#fear does not exist in this dojo

[redsrooftopprincess]

Pls ignore me if your requests are closed buuuuuuutttt

Headcanons for a reader that can't stop 'mirin(staring full love and joy, especially when they're not looking) with infamously insecure Big Red ?

And if not, know that you're loved and appreciated regardless and I'm glad you and your blog exist

Hello my dear Gornack! Hope the new year is treating you well. Thank you for the ask! 🥰

Mountains and Sunsets and You

Raphael x Reader

No warnings

"You got something to say?"

His sudden attention snaps you back into reality. 

Shit. Fuck.

Caught red handed, you try to keep cool as heat fills your cheeks. 

You were doing it again. He could see you out of the corner of his eye for the last hour. You were sitting on one of the benches, pretending to work, and watching him as he and his brothers worked through their katas. It had almost made him trip twice.

It's always new and exciting at first, but you've already known him for a few months. The novelty should have worn off by now. But it keeps happening. He catches you staring. It's only him, he's paid enough attention to know you don't watch his brothers like this. It's unnerving. Distracting. He'd taken a backhand to the jaw during sparring last week, and even spilled his midnight coffee on April's carpet. Twice.

"No..." you say a little too innocently.

Training had wrapped for the night, and it had been Raphael's turn to put the equipment away, leaving him alone in the dojo with you as you gathered up your paperwork. You stood, turning to leave, when your eyes landed on him. You couldn't help but follow the lines of his side with every stretch, and the way the muscles in his arms shifted under his skin as he almost reverently placed each weapon back on the wall. 

There isn't anything wrong with it, per se. You aren't looking at him with hatred or fear or disgust, if anything you look... fascinated. And not in a "weird mutant science experiment" kind of way. He can't explain it, and he can't explain the warmth that pools in his stomach every time he catches you doing it. And it's frustrating as hell.

"Then why the hell are you looking at me?" He growls, "Why the hell are you always looking at me?" He takes three steps towards you before stopping, instinct identifying pain and confusion as an an opponent, but you don't flinch. You know you're not in any real danger. Never from him. 

His scales catch the multicolored lights in the lair making him shimmer, and as he fidgets your eyes move over the gentle color shift that will only let you see his markings when the light is just right. You've never met anyone like him, seen anything like him, and everything he does is captivating. 

"Because you're beautiful," you say, simply, before you can stop yourself. 

This catches him off-guard, and he hesitates for a moment before he scoffs and looks away, "You're hilarious."

"Am I laughing?" You ask, without so much as a smile.

His eyes meet yours, hurt and suspicion deepset in amber. You can't be serious. When your features don't change, and he realizes there's no oncoming punchline, his eyes soften and fall away. 

Your jaw tightens. You hate it. You hate the way the world has ground imperfection and insecurity into every single scale. He's worth so much more than this broken place, and he's been beaten into believing he's unworthy of less than this. 

"Does that make you uncomfortable?" You ask, gently.

"Does what?"

"The fact that I find you beautiful." 

He hesitates, "... yes."

"Why?"

"Because it's bullshit." He snaps.

"Why?"

He looks at you incredulously.

"Why?" You repeat. 

He scoffs and rolls his eyes.

"Why?" You nearly demand, "Why not you? Why can't you be beautiful?"

"Because I'm not." The words ring out against the cement walls, as solid and true as the foundations of the earth.

He's not. He can't be. He's not human. He's not normal. He's a 6'5" turtle with chronic pain and a bad attitude. Covered in scars, shell cracked and gouged and broken in places, he's all thick hide and hard edges. How could anyone find that "beautiful?"

A few moments pass, and you gently break the silence, "Can I ask you something?"

"I got a choice?" He sighs, his frustration dissolving into exhaustion. He doesn't want or need a pep talk, and he sure as hell doesn't want someone like you trying to make him feel better. But somewhere, in the short time you've known each other, he's begun to trust you. He motions for you to continue.

"Do you think a mountain is beautiful?"

His gaze returns to yours and blinks twice, "... What?"

"Do you think a mountain is beautiful," you repeat. 

"Uh, yeah... I guess..." His brow furrows.

"Do you think..." You think for a moment, "a sunset is beautiful?" 

He sighs heavily, shifting his weight, "Yeah. Why. What's this got to do with anything?"

"Do you think I'm beautiful?" A small smile turns the corner of your mouth. He can't help glancing at it.

He hesitates. He just met you, and he really likes spending time with you. You're quick and kind and a hell of a good listener, he's vented to you about his brothers more than once already. You have a way of talking to him that makes things make sense. And Gods, yes, you're beautiful. Like a sun he can't stop staring at, even as his eyes are burning.

"Yes," he finally admits softly, holding your gaze. 

You try to ignore the way the word ricochets around your ribcage, and push on, tilting your head slightly, and questioning softly, "Would you ever consider me ugly for not looking enough like a mountain or a sunset?" 

"What? No! Why the hell -" he stops when you raise an eyebrow. It dawns on him slowly, and he blinks at you. 

You decide it best to let him turn that over for a while. He watches you wordlessly as you walk past him, bumping his arm gently with yours on your way out of the dojo. "See you later, Red," you say with a smile, before disappearing through the door.

....

Tag list:

@thelaundrybitch @the-cauldron-witch @fyreball66 @ninnosaurus @tmntngl @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @zagreustomb @ramielll @silverwatergalaxy @gornackeaterofworlds @daedric-sorceress @sophiacloud28 @iridescentflamingo @milykins

[hauntingofhouses]

(concept art of young taigen - source ; art credit: @abigaillarson)

i cannot get over this concept art of young taigen. god.

just look at this angry bratty boy, too many feelings that he doesnt know what to do with! an abused 9 year old kid in poverty always playing with sticks in the dirt, obsessed with greatness and dreaming to escape his decrepit village—and he does!

he does escape. he runs away. this angry little boy, all claws and teeth and biting words uttered with a lisp, going on the run into a world he's never seen before until he makes his way to kyoto. and knowing him he probably forced his way in to be accepted by the dojo, growling and kicking even as he's thrown out, back into the streets, too stubborn to take no for an answer and never knowing when to give up.

taigen calls mizu a dog, weak, an orphan, a scrawny street urchin. but i can't help but think that he feels so bold to use those words because he had them spat at him too.

because taigen had the idea of "this is how the world is" beat into him from birth. he learned quickly that if you couldn't beat the world you could join it. but that meant losing your way, your values, your principles. and isn't that what true honour is? not just titles and status and glory?

we don't get to see what taigen, as a child surrounded by peers encouraging and goading him on, would've actually done if that meteor hadn't fallen right in front of them at that very moment. would he have really tried to throw that stone on mizu, killing her? we don't know.

