#heroes of might and magic is nostalgic for me

[taelophone]

Soft Feminine˚࿔ ⋆˙⟡ — Luigi Mangione x Reader ⋆⭒˚｡⋆TWs: None! Its fluff of luigi fixing your childhood music box lol ˚｡⋆A/N: This was written as an allegory for something!! If you catch it please lmk id be so so happy <33

The slow silence filled the room, pardoned by the occasional shift of clothing or the clinks of Luigi sorting the things on your nightstand. It was a quiet night with your boyfriend, simply enjoying each other's presence while engaged in silent conversation.

His hands whirled around the slowly recovering nightstand, The lids to the foggy glass candle jars and the clutter slowly finding their native places as he worked his magic. Soon enough, your nightstand was clear, bothered only by your lamp, room spray, a mini succulent, and your flamingo-pink Laneige sleep mask. 

When Luigi finished bringing order to your nightstand, he glanced at you momentarily. No reason in particular, just to bask in your features as you scrolled on the cyber-white hue of your phone.

He smiled, overcome with warm and fiery sparks of affection. He wanted nothing in the world to ever raise a finger at you in challenge— if so, he’d gladly break it just to deem himself your hero. 

When he was done staring at you, he patted your head affectionately as you lay stationery in your bed, relishing in the warmth of your smile. He whisked away from your nightstand, making his way to your vanity as he began sorting that as well.

While you listened to the glass and metal clinking over by the far corner of your room, you turned off your phone to stare up at the ceiling. Today had been a long, long day. 

You longed to continue to lay down and embrace your boyfriend with rampant lovelorn. Maybe even accompanied by some soft and quiet…music!

Music! Your music box! Oh, he can fix it!

“Lui, babe?” You spoke, shattering the fragile silence. 

“Yes, my love?” He answered, tilting his head slightly in your direction but not taking his eyes off of the things he continued to put away.

“You’re an engineer, right?” You inquired, crunching your torso to bring your body up, sitting criss-cross on top of your soft comforter.

“Depends…what are you asking me to fix? I can’t do appliances” he joked with a light smile and a boyish giggle. Cute little cornball.

“Nothing too serious…I have a music box that I’ve had since I was like…a baby. Can you take a look? It broke sometime after I turned nine, but I never got it fixed” You murmured, shuffling over to the end of your bed and leaning over the foot of your bed frame.

With your brushes, blushes, and plushes sorted at your vanity, Luigi broke his structuring trance to take a look at the little music box you began to pull from under the depths of your bed. Aged with hospitality, pink with youth, and loved with adoration, the ballerina-esque porcelain wind-up contraption presented itself in your hands.

Gold embellishments, blush roses, and shimmery gloss drew attention to the little ballerina on the front of the design. Her figure was just like you, only donned with a white tutu and bodice as she sat with her ankles crossed.

“It’s really old so it might just be an age thing, but I really wanna see if it can be fixed. I loved it so much growing up I just don’t wanna let it go” you said with a nostalgic chuckle.

“It looks really pretty! Can I see?” He gently asked, walking over to the front of your bed and extending both of his hands to seek out permission for the piece.

You nodded, carefully and cautiously handing him your innocence with benign hands. He seemed to examine it, get a feel for the material under his fingertips before he carefully flipped open the little lid to reveal the swan and the woman standing atop a pink pedestal.

He gave it a few winds, listening for any potential clicks along the way as he was met with a suspicious amount of loosened compliance. Normally it would give some sort of pressure or noise if it was working properly, but he seemed to have already figured out the problem.

“Okay…I think I know what the issue is. I’m gonna have to take this apart, baby” he stated, closing the little box with a satisfying click. “I know what I’m doing, I promise, I just don’t want you to panic. I have to take it apart to see its anatomy, and that’ll give me a better understanding of what’s wrong…is that alright with you?”

Your eyes widened with slight fear, ‘what ifs’ flooding the pipes in your mind while your heart rate spiked. This was his job, yes, and he spent a good portion of his life assembling things and putting them together. 

But there’s always a possibility, and there’s never a zero. It’s okay to be afraid of accidents, and it’s ok to keep an open mind, but where do you go if something goes wrong?

What if he breaks it further? Snaps the lid off with unmonitored strength, shatters the neck of the swan with a grip that went unchecked for too long, cracking the perfect porcelain.

Could you get it fixed then? Would your childhood pride be lost at the hands of the one you love the very most? How would you cope when the sound of shattered glass pierces your ears followed by a gasp of alarm?

“Love.”

You looked at him, half-aware of the grip you now had on your music box. The wrinkles in your knuckles as your fingers wrapped around the heavy relic. 

You hadn’t realized how hard you had been holding on, to both your breath and your childhood. There was nothing to fear as long as it was in his hands— he would treat every part of you with the same tender and merciful hands he had held you with time and time again.

“Yeah…okay,” you nodded, handing him the music box with a silent swallow of anxiety.

His eyes softened. An empathetic and understanding wiggle in his brows as he leaned over, and kissed the top of your head with a hand behind your neck. Brief and intimate.

“Thank you for trusting me” he promised.

You smiled, nodding your appreciation as you crossed your arms. 

“All of my tools and mechanical equipment should be in my closet in a white clear box. It should have blue painter's tape on the lid.”

“Awesome,” he said, placing the music box down on the empty vanity before he traversed into the depths of your closet. Rustling and jostling of clothes, shoes, perfume bottles, and unboxed accessories echoed through the silence, aches of impending doom and lingering hope gnawing at the side of your neck.

When he emerged with the clear box of tools, he sat them on the side of the white desk, flipping the music box upside down to see what type of screwdriver he’d need. When he had everything he needed, he took his time, hands cradling and supporting every inch of delicate glass.

Unscrewing each screw, tender love and hospitality possessed his hands as he took it apart. Piece by piece, little by little.

Everything was on display for him, unfiltered in its purest form. Now that he had seen each piece of the machine and what makes it turn, he quickly identified the problem and its solution. 

With expert hands carrying endless wisdom, he reconstructed the feminine melodic music like he was the very man who invented the machine. And in no time, he had the ballerina and her swan spinning on her pedestal of high confidence again.

He wound up the handle, the now familiar pressure and sounds of approval reaching his ears with smug approval. He knew what he was doing, and he’d always be there to prove it to you. 

“Done!” He smiled, flipping the music box closed and giving you a wave of nostalgia and gratitude.

When he approached your bed once more, he climbed on top of it and plopped himself down beside you. He kissed your forehead again, wrapping his arm around your shoulders as you beamed with joy.

“No way, thank you so much! I literally love you,” you gasped, winding up the machine, the familiar melody of Swan Lake ringing through chimes and twinkles as the little ballerina began to spin slowly in the confines of her box. 

“Anything for you.”

[dyingvictorian]

Hello! I have a bunch of questions. 1. Do you like videogames? 2. Did you like furry (If this so, than which type of furry you are?

Hi :D Thanks for the ask!!

1) I do like videogames but I usually watch other people play them. I always get lost and give up (°▽°). Favorite is probably Tetris or Heroes of Might and Magic III. Also a sucker for the Zelda games

2) Im a furry in the sense that I like Anthropomorphic animals, I wouldnt consider myself a therian. If you meant fursona then probably a possum or raccoon? Ive liked furries for a long time but never got into drawing them until recently

[bro-strider-tgirl-tits]

A really long time ago, I drew fanart of the pixie from HOMM5. I don't know if I still have that drawing or picture, but this one is better I'd say

[gemini526sdumptruck]

Inanimate Magic Insanity AU

Explanation Post

Can’t believe episode 17 shook me enough to make me genuinely redraw an AU I made when I was 11 but here we are.

So yeah, with II coming to an end this month, I got nostalgic and decided I wanted to modernize an old II magical girl AU I made in 2016 called "Inanimate Magic Insanity", and try to actually make a story out of it!

I wanted to share a few of the designs I came up with, so here's Lightbulb, Paper, Marshmallow, and Apple, since they were kinda "main characters" in the original AU.

I'm gonna do my best to describe it, because this rework is this in a bit of an early phase lol.

Onto the actual AU itself (Notice: Very mild spoilers for II 2 Episodes 16 and 17, just in case):

So essentially the story takes place in a currently unnamed object city. Everything there was perfectly normal, everyone was doing their own thing and whatnot. But then one day, a mysterious force came and started attacking the city (atm I'm not 100% sure on what the "monsters of the week" are, but I'm thinking that they're like robots and robot phones, related to Meeple).

Enter one MePhone 4, who lives somewhere in town in a seemingly regular house. He saw all of this happening and basically thought "what if I could do something about this". So this led to him creating the heroes (I like to think he made them Powerpuff Girls style lol)! 19 (later 20) objects who would be normal civilians most of the time, but when there's trouble, they'll have the ability to turn into superheroes!

Little does anyone in the city know, that MePhone 4's normal looking house hides a super expansive, high-tech HQ which is sorta like "Mission Control". This is where the heroes are told and given their missions, where they eat, sleep, and hang out. Basically their home. It's very important to MePhone that nobody outside of the hero team discovers "Mission Control".

The kinds of missions the heroes go on range from simple public service to actually fighting the big bad villains. One group of heroes might be saving a kitten from a tree, another group might be fighting the villain of the week! Outside of going on missions, the heroes also get to do things in the city. Like hang out at the park, or go to stores, get jobs if they want to. They just can't tell anybody that they're the heroes or tell anyone about "Mission Control".

