#his strategy immediately was to isolate her

[hetagrammy]

I know it wasn't really popular until the 1870s, nor am I totally sure Arthur would go this far, but the idea of Arthur putting Molly on a "rest cure" to treat her "hysteria" around the 1840s before the Famine really kicked in is something that has been sticking in my brain. The idea of this woman going Yellow Wallpaper is something that just intrigues me. To be clear, either way, Arthur 100% referred to her as his "hysterical sister" and used that as an excuse to both keep her from going to Europe and making allies again.

[godsfavdarling]

I don’t know how to do this

my masterlist

pairing: Spencer Reid x bau!gn!reader words: 2,7k summary: Diana has passed away, and Spencer is struggling to find a way to move forward. warnings: angst/hurt, death of a parent, grieving, mention of a case, drinking a/n: this was written for 2024 Criminal Minds Pre-Whumptober organized by @tobias-hankel! Main Whump-ed Character: Spencer Reid Bad Thing: Minor Character Death Bad Person: No One One Line Prompt: "She was the only family I had left... I don't know how to do this."

The cold night air mixed with AC hit you as you stepped out of the elevator, heading towards the hotel's bar. You had checked on Spencer's room earlier and knocked a few times, but there was no response. Either he wasn’t there or he didn’t want to answer. 

Given the month he had, you couldn’t blame him for wanting to be alone.

Diana had passed away quietly in her sleep from a stroke, exactly 25 days ago. Spencer had received the call early that Saturday morning and immediately caught a flight to Las Vegas. 

At the same time, the team was called in on a high-profile kidnapping - the daughter of a senator had gone missing in New York. 

You all hesitated, torn between going to support Spencer or going after the missing girl. 

Your first instinct was to be there for him, but with a child’s life on the line, the team knew you were needed in the field. With heavy hearts, you left Spencer to deal with his mother’s passing alone. He assured you all he understood and that he’d be fine. 

But deep down, you knew he wasn’t.

You felt horrible. As much as you tried to focus on the case, the thought of Spencer dealing with everything alone gnawed at you. 

It crushed your soul knowing he had no one by his side. You tried calling him a few times a day, but he never picked up. 

All you received were brief text messages saying he couldn’t talk right now. While sitting in the senator’s living room discussing strategy, you had to physically stop yourself from getting up, walking out the door, and catching the taxi to the airport. 

Every instinct screamed at you to be with him, but duty held you back.

A few days later, the senator’s daughter was saved, and Spencer returned to the office as if nothing had happened - or at least, he tried to. 

When he walked in, your hearts sank. No one knew what to say. He gave an awkward smile and casually asked about the case, but the tension in the room was palpable. 

Seeing the uncertainty in your faces, Spencer quickly added that he was okay, asking you not to tiptoe around him. He kept repeating it, insisting he was fine, but the hollow look in his eyes told a different story.

Hotch took Spencer into his office, and you knew exactly why. He wanted Spencer to take some time off, to grieve. 

You had already planned to check on him the next day - bring dinner, maybe even cook something, and just let him talk it all out. 

But when you arrived at the office the following morning, Spencer was already at his desk, quietly working on paperwork. You glanced at Morgan in confusion, and he just shrugged, defeated, before returning to his own desk.

Maybe this was Spencer’s way of coping - throwing himself back into routine, not wanting to be left alone with his thoughts. It made sense, you reasoned. 

You tried a few times to get him alone, to check in on him, but he always quickly changed the subject, steering conversations away from himself.

You asked Hotch to make him take some time off, and he obviously tried, but Spencer was more than stubborn. Hotch seemed to agree with your assessment - maybe isolation was the last thing Spencer needed right now. 

Maybe staying busy was how he was coping.

Besides, the team was short-staffed. You needed all hands on deck, and Spencer was an invaluable asset. So, you stopped pushing.

Spencer was smarter than all of you - he knew what he was doing.

At first, he seemed to be succeeding in pretending he was okay. He threw himself into work, keeping up appearances. 

But after a few days, the cracks began to show. His hands trembled slightly when he reached for files, the dark circles under his eyes deepened, and there was a sharp tension in his voice that hadn’t been there before.

You wanted to keep asking if he was alright, but after he snapped at you one day, you stopped. 

You didn’t know how to help him anymore. And to make things worse, the cases piled up - one brutal crime after another. 

It felt like you barely touched ground in D.C. before you were back on a plane, headed to some new tragedy.

 At some point, you couldn’t even remember the last time you did groceries or cleaned your place.

The team had no choice but to keep moving forward, and the new version of Spencer - present, but hollow - became the norm.

You were in Nebraska, trying to stop a killer who had already claimed the lives of three teenage girls. Two more were still missing, and the clock was ticking. 

Every minute felt like a failure. 

The unsub had left no trace, no evidence to follow, and the pressure to find the girls alive was mounting. It was wearing everyone down, but Spencer most of all.

He had been unnervingly quiet, keeping to himself and diving deep into the case. His usual calm demeanor had cracked.

 You saw the signs - his hands trembling slightly as he flipped through files, the way he’d rub his temples like he was warding off a headache. 

His grief, compounded by the endless string of brutal cases, was starting to suffocate him.

And then it happened.

The team was gathered at the precinct, going over the latest developments when a local officer made a passing remark about the profile. “I’m not sure this is helping us. We’ve been following this lead for days, and we’re no closer to finding them.”

Spencer’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing dangerously. 

His voice was sharp, cutting through the room. “You think the profile isn’t helping because you don’t understand it.” His tone was low but laced with anger. “If you had done your job properly, maybe we wouldn’t be dealing with two more missing girls right now.”

The officer looked taken aback. “Look, I’m just trying to—”

“No, you’re not!” Spencer's voice rose, his frustration boiling over. “You’re standing here questioning everything we’ve done while we’re running out of time. These girls are dying because no one here knows how to handle a case like this!”

The room fell into stunned silence. Spencer’s hands were trembling, his face flushed, his entire body coiled like a spring about to snap. The officer, wide-eyed, took a step back.

That’s when Hotch intervened.

“Reid,” Hotch’s voice was firm but calm. “That’s enough.”

Spencer turned toward Hotch, eyes still burning with barely contained anger. “We’re wasting time, Hotch. If we don’t move now-”

“You need to step away,” Hotch said, cutting him off with a steely gaze. “Right now, you’re doing more harm than good.”

Spencer looked like he was going to argue, but Hotch didn’t give him the chance. “Go back to the hotel. Get some rest.”

“I don’t need rest,” Spencer shot back, his voice tight with frustration. “I need to find these girls.”

“You’re exhausted, and you’re not thinking clearly,” Hotch continued, his voice hardening. “If you stay here like this, you’ll only make things worse. Go. Now.”

Spencer stood there for a moment, fists clenched, his chest rising and falling as he tried to hold himself together. 

But Hotch’s gaze didn’t waver, and after a long, tense silence, Spencer relented. Without another word, he stormed out of the precinct, the door slamming shut behind him.

The room stayed silent for a few seconds, everyone watching the door as if expecting Spencer to come back. But he didn’t. 

Hotch let out a slow breath, his jaw tight. “He needs to rest,” he muttered, more to himself than to the team, before turning back to the case. “Let’s get back to work.”

A few hours later, Hotch told the rest of you to head back to the hotel and get some sleep. You all needed it - there was nothing more you could do while exhausted.

That’s how you found yourself at the hotel bar after trying to check on Spencer. 

You needed a drink. You needed a moment to breathe.

As you walked into the bar, you saw him.

Spencer was sitting at the counter, staring down at a half-empty glass of whiskey. The sight made you pause. Spencer never drank.

You hesitated, watching him for a moment, unsure of whether to approach or let him have the solitude he seemed to crave. 

But seeing him like this - broken, still drowning in his grief and frustration of the case - it was impossible to just leave him there.

Taking a deep breath, you approached and slid into the seat next to him. He didn’t look up.

After a moment, you broke the silence. “Hey.”

Spencer blinked slowly, his eyes bloodshot, as if it took him a moment to register your presence. 

He didn’t say anything at first, just stared at the few drops of amber liquid left in his glass. His fingers tightened around the glass, knuckles going white.

“Sorry about today,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “This case is just... and the others this month were so...”

“I know,” you said softly, your heart breaking for him. 

Spencer was always so articulate, so precise with his words. Seeing him struggle to express himself felt unsettling. His usual clarity aand wits seemed to have vanished.

His eyes stayed fixed on the glass  “How are you holding up?” he asked, his voice cracking.

“Oh… I’m fine,” you replied. “We’ll figure it out. And Hotch already promised us a week off once this is over.”

“Really?” Spencer asked, his voice tight with a hint of nervousness.

“Yeah,” you said, trying to offer a comforting smile. “We all need it.”

He said nothing.

“Spencer,” you began softly, trying to gauge his reaction. “I know you’ve been thrown into work, and I understand why. But I also know you didn’t really have time to grieve for your mom. It’s been a lot, and I want to make sure you’re okay.”

You watched him closely, trying to read his expression. “We’ve been so focused on the cases and keeping things moving, but your well-being matters too. You don’t have to go through this alone. It’s okay to take a step back and let yourself feel what you’re feeling.”

You paused, giving him space to respond, hoping that your words would reach him.

He was too focused on work, too busy trying to stay afloat in a sea of pain and responsibility. It was eating away at him, and you couldn’t ignore it any longer.