but we do see what taigen (his true self, with no one around) does, when presented with the same opportunity. when mizu passes out in front of him, unconscious and near death, vulnerable, the path to restoring his honour lays itself out for him on a silver platter. and he wants to take it, wants to kill mizu, to claim what is his and return to kyoto and get back everything he'd worked tooth and nail for. he feels like it's what he should do. but he doesn't.

and later, again he is presented with the chance to betray mizu, likely offered by heiji shindo to get his rank reinstated within the shindo dojo. and again, taigen doesn't take it. he refuses. "stupidly loyal," fowler calls him later. loyal, like a dog.

because now, pulled away from the sneering looks and jeering words of people around him, telling him that this is what the world is, taigen had met ringo and mizu, two outcasts who refuse to follow a predetermined path to greatness. and so inside something blooms in him. something like hope. a chance to live in a world that doesn't kick you down every chance it gets, to live in a world where genuine kindness and and love and friendship and even weakness is possible, allowed to simply exist without fear.

because he'd been running away from the very idea of it the whole time. when he ran from kohama, he never looked back, never wanted to remember what it was like to be a child, afraid and hungry and angry and hurting, without the words to make sense of it, desperately wishing for something. something more. he doesn't know what. but he hears stories of great swordsmen and decides, yes, this must be it. this is what i want: glory, greatness. the twisted seed gets planted and thrives in this barren land.

and when he returns to kohama with mizu and ringo, he at last is forced to stop running. he must face the child within him again, and he tells that child to put down the stones in his hand, tells him to stop barking at anything that moves or looks at him wrong.

the child drops the stone, and taigen buys dumplings instead, gives them to mizu. the child within him, wide-eyed at the prospect of friendship, moves him to pick up a hammer and toss it to mizu. he's smiling inside even as he does it; giggling like a kid hiding a silly prank. as soon as mizu drops the hammer after him, he leaps at her, tackling her to the ground and they wrestle and laugh unbridled like two children playing while the adults aren't around to barge in and yell at them.

and then his gaze catches on mizu's lips, he stares into mizu's eyes, a sparkling blue, inviting like the open sea in good weather.

it's a man's desire that takes hold then, the child in him sinking away again, and he curses himself for it, because it ruins the moment.

everything goes to shit from there, and then it's back to being a man, back to putting on his grown-up's armour to play hero.

it fails. the shogun dies. fowler's beatings reopen all the wounds left by heiji shindo's torture. "honour is meaningless," mizu tells him. "nothing comes from being a samurai but death."

the words follow him, and he follows the words.

as everything burns down, he runs, leaving the fire behind him, and sees akemi, as well as the verdure of spring behind her, calling him. he does not hesitate then to hold his hand out to her, inviting her to come with him. "i don't want to be great," he says. "i just want to be happy."

what is happiness to him? perhaps he doesn't know it yet, or perhaps he does. but really, i believe happiness is what the child in him always wanted but never received. happiness is a home.

[apersononearth011]

I was stressing about my drama exam and my dad said “fear does not exist in this dojo, does it?”

[aschen-kiln]

DEFEAT DOES NOT EXIST IN THIS DOJO

FEAR DOES NOT EXIST IN THIS DOJO

PAIN DOES NOT EXIST IN THIS DOJO

STRIKE FIRST

STRIKE HARD

NO MERCY

COBRA KAI NEVER DIES !

[serendipitysparks]

Kenshin Himura – The Dissociative Identity and Trauma Survivor

Psychological Framework: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Kenshin’s backstory involves extreme trauma, the loss of loved ones, and a morally compromised existence as an assassin. This trauma manifests in a dissociative identity, where Kenshin, during his time as the Hitokiri Battosai, exhibited a form of dissociation. The character's "alter ego" (Battosai) represents a compartmentalized personality created as a defense mechanism against unbearable trauma, leading to violent acts that he does not fully remember or acknowledge until later. This dissociative state is intertwined with PTSD, a condition in which the individual frequently relives the trauma, resulting in hypervigilance and a deep sense of guilt.

As Kenshin experiences flashbacks of his violent past, his dissociation becomes clearer: the transition between his peaceful persona and the ruthless Battosai is psychologically triggered by stress, or threats, reminding him of past atrocities. Kenshin's journey of redemption involves working through the trauma and integration of his personality into a unified self, aided by therapy-like experiences (though without a formal therapist). This process highlights his battle with dissociative amnesia (not remembering certain events) and self-blame, which are common in trauma survivors.

Kaoru Kamiya – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Healing

Psychological Framework: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory

Kaoru, as a trauma-informed character, serves as a grounding force for Kenshin. Her psychology can be explored through the lens of Attachment Theory, where her emotional stability is tied to her relationship with her father, Kenshin, and the community. Her background in running the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu dojo allows her to serve as a metaphor for healing and emotional regulation, guiding others to confront their fears and trauma.

Kaoru can help Kenshin through the process of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), where she challenges Kenshin’s maladaptive thoughts, such as feelings of unworthiness and the belief that he cannot change his past. By changing Kenshin’s internal narrative (a technique common in CBT), Kaoru contributes significantly to his ability to process his cognitive distortions—the tendency to view situations in an unrealistic and catastrophic manner, especially regarding his worthiness of redemption.

Sanosuke Sagara – Self-Concept and Identity Crisis

Psychological Framework: Existential Psychology, Identity Development

Sanosuke embodies the conflict between self-concept and external identity. He was once a member of the Sekihoutai, a group of rebels fighting for a cause, but after their fall, he faces an identity crisis. His previous identity as a soldier is shattered, and he struggles to find a new sense of purpose in a society that no longer values him. The complex process of self-actualization (as described by Maslow) is central to his development, as he learns to reconcile his past with his present and pursue personal growth beyond mere physical violence.

Sanosuke's journey involves confronting his existential fears of being insignificant, his struggle with meaninglessness, and how to develop a coherent narrative about his life after the rebellion. Over time, Sanosuke finds meaning not in conflict but in companionship, purpose, and redemption.

Yahiko Myojin – Developmental Psychology and Growth

Psychological Framework: Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Yahiko, a young boy from a difficult background, serves as a metaphor for the challenges and complexities of adolescence. As a character, Yahiko's evolution is explored through Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development, particularly during the stage of Industry vs. Inferiority (age 6-12), where he seeks competence and mastery in his martial arts. His emotional development is tested as he transitions from a child seeking acceptance and love to an individual understanding the value of self-worth.

Yahiko's growth parallels the struggles many adolescents face—his constant push for autonomy and independence is symbolized by his training, which allows him to establish his identity outside of Kenshin’s influence. His development is not just about physical skills but also about learning how to establish meaningful relationships and navigate emotional maturation.

