#he's allowed to be hurt and make mistakes yadda yadda

[merlinmeta]

Honestly I think my biggest issue with Arthur in this show is that the narrative spends so long propping him up as this destined savior and it’s literally never even slightly shown. It’s especially egregious in the ending where he’s apparently supposed to come back to save Britain and honestly, he really doesn’t deserve to be resting in Avalon. He’s not very impressive nor an especially good leader. He just exceedingly ordinary, which would be fine if the stupid prophecy and the narrative wasn’t trying to pretend he was some otherworldly king. He either has to be average or exceptional and he certainly isn’t the latter. I do like him but it doesn’t feel like he is the one who HAS to be king, which isn’t good when Merlin ends up having to do some pretty horrible things to save him with the only reason being that Arthur must be king. It feels like Merlin is basically sacrificing his humanity for a guy who has done nothing to prove he deserves it. It’s also why Morgana and the other villains have to become such caricatures (though this is also a holdover from Uther since reasonable people don’t side with genociders so they have to make all the antagonists with justified griefs suddenly omnicidal). If they’re shown to have valid points then Arthur might actually have to confront this and become better but the story won’t allow it. Sorry for the random rant, I just needed to post this somewhere.

LMAO honestly you're right like. what could canon Arthur POSSIBLY contribute to literally any modern issue, political or otherwise? That premise only works if Arthur is like...a force of nature, driven to bring people justice and revolutionize broken systems no matter how hard it is or what stands in his way.

Though I disagree that "it's never even slightly shown," because we DO see that side of him in some of my absolute favorite scenes in the whole series! The problem is that the writers prove again and again that they are committed to maintaining the status quo above all else, to the extreme detriment of their characters and the story they promised to tell in literally the first episode. They don't make changes that really mean anything.

But there are a lot of Arthur scenes that could have laid GREAT narrative foundations for legend-worthy change, and that's really what makes him so disappointing to me. (Shameless plug: I'm writing a fic about one of those scenes, even if it's on break right now because Life.) Someone recently recced me a fantastic essay called "The Triumph of Uther Pendragon" by Araeph on AO3 with a chapter about how the showrunners had to literally, physically bludgeon Arthur into ignorance (aka knock him unconscious constantly) out of fear that he would change the narrative otherwise. To be honest, I think that's giving canon Arthur a little too much credit, because quite a bit of his ignorance is self-inflicted throughout the entire series. But I think that view of Arthur is exactly the character he SHOULD have been.

I think the legendary version of Arthur is someone who was raised in hatred and ignorance--but when something comes along to challenge his beliefs, he CAN'T ignore it. Even if it's easier to just listen to his father when he says magic is evil, even if he tries to go back to the way things were because believing otherwise would be complicated and guilt-inducing and hard, he can't hide behind his pride and arrogance for too long when people are suffering. Maybe he falls back into old habits; maybe his deeply ingrained fears and biases rear their head again and again. But he keeps trying to learn and grow because he can't be satisfied with anything less than the best he can offer his people.

Show me Arthur fighting the outdated mindsets of his people and his advisors as his beliefs become more and more radical--struggling to reestablish communications with Druids, learning about the Old Religion and the people who practice it, listening to the people who hate him, refusing to live in ignorance. Shattering Uther's whole system the moment he has the power to enact change and dealing with the consequences of doing so.

Arthur shouldn't have just been sorta better than Uther in some ways. He should have blazed his own path--not Merlin's, not Uther's, not Gaius's or Kilgharrah's or anyone else's, even if they guide him at times. He should have kept on surprising us (Merlin included!) all the way to the end with how hard he is willing to work and keep working for justice, how humble he could be when facing those he had wronged, how ready he is to challenge his father's legacy.

He should have been a revolutionary.

[theoutcastedartist]

Another Huntric Idea (I guess???)

I have idea 💡 of how Ed and Hunter meet, but its kinda long lol

K so Hexside is hosting a play, Luz and Co (including the Emerald Entrails) are participating in, w/ Ed and Em asked to join in their little theater production, which is written kinda in the style of Shakespeare's plays. Ed enjoys poetry, and this seems like a good opportunity for him to show off his sick poetry skills~

Hunter finds out about this play from the Emerald Entrails group chat. While he knows they still want to be his friends and have pretty much forgiven him (given worse things have happened) he still feels he has to make it up to them somehow after basically "kidnapping" them. He decides in the spur of the moment that he will join their play production (and Darius covers for Hunter while he sneaks out) plus Hunter has that dramatic flair, might as well put it to good use. He's nervous, but excited (and determined) to see his friends again.

When Hunter arrives, Luz spots him and yadda yadda he ends gets cast as a major character or a Star Role in the play. Edric gets cast also in a major role/a Star Role (Luz and her need for Shenanigans if you will lol)

While rehearsing, both Edric and Hunter appear cool and confident, their performances thus far seem flawless. They're all having fun working on this play and Hunter is determined that there's nothing that can possibly go wrong, he'll finally be able to make it up to the EE. Edric is determined to prove he can be serious and that he's not some screw up who's always goofing off. Plus, Ed thinks Hunter is pretty cool (and cute).

The night of the actual performance, everything goes off without a single hitch... up until one of the most climatic parts of the play where the focus is solely on Edric and Hunter.

The "trap door"/platform underneath them opens up and they both fall.

They're trapped underneath the stage and the performance is either on hold or their understudies take their place for the rest of the play (the show must go on or whatever lol). For Hunter, this was basically his breaking point, so much of this self hate has been boiling up inside of him since his day-off at Hexside. He is angry at himself for constantly letting everyone in one way or another down. His voice breaks a bit at the mention of him even failing to be a normal teen like the rest of his friends, that it seems like no matter how much he tries that he'll ultimately just ruin whatever remotely good relationship he has with anyone in one way or another, and that he deserves to be punished and hurt for being so stupid in believing he could be loved despite all his mistakes.

And Edric... can't help but relate to a degree. Always seen as the Screw Up of the Blight Trio and never taken seriously. But... he knows despite his screw ups, doesn't mean he deserves to punished. That there are people like his siblings and Eda who love and even encourage him to make mistakes to allow himself to grow in a positive way.

Edric reaches out to Hunter...

Yadda yadda Edric and Hunter comfort each other as they continue being stuck under the Hexside Theatre Stage. Crying and laughing through their tears, telling each other stories of stuff they've done/seen.

Later on, after the play is over, Willow and Em manage to find them. Turns out the door leading to the drop underneath the stage was sealed shut ... for whatever reason (call it plot convenience if you will)

Both Ed and Hunter look like emotional wrecks lmao

Hunter apologizes to Willow for not being able finish performing in the play, he really wanted to make it up to her and the rest of the team by doing this. Willow assures him that he doesn't owe her nor the team anything, water under the bridge, and that he's their friend.

Ed and Em also talk, how he feels that no one takes him seriously because her and Amity are so seemingly perfect. Sibling hugs all around.

After the whole ordeal, Hunter and Edric exchange penstagrams to stay in contact, and a new friendship (+ possible romance if ya want~) blossoms from there.

__________

I'm most likely gonna end up drawing a little something inspired by this idea of mine.

Though, if anyone else feels inspired to draw or write a fanfic based on this for whatever reason please tag me/share it with me because I always love looking at stuff yall send my way cause its all so cool hjgjkghjhjjfj

[vidalinav]

Don’t come for me...

As much as Feyre sometimes is a lame character (IMO) I have to admit there’s something very sad about wanting your sister’s love more than anything and never getting it, even to the point where you don’t even know how to ask for it or where to look. In the whole series, Feyre always mentions Nesta, even more so I think then Elain. There’s so many instances of Feyre yearning for Nesta’s love or having a high opinion of her even with the harshness that she shows. She tells Alis to go across the wall if need be, because her sister will put aside her prejudice and shelter them, because that’s just the person she is. She argues in favor of her with Cassian in ACOMAF, telling him hey she really loves people, she just feels too much and she’s actually very thankful for your promise to protect her people and her family. She argues with Rhys even in ACOWAR at his insulting idea of her sister being unleashed to the city like a rabid beast when at that point they are still relatively new in their relationship. She asks Amren in ACOFAS if she’s seen her sister and is upset when Nesta chooses Amren to confide in instead of her or Elain. At the end of ACOWAR, Feyre is the one who is like stay out her, join this meeting, you’re the guest of honor when Nesta just wants to leave. Feyre is the one who keeps inviting her to many things that Nesta doesn’t want to be involved in.  

This is sad in the way, that even though we know Nesta is traumatized, and we know that Feyre should probably be more understanding since she has also went through something traumatic, Feyre is still not completely loved by the one person she probably wants to be loved by the most. Let’s look at the fact that when Feyre mentions Nesta loving people, she always says that Nesta shows love to Elain, from the beginning to the end. Example in ACOFAS, “To say that to me, fine. But to Elain?” Elain is the number 1, the sister that Nesta puts above the rest. That’s the question she asks in the library in ACOWAR, “’Why do you push everyone away but Elain?’ Why have you always pushed me away?” 

So, this is why I can understand why Nesta has to be accountable for her mistakes, because she’s made some. I think that’s a big enough reason for Nesta to have to be accountable, because you should never be allowed to make someone feel unloved. The argument of letting Feyre hunt is lame to me, because we all know they were all kids, and the dad should have stepped up in some way. But the fact that Feyre questions whether she’s really loved by her sister, I think is enough to say that Nesta needs to learn something. 

Others have made mistakes, for sure, but they don’t have to be accountable for their actions, because they are not the main character of the book and the one person who is, is the one who is hurt by Nesta and not the rest of the characters. I think if they had their own story told, then for sure, accountability. But this book series, is Feyre, and now Cassian and Nesta’s story, so you see where I’m going with this. 

So at some point, I understand this idea that Feyre is wrong to send her to Illyria, to deal with Nesta’s trauma like that, to not be more compassionate, yadda yadda, and I don’t fully believe it was her own decision I feel Rhys probably had something to do with that, he was the one who was literally like “perhaps there’s some string to be pulled, webs to be weaved,” or whatever he said in ACOFAS.  And don’t get me wrong, I love Nesta more than any other character in the ACOTAR universe, I just don’t see how you can completely dismiss Nesta’s actions, but at the same time accuse Feyre of villian-y. If Feyre doesn’t have a right to take away someone’s autonomy, then Nesta doesn’t have the right to make someone feel lesser than or unloved as I said before. 

And, not to make this longer than it already is lol, in analyzing these characters and their actions, you really get to see how many people care about Nesta. The way she is for the most part. Like Cassian, you can tell he has so many feelings for her, regardless of whether he’s an a**whole sometimes, but she dissed him after they almost died together. Elain, she loves that girl, but she too is dissed. Feyre, read everything I wrote above. Even Amren, who sees her on regular occasion, even considers her a friend until that day they had an argument, which let’s be real was probably about her. And then ultimately her father, who came very late, but who showed he loved her, who said he loved her, who showed unconditional love really to Nesta who wanted to starve, and tried to starve them indirectly, and who used to put his cane far away from this disabled man because she was angry. So, I don’t buy this oh Nesta has nothing to apologize for. I hate apologies written in stories, personally, and Nesta is an action type of person anyway, but I do think that a healing arc that involves Nesta would have to have her be introspective and to really come to know that if people don’t love her, she pushed them away. People don’t have to put up with other people. Realistically, none of us can go through life as if we’ve done no wrong, otherwise there would be no growth, no maturing, no long-lasting relationships. We would suck and it wouldn’t matter if we were angry or harsh or had witty comebacks, we would suck as people because we do not show that we care about other people. So Nesta has to change, because she’s spent four books being like this. She doesn’t have to change completely; she doesn’t have to be Elain or Feyre or Mor or some other chick who’s happy-go-lucky or nice to a fault. Her personality doesn’t have to change. She can still be angry, but proper healing I think for her would mean learning that she must grow and improve, and that she has to take control of her own life, her actions, her past, that part that she played a role in, and everything else that involves her. Of course, people did her wrong, I’m sure people will still do her wrong, but at some point she needs to take back her life and open herself up to love and show people she cares. Because if her M.O. is that actions speak louder than words, her actions right now are saying she hates everyone including herself. And as we know, she’s not an island, as they say and she’s not sociopathic or a narcissist, so she can and should change for the better.  

And, I certainly don’t say this to be like “you shouldn’t hate Feyre or the inner circle or Nesta or whoever, or none of them did anything wrong/right.” Hate them if you want, it makes no difference to me. It doesn’t affect me at all. I just think that as long as were analyzing things, we should analyze from all points of view. And I certainly think that ACOFAS is looking less, to me, like a list of sins that the mains are committing against Nesta and more of a web of their own trauma, their own pov’s of the situations, and the current climate of whatever their dealing with at the time. People are messy. Book characters even more so apparently. 

[ironwoodprotectionsquad]

Penny being trans + autistic coded made me resonate with her as I am nonbinary and autistic myself. Her being a robot felt like me when I have to hide my neurodivergent traits. Her getting confirmation that she wasn't just a robot/machine but a real girl felt so validating. I don't have to look like everyone else to still be considered "real".

Ironwood's semblance being literal hyperfixiation, something I've dealt with since I have ADHD + autism would have made me feel better about myself. This is a man who, despite everything: his PTSD, being an amputee, still was a kind-hearted man. This is something rarely seen in media. I was happy.

Then they fucked up both Penny and Ironwood in ways that struck me. Penny is hacked into and forced to comply with basically forced suicide- she was to open the vault, then self-destruct.

Ironwood, oh dear god. They couldn't wait to fuck him over. He was so HAPPY to see team RWBYJNROQ. He told them everything about his plan, trusting them with literal GOVERNMENT secrets, giving them a place to stay, FREE weapon upgrades (Atlas is known for its advanced technology), hell even gave them their HUNTRESS LICENSES THREE-ISH YEARS EARLY (which Ruby later uses as a credibility source in her broadcast, which was eerily similar to Cinder's in Volume 3, when she says IRONWOOD CANNOT BE TRUSTED.)

Not to mention that she conveniently forgot she was calling for help from OTHER KINGDOMS. OF COURSE they wouldn't arrive soon enough. And no one had reason to trust her. She's a nobody. She was at the Vytal Festival and her team made it all the way to the singles? Cool. Ruby wasn't the final fighter, hell after the 4 vs 4 match she didn't compete further.

Blake would have obviously been a bad choice: she's a faunus and if anyone knows about the White Fang, they might recognize her.

Yang is more known than Ruby, but the world saw her kick an unarmed teen in the finals round. She doesn't have too good a reputation.

Weiss? She's well known as the Heiress, but also her singing. Having her give the speech is a mixed bag: on one hand, she's a recognizable face. On the other, that's a problem. Her father, the CEO of the SDC, is known for his cruelty. Blake said it herself way back in Volume 1: questionable business practices and partners.

So... How about no broadcast at all? What did her broadcast accomplish?

Nothing. Help didn't arrive and likely caused more panic. Plus, people still had a negative view of Atlas, as the last thing the world saw was Atlesian soldiers turning against civilians.

The last broadcast was before Beacon fell. So likely another hacker giving a message would be met with fear.

And what attracts Grimm? Negativity.

Ruby's broadcast could have been a DEATH SENTENCE to so many. But no, this is treated as the... Right course of action?

Ruby and co. hates Ironwood's plan, yet it's clear they don't have one. RWB spends a lot of time moping around the manor drinking tea. Team YOJR (Yang, Oscar, Jaune and Ren) actually DO SOMETHING. Oscar gets kidnapped and they chase after him. Ren rightfully points out that NONE OF THEM SHOULD BE DOING THIS. But that goes against the Hivemind™, so he must apologize and agree to whatever the fuck Ruby decides to do.

Which is NOTHING! RWBY didn't even take down the hound: WILLOW and WHITLEY did. A drunk woman and an unarmed teen defeated it.

Oscar is the one who blows up the whale (with his time bomb? huh??)

Ruby whines that it's all too much, cries on a staircase while her sister (remember that Ruby and Yang are related????) comforts her. The scene has no emotional depth because the two barely interact anymore.

OH GOD AND WHEN YANG TAKES A HIT FROM NEO THAT WAS MEANT FOR RUBY IT TAKES HER OUT COMPLETELY. AURA? GONE. HELL, SHE'S EVEN UNCONSCIOUS. I swear it's like the animation budget could only afford to have ONE character react, and it's Blake "sad kitty face" Belladonna. Not Ruby, who is her sister. WHO HAS A SPEED SEMBLANCE. But no, they just watch her fall, not knowing if she's alive.

Ruby has more of a reaction to CRESCENT ROSE, HER FUCKING WEAPON falling.

Which is retconned so hard in the Vol 9 trailer, where she tells Neo "I hope it was worth it" before falling into the void. Huh??

Anyways I'm rambling again but I am so angry!

-🎼

Never, ever, EVER apologize for rambling. I LOVE hearing peoples thoughts and sometimes it's a really nice feeling to let out your frustrations and anger towards something that has caused you harm and it really REALLY sounds like this caused you a lot of harm and so I do not blame you one bit for being hurt and angry. I should apologize for this taking so long. This was a lot and I needed to sort my thoughts and even so I probably missed some points so I also apologize for that.

Penny and Ironwoods biggest mistake was trusting and being kind to RWBY. They lied and betrayed James and treated him like garbage even though he showed them nothing but kindness and did whatever he could to help them and listened to them. Penny was told what to do and think far more so then James ever supposedly did. Ruby decided to give her a new body, decided she didn't like how James was treating her and that she thought James was a bad person, and decided that Penny was better off with them. Penny stopped being able to make her own decisions once she started hanging out with RWBY and co.

Really though what did they all think was going to happen when they sent out a message that matched beat to bear a lot of what Cinder said before Atlas fell? Did she think about the panic that would cause? Did she forget she was worried about Ironwood telling everyone back in Volume 7 because of the panic it would cause everyone??? Did that just conveniently slip her mind?