You knew he was trying to push his grief aside, burying it under layers of work and duty. It was his way of coping, but you weren’t sure anymore if it was working. 

Spencer remained silent, his eyes still fixed on the glass. The room started to feel heavy and the silence grew more uncomfortable by the second.

You knew you had to do something to break through the barrier he’d built. 

You took a deep breath, trying to keep your voice gentle and inviting.

“Spencer,” you said softly, “how about we go for a walk? You know… we could clear our heads a bit and breathe some fresh air”

He didn’t respond immediately, but after a moment, he looked up at you with his eyes beautiful chocolate brown as always but tired and wary. 

You could see he was wrestling with the idea, but you hoped that the offer of a simple walk might give him the space he needed to open up. 

“Just a walk,” you continued, offering a small, encouraging smile. “No pressure. Just some fresh air. I need it.”

After a brief pause, Spencer nodded slowly. He stood up, still looking uncertain.

You walked together in silence, the crisp night air a welcome contrast to the hot and tiring day. 

The nearby park was quiet, illuminated by scattered streetlights that cast a gentle glow on the two of you and the empty path ahead. The rhythmic crunch of leaves under your feet was the only sound, offering at least just a moment of stillness in all the chaos.

After a while, you found a secluded bench nestled under a canopy of trees. You gestured for Spencer to sit, and he did, though he looked uneasy.

You took a seat beside him, giving him space but staying close enough to offer comfort.

You couldn’t even begin to fathom what he was going through. His family situation had never been easy, and now, left completely alone - it broke your heart.

Finally, Spencer spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how to do this,” he said, his tone breaking with vulnerability. “She was the only family I had left… I don’t know how to do this.”

You turned to him, seeing the pain etched deeply into his features. 

His eyes were distant, filled with sorrow. His quiet admission was a stark contrast to the usual composure you were used to, and it hit you - the force of his raw grief and you felt an intense, helpless wish to erase it. You wished you could make it all go away. You wished you could take some of it from his heart to yours. 

Maybe together you could carry it all.

You imagined a world where grief could be split, a world where his pain could be lessened by your willingness to shoulder part of it. Would he let you carry some of it? 

“I keep thinking that if I stay busy if I just keep working, I won’t have to face it. But it doesn’t work like that. It just keeps coming back.” He swallowed hard, his voice trembling. “She was everything to me. I don’t know how to move on… how to live… without her.”

Spencer’s gaze remained fixed on the ground, his fingers gripping the edge of the bench as if it were the only thing keeping him from breaking down.

“I’ve been trying to hold it together, but it’s so hard,” he said, his voice cracking. 

“I’ve been taking care of her since I was a kid and... Over the years, I watched her mind slip away, losing bits and pieces of herself. It was like watching someone you love disappear in slow motion. And then, she started forgetting me too. I was the only one left to care for her, and it felt like I was losing her over and over again.And no matter how hard i tried, no matter what I did I couldn’t help it”

He continued, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “And now… she’s gone for good, it’s like I’m left with this… huge void. I miss her so much, and I know how messed up it is but a part of me feels… relieved that she’s not suffering anymore. But it’s all so tangled up in my head. I don’t know if I should be sad that she’s gone or if I should feel guilty for feeling relieved that she’s finally at peace. I’m confused and lost and I don’t know what I feel and what I should feel.”

He looked at you, eyes pleading for understanding. “I thought I could handle it, that if I just kept going, I’d find a way through. I’d figure it out like always. I always know what to do but this… I don’t know.”

You let everything he said sink in and gently placed your hand over his, checking to make sure he was comfortable with the touch. 

“I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re feeling right now. It’s a lot. And it’s okay not to have all the answers immediately. Grieving is always messy and complicated, and it takes time. You don’t have to go through this alone, and there’s no need to rush. We’re here for you, and I’m here for you no matter what.”

His eyes glistened as he looked at you, the weight of his grief momentarily softened by your words. 

Without another word, you opened your arms, inviting him into a hug. He hesitated for just a moment before wrapping his arms around you.

As you held him close, you whispered, “You don’t have to carry this alone. I’m right here with you, and you can always talk to me okay?”

“Okay,” he whispered into your hair, his voice trembling slightly.

[chrattenthusiast]

Hate - Matthew sturniolo pt2

Authors note: the last part was inspired by all i wanted - paramore !!!!

Warnings- choking, spitting and ofc sex😆

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────

The past week had been an agonizing descent into emotional chaos. Each day felt like a struggle to maintain composure as the memory of Matthew, the man you had vowed to hate, occupied every inch of my mind. Simple tasks became a challenge, as your thoughts were constantly hijacked by his presence, even in his absence. Desperate for a distraction, you convinced yourself that avoiding Matthew would be the solution, attempting to dodge him at every turn.

However, your well-intentioned strategy crumbled when Nick and Chris, refused to let you retreat into solitude. Dragged you against your will, they insisted on taking you to a random party, determined to shake you out of your self-imposed isolation. , you found yourself amidst a sea of strangers, the pounding music and swirling lights serving as a temporary escape from the last weekend how he knew every inch of your body, the way he pounded into you and how he always knew how to make you feel good.

Hey, are you listening?" The interruption jolted you back to the present, you replied with a forced, "Yeah, I am," masking the lie behind a half-hearted smile. My attention, however, was fixated on the man in front of me, who seemed oblivious to the fact that his words about his brand new car were falling on deaf ears. As he rambled on, his enthusiasm only fueled your growing irritation. The beer bottle in your hand became a tempting, makeshift weapon.

Glancing around the room, filled with sweaty bodies and the pungent scent of marijuana, you caught sight of Matthew. His gaze, like an invisible thread, connected with yours. His face contorted with a mixture of annoyance and anger as he witnessed the man boldly wrapping his arm around your waist. you couldn't help but smile, realizing that you were successfully getting under Matthew's skin. Testing your luck, you seized the opportunity to escalate the situation further, grabbing the man (whose name you had already forgotten) and planting a kiss on him. To your surprise, he didn't seem to mind; instead, his grip on your waist tightened.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the atmosphere shifted abruptly. The man was forcefully shoved away from you as you turned to see Matthew, his eyes shooting daggers at the now bewildered intruder.

"Bro, what the fuck is your problem" the man exclaimed in confusion as Matt stepped forward menacingly.

"Don’t ever touch her again, unless you enjoy the comfort of a hospital bed." Matt warned with an intensity that sent a shiver down the man's spine.

Stammering, he offered a shaky apology, “I didn’t know she was spoken for”

What a fucking pussy, you thought

Interrupted mid-thought, you found yourself yanked away from the growing crowd that had formed around. Matt's grip on your arm was firm, and as he pulled you away, the chaotic scene behind faded into the background.

“Where are we going Matt” �� your left unanswered as he pulls you towards the direction his car.

“Get in” he says bluntly

“No, I’m good” you say

You find yourself pushed against a car, sandwiched between the cold metal and the warmth of Matthew's body pressing against yours. His proximity was unnerving, yet strangely electrifying. "Get in the car, Y/N, or I swear to God, I will spank you so hard you won’t be able to sit for days. You choose," he declared, his voice low and authoritative and of course you couldn't help but smirk at the unexpected threat.

"How chivalrous," you whispered, teasingly testing the boundaries. His response was immediate and filled with a kind of possessiveness you hadn't anticipated. "Only for you, sweetheart, although you seem to not get that. How many times do I need to fuck the shit out of you he began, his frustration evident, "before you understand that I do. not. want to see you with other men?"

“It sounds like you’re upset, aww matthew “ you say mockingly

“Did he really upset you?, Did you not like the way he was touching m-“ you’re instantly cut off when matt wraps his fingers around your neck slightly adding pressure

“Get in the backseat. Now” he whispers against your lips

Weird. Matt never acted impulsively. You instantly obey as his eyes showed a little desperation and you liked that. of course

You quickly slide into the back seat, with Matt following closely behind. Without delay, he seizes the back of your head, pulling you into a passionate kiss that feels both necessary and possessive. You have no complaints.

Tugging at your top in a demanding manner, you raise your hands, but instead, Matt forcefully tears your top in half, planting intense kisses all over your chest. Gripping your ankle, he pulls you into a reclined position.

Lifting your skirt without bothering to remove it, he slides down your panties and tucks them into his back pocket.

his fingers move through your slit back and forth inciting a moan from you, finding your clit he circles it. matt leans backward wanting a full view. wanting this moment engraved in his mind every time he thought of you. you move to palm him through his pants when he pins your hands on the seat. “ just be a good girl for me and sit back”

He inserts two fingers, his cool rings teasing your clit, creating a pleasurable friction. Your hips instinctively sync with his motions,

He tightens his grip around your neck. As he quickens the pace of his finger thrusts, you release another gasp of pleasure.

You try to hold in your sounds, trying to move away from his fingers he adds pressure to his grip around your neck. “where you tryna to go baby?, where’s that good girl that could take it all hmm”

“you were so confident a minute ago, yet you can’t handle my fingers,” he mocks

he decides to add a third finger, curling his fingers hitting that sweet spot he knew you loved.

“matt please “ you’re able to plead in the midst of your moans

“Isn't this what you wanted? I didn't give you enough attention, so you tried getting with someone who couldn’t even get you this wet” he says

you look down at how you were taking his fingers causing you to grow wetter, causing a small wet spot to the leathered seat

"Do you enjoy watching yourself?" he asks, and you respond with a soft whimper.

you’re about to hit that level of release, based on the lack of words being said by you. matt immediately pulls his fingers out earning a protest from you, which he ignores looking at you smugly he takes his fingers covered with your essence putting it to his mouth sucking off your juices he leans down connecting his lips with yours making you taste yourself.