Makimachi Misao – Borderline Personality and Emotional Regulation

Psychological Framework: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Emotional Dysregulation

Misao’s characterization can be explored through Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She demonstrates symptoms of emotional dysregulation, a core feature of BPD. She experiences intense feelings of abandonment and instability in her relationships. Misao’s impulsive actions and rapid shifts in mood (from anger to affection) are signs of her emotional reactivity—a characteristic of the disorder.

Misao’s trauma—losing loved ones and being left to fend for herself—compounds her emotional volatility. Her desire for validation and attachment becomes the driving force behind many of her actions. Through her journey, she must learn emotion regulation and develop healthier coping mechanisms, often through the supportive relationships she forms with others, including Kenshin and the group.

Shishio Makoto – Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Power Dynamics

Psychological Framework: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Psychopathy

Shishio represents the dark side of the human psyche, and his psyche can be analyzed through the lens of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). His belief in his superiority, along with a lack of empathy and intense need for admiration, drives him toward destructive goals. His ability to manipulate others, his grandiose sense of self, and his lack of remorse for his actions align with psychopathy and narcissistic tendencies.

Shishio’s trauma, while less explored in the series, can be understood as a deeply internalized sense of inferiority stemming from early-life neglect or abuse, which he compensates for with ruthless ambition. His journey to obtain power is driven by a profound sense of personal inadequacy despite his outward display of strength, illustrating the interplay between narcissistic rage and grandiosity.

[miyagi-hokarate]

(Shows up late with boba tea) WHAT A SEASON AMIRITE FELLAS?

Random assortment of season 6 part 1 thoughts:

(tl;dr: not a lot of satisfaction with this season for me. Lots of spoilers and sarcasm under the cut ahfksjfjdkg. )

we still haven't gotten that goddamn fun Lawrusso spar 😩

Okay jokes aside, I'm...not a fan of this season :/

A lot of things felt off, like the characters (more on that specifically later) to the plot progression

Of the things I liked, Sam and Tory's developing relationship — especially them having a dialogue together — was incredibly refreshing and felt good to see grow!

Tory's character in general surprised me and it felt much stronger than in previous seasons!!! Of all the potential flashbacks, a Tory-centered one was serendipitous

I also liked that Robby won the role of being team leader!! Much of his character had been centered on guidance, both receiving and giving it, and it makes the most sense narratively to give him that ultimate chance to prove himself as a leader, being one who is meant to be one half to represent the skill and prowess of his dojo

As FRUSTRATING as some things were; Daniel and Johnny butting heads, Devon doing everything in her power to earn her spot in the Sekai Taikai (even resorting to cheating), Tory lashing out after the loss of her mother; these were all to me understandable conflicts that didn't feel forced or like pulling teeth (especially Tory. I'm so sorry girl 🫂)

RETURN OF SHAWWWWN

DUTCH MENTION!!!!!!

AISHA MENTION!!!!!!

Okay...hater moment fr now...

A lot of everything else I have some problem with or feel strongly indifferent to; the Sekai Taikai (but there's no stopping that, so I'm just :/ whatever), Mr. Miyagi's secret, Daniel and Johnny butting heads (yes, I know, repeating myself...), Johnny in general, everything about the fucking baby, everything about Sensei Kim and her students. Arhagrggagrggfhgh

AS I FEARED, I'm not a fan of the contents and fallout of Mr. Miyagi's secret box. Oh great, Mr. Miyagi's dark secret was that he committed crimes and was involved with the Sekai Taikai or something. What shock. I can't believe Mr. Miyagi hurt people and hide that from Daniel. Can you hear my thick and heavy sarcasm.

I don't know if the rest of the fandom had learned to love the Big Twist or whatever, but I still don't see that box as anything more than a cheap plot twist. Its existence is practically pointless with what we, the audience, and Daniel know about Mr. Miyagi; we KNOW he's already hurt people in his dark and mysterious past, even people who may not have deserved it. He was drafted into war by the US army because the country would rather Mr. Miyagi would die as a soldier than live as an American for god's sake. Mr. Miyagi is already weighed by the horrors of his actions — actions Daniel himself had learned that didn't make Mr. Miyagi a villain, or a hero, or a tale of woe; they were all done by a man who was human, who made mistakes and who felt regret in his actions. Am I shocked that Mr. Miyagi could have committed crimes in the interim years between internment and The Karate Kid? No, but it feels transparent that the purpose of Mr. Miyagi's box has more to do with the twist of him participating in the Sekai Taikai than anything as profound as what has already been Mr. Miyagi's backstory introduced in The Karate Kid

What is there to say about Daniel and Johnny that hasn't been said already. This is like their hundredth karate divorce. Pick another method of foreplay it's getting old

There were parts that I actually commend Johnny for reacting maturely for; cooperating with Daniel and Chozen about the dojo name; keeping his temper in check when the realtor insults him; but MAN does no one fumble the ball as hard as Johnny does otherwise. Not all of it is painfully incomprehensible, but Jesus what was up with him this season. You have a baby (💀) coming your way. Act like it

Speaking of the baby 😒 I still don't like it. It just...it's still such a disappointing way to try and progress the characters of Johnny, Carmen, Miguel, Robby, etc. That opening shot of that fucking onesie was despicable. It's watching Miguel and Robby smile and laugh through this wackass development still. It's watching Johnny seemingly preparing for a growing family in spite of the countless evidence to everything that would make him ill-prepared. It's the fact Carmen is stuck being Mom of Miguel, Love Interest of Johnny, and now Mom of this new kid. Carmen ESPECIALLY gets the short end of the goddamn stick in terms of characterization regarding this, because she barely has any 😩😩 I know it's too late to be complaining about this baby but AUGH. I hate this

Another thing I hate is how WEIRD Cobra Kai is with its Asian characters — with Sensei Kim, Master Kim, their students, and (I can't believe I'm saying this) Kyler in particular. The show has always had this problem, with the double standards of Kyler stuck as a static bully character while others are allowed to grow nuance and development and abusive Dragon Lady Sensei Kim, but the introduction of Korean Fu Manchu in the form of Master Kim and a mass of intimidating and equally nameless karate students training ruthlessly in the blue-tinted woods of South Korea really hammer in the odd racial subtext

In a similar topic, did anyone else find it incredibly weird how Kyler was made to eat off the floor by those frat bros? I don't know if I'm reading too much into it, but it felt uncomfortable on such a different level than any other method of bullying shown in the show. It's never said why the frat bros target Kyler so much, and the only difference I could really make of is how Kyler easily defers to follow if in the face of aggressive leadership. And that he's Asian

I fucking hate that US flag mohawk and I am so mad that Eli is allowed to represent Miyagi-Do Karate in that goddawful thing I am being so serious right now

I'm sure I have other thoughts floating in my head that I can't recall, but here these are ahfjakdhjajd. I wish I could say I'm excited for part 2 arriving this November, but in much of the same way, the strongest emotion I feel is Dread

[bearsinpotatosacks]

Richie says that ‘fear does not exist in that dojo’ and all I can think is how he was prescribed Xanax in season 1 for ‘anxiety and dread’ and then it’s never mentioned again. But it makes sense, he realises he’s good at something, that he likes doing something and makes it his purpose, he makes FOH his safespace where he’s capable and genuinely confident and respected and it’s messed with and taken away. We see him wear down in season 3, he gets tired in a way we’ve never seen much before, we see more of the Richie we see outside of work, when he’s on the phone to Eva or calling Tiff. And it’s something to be said that in season 3 his whole deal is trying to sort his life out outside of work because it’s probably easier to put stuff away when you spend most of your time at work and work is some kind of safespace for your self esteem because you know your stuff there. 