I honestly think Weiss would have been the best choice to give the broadcast of them all but I don't think they should have sent out the broadcast in the first place. It should realistically only cause panic and death but the narrative is gonna yadda yadda right past all of that.

Oh god yea RWBY and co complain and whine and scream that Ironwoods plan is bad whilst offering up no alternatives then just taking his plan and acting like it was theirs the whole time. They even did this in Volume 7 when in episode 2 they where worried about James telling Atlas about Salem and then turning around and acting all happy and shocked when James told everyone near the end of the season as if they wanted him to the whole time and not the other way around.

Man RWBY really did jack shit all volume huh? As you said all the major things side characters did: Fight James TWICE: Winter, Emerald, and JNRO.

Try and rescue Oscar: JRY

Blow up the Whale: Oscar

"Redeem" Hazel and Emerald: Again Oscar

Defeat the hound: Whitley and Willow

Launch the tower: Penny

Help defend Mantel against the swarm of Grimm: FNKI and the soldiers that all died trying to buy Ruby time while she cries in a mansion.

Like what does this girl do to help any of the people SHE trapped???

Oh god Ren, poor Ren, he's finally seeing the light but he can't stray from the Hivemind so he needs to get back in, we can't question the pure and perfect Ruby her plans are always right even if it causes Salem to get two relics and destroys the only kingdom with an army or the technology to restore global communications in the process.

Yea you're right like CRWBY can make excuses all day for why Ruby didn't react to Yang falling and MAYBE I can buy her not using her Semblance because she's in shock but not crying or reacting at ALL to her supposed death?? Why does her weapon get a more emotional response then her SISTER? Why is only BLAKE allowed to be sad about Yang supposedly dying? Why does fucking WINTER have more of a reaction to her sister dying?

Why are all the people we are supposed to be rooting for so fucking unlikeable???

[sillyfudgemonkeys]

i havent been here in a hot second is there a reason for the makoto hate specifically? like the rants go back to p5's writing issues but the spite for makoto seems very specific did she kill someones dog in one of the spinoffs or what?

You're all good. So here's the thing, she did kill my dog-I'm joking.

When I say “I’m the residential #1 Makoto Hater” it’s a joke, partially cause it probs looks that way (and probs cause it might be true, who knows if you could quantify hate then maybe I’m at the top of the leaderboards 8U but you can’t so we’ll never know). But I’m saying it at as a joke, to own myself and everyone here that knows what I think of her, rather than wear it as a badge of honor or some silliness. It’s just a “oh haha yeah there goes Silly, dunking on Makoto again! She’s basically Makoto’s #1 hater haha oh she’s so silly.” (so please don’t look too deep into it, I just want to have fun).

Anyway, me hating Makoto isn’t new, but I do hold a similar ire towards Futaba, Goro (tho I have camaraderie with his fans, I relate to their struggle in terms of my own brown hair and red eye fav and Atlus screwing them over u_u I may hate your fave but I respect you and will be in your corner), and Yukari (as well as Chloe from LiS if you want a non-Persona example). Makoto might be talked about more because 1) She hits my buttons that much faster (Futaba/Goro are more like a festering wound, and when I talk about them it’s hard to pick a starting point), 2) Her fans tendency (early on in the fandom) bringing her up frequently.....was a bad combo with #1 (overexposure+pushing all my buttons really fast=disaster). Obvie not blaming her fans, but it was hard to curate how I was able to curate my content online (esp with gaming news websites calling her “best girl” when showing off a figure announcement or some BS when I just want to know what new games have been announced >.> I can do without you trying to start a waifu war in the comments Siliconera -_-)

Anyway, I think I’ve made my reasons for hating her very clear (you just have to search her name on my blog and you’ll get a ton of essays I’m sure, too many to count). And a lot of it is the failure of P5′s writing. “So it’s just the writing you hate, not the character.” No. Because that doesn’t make sense. Except under certain circumstances (which I’ll provide examples of below with Luke Skywalker), you can’t separate the writing from the character. The character IS the writing, the writing IS the character. If you can’t hate/dislike the char because “of the writing” then you also can’t love/like them either. The character and the writing/writing choices for that character are connected. The writing embodies that character. They are the same.

Now I said there was an exception, and that’s....”different writer/director,” tho it’s not ALWAYS the case (sometimes the new writer really gets the original writing, like Saito for MM.....they are very good at emulating the clusterfuck of P5′s writing). P5′s writing is the original basis for Makoto’s character, that’s her. You can’t separate it from her. Same thing with say....Luke Skywalker from the OG trilogy, that’s him. But then we get to the sequel/Disney trilogy, new writer/director....and yeah that’s a mess (from what I understand OG trilogy=Hopeful and tries to see the best in people, 2nd Disney=Cynic and tried to kill a child, 3rd Disney=Hopeful again for some reason). There’s character development, then there’s just straight up changing the character just cause you need them to be this now. 

*writes how this can apply to Persona spinoffs but deletes because I was getting too off track* Look at me exercising control. It’s probs best I save that for a meta after I’ve replayed all the spinoffs again.

But....if you want me to boil down my issues with Makoto, I hate the message we get from her. I hate the lesson we learn from her. What is supposed to happen vs what happens.  It’s supposed to be about a girl who is blindly following authority and becomes disillusioned with it after being burned by it, on top of “immense pressure” she has as well, and then comes to our side (we know this because Atlus told us). We don’t get that (we know this because we saw the execution). We get two adults, yes TWO ADULTS, one of which is her sister and wants her to do well in school (but isn’t like.....a tiger mom about it, because Sae can’t be TOO horrible because we need to like her later), who in retrospect seems very busy with her job (which gives Makoto freedom), but also feels burdened by her younger sister (in which she has one shitty slip with her and then NEVER again). And the other is a dumbass principal who asks a really strange and stupid task for Makoto that snowballs into bullshit. That’s IT! THAT’S IT! That’s all we get from Makoto and “authority.” Strawmen. We don’t really get much of her personality either (I’m not saying that cause “she’s cardboard” I legit just.....don’t get her? Like I don’t get enough of her to get a solid foundation, you get me?) Like as the player, what we see of her is she’s just studying in the library (Kamo arc), then the principal calls her in, she mentions the rumors about Kamo, he asks her to look into the PT in exchange for a recommendation (to which she’s surprised and says thanks, not no, she looks like she’ll accept JUST BASED ON THAT) but before she can even say Yes (OR NO) he threatens Makoto with her sister, to which Makoto hardens and then agrees. Then she acts like an asshole and yadda yadda stuff happens.

But if she’s supposed to blindly follow authority, she’d say yes, but then they don’t let the character breathe so she can make the “wrong” choice because the Principal goes STRAIGHT to threatening her.......so now the message is muddled, or really it’s non existent. The whole Sae thing is a nothing bag too, it’s just family drama. Her sister is, no HAS to be absent a lot for her work, just so Makoto can have the freedom to be a PT....which means....it hurts her lack of freedom and other stuff associated with Sae being a big pressure on Makoto’s life. You know, I’ve said before they’ve squandered Sae, and that Makoto’s presence really harmed Sae (iirc it was this post). But at the same time, how they handled Sae really screws up Makoto’s character. Neither are allowed to breathe. Neither are allowed to make a true, horrible choice...and then learn from it. They aren’t allowed to have an actual arc. Altus played it safe, took choice away from them, didn’t want to take risks with either character and have meaning. Instead we just have this nothing contradiction thing dicking around until they join our team. 

What really sucks about that....is we got that with the Kamo arc. With Anne, Ryuji, even Yuki and Shiho. Kamo was manipulative, and his manipulation caused people to make....not the best choices, all out of a means to survive. Ryuji physically acted against Kamo, and he got his leg broken, team disbanded, and outcasted. Anne was trying to protect Shiho’s position on the team, which lead to her almost getting harmed by Kamo, Shiho getting harmed, her not seeing the truth about what was going on around her, and she didn’t tell Shiho (because she didn’t want Shiho to think she didn’t get on the team for her own merits), and so on. Shiho didn’t tell Anne what was going on because she wanted to protect Anne from Kamo (and was afraid Anne would, very much blame herself), and her and Yuki and the rest of the teams helped keep quiet about Kamo so they wouldn’t be next on the physical chopping block. This isn’t me blaming them, this is me showing their choices, their attempts to fix their (hopeless) situation, to help themselves or others, and the dramatic irony being it just made everything worse. BUT, even tho Kamo was the real one to blame, each character is aware of the actions that were made, and the consequences of each action (esp Anne/Ryuji/Shiho). And in their CoOps, they identify this, and take strides to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again. That’s an arc. That’s character development. They were allowed to make errors, mistakes, decisions that negatively impacted themselves/other’s. We see a solid foundation of their character from the get go, and how it changes over that small time. We don’t get that with Makoto. The group is like solid concrete to Makoto who is like shifting sand. 

Sorry got a bit off topic, anyway, I hate her message of boasting about her fighting ability but she only harms her friends (outside of shadows, but that’s not special) WHILE ALSO being a damsel that needs someone else to rescue her! I hate how when she gets called out, she wants to drop it, and gives gaslighty apologies, even tho she really ROYALLY screwed lot of people very badly. I hate how she demands us to help, only to literally be a detriment to our investigation. I hate how she gets to fly off the handle without repercussions (despite needing to be cool calm and collected for her job, especially since she miraculously can do that when needed so what the hell????). I hate how the text has her be shitty, say shitty things, be bad at her job, but will turn around and reward her time and time again. 

Sure she doesn’t break the lore like Futaba, or unravel P5′s plot like Goro. But as a character with a message attached to her, even ones that the creators surely overlooked (I’m sure they didn’t intend for her to only hit her friends), it’s simple but very annoying. Fast and easy to see, doesn’t require me to think of P5′s lore as well as the grander Persona lore. Doesn’t require me to dig through text for Goro bread crumbs and then unravel the entire basis of the P5 plot thanks to him. Makoto is easier to get into, it’s smaller scale and more personal I guess. 

[route22ny]

When it was announced earlier this month that President Donald Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19, there was a chance that maybe, just maybe, he would finally start taking this pandemic seriously.

  Fat chance.

  Shortly after leaving Walter Reed Medical Center (where the president, a critic of "socialized medicine," got the finest medical treatment that government can provide), Trump was back on his bullshit — holding massive rallies across the country, where thousands of his supporters gathered, many not wearing masks, as if the whole thing never happened. As this week's issue went to press, Trump was expected to bring another one of his superspreader events to Michigan, with a rally scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27 in Lansing — a week before the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election — because apparently Trump doesn't care if Michiganders die.

  On Friday, the U.S. reported its highly daily number of coronavirus cases, with at least 81,400 new cases reported. More than 222,000 Americans have died from the virus so far. In Michigan, more than 7,522 people have died from COVID-19.

  If you're sick of Trump's plague, there's something you can do about it. Vote for Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the presidential ticket, and Gary Peters for Senate, on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

  That's not all that's on the ballot. We also have an opportunity to move the Michigan Supreme Court to the left (by voting for Bridget Mary McCormack and Elizabeth Welch). There are also two state ballot proposals: Proposal 1 (a constitutional amendment that would allow money from oil and gas mining on state-owned lands to continue to be collected in state funds for land protection and creation and maintenance of parks) and Proposal 2 (which would require a search warrant in order to access a person's electronic data or electronic communications). In Detroit, voters can weigh in on Proposal N (which would allow the City of Detroit to sell $250 million in Neighborhood Improvement Bonds to preserve and renovate 8,000 homes and remove another 8,000 blighted homes). —Lee DeVito

  What you need to vote  

  Simply show up in person to your local polling place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Bring a photo ID, such as a driver's license, identification card, or U.S. passport. If you don't have an ID, don't worry. You can fill out a brief affidavit stating that you're not in possession of a photo ID. Your vote will still be counted.

  Don't forget your face mask, although it's not required at polling stations. It wouldn't hurt to bring some hand sanitizer or gloves, too. And don't forget social distancing. You'll likely be standing in a long line and encountering election workers. You may also want to bring a personal cheat sheet to remind yourself how you're voting. Even the most astute voters may not be familiar with all of the races, especially the judicial ones.  

  To find your polling place and preview your ballot, visit the Michigan Voter information Center at michigan.gov/vote. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 3. If you're in line to vote at 8 p.m., you have the right to cast your vote. If you're still in line at 8 p.m. and someone tries to send you home and deny you your right to vote, don't take no for an answer. Ask for a supervisor and an on-site voting advocate.

  Anyone who is registered to vote may cast an absentee ballot in Michigan. Michigan expects a record number of absentee voters in November because of the coronavirus. More than 2 million voters have already requested an absentee ballot. —Steve Neavling

  Voting deadlines  

  We've been trying our best to keep our readers up to date with the various deadlines for the election, considering all the chaos of 2020 — you know, a pandemic, civil unrest, Trump's suspiciously timed cuts to the U.S. Postal Service, yadda, yadda, yadda — but it turns out things are a bit more complicated than we thought they were.

  See, in 2018 Michigan voters approved Proposal 3, which was supposed to make it easier to vote by allowing for no-reason absentee voting and other changes. And it does — but there are quite a few different scenarios to consider, and they all have various deadlines.

  Reader Jordan Smellie would know. Smellie's an elections specialist for the City of Ferndale.

  "Proposal 2018-3's changes to the constitution made things much better for voters by adding a lot of flexibility, but the downside of that is that it created a staggered series of nuanced deadlines that have proven very difficult for anyone to keep straight, and even more difficult to summarize gracefully," Smellie tells us via email.

  Graciously, Smellie has provided us with a more detailed timeline, which we have edited lightly for style. We hope this helps you as much as it helped us.

  Your deadlines for the upcoming general election are:

  Friday, Oct. 30 (5 p.m.): If you're getting an absentee voter ballot for this election, your local Clerk can't mail it to you after this time. But you can still get an absentee ballot in person at your local city or township hall.

  Saturday, Oct. 31 (2 p.m.): If you made a mistake on your ballot or changed your mind, your local Clerk can't mail you a replacement ballot after this time. You can still get a replacement ballot in person at your local city or township hall.

  Sunday, Nov. 1: The last day you can pick up an absentee voter ballot and take it home with you.

  Monday, Nov. 2: You can still get an absentee voter ballot in person, but you have to vote in your local city or township hall. Just like on Election Day, you can't take your ballot out of the room.

  Monday, Nov. 2 (10 a.m.): If you've already turned in your ballot, you can't change your votes after this time. (If you're voting in your local Clerk's office today and you make a mistake, you can still receive a replacement ballot.)

  Monday, Nov. 2 (4 p.m.): Your local Clerk can't issue absentee ballots to anyone for any reason after this time. (If you're already in the room at 4 p.m., you will be served by staff.)

  Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All absentee voter ballots must be signed and in the Clerk's possession by 8 p.m. in order to be counted.

  To make sure your ballot arrives in time, you should not send it by mail. Instead, you should drop it off at your local Clerk or at a designated ballot drop-box. You can find the addresses for both, as well as the answers to any other questions you might have, at michigan.gov/vote. —Lee DeVito

  Officials warn of potential violence  

  Michigan is among five states with the highest risk of right-wing militia violence during and after the election, according to an alarming new report from a nonprofit that tracks political violence.

  The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) examined the activities of more than 80 militias across the country and concluded that Michigan is at a heightened risk, based on active militia training, anti-coronavirus lockdown rallies, and the presence of the Proud Boys, the far-right brawlers whom President Trump told to "stand back and stand by."

  Michigan is home to several active militias, including Michigan Liberty Militia and the Michigan Home Guard.

  "In light of this activity, tensions run high" in Michigan, the report states.

  Battleground states such as Michigan also run a higher risk for violence. Trump won by just 0.2% in 2016, or some 10,000 votes.

  The report highlights the arrests of 14 men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack the state Capitol and law enforcement, with the goal of instigating a civil war.

  Among the warning signs for militant activity are protests against states' coronavirus lockdowns. In April, hundreds of armed protesters stormed the state Capitol in Lansing, and the rallies were among the first in the nation. An analysis of Black Lives Matter rallies found that counter-protesters, including the Proud Boys, were often involved, sometimes clashing with demonstrators. On Aug. 15, for example, the Proud Boys clashed with supporters of the anti-fascist Michigan People's Defense League and Black Lives Matter movement.

  In May, armed militia members pledged to block police from forcing the closure of an Owosso barber shop that opened in defiance of Michigan's stay-at-home order.

  Michigan officials are taking precautions. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently banned guns near polling locations, and Attorney General Dana Nessel said state troopers will be sent to polling places in counties where officials fear local sheriffs may not enforce voter intimidation laws.

  The report concludes that the "trends raise significant concerns for the security of the election period."

  "It is yet unclear how many of these groups will react, no matter the vote's outcome," the report states. "Does a Trump loss lead to anger at the system and a backlash against what is deemed a stolen election? Does a Trump victory further empower groups that see him as a supporter, including through verbal encouragement ahead of the election? The answers to these questions are as numerous as they are uncomfortable."

  Three gun-rights groups have filed a lawsuit against Benson to nullify her ban on openly carrying firearms at or near polling locations on Election Day.

  Michigan Open Carry, Michigan Gun Owners, and Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners argue that Benson's directive violates state law and harms residents who want "to exercise both their 2nd Amendment right to self-protection and their fundamental right to vote."

  "Nowhere within Michigan's Constitution is the office of the Secretary of State empowered to issue directives regarding the time, place or manner of elections," the suit said. "Indeed, those powers are specifically limited to the Legislature."

  The groups are asking a judge to issue an injunction to suspend Benson's order before Election Day.

  The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police also criticized the order, arguing that it does not give police "the authority to enforce the Secretary of State edict."     On Tuesday, after this week's issue went to press, a Michigan judge struck down Benson's gun ban at polling places. —Steve Neavling

  When will we know the results?  