“you taste that?, that’s all me. not him“ he reminds you

“if you wanna cum you’re gonna have to earn it, now take my pants off “ he says voice dripping with dominance

your shaky hands move to his belt unbuckling it. he takes a hold of the belt wrapping it around your wrist. you look at him confused sure it wasn’t unusual for matt to pull a stunt like this —but in public. with his brothers a street away from the both of you. gave you a rush of excitement

he takes of his boxers lining up with your entrance. he decides to tease you further. moving up your folds and without warning slams into you giving you harsh thrusts. giving you no leeway to adjust

you let out the loudest moan which he doesn’t stops. he likes this. he was always a fan of hearing how good HE made you feel

“that’s it, let it all out for me baby” he encouraged

“fuck you” you reply, Disliking how much influence he had on you, a feeling clearly rooted in the fear of experiencing heartbreak.

He clenches your jaw, making you open your mouth, then spits into it. "Swallow," he commands, and you comply, staring at him with lowered eyelashes.

“i know you can’t get enough of me, you’ll always come back to me. no matter how much you try to run away. you always come back. and i’ll make you see that “he replies to your insult.

Thrusting into your hips, he targets that familiar sweet spot, causing your eyes to roll back. His hand travels toward your throat, fully enclosing it. He maintains a firm grip, allowing just enough air for you to breathe, and you moan under the pressure. However, you find yourself struggling to breathe a little.

“ look at me” he says, and you oblige

“there is no one who could ever make you feel like this. i won’t share you with anyone else.”

"Yes, Matt," you cry out, tears welling in your eyes. He gently wipes them away as you continue to gaze at him, your hands clutching the ones he has wrapped around your neck.

“ you wanna breathe?“ he says adding more pressure but making sure he wasn’t inflicting harm onto you

“please ” you beg

“come on this dick if you wanna breathe baby” he says

His fingers rubbed against your clit, bringing you closer to your release, not slowing down his movements, the only intention in his mind was to make you cum. He lifted your legs and placed them on his shoulders, wanting to feel you deeper

Leading to a loss of focus as additional tears flowed down your face.

You're under his influence, absorbing all he provides, making sure to maintain eye contact—aware of his fondness for it, yet fearing he might stop if you looked away. Yet, you found appeal in the peculiar way he gazed at you.

Closing in on your face, he eliminates any personal space between you, driven solely by the desire to prevent your escape from him. Your eyes lock onto the silver metal wrapped around his neck, lightly brushing your face —making your walls squeeze around him tighter.

“ you got this baby, just a little longer for me yeah ”he encourages

his words giving you some sort of confidence you move your hips to meet his rythym aching for that release you were denied earlier. the car slowly moving with the bucking of your hips. and filled with the grunts matt made.

he leans down his lips meet yours, matt abandons your clit, one hand still wrapped around your neck his fingers graze your lower stomach pushing slightly feeling where he was buried deep. a silent laugh escapes his lips “ you feel that don’t you sweetheart do you see how well you’re taking every inch” he mocks clearly still mad over the recent events that took place earlier

“i just did that to make you mad, i don’t want him matt “ you choke out using your limited oxygen to pled your case

“say it then, tell me that you want me and no one else “ he replies

“ i want you and no one else matt” you pled. truth laced with every word that left your mouth

“come for me “ and you do instantly releasing all over his shaft clutching onto his tatted arm. he immediately release his hand that was wrapped around your neck and you take big breath. filling your lungs with oxygen.

he gripped onto your hips, pulling you impossibly close as he comes inside you. subconsciously mimicking your habit in seeking comfort from you as well.

“are you okay.” he asks staring at your neck that had imprints of his fingers. slight guilt washing over him fearful that he might’ve pushed you passed your boundaries.

“i’m okay matt” you scratch his scalp gently to reassure him that you were okay.

A hush envelops both of you, uncertainty filling the air. Neither of you knows what to say next. After months of mutual disdain, you both finally confessed to liking each other.

After minutes of mutual silence, with your eyes lowered and bodies still connected, Matt, buried in your embrace, finally summons the courage to speak. "Did you mean what you said?" he asks.

His words quicken your heart, and as you attempt to lift from under him, he holds you firmly in place.

"Please don't walk away from me.", he manages to say, still catching his breath,

You gaze at him, releasing your grip on his tousled hair, Unable to think coherently.

"You're joking, right? I mean, we hate each other, Matt," you say, aware that your words are a lie. Beneath all the arguing and name-calling, you love him. Yet, you're foolish enough to let fear cloud your judgment.

"please don’t lie to me “ he says

"I'll be straightforward since you're stubborn. You don't want to see me with other people, and neither do I," he says, his voice resonating with honesty.

"So, cut the bullshit and let me be the man you deserve. If you don't want that, I understand. Just please have the balls to tell me, and I'll leave you alone," he says, loosening his grip on your waist.

Testing the waters, you move, and he doesn't stop you. The unspoken tension hangs in the air, awaiting the resolution that could redefine their dynamic.

Allowing him to withdraw, you grimace slightly at the sensitivity. As Matt moves away, defeated, you stare back at him, your heart still pounding from his confession. Despite the tumultuous nature of your relationship, you halt yourself from self-destruction, reluctant to spoil another delicate aspect of your connection with Matt—though delicate might not be the perfect term to describe it.

Gently cradling Matt's face like a fragile porcelain mask, your hands trembling with fear of causing harm. In a tender moment, you press a soft kiss to his lips. That simple gesture speaks volumes, conveying your unspoken desire for him. In that shared intimacy, Matt understands, and what you wanted becomes clear – him.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

@mangosrar @mattsd0ll @christinarowie332 @loveesiren @cabincorematt

[rotbtd-edits]

The characters

Based on my Rotbtd story. The profiles are found on the computer version of my tumblr blog site, but I wanted to have some sort of collective post with them here too, while adding some details. Just because I like profiles 👍

---------------------------

The protagonists of Rotbtd

Hiccup

Age: 20 Height: 6'1" (185 cm) Home: Isle of Berk Guardian core: Friendship Likes: Dragons, flying, exploring, inventions and crafting, diplomacy, sketching, crabcakes, sarcasm, learning about dragons Dislikes: Cruelty, betrayal, arguing with dad, dishonesty, restrictions, being told what to do, manipulation, dragon abuse

An adventurous viking and the future Chief from Berk, Hiccup’s dream is to further study the dragons and explore the world. While being hesitant about Guardianhood at first, he’s a natural leader and keeps the team moving through hardships. As innovative technical genius Hiccup relies more on strategies and sometimes his stubborness of wanting to do things his way can even come off as stalling. Hiccup is the Guardian of friendship, symbolised by his bond with his dragon partner Toothless.

Merida

Age: 17-18 Height: 5'4" (164 cm) Home: DunBroch Guardian core: Courage Likes: Archery, horse-riding, adventures, training, sweets, having fun, free days off, story-telling, being a Guardian Dislikes: Nagging, tight clothes, restrictions, customs and traditions, inactivity, being told what to do, her mother's temper

A princess from the kingdom of DunBroch. Out of the four Merida is the first to embrace Guardianhood, seeing it as an escape from her fate at home and her mother’s demands. Wanting to take immediate action she can come off as hotheaded and inconsiderate, but she deeply cares for the well-being of the people and her team. Merida is an excellent archer and a loyal friend, stopping at nothing to help those in need. She’s the Guardian of courage.

Jack

Age: 17-18 Height: 5'8" (175 cm) Home: ??? (Burgess) Guardian core: Fun Likes: Pranks, flying, having fun, facing challenges, snowball fights, honesty, children, having friends and love Dislikes: Mind games, restrictions, friends' suffering, manipulation, being alone, cruelty, the Man in the Moon

Resurrected by the Man in Moon a few years earlier, Jack woke up confused and alone. Due to his distrust at the Man in Moon he also doubts the whole Guardianhood at first. A free spirit, Jack tends to hide his insecurities under jokes but under the bratty behaviour beats the brave heart of a Guardian. Jack possesses ice powers and cannot remember anything but glimpses of his past, making him an enigma. As the Guardian of fun he lightens up the team.

Rapunzel

Age: 18 Height: 5'5" (167 cm) Home: Kingdom of Corona Guardian core: Imagination Likes: Art, house chores, ducklings, adventures, baking, facing challenges, pranks, singing, being able to go outside Dislikes: Being alone, arguments, betrayal, selfishness, boredom, getting confined, dishonesty, wearing shoes

Born with mystical powers, Rapunzel was raised in isolation by her paranoid mother. Spending her days dreaming about the world outside, she’s always harboured love for adventure and embraces the journey. She can appear naive and insecure but in reality is very clever and resourceful. Her positive outlook also helps the team come together, though sometimes she gets frustrated at the bickering group. A great artist, Rapunzel’s the Guardian of imagination.

[julaibib]

I feel so heartbroken, and distressed. What can I do to feel better?

Sadness or is distressed needed in life; it is something that was felt by the best of those who came before us. Ya’qūb (ʿalayhi al-Salām) felt sad when he lost his son Yūsuf. Fāṭima (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā) felt sad when she lost her father the Prophet Muḥammad (sallAllāhu ʿalayhi wasallam), to the extent that she did not recover until she departed from this world. When the Prophet (sallAllāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) lost his uncle Abū Tālib and his wife Khadījah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā), he, too, felt extremely sad. In fact, historians named this year ‘The Year of Sadness.’