But it’s also something to be said how this melds together and we almost see a warped version of who he was when we were introduced to him in season 1. He’s comfortable at the Bear now, like he was comfortable at the Beef, but his personal life is messed up and it’s getting harder to separate feelings outside and inside work. He’s angry in season 1 and resistant to change because his entire life has changed over the last 6 months. He’s tired in season 3 because he’s trying to change and become a better person but things are constantly changing around him so he doensn’t know the parameters. FOH is changed, the menu’s changed, his safespace is changing and becoming somewhere he’s not comfortable with but instead of being angry (he’s angry at Carmy but that’s personal that bleeds into personal when they’re arguments kick off) he’s tired because it’s happening again, his life is changing and seemingly getting worse (if we go on the assumption that the review was bad and Jimmy’s funding is going) again and he doesn’t know if he can keep up anymore

[sheinthatfandom]

It’s Double or Nothing weekend and you know what that means……. MY PPV HOPES AND PREDICTIONS!!!! Cause you know I’m super fair impartial and unbiased just like our wonderful EVPs😇

Under the cut cause it’s a lot

Yellow is who I want green is who I think will be booked to win

Now for the buy in they only added this photo

Which is beautiful and Imma share it so

Thunder Vs Deonna: I got no clue honestly. I’ve missed the build up to this. If this is an ongoing feud give it to deonna with shenanigans if this is gonna pave the way for a title end run than give it to thunder

Orange vs Trent: I want orange to win he’s lost everything in his mind doesn’t see that he still has people around him who cares to him he lost Chuck and so he’s lost it all. This is his widowers arc and with callis pushing him a win can make Don act as though he’s the reason for the win and get in oranges head even more. Trent has been winning and this could be another mail in the pushing Trent coffin to aim him toward eventual gold.

Iwgp championship- Mox vs takesita: I do not know the new Japan rules I know many fans are angry but I also know many fans just hate aew so I can not take what’s said in good faith. Also kayfabe is still alive and well so even the stuff wrestlers say I’m like…. Your company did this books this and signs off on it so I’m gonna assume this is kayfabe world building. That said this isn’t for the belt but for a future opportunity for it against whoever is champion after moxs next title defense. So I’d love for it to be Takeshita one the loss won’t hurt mox 2 Takeshita was with ddt not new Japan but callis was and possible is still working with new Japan so more possible story lines and opens up konosuke to start feuding with new Japan guys who are now angry at this opportunity and give him feuds for forbidden door and rebuild him as a powerhouse for when he gets aew gold.

Aew/roh tríos championship- Bang bang gang va death triangle: I know I know okay aew loves death triangle lenta and fénix are an incredible team and pac is a beloved monster I get that. I see the vision aew wants me to see BUT bang bang gang is fun and they’re my silly little gremlin guys and they just beat the acclaimed to get all these belts and now they use the little wagon to wheel it all down to the ring it’s hilarious it’s fun and I need more fun in my wrestling. Plus the boys are doing so well in their promos now like no let them keep cooking. They can even win by shenanigans I’m FINE with that. In fact I’d prefer it. Let my goofy guys win PLEASE.

Ftw championship- Hook vs Chris vs shibata: I want shibata but wil also take hook. I hate that an I hate the learning tree gimmick he needs to go home for 6 months and give me a fucking break. Shibata should never lose he is literally THAT wrestler THAT mf! Matter fact let Joe interrupt and take the Ftw belt. Now no one gets it.

Tnt championship- cope vs black: between the misting the blood cope becoming more and more unhinged he’s gonna win this and idk if he’ll join job/take it over if black doesn’t resign OR and this is my hope he makes his own spooky group pr does his own spooky thing and be a fucking nightmare to the “normal people” roster and the house can win just by him and his spooky existing again kinda like skye

Aew international championship: strong vs Ospreay: did you see that promo? The only way he doesn’t win (and I say this because I am traumatized by the fed) is if it’s to punish him for talking bout/defending ricochet. But tk has never given me a reason to think he’s that damn petty and if anything he’s proven unable to pivot from his original plans.

Aew women’s world championship- Toni vs deeb: she’s got no character, she’s wishy washy on the character she does have, she has no crowd support, she’s got no charisma, and every time she mentions having a fucking dojo I fear what her husband is doing to any young girls she brings around him. This Toni’s it’s not even a question. And instead of these useless boring feuds they need to bring back Toni’s movies and build Mariah up as a serious contender if we really aren’t gonna have hayter come back before all out. And build up both thunder and deonna over again and show them on dynamite and collision cause I don’t watch rampage. Also it’s the women’s world championship and it’s not even in the triple main events

Anarchy in the arena- elite vs team aew? I see the vision I know what they were going for I appreciate the Jackson’s and tk for always trying to see the best in people but the moment ftr was the chosen first members of team aew they lost me. They got me back with Bryan (creator of bcc and part of the committee who freed up from the punk fuckery) and then eddie ( who I wonder if he actually knows wrestling isn’t real sometimes) but now idk someone said if Andrade and Cody were available they woulda been added to team aew and honestly I see it. The legitimacy lost with ftr is staggering. It’s probably gonna be ftr but I really hope the elite win and clean that loss from all out.

Tbs championship- willow vs mone: I get it Mercedes is the bigger star hell she’s one of the biggest stars in the world so why wouldn’t you put the belt on her? Especially the tv title and have her on screens every week and too busy to go after the main title. But… I like willow better and I’d like for her to be able to say to Mercedes I beat you twice now bitch and stokely to try and do the nana dance before kris hits her with the belt. And then Mercedes can go be ceo with the elite.

Aew world championship- swerve vs Christian: my champion is black and that ain’t changing!

[maguro13-2]

What happens after the release of Warioware's new game?

Wario : What a day for a vacation after the release of Warioware Move It. I just hope that Waluigi suspect that he supposed to lookout for the house. Well, at least we're back at our hometown of...

*RECORD SCRATCH*

Wario : What the...?!

(We show the ruins of Diamond City after it was completely destroyed)

Wario : Oh no. Diamond City. My beautiful hometown Diamond City! What happened?! Who destroyed the beloved hometown of me!?