  Don't bother staying up late on Election Day, because officials in Michigan say it's going to likely take longer than usual to count all the ballots. Be patient!

  That's because of the unprecedented volume of mail-in ballots local clerks are reporting in Michigan, as is the case in other states, due in part to the pandemic. In 2018, Michigan voters approved no-reason absentee ballot voting.

  Several local officials held a Zoom meeting on Thursday to explain the situation. In Hamtramck, City Clerk August Gitschlag said the tiny two-square-mile city has already seen seven times the typical number of absentee ballots. Due to state law, however, they can't start counting the ballots until Election Day.

  "We've been working round-the-clock to process absentee applications and send out ballots," Gitschlag said. "But we don't have the infrastructure to keep up with the overwhelming demand. We will count every vote, but being right is more important than being fast. I want to urge everyone to please be patient."

  Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler said municipalities across the state are seeing similar spikes.

  "We see every sign that this will be a high-turnout election all across Michigan," Wheeler said. "Secretary of State [Jocelyn] Benson and our team are working incredibly hard to make sure that every vote is counted fairly, efficiently, and accurately. We're going to get this right." —Lee DeVito  

[evien-stark]

✧I Need You✧  Chapter 191

Proposing to Tony had been a mistake.

It became increasingly clear after the moment had edged back and reality set in that proposing had been a mistake… because he was now over the moon. Overly eager. He wanted to tell everyone. Now. ASAP. Something he let you know over and over and over again. Even though the both of you had committed to a timeline of reveal before, now that he had a ring, everything was different. 

In literally every other way it had been a wonderful idea that you'd never regret a day in your life. ...and even in that one, it wasn’t so bad. He was happy. He was proud. He had a ring now. Something to show off. He was really settling into this idea of marriage. A family. A house that was getting more complete by the day on a large plot of land that belonged solely to the two of you. Not inherited, but chosen. Now he really knew he was going to get to be your husband. And from that moment in that candlelit bedroom, he’d been exuding such warmth. Such completeness. So completely ecstatic. 

...so how could you tell him no? How could you tell him to hide his ring away for that much longer? The plan had been to tell your families, at the very least, closer to the end of December. The holiday party he kept throwing at everyone. Trying to make sure they’d be there. But now he couldn’t wait. So you had to start making concessions. What could you do? 

The actual public outing still needed to be Valentine’s day, that much you were sure of. You wanted that grandiose cheesiness. God help you, but you kinda did. He was still amenable to that. But he had to tell someone, or he was going to explode. Maybe even literally. The holiday party was still a thing but- 

You realized you could tell the inner-circle part of your family a little earlier. Just to appease him. Make him happy. Let him let it out a little so that he could contain himself until December actually came and then eventually February of the new year. With that in mind you sent out invites for a cozy little gathering. A small dinner at the penthouse. Rhodey, Happy, and Pepper. The people you’d known before life had gotten so big and unbelievable.

They only seemed just a little suspicious, but you were able to ease their curiosities by telling them to not ask questions and just show up. The dinner was slated for the Monday night after Thanksgiving. Which was enough time, as the two of you returned from the mountains on Saturday. Sunday you were determined to play catchup with work, the small mountain that had piled on your desk- only up until four PM. Then you promised yourself (and Tony, who asked of course) that you’d get away from your office and do dinner planning instead.

Which was also work, but a different sort. You didn’t mind as much. But because Happy was going to that dinner, you couldn’t ask him to lend a hand. ...well you could have, he probably wouldn’t have had a problem with it, either. But it felt a bit gauche. That was fine, though. You were more than capable of planning a small formally informal dinner for four of your closest. 

You happened to be stuck in traffic on your way back from the last store on your list, bags sitting in the back of your car, when the phone rang. The number was not immediately recognizable, and you pushed a button on your HUD dash (thankful for Tony’s fancy sciency cars) to answer it. And that’s when you realized you’d made a huge mistake. Because a robotic voice was on the other line. And it had this to say: 

“An intimate from Seagate Penitentiary is calling you. Will you accept the charges?” 

There was only one person you knew of that lived inside those walls. Someone you hadn’t thought of for a very long time. Because he didn’t deserve a single second thought after you’d been finished with him. Only briefly did you remember, a few years back, Pepper had tried to tell you he’d been trying to get your attention from the very same cell he was no doubt calling from now. You’d ignored him then. You probably should ignore him now. 

And yet. 

“Yes.” 

Your fingers drummed absently on the wheel. You weren’t going anywhere. Cars were stretched out in a long line in front of you. At this rate you could probably walk back to the Tower with all your groceries in hand and be home faster. But. While you were waiting- 

“Oh. Finally.” Justin Hammer’s voice sounded oh-so-annoyed on the other end of that line. 

“How did you get my personal number?” Playing at flippant. You really didn’t care about Justin. Nor why he was calling. But he could at least tell you who you needed to lay a serious case of hurt on for this. 

“You’d be surprised at what you can get in here.” His anger seemed to disappear within seconds, and you could just picture that shit-eating grin on his face. 

“Well. This was fun. Goodbye, Justin.” Though you didn’t make a move to end the call just yet. 

“Wait! Wait! Please- wait. I have something important to tell you.” 

A sigh escaped you and you leaned an elbow on the wheel so that you could lean your chin in your palm. “I doubt it.” 

“Again- surprise- yadda yadda. Anyway. Listen. Time’s short. I need you to come visit me. Tomorrow.” 

At this you really couldn’t help the bark of a laugh that escaped you. “Hah. You hit your head in there? I’ve got nothing to say to you.” 

“-right, which is why you answered my call.” 

“Oh, well in that case-”

“Wait!” Whatever it was Justin was calling about, it seemed to have him just the slightest bit panicked. Nervous at the thought of losing his only shot to talk to you. This little trick would only work once, after all. Maybe it was worth hearing him out. “Listen- ...look. I’ve got something I really need to talk to you about. And it’ll benefit us both.” 

A sigh escaped your lungs and you made no effort to hide the sound of it. “Now, where have I heard this schtick before…” 

He hummed in a little chuckle. “I’ve missed this. Our playfulness. We always had a rapport, you and me.” 

“I’m hanging up now.” 

“Come tomorrow. It’ll be worth your time.” 

There was no reason to be entertaining any of this. When you got home you’d have LUNA and FRIDAY pair up for a deep search. Pull everything on Justin’s current comings and goings. Figure out what he wanted to talk to you about before you got there- ...or just figure it out and not go at all. Because visiting Seagate sounded like something you really didn’t want to do. 

Especially not when it was to visit him. 

When you didn’t immediately answer, he started talking again. “You’re thinking about this. That’s good. Means I haven’t lost you yet. You’ve always been the smart one.” 

“You’re losing me now.” Letting ire brush you just a little. You absolutely weren’t going to tolerate him talking down about Tony. How dare he, even, considering where he was? And where Tony was? The mountains of difference between what the two of them had accomplished. 

“Right, right. Touchy subject. I get it. Power couple of the millennium. I actually have a few magazines I’d love for you to sign. Collector’s editions.” 

“I have a dinner party tomorrow.” 

“...And that’s more important than this?” 

“Than you? Certainly.” 

“Ouch. My fragile ego.” He was the next one to sigh, and there was just something so… weary about it. You weren’t moved to sadness for him, he deserved to be exactly where he was and whatever he was getting. But. At the same time… it was a little sad. “Please come. This is important.” For the first time in his life, Justin Hammer sounded like an actual person. And not just ten weasels puppeting a human costume. 

The line of cars was moving again. Your attention pulled just a little towards the road. Then, you decided, to end this in a much easier way. “If I come, Tony’s coming with me.” 

“No! No. He can’t be here.” 

“Then no dice. And- what’s the difference, anyway? What? You think I’m not gonna tell him?” Nose wrinkling just a little with distaste. 

Justin scoffed. “Ugh, please. You’re gonna tell him every word. I’m not an idiot.” 

“Then?” If that was the case why wouldn’t Justin allow Tony to be at your side for whatever nonsense this was? And- assuredly- this was nonsense. 

“...I don’t wanna face him.” Now that. That sounded like a sense of knowing patheticness Justin had been entirely incapable almost his entire life. Right up until you’d thrown his ass in jail and made a well-deserved mockery of him. 

Huh. Maybe he was being rehabilitated after all. If you took too long to think about this, he was just going to start complaining again. Was there much to think about? “If you want me in Georgia tomorrow, it’s either a jet or-”

“Fly yourself.” 

“Yeah. I’m sure the warden will just love that.” 

“What happened to you? You were never afraid to throw your weight around before. You outrank him, certainly. Put in a call. Come. We’ll talk. And then you can be home in time for this little party of yours. Still schmoozing your way around the wealthiest class?” 

Ah. There it was. His usual annoyingness. His proclivity for knowing it all. And talking down to anyone that got within three feet of him. Maybe he wasn’t better. 

This felt like a trap. Taking the suit to go meet Justin Hammer at Seagate? Maybe he’d have the media out there waiting for you. Maybe he was organizing a riot. A way to take the Reactor off of you, take the suit and- ...well, even he couldn’t be that stupid, right? The suit was coded to you. He had to know that. He was dumb but not that dumb. 

“If I sense even an ounce of something off, I’m out of that airspace before you even realize I’m there.” No use wondering if Justin Hammer was stupid. This was stupid. You were being stupid for entertaining it. There was a large amount of risk here you were assuming- and for him. For no reason. What could he have that was so important? He sat in the same box all day every day and had for years. 

“I’ll be a perfect host. I promise. You think I haven’t learned my lesson after I pissed you off the first time?” He was trying to stroke a sense of ego for you that wasn’t really there. 

“No.” Curt as you let the single word out and then cut the call. 

                                                           ---

Down inside the private garage underneath the building, the elevator opened as soon as you parked the car. You had two bags of groceries in your arms just as you leaned out of the trunk and saw Tony come your way- sporting his ring. Obviously. The space was protected well enough. You weren’t worried about any paparazzi wandering in there and catching him. Or Stark employees for that matter. The two of you were completely secluded- and the penthouse elevator would only go back up that way, too. 

...so you allowed yourself a little joy in the image of him, bag of groceries propped on his hip, ring on the other hand he was using to gesture for you to give him one more bag. Yes. Definitely husband material. You handed another one over to him and took the last two, heading back towards the elevator with him. 

Once inside… 

“Justin Hammer called me.” 

This hit him with a small bit of whiplash. He blinked a few times before popping that brow upwards. “Right. And you ignored him.” Saying it with a tone of assuredness and yet you could feel he was questioning the whole situation. 

You gave a light shrug. “I was stuck in traffic.” 

His grin was light, as was the bouncy chuckle that seemed to push from his lungs. “Well. I suppose there’s worse ways to waste time- ...although not that many.” You realized a little too late, that this felt wrong. What you’d agreed to. ...the thought of telling Tony gave you a mild feeling of anxiety. Something that obviously read pretty clear to him. As the two of you stepped out he stopped and gave you a worrisome look. “What’s up? He call to tell you his dying wish or something?” 

“Nothing that serious.” Able to find a smile, nudging him to keep moving so that the two of you could put the bags down on the kitchen counter when you got there. “But… he wanted me to come meet him tomorrow. And… I said I would.” 

Tony gave you quite a look. One that spoke volumes. It was some parts nervous. And, thankfully, only a tiny bit disapproving. “Are we cancelling dinner?” Not asking you why you’d said yes. Not even asking what you and Justin had talked about. Just trusting that you knew what you were doing. Trusting you and your decisions. Standing by them. 

“No. I’ll be home in time for dinner.” Reaching up, you cradled his cheek in your palm. 

Those soft brown eyes of his made you feel weak, as his hand curled around your wrist. Keeping you there. “Want me to come with you?” 

Your grin was barely there as you stared up at him. “You’re not invited. Something about you sitting in a small room with him made him very nervous.” 

He breathed out a soft airy laugh. “That right? Maybe he finally learned something over there.” There was only the briefest consideration before Tony amended, “-still. Out of the two of us. He probably should be more scared of you.” 

Leaning up on tiptoe, you pressed a little kiss to his lips. He held you there, arm curling around your waist. Your murmur was full of mirth. “Well he hasn’t learned anything then, has he?” 

Tony’s grin was the next thing you felt. “Guess not.” 

                                                          ---

One thing Justin had been right about- it was insanely easy to call up Seagate, tell the Warden you were coming, have him put Justin in a room for you for interrogation, and swear him to secrecy. Almost so easy that you would have thought you were being set up. Which had been your first thought when Justin had called anyway. But… 

Over the drop-zone you stopped a mile up and had LUNA scan. For cameras that didn’t belong to the compound. For media. For… anything. Anything that seemed out of the ordinary. And she came back with a big fat zero. So… if not a setup outside the prison, then it must have been inside of it. 

It was strange, as you came to a land- seeing guards lined up. Waiting to receive you, almost. In fact, even stranger still, they saluted once you took the Iron Lady suit down all the way and dropped with a metallic clank. You weren’t sure you liked any part of this. And you were itching to get out as soon as possible. Double tapping the heart, the suit peeled back, leaving you in just a smart suit. Though you did press your earcuffs to activate a pair of glasses. 

Just so you could keep an eye on everything and everyone. LUNA would keep your HUD alerted, should anything go awry. The warden waved at you from the front of the fence, and you kept your head up and your walk powerful as you strutted your way to him. He started babbling on and on about how it was nice to have a guest like you… 

The prison was quiet. Quieter than you knew it should be. The thought that he had inmates confined to their cells while you walked the halls was not a good one. You didn’t want a target on your back. ...not that that was much different from any other day. Still. The sooner this was over with, the better. 

He stopped at a small room and opened the door for you. Told you he’d be right outside should you need anything. And then… then you went in. 

Justin looked… more or less the same as you remembered him. He was sitting down, hands clasped together. Seeming to light up the second he realized it was you who actually had come in. Clearly he had thought you may have ghosted him. Which would have been well deserved- 

Especially when the first thing out of his mouth, accompanied with that rat-grin you didn’t miss, “You look tired.” 

The roll of your eyes was heavy and you lifted a hand to knock on the door. “Well, this was fun. Don’t call me again.” 

The warden opened the door about the same time Justin got to his feet.”Wait! I’m sorry- come on. That didn’t rattle you. I had to get one in. You know. For old time’s sake.” 

The warden eyed you and you sighed, putting a hand up. He nodded and closed the door again. Turning back around, you crossed your arms, moving to stand in front of the table but pointedly not sitting. “We don’t have an old time’s sake. So get to the point. I have places to be.” 

“Can’t even say you’re happy to see me?” You had no idea why Justin was trying to bark up this tree but… then again, it must have been very lonely in here. He got the point after looking at your dead expression. “Right. Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He was awash in this sense of unease. Something really was bothering him. “Can you- can you sit down? Please?” 

“No.” There was no call to be nice to him. No matter how pathetic he seemed. More now, in front of you, than he had been on the phone for sure. 

He frowned, head dropping in a nod. “Alright. Well… look- …” Sighing, trying to gather his words. He’d had plenty of time to think about how he was going to say whatever it was he was trying to say before you’d gotten here. Your patience was running thin. “-there’s no easy way to say this but. I need your help.” 

This wasn’t exactly surprising. Justin wanted something from you. What other reason (besides trying to trick you) would he call you here? “And why should I do anything to help you?” 

“You’re not even gonna ask why?” He nudged his glasses up his nose when he looked up at you. 

“You’re getting to the point, I’m very sure.” Still remaining cold and impassive. 

For almost too long a time he just stared at you. Like he couldn’t believe you’d be this way. The corner of his mouth dipped down. “I need you to help me take back my company.” 

This broke your nothingness and exchanged it with a look of shock and then a laugh. “You cannot be serious.” 

“Why would I ask you to come here if I wasn’t serious?” He was starting to get a little angry. Justin Hammer had been made the butt of every joke. Every headline. Every moment. It probably wasn’t easy still being looked down on. Especially if he really was serious about any of this. 

“To waste my time.” You had no empathy for this man. Not after everything he’d done. 

“Don’t think so highly of yourself.” 

“Why not? You called me.” Pointing it out to him rather plainly. 

You expected him to fight back. Call you a name. Tell you to get out or admit he had just been trying to waste your time. Instead… instead he shouldered a little bit of defeat and looked away. “Yeah- I did. So let’s try this again. I need your help.” 

Moving a little closer to the table, just to try your luck, you gestured plainly. “To get back your company, I’m not deaf. But I don’t understand why. You’re in here. What does it matter? I can’t imagine they need you for anything- or let you do anything that matters.” 

“No. They just blame me for everything because that’s the easiest thing to do.” His teeth showed as he snarled a little. Truly worked up about whatever he was going on about. Instead of asking him to elaborate you waited. And were rewarded. “They’re selling my weapons. I’m surprised you don’t know.” 

An acidic scoff escaped you. “Please. On my list of things that need my attention you don’t break top one hundred- no. Five hundred.” 

“Real cute. Could you be serious for a minute? The years have not been kind to your humility. You’re almost as bad as Tony.” This riled you slightly, and you may have had enough in you to put him down, but he cut you off. “They’re selling my weapons. They’re all over Harlem. And you know damn well the stuff in my warehouses ain’t firecrackers. People are dying. I get phone calls and harassment from investigators every damn day. Even in here. Everyone’s blaming me. I’m in prison. I’ve been doing my time. Why is this my fault?” 

The sneer was automatic. Flashes of the Stark Expo bloomed behind your eyes. Broken glass. Screams. Explosions. “Funny. You never cared about your weapons killing people before.” 

His glare was icy. “Neither did Tony. What? He’s the only one allowed to grow a conscience? Or is that just reserved for people you’re fucking?” 

It felt good. Really good. Leaning over the table and whipping him across the face with your open palm. 