The Heroes (really gotta think of a team name for them lol):

Lightbulb- Power of Electricity

Paintbrush- Power of Colors

Paper- Power of Creativity (basically he has a magic pencil and whatever he draws with it comes to life)

Marshmallow- Power of Sweets

Apple- Power of Truth (that was her power in the OG idk lol)

Test Tube- Power of Science (and to a lesser extent Technology)

Bomb- Power of Fire

Tissues- Power of the Cold

Cheesy- Power of Comedy

Cherries- Power of Duplication

Microphone- Power of Music

Balloon- Power of Air

Suitcase- Power of Safety Nets

Nickel- Power of Metal

Knife- Power of Strength

Soap- Power of Bubbles

Yin Yang- Power of Light Manipulation

Lifering- Power of the Sea

Clover- Power of Nature

Bot- Team Mascot (they were still built by Test Tube in this AU, Bot joins the team later on)

As for all the other characters, they're either civilians living in the city or antagonists. They weren't created by MePhone in this AU. These guys are real.

Some notable ones atm are:

Baseball (he would befriend Suitcase, Nickel, and Balloon)

Fan (he's a huge fan of the heroes, he would spend his time theorizing on what the monsters are and who the heroes really are)

Goo (would eventually befriend Bot)

And yeah, that's most of what I have rn! Will add more if I come up with anything.

Character designs coming soon.

[sleepyqweeb189]

Trigger warning: Mental breakdown, self-harm, attempt of force vomiting.

If you're suffering from self-harm, please seek help immediately or talk to someone.

"Mountains.... why...?" Alexa groans as she puts one foot forward.

"Hills.... WHY DO YOU HAVE TO DO THIS TO ME!?" Alexa yelled at the sky.

Alexa has traveled a long way. Alexa hated traveling up mountains. Alexa didn't mind walking a long time, but she still hates mountains and anything uphill. Alexa had already used up some of the herbs that she was given to patch up some cuts or some bruises. Some of these bandits and the scorpions had really done damage. Alexa wonders what Ancient she will meet next. Alexa knew that trying to take the Soul Jams. Remembering that taking Soul Jams is useless. Saint Vanilla seems to have burning magic? Dragonberry is just fucking strong no matter what. Cacao is... Alexa didn't want to disrespect him after he let her stay. The only ones left are Golden Cheese and White Lily. If Alexa's theory is correct, White Lily might be the easiest. Alexa wanted to take at least White Lily Soul Jam to gain some more power to either find a way home or gain powers for defense. Alexa took the time to rest after traveling. Alexa looks up at the stars. They remind her of home. Alexa wonders... if she will be stuck here forever. Alexa still has a life... she doesn't even have magic or any special power like every cookie else to probably survive. Alexa is surprised she is still alive. Sure, she went to the store alone, walked alone with her dog at night with at least a weapon in case, but she at least had someone close with her... her aunt... her grandparents... her family... yet... now... she is alone. Alexa rolls to her side and goes to bed for the night after weeks of traveling.

Alexa wakes up the next day. Alexa puts out the fire and heads off for the day. Alexa walks for a long time. After more battles with scorpions and other bandits, she reaches a small little kingdom or a little town. Alexa slowly walks inside the kingdom.

Walking into the city felt nostalgic. The feeling is odd to Alexa, but she didn't mind it as she started to look for an inn. Alexa was wary of trusting others a bit. Being the last kingdom, she wasn't going to trust cookies who were close to the ancient heroes. The city looks like a mixture of the Axiom from Wall-e but less technology and a bit more keeping its look based on the environment.

Alexa looked for an inn. But exploring wouldn't hurt right...? No, her feet hurt. But she was so hungry. Alexa kept wandering around, not paying attention. Alexa kept walking until she bumped into someone.

"Oh, sorry- I wasn't paying attention." Alexa slowly looks up and her eyes widen.

"Oh! Dear you ok? Oh! You look like me!" A voice that sounded a bit too familiar.

Alexa looked up and saw Golden Cheese cookie. Alexa looked up in shock. Alexa wanted to back away from her. Alexa wanted to run. She wanted to fight her. But after dealing with all the other Ancients, she doesn't know if their powers are the same. Alexa did her best not to look scared.

"Oh dear, do you not look alright? You look a bit more pale." Golden Cheese cookie spoke softly.

"Oh- oh um... y... yeah... I... I haven't... I haven't... eaten yet and-" Alexa was cut off.

"Oh! We can't have that! Come on! We can get lunch!" Golden Cheese cookie yelled out and grabbed Alexa hand.

"Ah- my queen! We have things-!" One of Golden Cheese servents tried to convince her to stop.

"Ah~ nonsense, it's just a quick lunch break." Golden cheese cookie responsed back.

Alexa was dragged into a small restaurant. The people greeted Golden Cheese, but they called her "Celestial Cheese Cookie." Alexa decided to note that later. Celestial Cheese got a booth. Alexa was very nervous. She didn't know if she would survive this one. Is Alexa's theory correct about Golden Cheese being fucking delusional? Alexa doesn't know if she should try and steal her soul jam. Alexa looks down at the food. Alexa only ate the fruit. Alexa didn't like a lot of cheese due to her lactose intolerance. Alexa looked up at Celestial Cheese. She was just talking about her kingdom, talking about how she would grow her kingdom and how she would expand. Alexa didn't engage back and only nodded at the queen's words. Alexa ate and Celestial Cheese left, paying for each other food. Alexa left the restaurant and started to do her task at hand and find an inn. Alexa had a bit of a chance to walk around but came across a small street vendor. They had small but pretty gold pocket knifes, some did look similar to the ones her dad used to own. Alexa looked through her bag to see if she had something, but she found a small pouch of coins with a note.

"Thought you might need this! -Hershey Cookie".

Alexa smiled and bought the knife before going back to look for an inn. Alexa found a cheap but good enough inn. Alexa went into an inn and paid for a room for 1 week and a half. Alexa was worried that people from the Hollyberry kingdom might be after her just in case someone ratted her out while on a trip. Alexa got into her new room at the inn.

The room was ok and nice. One bed, a desk, a nice tv, and a soft carpet against Alexa's feet. Alexa put her stuff down and decided to go through the room. The room had snacks on the table, with a chargers outlit. There was a mini fridge under the desk. The tv was above a big drawer like every hotel. Going through the drawers, there was nothing but some books. There was a panflit for... "The Flowers that Grow in the Garden of the Vanilla Kingdom." Alexa's mind immediately went to Saint Vanilla.

"Who knew that Saint Vanilla had a panflit for his kingdom... then again, he did try to "Heal" me. Never thought it would be like Cult of the Lamb..." Alexa mumbled to herself.

Continuing looking around, there were slippers, more food, a telephone, a closet with an ironing bored, bathroom fully furnished like... damm... is this inn trying to make me stay here or what?! Staying in this Inn for less than a week and a half seems like an insult! Alexa sat on her bed and took a look at her feet. It was covered in many injuries...

From the freezing snow...

From the sudden wet floors of the beach...

From the burning hot sand...

From the those stupid bandist that she had to kick...

Just from the touch pains her...

Alexa is surprised she hadn't fallen over and just die...

Alexa grabbed her bag and dumped everything out, and grabbed the instructions to ease some of the pain.

"Mix..."

"Mix..."

"Dump..."

"Put it over a fire. If not, heat it till boil..."

"Wait"

Alexa gets a sudden knock at her door. Alexa slowly gets up and heads over to see who it is. It was a small Cheese Bird giving Alexa a small device to something. Alexa nods and thanks the bird before closing the door. Alexa goes back and sits down on the bed to look at the small device. Grabbing the small bowl of mixture and setting it down to cool. Alexa looks at the device and presses a small button on the top, which triggered something that made Alexa jump. A loud voice interjected, and a screen popped up of a cookie with cat ears. Alexa remembers that it was one of the NPCs from the Golden Cheese chapter.

"WE INVITE YOU TO A LOCAL, DAILY FRIDAY PARTY! 9PM AT THE CENTRAL CAPITAL! GO DOWN TO THE LEFT FROM THE INN AND THEN GO STRAIGHT AND THEN HEAD DOWN TO THE BEAMING LIGHTS! DRESS UP! EVERYONE WILL BE GIVEN IN THE CLOSET OF THEIR HOMES! DON'T WORRY ITS ALL CUSTOMIZABLE! SO BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU WEAR!"

Then, the screen went back into the device. Alexa just stayed in place for a bit before she snapped out of her own transe. Alexa didn't say anything. She just put the device down and grabbed the now warm bowl and rubbed mixture on her feet and just lay down to sleep.

Day 1, Alexa stays in bed and gets herself rest she needed after sleepless nights and screwing her own sleep schedule just so she won't be killed in the middle of the night! The shows seemed normal. There was a Wheel of Fortune, some guess who game, some movies, normal hotal stuff. Alexa just slept for the whole day until she woken herself up the next day.

Day 2, Alexa's feet fully healed up and decided to clean out her bag. It was full of dirt, leftover snow that somehow still stayed frozen, there was even some Jam... Alexa shook her head and went down to the laundromat. She put her bag and did a light wash. Alexa saw other cookies around but kept her down, not wanting to talk to others and feeling the awkwardness. Alexa makes it back up to her room and puts her things back inside, throwing some trash away. Alexa just spent the rest of her day lying in bed and sleeping.

Day 3, Alexa was laying in bed and watching tv. Her feet were feeling better and not as painful as ever. All the blisters were gone. Alexa just messaged her own foot and did very little for that day. Alexa didn't know if she should get food or not. But, feeling the rumbleing of her shoe, she went out for a bit. Alexa walked to the nearest restaurant to the inn and ordered the cheapest option to save on coins. Alexa thought about a job, but only for a day or two? No... No one would hire a kid... i mean, what is the age requirement to work? How do the Chile Laybor laws in Cookie run? Alexa doesn't know anymore... It's been like... a couple of months? Alexa thinks about keeping a diary. Yeah, that's a good idea...

