever…catch up to him?” Neither Maria nor Natasha knew if they were prepared for her answer.

“Yes. I don’t remember, but I remember hearing them talk about it after I was wiped. How one of the best Mockingbirds caught him and was about to snap his neck when they shot him. They had HYDRA snipers in the trees the whole time. We were never meant to kill him. They just wanted to see if we’d be able to give ourselves the chance.”

Natasha’s stomach turned as she wondered if Bucky knew.

“I don’t know how many or how long those…exercises went on. Eventually they got better at brainwashing, so control became less of an issue. Bucky spent more time in the chair…we spent more time in cryo. They’d wake us up every so often, every decade or so? I don’t remember what they told me. Just to make sure we were still alive. Eventually, I was the only one who woke up. I felt like I should be sad, but it had been so long since the last time that I didn’t even remember their names.”

Charlotte looked like she wanted to cry, but no tears came.

“We can stop, Char.” Nat spoke softly.

“No, it’s okay. I want to help.” She swallowed. “I’m almost done anyways.” She sat up straighter in bed, pulling her legs towards her chest.

“The only real memories I have started about five years ago. Right after -”

“The Triskelion.” Maria and Natasha both muttered.

“Right. When the agents returned without the Winter Soldier, everyone lost their shit. Or at least, I’m assuming. They were still losing their shit when they woke me up. I couldn’t even get my bearings before they were outfitting me in tactical gear, yelling at me to track him and kill on sight. I was in a helicopter within the hour.” She grimaced. “They dropped me all over the United States, sending me to track him down anywhere they thought there was a sighting. Every time, I came up empty. That didn’t go over well.”

As if feeling phantom pain, Charlotte absently rubbed the side of her face. “It just went downhill from there. The longer we couldn’t find him, the more leads that went cold, the angrier they got. With me. They tried to punish me, thinking it would make me work harder or find him faster, but it just made me weaker. We finally went back to the base…and I remember thinking how I must really be in Hell if I was relieved to go back there.” She chuckled to herself. “I was hoping they’d put me back in cryo and never wake me up.”

“But when we got back to base…we didn’t go back to the cryo chamber. We went back to the lab.” Color drained from Charlotte’s face. “They had the scientists all working on something…anything that would make me better. It was awful. They were under duress too, not that I could ever feel bad for the bastards. But it wasn’t exactly the environment for a breakthrough. Once, an agent shot one of the scientists for making excuses. They didn’t move his body for two weeks as a reminder to the others.”

She sighed.

“But, just like with me, the punishment did the opposite of what they wanted. It made them sloppy. One day, they forgot to secure my restraints.”

Charlotte raised her eyes, looking straight at Agent Hill. “So I killed them all.”

A stunned silence hung over the room. Not once had Charlotte’s voice cracked. Although Natasha had a feeling her hands would be shaking if it weren’t for the vice grip she had on the bedding.

“I know this sounds redundant…but can you tell me the rest?” Maria’s eyes were almost apologetic for dragging this on further. “You overpowered the scientists, but what about guards? The rest of the base?”

“There were two guards outside the lab. I jabbed them in the neck with whatever bullshit serum the scientists had been prepping for me, grabbed their weapons, and didn’t look back. Although, judging by the way they screamed, that serum wouldn’t have done me any favors.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “They had been in such a hurry to get me into the lab once we returned that no one thought to wipe me. I knew exactly the way out. I wanted, so badly, to find my file and have answers. But I was tired. So tired. I only had one chance. I took it.”

“From there, you escaped through…?”

“The woods.” Charlotte grinned. “The same goddamn woods they used for the hunting exercises.”

“And then you hitch-hiked across Europe,” Nat joined in.

“Which is exactly where the story I already told you picks up.” Charlotte’s face showed relief, whether it was over the end of the grueling discussion or in finally sharing her burdens with someone.

“Did anyone ever come after you? Try to find you?” Maria frowned.

“Not once.” Charlotte shrugged. “I was careful, at first. I changed my hair every few weeks. Kept moving. Didn’t have a phone or a footprint of any kind. As time went on and no one came, I stopped hiding. But I never stopped looking over my shoulder.”

“I just find it strange that HYDRA would give up with not one, but two of their most lethal assassins just…out in the world.”

“With what I left behind, there wasn’t much of a team to rally.”

Maria raised an eyebrow, skeptical, but Natasha waved her off before she could continue. Pressing the button to stop the session recording, Nat grasped Charlotte’s hand. “I think that’s enough reliving trauma for one day. What do you say to wine and pizza, and Peter bringing the big TV in here for the night?”

Charlotte squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’d say…I hope you like pineapple on pizza.”

As Natasha breezed out of the room, promising to be back bearing gifts within the hour, Bruce caught up to her in the hallway. Jogging to keep pace, he stammered a protest. “You know, with the damage to her kidneys, from uh - the run…she really shouldn’t be having wine. If I could just do another urine sample to make sure she’s okay, then -”

“Bruce.” Natasha whirled to face him, stopping in her tracks. “Go back and listen to the session recording and then try and tell me that girl doesn’t deserve a glass of wine. Because if I had to take one guess, you’ll be bringing her something much stronger before you even get through it.”

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