He deserved it. But him shriveling back made you feel… less good. You’d overreacted. His glasses clattered somewhere in the corner of the room. He didn’t deserve to get that much out of you. Yet there the two of you were. You, the woman in a position of power, having just struck a prisoner who was more or less begging for you to do something. 

His hand touched his face. “Okay- maybe I deserved that-” He was scared. 

“You deserve far more than that.” Instead of letting his sniveling visage disarm you, you tried to remain steady. “So. What is it? Your Board is selling your weapons while your company suffers? And you care about this- probably not because people are dying, but because-”

“Because I’m not the one behind it!” His hands came down on the table and he arched forward. Getting a little too close to your face. “I’ll take what I deserve when it’s me behind the wheel, but those bastards are tarnishing everything I ever did and making off with all the profits! I’m in jail. I can’t do anything about it. They’ll get away with it as long as you let them.” 

Taking a pause, you looked at him. Looked deeply. Yes, this was upsetting him. He was telling the truth about it, too. Because this could have been a ploy to send you on some wild goosechase. But it wasn’t. So. His company was emptying out his warehouses and selling big guns to criminals. Not surprising, really. Not even a little. But them pinning it on him? Apparently that’s where Justin Hammer drew the line. 

“What do you want me to do about it?” You eased yourself down off that high, hoping he’d do the same. 

It worked, slightly. He collapsed to sit in his chair. “Stop them. You do this sort of thing all the time, don’t you?” 

“Arms dealers are a little below my paygrade at this point, honestly.” 

Looking up again, he focused on you. “I have information you want. You do this for me, I’ll give it to you.” 

“You have nothing I want.” Making sure he understood that. 

But- “Really? Where’s the other famous inmate of Seagate? You see him wandering the halls?” This- this caught you unaware. Other famous inmate? What the hell was he talking about? Your momentary confusion that came with an arch of your brow had him staring in disbelief. “You can’t be serious. Guy nearly offs Tony and you don’t even know where they’ve been keeping him? I’m talking about Slattery.” 

The name had you reeling your head back. Slattery- yes. Trevor Slattery, to be exact. You hadn’t thought about that name in a long time, mostly because… you’d been a little bit removed from him. Tony had dealt with him. You’d only got the run off reports and second hand stories. Some nutcase washed up actor that had been playing Mandarin for Killian. 

...and they’d taken him into custody. And put him here. And now- now Justin was implying he was gone. 

Reaching over, you took his shirt in your fist and pulled him out of his seat. Immediately he started sputtering. “Whoa- hey- hey now-” A little bit of terror creeped up his spine. Perhaps realizing he’d made one too many wrong moves. 

“Here’s my deal, Justin. I’m going to have Burt come with papers. You still have your controlling shares, don’t you? You’re going to sign them over to me. And then I’m going to demolish your company. Warehouses and all. Find the trail and- maybe if you’re lucky- have your board members all sent here to spend some quality time with you.” 

His brows knit. “What? Why would I let you do any of that? All I’m asking is for you to stop them!” 

“You want my help, that’s what I’m offering. And in turn you’re going to tell me right now what the hell you’re talking about.” 

Reaching up, he put his hands around yours, trying to give you a shove. No surprise that you were stronger and didn’t even seem to budge. “Have you been doing all that superhero stuff a little too long? You forget how to negotiate a deal? This is garbage. Even for you. You’re out of your mind.” 

“Offer is only good until I walk out that door. I’ll throw half a million in your commissary. That should keep you rat king of this prison long enough that I never have to hear from you again.” The two of you looked at each other for a moment. And then- “Going once-” 

His lips pressed together, he gnashed his teeth- and then he gave up. “Alright. ...alright.” Defeated so thoroughly. It was a shame that you couldn’t even take joy in it. But at least Justin had gained some smarts. What did he need Hammer Industries for anymore? The only thing it seemed to be doing was weighing him down. Board out of control doing who knew what now. 

This was what was best for everyone.

You let go of him and he lowered to sit, as if he was suddenly too weak to stand. “A film crew came a while back to do some documentary. Interviewed me and Slattery. And then they packed up their stuff. There was a riot immediately after. And now Slattery is gone. Has been for a while. No one seems to even remember he was here.” 

That was quite a lot of nothing he was giving you- which was the whole reason you wouldn’t make a deal on his terms in the first place. Figuring he had a bunch of nothing. Trevor Slattery was gone- you could have found that out on your own. He didn’t tell you where, when, or why. As far as important information went, this was sitting underneath a pretty low bar. 

You’d have to mull this over for a while yet. Whether or not it was important. What to do with it. What you could do with it. “You don’t sign those papers, I don’t do anything to help you.” 

“Or anyone else. Got it. How noble of you.” Defeated and angry was probably not the best state to leave Justin Hammer in. But that’s exactly what you did. 

                                                          ---

You landed on the deck, a gust of wind nearly taking you to your feet after you deactivated the suit. Quickly you scampered inside where it was much warmer, much cozier. Voices greeted you. Happy and familiar. Your little family was sitting around the coffee table in the living room, glasses of wine in their hands and smiles on their faces. 

Once they noticed you they all raised those glasses with a cheer. Tony was almost halfway up off the couch but you made it over to him just in time, putting a hand on his shoulder from behind. When he tipped his head back in question, you pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

His smile was immediate. “That good, huh?” 

Rhodey looked over. “Where’ve you been?” 

“Seagate.” Said so pointedly. “And, happy holidays, I’ve just purchased Hammer Industries.” 

A shock went around the room accompanied with keen laughter afterwards. Happy took a sip of his red wine and then nodded over at you. “That what this little party’s all about? Not that I’m complaining.” 

Tony’s smile up at you was so telling. “No- better news than that, actually.” All the attention drew his way. You could have followed up or interrupted. But he wanted this. So you let him have it. “We’re getting married.” 

The excitement was instantaneous, warm, and loud. Tony was on his feet, only so he could put an arm around you. To have you close. Demands to see the ring were the very next thing. And while you had yours in your pocket… 

Tony had his on in the very next second. Happy and fulfilled as everyone gathered round. 

We’re getting married. 

It was out there now. Out there in the world. To the three people closest to you. Still a small world but… the way Tony was beaming as he got to show off his ring, and as you showed off yours… 

It was well worth it. 

“Finally.” Rhodey was the one saying this with such mock exasperation. 

But Pepper seemed to agree, “We’ve only been waiting forever.” 

Tony waved a hand. “That’s her fault. I had to wait until she was ready.” 

“I’m well worth the wait.” Said with a single but very sure nod of your head. 

In the very next moment, Tony’s wry grin melted into such a sunny smile, leaning in to press it against your temple in a kiss. “Yes you are.” 

Happy was about two seconds away from crying, you were sure of it. “When’s the date?” Then he pressed the heel of his palm against one eye to keep the tears at bay. 

Your shoulders came up in a shrug. “We don’t know yet.” 

Tony followed up. “We just know that we knew it was time for the next part. We’ll keep you in the loop about the part after that.” 

Pepper shook her finger at him. “You’d better.” 

Rhodey put a hand on his hip. “And I’m sure this is all top secret still.” 

You nodded again. “Yeah but. We know we can trust you guys.” 

In this increasingly unsure world, you knew you couldn’t put a price on that. They were your family. You were happy to share this with them, and happier still to trust them to keep it to themselves until the two of you were actually ready to let the secret go. 

It was nice, for some reason. To still have it. Still own it yet let three of your closest take part in it, too. The circle would grow bigger in time. For now… for now you just wanted a glass of wine and a comfortable atmosphere with your family. 

And your husband-to-be. 

The rest of the world could wait. 

[maulusque]

Nothing you post will ever be funnier than Fox marrying Palpatine, divorcing him, and taking all his money. the reason I find it so funny is because Sheev would 100% marry Fox, Fox knows all the skeevy shit he gets up to, he can’t let him testify against him if he ever ends up in court

alright pack it in everyone i have PEAKED

ok so imagine: Fox is Stressed to the fucking breaking point, and it’s at least 80% palpatine’s fault, so he comes up with this bullshit idea while drunk, to marry the asshole and then CLEAN HOUSE. and once fox decides that he’s going to do something, he’s gonna fucking do it, no matter how absurd. he’s scarily persistent and freakishly creative, he’ll make it work.

So when Fox starts hate-flirting with palpatine and leaving him suggestive notes, ol’ Palps sees an opportunity to tie up a potentially dangerous loose end- Fox and the other high-ranking officers of the Coruscant Guard don’t have chips, because Palpatine might need them to be doing something else during Order 66, and he needs at least some personal elite troops who absolutely can’t be compromised by the wrong person finding the wrong database in his secret files. But at the same time, that means that he’s relying on loyalty- to the republic, or to him, personally, to control them. He’s done a pretty good job with most of the command officers, little favors and gifts, smiles and recognition for their work, “oh certainly i can make sure your friend gets transferred to coruscant”, or providing a fund to keep 79′s open. That sort of thing. 

But Fox? That motherfucker knows his internet history, so when when Fox starts hitting on him with all the subtlety of an orbital strike, Skeevy Sheevy fucking JUMPS ON that shit. Flirting back even harder, setting up elaborate secret dates, showering Fox in expensive gifts. Fox is like “holy shit this asshole must be really fucking lonely if he’s this easy” and amps up his romantic efforts to take advantage. Sheev is thinking “wow this poor naive fool is so easily manipulated, i have his heart on a string” and they’re both just constantly one-upping each other with ridiculous over-the-top romantic gestures.

They’re going on dates and calling each other disgusting pet names like “sheevy-bear” and “my silver fox” within a week. Sheev uses what he thinks are sophisticated terms of endearment, Fox has to bite his tongue to keep from losing it on their “dates”. Fox meanwhile is just trying to see how ridiculous he can make his pet names, and the answer is pretty fucking ridiculous because the chancellor is just eating that shit up.

Palpatine proposes about three months into their mutual charade. Fox gets all weepy and cries when he accepts, partially because he’s a good actor, and partially because he really is quite stressed, ok. and he has no trouble acting elated and happy because he had no idea it would be this easy, he was expecting to be playing the long game for at least a year and a half. Palpatine is just eager to lock this down. keep your enemies closer, and all that. Plus, with all the fake dating they’ve been doing, Fox now knows MUCH more than just his internet history. He agrees to whatever ridiculous bullshit Fox demands for their wedding, because he just wants to get this official as soon as possible, and he’s supposed to be in love with this moron, so he just says yes to whatever Fox suggests. “Yes dear of course we can have pink carnations at the wedding. Yes of course we can import the cake from a hostile planet. Yes of course we can conduct the ceremony underwater and in zero-g, i agree it would be very romantic. yes of course i’ll sign this absurdly detailed pre-nup, whatever you want, my darling sexy fox.”

Fox has to disguise his tears of laughter as tears of happiness during the (secret, but still legally binding) wedding. Palpatine let him hire a screamo band and fox is wearing a neon orange suit, and Palpatine is trying to come up with something nice to say about the troop of interpretive dancers that Fox insisted on, and Fox is living.

Fox lets it last a month and a half- just long enough for them to go on their incredibly lavish, luxurious honeymoon cruise, which, despite the presence of Palpatine, is very relaxing, thank you very much. They return to coruscant, Fox takes a few weeks to himself, making sure he’s got himself a good lawyer, and then fucking TAKES THAT BASTARD TO COURT. Palpatine is completely blindsided, and now he has to salvage this situation, because if he doesn’t (and it’ll be hard- Coruscant allows no-fault divorce) then Fox gets EVERYTHING- all his money, all his assets, all his property on Naboo, his ships, his fucking wardrobe, and wait, has that clause really been in there the whole fucking time? his emergency powers as chancellor (Fox put that in there for a laugh, he really thought Palpatine would have at least skimmed the thing before signing it, right?).

So Palpatine is freaking out, trying to figure out what made Fox fall out of love with him, try to fix it, and simultaneously try to spin the media in his favor, because oh boy, Fox is NOT being quiet about this and now the Chancellor’s whirlwind romance and collapsing marriage is Trending on space-twitter and dooku is leaving him messages going “?????” . So the news networks are all broadcasting footage of Palpatine in the courtroom, begging Fox to take him back, sobbing (fake) tears of heartbreak, and Fox (who can’t resist drama) crying “you could NEVER truly love me, I see that now, marrying you was a MISTAKE” 

Palpatine is grinding his teeth and seething inside at having to act the heartbroken Remorseful Husband for Fox, and for the public, meanwhile Fox is having the time of his fucking life. He lets the drama drag on a bit, waffling back and forth about whether to go through with the divorce (publicly- of course he’s still divorcing the bastard, he just wants to see him suffer first). he’ll give an interview one day where he’s crying gently and talking about the “love we used to have, he used to be so sweet, but now he’s just cold” and then talking about all the sweet things his “sheevy-bear” has done for him (palpatine has resolved to murder Fox, quietly but very painfully, for putting those pet names in intergalactic news. Fox is doing it on purpose). He lets it almost seem like he’s talked himself out of the divorce, and yes, Marlene, maybe there is a chance he could make it up to me, Then the next interview he gives he’ll trounce on camera, wearing the most expensive fur coat palpatine has ever given him (over his armor, he can be somewhat professional) and raging about how “I could never love that bastard” and “he hurt me, i can barely even stand to see his FACE” and “good riddance to bad trash!”

After a few weeks of jerking Palpatine (and the raptly attentive public) back and forth, Fox gets down to business and finalizes the divorce. In the end, there’s very little palpatine’s lawyers can do, that pre-nup is airtight. including the bit about his emergency powers. So overnight, Fox becomes incredibly rich, incredibly powerful, and also the supreme commander of the GAR. how about that. And hmm what’s in these computer drives I legally own now? What’s this about contingency orders? oh YIKES. and oh, look at that, decades of records of bribery, corruption, and- hey, is this a chat log of texts with count dooku? 

Fox orders Palpatine’s arrest two days after the divorce. Palpatine tried to go into hiding, but it’s hard when your ex-husband now owns all your ships. and your house. and your clothes. Palpatine is crying for reals as he is is escorted off to jail. The great Sith Lord, done in by a foolish love-struck clone (does he ever figure out that Fox was just yanking his chain for stress relief? I choose to think Not).

Fox proceeds to fix everything, end the war, clone rights, ban leafblowers, yadda yadda. He retires to cruise the galaxy in his very nice space yacht. He also keeps the fur coat.

[bluekayanite]

(SU:F Theories) Pink Steven and Roses

Whew...  I struggled a lot with this one, and not because I decided to tackle two subjects at once. XD;  Thankfully, I managed to get it done, and BEFORE the next eps came out, so... Enjoy, if you will. =3

EDIT: Added another bit of speculation.

THE Rose is Probably Different

Granted, she obviously would be if she really were Pink Diamond.  But as I believe there's more than enough room for doubt, I'm going to tackle the subject as if she were not.  (A lot of this may be interesting in either case.)

I'm sure many have noticed by now that Rose has certain features that average Rose Quartzes do not - one that's normally associated with organic women.

(Incidentally, I wonder what the actual odds would be of just getting a Rose Quartz that looks virtually identical to Rose. XD; )

...I will point out that not only did Rose supposedly have the basic shape for them before she'd even met any organic women, but Pearl supposedly suggested that shape.

At any rate, the point is that she's a bit different than usual, and it may not be by choice.  Along with her shape, Rose's coloring is different - whereas standard Rose Quartzes all have skin + hair in the reddish-purplish spectrum of "pink," the Rose has more human-like skin, much more in the yellow-orangish range...

In recaps and flashbacks, the narrative seems to be that Pink (more-or-less) swapped her hair and skin colors to achieve the "Rose" look.

(The colors aren't exact, but they're pretty close - particularly with the the Pink hair/Rose skin color.)

...but no clearly-lit shots (or, I'd say, even any shaded ones) of Pink really look like they have Rose's peach-coloring.

...In fact, the only time Pearl clearly remembers Rose having that kind of skin tone is when seeing Garnet's first fusion - otherwise, she looks pink.

One exception to definitely-Rose being peach-colored is in the "Nora" tape... but in that tape,

Greg

is more pinkish, too.

(It looks like they're both being tinted by one of those pink sunsets. =3)

Anyway... sidetracked... compelled to point out inconsistencies with the "Rose = Pink" thing... yadda yadda...  While I don't believe that Rose was Pink Diamond, I'm really starting to think that she was specially made.  In fact, while I don't think that Rose was the Pink Diamond... I think it's possible that she may have been made as some sort of Diamond-Quartz hybrid.  I mean, in Pink's secret room, it looks like she may have been studying the pink stones from a few pieces of rock.

I think it's possible that those stones are from the same meteor/whatever that Pink drew - and specifically pointed out - in her drawing of the other Diamonds, from before she came around.

This said, I've been speculating that the meteor is what Pink may have originally come from (at least supposedly).  So if she was studying the crystals that may have come from it, she may have been studying herself... and her composition.  And if Pink was planning on making a Gem that shared her powers, it would be a good reason for her to do that.

Heck, it could explain why Rose's Gemstone is different from the other Rose Quartzes.

And even why Pink's form showed up during Rose's/Pink Steven's reformation - part of me even wonders if Pink used a small part of her own Stone, and then healed it.

It could even explain how Blue and Yellow could mistake Steven's aura for Pink's.

...it might conflict with the fact that Steven's aura in reunited has a complete lack of diamond-shapes in it, though. ^_^;  (I'm still not ruling out that "recognizing" the aura would be all due to White meddling with their memories.)

At any rate, I've long figured that Pink probably put a lot of herself (maybe too much) into Rose, if not the Rose Quartzes in general.  Though now I figure that there's a good chance that Rose may have been intentionally made differently - like how I suspect Amethyst was, except even more so.  Maybe she was even made on Homeworld - it would explain why Rose refers to Homeworld as "home."