Day 4, tomorrow is the party. Alexa didn't know what to do. Rolling over to her side, Alexa thinks more to herself. Alexa is not used to Egyptian culture, or much culture, even herself. She never digged into her OWN roots. Even if the game just showed at least just its inspiration... if how they act in the game, will it be offensive if she showed up in the normal look... Alexa got up and decided to walk around. Alexa grabbed her bag and traveled around the city. There was small pain here and there in her foot, but it was fine enough to ignore the pain. The city was pretty and some technology like from Wall-e on the axiom with gold... and more gold... and more gold. The people seem nice, but then again... so were the people back at the Hollyberry kingdom. Alexa kept her guard up... even though she didn't have to... Alexa found a plain white outfit at a cheap price! Alexa paid and headed back, feeling proud of herself.

Day 5, it was the day of the party. Alexa woke up but went back to sleep, wanting to have some energy for the party. Alexa woke up around 7:30pm. Alexa decided it was time to get ready. Alexa did her best to do her hair but failed miserably... she knew if it was her mom, she would've bugged her about her hair. Alexa continued. She steamed the dress carefully after reading on how to do it. Alexa found something to make her look a bit skinny, but as she out it on, it didn't make much of a difference. Alexa thought it was normal and just kept it on. Alexa finished doing everything and decided it was that was her look. Alexa left the inn and headed to the address. Alexa didn't have to look too far as there were really big lights. Alexa went over, got stopped, and then had to hold out an invitation to prove of being invited. Once that was done, Alexa entered inside.

The whole room was a bit dark but still very bright with the lights. It was still very loud. The whole room vibrated with the bass of the music. There were lots of people already here, dancing, or talking to the other cookie. Alexa lowered her head, went over, and got a drink. Alexa was going to pay but was stopped. Alexa looked up and saw Celestial Cheese.

"My dear! You came!" She beemed.

"O-oh oh... um hi ma'am- i mean Cheese! Ye...yeah i came..." Alexa stammered.

"OH! You look so cute! Did you use any brands?" Celestial Cheese asked loudly over the music.

"Uh... no, not really. I dont really know how to do my make-up... my mom used to do it for me for any special events..." Alexa spoke but loud enough for Celestial Cheese to hear.

Celestial Cheese nods before thinking. Celestial Cheese can see the sadness and the uncomfortableness in Alexa's eyes. Celestial Cheese can't have that! All of her guests are supposed to have a grand time!

"How about this dear, i can do your makeup for you!" Celestial Cheese offered.

"I-i um, are you sure? I dont want you to worry i-"

Celestial grabbed Alexa's arm and dragged her somewhere, ignoring Alexa's pleas and her worry. The hallways were long and confusing, and it made Alexa's mind dizzy. They both arrived in some room. There was a beautiful hold mirror with some make-up on the desk and perfectly organized. Celestial Cheese walked Alexa over to a chair and set her down.

"Now, let's start on the-" Celestial didn't finish and was interrupted by a knock.

A small Cheese Bird came in and told Celestial Cheese that she was called to a meeting. Celestial Cheese gave a small glare before calming herself. She thanked the Cheese Bird and asked some of her servents to dress up Alexa a bit. Soon, there were 5 cookies in the room with Alexa. 2 were doing Alexa's hair, while the other 3 were doing Alexa's make-up. They over compliment Alexa, saying how natural her skin was and how natural her long eyelashes are. Alexa felt overwhelmed and blushed heavily. But after a bit, Alexa felt them all back off and looked at Alexa.

Alexa was pulled or dragged back to the party. Alexa was blinded again by the loud music and the lights. Alexa went back to the bar and got herself a soda. Cookies danced, jumped, and moved all over the place. After a bit, Alexa was pulled by another cookie around her age to the dance floor. They both damces together, even though Alexa didn't know any of the moves the cookie did and led her in the dance. Alexa and the cookie were both in the spotlight before letting someone else take in the spotlight. Alexa was sweat and blushing a lot. Alexa said bye to the cookie and a small thanks. Alexa felt her head hurting a bit and a bit dizzy. Alexa decided to go to the bathroom or go back to the make-up room. But Alexa gets lost. Alexa looks around and wonders through the endless halls of the building. The sound of the party was slowly dying down. Alexa sees a light. Alexa, being the stupid girl she is, went over thinking it was the makeup room. But hearing voices, Alexa thought it was something she shouldn't eavesdrop until... she heard his voice...

Alexa peaks inside and begins to listen to the conversation.

"What have you found in the blood? I heard about your rambling and how you found out something in your letter." Saint Vanilla spoke.

"Oh! That girl you met, I found out that her Jam is compatible! Every milliliter of Jam we have of her can combined with all Jam types of creatures! Cake hounds? Yes! Wolf cakes? Yes! And the best of all... Cookie's Jam." Dragonberry spoke with enthusiasm.

Alexa eyes widened as she listened and watched the conversation. Tears were forming at the corners of Alexa's eyes.

"So what you're saying is that this... random cookie that suddenly appeared out of nowhere with no information, no family history, and no history of any kind, has this special Jam that is compatible with animal and cookies Jam type" And odd voice spoke from out of video from the camera.

"Yes. But after each test, the Jam is also sensitive. If there's too much of another kind of Jam, the girl's Jam will explode!" Dragonberry explains more in depth with excitement.

"If I may interrupt Dragonberry, my dear friend, I actually, her. I have that little cookie. She is right in my kingdom." Celestial Cheese spoke Smugly

"WHAT?! WHEN?!" Dragonberry yelled through the screen.

"Just a couple of days ago. She arrived at my kingdom. She is very happy too! At first, she was planning to leave, but knowing that you need her for your... 'things' I plan to keep her here now." Celestial Cheese brushes of her old friends anger.

"You better not, I plan to come over there and get her myself." Dragonberry threatens.

"Oh yeah? Are you sure you want that? unless you want to start a war, i suggest that you dont come at here while she is here..." Celestial Cheese threatens.

"You- ugh! I'm going offline! Bye!" The sound of beep from Dragonberry call ends.

Alexa couldn't believe it. Her Jam or Blood... is that were those dreams about? Is that why they keep telling about her blood? Is that why her teeth hurt? Is that why her eyes chained? Was it the potion? No. Not. Celestial Cheese. Alexa thought. No... Alexa thought wrong. Alexa was a stupid child. Alexa thought Celestial Cheese would be different. No... none of them are different. They...

"They are all the fucking same..." Alexa's voice cracks in despair.

Self-harm, attempted force vomiting trigger warning!

Alexa didn't stay. Alexa slowly backed away without breathing before she ran out of the building. Alexa ignored every cookie that tried to ask her wants wrong. Alexa ran all the way back into the inn and into her room. Alexa slammed the door and locked the door. Alexa slid down against the door and started to breathe unevenly. Alexa put her hands on her head to stop this sudden headache, her fingers fingers digging into her fleash. It's like something is controlling her. Her anger. Alexa couldn't feel it. Alexa started to pull on her hair, her shoulder, and in an attempt to calm down, but how...? Alexa pulled out her pocket knife and started to cut her forarm with all the other cuts. The cuts weren't deep but enough to bleed a little. Alexa didn't stop until she felt her mind feel dizzy. Alexa gets up, stumbles into the bathroom, and leans her head over the sink. Alexa tried to put her fingers in her mouth to vomit, to vomit the blood out her mouth, but her fear of vomit made her stop. Alexa looks down at her red arm, which is bleeding. It itched Alexa's skin to the point she wanted to scratch and never stop until it hit bone. Alexa started to see black spots float around her. Alexa leans against the wall and stumbles to the floor. Her mind went to her mom and wondered how her mom react. Alexa looked down and wanted to cry out, but... nothing came out and slowly fell into darkness with tears running down her face

Alexa wakes up on the bathroom floor. Alexa forced herself to sit up but hissed in pain from her arm. Alexa looks down and sees what she just did. Alexa groans and sat up. Alexa looks at the clock and sees it's only been an hour, she thinks. Alexa grabbed some bandages from her bag and then looked at the instructions on how to bandage an injury. It took a minute, but then wrapped the bandages around her left forearm, her head that covered her right eye once Alexa understood. Alexa takes off her dress and makeup. Alexa can only look at herself before looking at her fingers. They were purple. Alexa knew people would ask questions, but she would just say that got stuck on a catus and had to pull away! No... no one will believe that. Alexa puts on her normal attire outft. Alexa just wings it just heads out. Alexa returns her key to the desk and gives a small nod. As Alexa was headed out of the city, she was stopped.

"Alexa!" A voice called out.

Alexa turns back to see Celestial Cheese flying over to her before just hovering over the air. Alexa looked up at Celestial Cheese. Celestial Cheese gave a small look of concern before she reached out and caressed Alexa's bandaged face.

"My dear... what happened? Did something happen after the party? Please tell me if someone hurt you. I don't want you to leave because of one person-"

"No, no, no... It's fine. I... i just... I just have places to be is all... and i just fell... Don't worry, your people helped me, " Alexa lied.

"Oh. Well..."

"I do hope you can come back... I promise, if you do come back, i will let my people build you a nice home for you! Free of charge!" Celestial Cheese spoke up before moving her hand away.

Alrxa gave a small nod. Alexa said her thanks before walking away from the auto Egyptian like home... home... home...

"Lier... you just need me for your own Greed..."

"A new Flower...?"

Beast ancient au creator: @cuppajj

[beevean]

(1/2) Unpopular opinion: While it is a problem, as seen with so many villains being woobified and others being stripped of their edges, I think the criticism about judging characters by whether they're likable is only one half of the scale, since you have characters like Lanolin being praised SPECIFICALLY for being an unpleasant asshole with no other traits on the basis of "we need more cynicism uwu, you just can't handle a woman being real and honest uwu".

(2/2) And that's not even going into other current year female characters who are written similarly and for similar reasons, or the continuing trend of derailing idealistic characters because the writers consider them boring or unrealistic. Bad or contradictory character writing comes in all shapes and sizes, and I fear that Tumblr's focusing solely on just the one type could lead future writers to learn the wrong lessons, and instead triple down on OTHER bad writing pitfalls via overcorrection.

I think it's all a matter of trends coming and going.