There are three types of sadness. Al-huzn is sadness referring to what has occurred in the past, al-gham is a current state of sadness and al-hamm is the sadness of what may occur in the future.

A common trick of the shaytān is to isolate oneself when feeling sadness. Isolation is not the cure. The Prophet (sallAllāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) tells us that a believer who mixes with the people will be harmed whether you like it or not. Therefore, our mindset should encourage us on how to proactively overcome the state of sadness rather than allowing it to consume us.

Allāh says,

“And he called out within the darkness, ‘There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.’”

This is the du’ā of Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām) by which he invoked Allāh (jalla wa ʿālā) whilst in the depths of the ocean within the belly of the whale. Allāh (jalla wa ʿālā) tells us immediately after this verse, that He rescued Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām) from al-Gham. This is one of the three states of sadness mentioned above. Therefore, du’ās such as the above are ideal for a person feeling a current state of sadness.

“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”

Preparing for the reality of trial and strife is of utmost importance in Islam. The ideal strategy is that when times are good, we are fortifying our walls by remembering Allah, making duaa, being thankful for what we have, and detaching ourselves from the dunya (worldly life). 

If we have worked on purifying our hearts during ease, then when hardship hits, it will extract from the good and pure in our spiritual cups. We would have practiced gratefulness so we will know how to be grateful during loss. 

[leclsrc]

Just saw the last Carlos fic and I LIVED for it… but can never get enough of my manz… Carlos x driver!reader (friends to lovers) where it’s hard to be a female f1 driver because everyone is waiting to brand you as overly emotional and dramatic. What if the reader has a bad crash and she claims to everyone including her driver friends that she is completely fine, only to collapse later because of an injury she hid from everyone

silver lining – cs55

genre: drabble, angst?, fluff, yearning

auds here... whatta painful req anon! am trying to get reqs done so i start anew for 2023 but i write painfully slow. anyway i hope you enjoy this. title from silver lining by the nbhd :)

Silverstone is cold and windy when you snag P2 beside Carlos. 

Immediately, you’re ushered into the media pen to answer questions, after the usual physical check-up and initial celebrations. Something tugs at your leg, a dull pain that seems to grow, but you clear your throat and put on a smile for the interviewer. With drivers, the questions are an endless cliche: what was your strategy, did it go down well with Max, your teammate, were there prior discussions of how to handle this and that and conserve that and this.

But with you, the cliche reaches a whole new level. Apart from the usual, it’s: how do you keep your hair so shiny even when racing, any favorite workouts, what’s the female F1 driver diet. It’s tiring, draining to constantly overhear your male coworkers answer more objective, driver-oriented questions. 

It never helps to speak up against it. You’ve got most of the Internet on your side, but there’s the occasional semi-viral tweet that brands you as emotional and dramatic, sometimes backed up by so-called F1 experts. You’ve been the topic of multiple TikToks, podcast episodes, and think pieces that all bring you down.

“Did you feel nervous at all going into Q3, considering there’d been a minor complication with the car?” You feel for the interviewers, though, knowing they have to repeat all these for hours. You swallow your nerves and spout an answer of your own. The pain grows sharp.

The man pauses and reviews his notepad, then. “Did you maybe wish you could’ve gotten P1 today instead of Sainz? Prove the whole ‘girl boss’ notion?”

“My desire to win has nothing to do with ‘girl boss’-ing,” you clarify. “I’m very happy for Carlos, but at the end of the day this is my career, so obviously I’d say yes to wanting to get first place. It’s not an odd answer.”

Your gut churns with dread, knowing this will be spun into a nasty headline later. But you flex your leg, and it sends you into a silent fit of pain—something’s wrong, a muscle pulled or trapped. The interviewer thanks you after a few more questions, and you swallow the rest of your water in hopes of being distracted, albeit momentarily.

Seb bumps into you, notices the grimace on your flushed face. “Everything alright?”

“Tired,” you say, wanting nothing more than to be done with it and sleep the leg pain off. It increases with every step you take, but if you start showing signs of it here, the headlines will only worsen.

You pass the rest of the pen and wobble back to your motorhome. Much to your surprise, Carlos waits there, a towel slung over his shoulder. Like Seb, he notices the dull, dry pain written on your eyes.

Unlike Seb, he doesn’t leave the issue alone. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you say. You and Carlos have always been close, harboring the same age gap as he and Charles but a more levelheaded relationship. “Are we celebrating tonight?”

“You definitely aren’t with the way you’re walking,” he says pointedly. “En serio?”

“I said nothing,” you say, sharpening your voice. “Leave it.”

He follows you slowly, until you’re both isolated by the door of your room. It’s quiet when you let him in, your irritance and standoffish behavior still evident.

He tries again, because if he’s learned anything from years of knowing and loving you, it’s that you’re a truly stubborn son of a bitch. “Tell me,” he says, solemn. His loud mood always tones down with you, not because you bore him, but because he feels more comfortable with himself.

Inversely, you’re always louder around him, more bubbly, unlike your typically stoic self. It’s the kind of connection neither of you can label, or explain. It’s the both of you, always. “I think my leg’s injured,” you say, letting the confession leave you in one breathless sentence. “It really, really hurts, Carlos.”

You lean against the wall and exhale. “I’ll get it checked,” you tack onto it, so he doesn’t worry even more. He worries a lot. Especially with you.

“Why didn’t you say anything at first,” he says, voice aghast with concern. He mumbles something in Spanish. When he’s caught in fits of emotion, you notice, his English is always the first to go.

“It wouldn’t have been taken seriously,” you reason, wincing. “I never am.”

“Fuck that,” he says. “You need to say these things.”

“Carlos,” you say. 

He takes his hand in yours. “You make me worry. I worry.”

You nod along, gripping his hand with whatever energy you have left. You know as early as now that you’ll be okay, that this annoying leg will be taped up and rested tonight, because that’s Carlos—always caring, always there. You have so much of him in your heart.

There’s a glimmer of something there, just in the undergrowth. You can’t wait to find out what it is.

[leninisms]

I’m not very well versed in international diplomacy, can you explain why her policy is evil aside from her stance on Israel and Gaza? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I figured you’d be kind enough to actually answer.

hi! thank you for asking so nicely! this is not a dumb question at all, and i’m happy to answer:)

i want to start by quickly shouting out a couple of my favorite independent media outlets that i go to for news, because i believe these people and organizations are doing really crucial work:

geopolitical economy report

breakthrough news, the socialist program, liberation news, and liberation school

people’s dispatch

the real news network

venezuela analysis

i’m gonna break kamala’s foreign policy down section by section, but i do want to first point out that there is no mention of strengthening international partnerships, except through military power. there’s no talk about ending any sanctions or blockades. no talk of strengthening old, or establishing new trade agreements. it’s all military, war, threats, security, attacks, etc..

this is long so it’s all below the cut:)

immediately “american interests” is bad. this does not mean the interests of the american working class (though it would still be bad if it did)— it means the interests of the american capitalist ruling class. the biggest “threat” china poses to the U.S. is the rise of china and the BRICS as global economic superpowers. from liberation news:

“…China’s economic rise poses a threat to this U.S.-dominated unipolar international arrangement, and this fear of the U.S. losing its status as the dominant global power forms the basis of Washington’s foreign policy vis-a-vis Beijing. Presenting this competition as an existential one of “democracy” versus “authoritarianism,” the U.S. applies a strategy of containment toward China to blunt its rise: by seeking to isolate it through military encirclement, foreclosing its access to key markets, and cutting it off economically from the rest of the world. This policy is intended to cripple China’s development, ensuring Western capitalism’s control over the entire globe.”

for more information on china, check out dongsheng news, friends of socialist china, and breakthrough news’ new segment “the china report.” here’s a cool podcast mini-series about china’s revolution. and, just for good measure, here’s all of liberation school’s china analyses. i also recommend this post debunking the “uyghur genocide.”

north korea (the democratic people’s republic of korea/dprk) is not a fascistic military dictatorship or whatever they’re calling it these days. there’s a lot of fear-mongering in the U.S. about the “threat of nuclear war with north korea.” the primary reason dprk has been so adamant about having nuclear weapons is that the united states carpet bombed all of korea from 1950-1953, dropping 635,000 tons of bombs, destroying an estimated 85% of buildings, and killing hundreds of thousands of people. the desire for nuclear weapons comes from the security that mutually assured destruction (MAD) offers.

for more information on korea: this article is a condensed version of stephen gowen’s book (patriots, traitors, and empire: the story of korea’s struggle for freedom). i also recommend the dprk’s government website and the pyongyang times. if you’re a podcast enjoyer, blowback season three was all about korea (and they have a bibliography)!!! and this post has more sources as well:)

i’ll start by saying NATO needs to be abolished. it’s not about peace— it’s about unipolar U.S. hegemony and it’s about aggression and endless war. i’m going to let these sources speak for themselves because they’re just that good.

this episode of the socialist program (2022) is a really good introduction to NATO, specifically in relation to the russia-ukraine conflict. this statement on russia’s intervention in ukraine from liberation news is a very solid analysis. geopolitical economy report shared this article (also available on youtube) just days ago which nicely analyzes some of the reasons the U.S. has been so unconditionally supportive of ukraine. this essay about the convergence of ukrainian liberals and fascists was recommended by one of my comrades, and for good reason. from the article:

… dwelling on Ukraine’s neo-nazis can be an optical illusion. Not that I am one to underplay their murderous actions or political power. But that ultimately, they are junior partners to Ukraine’s liberals. And Ukraine’s liberals at time may be even more militaristic than the nationalists, who more often have their lives under risk at the frontline. Even if liberal slogans may not seem quite so openly bloodthirsty as whatever rightwinger yelling about the Jewish conspiracy.

