#gonna be doing the storybook look a lot more from now on if I can manage it

[stitchandani]

Your recent Stitch and Ani Story looks adorable. I love how the presentation looks like those Disney tie-in Storybook artwork of their films, with the text blending into the background.

Doverstar

[Oh, incredibly-thoughtful and kind anon, I want you to know that I own every single one of those Disney tie-in Storybooks I can ever get my hands on, specifically for the artwork, and for the extension of canon. This is a huge compliment! There are stories where Marie from Aristocats meets a sweet stray tomcat kitten and he thinks she's pretty (and he's orange), and a Cinderella story where a new girl mouse is taken in by Jaq and Gus and friends in the palace, and a story where Lady from Lady and the Tramp teaches Scamp and her puppies her favorite Christmas traditions for the first time and they all go wrong, so they make their own new family traditions, and a story where Rolly, from 101 Dalmatians, who never gets any properly flattering screentime in the franchise, decides on the farm that he wants to be a firetruck dog (like Dalmatians are stereotypically seen being) and the other puppies express doubts he can do it and then he does do it and it's precious. ] Anyway - I love them all dearly; they're going down in quality lately, but it's like having those charming DisneyToon direct-to-video sequels of your favorite classics back. They don't do those anymore, so these Storybooks are all I've got, and I'm hungry for them! Yes, they're for 5-year-olds. When I have a kid I'll share them. Thanks again! Yeah, I had this idea that making it look like a storybook page was a much easier way of conveying the stories behind the art, plus it looks cuter. It's a lot of work, but it looks so much better than me slapping exposition down in text underneath the actual picture. This made my day; appreciate you, anon! More to come.

[kozachenko]

Starting off the 2024 season with Keiki because I've been thinking about her a lot lately

Artist's Note:

I decided to experiment a little more with my rendering style via using a more traditional approach to drawing in the shadows. I like how much texture this piece has as a result, my friend told me it looks like something out of a storybook and that was the look I was inspired by so I'm glad it turned out that way.

Also, when it came to doing the front view of the nose, I just went "fuck it" and made it a dot because why learn anatomy when you can just default to what 5 year old you did when drawing faces?

I also had an idea of how to draw Keiki's dress as that has always been something I've struggled with since it's kinda confusing to draw lol. I also gave Keiki some earrings in the shape of a kofun tomb because we need more Keiki with earrings (I could have also taken from IRL but I'll save that for when I draw Keiki next). Speaking of Kofun tombs, I made the thing she's laying down on the shape of a Kofun tomb, because this is also kind of a redraw of some old Keiki fanart from 2021 that I will show right here.

I liked the concept of it (i.e. Keiki in the middle of a Kofun keyhole with the fire thing she has surrounding her) so I decided to try at that concept again just for fun. Back then I was very adamant on staying as close to canon as possible, but now I'm a lot more lenient with how I draw the characters. The pose in the 2021 drawing was inspired by that one Shinra-Bansho records MV where Keiki showed up for 5 seconds and the rest of it was Yachie but yeah. Also I always thought Keiki's apron was a dark green BUT NO IT WAS JUST A DARK SHADE OF FUCKING TEAL ZUN WHAT IS THE COLOUR THEORY BULLSHIT YOU HAVE CONFUSED ME FOR SO LONG-

anyways, I would say this is a pretty strong start to 2024 art wise, I'm gonna keep experimenting with this new rendering style because I like it a lot!

Below I put a comparison between the two drawings in case any of you wanted to see the two drawings side by side

[flutterbruttershy]

i think a lot abt how rvb is an amazing example of giving tons of exposition through dialogue without ever making someone go "oh god an Exposition Dump™️"

in general, rvb is a show that depends so heavily on its dialogue and voice performances to carry it. they were extremely limited in their ability to show and not tell due to the nature of their medium being a video game that didnt expect people to use it to film in. so how do you do all that telling without showing without it sucking?

you have the characters talk with each other about it, of course.

the more blatant and rather cheap way this is done in fiction is shit like having some old wizard recount a prophecy from a storybook to a hero, who becomes a stand in for the audience in that moment. but rvb does this much more smoothly.

like when tucker asks church in episode 1, "what are they doing?" and church goes on a tirade saying "God damn, I'm getting so sick of answering that question! (...) Okay, okay, look... they're just standing there and talking, okay? That's all they're doing. That's all they ever do, is just stand there and talk. That's what they were doing last week, that's what they were doing when you asked me five minutes ago. So, five minutes from now, when you ask me, “What are they doing?” my answer's gonna be, “They’re still just talking, and they're still just standing there!”"

that bit alone is giving us so much. that conversations like the iconic one grif and simmons just had are a regular occurrence. that tucker always pesters church about this, not just in the first instance we see them talking. giving us a strong first impression of church's personality. establishing the overall setting and tone by giving all this information and telling us what these guys do on a regular basis. all in what feels like very natural conversation. you can find shit like this everywhere in this show and i think it rules

[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt for @my-perfect-storybook-love; the one where Kon is in the wrong Gotham, and so are a whole heck of a lot of other people.

The aid workers and Mallory’s parents come to an agreement, and they all come back for the Mallorys, who throw themselves at this reality’s version of their parents and cling to them. Their dad scoops them both up, and their mom puts her hands on the local Mallory’s shoulders. 

“Thank you,” their mom says to Kon, who doesn’t really know how to answer her. 

“No big,” he says. “I like kids.” 

He does not, actually. He doesn’t dislike them, they’re fine; he just doesn’t love them or anything. But he definitely, definitely knows how it feels being a stranger wearing someone else’s face and brand-new to a huge and intimidating world that you don’t know jack shit about. 

And he’s still a Super, wrong reality or not. Still can’t let people in need down, if there’s something he can do for them. 

The Mallorys and their parents go to check in properly, and one of the aid workers spares Kon a grateful smile and starts to open her mouth to say something, and then gets interrupted by a van pulling up to the parking lot a few yards away. 

That wouldn’t actually be an interruption, if not for the refugees being let out of it. 

Kon never knew Jon Kent when he was ten, but he’s seen pictures. He looks nervous and afraid, unlike all the photos of him grinning on Ma and Pa’s mantel and walls and in Clark and Lois’s apartment, and unlike the determined expression in the action shots the newspapers published a few times, but he’s still unmistakeable. 

And also, the kid takes one look at himand bolts right for him. 

“DAD!” Jon cries, and throws himself at him and his arms around his waist with definitely Kryptonian strength. Fuck, Kon thinks as he reflexively grabs onto the kid, and curses every single idiot at Cadmus who decided he had to look exactly like Clark. 

Then again, he guesses it’s better than looking like Lex, so never mind. 

Apparently this Jon is not from a reality with a Conner Kent in it, though, and now he’s got to explain himself to the kid without blowing Superman’s secret identity in the middle of a fucking interdimensional refugee camp, so fuck his life. 

“Sorry,” Jon mutters, flinching back. “Sorry, I know you’re not. I didn’t mean to–to call you–”

Thank fuck, Kon thinks in relief, then immediately switches into work-mode and scoops him up into his arms, stroking a hand down his back reassuringly. Okay, the kid does know him, then, he was just freaking out a bit. Kon doesn’t blame him. He is also freaking out a bit, personally.

Or more than a bit, maybe. 

“You’re okay, kiddo, I’ve got you,” he promises. “Are you hurt or anything?” 

Jon blinks twice, then just bursts into tears and clings to him, burying his face in his shoulder and shaking with sobs, and Kon immediately and instantly swears himself to full custody of his interdimensional . . . nephew, or whatever Jon technically is. Whatever, this kid is his kid until further notice. Who else is gonna take care of the only other Kryptonian-human hybrid in this refugee center anyway? 

Nobody, because Kon is not letting anybody else do it.

[yelmor-boots]

okay, so this is a beast of a post.

since i've officially watched all 'the hobbit' movies now (as well as 'lord of the rings'), here is my personal ranking of all the movies in a list.