Sonic is a good time capsule. At first, Eggman was the main villain, the only villain even not counting minor spinoffs, and he was always depicted as a goofy guy who nonetheless could be a serious threat. As we all know, the very name was considered too silly for the Western audience of the time, so he got renamed Robotnik and given an edgier redesign in cartoons.

Then come the 2000s, and Eggman isn't good anymore. He's too goofy, too stale. We moved onto cataclismic gods, whose appeal was how scary and dangerous they were, with little to no funny qualities (intentionally ofc). This is also the era where Sonic, the quintessential '90s mascot, was unofficially replaced by 2000s mascot Shadow.

2010s, we're going back to appreciating the Classics, Eggman is once again the star of the show and the series takes again a lighter tone, in hopes of recapturing the series' lost magic. (Sonic was far from being the only one, shout out to Mega Man 9 ofc)

And now the 2000s are en vogue again, but with a distinct nostalgic "hey remember when we were cool?" flavor, and the desire to have "deeper" stories - this is where IDW and its pseudo-moral dilemmas thrive. On top of that, fandoms have become more... socially aware, let's say, and they grew tired of the tired old sexist tropes, so now it's time for new sexist tropes! Such as the tough, no-nonsense, harsh #girlboss who is just as good as any man, and if you dislike her then you are just sexist! "you can't even handle [insert mildly controversial female character]" and all that. Before, women were only "good" if cute and demure, while now, women are only "good" if they're aggressive and strong in combat.

We got used to the idea that the best characters are the "morally grey" ones. Asshole heroes, woobie villains. Soft, cute men and brash women. And these characters are absolutely allowed to exist, but in the worst cases the "subversion" is the only appeal, and they simply lack charisma. Presence, style, a reason to root for them that goes beyond their tragic past. I don't care about Lanolin's potential trauma being conveyed in an unsympathetic way that might be #relatable to some if she's as interesting as a rock and her only purpose in the plot is being frustrating.

I find myself a bit unequipped to talk about this, but I'm reminded of this very good video from Mr. Enter comparing the OG Fairly Oddparents with A New Wish, and how trends have changed in 20 years:

Two points jumped to me: the difference between Timmy being "the average kid" and Hazel having her own unique quirks, and the infamous meanspiritedness of the OG show that was all but retconned in ANW, because we generally grew tired of it and no longer find it a joke.

[wereallylostnowbois]

Echoes of Wisdom first thoughts

Full disclosure i meant to get this post out yesterday but circumstances prevented it

Im not going to be doing much "theorizing" so much as just commenting on things that I think are neat.

And to start, first and foremost, ZELDA'S GOTTEN HER OWN GAME!!!!! IM SO HYPE!!!

Though with prior statements from various loz directors over the years I can't help but wonder why now? Even as of very recently their stance has been that Link is the protagonist and will always be the protagonist. I joke sometimes that this is because the cdi games scared them away from doing a protagonist Zelda, but in truth its probably because if Link isn't heroing then what is his narrative purpose? I'd be curious to know what internal decision led to us finally getting Zelda as a protagonist.

And on that note: meaningfully different gameplay as a consequence of a different protagonist!!! Fighting enemies via clever usage of environmental pieces is a lot more Zelda than swinging a sword around. The narration doesn't mention this, but if you watch closely in the demo section for the echoes you can see the echoes begin to flash yellow a few seconds after being summoned. I theorize that this probably means the limitation on echoes is a time one rather than a quantity one. Do with this info what thou wilt.

I will admit I am surprised though, in side games where Zelda is playable she tends towards a similar moveset to Link, though you won't see me complaining about this change.

On to the smaller details.

Based on this small feature we see in the overview shot I think we can reasonably conclude this is the same Hyrule as in alttp and albw, as only those games feature this field of stones. I won't do any timeline speculation because I find such things inane, but I will helpfully note that whatever area Zelda emerges from after the sequence with Ganon is southeast of Lake Hylia, a part of this map we don't get to see much of. From this angle we should also be able to see Link's House, as it resides just south of Hyrule Castle, but its nowhere to be found, so the map probably isn't identical, only similar, in probably the same way alttp and albw are similar to each other.

The Great Deku Tree is here and appears to have a very oot-ish design, which paired with the Deku Scrub seen later in the trailer has me a bit nostalgic.

The dias here has a similar vibe to the Master Sword pedestal in many prior games, though bears nothing save for the design of the Triforce. This is probably a place where Zelda will get an upgrade of some variety, though who can say what that might be. Based on the mist this is almost certainly somewhere in the Lost Woods, where Link obtains the Master Sword in uh. Oh so many games.

Of further note, this is our first time seeing both kinds of zora in the same setting. I can't help but wonder what the story is here, but I don't see any use speculating from the few frames we got.

This game will also mark the second appearance of the Gerudo in a top down loz game, with Four Swords Adventures being the first. The presence of a desert town also furthers my note that this is the alttp hyrule, but also isn't. Perhaps the bounds of the map have expanded?

Im obligated to wonder why Zelda seems to be sneaking in though.

Based on the motif of floating islands it seems like we'll be able to traverse the world Hyrule is being consumed by, which follows with the "two worlds" motif most loz games have. In the opening shots of the trailer we see that Ganon's Trident is what opens the initial portal to this place, and in fsa certain npcs will mention the trident being used to banish people to the Dark World, but I hesitate to confirm its identity just yet. It certainly doesn't look like any iteration of the Dark World we've seen before. Reminds me more of Another Dimension from Kirby honestly.

And speaking of Ganon, his classic design makes an appearance! He's got his throwable trident and silly ping pong magic! Look at him go! To do the most mild amount of timeline speculation, because he seems to be enacting a plot of some variety (kidnapping Zelda) this has to take place before the Oracle games, as post-Oracle he's rendered a mindless beast by a failed resurrection. Thats my obligatory timeline note for the month tho.

Not even gonna open the can of worms that is speculation on Tri. I just wanted to say that I love this design. So marketable plushie.

If you were, however, to press me for speculation. I would then make note of the fact that at the end of alttp the Triforce speaks. No one has ever been clear on why. I've mostly lent myself to the assumption that this is because alttp was the first loz game to have any solid lore. Stuff was weird back then. Best to not worry about it.

In any case, these have been my non-comprehensive immediate thoughts. Im looking forward to playing this game.

[theredtrails]

What are your recent favorite video games? (Bonus if you also tell me the stuff you played when you were younger that influenced you the most)

I bought FF7 Rebirth the day it came out and I'm still not done with it 🙃 but I really enjoy it though!! I'm curious to see if it sticks the landing but I enjoy spending my time maximizing my relationship with Tifa 😌

I recently enjoyed The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, it's a tarot-building narrative game, very well written and amazing characters 🥰 obviously I spent a lot of time playing BG3 and Alan Wake 2, I just wish I had more time 🥺 the latest Prince of Persia seems right up my alley, I love Metroidvanias/platformers like these. The Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells was another 10/10 for me, happy to see French studios releasing fun stuff!

Bonus answer: it's hard to say because my tastes have changed so much... I played a lot of Heroes of Might and Magic and Sims on my family computer but that doesn't really appeal to me anymore.

I grew up with a SNES as a child, and my favorite game was the fighting game Killer Instinct! It was edgier and darker than Street Fighter 2, which I really loved, and it had a killer soundtrack too 😌

I don't play fighting games anymore, maybe a Tekken match here and there, but I think it has influenced my taste for fast-paced action games... I also was a big fan of the old God of War games!

I had a JRPG phase as a teen with several Fire Emblem and Tales of games, FE3H was very much nostalgic in a way 🥲 I finally got a decent gaming PC in my early 20s and that's when I discovered BioWare games 😌

[pesterloglog]

John Egbert, Jade Harley, Jaspersprite

Act 6, page 5283-5307

JOHN: jade...

JADE: hm?

JOHN: i think i just realized something.

JADE: what?

JOHN: THIS MOVIE FUCKING SUCKS!!!

JADE: whaaat

JADE: but you love this movie!

JOHN: yeah, i know.

JOHN: i mean... i thought i did.

JOHN: it's been kind of a long time since i last saw it. i really remember it being a lot better than this!

JOHN: but now everything just seems so cheesy and stupid.

JADE: but you were making such a big deal about finally getting me to watch it with you on your birthday!

JADE: you were going on and on about how i wouldnt be disappointed... but now youre saying you dont like it?

JOHN: i don't know. i'm trying to like it. i WANT to like it.

JOHN: i want to feel the same magic that was there all the other times i watched it.

JOHN: but i can't, because...

JOHN: it's just...

JOHN: not...

JOHN: good. :(

JADE: really?

JADE: i was actually kind of enjoying it!

JADE: its very silly

JADE: i really dont think its the kind of movie youre supposed to take all that seriously john

JOHN: but i DID take it seriously!!!

JOHN: i guess maybe that's kind of the point.

JOHN: i always thought all this hokey bullshit was legitimately awesome and compelling.

JOHN: what was i even thinking!

JADE: i dunno....

JADE: but people can change their minds about things

JADE: i think youre allowed to change your mind about a silly movie

JADE: i used to LOVE the squiddles show when i was really young

JADE: but as i got older i started to realize it wasnt as great as i thought it was

JADE: i was just too young to see how it was actually a flagrant vehicle for selling merchandise

JADE: and if you believed the conspiracy theorists it might have even been pushing some other dark hidden agendas.....

JADE: so i stopped liking the show itself as much but that didnt change the fact that i had a lot of fond memories about it

JADE: i still loved all the cute characters and could enjoy it on a nostalgic level

JOHN: well, maybe later i'll be able to rekindle some nostalgic feelings about it.

JOHN: but right now, i just feel like a dope for talking this up so hard.

JADE: what is even the problem with it?

JADE: ive just been watching this and thinking, yup, i can see why john was so obsessed with this movie...

JADE: its funny!

JOHN: it's just non stop terrible action movie cliches!

JOHN: look.

JOHN: i love nic cage. he is basically my hero, ok?