The political convergence between extreme ethno-nationalism and neo-liberalism... In Ukraine, it’s quite simple: the nationalists care more about cultural policy and the right to shoot those they dislike than economic policy. And the liberals need someone to shoot those they dislike.

i hope this was helpful, but please feel free to ask for clarification or further reading or whatever. i love talking about politics and i love getting to make posts like this because they allow me to expand my knowledge too!! again, thank you for asking!

[manorpunk]

To Seize and Hold - Act II

Distracting myself from election scrolling.

+++++

Jacob Martin Rider is modeled after a very particular type of guy, a type of guy who is intimately familiar to grand strategy gamers, central European history buffs, and anyone else who knows what a ‘Hussar’ is. That type of guy is the cavalry dandy.

The cavalry dandy is a grizzled, battle-tested, hard-drinking killer, a 17th century Rambo who charges into the nearest fight before he even knows who’s at war. The cavalry dandy is also a vainglorious fop obsessed with preening and fancy clothes. He is a perfect example of how changing and nebulous something like ‘masculinity’ is: the military is supposed to be the domain of masculine manly men, hard-eyed killers fighting other hard-eyed killers, but it is also a place of elaborate ritual, fancy uniforms with braids and sashes, dance-like ceremonies of precision movements, even those big dumb Air Force swords. Martial culture is the epitome of homiesexual. Or, to put it in Jacob’s words:

“If you want success on the battlefield, you need a fag. Alexander the Great? Huge fag. Frederick the Great? Huge fag. Napoleon? He’s French, so it’s complicated.”

But seriously, who the hell is this Jacob Martin Rider guy? Here’s what has been pieced together from a combination of primary sources, interviews, and good old-fashioned rumor, as will be revealed throughout the story:

Back in the day, JMR was a self-defense instructor who worked with queer groups, training people in martial arts and shooting. By 205X, when the remnants of America were bogged down in multiple wars with massive fronts, Jacob gathered his former students and lovers together into a small army and offered his services to the New US Army. He was hastily given the rank of Major by general Tony Poolsupplies and stationed in the northern Michigan front of the Quebec War.

Tony had little faith or trust in Jacob, however, calling him a “dollar-store Napoleon,” and he plunked Jacob down at a quiet outpost along Michigan’s coastline and refused to give him any orders. Jacob, meanwhile, privately referred to Tony as a “McClellan-ass bitch” and accused him of deliberately prolonging the war to get kickbacks from arms manufacturers.

Despite being roadblocked by his superiors, Jacob worked tirelessly on scouting, surveying, and reconnaissance, and noticed what appeared to be a contingent of the Imperial Quebecois Army preparing to reorganize by transporting reinforcements across Lake Huron in unarmed and unarmored ships. He recognized the opportunity for a rapid attack that could isolate and scatter the opposing army, potentially winning the war in one fell swoop. When Poolsupplies left him on read, Jacob decided to go ahead with the attack anyway. The Battle of Lake Huron was a resounding success for the Great Lakes Republic, and his use of small-arms drones for screening has arguably been influential in the development of mid-21st century drone tactics.

Despite his success, Jacob was immediately stripped of his rank and put on trial for disobeying orders, or lack thereof, and launching an independent offensive. And also for a lot of procurement fraud, that’s how he got rich but everyone forgets about that part.

Fast-forward, and enter Sunny Roosevelt. She thinks that JMR would make a perfect candidate for her defense advisor - talented and experienced enough to be useful, and crazy enough that she could always find a reason to drop him like last season’s merch. There’s the perfect opportunity to test him, too. Northern Michigan looks like it’ll be crawling with right-wing forest militias - again, sigh - so he can start off by getting a lay of the land and drawing up some contingency plans. What Sunny does not know is that there’s nothing Jacob loves more than strolling into a small town and pissing everyone off with his public flamboyance.

It does not take long for Jacob and Liam to both capture each other’s interest. The attempts by Liam’s father to keep the two of them apart other only gives it the sweet, sweet allure of ~*~forbidden love~*~. After Jacob saves Liam from being cornered by Byron Weber (one of Remington’s large adult sons), Liam enthusiastically agrees to be whisked away from his hometown to live at Jacob’s mansion.

<gratuitous sex scene>

And what a life it is! Peace and luxury, no need to work, and he can finally get in touch with the side of him that he’d had to keep hidden for all his life. Things slow down a bit as we take some time to develop the relationship, reveal Jacob’s backstory, adjust to the new routine, and have lots of gratuitous sex scenes. The fun and games before we raise the stakes and have the big midpoint moment, to put it in plotting terms.

<gratuitous sex scene>

Liam gets to know the new cast of characters, including a trio of maids who seem to share a special, as-yet-undisclosed relationship with Jacob:

Anton Smolenski, from Moldova. Short and somehow has naturally pink hair. He is the stern and serious one of the trio, perpetually scowling with his hands on his hips or his arms crossed.

Brandi Hyde, from Tidewater. Tall, gaunt, and stooping with long blonde hair, facial scars, and a wide, unsettling grin. The creepy one of the trio, fond of eye shadow, knives, and giggling slowly.

Ismai’l “Izzy” al-Iskander, from Balochistan. The suspiciously sweet one, with sleepy eyes, perpetually tousled hair, and a fidgety smile.

Still, it’s not long before a sense of unease starts to nag at Liam, although everyone else assures him that it must be him shaking off the results of his upbringing. For instance, he gets some odd looks for practicing Founderism - the fun new Christian heresy where the Founding Fathers are worshipped as saint-demigods. It’s not just Liam’s upbringing, though, it’s also his knowledge that he won’t be able to stay here forever - and even if he could, he wouldn’t want to. He wants to keep a sense of independence, the knowledge that he’d be okay if he ever had to leave, but he quickly learns that it won’t be easy. First, he’ll need to get his future-GED to qualify for citizenship. Classes are all online, and he tries to find a study group or a way to meet with other students, but other people tell him shit like “oh yeah if you have a Buck.it account you can sign in through Toastr. Do you have Bip? You need Bip.”

<gratuitous sex scene>

Liam continues to play Aivrcade, but one day when he signs in, he’s suddenly locked into a private server that he’s never heard of before. When it loads, he’s in a room with Sunny Roosevelt. She is distinctly not cute and bubbly. In fact, she’s dressed like a mob boss, with a red suit and large shades. She tells Liam that Jacob’s been talking about him - not a lot, but she picks up on these sorts of things. Jacob seems to like him. A lot. And that’s a very useful bit of information. Especially since Sunny needs someone to keep an eye on Jacob. Hint hint.

Liam objects - after all, he hasn’t exactly been trained in espionage. How could he pull this off?

Don’t worry, Sunny says, you grew up queer in a small town, so you obviously have some practice with hiding things. Besides, there’s a lot of money in it for you if you say yes. You’re trying to be independent, right? Don’t look so surprised, of course I knew that, I’m Sunny. With the money I can give you, you’ll be set for life without a sugar daddy.

Liam asks if he has to go along with this or if he can say no.

That’s a very good question, Sunny says. Can you say no to me? I suppose there’s only one way to find out. If you really want to know the answer that badly. :)

Liam says yes, and Sunny gives him the password for the private server he can use to contact her to give her all the juicy details.

As a result, Liam starts to look at Jacob differently, the things he says and does and what they mean. He listens in on Jacob’s conversations, and 

Turns out the maid trio have been with Jacob since the Battle of Port Huron - they look much younger than they are thanks to future-drugs. Anton thinks Jacob has been going soft and has been privately goading him to get back to his roots. What happened to the old Jacob, the one who trained people, taught them how to protect themselves? Goddammit, it’s time to bring back the Battletwinks. Anton is like a foil to Liam’s desire for self-reliance and autonomy, taking it in a more aggressive direction - “autonomy means forcibly carving out a niche for yourself and remaining vigilant in a cruel world.”

I notice now that this is a bit messy - I mean obviously, it's an outline, and it's the middle parts, it's the different threads that will have to be bound together very carefully. Setting up the dominoes to have a satisfying payoff.

<gratuitous sex scene>

[sailorblossoms-snowbaz]

“But I also want to do this, whatever it is that works between us. With Agatha, it – ” 

Even in isolation, this packs so much. Because of the way it’s written, you can fill in the blanks pretty easily. “With Agatha, it (wasn’t like this)” 

In this part, Simon is telling us he’s too turned on to think, he’s so in love (“I love him, I love him” – the repetition is both emphasis and his thoughts being derailed because of sexual desire... he doesn’t have the mental capacity to be poetic here, he simply repeats it). “But I also want to do this” is not calling back to “I wanted to, until I didn’t,” or something, which he uses to express how he tried (but failed) to have sex with Baz before, otherwise Agatha would not be brought up at all. If it was about “failed attempts” at intimacy with Baz, it would have been about how he can do this, rather than he wants to do this, because wanting it isn’t new when it’s with Baz (Simon has thought and said he wants sex with Baz plenty of times, highlighting that lack of wanting was not at all the problem). “I’m so turned on I can’t even think, I’m so in love, I also want to do this” is redundant. “Romantic love” + “lust” = “desire for sex” is obvious enough you don’t need to spell it out. No need for a “but” there. 