LoTR: Two Towers

LoTR: Return of the King

LoTR: Fellowship of the Ring

Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies

Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

i talk a lot about the movies under the cut ( i accidentally started rambling, whoops ) don't feel like you have to read it all but if you want my supper cluttered opinion, go ahead (spoilers btw)

favorite one overall is clearly 'Two Towers'. it follows three groups of characters in the best fucking way. (Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas | Samwise, Frodo, Smeagol/Gollum | Merry, Pippin) it's been a while since I watched this one but i would really love to rewatch it one day. (we rented this one so we don't have it anymore)

i initially had 'Return of the King' as #4 but i honestly can't rank it that low. everything about this one is perfect and it gave me and my sis some good fucking inside jokes. also aragorn and eowyn slayed imma be real

'An Unexpected Journey' almost came above 'Fellowship of the Ring' but then i remembered the other half of fellowship and i had to rank it higher. maybe i just love the lotr characters more, i dunno, but their journey impacted me more and had me more excited. also, 'one does not simply walk into mordor.'

'An Unexpected Journey' is the only one I've actually rewatched (even if it was only the beginning) solid movie, something old and charming to it. i did watch it when i was younger but i fell asleep multiple times and just caught tid bits of it, so going through it again i annoyed the piss out of my sis by yelling 'i know that part!' over and over again

'Battle of Five Armies' was structured really well. the fight scenes could not have gone any better. the elves, the dwarves, the orcs, all their different unique styles. solid three hours of fighting if you want that. (i would gush about this a little more but i would probably end up repeating myself a bunch and sounding more a mess than typical) ((also this is going on too long))

'Desolation of Smaug' by all intents and purposes should've been ranked higher. if something has a dragon, I'm gonna watch it. (i recently realized i had a not-so-secret love/obsession for dragons) and Smaug being that gold-obsessed dragon from storybooks gave him such an interesting twist and gave me a real appreciation for that trope and he looked really cool and he was probably my favorite part of the movie- (unfortunately i just had a bad experience watching the movie because i was being constantly interrupted to the point that i completely lost track for like two hours. but even with a rewatch, i probably wouldn't rank it higher, but i would definitely have more love for it than i currently do)

Favorite Characters

LoTR: Gimli (i can finally remember his name), Frodo (pathetic bitch, like me fr), Pippin (protect this tree-loving, goofy ass, bard at all costs)

Hobbit: (no character really stuck out to me in the way lotr characters did but these ones did stand out) Balin, Gandalf, Galadriel

and special shout out to:

aragorn (king, literally), legolas (especially from lotr where he's only quiet until he says some wise shit), smaug (big, fire kitty), galadriel (yes, again, i didn't think much of her until the hobbit but lowkey what the fuck, awesome, talented amazing, showstopping, hot as fu-what?), and eowyn (pick your head up queen, your crown is slipping)

and because i can't shut up and this is such an impeccable series

i couldn't pick one, so the two most impactful scenes for me was-

lotr: when the ring had been destroyed and frodo and sam are on the rock surrounded by lava. frodo is remembering everything about the shire and home and he probably finally feels normal again. they were also giving ship vibes, true, but their dynamic in that moment is also so special and i want to rope this into the end where he gives him the book before leaving and the ethereal lighting of it all is everything and-

hobbit: i wasn't too 'wowed' by thorin (he just doesn't match up to aragorn for me) but his character direction is something i can gab about on a later date (cuz i fucking love it dude) . other than that, he didn't touch me emotionally or anything. but holy fuck when the credit mucic started playing?? the song is 'the last goodbye' and i immediately thought of his death scene and the funeral of all of who passed and let me tell you, i have never teared up for movies or songs or stories but i got fucking close during that song man and that's gotta account for something (I've watched endgame with tony stark as my favorite character if that gives you any inclination how much that credit song fucked me up)

and lastly, my favorite songs

The Last Goodbye (this fucking song made me love thorin so much more and it also stole my lunch money, yes 911? i would like to report a crime-)

Edge of Night (wasn't expecting it, thought i'd hate it -because i get uncomfortable with characters singing in movies- fucking loved it, obsessed)

Misty Mountains Cold (had no reason to go so hard, jesus christ-)

I See Fire (i knew this song since i was a kid, never knew it was from the hobbit, got really excited when i heard it at the end of of desolation of smaug)

if you read this, you deserve a reward. but I'll settle for requesting you either reblog or comment with something about lotr/hobbit that you really love. like your favorite movie, character, scene, whichever. i'd love to see all the different things that was special to others (and it doesn't need to be as long as this, please, save yourself the stress)

[munson-blurbs]

When Man Plans, God Laughs (Eddie Munson x Single Mom!Reader)

Summary: You're a single mom of two who recently moved back to your hometown of Hawkins, Indiana, after a nasty divorce. When your friends take you out for the night, you run into your high school crush: Eddie Munson. But are either of you satisfied with just a one-night stand?

Warnings: single motherhood, divorce, fluff, mentions of drugs/dealing

WC: 1.9k

Part One | Part Two

You're grateful that you didn't drink too much at the concert last night, because the following morning is hectic. Matthew insists on having milk with his cereal, then cries because it's soggy. While you attend to his tantrum, Grace takes it upon herself to grab the orange juice carton from the fridge, promptly dropping it and spilling it all over the kitchen floor. And when the word "shit" accidentally slips out of your mouth when you see the sticky mess forming, both kids decide to march around chanting it.

You clean up the kitchen, wipe down your messy children, and get them dressed for the day. They've been begging you to take them to the children's museum, so that's your plan. You're just finishing tying Grace's sneakers when the phone rings.

"Hello?" you huff into the receiver, scrambling to get out to the car before Matthew manages to undress himself.

"Hey, Y/N?" a familiar voice comes over the line. "It's Eddie. Munson," he clarifies, as if a different Eddie would be calling.

You crinkle your nose. "How did you get my number?" you ask, and you cringe at the interrogative note in your tone. "I mean, hi. But also, how did you get my number?""

Eddie laughs, not taking offense to any of it. "I hounded Starsky and Hutch until they broke and gave it to me."

"How nice of them," you mutter. "So, what's up?"

"Look," he starts, "I had a lot of fun last night. And I was hoping we could actually get to talk, catch up. Like a date, maybe?" His voice breaks at the end, nerves getting the best of him.

You smile weakly. "Eddie, that's really sweet," you tell him gently, keeping an eye on your munchkins, "but I'm not really looking to date right now."

"Is it because you have kids?" he blurts out, and you're taken aback.

"H-how did you know that I have kids?" It's a dumb question; Robin and Steve told him, obviously. "Never mind. Yes, it's because I have kids. Kids who are currently waiting for me to entertain them."

"So you're just never gonna date again?" he asks, but it's a genuine question; he's not accusing you of lying.

You exhale. "Maybe one day I will," you answer honestly. "But I...I don't think it's a good idea to be with someone who carries around a box full of mysterious illicit substances. Not really kid-friendly, y'know?"

"They're, uh, not all for me," he stammers.

You can't help but chortle at his statement. "Is the fact that you sell drugs supposed to make this better?" You notice Grace eyeing you curiously, so you lower your voice. "Look, I know you have to do whatever you can to make ends meet. I'm not judging you. But I also can't bring my kids into that kind of environment, y'know?"

There's a long pause on the other end of the line. "Yeah, no, I get it. Could we still...hang out? Like with Harrington and Buckley. Just as friends." Eddie bites his tongue to keep from babbling.

"Of course," you reply, breathing a sigh of relief. "I've gotta get going, but we'll talk soon."

"Bye, Y/N," he says, and you detect a hint of sadness in his voice. Maybe more than a hint. But you don't have time to ponder it, because Matthew is trying to fit through the spindles on the staircase. Why are kids so fast?

~

A few months later, you're holding Matthew's chubby little hand as you make your way through the library parking lot. Grace is in kindergarten full-time, so it's just you and your little man during the weekdays.