JOHN: but i'm kind of just realizing now that he is EMBARRASSINGLY BAD in this movie!

JOHN: he is just doing this corny parody of a southern guy who is down on his luck, and acts "charming" with his goofy accent and stuff.

JOHN: some things i used to think were so badass are just coming off as ridiculous now.

JOHN: can you believe that one time we were watching this movie, when he said "put the bunny back in the box" i actually high fived my dad?

JOHN: this time that line just made me roll my eyes.

JOHN: there's so much crappy dialogue!

JOHN: "cyrus, this is your barbecue, and it tastes good..." arrgh!

JADE: but he was trying to sound like a hardened criminal to win the trust of john malkovich!

JOHN: jade, please. it was a cheesy line, don't be so naive.

JADE: what!!

JADE: you spent your whole life worshiping this dumb movie and now youre calling ME naive????

JOHN: ok, i'm sorry. i guess in fairness to you, you have only just begun to climb the steep learning curve of this vexing and hypnotic film.

JOHN: but i am no longer bound by its spell, jade.

JADE: oh god

JADE: vexing and hypnotic??

JADE: its a movie full of explosions about a guy with a mullet

JADE: what is with you lately? you seem to be in such a crappy mood these days

JOHN: i am fine. this MOVIE is what's crappy these days.

JADE: oh bluh bluh

JADE: can we just finish the rest of the movie?

JADE: look you made us miss a whole bunch of stuff!

JADE: hang on im going to rewind it...

JOHN: who even cares what we missed.

JOHN: just cameron stupid poe in his idiot wife beater babbling some more southern home spun heroic nonsense.

JOHN: heart of gold my ass!!!!!

JOHN: everything dave ever said about this movie was right! i can't believe i used to think he was just trolling me.

JOHN: the stupid junkyard scene where cyrus makes a little model out of rocks and stuff, just so he could tell the criminals to surround some army guys and shoot them... that was pointless!

JOHN: and all this heavy handed scoring. oh my god. the music makes every little thing into such a federal issue!

JOHN: like... oh man, SOME MINOR CHARACTERS BEING INTRODUCED IN SLOW MOTION! dun-dun dun-dun DUN DUN DUN!!!

JOHN: there. now you officially know they are all badasses.

JOHN: also, i somehow didn't even remember dave chappelle being in this movie. he was pointless too.

JADE: whos dave chappelle?

JOHN: and you know the malloy guy, the dick head cop who we're supposed to hate, because of how he gives john cusack a hard time and makes asshole decisions with a helicopter?

JOHN: well screw that! he wasn't so bad. so what if he was a little grumpy? he was just trying to do his job. he had one of the best lines in the movie actually, which was another thing we were supposed to hate him for.

JOHN: what was it? about how cusack was probably out saving a tree and recycling his sandals or some shit? HAHAHA! now that i think about it, i fucking LOVE malloy.

JOHN: i'm going to rewind it to watch that scene again...

JADE: no!!!

JADE: dont touch the remote

JOHN: oh, and we're supposed to be like "YEAH" when cusack wrecks malloy's awesome sports car.

JOHN: but that was a nice car! john cusack shouldn't have ruined it like that for laughs.

JOHN: i know *I* wasn't laughing, were you?

JADE: YES :p

JOHN: john cusack was such a terrible character in this movie now that i think about it. i don't really get what he added to it?

JOHN: he was like the second hero... but dorkier? what did he even really do? he scampered around the junkyard for a while goofing off, and then when it was his time to shine...

JOHN: HE DEMONSTRATED HIS MASTERY OVER HEAVY MACHINERY! wow, he can operate a crane! i am thrilled by the exploits of this pedantic weenie.

JOHN: i guess he's actually like cage's estranged sidekick? almost like the robin that batman never realized he had.

JOHN: now that i think about it, this movie was always an oddly poignant tale of bromance between cage and cusack. just two bros separated by destiny, waiting to be united.

JOHN: when they finally come together to kick some ass, it is arguably more moving than when he reunites with his wife and daughter!

JOHN: i wonder if i'll think that scene sucks now too? it used to move me to tears, but now i'll probably think it's so lame, i'm almost afraid to watch it. maybe i should try to leave at least SOME memories untainted.

JADE: john you are kind of sounding like a crazy person here

JOHN: yeah right! crazy like a fOWWW!

JADE: what???

JOHN: oh...

JOHN: i guess there was a stray feather clinging to my pajamas and it just poked me in the ass.

JOHN: god damn dave sprite.

JOHN: that guy molts like it's going out of style.

JADE: oh...

JADE: heh

JADE: yeah

JOHN: where is he anyway?

JOHN: i specifically told dave sprite several times when my party would start, because i knew he would do this.

JOHN: he's already missed half the movie!

JADE: why do you always call him dave sprite?

JOHN: um... because that's his name?

JOHN: dave sprite.

JADE: no, i mean why do you always say it like that? with the space between words?

JADE: its not dave sprite, its just davesprite

JOHN: what ever.

JOHN: i can't believe he's standing me up on my birthday.

JOHN: maybe he doesn't want to hang out with jaspers?

JOHN: jaspers, i hope you're not going to start chasing him around again when he gets here.

JASPERSPRITE: Hisssss!

JOHN: dude, shut up.

JADE: yeah.... john

JADE: i dont think davesprite is coming tonight

JOHN: aw, man. really?

JOHN: i knew we shouldn't have invited both him and jaspers.

JOHN: that's just party planning BASICS.

JADE: no...

JADE: it has nothing to do with jaspers

JOHN: oh.

JOHN: then why?

JADE: he uh...

JADE: kind of broke up with me

JOHN: what!!!

JOHN: when did that happen?

JADE: a couple days ago

JOHN: no. no way.

JOHN: i cannot accept this!

JADE: john its ok you dont have t...

JOHN: you and dave sprite were like the glue holding everything together on this miserable road trip!

JADE: we were?

JOHN: yes, jade.

JOHN: you were our rock.

JADE: your rock??

JADE: what are you talking about?

JOHN: come on, jade.

JOHN: you and dave sprite were like... an INSTITUTION on this stupid golden battleship.

JADE: we were not an institution!

JADE: you are just saying meaningless things now

JOHN: why did he break up with you?!

JADE: um...

JADE: its complicated

JADE: basically hes just going through a lot of stuff right now

JOHN: stuff??

JOHN: what stuff.

JOHN: jade, we are all going through stuff. you don't see me flying off the handle and breaking up with MY girlfriend.

JADE: do uh...

JADE: you have a girlfriend?

JOHN: that is not the point.

JOHN: the point is that dave sprite is a douche.

JADE: i dont think hes a douche, hes just...

JOHN: no, he's an orange feathery douche.

JOHN: why is he such a basket case? he's like regular dave, but like, aloof enigma edition.

JOHN: maybe it's because he's part bird? i think becoming a bird and a sprite did something weird to him.

JADE: i dont think being a bird ever bothered him

JADE: like i said... its all more complicated than that

JOHN: normal dave was so much more level headed.

JOHN: i have to admit, i spend a lot of time wondering what he and rose are up to.

JADE: me too

JOHN: ehh...

JOHN: maybe it's for the best he broke up with you.

JADE: why?

JOHN: well, what kind of future do you think you would have with him?

JOHN: he's a sprite. like really, what even is a sprite? how long do they live? will he still be around if we win the new game we are allegedly trying to get to?

JADE: i dont know

JOHN: there are a lot of things we don't know.

JOHN: and also...

JOHN: how do things even work if you marry a sprite?

JADE: what do you mean

JOHN: i mean...

JOHN: ok, he has a ghost butt, for one thing.

JADE: uh

JADE: so

JOHN: a GHOST BUTT, jade!

JADE: SO WHAT IF HE HAS A GHOST BUTT!!!!!

JOHN: i'm just saying...

JADE: WHATEVER YOURE JUST SAYING, JUST STOP SAYING IT!

JADE: and whatever youre trying to gesture with your hands there, stop doing that too!

JOHN: what? no, i was just...

JADE: nope!!! totally not talking about this

JOHN: but

JADE: put your hands down john

JOHN: ok, fine.

JADE: thats not down, thats up!

JADE: oh well, at least youre not making those unsettling gestures...

JADE: john...

JADE: what are you doing?

JOHN: nothing!

JADE: i hope youre not entertaining some awkward train of thought about, uh...

JOHN: no!!!

JADE: what is with you??

JADE: today is your birthday, youre supposed to be having fun!

JADE: but youve been so testy, as if youre committed to not having a good time

JOHN: well, maybe i'm just getting a little tired of being stuck on this lame boat!

JOHN: don't you think it's gotten kind of old?

JADE: yeah, i can see how you might find it a little slow here

JADE: i dunno, i havent minded much... maybe its different for me though because i used to live all alone?

JOHN: oh sure, i'm sure it's GREAT for you. you get to spend your days smooching and breaking up with dave sprite and what not, and you can shrink down to any old planet you feel like, any time. whereas i have to make this whole big deal of ASKING you to shrink or unshrink me, and...

JADE: but i dont mind doing that any time!!!

JOHN: i know, but you think i want to bug you about that at the drop of a hat? when you're busy and on dates and stuff? i just happen to have respect for something called PERSONAL BOUNDARIES, jade.

JOHN: and it's not like there's really anyone else to talk to, except the inscrutable chess people and a bunch of brainless consorts and an idiot cat princess. oh and also nanna, but i mean, she's my grandmother, and she's great, but a guy can only spend so much quality time with his grandmother before he starts to feel like kind of a loser whose friends are too busy to spend time with him!

JADE: john... if you told me this earlier i would have...

JOHN: and i still never visit any interesting dream bubbles, and we can't even finish our cool planet quests because the moment we broke through the window all our denizens decided to go back to sleep, and...

JOHN: i guess what i'm saying is, i'm MORE than ready to get to the other window and meet our friends and other new people and stuff.