“But I also want to do this,” with emphasis on do does indicate that there was a time he didn’t want to do this... Follow that with “With Agatha” and there’s your answer. It’s only when the comparison it’s done with Agatha that “I want to do this” is a new thing that needs to be highlighted in italics. “With Agatha, it (wasn’t like this) (I didn’t want to do it) (it didn't work)” ... you keep going back that paragraph in order, and you even have “(I wasn’t in love) (I wasn’t turned on at all)”

This is about sex, and we get Simon expressing how he actually felt about having it with Agatha without outright saying it, including the fact that he interrupts the thought with “no, never mind, that doesn’t matter” ... because he doesn’t want to talk about it. He doesn’t want to think or process that, he doesn’t treasure the memory, he doesn’t want it in his head, and he doesn’t want to give it any importance. He dismisses it, he wants to leave it behind. That scene in Fangirl where Baz goes “have you ever done this before?” and Simon goes “not when I actually wanted it,” which the author has shared as informing Simon’s sexuality and experiences are encapsulated in this. In “But I actually want to do this.” 

I have posted about this before, but I was thinking about this again because, while this is about sex... it’s not just about sex. It also applies to the relationships. With Agatha, he didn’t have any romantic or sexual feelings, so he didn’t actually want to do “this”–“this” being his role of boyfriend. “It’s not my job to tell her what to do” is clearly disinterest, avoidance. “I never put her first” acknowledging this isn’t how a relationship should work, while also never concerning himself with changing it. Again, disinterest and avoidance. With Baz, he wants to do “this,” whatever it is that works between them. He wants their relationship to work. Which means communication, even when it’s uncomfortable. Simon talks, even about the things he would rather not. He doesn’t go “fine, it’s not my job to tell him shit, I’m not his boss” in SFC when Baz is upset and goes out to get some space. He immediately apologizes when Baz comes back. He doesn’t just go “I got it wrong” or linger in that line of thought because they had a discussion – he extends an olive branch when things cool off, even if he’s not fully getting it yet. There’s no avoidance; Simon is making the effort to make it work. Simon telling Baz “whatever you want, always” when discussing their Christmas strategy is not just a romantic gesture, it’s also about wanting to put Baz first. 

[princess-of-the-corner]

ML Plot Points: Fu and S3 Finale

After the Ladybug Replacement arc, Hawkmoth is recovering while Viceroy takes over the akuma business. They quickly realise that quantity over quality is no longer a viable strategy since they have to deal with 4 to 7 heroes in any given attack. As such, they take a break for a couple of days while waiting for an emotion they can get something useful out of.

The akuma in question is Sandboy. Which would be used to flesh out all the heroes and give Fu a more serious nightmare about his failures.

After that comes Feast. Starts the same, but Fu goes with Ladybug and Chat Noir into Feast and is the one to break the amokised object. Also, This ep is the one when Hawkmoth and MAyura figure out where Fu lives.

I’m not sure If I’d add any more akuma attacks in the time period between the Ladybug Replacement and Feast. Those two are the only really necessary ones, with Feast happening directly before the finale.

And thus, Love Eater happens. (Sidenote, instead of the floating head ballon, I’d have them be a gold and blue two headed snake with the get along shirt wrapped around them. Think a King Taijitu from RWBY). Hawkmoth tries to convince Chloe to get akumatised and it doesn’t work, she just tells him off and sneaks off to fight the akuma. Instead of that, Hawkmoth just gives Lila a butterfly and tells her to stay on standby until he says the word. Hawkmoth has purposefully has Love Eater be more difficult so that all seven heroes will have to be involved. Once all of them are there, he de-akumatises the Bourgeois coupled and akumatises Lila into Hoaxer with the goal of having her distract them for as long as possible.

As soon as Lila is akumatised, Mayura makes a tiny butterfly Sentimonster, has it go into the massage parlour and she changes it so it’s the size of the building. Horse!Fu makes it out with the miracle box, but barely and is immediately confronted by Hawkmoth, Mayura and the Sentimonster.

Fu has had it rough these past few episodes. The Ladybug replacement arc forced him to admit that he’s still making mistakes and that he’s clearly making things worse for the girl who he saw as a granddaughter. Sandboy forced him to accept that the Order was messed up from the beginning and that even if what happened was his fault, he can’t afford to keep punishing himself and everyone he chooses to isolation. Lastly, Feast forced him to face the literal embodiment of his mistake and the Order’s sins.

He can’t keep going the way he’s been going. Even if it’s what the Order would have had him do, it’s wrong.

So Fu just looks at them and apologises. He tells them that, truthfully, he doesn’t know how to help their loved one and that it was wrong of him to lead them on just to get their miraculi. They deserved better. Since Hawkmoth has literal telepathic powers, so they know he’s not lying. It’s a nice moment between a traumatised old man who is finally trying to do better and the two people he screwed over.

Alas, it’s too late for reconciliation. Fu waited too long and the two of them have done too much. Letting them have the miraculi is simply not an option, so Fu does the only thing he can:

He breaks the miracle box and makes portals beneath every miraculous, sending them to a location where he thinks the heroes will find them.

Thus begins the second most interesting fight I’ve foreshadowed in the posts about world building and powers.

-Hawkmoth has telepathy powers and can communicate his intentions to Mayura. This means he can predict what Fu will do and that his teamwork with Mayura and the Sentimonster near perfect.

-Mayura, since she has both the Amok and the peacock miraculous, can control and change the Sentimonster at will. Want to give it a snake head from it’s back that lunges at Fu? A bunch of insect limbs as sharp as swords? Wings? A fuckton of limbs/tentacles? Make it bigger or smaller depending on the situation? She can do so.

-Lastly, Fu with the horse can make portals. Since he had the miraculi since he was 8 and is now almost 200 he is the strongest current holder and he has absolutely no limits. He’ll feel awful afterwards, but it’s for the best. Favourite ideas include:

Launching himself through moving portals to pick up speed and lunge at them them from weird angles,

Throwing the horseshoe and when they parry it, sending it through a portal so it still hits them.

Portal-Cutting a building, making it go through a set of vertical portals so it builds up speed and sending it through a third portal to launch it right at them.

Portal-cutting the Eiffel Tower in specific parts so it collapses on top of them.

Canon had Fu go out like a bitch. HC had Fu go out like a bitch offscreen. I may not like the character, but I can let him go feral in his last moments. The man should have one cool fight scene.

Eventually, the heroes manage to beat Hoaxer and join the fight, at which point, Mayura just makes the Sentimonster really big and violent so they can flee. They at least got the grimoire, that’s. more than they had before.

Fu gives up guardianship and tells Ladybug where he sent the miraculi, since he can’t be sure they’ll find them. His last words to her are: “Don’t repeat my mistakes. Don’t be a Guardian, be a leader.”

-

OOF BUT THIS IS DOPE

[thehistoryprincesse]

𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝐼𝓈𝒶𝒷𝑒𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝒫𝒶𝓇𝓂𝒶 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝒶𝓇𝒾𝒶 𝒞𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓃𝒶, 𝒟𝓊𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝑒𝓈𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓃

Happy pride month everyone!! This month I will be trying to touch on some of my favorite queer icons in history. :)

Maria Christina Johanna Josepha Antonia was born on 13 May, 1742, the fifth daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria and Francis I, Holy Roman Empire, and elder sister to Marie Antoinette. Maria was deemed to be her mothers favorite child, which shows obvious in the letters between the two. This favoritism sparked much jealousy in her siblings, teasing and critizing her heavily, this favoritism, of course came with many upsides. She received a stupendous education and was regarded as perfectly speaking french, italian, and english, aswell as being an exceptional painter. But as a mothers favoritism often does, it isolated Maria greatly, which although having fell in love with multiple men in her life, none of the matches were quite supported by her mother.

Isabel of Parma on the other hand, did not have much love with her mother, Isabella of Bourbon-Parma was born on 31 December, 1741, to Philip, Duke of Parma, and Louise Elisabeth of France, the eldest daughter of Louis XV and Marie Leszczyńska. At a young age Isabel was recorded to have threw violent tantrums frequently, which in turn her mother Elisabeth disciplined the girl so severely that isabel’s paternal grandmother Queen Elisabeth Farnese of Spain (de facto), compared the discipline to a military drill, (although Queen Elisabeth was recorded as to promoting this discipline.), soon enough their relationship grew so stressed that Isabel’s mother regarded the young girl as stubborn and unbearable to raise. Isabel after being dropped into the hands of her governess and forgotten about by her mother, quickly turned to mischief and curiousity, being recorded to play all day and night with no break, isabel writing, 'My head was always in the clouds, occupying itself with a hundred thousand ideas at once'.

Due to the influences of Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV and Maria Theresa of Austria came together to strengthen and ally the houses of bourbon, and that of the habsburg. In this alliance resulted many marriages, one of them being of Isabel of Parma, (a bourbon princesse) and Joseph II, Archduke of Austria, and the elder brother to Maria Christina. Her marriage with Joseph seemed to be impartial, he was recorded to have been taken by love (although he wasn’t really sure how to show it) with his new bourbon wife, but it seemed this love was awfully one sided, Isabel having had no opinion on her new husband.