Waluigi : Hey, Wario. You cameback from your vacation with the crew. Something went wrong.

Wario : Oh my God! Waluigi! Waluigi! speak to me, man! What happened here?!

Waluigi : I knew that something bad happened to Diamond City, and it was attacked by an invasive group that really knows to the wreck the place.

Wario : That's impossible! *BOING* WHAT THE F***?! (Sees Ashley's mansion covered with graffiti and toilet paper) Ashley Mansion has been vandalized! Covered with graffiti and 4-plys of toilet paper! Nooooo!

Red the Demon : Who's gonna clean up this mess they caused?! *BONK* Hey, isn't that...

Dr Cryor : My lab! My lab! What happened to my lab!? It's gone! It has all our inventions and gadgets!

9-Volt : And all our collection of video games have been samshed! I play smash in our entire lives and now i’m never gonna play!

Jimmy T : Club Sugar's washed up and done for!

Mona : My restaurant, Mona Pizza, is ruined!

Kat : Our dojo has been destroyed!

Orbulon : At least my spaceship is fine.

Dribble : Not quite tho. (Orbulon reads something on the back of his ship) Look at the back of your ship.

Orbulon : What's this? "Wowie Zowie, Orbulon! Your ship looks incredible and is the shape of an animal that eats or smells nothing but...PORK BUTT"!? [Furious] Why I ought to...

Wario : Who really done it this time!? Who would go and wreck the entire place!?

Talking Flower : Hey there, garlic-eating man that runs a microgame company. Nice place you got there.

Wario : You! So you're the one that ransacked my hometown didn't you after we went on vacation for the exercise classes! How can you even think about destroying one's property!? One's property!

Talking Flower : Oh yeah. That would be my buddies that is really liking the town that existed in the Super Mario verse, hope that we didn't mind turning this town into a tourist trap you know.

Ashley : Oh, really? How can you expect from a talking idiot like me? If you really destroyed the place we lived in, that's on you for your flower buddies, I would definitely granting someone to hell for that matters.

Talking Flower : Wowie Zowie, Ashley! I guess your much of an edgy person than you think. I guess my buddies will have to prove to the talking of your gothic life.

Ashley : Oh is that so? You and what army?

Penny Crygor : Ashley, no! Don't ask him that!

Talking Flower : What army? What army? How about this army!

(The Warioware group are surrounded by an army of talking flowers)

Ashley : Oh crap.

Penny Crygor : Never ask the questions "who and what army"!

Talking Flower : Sorry, Wario. Guess we misfortuned about your hometown being a total wreckage we caused. So sorry for having this way in a fairly manner, I'd might say. We did make the people of Diamond City go crazy and caused chaos all over it. What are you gonna do now, you garlic greedy goomba?

[DBZ SFX : POWERING UP]

Wario : [chuckles] If you're really that clever for a talking flora garbage, then I assure one thing that you'll never like it....

Talking Flower : [cower in fear] W-W-W-What's that?

Wario : It's called "You're missing the point".

Talking Flower : Wowie Zowie! Holy sh****t! Is he doing the Vegeta Sacrifice thing?! WOWIE MOTHERF***ING ZOWIE!!! He's absolutely to go Kamikaze attack on us!!!

Mona : Wait. He doesn't remember doing that! He's going to kill us all if he does that from Majin Buu!

Ashley : Majin Buu? What Majin Buu? What are you ...(now realizing) Oh God.

Wario : [furiously] RRRAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHH!!

[DBZ SFX : ENERGY EXPLOSION]

Wario : Well, I guess that's taking care of that. At least that we all had a great vacation.

Talking Flower : Oh really? That was really quite a performance back there! I never thought you were able to pull off that stunt like that!

Wario : You! How are you still alive?! I just had you blown away in a kamikaze style!

Talking Flower : Oh I don't know. The truth is we all died because of you! At least it's nice in here that they had to chain us up for destroying the super Mario Universe.

[It is revealed that the Warioware crew except for Ashley and Talking Flower are in Hell, being chained up]

Mona : Nice going, Wario! You brought us to a place where bad people had to suffer and tormented.

Red the Demon : Oh hey, this is where I originally came from. My dad works here and he's the demon king.

Ashley : What a surprise, I granted everyone and including kids in hell. Am I the only one that is smart enough to do this?

Wario : [to Waluigi, laughs nervously] Sorry about that, Waluigi. At least hell isn't so bad after the Vacation.

Waluigi : Oh no, it's a way better vacation over here, in hell of course! Well, you can say Warioware has been a major asset to the Super Mario Universe that has been like this for 23 years.

Red the Demon : Oh, hey, look my dad's coming to meet. Hi, dad. These are the guys I work for.

Wario and Waluigi : His dad?!

Wario : Ashley, you don't mean that Red's father is...

Ashley : True that. He's the demon king, ruler of hell.

Wario : Oh boy...

[Red's father appears to be a muscular demon king]

Waluigi : Wow! I never seen a demon who's that ripped.

Penny Crygor : Totally. Hello, father of Red the Demon. We are currently in hell for no reason, I'm Penny Crygor and this is my girlfriend, who she granted us in hell.

Talking Flower : Oh boy.

Red's Father : ....So, you just had to go Kamikaze on the planet, didn't you?

Wario : [in sniper's voice] Ah...piss!

Talking Flower : [sarcastically] Wowie Zowie, man. [In a sly look] Wowie-Zowie.

[Iris shot]

Ashley : It took me years to grant someone to hell for this.

[Iris out]

~ DON'T GO KAMIKAZE ON THE PLANET ~

[adversarialharrow]

Awareness in the Art of War and The Power of Humility

In the tranquil sanctuary of a small dojo, where light filtered through shoji screens and the scent of polished wood filled the air, Sensei Takashi prepared for his afternoon class. Today’s lesson would transcend mere techniques of karate; it would delve into the deeper philosophies of awareness and recognition, essential tenets not only in martial arts but in life itself.

As the students gathered, a diverse tapestry of eager faces and contemplative expressions emerged. Sensei Takashi, embodying calm authority, welcomed them with a gentle nod. “Today, we will explore a profound truth: that awareness is the key not only to mastering martial techniques but to navigating the complexities of existence.”

He motioned for his students to form a circle, creating a space of shared energy. “Awareness,” he began, “is the art of perceiving the world without distortion. It is being present in each moment, understanding that our surroundings and interactions shape our experiences. In martial arts, this awareness allows us to see beyond the physical; it opens the door to understanding our adversaries.”

He invited two students, Hana and Riku, to the center. “Hana, step forward. Riku, approach her as if you intend to strike.” As Riku advanced, Sensei Takashi encouraged Hana to engage her senses fully. “Breathe deeply, and attune yourself to his movements. What is his intention? What energy does he project?”