JOHN: are you sure you can't make the ship go faster???

JADE: were already going as fast as i can make us go

JOHN: and how fast is that again?

JADE: about the speed of light!

JOHN: well, can't you use your space powers and bump it up a notch?

JADE: no! nothing can go faster than light john

JADE: unless you teleport of course

JOHN: and why can't you teleport us again?

JADE: i already explained this! i cant do that here, its not within the domain of the green sun which gives me those powers!

JOHN: is that why we can't go faster than light either?

JADE: no thats just a regular law of physics!!! jeez

JOHN: ok, i mean, i know that. but this isn't really a regular place, right?

JOHN: isn't the speed of light like a thousand miles a second? so what does that really mean here? are miles and seconds the same here as on earth? how does this nonsense dimension we're racing through jive with all the relativity mumbo jumbo?

JADE: ok first of all, thats not even close to the speed of light

JADE: light travels at a hundred and eighty six thousand miles per second no matter what frame of reference youre in... even this one!

JADE: second of all special relativity and comparing laws of physics between different frames of reference, those are tricky issues to talk about!

JADE: but id be more than happy to talk about them if youd like. actually i would enjoy that because i never really get to talk about science wi...

JOHN: no, i don't want to talk about physics! i don't know anything about the laws of physics, because they are hard and boring.

JOHN: i simply would like them to behave in a way that is most convenient to ME and MY LIFE! is that really asking too much?

JADE: yes as a matter of fact it is!

JOHN: well, guess what? SCIENCE IS STUPID BULLSHIT!!!

JADE: you take that back!!!!!

JOHN: no.

JOHN: magic is awesome.

JOHN: science blows.

JOHN: the end.

JADE: john.....

JADE: what is that?

JOHN: what?

JADE: under your hood...

JADE: looks like a piece of paper stuck to your back?

JOHN: huh?

JOHN: oh god dammit.

JOHN: STRIIIIIIDEEEERRRRRRRR!!!!!

JOHN: THAT BASTARD!!!

JADE: what?

JOHN: THIS IS TOTALLY OUTRAGEOUS.

JADE: what is it??

JOHN: I WILL TELL YOU WHAT IT IS.

JOHN: IT IS THE LAST FUCKING STRAW!!!

JOHN: RAAARARRAAUUUAAAAUUAGHGHGGHGGGGHHGH!

JADE: where are you going?

JOHN: I'M GOING TO GO KICK HIS ASS!

JADE: what! john, no...

JOHN: POSING AS MY DEAD FATHER BY MIMICKING ONE OF HIS GREAT FATHERLY NOTES HE USED TO HIDE AROUND THE HOUSE???

JOHN: AND ON THE TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY HE WAS SLAIN BY JACK NOIR, A *FACT* OF WHICH THAT CHEEKY ORANGE ASSHOLE IS PLAINLY AWARE??????

JOHN: THIS IS A NEW LOW, EVEN FOR DAVE SPRITE!

JADE: ok yes, that practical joke is in poor taste, but you should try to calm down and...

JOHN: NO, SCREW THAT, I AM SUPER PISSED OFF ABOUT THIS!

JOHN: THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO SETTLE THIS, AND THAT IS WITH AN OLD FASHIONED BEATDOWN.

JOHN: WHERE'S MY HAMMER!!!!!

JADE: um

JADE: which one?

JOHN: ANY OLD HAMMER!

JOHN: WHATEVER. IT COULD BE A HAMMER FROM THE BARGAIN BIN OF A HARDWARE STORE FOR ALL I CARE.

JOHN: JUST GIVE ME ANYTHING THAT'S FIT FOR CLOBBERING A GHOST BOTTOMED DICK FACE WHO'S ALSO A BIRD.

JADE: sigh

JOHN: I'M COMING FOR YOU, DAVE SPRITE!

JOHN: DO YOU HEAR ME, YOU MAGICAL SON OF A BITCH? I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!

JOHN: THAT STUNT WASN'T COOL! *YOU'RE* NOT COOL!

JOHN: LIKE IT WASN'T BAD ENOUGH YOU DUMPED JADE FOR NO REASON. WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU!

JOHN: YOU AND JADE WERE OUR ROCK ON THIS SHIP! YOU HEAR ME?? OUR ROOOOOOOOCK!!!

JADE: :|

JOHN: AND NOW *THIS* BULLSHIT??? WHAT THE HELL, MAN.

JOHN: I DON'T GO AROUND LEAVING FAKE PUZZLES FOR YOU LIKE FROM THE MOVIE SAW, DO I? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ME SAY I WANT TO PLAY A GAME EVEN *ONCE*?? WELL, HAVE YOU????

JOHN: NO, BECAUSE THAT WOULD STIR UP PAINFUL MEMORIES OF A DEARLY DEPARTED LOVED ONE, AND THEREFORE WOULD BE UNBELIEVABLY SHITTY OF ME!!!!!!!!

JOHN: HEY! I SEE YOU THERE!

JOHN: GET DOWN FROM THERE RIGHT NOW, WISE GUY!

JOHN: OH NO, DON'T PLAY DUMB. I CAN SEE YOU PLAIN AS DAY. I'M ON TO YOU, BUDDY.

JOHN: STOP VAGUELY WATERMARKING THE SKY WITH YOUR SMUG DOUCHEY FACE THIS INSTANT AND FIGHT ME LIKE A MAN!!!

JOHN: YEAH SURE, LAUGH IT UP! THAT MAKES YOU SEEM LIKE WAY LESS OF A TOOL. NICE GOING BRO!

JOHN: EVERYONE ON THIS BOAT IS SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR BULLSHIT! WHY DON'T YOU JUST FLY AWAY AND LEAVE US ALONE?

JOHN: HOW CAN YOU BE SO MUCH MORE OF A PRICK THAN THE REAL DAVE? YOU ARE THE MOST PISS POOR SUBSTITUTE FOR A BEST FRIEND A GUY EVER HAD.

JOHN: I CAN'T *WAIT* TO MEET UP WITH THE REAL DAVE AGAIN. THAT WAY WE CAN ALL GO BACK TO THE AWESOME STATUS QUO OF PRETENDING YOU NEVER EXISTED IN THE FIRST PLACE!

JADE: john...

JADE: theres no one there

JOHN: oh he's THERE alright.

JOHN: he's probably just using some sprite magic so only i can see him.

JOHN: don't you see, jade? he's antagonizing ME PERSONALLY, not you. he's done with you, remember?

JOHN: he already used you like a rented mule, and now he is moving on to greener pastures.

JADE: what pastures

JOHN: it's me.

JOHN: I'M the pastures.

JOHN: and now his mule is grazing all over them, while he has a good laugh.

JADE: what

JADE: wasnt i supposed to be the mule?

JADE: i dont think i understand your analogy

JOHN: no, you see, it's...

JOHN: the mule represented, like...

JOHN: i don't know, like the spirit animal of his douchey ways. or something.

JADE: ....

JOHN: augh, WHO CAAARES.

JOHN: who cares about mules, or pastures, or dave sprite's stupid ephemeral sky visage.

JOHN: who cares about anything!!!

JOHN: who cares about my birthday, or nic cage, or this boat full of idiots.

JOHN: JUST.

JOHN: WHO.

JOHN: CARES.

JADE: john i think youre officially throwing a tantrum here

JADE: ...

JADE: john?

JADE: john...

JADE: are you asleep?

JADE: please dont tell me you just fell asleep in your driveway

[hide-in-imagination]

do you have Taylor song recommendations? or what are your favorite ones?

Hi! Yeah, of course, it's called "Her whole discography." Um, I think it's about 300 hours long, but it's a great song, you should check it out!

dksjfn just kidding😂 If you're looking for recommendations, I would have to ask what mood you're in for because Taylor has songs for every emotion in the spectrum I think hahah. But I can tell you some of my favorite ones, for sure ^^

All Too Well might be a cliché answer but it's a classic for a reason. This song is so beautiful in a sad, reminiscing way. I love how in the original version it ends with repeating old verses but this time saying "You were there, you remember it all", like saying "this is not just my story, we were both there and I know it haunts you too." Then we have the 10 Minute Version which added so much to the original. There is much more vitriol in this version, more resentment, all of it coming from this more raw pain like "I'm a soldier who's returning half her weight" and "Did the love affair maim you too?" Not to mention the verses that broke the internet: "I'll get older but your lovers stay my age." Oof. My girl really knows how to throw punches.

Enchanted. In Taylor's own words, one of the most romantic songs she's ever written. I love how magical it all sounds and how relatable it is. Another classic. (Also, did you know this was about Owl City's Adam Young and he answered with his own version of Enchanted? Go check it out on YouTube, it's the most romantic thing I've ever witnessed.)

Okay, I need to stop writing paragraphs for each song or I'll never finish. I'll leave some of my favorite here divided in general categories.

Strong, badass, scream it at the top of your lungs: Haunted, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble, Better than Revenge, Story of Us, Getaway Car, Blank Space, Long Live, Sparks Fly, Red.

Fucks you up in a good way: You're on your own kid, Last Kiss.

Romantic, beautiful: Call it what you want, You are in love, Treacherous, Love Story, King of my heart, Lover, Mary's Song, Tim McGraw, Mine, Ours, Wildest Dreams, Daylight.

Sad, Nostalgic, Poetic: Cornelia Street, Sad beautiful tragic, Tolerate it, August, Illicit Affairs, This is Me Trying, Champagne Problems, Tis The Damn Season, Cardigan, My Tears Ricochet.

Fun! Gorgeous, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, ME!, Anti-Hero, You Belong With Me, Karma, Bejeweled, Message in a Bottle, Delicate (just because the video has a choreo and I can't stop dancing ever since).

Also, I don't know where to put it and Taylor hasn't released it on streaming yet but You're Losing Me also makes you want to scream the lyrics but in a heart-wrenching way skdjfn.