But most of all, it could explain why Steven is manifesting the kind of destructive powers that Pink apparently had... even if Rose never did.

The New Pink Steven

The main thing I've noticed with the new Pink Steven is that it's... he's? ...that this effect is mostly triggered by anger and frustration - maybe other manifestations of pain, at times.  Another thing I've noticed is that said anger is justifiable - at least, in my opinion.

I mean, consider when we've seen the newer Pink Steven, so far:

Not allowing Jasper to talk bad about him (defending self-worth)

Being frustrated about Smokey not having enough time to save the rollercoaster riders (defending people)

Not being able to deal with the idea of Rose/Pink having hurt anybody (defending his emotional wellbeing)

Not allowing Aquamarine and Eyeball to just hurt people - especially his dad - without consequence (again, defending people - also, not allowing blatantly unethical behavior)

Not to say that there's no danger or that he never goes overboard... or loses control entirely.  I mean, not only did he end up causing the Reef to malfunction...

(Closest pic I've got. -.-; )

...but he took out a chunk of the forest while fighting Jasper!

(Sadly, no pic on this - I'm a little low on cash, XFinity shows the wrong show right now, and CN only has the latest ep. -.-;  And no, I'm not going the YT route or anything like that. >.<)

Still, it looks to me like Steven "powering up" might have to do with righteous anger.  The kind of anger that really drives him to try and do something - especially something that has to do with protection.  I mean, it doesn't trigger with the anger he's having when Bluebird is beating him up.

And it didn't trigger when he was ticked-off at Jasper for not wanting to join Little Homeschool.

(Again, no pic. -.-; )

So it can't be just any form of anger.  There's gotta be some other criteria - like I mentioned, it could be that it has to be the kind of anger that comes from wanting to bring something good... or at least to try and protect something important.

If so, then this could also say something about Pink: it could be that she wasn't just "throwing tantrums left and right" just because she got angry at everything, but rather because she was prevented from doing things that would genuinely bring something good.  It could be that - even if the use of these powers led to some destruction - the emotions behind them weren't inherently destructive.  I'm not even ruling out that she didn't even throw tantrums that often, but that it's just another case of White altering memories.  (Or if she did throw tantrums that often, White may have changed the memories about the reasons for them. XD; )

That said, if the basic trigger is "defending something important," then it is still possible that the powers could've been triggered for misplaced priorities: just because something was important to her doesn't necessarily mean that it was inherently a good thing. XD;

At any rate, there weren't any signs of that kind of power being triggered in the dream sequence of Jungle Moon, despite there obviously being tantrums involved.

...Though granted, one of my theories is that she hadn't grown into her powers, yet. XD;

Still, I'm not ruling out that the trigger for the powers is less about the reason for the anger, and more about the flavor of the anger.  It might be exact enough that I'm not sure of the exact word for it, but so far I'm leaning toward something like "fury." XD;

The Moon Prisoner has Likely Seen Pink Steven by Now

I basically believe that the moon showing up is almost-always a sign that someone - who I believe to be Pink Diamond - is watching the scene through the Diamond Base orb, which she is trapped in.

The moon wasn't in the first two SU:F eps, but it was there for Volleyball.

And it was also at the start of Bluebird.

I also believe that the sky being pink will also indicate that the moon-prisoner is watching; the pinker, the more-intensely she's watching, and the sky is INCREDIBLY pink in Bluebird when Greg is being kidnapped.

And is like that through the point where Greg cuts himself free.

Interestingly, even before Steven catches Greg, the sky takes on more of an orange gradient (on the left) - and stays that way until the end of the ep.

Though it’s still largely pink.

I'll note that I noticed that they apparently used the same orange-pink sky for all the backgrounds from the point where Steven catches Greg, onward - not that I blame them; I can say from experience that doing backgrounds can take a LOT of work.  (...but I still find it funny. XD)

Still, if they were intent on saving themselves work, then why change the sky at all? ;3  I would guess that the fact that they did change the sky is a sign that it was important. =3

In this case, I would guess that the moon-prisoner was worried about Greg, and relaxed a bit once she realized that he would be safe.  But regardless, she continued to watch the whole fight.

If so, then she would've had to have seen Pink Steven fighting Aquamarine and Eyeball.

...but she probably wouldn't have seen his time-control powers, or his sonic scream (which, IIRC, would've been off-planet).

Basically, I've been wondering if Pink's not supposed to know just how much of these powers he's inherited.  She may or may not suspect, but depending on what she sees, she might be left not knowing if Steven can do more with this than fly up and smash things.

(...Or wear hats. XDD)

At any rate, I think there's a good chance that she would know about how these powers work, and have some good advice on how to use them. ;3 83

Rose May Have Been Carrying a Secret Payload

...one that she didn't even know about.

This would be one of the ways that Rose would be special... one of the ones that I think she would probably not be proud of, if she knew about it.

In the movie, White had already picked up on a pinkish tinge.

It wasn't there at the end of Change Your Mind.

But in the SU:F opening, she looks REALLY pink. =O

Everyone else's color in that shot seems normal (for being shaded), so I think odds are good that White really is is going to look like that at some point.

But what would make her that way?  I doubt she'd do it on purpose...  What would've changed to make her that way?

Well, obviously, the biggest pink-(or Pink-)related thing to come into her life is Steven, and I really doubt that Steven would be doing something like this on purpose. XD;  So what seems most likely to me is that it was something that Steven did without even knowing it.

I doubt it's simply an effect of gradual exposure to Steven, since 1) he's been spending most of his time on Earth, and 2) if that were the case - and Rose was Pink - I think it would've happened looooong ago, from exposure to Pink. XD  So to me, it seems mostly likely to be a one-time thing that Pink put into Rose that would be activated on its own.

Like... a color-changing virus? =O

A logic bomb is a type of malware that will only get triggered under certain circumstances - for example, "on this date, activate a virus" or "if employee X is fired, erase all employee info."  I think that Rose was made with a type of logic bomb, just in case White tried anything funny - like, trying to turn Rose into a replacement for Pink.

If so, then it is both kind of amazing that Pink would have that kind of foresight, and saddening that she would think it necessary to prepare for something like that.  It would mean that she knew (or at least suspected) that White was the kind to try something like that.

I will note that one of the things about a logic bomb is that, if the conditions for triggering it never happen, then the "bomb" never goes off - if Rose really was made with such a bomb, then it's possible that Pink put it in there with the hopes that it would never be triggered.  If White would prove herself, then she would never get hit with the punishment.  But if White did do the worst... well, Pink probably figured it was better not to risk it.

One of those "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it" sort of things. ^_^;

It's also possible that the color-change is meant for more than just punishment, payback, or exposure: it could be meant as a lesson in empathy, to give White an idea of what it feels like to be "wrong" - and/or treated as such.

EDIT: I also think it’s possible that it could be for learning empathy for what it’s like to have a change forced onto you by someone.  (Have I mentioned that I believe that White’s been using mind-control?)

Another idea is that Pink may have done it in the hopes that, if anything did happen to her, it could prompt others to try and find out what had really happened - maybe even find her, if White decided not to break her. XD;  (Or heal her, if White did. ^_^; )

Though that said, so far, the effects seem to be fairly harmless... and yet not. ^_^;  At the very least, the sudden saturation would be embarrassing for the "White" Diamond.  Though even if the change itself is harmless, it could have MASSIVE implications for her position as the "flawless" ruler - at any rate, it could be a very good way to catch and expose her red-handed (or pink-handed, as the case may be).

I do wonder if the malware could've affected more than just White's color (though even just THAT could make for a good payback-prank) - maybe it affected her powers, or even her feelings in some way... big or small.  Maybe it's the reason why she was even capable of blushing the way she did.

Maybe White's words were more accurate than we thought. XD;

As for what would've triggered the virus...  It could be a number of things.  I think the most likely one would be "trying to insert being-Pink-related memories/personality traits," but still, there's no rule that says that a logic bomb can only have one trigger... a programmer could put in as many triggers as they want, really.  Pink could have put in any number of possible conditions for White to start getting pink-ified.  So while I do think it most likely that White using her powers in certain ways would be the trigger(s), it could've also been triggered by, say, White physically handling Rose's Gemstone... or even removing it from whoever Rose's child would be!

(...I could provide visual examples, but I'd rather not in this case. ^_^; )

Heck, she might've even included things completely unrelated to what panned out, just in case a number of different scenarios happened. XD;

Though that said... it's also not impossible that the trigger was also made to remove any inserted memories/traits of the being-Pink-related sort.  ...But not restore any lost ones.  Which could explain - among other things - the comment about Pink being "gone."

... (RIP Rose. ='( )

...But yeah.  All things considered, it looks most likely to me that the idea was to try and bring things to light should White ever try to replace Pink.  If anything, maybe that'll lead to the truth getting out, as well as the true Pink.

(And maybe we could get some laughs along the way about White's new look - as well as what to call her. X3)

[breezy-cheezy]

Mmmmmkay I have to rant about Nier: Automata for a bit; I accidentally triggered the end of the game (playthrough 2, ending B) last night and stayed up till 2:00 trying to finish the stupid “not allowed to save” phase. But y’aLL IT’S SO GOOD??????? AND 3RD PLAYTHROUGH ISN’T ANOTHER RE-RUN OF THE SAME STORY WE GET MORE STORY AAAAAAAAA

(more under the cut because there is ALOT for those who care;;;;;)

- OK SO THE MUSIC IS AMAZING??? I love LOVE that the music dynamics build in instruments and intensity as you progress towards danger/plot, but also softens again for quieter moments and just...musical storytelling is so sooooo my jam I love it. Also that the music goes 8 bit when 9S hacks stuff, it’s actually kinda cute X’D

- ON THE SUBJECT of 9S being able to hack into enemies and you getting to play that as a little teeny ship shooting down viruses and barriers and whatnot. Genius???? That added SO MUCG to the story on the second playthrough as 9S. Particularly discovering the fact that all of humanity?? Is actually extinct?? ...even BEFORE the aliens/machines attacked earth?? WH A T?????? WHAT THE HECK ARE ANDROIDS FIGHTING FOR THEN????? *every time an android salutes and says “glory to mankind” now* GLORY MY FOOT THEY ALL DEAD MOVE ON--

-  I realize it probably has alot to do with the lore of previous nier games and I’ll probably have to trawl through Wiki pages soon here. Emil himself really broke my heart aaaaaah baby...his side quest is so sad. I also looked at arts and he was a really cute kid?? Before he was turned int the freaky moon skeleton thing...?? Oh my goodness......

-  The secret lunar tear flower room is gorgeous. I just sat there for awhile to soak it all in...the music is so nostalgic and I’ve never heard that song bfore how do y’all DO THAT--

- Emil’s shop is pretty cute. He just drives around the ruins and sells stuff if you shoot him and he’ll stop X’’’D It did ruin alot of serious moments tho. *Engels, talking about how he’d sinned for killing so many androids and choosing death--* “S-A-L-E SAAAALLLEEE~~!! EVERY SALE’S A WIIIINNNNNN~~~~!!!! LALALaaaaaa~~~...” Me: *facepalm* 

- ...I just realized the little tune he sings is a cheerful rendition of the music in the flower room. H E C K

- ANYWAY. Onto the actual game. I really really enjoyed playing as 9S for obvious reasons (bABY) but it really did add so soooo much to the pretty much surface level story when you first play as 2B. Which sums them up pretty well...2B, Battle unit 2, pushes on relentlessly, avoids thinking too hard about things and what she’s doing because oh dear, EMOTION might get in the way...9S, Scanner unit 9, on the other hand, cannot stop his curiosity. He asks questions, he sticks his nose in way further than he should to some dangerous stuff. I think he realized Machines were sentient and had feelings long before 2B, but was in denial for a good while. You learn so much more about what you’re fighting as 9S, because he scans. He observes, searches, discovers. Heck, some hacking caused him to experience empathy for the poor things, to his horror...

- Actually, there are alot of scenes where either 2B or 9S questions why a machine they’re killing is screaming for help, of crying for lost family, or loudly proclaiming loyalty to a king they’ll give their lives for...they stop for a moment, but the other quickly jumps in and reminds them that it’s just imitation. It’s not real, it’s fake, machines can’t feel, yadda yadda...it was odd to me they kept switching off on reminding, but...I think they both know, deep down, what they’re doing. But denial. Because if machines DO have feelings, if they are sentient...what does that mean for all they’ve killed...? Just...hoo BOY the moral dellimas in this game?? Scary good. The quests get that across alot.

- I don’t like the theme of hopelessness in most of the side quests?? I do see many of them as cautionary tales though. We watch many characters lose hope and the will to live after their thing/person they’re living FOR is gone. It makes me worry alot about 2B, who is a soldier through and through. 9S actually does have hopes and dreams for things outside of the war, which I love ;7; they definitely lean on each other alot emotionally on this respect though...I don’t know quite what to make of the themes of the game this far in yet;;;; 

- The love between 9S and 2B is of course my favorite thing. Familial, romantic, idk. I, being me, see it as more platonic, “You’re my rock in this storm” only friend/sister/brother vibe, but as more of a fan of platonic relationships, that is what I tend to do. But 9s following 2B around like a lost puppy and trying to do all he can to help and do his job but also getting bored with said job and trying to make the most of things, asking all the “why” questions, 2B acting irritated but also always keeps him close and makes sure he’s safe....going ballistic when someone hurts her boy ;;v;; I love...2 kids. Their operators and pods are such fun dynamics too~~ 

- As far as endings A and B...DANG. It hit worse because you get backstory on the giant ocean machine (that 9S just hit with a giant missle, which he also had to ride to keep it on the right path...DX NO SELF PRESERVATION) he just...wanted his mama......;;A;;

- Also it’s not fair. 9S is so injured by that missle attack, then I guess Adam finds him and is like “HM. *sticks the lil boy impaled on a wall* Perfect. *proceeds to emotionally and mentally torture said child*“ like YO ADAM THAT’S NOT HOW YOU DO THINGS. Then 2B proceeds to kick down walls for her boy and kills Adam and walks off carrying 9S bridal style into the sunset. Lovely. I have a comic idea for this part, lol.

- Oh I don’t like Adan very much, he is pretty tho?? There was alot of blood though...how do machines bleed?? How do the androids bleed?? What??? I question this alot. 

- HHHHHHH THE BECOME AS GODS CHAPTER SCARED ME I DON’T EVER WANNA DO THAT AGAIN DANG SUICIDAL ROBOTS SCARED ME SO BAD

- Fighting Eve was...annoying but still heartbreaking. He misses his brother so much....even though Adam is a butthead and couldn’t care less he left his little brother behind DX just everything about that fight was Tragic. Also Eve developing more self awareness and realizing “Eve” is a girl’s name and being a bit miffed LOL that’s what y’all get when your first book is the bible kiddos...I realize they’re technically like what? 2 weeks old still???

- The ENDING. From 9S’s perspective is especially scary....the corruption transforming him, 2B coming in to kill him to stop the pain, he BEGGED her to, just....hhhhhhh babies ;;A;; 2B’s soft broken crying over him as she’s forced to strangle her only friend to death just aaaaaAAAAAAAA I DIE ;;;;;;;;~;;;;;;;;;

- I was actually able to cry over it this time coz. It was 2 am. No parent awkwardly watching over my shoulder. Because the pose for this scene is...........super awkward..........like......really........their clothes are super torn up and uh. The first time I was just hoping my parents wouldn’t mistake it for a sex scene or something hhhhhghhhhh;;;;;; I really really REALLY wish the pose was different, the game does need to give the fanservice a rest, at LEAST for a scene this serious DX I’m able to ignore it but when someone else is watching I don’t wanna have to explain;;;;

- That IS a big gripe I have with the game. The fanservice. Just. Why. How is 2B’s outfit practical?? Self destruct mode???? REALLY???? Get this girl battle shorts or something please.....I guess if I looked at it more as a ballet outfit?? I might make some edits when I draw her because GEEZ.

- 9S gets some of this too. Self destruct mode, his shorts are blown off???? WHAT THE HECK???? Welp, never using that again. also why is he the only yorha boy android??????????? X’’’’D They never explain that!!

- BACK TO ENDING STUFF why were there random data hologram girls standing there, watching 2B strangle 9S?? Just...silently there...they weren’t there in the first playthrough?? I’ve seen them a couple times but they’re NEVER mentioned?? WHAT ARE THEY-- is it a glitch?? Wha--

- Teeny 9S being able to dump his consciousness into a giant machine robot guy and cradling 2B in his hand ;;~;; he’s fine y’all I’m so GLAD (I wanna draw something for this scene.... I wanna draw alot of things) 

- I love Pascal. He should adopt all the sad people to his happy peace village. He already started that...what a good egg. 

- The accessories option is lovely. I’ve been running around with 9S with a blue bow in his hair forever now ;7; replaced with the flower in his hair because BOYS AND FLOWERS I LOVE but I think I might give the flower to 2B because she’d look lovely with it and....I miss the blue bow X’D

 - Also the AMOUNT of things this could line up with a KH universe....as far as how androids work, hearts (black boxes), memories making you...you, being able to transfer “hearts” to new bodies when the old is destroyed, POWER OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP...there’s alot. I dunno what to do with this info...

Anyway, I have alOT of thoughts and feelings on this game, it’s like...a very cool book. I’ve had trouble putting down. These aren’t even all of them but idk who I can actually rant to so here it is for the Void

I’m so interested to see where it goes! 

[roaringwingstofly]

jojo x voltron? sign me tf up! since we heard the news of space dad, how about some hc’s for shiro x stardust crusaders? (minus joseph and iggy for obv reasons) like general cute stuff, how stands would react, yadda yadda. oh and eoh canon too since you seem to know it! (and I don’t want you getting hate: we jojo fans gotta stick together! it’s so weird coming from a fandom so accepting and chill like jojo into a vat of toxic ooze like the voltron fandom @n@)

I apologize for the really late reply, but I’m a bit busy due to my internship and I also got really carried away writing this.  orz

Oh man, I definitely agree that it’s so jarring comparing the Jojo fandom to the Voltron one (as Jojo was also the last fandom I came from and am still part of).  That saying so, yes! Give Shiro all the love! (≧▽≦)

WARNING: Extremely long and spoilers for Voltron and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure below the cut.