Hana stood firm, her posture embodying both readiness and calm. Riku felt the shift in her presence—a recognition of his own intent. “Do you see?” Sensei Takashi prompted. “Awareness transforms fear into understanding. You are not merely reacting; you are anticipating the flow of energy between you.”

He turned to the class, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each opponent. “Each person you face in life, whether in the dojo or the world beyond, has distinct strengths and weaknesses. To truly understand them, you must cultivate a keen sense of observation. This is not just a skill; it is a philosophical stance.”

As students began to spar in pairs, Sensei Takashi moved among them, offering insights woven with wisdom. He observed how some students fell into predictable patterns, their techniques effective yet limited. Others, however, adapted fluidly, responding to the subtleties of their partners’ movements.

“Good!” he called out to Mei and Ken, who were engaging in a spirited exchange. “You wield your strength with an understanding of its impact. This is the essence of respect.”

“Excellent!” he encouraged Mei and Ken. “Mei, notice the way Ken holds his guard. Acknowledging this is not merely a tactical advantage; it is an opportunity for connection and understanding.”

After a period of practice, Sensei Takashi gathered the students once more. “Let us reflect. What have you learned about your partners? How has awareness influenced your practice today?”

Taro, a thoughtful student, raised his hand. “I realized that when I focused solely on my own techniques, I missed opportunities to connect with my partner. I was so absorbed in my own actions that I failed to see the broader picture.”

Taro spoke more, his voice thoughtful. “I realized that while I can be powerful, I must also be mindful of how I use that power. Disrespecting others diminishes my own character.”

“Exactly,” Sensei Takashi affirmed. “The staff represents our potential. When wielded with remorse for any harm it might cause, it becomes a tool for growth rather than destruction. Awareness transforms strength into a force for good.

“Awareness is an ongoing journey—a practice of being. It is about recognizing that every interaction holds the potential for growth. The more you understand the nuances of your partner, the more effectively you can respond, not just in combat, but in the tapestry of life.”

As class drew to a close, Sensei Takashi offered one final insight. “Remember, martial arts is not merely about combat; it’s about understanding our roles in the world. The staff teaches us that with power comes responsibility, and with responsibility, the need for respect. “Remember, martial arts extends beyond the physical realm. It is a path of self-discovery, where understanding oneself leads to a deeper comprehension of others. The journey inward enhances your awareness outward.”

The students bowed, their spirits enriched by the day’s reflections. As they departed, the sun cast long shadows across the dojo floor—a reminder that every moment is imbued with the potential for awareness and insight. Sensei Takashi smiled, knowing that today, his students had taken a step closer to becoming not only adept martial artists but also wise navigators of the intricate dance of life.

[cecilburton1]

Cecil Burton on Karate and Emotional Balance - Finding Harmony in a Hectic World

Cecil Burton - Rockford City in Illinois

In our contemporary, bustling society, achieving a sense of harmony and emotional stability often appears daunting. With the perpetual pressures of professional commitments, familial responsibilities, and daily obligations, it's not uncommon to feel swamped and detached from our own essence. Yet, there exists a martial art that has been empowering individuals to foster internal balance for hundreds of years: Karate. As Cecil Burton emphasizes, this time-honored practice does more than merely enhance physical prowess—it nurtures the mind and soul, creating a path towards tranquility amidst disorder.

Karate is more than just a physical exercise; it is a way of life. Rooted in Japanese tradition, this martial art emphasizes the importance of emotional and mental balance as much as physical prowess. In a world that often seems to prize power and competition, Karate's philosophy encourages its practitioners to focus on self-improvement, self-control, and respect for others. It's a journey of personal growth that extends beyond the dojo (training hall) and into daily life.

The core principle of Karate revolves around self-mastery. This martial art starts with the fundamental element of "kata," a set of choreographed movements that forms the basis of training. These carefully crafted sequences impart not only physical maneuvers but the principles of equilibrium, rhythm, and mental concentration. Kata is performed repeatedly by practitioners who aim for perfection - a concept that transcends flawless execution and encapsulates understanding the harmony between mind and body. As Cecil Burton knows too well, this facet of Karate is its essential nature.

One of the key aspects of Karate is its emphasis on emotional control. In the heat of battle, whether it's in a tournament or a real-life self-defense situation, keeping a cool head is essential. The discipline teaches individuals to manage their fear, anger, and anxiety, and channel these emotions into focused, deliberate action. The goal is not to eliminate these feelings but to harness their energy and use them in a constructive way.

In the practice of Karate, the journey towards mastery is a long and committed one, requiring persistent dedication and effort over the span of years. This gradual progression instills a sense of patience and humility within the practitioners, thereby reinforcing the significance of consistent hard work and perseverance. This ethos stands in stark contrast to the prevailing culture of immediate gratification in contemporary society, where the propensity often leans towards seeking quick fixes and shortcuts. As highlighted by Cecil Burton, Karate embodies the antithesis of this culture.

Respect is another core tenet of Karate. In the dojo, practitioners bow as a sign of respect to their instructors and fellow students. This simple gesture symbolizes the humility and recognition of the knowledge and experience that others bring. Beyond the physical training, this culture of respect encourages empathy and understanding, fostering emotional intelligence.

The emphasis on respect extends to the practice of sparring or "kumite." In Karate, it's not about defeating an opponent but testing one's abilities and learning from the experience. Through controlled sparring, practitioners learn to read their opponents' movements and emotions, enhancing their ability to adapt and respond effectively. It's a valuable skill that can be applied to real-life situations, helping individuals navigate conflicts with understanding and empathy.

Karate also promotes mindfulness, which is an essential component of emotional balance. When practicing kata, the focus on breath control and body awareness promotes a meditative state that clears the mind of clutter and stress. This mindful approach extends into daily life, helping individuals stay present and centered amidst the distractions and pressures of the modern world.

In the modern world, maintaining emotional stability is crucial, given the influx of information, workplace demands, family responsibilities, and the rapid speed of life. These factors contribute to heightened stress and emotional upheaval. As Cecil Burton articulates, Karate provides an avenue towards calmness, equipping individuals with the methodologies to navigate stress and preserve emotional balance.

In the dojo, practitioners learn to face their fears, embrace challenges, and cultivate resilience. This is a valuable lesson for anyone trying to find balance in a chaotic world. Rather than succumbing to stress and anxiety, Karate teaches us to confront our fears head-on, to overcome them, and to grow stronger as a result.

The philosophical underpinnings of Karate, rooted in the ancient wisdom of the East, are more relevant than ever in our contemporary lives. The discipline teaches us that emotional balance is not about erasing our emotions but about understanding them and using them as a source of strength. It's about becoming the masters of our own emotions and using them to drive positive change in our lives.