"Are you ready for Storybook Sing-a-longs?" you ask him excitedly. It was a new program that the library was offering to kids where a musician sang songs based on popular children's books. The best part was it was free. You'd signed him up right away.

The hum of a guitar being tuned floats past your ears as you enter the children's section. You're placing a fuzzy mat on the floor for you and Matthew to sit on, when you hear it:

"Hi there, tiny humans! I'm Eddie!"

Your head snaps up at the sound of his voice. No way. No fucking way. But it's him: Eddie Munson is sitting before you in a folding chair, long curls pulled back into a low bun. He's still got his signature rings and his ripped black jeans, but he's wearing a purple shirt that reads "Storybook Sing-a-longs."

"Jesus Christ," you murmur under your breath.

The mom next to you overhears your utterance. "I know, right?" she scoffs. "Who let him around children? He was such a freak in high school."

You shake your head. "That's not what I meant--" you start to say, but Eddie cuts you off.

"I need a volunteer to help me sing a song about wheels on the bus," he announces, eyes twinkling at the kids' excited faces. "Who knows that one and wants to sing with me?"

Matthew looks up at you, waiting for your approval. "Go on, Bubba," you encourage him. "You love The Wheels on the Bus!"

He jumps up waving his stubby arms in the arm, desperate to get Eddie's attention. When Eddie spots him, he motions the two of you over.

It takes him a moment to place who you are--your oversized t-shirt, mom jeans, sneakers, and barely-there swipe of mascara is a far cry from your skimpy concert outfit. But when he realizes, his face lights up.

"Who do we have here?" he asks, both to your son and to himself.

"I'm Matthew," the boy replies proudly, and it comes out as Mahh-chew. "And this is my mommy!"

Eddie's smile is so genuine that it hurts your heart. "Hi, Matthew and his mommy!" he says. "Matthew, do you know what the wheels on the bus do?"

"They go round and round!" Wound an' wound, he shrieks excitedly.

"That's right!" Eddie cheers, launching into the song. Matthew is singing and clapping along, doing all of the hand motions like you taught him. You sneak glances at Eddie, his fingers strumming gently, his voice energetic but soothing. It's a side of him you've never seen before.

You and Matthew scurry back to your mat at the end of the song, and it's time for another kid to have a turn. The next half hour is filled with lyrics about Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, and The Three Little Pigs. Matthew's eyes are wide the whole time, soaking in the music in wonderment.

You're putting away the mat, a half-asleep tot in your arms, when you feel a light tap on your shoulder.

"Hey," Eddie says softly. "I was hoping you'd be here."

You feel yourself blushing, and you hoist Matthew up a bit higher to cover your reddening cheeks. "Well, Matty and I never turn down a chance to sing Wheels on the Bus!" You tickle the boy's belly and he gives the sweetest giggle you've ever heard.

"You guys are pros. Gonna put me out of business!" Eddie teases. He glances at Matthew, then looks directly into your eyes. "Y/N, he's such a cute kid."

"Thanks," you grin, "but he's not gonna be cute if he doesn't get his nap soon."

"Can I walk you to your car?" Eddie asks sheepishly. "Is that okay?"

"Sure. Thank you." You can't bring yourself to meet his gaze, shyness suddenly overtaking you as well.

He grabs your bag from your hand. Your pace is slower than it would be if you weren't holding Matthew, but Eddie walks alongside you.

"I should, um...I should be thanking you, actually," he says suddenly.

"Me?"

"Yeah," he nods. "When we spoke on the phone? And you said that you couldn't be with me because of my...my job? You were right. I'd been meaning to stop doing that stuff, but I figured I could never amount to much more. The Munson name comes with a reputation, and it ain't pretty. I thought no one would ever give me a chance.

"And then I came by here to return a book and saw they were looking for a kids' entertainer, and I thought, I can do that. I think the librarians were shocked that I was serious about it, but once I started doing the animal impressions for 'Old MacDonald,' they realized it was the real deal."

You laugh. "You really nailed those. We were both impressed with the cow especially."

Eddie snorts. "What can I say? I had plenty of experience listening to an old cow in O'Donnell's class."

"Eddie!" you swat at his stomach playfully. "Don't teach my innocent son how to insult people."

"Sorry, sorry," he puts his hands up in defeat. "But, yeah. I just thought you should know."

You raise your eyebrows at him. "One night after a concert made you rethink your whole life?" you ask unbelievingly.

"Yes? I mean, Buckley kept telling me about her friend that was incredibly smart, funny, caring...the list went on and on. And then I met you, and you were, like, holy sh--sugar hot," he amends quickly.

"That's sweet," you say, biting your lower lip. "But most days, I look like this. Miniskirts are few and far between."

Eddie places a big hand on your cheek. "The sentiment still stands, sweetheart." He kisses your forehead, sending shivers down your spine. When you arrive at your car, he opens the back door so you can put a sleeping Matthew in his car seat.

"Thanks, Eddie," you whisper. You want to kiss him so badly, it hurts. "Hey, um, do you do children's birthday parties, by any chance?" You glance down at your son. "He turns three in a few weeks, and I need something to keep the kids entertained."

"I do now," he beams. "Any special requests?"

"You've gotta bust out that rendition of Old MacDonald, obviously," you tease. "How much do you charge?"

"Hmm," he pretends to think. "One...slice of birthday cake."

"I'm serious!" You put your hands on your hips. "Besides, you would get birthday cake anyway."

"Okay," he says nervously. "How about that date?" When you raise your eyebrows, he gives an exasperated sigh. "C'mon! I stopped dealing, I got a regular gig, Matthew already adores me. Just one date. And if it sucks, I'll leave you alone forever."

You consider it. One date couldn't hurt, right? It wasn't like you were marrying the guy. Clearly, you didn't fare well in the marriage department, anyway.

"One date," you agree, and Eddie pumps his fist in the air triumphantly. "After the party. If you bomb, the deal's off."

"Oof, no pressure or anything," he stumbles back dramatically. "But it's a deal." He sticks his hand out and you shake it, but he takes the opportunity to pull you in and kiss your lips. "Couldn't help myself," he mumbles into your mouth. You bring your hand to the back of his head and kiss him back harder, feeling body melt into his. You're snapped out of your trance by the sound of Matthew stirring.

"We've gotta get home," you apologize. "Call me later, around 4? I'll give you the party info."

Eddie nods. "Sounds great." He kisses your cheek before opening your door for you. "I'll talk to you then."

You wave goodbye as you back out of the spot, a smile plastered to your face.

So much for a one-night stand.

--

[mean-scarlet-deceiver]

Wilbert's Worst

Right, so I really was open to having my mind changed on The Worst One but nobody’s argument has budged me.

I was going to write a complete, balanced essay on The Worst W. Awdry Book, but I’m a) mired in the research phase (hey if anyone knows someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of Tom and Jerry hit me up, for real) and b) right now I wanna talk about the characters and their Beloved Dynamics instead. 

So I'm just gonna get this out of the way so I can post the poll and move on to answering fun asks and watching Tom and Jerry in peace. Behold: a salty and unbalanced review.

Wilbert’s biggest failure of a children’s storybook? 

Henry the Green Engine 

Ohhh… because of the, uh, ra —?

Because of the racism, yes!

Oh. You do know that since 1972 they’ve republished it without the n-slur? 

Good for them. Two things: 

1. I know it used to be there, I’m never able to read it without knowing it was there in the first edition.

2. I consistently try, when ranking the books, to consider them in the context in which they came out. Because of this, I don’t like using “things that happened later” (like a new character never being properly used again or whatever) against the book. This helps me evaluate the author’s successes and failures against what they were trying to achieve when they wrote it vs what I would most want (blorbo content). It helps me not bring to bear the whole weight of fanon and fandom on a text that should be able to stand or fall on its own. Tl;dr I try to read the books like a guy who picked it up in 1951, or whatever. 

And yeah, if I’d bought this when it came out it would have had the slur. I’m going to judge it accordingly. 

Look, racism is bad, no argument, but does that mean the book as a whole must be condemned? 