[thealmightyemprex]

Disney VHS Request REview Aladdin

So I have a fondness for old home media formats and have a bunch of Disney movies on VHS ,thought it would be fun to let my mutuals pick which ones I watch .And to answer your question ,I am watching these specific films on VHS ,cause it legit adds to the nostalgic feel

Requested by @goodanswerfoxmonster ,we shall look at Aladdin

The plot of this 1992 film is street urchin Aladdin (Scott Weinger ) gains posession of a magic lamp holding an all powerful Genie (Robin Williams ) who will grant Aladdin three wishes which Aladdin uses tomake himself a prince and woo PRinxess Jasmine (Linda Larkin ).Can Aladdin not only stand against the machinations of the royal vizier Jafar (Johnathan Freeman ) but also his fears of being himself ?

So do I have nostalgia for this film:Yes I do! Saw it many times as a kid ,as well as its sequels and TV series (I mightve saw Return of Jafar first ,I'm not sure ) .As a kidI thought it was a very good movie but as an adult......I have the same exact opinion

Yeah sorry folks I dont have anything groundbreaking to say about this film,most people agree it is pretty darn good,and I think it is pretty darn good.Its not among my favorites but everything is pretty solid in terms of entertainment I feel ....I am actually at a loss at what to talk about on this

I think Aladdin is a pretty solid protagonist with a solid character journey with his own insecurities while also being a very clever and resourceful hero .JAsmine is I think my third favorite Disney Princess (Behind Repunzel and Belle ) and I like the chemistry between the two protags .Side characters are good,love Abu the kleptomaniac monky and the Magic Carpet who is a character in its own right .The film,even seen on VHS and 30 years later ,I maintain is one of Disneys best looking films ,the animation is spetacular

The villain is great ,Jafar is a good mix of classic villainy while being a good foil to our hero,our hero is a poor kid ,our villain is this elegant guy in high power ,and that is his defining thing ,he DESIRES power.He might be one of the best power hungry villains I have seen ,because no matter however powerful he is.....Its never enough for him,and this comes to bit him in the butt ,which tends to happen with villains. HE is also just a good classic style villain,very elegant,cackling ,cracking puns and just enjoying his own evil .He is wonderfully designed and animated by Andreas Deja and I must give credit toJohnathan Freeman ,Jafars voice actor ,who is so comitted to the character he has played him various animated projects ,video games and even on STAGE over the past 30 years .I also must mention he has one of the best minions ,Iago ,his parrot voiced Gilbert Gottfried who is really funny .I dunno I love that there are moments where they are friends (Till the end at least ) and the contrast of this loud mouthed crass bird with this refined villain ,they are a good duo

I also think the film has some great action scenes ,including possibly the best climax to any Disney film next to Sleeping Beauty . The final fight between Aladdin and Jafar is legit exciting starting as a struggle,then becoming Jafar throwing spells at Aladdin and then escalating to Jafar becoming a GIANT COBRA while Aladdin battle him with a sword.Its cool I like ir

Of course ya cant talk about this movie.....Without talking about one character/performance. The Genie is just such a perfect melding of character animation and actor .Much has been said of Robin Williams performance with is various adlibs and impressions giving the character a zany feel ,but one must give credit to ERic Goldberg ,the animator who makes the character a litteral shape shifter and is somehow able to match Williams chaotic energy .Comedically just cause of how random some of the refrences are not all the jokes work......But he is really funny most of the time .Most of all his friendship with Aladdin and desire for freedom.Also "Youll always be a prince to me".....Always makes me misty eyed

Now lets talk about the songs cause this soundtrack is great....And it is kind of a miracle they are .See originally the songs were done by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman ....But then Ashman died and they tried to keep as many songs as they could but there were story changes so they got Tim Rice to work with Alan Menken ....So we went from Little Shop of Horrors guy to the Jesus Christ Superstar Guy ,kind of a weird mix .I am impressed by the work of all three and how it all fits together .Not gonna rank the songs,they are all great but I am gonna talk about them .Also will JUST talk about the songs in the film, as much as I love Ashmans deleted songs like the heartfelt PRoud of Your Boy and the villain song Humiliate the Boy (And its kind of tragic subtext )

Arabian Nights while I like Bruce Adlers singing and the actual instrumentals(And it became kind of Aladdins theme song ) is for me the weakest song.It sets a mysterious mood which is hilariously subverted by Robin Williams adlibbing a bunch of stuff as a merchant ,but its just not a favorite

One Jump Ahead is great ,I thought it was an Ashman song but its actually a Rice one,its a great comical intro to Aladdin as a character and I like short softer reprise

Friend Like Me ...Is the best.It is the best song .Contender for best scene.Robin Williams justs add so much energy ,the animation is so wild ,and Its just such a fun show stopper

Prince Ali is another great showcase for Williams this one is just such a fun hype song for Aladdin when disgusised as a prince

PArt of your World is one of the most romantic scenes in Disney ,Aladdin and Jasmine seeing the world on a magic carpet is just so damn lovely and the song is just so sweet

Prince Ali Reprise......Is one hell of an underrated villain song . They actually went through several possible villain songs for Jafar , till they decided to have him sing a reprise of Prince Ali .Its pretty short and I can see someone being disappointed they didnt use say Why Me (A villain song which gives us more about his character ).....I think this was the right choice cause it his BEST moment in the film ,he is GLEEFULLLY taking down Aladdin by VENEMOUSLY spitting back his own theme song,now thats a villain !!! .Also it is punctuated by a TERRIFYING evil laugh

Now Question time

1.Is Iago Furry Bait

Oh most certainly not

2.Is Jafar like KINDA hot

Honestly he kind of is . Johnathan Freemans voice is alluring and I love his elegance

3.do you enjoy this movie more or The Thief of Baghdad?

I like this film.....But The Thief of Baghdad is just better ,it appeals more to the side of me that loves fantasy and the performances are just so good

OVerall good movie

@ariel-seagull-wings @goodanswerfoxmonster @princesssarisa @themousefromfantasyland @the-blue-fairie @filmcityworld1

[felicitykings]

my bestie @holly-mckenzie tagged me to post 8 shows to get to know me. 

tagging: @justabritishmusicallover , @gothamstreetcat, @brvceselina, @apple-grass-and-smiles, @sonyarebecchi, @kaz-breker, @jennortegas, @mike-el , @gaffney, and @charlieconwayy

(please note: this is in no particular order)

stranger things (2016-) - i’ve been obsessed with this show since the start really, there’s just something about it, particularly those first two seasons, that just keeps me coming back. there’s fun characters that i enjoy watching and it has an awesome soundtrack!

gotham (2014-2019) - truthfully this was the first piece of media that really connected me to batman and that world. i’d seen movies before but i never felt connected to the character. but something about watching this kid grow up and earn the cowl, especially with all the choices he made that eventually led to him becoming batman had me rooting for him. and honestly, every single cast member on this show is so perfectly cast - particularly RLT as oswald. they’re the gold standard for me now. and i loved how everything fit together in this retelling.

primeval (2007-2011) this show has always been that show that has felt like mine, you know? i have so many fond memories of watching this growing up and it has always stuck with me without it ever being repeated on tv or having a large fanbase that regularly makes content long after the show is over. no, the show has just always stayed with me all through its own merit of having lovable characters and a really great storyline that i will always be upset was never allowed to be completed.

dark (2017-2020) - admittedly, i was super late to this party having only watched it earlier this year but WOW what a show. i think i can honestly say that this may be the best written and conceived show of all time - certainly of the shows i’ve watched. i have literally no complaints about it. the fact that most, if not all, the story seems to have been planned from the beginning is obvious with the number of twists and turns and strong character development/story arcs and it just makes it all the better when you can rewatch and spot even more each time. this show is incredible! i really can’t say enough about it and if i keep going here, i’ll never stop.

stargirl (2020-2022) - stargirl my beloved you were taken from me far too soon. i’ll be honest and say that i wasn’t expecting to love this show as much as i do when i decided to give it a shot. but it was so utterly charming with truly likeable characters - whether they’re heroes or villains - that you can genuinely enjoy watching. and it has a strangely nostalgic feel/tone despite its modern day setting that just adds to its likeability. 

rtd era! whoniverse (2005-2011) - this is probably cheating but just including doctor who in general felt wrong when it is this era (main show and spinoffs) that i cherish the most and i couldn’t include one without the others. maybe its the nostalgia idk but this was when the series felt the most grounded to me and despite its issues i still adore it as an era of this show’s history. the shows worked great side by side, targeting different audiences, with characters that felt real. in the case of the main show, you really felt that the companions were real people, with real lives who were plucked out of them to go travel with the doctor and it really dealt with the consequences of that which has been seriously lacking in recent years. for torchwood, the characters were allowed to be messy, truly truly messy and just plain human. they made mistakes, there wasn’t always some magical fix for them, they were on earth with limited resources just doing the best they can and sometimes it might not be the ‘right way’ but they still try and it’s beautiful. for sja, they’re just kids but they’re still real kids and they were never treated as less than their adult counterparts, they were given room to grow but never in a way that seemed patronising. there’s a magic in this specific era that i will love my whole life.

roswell (1999-2002) - i’ve always adored the balance that this show managed to get between the typical early 00s teen drama side and the sci-fi/fantasty elements. while in a lot of teen sci-fi fantasy shows these days focus on that rather than character dynamics/growth, this one really excelled at giving each character a compelling arc throughout the show, while developing a strong individual dynamic between every possible pairing of its main cast which is amazing compared to some of its contemporaries where there’s always characters who never interact outside the group setting. as such, you really get to see why these characters are putting themselves on the line for each other time and time again. they’re really a family and it’s shown consistently through the show (rather than characters just saying it without any development or actions to back it up) and it’s incredibly endearing.

the originals (2013-2018) - what can i say? i love this disfunctional “frankenstein family”. the show has its ups and downs but they’re all a mess and i love them. how many times can a group of people stab each other in the back? plenty and i truly love every second of it. morally grey characters / villain protagonists and such an interesting concept because there are barely any “good” guys to root for, it’s just a case of season by season, and sometimes episode by episode, deciding which ones are right this time, if any of them are.

other faves include:

pennyworth

all creatures great and small (2020-)

1899

swamp thing

the tracy beaker franchise

waterloo road (2006-2015)

sense8

get even

on my block

nowhere boys

we are lady parts

wolfblood

one of us is lying

teen wolf (specifically s1-4)

[diznam]

Do you mind if I ask your top 10 favorite characters (can be male or female) from all of the media that you loved (can be anime/manga, books, movies or tv series)? And why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before.....Thanks....