In a world where many are seeking quick fixes and shortcuts to happiness and success, Karate stands as a testament to the enduring value of slow, deliberate progress. It reminds us that true mastery of our emotions, like martial arts mastery, takes time, effort, and dedication.

So, as you navigate the chaotic waters of the modern world, consider the lessons of Karate. It's not just a physical practice; it's a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Through the mastery of oneself, the cultivation of emotional control, and the practice of respect and mindfulness, Karate offers a powerful path to finding harmony and emotional balance in a hectic world.

Navigating life's hurdles and uncertainties, we are often reminded by Karate that the essence of real strength does not reside in physical might, but in inner equilibrium and emotional fortitude. As we traverse the intricacies of today's world, the guiding principles of this long-established martial art present a beacon of hope, offering a way towards tranquility amidst turmoil. As Cecil Burton underscores, the principal value of Karate lies in its ability to balance the mind, body, and emotions in the face of adversity.

[daniiel-la-racist]

Hi, does anyone know which streaming service has The Karate Kid? Thanks in advance

[hashbrown-incorrectquotes]

Fear, Pain, Defeat: [exist] 

Kreese: 

[nvtm1]

004.

[cerastes]

Maul-A-Bear Factory: Dismantling the Big Sad Lock

Big Sad Lock -- colloquially known as That Damn Bear -- is the second final boss in Integrated Strategies 2, the Roguelite mode offered by notorious music company Hypergryph in the game they included with their music albums, Arknights. It is a stationary, large boss with special mechanics that, if the anguished voices of the ghosts of all defunct Arknights players that have fought it and failed are anything to go by, can be pretty tricky.

But fear not, innocent bystander and cultured Arknights enjoyer, for I open the doors to my dojo of grease this fine day in order to instruct you in the finest ways of how to beat the Big Sad Lock. Today, it’s not a dojo, it’s a factory, the Maul-A-Bear Factory, in which you and I will embark on a heart-throbbing journey of understanding, wisdom, and incredibly visceral violence.

Without further foreplay, let’s hit that g-spot (the flow state for gamers in the spot, as you all know) and let’s get making our little handy dandy essential bullet point list on what it IS that you need to rip the stuffing out of this bear with your teeth:

This here is a video of me beating the Big Sad Lock in Calamity. Now, you may be wondering: Is this a Calamity guide? Nope, this works on any difficulty, which is something important to note because it let’s us immediately jump into the first very important point about the Big Sad Lock:

The Big Sad Lock is an extremely static, formulaic boss.

What does this mean? Unlike Lucian and the Playwright, and especially unlike The Mouthpiece, Big Sad Lock (BSL), as a boss fight, more or less resolves in the first minute and a half of the fight, that is, you can quickly be sure if it’ll go your way or if it won’t very quickly. This is because BSL either breaks you quickly, or not at all, and you break it or you don’t. Unlike the other IS2 bosses, BSL doesn’t test you much in terms of placement, it’s almost purely a test of team composition. IS2 is, already, a big test of team building, but BSL embodies that aspect to the extreme -- much like Mouthpiece is an extreme test of your ability to adapt to quickly changing circumstances, the opposite of BSL! -- so knowing if you’ll be able to win against BSL or if you’ll lose is actually something that becomes immediately apparent, and you have to ask yourself one question: Is my line holding while I deal damage?

Let’s get into the details that’ll make this question actually valuable, shall we?

Big Sad Lock has 300,000 HP, 800 ATK, 700 DEF, and 60 RES, and regenerates 0.25% HP per second (750 HP per sec baseline) if you do not have the Blank Suicide Note. It additionally occupies 3x3 tiles. To put it in simple terms, it has immense HP but several tiles to be attack from, above average Attack, above average Defense, and high Resistance, so your best bet is to hit it with Physical attacks or True Damage. It autoattacks two targets with Physical damage with global range, and every 20 instances of damage it takes (not attacks, instances of damage, so poison ticks and the like count), it releases a map-wide explosion attack that hits all of your Operators for 150% of its Attack (1200 Arts damage baseline). It’s most infamous ability, however, is that a minute into the fight and then every 45 seconds afterwards, BSL creates a barrier worth 15% of its Max HP (45,000 HP baseline). While the barrier exists, enemies move faster and additional enemies are spawned. If not defeated within 8 minutes, BSL explodes and deals 30 Life Points of damage to the Doctor, most likely ending the run unless you loaded up on Lives. This explosion also deals 200% Physical damage to every Operator (1600 damage baseline) but that’s the least of your problems at that point. While fighting the BSL, you also have to deal with constant enemies spawns, and must hold 2 lanes. These enemies are mostly regular enemies, but some of them are best handled with Arts damage, such as Enraged Grotesque Gravekeepers (aka red gargoyles), Mudrock Zealot Leaders (aka red Mudrock hammer guys) and Greytail Leaders (aka red shield bat guys).

Now, with all this information, let’s start formulating our bullet points on what it is we actually need:

This is how I usually set up for Big Sad Lock:

Pure red arrows are my Bear DPS. These units’ main job is to maim the bear almost exclusively, keeping a constant stream of hits going to it. You want strong single hits more than multiple hits for BSL, so as to not trigger its counter-explosion too often. Units that go on the right red arrow are those such as Ch’en the Holungday, Pinecone, Kal’tsit (Mon3tr on the tile directly to the left) to continuously pour damage into BSL, while the left red arrow is perfect for melee 1-range damage dealers like Skadi and Nearl the Radiant Knight. You want these to ideally be Physical units. Likewise, don’t use units like Exusiai or Ceobe S2, known for their extreme Attack Speed (though, of course, if your Attack Speed is some godly meme value like +400 or something, yeah, you’ll evaporate BSL, but a set up you’re not likely to get).

The Black-Red square is a special tile: Here, if you have them, is where you put Schwarz S3, Rosa, or any such unit. I personally put Schwarz S3 there and blast BSL from there. Otherwise, you can also put an AA Sniper or any such unit aimed down if you think your lane holding is not looking too hot.

The green squares are your Medics or otherwise healers like Skadi the Corrupting Heart.

The red square to the left is where you usually place a ranged unit to assist lane holding.

The blue-red arrows are lane holders, ideally damage dealer holders like Guards, Dollkeepers, or offense-oriented Defenders instead of turtles, as mob HP is overall low in this fight. The blue-red arrows to the left are double pronged because that’s a special tile that can also be used to DPS the Bear with certain units, if placed facing to the right: Pallas, Blaze S2, Thorns, and other such units can both hold that lane and assist with DPS. The right blue arrow is long to encompass the two tiles there: You can have a Lord or an Instructor behind a frontliner to hold that lane just fine. You can also use the ranged tile 2 tiles under the green square, if your deployment or strategy calls for it. Anywhere next to these arrows, you can place down a Healing Defender like Saria or Nearl for further blocking+healing if necessary.