During this period of time, Isabel was said to have grown majorly depressed and borderline suicidal. In a letter to Marie Christine saying; ‘What should the daughter of a great prince expect? Her fate is unquestionably most unhappy. Born the slave of the people’s prejudices, she finds herself subjected to this weight of honours, these innumerable etiquettes attached to greatness… In the end the effort is made to establish her. There she is condemned to abandon everything, her family, her country–and for whom? For an unknown person, whose character and manner of thinking she does not know… sacrifice to a supposed public good, but in fact rather to the wretched policy of a minister who can find no other way for the two dynasties to form an alliance which he pronounces indissoluble–and which, immediately it seems advantageous, is broken off…’

By the Isabel reached the age of twenty she was extremely successful in most everything she did, she continued her education, helped her husbands military strategies, and was said to have painted and decorated many rooms in the schobrunn palace, many of which are still on display today.

In the midst of her life in Vienna, it was obvious that Isabel and Maria had grown awfully close, many letters survive today of their close bond with eachother, clearly showing how Isabel had taken a liking to her husbands sister, instead of him.

“The confusion which reigns in a certain drawer which lives in my room, where are to be found together and without rhyme or reason a political tract, a pile of letters, a comic opera, a vaudeville, a treatise on education, a clavier part, some moral reflections. A sermon jostles a treatise on all types of foolishness, prayers are mixed up in a paper devoted to declaring my love to you, letters from the emperor muddle up with letters of a hundred persons who are indifferent to me, and with those letters which are so dear to me and constitute the sweetness of my life.”

Unfortunately, apart from one responding letter to Isabel, none of Maria’s correspondence to her sister-in-law survived. But it is clear that at some point, Maria had either fallen out with Isabel, or confessed to her that they could no longer continue their rendezvous, this is made clear in a very passionate letter Isabel had written.

“I am writing you again, cruel sister, though I have only just left you. I cannot bear waiting to know my fate, and to learn whether you consider me a person worthy of your love, or whether you would like to throw me into the river…. I can think of nothing but that I am deeply in love. If I only knew why this is so, for you are so without mercy that one should not love you, but I cannot help myself.”

Sadly, shortly after making this letter, Isabel passed away at the age of 21 due to smallpox, aware that she was bound to pass soon, Isabel wrote one last letter to her dear Maria. Advising her on how to navigate and survive the court of Vienna, and how to convince her mother on a marriage.

Clearly, Maria took his letter with utmost sincerity, as after after mourning for much much longer then required, Maria had convinced her mother on a marriage, ending up being the only daughter of Maria Theresa to marry for love, instead of convenience. That suitor being the Prince Albert of Saxony, a man with no fortune or inheritance.

[amelikos]

Some character notes and episode notes for HZ044, writing them down for future reference.

Friede went to check the strange tower on the isolated island, and he eventually saw Spinel and his Pokemon there. He goes back to the ship and calls for a meeting. Different from how he reacted in HZ014 when he followed Spinel's Rarecoil and fell in his trap (and didn't mention it to the crew afterwards). This time, he is sharing all the information he has instead of rushing directly into things.

Back on the ship, Friede shows the footage he got and Liko recognizes Spinel as the one who stole her pendant and mentions that Sango (she used her name) said they were going to summon Rayquaza, so Friede assumes they actually have a way to do it (maybe by using a machine or something). Dot offers to make a shutdown program that works on any machine and mentions that she cannot forgive "that guy" (referring to Spinel). Liked that they still included their kind of rivalry, given that Spinel's introduction arc overlapped with Dot coming out of her room and getting Kuwassu as a partner. Dot got tricked multiple times by Spinel, and she wants to be involved this time too, because it's personal for her.

Friede suggests using a boat to get to the island because going by ship or on Lizardon would immediately give him away. Liko and Roy want to tag along as well. Friede is about to refuse because it's dangerous but doesn't finish his sentence once he sees how determined they both look and eventually accepts. I really like that they keep emphasizing that things are dangerous, makes things feel grounded.

Liko and Roy eventually go to the island and go through a forest to get to the tower, along with Friede and Landau. There are wild Pokemon who don't seem used to humans and they try not to stand out by not making any noise. Eventually they get to the tower and Friede warns Liko and Roy to be careful. The door was open, which makes Friede suspect something is wrong but he still goes inside and ends up being locked there. Friede tells Liko and Roy that they should go ahead without him. Liko and Roy are both worried but Landau tells them to believe in Friede and continue onwards. Liko takes a deep breath to regain her composure and they all decide to look for where Rayquaza might appear. Love the small moments with Liko being worried and her just taking a moment to breathe to calm herself down, it feels real.

Spinel and Friede get to interact face to face for the first time. Friede recognized his voice and referred to him by the words he used back in HZ014, and Spinel calls him by his name and professor status. Spinel revealed that the place was built just to imprison Friede. I just like the implications that he did all of that just to trap Friede and isolate him from the others and that he was going to wait for him there, which implies that he acknowledges him as a threat and wants to delay him. Love how cunning Spinel is in general, his strategies involve some kind of deception and distraction, isolating his opponents and luring them away, which he did with both Friede and Liko in HZ014.

Somewhere else, Sango is skeptical and asks Agate if their plan will really attract Rayquaza. She also wonders where Amethio is and calls him "bocchan" (very important lore, thank you Sango for the casual reveal). Agate says that they'll execute the plan without him and that it was Spinel's idea. Sango says it's a shame he's missing out and adds that Spinel hates Amethio. Onyx tells her to stop blabbering and to get back in position, which annoys Sango but she does it anyway. Onyx shakes her head at her www He really has to put up with a lot with her (but he still cares).

As an aside, Sango's words about Spinel hating Amethio were interesting... I wonder how much of that is true. Spinel usually keeps a lot of information to himself, so the fact that his supposed dislike for Amethio was so apparent that even Sango saw it? Maybe he doesn't care about hiding it, maybe he can't hide it because Amethio irritates him that much? Maybe he feels like that because Amethio is too honest and straightforward in his approach, which is very different from how Spinel acts? I think that for someone like Spinel, being anything else than "indifferent" towards someone is a feat, so Amethio is "special" on some level... (Spinel finds very few people "fascinating" so far, we know Liko being the key to something had him intrigued, and he's also interested in Friede) He did keep up with Amethio's training and observed it back in HZ034, and last time they both interacted, Amethio did agree with Spinel in HZ027... So I wonder what's up with Spinel potentially hating Amethio, and why he may feel that way in the first place.

Back in the tower, Spinel talks about the device he made. Basically a resonance generator which recreates the energy Terapagos emits when calling to Rayquaza. Friede wonders if the Explorers can beat Rayquaza, to which Spinel says that three skilled Explorers are on the job, so they might be able to do something. Friede says that Spinel didn't strike him as the type to rely on others, but Spinel says he is just using them. Very good banter and back and forth here, I love how we get a view of how Friede considers Spinel and how methodical and calculating Spinel is too.

Friede and Spinel are about to battle, when Friede realizes he can't use Lizardon in that confined space (which is also why Spinel lured him there). He decides to send Cap to battle, and Spinel wonders if he is being underestimated (just like Amethio back in HZ002, and Friede remembered Amethio said the same thing). Blacky going full out in battle was great to see, and Spinel's battle style was interesting! Blacky knowing Reflect (a move reducing damage) says a lot about Spinel's relationship with his Pokemon too. We got a small exchange between Friede and Cap during the battle, when Cap shows him the small crack made on the and lets him know they should use this to escape.

Back to Liko and Roy, they are looking for the Explorers and Terapagos reacts to something. They can all feel Rayquaza is about to appear and it does eventually happen. (The BGM used between 12:10 and 12:20 was great and I hope it ends up in the OST if there is ever one)

Nanjamo was shown briefly livestreaming, so I wonder if she'll catch footage of Rayquaza.. Liko, Roy and Landau head to where Rayquaza is, while the Explorers start attacking him. Rayquaza was shown reacting to the sound similar to Terapagos and it felt like he stopped an attack after hearing it, I feel like this showed Rayquaza's soft side in a way? Rayquaza appeared after hearing "Terapagos" calling out to him and stopped whatever he was about to do upon hearing that sound again, so he is definitely not indifferent to Terapagos's cries.

Meanwhile, Dot announces that she finished the shutdown program but needs to get close to the device to activate it. She seems hesitant at first, and Murdock suggests doing it instead of her because he is worried about her being in danger. However, Dot says she will do it because Liko and Roy are fighting too and she is inspired to do the same to be on the same level as them. While Murdock is still worried, he is both proud and supportive of her wishes and says he'll lead her there. (Dot really grew to appreciate her friends and is pushed to act, be braver, and go out of her comfort zone thanks to them. Her development these past episodes has been great to witness.)

Back to Friede vs Spinel, they keep battling and Friede eventually manages to use Spinel's moves against him and break the wall to run away. Their VAs were really good in that scene btw (loved the way Spinel said いかさま whenever he ordered that move, and the way Friede said "sorry, I broke the place~" was a bit too much... weirdly teasy-sounding too in a way, which I loved.. Makoto Furukawa and Yashiro Taku are just great fits for their characters and their acting elevates literally any scene they are in). Either way, Friede leaves and Spinel considers him interesting now and wants to play with him some more~ So he potentially got himself a new obsession and wants to know more about Friede. I hope their dynamics will be expanded upon in the future because they are intriguing (and quite similar in some ways? Given that they both enjoy researching in some ways).