Yeah, I think the slur and the “aaaand suddenly, blackface! heeheehee” bullshit fuck over the entire book, game over. Go directly to jail, do not collect $200. 

The Railway Series is not a work of high art or deep thorny complex literature. The books are meant for children — small children, at that. Children small enough to get bedtime stories read to them. The main goal of each book (especially this early on — you do have to manage secondary priorities like “pleasing the long-time fanbase” the longer you go, but right now we’re only 6 books into the series) is to create a happy imaginary world to enhance childhoods and family lives… to impart to other parents and kids a similar cosy happiness to that the author and his own kids enjoyed when he was workshopping/drafting the stories for them. When we say “children’s book” we really do mean little’uns — these average 1.25 full-color illustrations per page!

And these books sold in large numbers. This means it’s a certainty that somewhere in 1951 there was a Black family who owned the whole series, who went out to the shops, whose kid was like “ooh! Henry gets a book, neat…,” who like everyone else enjoyed the wild ride of Henry’s inspection and coal and wreck and rebuild… only to get verbally spat on one page from the end. 

Real mood-killer there. Epic fail, as the cool kids used to say in my youth. 

All right, fine, cool kids never said that. Anyway, statistically speaking there was certainly even more than one family that got that experience. Not to mention the non-Black families who even in 1951 were like “... wtf? i’d smack my kid if they ever said a word like that around me, geez. no.” Just a lot of people who had the light the book was kindling in them snuffed out all at once. 

You can actually be totally racist and your book not commit creative suicide on the penultimate page! Awdry flubbed his job of 'bestselling books-for-six-year-olds' here. Creative failure. Unforced error. Automatic zero. 

But times were different then, you have to consider it in the context of the time. 

1951 U.K. was not the nadir of multiracial equality or Black power, but jfc. I can assure you that over 99% of children’s books published that year in the Anglosphere managed to not use the n-slur. 

All right, all right. That was bad. But this feels off-topic. If you had never known about what used to be “Henry’s Sneeze,” would you still rank the entire book as dead last in the Wilbert Awdry corpus? 

Not dead last, but it is not a strong book. “Coal” and “The Flying Kipper” are super-interesting as material for Henry, but after that the book kind of falls off a cliff; the intrigue drops dramatically. The railway incidents chosen to make stories of are all solid choices, but it was not only “Sneeze” where Awdry’s handling of the material feels clumsy and weird. (And I’m not even talking here of the “heehee blackface — ain’t i a stinker?” gag in “Sneeze.”) 

But… “The Flying Kipper”? C’mon. It’s a superb story and no book that contains it can be the absolute worst in the series. 

“TFK” remains easily the best single TVS episode ever – but a lot of that is down to Britt and David’s artistry and judgment. 

Don’t get me wrong, a full-on railway wreck makes interesting material. But I don’t think the book does nearly as much with it as it could (and I’m trying sooooo hard here to forget about the amazing TVS adaptation, as I think it REALLY shows Awdry up. Even so, the storytelling here is surprisingly tepid and low-stakes). I get that Awdry probably wanted to lean into the comic angle and not make Henry’s condition afterwards seem too grave, in order to ensure the material wasn’t too dark for his young audience? (*mutters* again, a level of tender consideration for his readers’ youth that went right out the window when it came to small Black kids, evidently coz he couldn’t imagine that they read) Understandable, laudable — but if he outright refuses* to make the wreck too dramatic or scary then, well, then the wreck isn’t real scary or dramatic. And it can’t save the rest of the book from its flaws. 

*For all I know it could have been the publishers who insisted that the wreck be made preschooler-safe, that’s possible (although it’s also consistent with Awdry’s brand of humor and his overall low degree of emotionalism in his writing). Either way, though, the end result book is what it is and it will be judged accordingly. 

In addition to not being as exciting as many remember... @trainsupessandhuntresses asked me once if I thought some of Awdry's stories were "mean-spirited." I had to assent vigorously. And a surprisingly high proportion of those "mean" moments are in Henry the Green Engine? For some reason? It’s not just the racism. Awdry was not in the game to give Henry a deserved happy ending, he’d wanted to kill him off (the fuck?) and when his publishers prevented him (I don’t say this often, especially since I love how salty the Awdrys get about their publishers, but this in case good job, publishers!!) he wrote “TFK” with the primary motivation of giving Henry a new engine basis. Any soft or hearty emotions we get out of the deal are a side-effect — the only emotion that was fueling Awdry as he wrote this was spite, spite and a weird resentment towards his poor, long-suffering, invaluable illustrator. (I don’t blame Awdry for being frustrated that the engine illustrations were continually inaccurate or confusing, but I do think it’s weird to read all this great Henry material knowing that it was written with such poor grace.) 

So his ‘happy Henry’ stuff feels perfunctory; his Percy interlude is just brutal (why did you have to drag Percy into Henry’s book purely to give him a fuck-up, a scolding, and a messy dunce cap?); Gordon’s savaging of Henry for being too happy after recovering from a near-death experience is such an incredibly low point for Gordon that it’s hard for me to accept it as canon (there’s being proud, boastful, and self-absorbed, and then there’s being the straight-up raccoon dumpster fire Gordon is in that scene). Oh, and I think “call the police [local constabulary, doesn’t bear firearms]” woulda probably a less reckless way of dealing with the rock-throwing youths than the sneeze of hot locomotive ashes, which of course the Fat Controller doesn’t like, that shit coulda been real dangerous! Mind, there are small rays of kindness throughout that do get me (the interactions between Henry and his crew feeling to me the least perfunctory and most heartfelt), but this is overall such a mean-spirited book. God. It starts off with such a gentle story (almost a non-story, if you’re in it purely for the “railway incidents” game and not character drama), but in short order the vibes just sorta suck. At least in other RWS books, when the vibes are off, they’re usually off near the beginning and then improve by the end. This one gets worse as it goes on. Oof. Don’t like that. 

Also, the last page is sooooo lame. I suspect the publisher strong-armed Awdry into writing most of it so that at least the slur wasn’t on the last page of the book... and if Awdry had any idea of how much he’d just empowered Henry and all his fans in this book he shouldn’t have found it hard to find 50 extra words to sum things up. As it was, he’s just filling space and running out the clock, lol. Lame wrap-up. Boring. As usual when it comes to every little thing about this book, Britt and David closed this up better (mind, their closer – “He had taught Gordon and silly boys a lesson, with a whistle and a sneeze” – also sucked. But at least it was blessedly short.)

Didn’t you once list HtGE on a list of your favorite Wilbert Awdry books? 

I did list it as one of the books that “at one time or another” have been my favorite in the series. Unfortunately in the case of HtGE, that was back when I really couldn’t read a story that I knew from the TVS without mentally substituting the adaptation into my brain as I read… largely overriding the actual text. Plus, everything I knew from TVS as a kid kind of automatically got a halo effect. Plus, I was super into Henry’s arc. 

The first time I read HtGE after calming down and actually reading all the books as books... massive disappointment. There is such a gap there between what I'd thought the book said (all our incredible fanon work overanalyzing and headcanoning Henry and building this beautiful fantasy arc about disability!) vs. what it actually said (limp and careless writing, mean vibes, airbrushed n-slur, bad aftertaste). 

I do think there is some stuff about the development of Awdry’s storytelling technique here that is interesting (again, Tom and Jerry superfans reading this, please shoot me a message!) but it doesn’t counteract everything else. 

At least we’re over the racism stuff? 

Nah, I’m not over it, actually. 

[shovelbug]

Hello! Could you please write something about Arven with a s/o who works as a librarian at Naranja/Uva Academy and helps him do research on the Herba Mystica to heal Mabosstiff and then they fall in love? I headcanon Arven as a young adult (he's canonically about to graduate) so I think it'd be really cute! Bonus points if he sees her interact cutely with some of the younger students or infodump to him and he just swoons.