Magician’s Sky (Shiro x Mohammed Avdol + Magician’s Red)

Team Dad™ couple.  

Would’ve met from both knowing Jotaro.  

Definitely hit it off since they’re both quite similar, personality-wise: serious, responsible, overall righteous, and possessing a strong sense of duty and loyalty.  But both can definitely be jovial.

Though Avdol is more in-tune with his emotions and is better at sharing how he feels. 

Everlasting patience between the two.

Avdol would’ve been a bit hesitant with the idea of a romantic relationship with Shiro, at first, since there’s a significant age gap (about 10 years).

Shiro understands but reassures him that he doesn’t mind the age gap at all.

Avdol feels more comfortable being addressed by his surname as his first name is a bit of a mouthful, and he doesn’t like being called “Mo”.

Shiro does call him “Mohammed” at times but only when they’re alone.

Shiro would’ve been a bit surprised upon learning that Avdol’s a fortune teller and owns a humble little shop.  He even has some chickens out in the back!

You bet Avdol would’ve told Shiro his fortune.  Also the other Paladins.  

Allura, Lance, Coran, and Romelle would be fascinated and would constantly ask him for fortunes - even for every little thing like what fruit is better to eat.  Shiro would have to gently tell them to let Avdol breathe.

As Avdol’s hobby is collecting old books, particularly history, mythology, and culture, he has a big collection of them in his shop.  Being a person who loves to read, Shiro gets quite eager at seeing this collection of old texts.  They tend to read together and can get into pretty absorbed discussions and debates on certain topics.

Expect home dates where the two just snuggle on a couch or in front of a fire (courtesy of Magician’s Red) eagerly reading and looking at these old texts with a spot of tea, debating, discussing, and wondering about various untold mysteries in history.  

Expect to find them sleeping with a book on their laps and lying against each other.

Whenever Shiro’s PTSD kicks in, Avdol will reach for his normal hand and gently squeeze it.  

If Shiro is having a nightmare, Avdol will gently call his name and carefully nudge him.

Avdol would’ve prepared a water pitcher nearby before they went to bed.  He gives Shiro a glass before allowing him to share what he wants to do next.

Results in either a warm embrace, tea, or just lying on Avdol’s shoulder.

Avdol rarely lets his hair down but when he does? Shiro likes running his (normal) hand through it.

When first learning of Magician’s Red, Shiro almost had a heart attack upon seeing flames bursting everywhere.

Is just…amazed? Avdol can control flames and can use them to make ropes, too? How is that even possible…?!

However, Shiro does start to feel a bit insecure as Avdol is pretty much just…light.  He’s warm, kind, strong, and his Stand represents heat and light.  

Shiro feels that he’s something dark; Sendak’s words of being a Galra tool and them being not so different from each other haunting him.

Avdol will reassure him that he isn’t darkness.  Holds him quite close as Magician’s Red warms him, too.

“It’s the reason you use your abilities, not the ability itself, that makes you a good or bad person.”

During really intimate private times, they’ll trace each other’s scars.  

Shiro has to tell the other Paladins that they can’t constantly ask Magician’s Red to heat things up.

“No, Lance, for the last time - you can’t ask Avdol to use Magician’s Red to heat up popcorn.”

Due to Magician’s Red, Avdol is quite warm to touch.  Shiro finds that he doesn’t need a blanket if Avdol wraps his arms around him.

Avdol likes giving massages, so he’ll give Shiro one even if he didn’t ask for it.  

The first time, Shiro was highly startled and almost punched him out of reflex, believing he was an enemy.  He immediately apologized afterward and enjoyed a really well-done massage.

Avdol would warn beforehand by having Magician’s Red give a low warbling coo.

Magician’s Red is quite doting.  He’ll preen at Shiro’s hair affectionately and sometimes a bit fussily.

Likes playing with the hair floof, in particular.

Though he’s the most mature out of the Stands, Magician’s Red isn’t above showing off.  He’ll puff up his feathers and flex in front of Shiro along with producing pretty flames and shapes out of the flames in a sort of fire dance.

Definitely not unlike a male bird attracting his mate.

“Dance, fire, dance!”

When Shiro gives Magician’s Red affection, the mature Stand sheds his maturity and almost seems like a smitten high-schooler.

Despite his appearance, Magician’s Red has a chirping birdsong voice.  Will definitely sing Shiro to sleep to soothe him.  Especially after a nightmare.

Both would definitely want to start a family together after marriage.  Perhaps after a year.

Sky Hierophant (Shiro x Noriaki Kakyoin + Hierophant Green)

Knew each other since high school.

Kakyoin was Shiro’s senpai and the two got along really well.  Primarily connected through their shared love of seeking knowledge.

Shiro found Kakyoin just…beautiful? How he walked, talked, and conducted himself…just everything about him.  

He seemed to be the epitome of elegance and grace.   

The fact that he’s also an honours-student and highly artistic? To Shiro, Kakyoin just seemed like he walked out of a dream.

Kakyoin initially didn’t want to be too close to Shiro, being rather introverted, but found he couldn’t help it.  This space-loving kouhai really intrigued him with his passionate dreams and solid determination.

Also helps that Shiro makes him feel at ease.

Even when they were in a relationship, they wouldn’t be addressing each other by their first names for a while.

Kakyoin would be the first to address Shiro as “Takashi”.

Then Shiro calls him “Noriaki” and “Nori”.

Shiro was weirded out when he first saw Kakyoin eat cherries.

He’s still pretty weirded out but after a while…it’s kind of hilariously cute?

Though Kakyoin might be a bit self-conscious that Shiro chuckles at seeing him do it.  He’ll ease out when Shiro assures him he just thinks it’s cute.

“Rerorerorerorerorerorero.”

Shiro was a bit surprised upon learning that Kakyoin liked playing video games but is happy to play with him.  Things can get really competitive between them.

They’d communicate more frequently in Japanese as Kakyoin is more comfortable speaking in it compared to English.  

As an adult, I can see Kakyoin learning English so he can communicate in it, but prefers speaking in Japanese to Shiro.

They both have fun little in-jokes and teases in their native tongue, too.

They both chuckle at seeing the other Paladins and Polnareff looking extremely confused.

Both are quite doting and caring in the relationship.

Space Dad and Cherry Mom.

Though Kakyoin would secretly trip anyone who refers to him as a mother.

Due to a low immune system, Kakyoin knows a lot about taking care of someone when they’re sick, so if Shiro starts feeling under, he’ll immediately look after him.

Would gently scold him if Shiro insisted on going on instead of resting.

Of course, when Kakyoin starts sneezing and feeling under? Shiro will immediately tend to him.

Both aren’t really big on physical affection, but Shiro’s probably the one to try and initiate it.  Kakyoin may stiffen at first but he starts to loosen up and begins to get used to it.

He even starts enjoying and craving for it.

Both are also quite shy at the start of the relationship.  But things start picking up after the initial awkwardness.

Kakyoin doesn’t like disrobing or showing his body in front of Shiro due to the large stomach scar he got from DIO.  Shiro is just shocked and silently shaking in anger that someone would hurt Kakyoin like this.

The feeling is mutual on Kakyoin’s end as well - he won’t ever forgive the person who harmed Shiro and caused him such pain.

Quite frankly, he’ll take pleasure tearing them limb from limb.

At times, Kakyoin may sketch Shiro but only when he’s not looking.

Shiro would probably blush at discovering Kakyoin has not one but a stack of sketchbooks; the pages filled with drawings of him.

Kakyoin would get a little embarrassed at being discovered but smooths it out.

Despite his proper and polite appearance, Kakyoin is quite the tease.  He does like poking at and teasing Shiro a few times but knows the limit.

Kakyoin definitely likes to run his hand through Shiro’s hair floof.  Shiro can only run his hand through Kakyoin’s hair noodle in private.

When Shiro has a PTSD moment, Kakyoin will call him and ask if he’s alright before holding his arm and stroking his back.  He’ll make some tea afterward as well.

When Shiro has nightmares, Kakyoin will shake him gently and softly call his name.

If Shiro attacks in reflex, Kakyoin will use Hierophant Green’s tendrils to divert Shiro’s aim.

Shiro would feel horrible for attacking him but Kakyoin reassures him that he hadn’t hurt him at all and that it’s fine.

Will make him tea and lie on his shoulder, rubbing circles on his back.

Shiro would’ve been really shocked at seeing Hierophant Green at first, mistaking him for a really freaky looking alien and almost attacking him, as a result.

Immediately apologizes to Kakyoin for the mistake.

Despite his strange appearance, Hierophant Green is a calm Stand and would be quite gentle to Shiro.  After the initial shock, Shiro would be intrigued and fascinated with Hierophant Green: his structure, his powers…everything.

He even starts to find him quite beautiful, too.  

Hierophant Green likes to make little emeralds and give them to Shiro as gifts during random times.  Shiro making his bed or having breakfast? He’ll find a pretty little emerald nearby.

There are times Hierophant Green may also tease Shiro by sliding or slithering a tendril on his shoulder, nape, or under his shirt.  

Needless to say, both Stand and user get amused at hearing the Shiro squeak.

Though they do want to start a family together, Kakyoin isn’t in a rush for children.  It’s not that he doesn’t like them, it’s just that he wants to take things one at a time.

Black Chariot (Shiro x Jean-Pierre Polnareff + Silver Chariot)

Introduced through Jotaro.

The two would be in quite a bromance before having a relationship.  

It’s to the point that people wonder whether or not the two really are dating or are just in a really intense bromance.  

Are they or are they not?

They are.

Shiro would call him “Polnareff” and “Pol” at first but eventually calls him “Jean” when they’ve been together for a long time.

Polnareff is stunned at first when Shiro calls him by his first name but glows so much at hearing it.

As Polnareff’s hobby is playing any kind of sports, the two are pretty athletic and work out a whole lot.  Expect a lot of gym dates, or dates that happen at the park or involving physical fitness (like rock climbing, for instance).

Expect things to get really competitive between them, too.

Also, expect Polnareff to show-off in front of Shiro.

Would sometimes end in the Frenchman getting hurt (usually in a slapstick way).  Shiro would, of course, tend to him while sighing with amusement.  

“Don’t you dare say ‘I told you so’! Just don’t!”

If Shiro is stressed out or the atmosphere is tense and heavy, Polnareff will always try to find a way to lighten the mood from cracking jokes to just being a physically comforting presence.

Being very extroverted, Polnareff has no problems expressing his feelings of rage and sadness.  He’s like an open book, so Shiro knows how to deal with him.  Shiro also admires the fact that he can be so compassionate.

There are times that Shiro doesn’t want to express how he really feels, and while Polnareff gives him space when he requests it, the Frenchman gets frustrated at himself for being unable to help him in some way.

Polnareff is definitely more affectionate in the relationship.  Though if Shiro initiates physical contact? The Frenchman would be a blushey yet giddy mess.

Shiro wonders how Polnareff could even get his hair up in that style.  Polnareff takes great pride in his hair.

Polnareff likes that their hair colours match now, and likes to flick at the hair floof.

Shiro pokes back at Polnareff’s hair.

Definitely the least serious out of the Stardust Crusaders, though Polnareff can be quite serious when needed.  Especially in dire situations and in regards to Shiro’s PTSD and nightmares.

When Shiro is having a PTSD episode, Polnareff will immediately hold him and say his name; reassuring him that he’s here and won’t let anything happen to him.

When Shiro has a nightmare, Polnareff will shake him awake and call his name.  Upon waking up, Polnareff will ask if he’s alright before taking him into an embrace.

Polnareff references pop culture things a lot.  Shiro’s reaction ranges from a raised eyebrow to a chuckle.

Would sweet-talk in French to Shiro, relishing at his blushes or confused looks.

Shiro bites back however when he sweet-talks back in Japanese.

R.I.P., Jean-Pierre Polnareff.

If not blushing, Polnareff would try and get Jotaro or Kakyoin to translate for him.

Despite his manliness, Polnareff is quite the romantic and is a sucker for fairy-tales with knights in them.  He likes to see himself as a gentleman and a knight-in-shining armour.  Shiro thinks that’s really adorable and sometimes indulges him when they’re in private.

“I vow to be your knight if you become my king.”

“I’m pretty sure, I’m the knight here, Jean.  Well…ex-knight…”

“What’s with that sad face? You’re still wonderful, mon cher!”

Shiro was surprised at seeing Silver Chariot when he first came out, mistaking him for an actual knight in shining armour or someone from the Coalition.

Knowing about Polnareff’s Stand, Shiro finds it hilariously ironic how Polnareff’s favourite colour is gold.

Unlike his user, Silver Chariot is actually quite shy and is very cautious and wary around Shiro.  Shiro is a little confused and a bit saddened and worried at the idea that Polnareff’s Stand might not like him.

Polnareff reassures him that that’s not the reason why his Stand is acting that way.

It’s not that Silver Chariot doesn’t love Shiro and doesn’t want to be around or physically close to him, he definitely does! It’s just that Silver Chariot is aware that his body structure isn’t soft: he’s wearing armour, and he has spikes all over himself.  He doesn’t want to accidentally hurt or stab Shiro.

Poor Silver Chariot is also insecure about the fact that he’s more metallic and robotic: he may never be as intimate to Shiro compared to humanoid Stands like Star Platinum and Magician’s Red.

Upon hearing this, Shiro would raise up his prosthetic and reassure Silver Chariot that he won’t hurt him and that he likes him as he is.  Polnareff is touched at this lovely moment.

Still, poor Silver Chariot is quite shy.  Even if Shiro just simply holds his hand? The Stand will get really embarrassed.

When Shiro actually kissed Silver Chariot? Even if it was just a simple peck, poor Silver Chariot just completely loses his nerve and immediately vanishes.  Polnareff can’t even call him out for a little while.

Shiro feels like he really screwed up big time but Polnareff reassures him that he didn’t.  Poor old Silver Chariot’s just really shy.

When Shiro nuzzles or cuddles against Silver Chariot’s chest, the Stand will exclaim, “Pami!” 

Polnareff is not above using Silver Chariot to show-off or try and impress Shiro.  Though initially embarrassed, Silver Chariot will really get into it, too: relishing at the awed and proud looks Shiro gives him from whatever he’s doing.

Both definitely want to have a family together as soon as they get married.

Black Star (Shiro x Jotaro Kujo + Star Platinum)

Known each other since high school.  

Grouchy senpai and wanko kouhai when they were teenagers.

The Dad couple as adults. 

Shiro was a bit intimidated by Jotaro at first due to his huge height and build.  

He then looked up to and admired him due to how he didn’t care about what others thought of him and he did what he wanted.  

Jotaro, however, hated being referred to as “senpai” due to all his fangirls and just not liking formalities.  

“Jotaro-senpai…!”

“Don’t call me that, dumbass!”

At present, Shiro sometimes jokingly refers to Jotaro as “senpai” .  Jotaro still doesn’t like being referred to as one but instead sighs at it, “Good grief…”

From the get-go, they’d be addressing each other by their first names.  Namely, because teenage Jotaro hated formalities.

Jotaro was at first annoyed with seeing this wide-eyed kouhai look at him and follow him around (as they walked the same path home)…but, he had to admit: he wasn’t as annoying as everyone else.

There were a few dog jokes when Jotaro learns Takashi is nicknamed Shiro in the Garrison.  

Though Jotaro rarely makes such jokes when they’re both adults.  Only when they’re in private. 

Though he wouldn’t admit it as a teenager, Jotaro always respected and admired Shiro’s eagerness for knowledge along with his knowledge and passion for space.

He understands it quite well; likening Shiro’s love for space to his own love for the ocean.

He listens pretty closely during their stargazing though he denies it.

Jotaro was pretty tsundere-ish when he was a teenager because he was going through an “edgy!1!” phase.  As an adult, he does display some tsun behaviour towards Shiro but it’s lessened substantially due to maturity.  He’s still far from being dere-dere, though he’s trying to not be as much of an emotionless fencepost.

Shiro, however, understands his reluctance of not wishing to share how he truly feels and is extremely patient with him.

Definitely the least willing to show physical affection.  Shiro’s the one who initiates.  Jotaro stiffens a few times at first but loosens afterwards.

He finds that he even likes some of it.

Won’t go rigid when they’ve been together for a good while.

Jotaro’s the type of person who may say something callous or blunt but his actions denote his true feelings.  

The type to call his mother a bitch but will go to the other side of the world to fight an immortal, power-hungry, time-stopping vampire to save her.  This is pretty much why Shiro didn’t take his rudeness to heart when they were younger.  

Now? Shiro sees that despite his aloofness and bluntness, Jotaro’s much gentler than he seems.

“Good grief, why’re you still moping around here for? It’s pitiful.  Didn’t you say your dream was to go into space?” 

There was a time when they didn’t see each other again until they were adults.  Needless to say, both were stunned at seeing the other again.

Shiro matured substantially and he’s far less of a wide-eyed “wanko kouhai” from what Jotaro remembered. 

He’s no longer “cute” but handsome.

Meanwhile, Shiro’s quite astonished at seeing Jotaro not only no longer swear, but wearing white, no longer snapping and being way less temperamental, and also being a Ph.D. in marine biology.

He just seemed to grow even handsomer than before.

Shiro would be shocked at hearing that Jotaro not only married before but also has a child.  He really didn’t expect Jotaro to marry young and have a kid already.

They would go steady in their relationship.

Due to his divorce, Jotaro is still a bit wary of showing his feelings.  He’s trying hard to open up to Shiro but it’s so difficult opening your heart again.  