Now that we have our placements, let’s examine the needs of the fight, based on the information we have thus far. In this section of my guides, we ask ourselves questions to organize our information into actually usable morsels of violence and wisdom:

What does the boss ask from me? -> The boss has regen if I don’t have a specific item, and even with it, it has high HP and a timer, as well as intensifying enemy spawns -> I want high damage -> But the boss counters every 20 attacks -> Prioritize fewer and heavier hits over multiple hits -> It has high RES -> Non-Multi-Hit Physical DPS for the BSL.

What does the rest of the fight ask from me? -> Several foes through 2 lanes, mostly resistant to Physical damage in one way or another -> Enough bulk and block to hold two lanes -> Enemies have low HP for the most part -> Prioritize damage over bulk, ideally Arts -> there’s constant damage from the boss’ explosions -> Bring enough healing to survive that -> High Physical damage can also deal with the enemies -> Bring Arts damage and/or high Physical damage and sufficient healing to keep your entire line alive to keep the lanes safe.

The fight is static -> The outcome of this battle is decided by how well I can set up so my units don’t die -> The battle is decided early, and it’s more about set-up than execution, of which there is very little -> Bring Vanguards if possible to hasten your set-up, as the faster you set up, the better your chances.

The boss explodes for damage constantly -> A small party with strong damage and healing fares better than a large party that I have to heal constantly, possibly running myself thin on limited Medic slots -> You don’t need a lot of units -> Thankfully, if you have what you need, the boss is easy and solves itself -> Quality over quantity, if you’re going for Bear, try your hardest to have the best of the best in your roster instead of a big overarching synergy, you don’t need much for this boss fight, just fulfill the damage and sustain requirements and you’re golden.

Once again, consult the video to see how I personally go about setting up for this fight, but, as you can see, the BSL is deceptively simple and frontloaded: If you have the tools and you lay them out properly, you win, simple as that. Once you get the hang of BSL, it’s trivial to beat it, simply because the building requirements for it are simple and straightforward, and most importantly, it requires very little execution, just on the set-up, which is just knowing targeting priority, the basis of Arknights.

BSL is mostly a very fundamental boss with lots of intimidating bells and whistles! It makes loud noises and sends enemies and grows shields but... Once you break it down, isn’t it just a very simple two-plus-two endeavor? There’s very little execution, you simply build your team on a diet of big single hit damage dealers and simple, bulky lane-holders with some damage and... You’re done. You don’t need more than that. It’s not me oversimplifying BSL, it really is that simple. It’s a boss that is difficult and scary until it just isn’t. I struggled a lot with it the first few times, until I realized, “wait, you just need like 3 things”, and now Bear runs are leisure runs.

Schwarz, Saria and Blaze S2 on the left with Corrupting Heart S2, Kal’tsit (+ Mon3tr) and Specter the Unchained on the right is the run I’ve done it with the least characters to memory. So long as your lanes don’t fall and your damage is constant... That’s it. That Bear is going nowhere, so a powerful static setup is very important.

And that’s that! We’ve finished this tour of the Maul-A-Bear Factory, now go out there and commit incredibly inspiring acts of violence!

[terrence-silver]

Do you think there is a single thing Terry is insecure about or doesn’t like about himself, aside from his formerly skinny body?

I don't think he likes a lot of things, actually.

And he's insecure about even more.

Naturally, one would often never be able to tell because he's so cocksure, arrogant and confident (none of which is feigned, but insecurity and security can exist side by side and play into each other, two sides of the same coin); Terry is the picture of charm, nonchalance and social grace when he wishes to be --- a talented well rehearsed throughout the long decades of his life --- but I think Terry is also unsure about everything ranging from his time as Twig in Vietnam, the lack of control he felt he's had during a great many crucial moments in his life, his barrage of mental illnesses, treated and untreated, the fact that he was in the army as a whole and has witnessed some things literally nobody or very few people could ever empathize with, as we see in his later years, maybe even the simple truth that he understands that he will never just be a normal, commonplace, ordinary guy no matter how hard he may try, especially something that would bother him in his post-therapy years when he sought neuter himself and be...just some dude. Which failed. He never could be just some dude. Terry always was and remained The Other, though --- the other where his sexuality is concerned, his gender, his very identity and how he expresses it, his worldviews, his relationships with strength, weakness and manhood, his philosophy, his interests, his intensity, his passions, experiences, the events he's been through, his everything. Terry Silver never was like everyday people, because his own extreme circumstances and very nature ensured he wouldn't be able to be, a fact that daunts and gives people the instinctual heebie-jeebies to such an extent that he felt he had to shrink and hide himself in ways to nagivate the world more seamlessly, shedding his skin time and time again, becoming a master at it, leading to an insecurity and a tactical ability all at once. He revels in it, but he is also somewhat vulnerable in a sense, because so few people know him. The real, actual him, for all his virtues, faults and flaws. In fact, it is safe to say nobody but John fully does. Maybe his staff in the 80's.

Then there is friendships, human connections and love.

Terry might feel he has to go above and beyond to repay people for every kindness shown to him because I think he's just never been shown too much kindness in general, so when it happens, he has an innate need to practically bribe off people for it to impress them and keep them around to give him more of that kindness, be it via buying them a dojo, sending them to Tahiti on an all-expenses-paid vacation, taking vendettas to extremes, paying them double and triple for teaching at his Karate school, showing up to pick them up at the airport in a extravagant limousine, lavish them with gifts and fancy drinks and dinners and fifty year old Whiskies from his private collections and utilize a Pavlovian method of rewards to garner devotion and hoo --- Terry feels he has to buy people, because nothing is for free, and basic companionship is something to be paid for, one way or another, and if Terry simply pays for it fiscally by choice, instead in some arbitrary way he cannot predict or understand in the long run, he is steering dangerously close to losing control and entering the unknown --- something someone who has to have the upper hand and has an innate fear of compromising himself would wish to avoid at all costs. So, money it is. He is a sleek businessman. He operates under a businessman's transactional mindset on a territory he knows. Unfortunately, this leads to him keeping the surface-level, vapid company of the types of Cheyenne Hamidi who literally don't know anything about him (nor did he seemed to wish to open up) and are clearly and obviously acting as a paid for companion here to have their business kickstarted by him (which she even says proudly, with a smile), leading to Terry having no valid and honest support system....which yes, leads to an insecurity. Because, even though he has everything in the world, true friendships are so hard, and love is nonexistent and everything always cost Terry so much. Literally. His own philosophy backfiring.

In the end, happiness is often out of reach for Terry; actual happiness.

One that is for free.

While what he views as 'less worthy' people get it with next to no effort.

Terry Silver moved mountains and received nothing in return.

Only a life saved in Vietnam nobody seemed to want afterwards.

And yes, he's insecure about it.