Thanks so much, have a great day and drink lots of water! I'm so happy to see people writing for Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, so thank you for your service!

this is a very cute request, and i had so much fun writing it. i hope you enjoy reading it as much as i liked making it.

Arven x Librarian! Reader

The first time you met Arven, you were honestly a little taken aback. It's not rare for students to come into the library looking for something in particular, either for their studies or the treasure hunt, but you don't think you've ever seen him outside of the culinary courses.

You don't miss the note of desperation in his tone, but you choose not to comment on it.

Regardless, your job is to help, so you locate a book on the "Herba Mystica", a rare herb that can help with all sorts of ailments.

You have your partner pokemon fetch it from one of the higher shelves, and he thanks you and quickly goes on his way.

The next time Arven is at the Academy, he stops by again to get your opinion on something in the book. He'd really rather do it himself, but he'd hit a wall.

When he sees you, surrounded by a group of younger students sitting around you as you read a storybook to them, complete with silly voices and all, he finds himself smiling.

Oh, you're cute.

You brighten up when you see him, and let the kids pass around the storybook as you go to talk to him.

Why does he feel so warm all of a sudden?

Putting that aside, you happily help him with what he was having trouble with. You've been doing your own research, and you're a little curious. So, you ask.

"Hey, Arven... what's all this for, anyways?"

Arven winces. He could just lie and tell you it's for cooking, but...

He pulls you aside and cautiously takes out Mabosstiff from his poke ball.

Understanding dawns on your face as you see the weakened pokemon's form.

Arven is mentally preparing him for a barrage of questions, but instead you just lean down and gently pet Mabosstiff.

"Oh, sweet thing..." you murmur softly.

You think you understand, now. You get up and face Arven with a determined smile on your face, declaring you're gonna help him and Mabosstiff.

A part of him thinks you're a bit of a maniac to help him so readily, but he's too grateful to really care.

He leaves the library once again, this time with a warm feeling in his chest.

The two of you go on your way and challenge the Titans and get a couple Herba Mystica (during which Arven finds out you're a skilled trainer as well as crazy smart)

After one of your escapades, both resting after defeating another Titan, you start rambling about some of your discoveries while Arven fixes the two of you some sandwiches.

"So I was digging through some information on the Herba Mystica, and apparently the Bitter variety can help circulation and body temperature regulation, isn't that amazing? I wonder how that works..."

Arven's back is to you when you trail off, and he turns to you, puzzled expression on his face.

"Why'd you stop?"

You feel warm. "Oh! I just didn't want to be annoying, i guess?"

He huffs. "Don't sweat it, little buddy. It's more helpful than anything." And hands you your sandwich.

Really, he just likes listening to you.

When you guys get the final Herba Mystica and Mabosstiff recovers, you smile as you see the duo's happiness.

You were trying to give them space, but Mabosstiff knocks you down and barks happily, nuzzling into you as his tail wags excitedly.

"Haha, it looks like Mabosstiff wants to say thank you, little buddy!"

[cuntyko]

alll righty on to the met gala looks that did the job... and did it correctly in no particular order ofc cause I don't have time to do rankings or anything... plus I would add zendayas look but I feel like everyone has seen both of them everywhere but yea she did the damn thing.

Taylor russell for Loewe

this is like renaissance art... Loewe? more like Louvre. like absolutely sickening

Erykah Badu for Comme Des Garçons

duh... ok at first I didn't like it with the theme.. but then I thought about it and like sure its not giving fairytale princess but that's not Badu so her wearing something from rei a more avant grade designer is like her way of fitting with the theme so I appreciate that... plus I really like the look

Teyana Taylor for The Blonds

YES! YES! YES!!! like her cavaliers benchwarmer ex husband had to admit she looked drop dead gorgoussss no other words. im not familiar designer but it doesn't matter in fact kudos to her that's dope.

Chloe sevigny for Dilara Findikoglu

she ate the theme down that's all I gotta say... this is what I expected to see more of like STANDARD

Sienna miller for Chloe

I love this I feel like it gives woodland fairy it totally encompasses her boho vibe its not that out there which is why I kinda struggled to where I liked it for like any red carpet atmosphere or if it actually fit the theme but again I do feel like its true to Sienna miller's style so ill give it to her.

precious lee for Bad Binch TongTong

again not familiar with this designer but come on do you see those wings the crystal details WOW just wow

Mona Patel for Iris van Herpan

gagged... fav look of the night period... idc idc and the arm pieces moved... STOP just stop

Dove Cameron for Diesel

yes... I saw how she her and her team came to putting this look together on vogue and I just loved how she described it I couldn't have said it better so im not gonna try. but this is again one of those looks where I was like yes read the invite and followed it to a T

Harris Reed for Harris Reed

again renaissance art... sculptural gorgeous both of these looks by Harris reed actually

Demi Moore for Cartier and Harris Reed

giving queen of hearts... yes I love the silhouette

Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols for Thom Browne

I really don't have much to say about this one I just rlly like it its just soooooo Queen Latifah so yesss auntie you betta work

Eliza Gonzalez rivera for Del Core and Cartier

this dress literally looks like a flower petal and its just sooooo pretty.. I couldn't not say anything

Amelia Gray for Undercover and Messika

I really really like this look... I like how out there it is ... I think its like wicked step sister in a Tim Burton movie I think its really cute idk

Laufey for Atelier Prabal Gurung

pretty sure the theme was like sleeping beauty something something and this dress is deadass giving aurora slay....

Ivy Getty for Conner Ives

in love with this look and I don't have much to say besides that... miss girl nailed it

Jodie Turner-Smith for Burberry and Chopard

absolutely gorgeous and I love the all white with the dark eye makeup and dark blue accents absolutely stunning

Nicki Minaj for Marni

this is so onika and I love it she's like the kitchy fairy godmother like this is how I imagine her in the beginning of my beautiful dark twisted fantasy

Barry Keoghan for Burberry

ok victorian slayyyy and I love the brown velvet and the silver details yess.

Jessica Biel for Ralph and Cartier

again... aurora slay its really about the color and the hair with this look for me... do I digggg the feathers? no but idk it works for the theme

Lana Del Rey for Alexander McQueen

YESSSSSS motherrrrr y'all should know by now I loveee me some Alexander McQueen baby and the lil rose touch... yes a lot of people where just throwing flowers on their looks just to "be on theme" but you can tell this is intentional it works here and she deadass is giving woodland storybook princess

lil nas x for Luar

I really like this look and the draping and the silhouette I think it looks very posh like a wedding cake topper... honestly one of my favorite looks from him... ever

Nelly korda for Oscar del la Renta

at first I thought maybe this dress was too busy and it made it look like a grandma dress HOWEVER I do kinda like how cooky and kitchy this looks maybe I would put the hair up but other than that I kinda diggg this look

Elle Fanning for Balmain and Cartier

Gorgeous regal wow and the shoulders they look like birds pulling cinderella dress up as she was getting ready or whatever... and I love how theres no necklace cause it totally wouldve distracted from this beautiful dress.

Aurora James for Ana Khouri

I diggg the drapery like Taylor Russell and the wood bodice and the wooden jewelry such a nice touch but this definitely is giving renaissance art

[accio-victuuri]

CPN : Yibo’s single teaser 2 of 12. 🌤

part one is here.

His new single is called Like The Sunshine. There are 10 more things to see! I don’t know how everything is gonna be released but i’m just here patiently waiting and clowning like I always do. I’m really loving the imagery, it feels so storybook-ish even with all the black/white. it’s like drawn by chalk kind of feel.

Now let’s look at the things we noticed. 📝

⋆﹥━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━﹤⋆

I’m gonna be a lazy in this first one, but the connection of sun/sunshine to bjyx’s sun/sunflower symbol really jumped out when I saw this and read the lines. What they both say about being born towards the sun and what GG said before: “Then everyone can be like the sun”. The boys are really consistent with the things they like. The same goes with the WHALE. I mean, who didn’t think of GG’s drawing and when he posted about that screen cap from Attorney Woo drama? You don’t even have to think that far. It’s right there.