Shiro is extremely patient and quite understanding; willing to give Jotaro space and provide a listening ear if needed.

Jotaro feels guilt not only from his last divorce not working, blaming himself for it, but also guilt at not being able to share how he feels to Shio. 

Initially afraid that Jolyne might hate him, Shiro gets relieved and delighted at seeing that she accepts him.  Jolyne would call Shiro “Takashi”.

“I have a mommy and two daddies!” 

If there’s something that Shiro really doesn’t like about Jotaro, it’s his smoking habit.

Though Jotaro doesn’t do it often as an adult (only when really stressed), Shiro would still tell him it’s not good for him.  He tried to hide the packet once but Jotaro easily finds it.

When Shiro has a PTSD episode, Jotaro simply has to slip his hand into his and give it a tight squeeze.  He’ll then say his name quite lowly yet clearly.  If there’s something in the room triggering the PTSD, Jotaro will sneak Shiro out of there by using Star Platinum’s: The World.

When having a nightmare, Jotaro will say his name, voice low and clear again.

He won’t resort to physicalities until after he’s called Shiro four times.

When Shiro wakes up, Jotaro will let him breathe before placing his head on his shoulder.

Shiro has thought of marriage more than Jotaro.  Again, this is due to Jotaro having actually been through a marriage already and it not working out.  Shiro tries not to mention it as he doesn’t want Jotaro to feel uncomfortable though Jotaro doesn’t really mind hearing about it.  It’s just that he’s not ready.

Though Jotaro speaks English well, he and Shiro communicate in Japanese.  Shiro tends to respond in Japanese only when they’re alone or they want to make some remarks that they don’t want the other Paladins to hear.  

Like with the Kakyoin, Shiro can’t help but chuckle at the confusion on some of the Paladins’ and Polnareff’s faces when he and Jotaro have a few in-jokes together.

The first time he saw Star Platinum, Shiro was in awe at seeing this warrior fly out and emit a violet aura.

Whereas Jotaro is guarded with his emotions, Star Platinum? He’s all of Jotaro’s feelings he doesn’t want to express.

As a result, Star Platinum is far more expressive and open with his emotions.  

If Jotaro is happy? Star Platinum will have big, dopey grins.  If Jotaro is sad? Star Platinum would look really mopey and be drooping down while he’s floating around.

Shiro is highly amused at this but finds Star Platinum adorable despite being a blue punchy ghost.

Unlike his user, Star Platinum is really affectionate and into physical contact.  He will hold Shiro all the time, drape and peek over his shoulders, carry him up…he’s really just this big blue puppy.

Star Platinum loves to hug.  And being a really strong Stand, Jotaro watches closely, afraid that Star Platinum can get carried away and that he could actually hurt Shiro.

If he does, Star Platinum sulks and will feel really guilty.  Jotaro also feels quite guilty and would check up on Shiro.

Shiro insists he’s alright and plays it off by making a light-hearted remark on how Star Platinum’s just so strong.

Jotaro gets highly embarrassed by his Stand at times since Star Platinum does and expresses all the romantic feelings he has towards Shiro.

Would stare at Shiro with a lovey-dovey expression.

Shiro’s a little embarrassed as well but thinks it’s so cute.

Would tease Jotaro a little about it.

Star Platinum also leaves a bunch of little gifts for Shiro behind like shells, leaves, pretty little rocks…anything he thinks that Shiro would like.

Shiro has a whole collection of little trinkets collected by Star Platinum on his desk.

This Stand definitely will steal kisses.  Star Platinum will kiss Shiro randomly or out of the blue, much to his surprise.

If Jotaro deprives or denies Star Platinum from affection for Shiro for too long, the next time the two kiss, the Stand will immediately appear between them to steal the kiss.

Shiro is pretty amazed with Star Platinum’s rapid-fire punching and how powerful each blow is.  He’s even more impressed at hearing that the Stand has a time-stopping ability, The World.

But upon hearing that it actually takes a toll on Jotaro’s heart when he uses it, Shiro tries to make sure the situation doesn’t call for use of The World.

Even if the situation does call for it, he tells Jotaro not to stretch his limit.

Jotaro sighs at how Shiro is being a bit protective but secretly appreciates the concern.

Though marriage isn’t something that will come soon, it’s definitely some time in the future.  The two are already in a family with Jolyne so really, it’s just that final step before they really walk through life together as a wedded couple.

These were a hell of a lot of fun to write, and though I really love one of these cross-ships, I’m really liking the idea of the other ones.  So, thank you so much for this request, Anon! 

- Saging

[narutospork-blog]

Naruto Episode 1 (Part3)

Summary

Part 1

Part 2

Part three….Final boss

I am back and going to fight this final boss.

Which might be hard then I thought Naruto’s first word out of his dumb mouth is believe it. I should have done a believe it count but I love myself too much to that. And I love you guys…I guess.

Any yadda yadda Naruto explains why he stole the scroll being the dumbass he is not to question Mizuki’s motives. Iruka gets this dumb look on his face as he finally connects the evil bad guy is evil.

Before Dolphin boy could question Mizuki motive Kunia come flying at him. I never noticed this before but why did he push Naruto? The Kunia weren’t aiming for dumb ass they were aiming for you. I guess you can say it is protective instinct, but this is Kishi’s writing I am going to give him no credit.

Iruka is pinned to a shed bleeding you know being a ninja. He isn’t even pinned his clothes have been grazed but sure what ever we have to add dramatic effect, the first episode should always be about being dramatic not introducing the world, characters and adventure no dramatic effects.

Iruka then says the greatest line ever “That is the way it is…I should have known,”

Yeah, he never hid how evil he was. He just smiled at you, and threw lies around acted like a ninja but sure. I am going to guess you are not the brightest crayon in the crayon box…..this whole village is full of dumbasses.

Mizuki ask for the scroll and Naruto the clueless dumb ass he is questions “What is going on here?”

Your teacher slash father figure just got attacked by Kunia coming obviously from Mizuki’s direction and the two obviously were arguing about something. Mizuki your secret spot isn’t so secret and you and everyone else is a dumb ass.

While pulling out a Kunia from his thigh Iruka begins explaining what the audience already knows.  

Hand Holding: 3

‘But he is explaining it to Naruto’ I hear Naruto fans shout….yeah but it should have been obvious from the start. It honestly feels repetitive you figure out the evil plan before the series start.

Mizuki tries one last attempt to gain Naruto’s trust. I mean Mizuki tells him that Iruka “Doesn’t want /him/ to have the scroll” Naruto looks surprised for a second and betrayed as he stares at Iruka.

Iruka goes, “Stop lying Mizuki, Don’t let him trick you, Naruto,”

Who the fuck is lying? If I remember correctly no the village, nor the Hokage nor Iruka wants Naruto to have the scroll. After all it is the “The SCROLL OF SEALING. NOOOO!” Why you are lying Iruka you don’t want Naruto to have the scroll. I mean Mizuki isn’t settle but he isn’t lying.

Mizuki then goes on like, “I will tell you the secret you don’t know and you don’t know it,” remember this guy is settle. Or Kishi’s attempt at settle

We get this clip in between of Iruka screaming no.

There you go I summed it up it is just as good as Darth Vader screaming no. Naruto ask what the secret is.

Again we get a great image of Iruka screaming “no again” really he is just telling Mizuki not to tell Naruto it is forbidden.

Mizuki goes on saying “The decree is no one can tell /Naruto/ the nine-tailed fox  is inside of /Naruto/.”

That is so government isn’t it. Konoha the best place to live but there are rules, first rule, don’t talk about what happened twelve years ago. I wonder how their history books look like.

Student: “Teacher what happened in the blacked-out section, twelve years ago,” Teacher: “We don’t talk about what happen twelve years ago” Student: “I don’t know I feel like this will cause a lot of backlash and trouble if we don’t acknowledge a time in history,” Teacher: “Get out,”

 Konoha the greatest place to live secrets are kept pasts are hidden and you are forbidden to talk about it. This is sounding a lot like North Korea.

I am not even exaggerating they do it with the Uchiha Massacre and how the village is founded, and I am sure lots of other things too. Isn’t that wonderful. When you read stores that have corrupt government usually your lead characters  trying to fight against them. Naruto on the other hand the characters are fighting for them.

Village of Assholes: 1x100000000000000 It feels so right I hate this village so much and with everything recently helping politically, in the U.S and the world it is ironic people give this an excuse and think Konoha is a good village.  But I can’t give it that much points but I will give twelve one point for every year they kept the secret from “Na..rru..to”

Village of Assholes: 13

Mizuki explains why the village hates Naruto and it is because he is the nine tails. Yadda Yadda. I am not going to quote this I spent a long time already in this and I need to move on I already feel ike I watched Naruto long enough.

Mizuki begins blurting the truth how Naruto won’t be accepted into the village, and everyone hates him and Iruka hates him.. Naruto is about to call the nine tails but right now that isn’t important. Mizuki is an asshole but he isn’t wrong. To be honest I am not seeing him as a bad guy more like an asshole. Where is he wrong?

We get a flashback to the Hokage trying to explain to Iruka, that Naruto is lonely. It is a repeat of what we heard five minutes ago, guess we have to pad out the series some how

Hand Holding: 2 The Hokage goes on this little vent on how lonely Naruto is and Iruka should be nice to him. Giving me a reason to believe that Mizuki was right Iruka did hate Naruto. Father figure of the year….I am begging to think Kishi had issues with his father, why Naruto has a whole bunch of asshole father figures in his life.

What is the matter Kishi you don’t know what love is? It isn’t a hard concept to grasp?

Anyway Mizuki says what we all are thinking and will be thinking for the next fifteen years and throws a Beyblade at Naruto, killing him. Thus ending the series

Thank you and goodnight it was fun sporking Naruto but I think my job is done. -Leaves Sporking Room-

Itachi: -Drags Roxie and drops her in the Sporking Room and leaves-

Roxie: -sigh- So I lied a bit I just wanted this spork to end. I wanted Naruto to end.

Anyway I think I need to vent about the Kage’s part in all this. I am sure it was the 4th Kage that came up with the rule don’t tell Naruto, Don’t talk about it yadda yadda. But the third had the power just to be like, you know that is a stupid rule it is part of our past and a mistake we should acknowledge. Another thing to, is what you can forbid people from talking about the past (which I am sure none of the parents spoke, about at home as the kids didn’t know of Naruto. It is shown in later episode kids don’t know anything when talking to Naruto and surprised when he finds out. And knowing kids myself, if kids if feel like bulling they would so bring up Naruto’s past. ) but you don’t force them to be kind to the kid.

So this gets two counts, one because of the Hokage’s power over not changing the rule. Two because how stupid the rule is in the first place.

Black hole of Doom: 13

Anyway Mizuki throws a Shadow Windmill at Naruto. Iruka still pinned to the wall screams, “Naruto, get down!”

Naruto listens and a second later like a bullseye it hits Iruka’s back in the middle of the red mark on his chest. Imagine the chances of that. I guess I found out what the red dot was for target practice

I just ruined this series moment but don’t worry Naruto has plenty of sad moments I will ruin in the future only it will be in Manga form.

Iruka coughs of blood on Naruto’s cheek and Mizuki shares our disappointment, we will now have to live through 500 episodes of Naruto. Sad day. Naruto ask “Why?”

And get this Iruka answers with “Because We’re the same”

Now I hate being this person, I don’t like comparing people’s problems to others. You are broke and can’t eat for a week till your next paycheck but at least you aren’t hungry kids in Africa. However I do think there is a time and a place, you don’t go complaining to a hungry kid in Africa how you haven’t ate in a day or two and are like “yo, we are the same we don’t have food,” Iruka you lost your parents when you were twelve the same age Naruto is now. You haven’t people hate you. This kid might be an asshole but he has his reason this time around, the village hates. You aren’t the same as Naruto.

He goes on explaining, “When I lost my parents, no one seemed ot care.” Thus proving my points the village is full of what my fans.

Thank you Adam Sandler for sharing our thoughts

Village of Assholes: 14

Iruka rans about how he became the class clown and did crazy things to get “their” attention. Whose attention I don’t know I kind of feel bad giving another point to Blackhole of doom but I don’t know who “their” is. The Village, teachers, friends, family friends I don’t know.

World’s tiniest Violin:8

Black hole of Doom: 14

He sniffs and snot gets on Naruto’s face

Disgusting

Anyway, Iruka rants about how he let Naruto down and should have been for Naruto more thus proving my point Iruka was an asshole as well. He didn’t love Naruto till he could relate to his problems.

Why is it in Naruto everybody has to relate to one another to understand what another character is suffering through. Why can’t people I don’t know here is a crazy thought just understand what someone’s suffering.  You know what I another plothole. Iruka shouldn’t be the only orphan after the Kyuubi attack but the story is starting to feel that way.  What Iruka was the only one with out parents I thought the Kyuubi attack was a big thing that hurt a lot of people but if only two lives were lost then I guess it wasn’t as big as they were making it out to be.

Black hole of Doom: 15

You expect an easy review after all it is only one episode you don’t have to break it down into three parts what do you get. A story already starting with it’s plot holes.

Mizuki begins chuckling I guess after a full minute of staying silence while Iruka blabs his past and emotions. I mean Mizuki is an asshole but at least he is a considerate asshole allowing Iruka to make a heart felt confession. What next you are going to rant about your plan to rule the world?

Mizuki continues on spilling the truth talking about how Iruka hated Naruto and the nine-tailed killed his parents and will say anything to get the scroll from Naruto.  Um again where is the lie Naruto shouldn’t of had the scroll in the first place.

Naruto then runs of with Iruka calling his name. Mizuki then explains “his” evil plan. Or Naruto’s evil plan. Naruto is going to use the scroll to destroy the village, the rule the world. I might have exaggerated a bit but I wasn’t wrong completely Mizuki is that kind of idiot to rant about his genius plan for world domination.

Iruka throws the shadow windmill screaming “Naruto is not like that” Mizuki dodges it and is basically quote by quote any other action moves, V: “I will kill him then come back for you,” H: “I won’t let you” Dude, he is right there are you a ninja or not go kill now it will save you a lot of hassle. Wait silly me Mizuki is a cartoon villain it would take a lot of brain power to come up withthat idea

Now this part piss me off guess who is watching this whole time from his crystal ball. Btw everytime I see this stupid crystal ball it will get  a black hole count because fuck you third hokage and that stupid crystal ball.

Black hole of Doom: 16

Hey, um I know you are the Hokage and all but I don’t know…shouldn’t get INVOVLED. After all this “THE SCROLL OF SEALING. NOOOO!” Naruto could destroy the village, other ninjas were panicking when they heard Naruto stole it. No, you aren’t going to stand up get involved okay then, I don’t know why everyone is worried, the Hokage isn’t.

Black hole of Doom: 17

Thumb up Their Ass: 6

So we continue this story with lord thumb up his butt acting like he si talking to a bunch of preschoolers who were just caught calling one another stupid, vs. I don’t know a young ninja stealing apowerful scroll.

“This is not good, Mizuki has a big mouth, He made Naruto feel so bad, Worse then he’s ever felt it could unleash the power inside of him. If Naruto keeps tampering with the scroll, the seal that locks the fox spirit inside of him could be broken and the beast could come out. If that happens I fear for us all”

Lord thumb up your ass, you are not dealing with a couple of preschoolers fighting over who is more stupid. This is a powerful scroll that could destroy the village and if I am hearing correctly could unleash the beast. Memo to self, keep Naruto away from Monster Energy Drink. Wouldn’t want him to unleash the beast.

But no, I am not buying it you are sitting on your ass watching it on your crystal ball. I am not buying that the village is in danger or anything, in fact any tension the episode may have had is now gone because you are not worried then I am not worried.

Show don’t tell: 6

See how easily tension is ruined if you tell your audience what to feel. I feel more threatened if Naruto gets near a Monster drink then the scroll. Thanks Hokage

Naruto is running is running through the trees and guess who comes up but Iruka telling Naruto to give him the scroll and to hurry. Naruto attacks Iruka sending the man flying confusing the audience. Naruto hugs his scroll and leans on the tree while Miz…I mean Iruka is not Iruka but Mizuki.

“I was the turkey”: 5

Iru- I mean Naruto laughs and like

“I was the turkey”: 6

So if any you guys ever watched the English version of Naruto Iruka is one of the best worst actors but the way he said “Because I’m Iruka” it sounds like that man just suddenly thought he was going to get laid tonight and said that line all sexy. He was embarrassed by all the other lines Iruka said but his one he had to be all sexy with.

In case you guys are wondering why I gave it two “Turkey” counts the plot was pretty obvious from the start. It is basic writing one-oh-one. Kishi hasn’t been creative from the start of the plot why would be he be creative now. The only Jutsu he shown so far is the transformation jutsu and clone jutsu and we haven’t seen them since the start of the episode it is only natural it should show up close to the climax.

Btw Iruka I am glad you are mobile most people who get stabbed in the back have a hard time moving. But I am going to let this one slide today, one because I am tired, two I don’t want to start another count, so I am going to say he missed your vertebra. Two I want to get this spork over with but I might include in you in a count later one. Remember I am watching you.

Somehow these two ninjas conveniently land where Naruto is hiding. Mizuki ruins some of his coolness by repeating what we already know to Iruka. There is only some many times someone can say “He killed your family” before it wears thin. Three times.

Hand Holding: 3

Jutsu No Plot:3

I will give this a count as well because they mentioned Iruka’s past three times and Iruka only met with a  

Meh. It really doesn’t give us insight on the character other then, “I can relate to Naruto on loneliness, so I should respect him,” You and half the cast Iruka. You aren’t special, no wonder you get forgotten when Kakashi shows up.