Oh! Thank you for such a great and difficult question!

A looong text awaits heh (and I could certainly write even more!!)

I think I'll limit myself to only one character per fictional universe, and I'll only choose from internationally famous works to make it easier. I will surely forget someone and I will never be able to choose if I think it over for too long... So, without contemplating too much, and in no particular order (except for the first one), i'll go with this:

1. Dustfinger from Inkheart -- This man was probs my first fictional crush ever and my forever nostalgic number one. He's a morally gray character, deeply troubled, kind, selfish, painfully human, but also gorgeously magical. Oh, and fire loves him. Can’t beat it. Even though for children, Cornelia Funke writes and illustrates beautifully. If you haven’t read any books of hers, you should try one!

2. Fred and George Weasley (yes i'm sorry but I will write them as one unit) from Harry Potter -- Need I say more than that they make everyone laugh in times of darkness? As the youngest, and only daughter among numerous siblings, I relate a lot to Ginny, and really love these two - the ultimate big brothers.

3. Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece -- The perfect paradoxical mix of incredibly selfish but with a huge heart. Luffy just lifts everyones spirits, and he's so stupid, ambitious, and wholesome that you can’t not love him. As someone who has a hard time being impulsive and living in the now, I find him so terrific and almost inspiring.

4. Sokka from Avatar the Last Airbender -- Underrated character. I would've never claimed him as my favourite when I was little (especially since i was mad for Katara), but as an adult I’ve come to see just how fuckin awesome he really is. Like, he's funny, kind, relatable, smart, strong, brave and just an all around realistic character. Love. Also, I think I just automatically love all the kind big brothers that remind me of my own ones (♡)

5. Jace Herondale from The Mortal Instruments -- Could have just as well written Will Herondale here, but I’m not going to write two Herondales on the list (especially since they are VERY similar. Will is a book nerd tho, which is like the ultimate perk). Anyways, so, after Dustfinger, my second fictional love was Jace I think. Attractive, strong, sarcastic, troubled, kind, LOVING, and with such character development and ambition. Ya. Just so so good. I think I mostly focused on his hotness as a 13 y.o tho -.-

6. Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games -- Honestly, I just love him because he shows how truly important and helpful kindness is. Loyalty, kindness and bravery - this man has them all. Plus he's a friggin baker and an artist. Like, come on, how lovely can you get??

7. John Watson from BBC's Sherlock -- Another example of a profoundly realistic character. I thought first about writing Sherlock's name, but I think I might actually love John more. He’s just so complex, but at the same time real simple. And surprisingly funny. Much, I attribute to Martin Freeman's amazing acting skills, but yeah, John's awesome.

8. Katsuki Bakugou from Boku no hero academia -- Honestly, I'm questioning myself putting him on this list, but I think he deserves a spot simply for the fact that his character development is So. Fucking. Good. Almost as good as Zuko's from atla. And he deserves a spot purely because surely the amount of fanfics I've read starring him must be telling me something.

9. Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood -- Ah, okay, so once again an older sibling who is funny, strong, kind, brave, energetic, troubled, and who loves so painstakingly strongly (I'm starting to see a pattern here...). Idk, but I just really like him. And I felt like I had to include someone from Fmab because the show slaps.

10. Victoria Spring from Solitaire (and the Osemanverse in general) -- Honestly, Tori is just such a great character, because in all her melancholy, depression and numbness, you can still find so much to love about her when reading from her perspective. Also, shes an older sibling who adores and takes great care of her little siblings. I've struggled a lot with mental illness, and I can teally relate to both Tori and Charlie's problems. So finding that I can love these two characters so much despite all their issues, makes me realise that maybe I can like myself a little bit more too

THAT WAS TEN! I could easily write more, but I’m gonna stop myself now. Sorry if this was a lot longer than you expected, but I really liked this question.

Thank you for asking it! Hope you got what you wanted. Have a great day/night wherever you are :) <3

[lcatala]

Same, 2D cartoonish 16-bit like graphics are just, easier to parse. Reason I'm nostalgic for old strategy games like civilization II or Heroes of Might and Magic II is because all the data on screen is so much clearer and accessible, I immediatly know what I'm looking at.

I can do 3D if it's fairly simple and a bit carricature, like, retro FPS or Portal or Minecraft -- but the hyper realistic 3D games, or even nonrealistic modern shooters like Overwatch, that's just visual noise to me.

i hate open world games i hate immersion i hate 3D i want pixels on a grid i want a path i want a directive i want an objective i am autistic

[bunnimew]

Who are your fave morally gray, animated villains (can be from Dreamworks or any other companies)? I never kept up that much with Kung Fu Panda past the first movie, but it felt surreally exciting when I saw and heard Tai Lung in the newest film's trailer (he was the first film's villain). I got very nostalgic and remember he had a point in being mad that he got denied what he worked for, because he had "darkness in him" (that doesn't justify all he's done as a villain, but still).

Hi, Anon!

Man that morally gray really messes me up because I desperately want to say Yzma from Emperor's New Groove because she's just so much fun but I'm not sure she's in the gray at all 😂😂😂

I'll say the Diamonds from Steven Universe, though. They have a lot of personal growth to get through, and they're still on that journey, but that makes them so relatable and their struggle with it is pretty hilarious. A judgy person learning not to be judgy can be absolute gold comic relief. We're also fans of Jasper in this house. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be strong; Jasper just needs some lessons about what inner strength means and the overall strength that comes with self-control and restraint. Said another way, Jasper's a white belt. Everybody starts as a white belt. Steven Universe was a good show.

I'm gonna throw Doc Ock on this list because s/he's been animated several times and s/he's great. Most of the Spider-man villains are. They're rarely one-dimensional, which is what makes Marvel so good, but Ock in specific makes us feel for him, a lot like Conners, and the Spiderverse version clearly has a history with May and I want to know *all* about it.

Ursula (The Little Mermaid) in the movie is not morally gray, but in my heart she is. One day I might write the fic about it 😂

GASTON. He's clearly a villain in Beauty and the Beast but he's legit just doing what he thinks is right. He's a total idiot but great for a meme and therefore a fav.

MEGAMIND! He might be the palest on the grayscale but I love that. He subverts all villainous expectations and does it in such a clumsy and endearing way, how can you not love him?

Also Bog King from Strange Magic. His motives aren't wrong AND he gets to sing?? AND he gets the 'hero' in the end?? It's everything I wanted for Pitch 🤣 He also has a great design and great VA. We love us some Bog King.

And of course Pitch Black. Anyone who stumbles on our blog can see how much we love Pitch. 🖤🖤🖤

Honorable mentions go to Bill Cipher (Gravity Falls), Oogie Boogie (Nightmare Before Christmas), and Alastor (Hazbin Hotel).

Thanks for the ask, Anon! Morally gray is the best color 🤣

[rosekillerismylife]

Astérix: Le domaine des Dieux

So, I just watched the animated movie and damn, it is sad. Like full on sad. I think it is the only Asterix movie that could get me to cry because half of the village lives in the city of Gods and only the 'Golden Trio' (Astérix, Obélix and Panoramix/Miraculix) remain in the village, so there is still an ounce of hope. But then, Apeldjust and Panoramix are captured by the romans, and everything relies on Astérix and Obélix. During the time in the forest, Obélix is kind of weak and tired because he hasn't eaten much, so that hope is already vanished before the romans capture him. So there's only Astérix left with no magic potion and no Obélix to help him. And then the romans attack.

Until then and even before, I get very emotional or mainly nostalgic because this is probably the only part of the series, where the romans are a real danger for the village and its people. The only part where Cesar is a real danger. They all get separated and the main part even lives in the city of Gods. So you think that this is it. This is the end. You also see it in Astérix's eyes as he watches the rest of the villagers getting captured by the romans. It's like his whole life is being played in front of his eyes. And in that exact moment, he loses hope and reaches for the nearest branch of hope he can grab which is the unfinished magic potion. Without thinking, he grabs it and makes the last approach to save his people. But he fails. In the history of the series, I think I never saw Astérix pulling a stunt like this. In this moment, he was hopeless. I think he probably knew that his plan would fail. But he still tried. And then, Obélix emerges from the earth and you know that it will be fine. That the last half or even twenty minutes of the movie will not be spend crying and mourning over the lost freedom of the indestructible Gauls and their village. It will not be spend mourning our childhood heroes.

For me, Astérix: Le domaine des Dieux will always be a grey zone because for one, I really prefer the older versions of Astérix movies because they just look better and realer and for another, this movie breaks so many barriers in society which makes it a really good movie. I mean, the slaves deciding if they are free or not, the soldiers demanding nicer treatment from their centurion and the lost family who joins the village of the Gauls? How many barrier breaking do you need to realize that it is a fucking masterpiece, the ugly visuals of the movie aside? Maybe they didn't thought anything while making the movie but as I said, it is the only time in the history of Astérix movies where Astérix acts unreasonable and desperate to save his people. Well, The Secret of the Magic Potion might top that but this isn't a real Astérix movie for me because the Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny didn't write/draw the comic for that one. It is also too dark to be an original Astérix movie.

Astérix is my childhood and will always have a special place in my heart because no one will argue with you when you say that you want to watch Astérix because deep down in their hearts, they know that it is not too childish and that they also want to watch it.