Whale symbolizes great ambition, bravery, beauty and peace. It is also a symbol of love, because it has only one spouse in its life, and it is extremely loyal to love. After the whale dies, it will form a whale fall, which is the last gift of the whale to nature, representing selfless dedication.

There is also jellyfish below and bxgs are reminded of their fave, spongebob, and how they role played it during an interview. The line was — Patrick, let’s catch jellyfish together. Lastly is the band Whale Circus and how GG listed a lot of their songs on his playlist.

I don’t really want to make any interpretations on the lyrics till the whole thing comes out. It’s hard to do so without any context but I have to agree that his Nian and this have a very different feel to his previous ones. I saw this comment ( photo below) and I really do agree. Wugan and ROMW are more of about himself and in a way, his frustrations about the life that he is living. It was more of looking into himself and making it all about him — his world concentrated on his own. However the next two looks at his growth as a person. I won’t credit everything to XZ, only that being with someone like him helped WYB to see the bigger picture. A world view that is more hopeful. WYB always had that in him, it was only amplified when he spent time with XZ. I really love how they make each other a better version of themselves. They are already great as individuals but being together and around each other made them more.

more clownery on the lines released, XZ.

A BXG made this edit and it makes sense. The art style seems very XZ. There is a whimsical quality to some of XZ’s artwork and this teaser gives me the same feel too. The windows also remind us of ZZ’s photos with it featured.

This is a short one, well as expected since we have more to come and not everything will have lots of cpn clues. I really hope we get an MV for this single, a real and actual music video please. 🤍

-END.

[lucero-is-here]

*FALLS IN* LADIES, GENTLEMEN AND FOLKS! IT’S HEADCANON TIME! FEATURING DELSIN PEOTA!

Requested by~!

And here is Delsin!

Now I don’t know about this man, but let’s get to it!

- He can’t sleep still. You’re bound to find hum in the weirdest position while sleeping, you’ll question how none of his bones are broken from the position he has gotten into.

- if you share beds with him, and share blankets, he is stealing all the blankets and rolling into some kind of blanket sushi roll.

- cried watching the titanic ;-;

- he’s kinda of aggressive at times- even if he has no ill intention. He’s just kinda loud and his body actions tend to tell a different story to how he might be thinking.

- he’s really protective over his kids (he canonly has kids). He will do anything to keep them safe and he really does love them- Even if he seems kinda scary sometimes, he tries to be a good dad and really loves his kids

- he has a record player in his house somewhere. He loves listening to vinyls/record.

- he likes snakes- he finds them cool and everything. He considered getting a pet snake once- never got one though :(

- rough hands. His hands are really rough and scratchy- they somehow just became so coarse, and they aren’t exactly the most pleasant to hold sometimes.

- he could be wearing the most scary/badass outfit ever, and he will take off his shoes to reveal that he is wearing a really cute pair of socks- like it’s gonna look like a little cat or something- cause he just- je just- …HE REALLY LIKES CUTE SOCKS- YOU CAN’T BLAME HIM YOU KNOW YOU DO IT TOO-

- he reads. …He reads those storybooks for children sometimes, sometimes reads Alice in wonderland or Pinocchio or just…The previous versions of kids fairytales and goes: wow some of this is so dark- ( he read the original stories of Snow White and Cinderella and safe to say he is kind of scarred. DON’T GET HIM STARTED ON SLEEPING BEAUT-)

- he sadly can’t cook that well but he can cook rice using a rice cooker unlike SOME PEOP- Well anyways. He can’t cook that well, but he can at least makes something that is edible and taste decent. (I will never forget the time I saw someone mix rice will jelly on tiktok….)

- He’s strong- he can lift up people, heavy objects and that kind of thing.

- things break easily around him. He’s accidentally putting to much pressure on things and they snap. And he always feels so bad about it-

- someone gave him a stressball once cause they thought he looked really stress, and he broke it after one day. He squeezed it too hard and basically burst-

- he feels stressed and anxious a lot- the fact he easily breaks things doesn’t help at all. It worsens it.

- gets maximum 6 hours of sleep. Anything more, he’s probably sleeping in.

- needs therapy, considered getting therapy, gave up getting therapy.

- really bad anger issues- he tends to lash out by accident if he gets to angry and he looks so guilty and upset every time he does lash out it’s kinda sad.

- kinda bad spice tolerance and won’t admit it. He can’t eat anything spicy, but can still handle some spice. He doesn’t really want to admit it though.

- he tries to look tough, but he’s actually really soft hearted and kinda sensitive sometimes- though most of the time he actually is tough/strong so don’t underestimate him. (Insert me imagining him with so much angst-)

- someone gave him slime to play with to relieve stress and he loved it so so much- but then he lost the slime somehow. He looked so sad that moment it was heartbreaking.

- he likes sweets. He likes sweet food over salty food- he liked raspberry sorbet by the way-

- if he sees you crying, he’s grabbing you and bringing you out to eat ice cream.

- this is random like some of the headcanons I have but he had a pet rock- he glued googly eyes onto the rock, and named the rock “Pebs”. He keeps the rock in his pocket and absolutely loves Pebs- (totally not going to headcanon him loosing Pebs).

That’s kinda all for now- some of my headcanons are so random for no reason

[galactic-glamour-girl-posts]

My Rosalina Headcanons

--It's pretty clear she likes to read, but I think she enjoys reading AND writing. We already know she turned her backstory into a storybook and that the events of Galaxy 2 were made into/were a story in one of her storybooks so I think most of the books in her library were written by her and are stories based on the events in her life and the people she's met. She's been alive for at least 100 years-probably way longer-she'd have a lot of material to work with.

--She can play guitar. This is based on artwork used for the 3D World soundtrack and some Mario Odyssey concept art:

I like to think she can play acoustic, but prefers the bass guitar.

--Aroace. That is all.

--She's a brilliant engineer. She'd have to be to fix a spaceship and build an entire home...whilst she was still a child.

However, the older she got, the more adept she became at using magic, and the less she'd rely on her engineering skills.

--Rosalina seems like a very patient person and and we already know she’s not a temperamental person because she pretty much never gets angry; but I imagine that in the rare instances she does she just stares in silent fury as gravity changes around her, unconsciously lifting objects in the air until she calms herself down. Kinda like what happens in her losing animation in Mario Strikers Battle League.

--I think her bond with the lumas grew so strong she is literally part luma/star now. Sorta like an Ash-Greninja situation but the other way round I guess? Stars in the Mario franchise are known to be powerful, be it super stars, power stars, etc, so I imagine that's why she can do the spin in 3D World when Mario needed a Luma inside of him (not like that) to do that in the Galaxy games. I also think that's why she’s lived for so long, and on top of that still looks young-compared to how old most stars are she IS still young (I don’t think she's immortal but I assume she will live as long as an average star does in real life).

--Originally I wasn’t gonna include this one ‘cause it’s a bit morbid but I dunno I think it’s sort of a cool idea: what if when Rosalina dies she literally becomes “one with the cosmos” and becomes the Cosmic Spirit (from Galaxy 2).

-- I still think she's one of Peach's ancestors-it makes sense! She was born into royalty (notice the crowns)

Used to live in a castle with a similar silhouette to Peach's Castle

Is likely from the Mushroom Kingdom since an old and rusted starshroom was near where she lived

And just look at her mother!

Plus the story does mention that Rosalina has (...had?) a brother, so if you're wondering how they could be fully related since Rosalina went to space as a child, he's how.

And just to be clear, when I say ancestor, I mean ancestor. Not descendent, and especially not daughter. That'd be dumb.

[prowerprojects]

Lol, new AU: Because of all security measures he made to protect himself and his animal buddies, Tails is the reason Cocoa Island becomes the Sonic's world equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle. It is infamously advised not go near there due to the legendary, but elusive two-tailed creature and its traps *that has claimed many lives.. (Which may or may not peak the interest of a certain blue hedgehog one of these days to rise to the challenge.)