Mizuki continues on being his villainous self and again if you watched other action series you know how they go, “he is just like me,” “he will uses his rage and destroy everything” you heard it once you heard it a “100% times”

Iruka agrees with him hurting Naruto’s feelings. Again it follows basic plot of any character who gets hurt by the person they trusted, “He never believed in me” “he thinks I am a freak” fifteen seconds later. (An awkward pause no idea why they do that). Iruka goes “but that is not who Naruto is”

Of course not

Explain to us Iruka what a great character Naruto is.

“…Naruto is one of the kind, works hard, puts his whole heart into it. Sure, he messes up sometimes and everyone jumps on him. But his suffering only makes him stronger…”

Um…yeah sure whatever Kishi are you done stroking yourself I have a review I have to run.  Where should I start.  I only have two minutes left of this episode. Just where to start.

I pick the first line, “Naruto is one of the kind, works hard, puts his whole heart into it” let’s see I haven’t seen Naruto work hard till just now when you found him the forest. I have no idea if he works hard nor not but from what I watched so far, this episode is the only time he trained hard.

Sentence two “Sure, he messes up sometimes and everyone jumps on him” Where did he mess up? Stealing the scroll, I guess that is a big no-no but for the most part the kids seemed like a giant jackass. Painting on the faces of the Kages, sexy Jutsu causing trouble at school. Those aren’t a sign of a kids messing up just a kid being an asshole but sure whatever.

“But his suffering only makes him stronger”

His suffering makes him stronger. Is that how the rate strength on characters. The more you suffer the stronger you become. Future writers this is where you lose a lot of audience is when you tell us one thing but show us another. A lot of people make interruptions over the characters action not what the author is telling us. Example right now in this little episode.

Iruka rants about how strong and hard worker Naruto is who makes mistakes. But in the episode before this little rant, we are shown Naruto is lazy to the point he ditches school, he can’t get a jutsu right (other than his one creation) and he purposely cause trouble for attention. It was even mentioned a few times that Naruto caused trouble for attention. The boy had yet to make a mistake, maybe steal the scroll and all the tension about how important that scroll is gone when you see Lord thumb up his butt sitting near his desk looking through a crystal ball watching Naruto, instead of I don’t know chasing after the kid and getting the scroll back.

@ fuckishimoto is better at explaining the underdog story in Naruto and why it doesn’t work better then I could read some of their stuff to understand.

Show don’t tell: 7

Two counts, one because this big scroll of secrets that is oh so important is only mentioned how important is while the leader I sitting on his ass watching Naruto in HD. I forgot to give it a count then. The second count because of the little rant about Naruto.

Mizuki shares our thoughts and makes a face of disapproval. Dude you had a chance to kill him and you missed your chance. I don’t know what to say to you.                                         

Mizuki continues on being that cartoon villain he is, “I was going to save you for later I will kill you now…you are stupid for having such hopes,” Really if you watched any cartoon Marvel/DC villains you heard the lines once you heard it a thousand times. I am just summarizing it.

Mizuki goes running to kill Iruka who is all like, “…this is it” and is it just me or does the actor sound satisfied that his character is going to die. But what do you know Naruto comes in last minute and kicks Mizuki in the face thus disappointing the actor for Iruka. “Na-ru-to”

Mizuki tries to brush off his mistake of not killing Iruka earlier and is all evil villain. I am not sure I want to summarize since we are so close to the end but I will, just to show you how cliché it is.

H: If you hurt them I will hurt you V: don’t you know I am stronger then you H: I don’t care what ever you do them I will make sure you suffer V: I will like to see you try H: you are a fool

And end scene.  Anyway Naruto makes several shadow clone of himself “an advance Jutsu” and I am going to let this pass. One I don’t know the difference between Shadow clone Jutsu and well a regular clone Jutsu. Two if I didn’t Wikipedia what made Naruto jutsu so special it would have gotten a count but I am going to guess in later episode it will explain.

Naruto surrounds Mizuki who was talking all big till now doesn’t even try fighting and has the clones/Naruto beat his ass even having the cartoon sounds effect of someone’s eyes getting poked. Wonderful. We cut to morning and Naruto is laughing about how he got carried away after beating Mizuki to a pulp.  

Iruka says the greatest line ever

“…..He wants to surpass all the Hokages and I am starting to believe he might do it.”

Thus proving dolphin man hated Naruto too till after the boy saved his ass. Kishi you have Daddy issues and I know it.

We cut to the village and only twelve ninjas are still panicking over the missing scroll. If only twelve ninjas are only worried about this damn scroll, then I don’t see what the big deal is. Boys you should do what Lord thumb up his butt is doing smoking a blunt and not caring. Gotta watch watch that Naruto in HD yo.

Iruka can stand with no problem despite having a large weapon lodge in his back only moments ago. But he is standing she he can congratulate on Naruto passing and becoming a ninja. I wish all schools worked that way, I screwed up till I saved someone’s ass. One day of working hard and you will get rewarded. Naruto jumps on Iruka just laughs, “that hurts” Thus ending the first episode.

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

You sexist, asshole: 2 Stupid Girl: 1 Naruto You Asshole: 7 Hand Holding: 3 Show don’t tell: 7 Thumb up Their Ass: 5 Black hole of Doom: 17 “I was the turkey”: 4 Jutsu No Plot:3 World’s tiniest Violin:7 Super Saiyan:1 Village of Assholes: 14

[itissadbutitsmy-life]

you know what who cares about clarity? have an incoherent ramble about pb, how she treats lemonhope, a couple parts about lemongrab, and proof that phlannel boxingday is the best Dad™ in the entirety of adventure time below the cut

I would die for phlannel boxingday he's so good for lh he is the Best father in the entire series and I almost cRied about it

there's a lot of shitty dads in advtime and a lot of dads that could do better but aren't like malevolent, and there's also phlannel, the best damn guy with the kindest fucking heart in the entire show, and he kills giant sentient birds for a living

Listen h

Wait am I about to cry rant about the one off character again

Yeah here goes he was so good he. I mean. I mean. He's so patient and understanding and gentle and lh nEEDS that h he was fucking broken up in his home and then pb spirited him away and put the fate of his entire family on his shoulders and treated him like he was Very Smart And The Chosen One But Would You Just Fucking TRY. and phlannel grabs him away and goes look. you're a good kid. and maybe you can save your family. but you can't beat yourself up over it, you can't put all that weight on your shoulders. you are able to go save them if you want but you are one of many champions in this world, and someone else will do it if you can't. and until then I'm going to keep you fed and clothed and be a person you can come to with anything, because I have no ulterior motives. I really literally don't. 

and every t ime he talks to him he talks low and gentle, he points things out like how he IS a smart kid he REALLY is he just learns differently, he doesn't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do like every other adult figure in his life has up to this point. he knows he has nightmares so obviously lh feels safe enough w him to talk to him about things like that, or he just pays attention and like. knows he keeps waking up screaming and instead of going "ha that's fine," he goes "kids shouldn't be waking up screaming so I'm going to keep an eye on it," he picks up on lh's concerns and gently tells him it isn't his fault when he drops things,

Like ok here's my thing. I know first impression pb is rly nice, yadda yadda I wrote a whole thing (didn’t post it tho lmao) abt how the Ugly Candy People seem to be the worse off ones and that might be her doing if it isn't just coincidence, and I don't feel like getting into that. but . here's my thing abt the lemonhope two parter and pb

Like first off I'm still pissed she put him in a Special School like. how transparent can you be. she's playing favorites and she's raising him for a specific purpose of being a champion. but it's not like, extracurricular champion school, bc she's clearly trying to also teach finn geometry. or maybe she's just. 

Idk but it seems really fucjibg phony. like. just set him up in a school where he can socialize and learn in an environment structured for teaching and socializing. I know lemon ppl don't Get Along With Others but like. singling him out is just. mmmmm don't like that

Anyways so that's one thing but like. she seems to be such! a nice and understanding lady right? she's soft and sweet and she's dangerous when she needs to be, but like. I know we all know she's kind of a dick and she monitors everyone in her kingdom closely to the point of creepiness, etc etc we know. but like. u know what really gets me in the lh two parter is just. how ......inconsiderate? she is maybe? 

like . yeah she wants to fix what went wrong (lg’s cannibalism and like tyranny etc). she can't or won't do it herself ('can't' meaning she's legally not allowed to, but what the fuck is lg gonna do to her? she can destroy him with a fucking flick of her wrist and literally the only person gaining anything from him locking up his kingdom on every legal level possible is himself if that, and we all know his earldom is quite literally overpopulated.So she has nothing but principle stopping her from barging in and demanding he stop, to protect all the other citizens he's hurting. He'll do anything she asks. like maybe once it got bad he wouldn't, maybe he started to realize she never cared about him and she never would, but honestly even if he did start to realize that, if she fucking walked in the door and said she needs to talk he'd be putty in her fingers. he'd listen and do everything she asks of him, and none of the lemon people are gonna fuvkinh stop her. they either know to fear her from lg or stories or experience, or they just know she's their boss's boss, so to speak, and would deliver her right to lg or just let her pass. Right? unless lg has them on orders to like. kill on sight or something. but those poor kids aren't any match for pb and pb's no idiot, she'd take backup or she'd straight up murder them. there's literally no reason for her to not go. she's gonna respect politics now? NOW? She's a fucjibg monolith and she does whatever the fuck she wants no matter what kingdom she's walking into, and now that her son is hurting every single person he's ever loved, NOW she decides she Can't Just Interfere? Fuck you) but uh since she can't/won't do it herself she needs lh to. ok. fine. But like. over and over she repeatedly treats him poorly, like...... like yeah ok she isn't Being Mean but. idk. you take a scared little kid out of his abusive family, then you repeatedly make him see what his siblings are going through now that he's gone, and tell him over and over that it's up to him to make them stop being hurt?

The lemon people are all just babies ? like ok they're not BABIES they're their own ppl but . but they're. so young of COURSE they believe what pb said and what lg2 said, that lh needs to come back for them; HE got away, so so can they, and he's gonna be the one to do it. They're poetic and tragic like the fire kingdom, but grittier and less pretty and performative. of course they'd latch onto the only hero they were given.

but like. to lh it was probably more like. this lady came and took me away from my family so they'd stop hurting me, but she left all my siblings behind, and now she's telling me I have to be the one to save them? lmao no you do it yourself. you did it once you can do it again.

so uh

so lh's adult interaction so far seems to have been like. 

wait was he one of the ones they made originally or is he a second gen lemon person/ someone lg2 made with lollipops like in that one fanfic 

assuming he was in the FIRST BATCH because I'm mean I guess, his adult interaction has been two people who adore me with all their hearts but can't figure out how to feed me-> probably some affection in here somewhere bc he had to get that harp from someplace -> guy who fucking electrocutes us and other guy who's too scared to stop him -> oh shit what the fuck -> lady who got me out of that situation but won't save my siblings and keeps pretending I'm someone I'm not

u know what, I think that's her whole problem

she made lg to be her heir, that's good, but he didn't act how she expected and she couldn't figure out how to support him, so she sent him away (much as I like to say she did it bc like. neddy was antisocial and scared of ppl too and he was ok if he was kept alone so maybe that was all lg wanted too,,,,, like there was still no reason to throw him at the very fucking edge of ooo aight. get him a house in the grasslands or something.). she tried to help him, realized she was making it worse and actually hurting him, so she tried to help again and it worked, bc all lg wanted was to be loved and not to be told over and over (symbolically) that he was REALLY unwanted, but still begrudgingly needed bc he's the only heir to the throne. so getting a friend who wouldn't hate him for who he was was all he wanted. so she did good and kinda let it be for a while. 

but he also really wanted his mothers love, and he tried to act like her so she'd appreciate him or even notice him. so he makes kids for her, he realizes this makes him and his brother happy (HAPPY), and can't stop doing it because he's alone with his brother and their newborn children and no one's telling them to stop. she fixes it, she lets it be.

He's still unwanted. she still hates him. she hates ppl who don't act how she wants them to. she HATES the duke of nuts whose only crime is eating her pudding (possible she hates him bc he's just So Good And Kind, too, and it's fishy), she clearly doesn't treat all her citizens equally (do you see how trashed some of the backstreets are? I mean maybe people are just smashing them faster than she can fix them, but like. I don't know. I don't feel good about it.), she won't fucking talk to the literal heir to her throne (i don’t thiiink he’s been replaced yet?) except when he makes a mess and needs someone to help him fix it. and then she does it as minimally as possible. she sends fnj to fix it or smth. she just. Really wants nothing to do with her failures I guess. maybe that's it. he woke up screaming and needing things other candy people don't need, and she called him her own personal failing. maybe she feels like she let him down by not making him so he could be happy in her kingdom. maybe she blames herself but instead of working with him and supporting him, she gives him anything he asks for and otherwise avoids contact with him like the plague. 

Anyways so what she wanted was a cute, competent candy person to take her throne right? and she goes to his kingdom and she wanders around and like. no one here is her kind of normal. they're all ugly and deformed and squawky and everything's yellow. and to lg and lg everything is BEAUTIFUL, those are their beloved babies that they risked their lives to have, but she doesn't know that, she just knows that MAN those lgs are weird, and when I try to help them, they get mad and lash out at me.

by her first failed experiment she means the first one that made her feel like she was capable of making mistakes that ruin lives. like even if we call that one comic canon, with that Sweet Pink Goop she made before lg, that goop didn’t seem sentient, let alone capable of feeling the consequences of being alive and different from the other candy people

she looks around and she tries to figure out what she doesn't understand. right? in too old. like maybe getting away from them and looking around their house will give her insight into why her heir won't just act like her, won't just be normal and quiet and do what she expects people to do, why she can't figure out how to help him without making him angry (and scared and hurt), figure out what it is HE expects, because he's a person too.

And she finds someone who ISN'T deformed or ugly or weird, she finds someone who honestly wouldn't be out of place (looks wise) in her candy kingdom. and he's bemoaning his unfair treatment and he's dressed in rags and he's alone and he's young and he's talented. 

And he's what she meant to make in the first place. Someone soft and cute, but with whatever traits she'd been looking for in an heir, presumably. someone who can rule a kingdom decently in her place, even better than her, i have my own hcs about that lmao. he’s someone who doesn't flinch when she touches his shoulder, who doesn't have such a cold stare, or such a shrill and uninviting voice. he's small and he's young and he's soft and he's talented and he's being mistreated

and like. she saw other kids getting publicly electrocuted and she saw lg hitting his brother and she saw the fucking evidence of really violent mistreatment, and she went ":/" until she saw someone who she could sympathize with.

and lh isn't who she thinks he is. He's a lemon person, he's Lemongrab's son (or... grandson or like. nephew. I don't know. young relative or like juvenile member of his species.) he's not a candy person, but he looks like one. he's symmetrical and visually healthy. so she gets maternal and concerned, because now it doesn't look like lg's hurting people she doesn't want to even look at let alone worry about (asshole). now to her it looks like he's neglecting and harming a young kid. And they're all young kids, they're all pretty new, they're all people and they're all being hurt. but she can't bring herself to care what he does so long as he’s hurting people she doesn’t care about, that's his business; when she gets involved he threatens to kill her or he upsets her people or whatever. but when she sees someone who looks like a person, who looks like a person of hers, who looks like a kid and who looks like a healthy kid being abused (chubby and healthy but tattered and shock collared and locked in a bathroom, as opposed to like. another lemon person walking around in nice clothes and a shock collar) she gets him out

and she plays on his feelings, she goes, you're the kid I always expected to raise. you're the kid I was supposed to raise to become a shining champion of my kingdom. I made lg, and he turned out wrong and I dropped him as far off the face of the earth as I could, and now I have Finn to be my champion. but you, you need to be great, still. you need to be my shining star. You need to go back and do what lg2 told you to do in his Fuvking Dying Breaths, because like, suddenly me and him are on the same page I guess. 

I don't super blame lg2 for putting all that on lh's shoulders tbh. He's not much older than the kids, really, and like I said, they're all poetic and tragic. and lg2 was getting eaten too so like can you really blame him for anything at that pt. he doesn't know pb really, all his interactions with her were probably Not Bad but lg hates her and would also do anything for her so lg2 probably hates her a little by association. You're the one who hurt my brother and hurt him and hurt him and hurt him, why should I trust you to come get my children away from a dangerous situation? how do I even know if you consider this a dangerous situation? glob for all he knows she electrocutes her people too when they don't please her. for all he knows this is normal.

actually no I give him more credit than that. he might not know if pb considers it normal or not but the fact that lg fucking destroys his spirit when just months ago he was telling him he was the best thing in his entire life, yeah, he knows hurting your kids isn't normal, he knows hurting your life partner isn't normal, he knows maybe how lg came to this conclusion, but he won't tolerate it if he can help it

Anyways I love him?

so in conclusion pb treats lh like he's a candy person when he's NOT, and phlannel boxingday is the absolute purest most wholesome character to ever walk into that fucjibg TV series and he's the only one who treats lh the way he needs to be treated - like a person, like a smart person, like a person who's been abused and been put on a pedestal, like a person with his own needs and experiences that are different from maybe what you'd expect or wish. That's my conclusion. It's 11 fucking pm I need my dam slEEP

real quick summary bc I think I see where I was trying to go with this long ramble: pb's inconsiderate in that she treats him like a gifted candy person, not a gifted lemon person, let alone just a scared little kid who's been really neglected and abused. she at least seems to just kinda ignore the whole thing where he gets defensive and... grabby? idk bc he grew up in a house where he was hungry and ignored and hurt

idk

you give a kid who was raised in a house where he's always hungry and competing with his siblings for food two cupcakes do you really think he's going to share them

especially when it's very clear that you have many cupcakes

do you really think so

also just. if we go w saying a LOT of lg's quirks come from him parroting how pb treated him, idk she just. doesn't do a great job of not treating lh the same way. sure she apologizes when she calls him unacceptable but still I get the feeling she treats him more like lg did than she'd like to think.