Heh, one has to wonder, huh? (While I don't think Sonic would become as asocial [or blunt] as Shadow, I do think he'd be less laidback. Probably coming off as unintentionally rude [and more awkward] at times due to misreading certain social cues. {Can read emotions just fine, but might run away if you burst into tears cause he doesn't know to reassure you and doesn't want to make it worse] Longer recovery times and more scars due to lack of having a mobile "safety net". But overall, still an adventurous, world-saving dude.

((*Not really, 'tis rumors. A lot of daredevils get scared out of their wits though and flee without hesitation)) This does bring into question of how both respond to each other under different circumstances. This isn't like the shatter counterparts or storybooks where Sonic had prior knowledge and pre-established bonds. (And their bonding probably won't be as seamless as it would if they had met earlier in life, but a close friendship isn't impossible.)

Noooo anon but I actually love this so much. I'm stealing it, now it's an au. I'm gonna call it "Tails's Island" or something. (I can even connect this to my Core & Alana au, so Tails gets to Coco Island specifically because he knows his mom's workshop used to be there, and he finds the coordinates to it somewhere).

Maybe something did even actually happen. Maybe the plot of Tails Adventure with the Battle Bird Armada (Though in the C&A au it's Core (Tails's mom) who deals with them), or he accidentally killed or injured someone else when they got to the island. It was horrified, but now he tries to be more careful to just scare people off. (But when he and Sonic are fighting later on, he accidentally draws blood and it makes him feel awful again)

Sonic hears the rumors and takes them as a challenge. Tails does his best to scare him off, but Sonic isn't easy. It only makes him more excited. Eventually, Tails sees Sonic maybe being nice to the animals or something. They start tentatively bonding. Tails leaves Sonic little messages and gifts. Sometimes Sonic talks to him when he knows Tails is listening. But Tails doesn't show himself to Sonic.

Eventually, Sonic gets impatient and ends up just following Tails home. Tails feels scared, betrayed, and crushed. They have a fight. Tails ends up biting Sonic and draws blood. He's mortified. (Maybe he has a breakdown) Sonic feels lost and doesn't know what to do so he just runs away. (He leaves the Tornado and just runs on water. Maybe he got into a little crash the first time he got there and Tails fixed it up in an attempt to get him to leave. Later Tails finds it and realizes he didn't even need it)

Tails thinks Sonic is going to come back with a backup to get him. (He's both scared but kind of resigns himself to this fate) He keeps waiting but Sonic isn't coming back. He realizes he's now actually missing him. Eventually, Sonic comes back and brings an apology gift. (He initially wasn't going to come back, but something happened that made him change his mind) They decide to start from scratch.

Sonic occasionally visits Tails and brings him gifts/tells him stories about his adventures. Tails wants to go out into the world, but he's still unsure. Eventually, Eggman realizes Sonic spends a suspicious amount of time on this one island. He looks into it and realizes it is the home to a Mystic Artifact (whatever the Battle Birds were looking for there which isn't the Chaos Emeralds in this au). He attacks the island, and Tails helps Sonic drive him away. In the process they find the Mystic Artifact and use it, so Eggman (or anyone else) has no incentive to come back.

Tails ends up deciding to leave with Sonic, and all of his little animal friends encourage him. (I imagine he has 4 flicky companions that he can't necessarily talk to, but they've spent so much time together that they still understand each other). And then they have a lot of adventures and learn the magic of friendship the end!

***

Hehe my take is a bit more melodramatic than yours, anon 😅

But you're right this could also be the perfect au to showcase how Tails's absence in Sonic's life has also influenced Sonic, and not just the other way around!

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

Trust Love is about Volume 9

So, obviously Trust Love is the Volume Seven Opening, but when we compare the themes of Vol7 with Trust Love, it doesn't match up, the song's too upbeat even as a lot of bad stuff starts coming to a head.

There was a fair amount of deceit and trickery, like what Ruby did, Yang and Blake working with the Happy Huntresses, Jacques working with Watts - No one's really genuinely trusting each other, or they are and getting played because of it.

However in Volume 9, we see Ruby struggling to trust herself, love herself, even as WBY make their care and love known throughout the group (Even if Weiss omitted the fact Jaune killed Penny, which will be an issue)

But We really need to read the Lyrics and compare it to what we've seen so far in Vol9 to understand.

Keep dreaming 'bout a better world/Maybe you'll wake up in a world of charm - Perhaps, dream of a better, more simplistic world, where things are easily definable, someplace that's meant to be quaint and charming - Something out of a storybook perhaps?

You're holdin' out for some romantic life - Yang and Blake now very openly flirting is them no longer holding out for it, but rather Reaching out for it, because it's right there. With her.

Oh, but what's here can set you free, you don't have to dream/All your problems would just disappear - Here in the Ever After you can be free of your Burden, like what the Blacksmith tells Ruby, or not carrying the troubles Ruby Rose has, Yet also It could literally be that Ruby is there, and can set them all Free/ She can free herself of her worry and doubt when she remembers/realize What and Who She is and wants to be.

if you just believe Then all you see is all you need - All Ruby needs to do is believe in her Friends and Family, who have been with her and Trust her, and love her. Then the belief She holds for them as well as herself is all she'll need to get them to the tree. She obviously can affect the world - when she cries it rains- It's sort of like Orc 40k logic in that way? I think?

Right now your hopes are shattered (Shattered)/And you're sure all hope is gone - Ruby doesn't have enough hope to fill a jar.

Trust love, the truth is there, but sometimes in disguise/But the lies can't hide what's true when love's alive - Her Love for Penny drew her to her sword both at Jinxy's cart, and in the Blacksmith's place.

Write yourself into a fairytale - Jaune is the Rusted Knight. He's potentially the same knight that Alyx met. Literally written into a fairytale.

And still, you're counting on a second sight To somehow wrest you from the way of harm - Using something of Hindsight from having read the story as children to try and navigate the Ever After, even if it's not all they know it to be.

When what you need to do is see, all you have to be Is here in reality, leave your fantasy - This, I feel, Also calls out Jaune most if not specifically. His Fantasy was to be a Hero! To save people. He's in a fantasy as he is now, not as a killer in reality. But sometimes being a hero isn't all it sounds like it should be. It's hard. Once Jaune realizes that he's a hero despite what he had to do, he'll open his eyes and leave that Fantastical Save-Everyone Get-the-Girl Hero behind. Sometimes being a hero is getting home. Ruby and Yang know what it's like when a Hero doesn't come home. It's why they lost Summer.

There's not a miracle that's gonna show you how The secret to your life is here and now Look inside, end your search and be alive It's time to rise, to realize, to open up your eyes

Both Inside and Trust love are Directly Referencing Each other! Trust Love is the Answer to Inside's question!

When you Open your eyes, Trust what you see, and end that search, you'll find the you inside of you. What you are.

And you, Ruby Rose? You aren't a normal girl with normal knees. You are a Huntress. You are a Leader. You are a Silver Eyed Warrior.

You are Ruby Rose, with all the complexities, upsides, and downfalls that come with it.

There will come the day you've waited for, When you've said goodbye to all the childish things you loved. After everything that's fallen, you and your family still need to Let yourselves Live For Every Life, and only then will you get your Triumph, and Rise, when you Trust Love, look Inside.

Only then will you realize, by burning away the darkness with your love, that you, a singular, young girl, with the weight of the world on your shoulders can win against such an insurmountable enemy.

Because when your soul is honest? When you accept your soul is smaller than Salems?

That is where your victory lies. That is when you win.

[the-stove-is-divorced]

This is gonna be a weird question and I feel kind of bad about asking you so many in such a short amount of time, but here I go again:

There are comics that show pieces of Bruce's childhood that aren't about the murders but about the time Before or After. And sure, a lot of it is standard happy-kid-with-rich-parents stuff but then there's also this:

Batman: Gothic comic. His friend gets killed and right after this Thomas has the great idea to go watch a certain movie called Zorro, where Bruce won't at all lose them as well, uh huh.

Or this, after his parents' murder:

Or the next one which is little Bruce's favorite bedtime story. I'm only uploading two more pics to get my point across because I've never added pictures to my asks and this is a test run, basically. Anyway, just so you know, there are more panels than these two:

And now comes my question:

Do you have headcanons about other traumas/weird incidents in Bruce's childhood? His parents' murder always gets highlighted but they're living in Gotham, you know? There's gotta be more.

(Btw if you're interested, on my nowsaday8 account I collect all kinds of mentions of 'Bruce's childhood' wether they're headcanons or legit comic panels, so there's the rest of some of the panels (i.e. the gory children's story) I added in here. You'll have to scroll down a lot, though.)

Please, don't feel bad at all! I really, really adore asks, I truly love rambling about characters I like! I just got busy, lol.

And oh my goodness, these are all so incredibly interesting? I'll be honest and say despite trying to write a fic about how Bruce was growing up, I haven't had the idea to explore what his academic life would be at this young, especially depicting like this, so thank you for showing me these! That happening right after Zorro movie is insane, but incredibly interesting on how Bruce understanding of the world, and of cruelty. I gotta marinate on these, omg.

The storybook is interesting as well, I want to possibly look further into that, but I do think it makes sense Bruce might've been a morbid child. With how particularly information seeking Bruce is an adult, he's gotta know every last detail, no one can convince me he was even worse as a child, curious about everything, including morbid or grotesque subjects. Was hanging onto every word of his father's descriptions of any surgeries or details about organ functions, not at all squeamish.

And getting trapped within the manor trying to find answers? That's so interesting oh my gosh! All of these are so incredibly interesting, genuinely.

I really wanna offer some little ideas of HC's and of the such, but I don't know! I think parent's death is such a naturally fucked up part of his life, it's harder to think around that, but for one idea, I do think he was a bit of an outsider at school before and especially after. That, and he always enjoyed heights. Climbing tallest trees, finding different ways to the manor's roof, hiding away from peers on the school's roof. Plus, personal HC of mine is the "Brucie" persona has always been in development, and a young, quiet Bruce has always been an avid people watcher. Catch a random ghost-like boy upon the high stairs, staring at you intently during a gala and maybe even mouthing along to what you're saying before disappearing into the shadows.

And oooo, I'll def check some posts out, thank you! :D

[monocryl]

The Knight and The Dragon

Prompt: "That's how the story goes."

When Childe's daughter arrived home after playing outside with her friends the whole afternoon looking forlorn, he knew trouble was at hand.

If someone made his daughter cry, oh, he’ll make them regret it.

“And what if it was other children?” Zhongli asked.

Well, Childe was definitely going to have some WORDS with their parents, he answered his husband. 

Childe scooped his daughter up, “What’s the matter princess?”

“Well, Lulu’s baba got her a storybook from Fontaine…”

If Childe’s daughter wanted a storybook from Fontaine, or from any other nation, he’d buy and give her one in a heartbeat. 

“We read the book it a while ago…” she continued, “And… and…”

“And…?”

Tears started to form at the corner of her eyes, as she let some of her adepti features appear. Two small amber colored horns materialized at the side of her head at the same time, a long brown scaly tail with a soft puff at the tips similar to Zhongli’s very own, wrapped around Childe’s arm like a snake. 

Childe wanted nothing more than to ease whatever problem his daughter was having.

“I don’t want to be a bad dragon and I don’t want to eat other people!” She shouted then tucked her head on the side of her father’s neck. 

“…Huh?”

—

Meiling then told him about what they had read about on the storybook. How the dragon kidnapped the princess, ate the people and reigned terror on the town until a brave prince slayed the dragon, saved the princess and the town. 

“But my Baba said dragons are friends and they protect the people!” She told her friends. 

“Not in Fontaine, they’re not. They have evil dragons that eat people!”

Then her friends started to role play the story and that had made her a lot more upset so she ran back home. 

—

Childe was scratching his head after his daughter recalled the events that afternoon. But at least, she looked calmer now.

“Is me and Dimi gonna eat people someday?” She asked in a small voice, looking at her father, worry evident on her eyes. 

Now, Childe knew he wasn’t a bad father at all, but THIS was Zhongli’s forte. He would know how to explain to their daughter about her own adepti heritage, how different and similar she (and her baby brother) was with other children her age in a way a child could easily understand. 

But Zhongli was currently asleep in their room after nursing their infant son. Dimitri had been fussy all night. He told Zhongli he’d take care of it, but his husband insisted that Childe just go back to sleep as the baby was probably just hungry again. Although, he was pretty sure Zhongli would definitely not mind to be awakened for this scenario.

No. He doesn’t want to bother his tired husband. Childe can do this. He had listened to Zhongli’s lessons about the nature of Liyue’s dragons to at least soothe his daughter’s concerns. 

“Baba is a dragon too… just like you and Dimi, isn’t he?”

She nodded.

“Liyue’s dragons are different from Fontaine’s. They’re… special!” Child said, “They’re very kind, very gentle and they protect the people they love.” He tapped Mei-Mei’s nose with his index finger, “Just like Baba, you and Dimi.”

Mei-Mei sighed, “I wish I have a storybook about dragons being friends with people.” 

“A storybook, huh…” The Traveler once mentioned making a story for the Yuheng so she’d pause being a raging workaholic for the Lantern Rite. Maybe…

—

One day, a handsome knight came across a large castle. He said, “Oh! This is the place the townsfolk where talking about! Now’s my chance to save the Princess and finally fight a worthy opponent!” So he bravely marched inside, sword on hand.

The castle was gorgeous and was decorated in gold and red, but was totally empty! With no other people on site to talk to, the knight continued his search inside and around the castle. When he finally reached the big courtyard, there it was… the dragon! It was finally the knight’s chance to fight it! But sadly, the large dragon was sleeping soundly and the knight thought it wasn’t very knightly of him if he attacked it while sleeping. 

The knight walked towards the sleeping dragon, “Hey! Mister Dragon! Wake up and let’s fight so I could save the princess!”

The dragon woke up with a big yawn and stretched its long body, “Oh, but Mister Knight, there are no princesses here, but…” The dragon glowed gold and when the bright light disappeared, there was a very beautiful prince on its place instead! The knight fell in love at first sight and decided to stay so that the dragon won’t be alone anymore. 

One night, the knight and the dragon noticed that the town was glowing orange… it was on fire and was being attacked! They quickly went to the town and defeated the bandits trying to burn the whole town down. 

And that was when the townsfolk realized that the dragon was actually really kind! They thanked the dragon and the knight for saving them all and haled them as heroes. 

—

“And that’s how the story goes!” Mei-Mei finished her story with a large grin on her face, blue eyes shining brightly. 

Zhongli chuckled and kissed his daughter on the forehead before tucking her in bed, “Its a beautiful tale, my dear. I’m sure your friend would love it.”

The girl beamed, “I hope so! Papa said its from Snezhnaya! I’m so excited to tell it to them tomorrow…. Do you think Dimi would love it too?”

“I’m sure he’ll love it as well.”

“Goodnight Baba, I love you.”

“Sweet dreams, I love you too, dear.”

—

“The Knight and The Dragon, hmm?” Zhongli sat beside Childe on their bed.

Childe rubbed the back of his neck feeling a little bit shy now that he heard his made up story from his daughter, “Ahahaha, I swear, I could’ve done better if there was more time.” His daughter did put him on quite a spot after all. 

Zhongli shook his head, “No need to be embarrassed, Ajax. It was very creative, in fact, I enjoyed it. You have a talent for storytelling.”

“Eh,” He shrugged, “I did something similar for my younger siblings when they were still little.” 

The two silently relaxed on their bed cuddling, enjoying their alone time and basking on each other’s presence.

Hmmm…

“So… for the story continuation… what if the knight and the dragon decided to make little princesses and princes, what do you say?”

Zhongli raised a brow.

“I’m just kidding!” 

Or was he?