Two other things I loved was the non-conclusive aspect of the battle and Blacky's reaction. I love that HZ keeps showing non-conclusive battles because they tell a kind of story too, and that Friede doesn't finish battles if he doesn't need to. The context of each battle he takes part in is always very different (which is why it's interesting when he does engage Amethio in battle and gets into them a lot, but that's another story), and the story doesn't force battles to keep going for the sake of it. It's not cowardly to prioritize other things and HZ shows that the protag and hero side can run away. Running away or using distractions aren't only things antagonists or enemies do, and there is no moral judgement made about it, which I honestly appreciate.

Blacky's reaction was also interesting because as Friede and Cap left, I think she was growling? Which potentially shows that she may have wanted to finish the battle and knew she had the upper hand (darkness being her element too, being trapped in there was convenient) and was confident about her skills. Yet, back in HZ016, Blacky immediately wanted to back off once Oliva came out so she knew about the potential danger then. I think it shows Blacky doesn't overestimate her abilities (backing away from a confrontation that might be too dangerous, and knowing when things are in her and Spinel's favor).

Back to Rayquaza, Liko and Roy do what they can to stop the Explorers. Roy thought of using Stomping Tantrum to make Agate lose her balance (quick thinking on his part!), and called Kaiden to repel Agate's Ultra Ball. (I hope we see Kaiden more in chapter 3 because his appearance here was short and quick)

Dot eventually jumps into the scene in her Gurumin costume and manages to disable the device by connecting her Rotom Phone to it, thanks to Kuwassu and Kanuchan's help. That's the first victory Dot had against Spinel in a way, since she could interfere with his plan somehow (I do hope there is more to their rivalry in the future, still). Kanuchan eventually starts crying since the whole situation was scary for her, so Dot comforts her and calls her back to her Pokeball. Liko and Roy praise Dot for her feat, so Dot hides her face with her again before accepting their compliments. (It was cute. She clearly was happy about their words but she was still a bit embarassed.)

Eventually, Rayquaza breaks free from the ice and salt crystals. Agate starts getting visibly worried (I liked seeing another side of her since she is usually so composed and seems like the most levelheaded of the Explorers compared to the others.. she also got worried for Sango later on). Rayquaza launches Draco Meteor which hits a bunch of stuff in the area. Sango snaps and charges towards Rayquaza to use Self-Destruct (I love her battle style and how unhinged she is). The move manages to hurt Rayquaza and sends him crashing into the Brave Asagi. While Orio, Murdock, Mollie and the other Pokemon are still on the ship. Liko and the others are horrified. (Friede's expression, particularly, was good at the end.)

Anyway, great episode! I missed Kureha Matsuzawa's writing (last ep he wrote was HZ032 with Lapras joining Liko and the others, and Lucius flashback).

[weekendpassrevoked]

Easy's Songbird - Chapter Three

Orlando, Florida, February, 1942

Her family was obviously not very happy with her when she returned home that afternoon, uniform in hand. In fact, her mother didn’t speak to her for a week after how upset she was. She started speaking with her after they dropped Lucas and Cameron off at the train station and she sensed how upset Isabella was.

The worker had been skeptical about receiving her information when she signed up. Technically, she wasn’t allowed to, considering she was still 16, but after confirming her birth date, she was allowed to continue the process. 

Isabella didn’t feel excited, more queasy than anything. Her gut was telling her something was going to happen and she just didn’t know what.

It was on February 24th, her 17th birthday, did she finally figure out what it was. 

She had come home from school, exhausted. She had been restless recently. Nerves finally getting to her. When she walked into the dining room, she found her parents and Maya around the table, unreadable expressions on their faces.

Uneased, she finally broke the silence. 

“So, is everything okay or are yall going to leave me in the dark?”

Surprisingly, it had been Maya to finally answer her. 

“いさ, すわて”

She felt fear crawl up her throat, was it Michel? Had something happened to Lucas or Cameron?

Her father spoke up, voice tense. “Te llegó una carta en el correo.”

Her eyebrows furrowed, a letter in the mail for her wasn’t anything unusual. So what the hell were they playing at?

Taking the letter from her father, she finally understood why.

“ United States War DepartmentWashington, D.C.February 15th, 1942

Miss Isabella M. VegaOrlando, Florida

Subject: Assignment to Special Project "Blitz"

Miss Vega,

After careful review of your familial background, language qualifications, and exemplary educational record, it is my duty to inform you that you have been selected for participation in a newly-formed initiative, codenamed Project Blitz . This project represents a significant advancement in the United States Army's medical deployment strategy. As part of this experimental program, you will be assigned to a unit of Airborne Infantry , providing medical support to combat soldiers during airborne operations in enemy territory.

The role you are being asked to undertake is unprecedented in military history, and as such, will require exceptional skill, adaptability, and discipline. You will be expected to operate under extreme conditions, often isolated from traditional support structures, and your courage and ability to innovate in the face of adversity will be critical to the success of the program.

You will be attached to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Easy Company , currently in training for airborne operations. As part of Easy Company, you will parachute into combat zones alongside the infantry, providing direct medical support on the front lines. This assignment is not without risk, but the War Department is confident in your ability to meet the extraordinary demands of this operation.

Your orders are to report to Camp Toccoa, Georgia, no later than March 10th, 1942 , for further briefing and specialized training. You will receive additional details upon arrival.

It is important to note that your assignment to Project Blitz is considered classified . Discussions regarding the nature of your assignment, or the existence of this project, outside of official military channels are strictly prohibited.

The War Department expresses its full confidence in your abilities and looks forward to your contributions to this groundbreaking initiative. Your performance in this role will not only aid in the immediate needs of the war effort but may also pave the way for future generations of women in the military.

Respectfully,Lt. Col. James A. MerrittPersonnel DivisionWar Department

Isabella’s heart pounded, her hands shaking. How the hell had her name made it all the way to D.C?

Her father cleared his throat, looking at her severely as if he was trying to see right through her. 

“ Vas a aceptar?”

She gulped, this had been what she had always wanted right? To do something and prove herself? To be just as capable as the men on the front lines?

“ Si.”

That night, she had her birthday cake. For now, she would enjoy her last birthday at home, surrounded by those who cared for her. Her parents had bought her a new guitar strap along with a new journal. Usually, she would just doodle and write new music in her journals, but this time around she decided she would start writing in it once she started her training. Lucas had gotten her more veils for church, while Cameron got her new art supplies. They’d made sure to leave it with her mom before they left. Then, Maya excitedly brought in a box all the way from her room.

“あなたのお兄さんと私は、この誕生日を特別なものにしたいと思いました。あなたが子供たちの面倒をたくさん見てくれたおかげです。私たちはこれを作ってもらい、私の家族の助けを借りて、日本から送ってもらいました。”

Her eyes widened. She carefully received the box from her, placing it gently on the table. She took the lid off, not knowing what to expect. Inside was the most beautiful kimono she had ever seen. The furisode was dark green, with delicate light green flower patterns. The obi pink and green, along with a pink obiage and obijime. It came with a beautiful white juban with the haneri having flower embroidery. But the most beautiful part was the haori; an off-white with sakura and crane patterns.

She felt tears roll down her cheeks, too stunned to speak. How could she even repay them for this?

“Your お兄さん and I had this made for you. There is still much time until you turn 20, but we hope that when you do, you will be able to wear this for the coming of age ceremony. But, who knows? Maybe you will meet some 素敵な兵士 while you are away that will dignify wearing this.” Maya grinned. 

Furisode were traditionally only used for very special events, like the coming of age ceremony or weddings. Maybe Maya and Michel hoped she would meet someone soon? Isabella was never romantically adept, especially with how religious she was, Lucas and Cameron being her friends and coincidentally being male was pure luck at its finest. 

Isabella doubted she could even take this with her to training, and even if she could, it was unlikely the men training for war against the Germans and Japanese would enjoy seeing their medic dressed in the enemy's traditional clothing, but she would do it for Maya. Maya, her only sister, who had been there with her through thick and thin ever since she met her when she was only a girl. 

Yes, Isabella wasn’t ethnically or racially Japanese, but the culture had been a part of her since she was a child and she had grown up with it. Maybe that’s what was most beautiful about the United States, how culturally diverse it is. 

She carefully put the lid back on the box and slid from her chair, kneeling with her head touching the ground. She sobbed, “心から感謝いたします.” As she cried, she heard Maya quickly rush up from her chair, flustered, begging her to stand. 

As she finally stood, wiping the tears from her eyes, she saw her parents hugging Maya, thanking her all the same. Suddenly, she felt a pang of grief in her heart. Maya said Michel had planned this too. Her brother, who despite being so far and in so much danger, still thought of her and her future. She missed him terribly. 

Anzu ran up to her, begging to be carried. She brought a drawing with her, hastily drawn in a way only a child could. She hugged her tight, confused over the strange commotion, but still excited to give her only aunt her birthday gift.

“Isa. I made you this.” Anzu whispered in her ear. “I hope you like it.”

It was the entire family, crudely drawn with love. She smiled through her tears, putting the drawing on the table so as to not ruin it. “Oh my sweet girl. Thank you.”

“Why are you crying?”

“Well Anzi, I have to go somewhere far away for a while.” she sniffled. Anzu tilted her head to the side, wide-eyed. 

“Like papa?”

Her heart hurt again, how long had it been since Anzu saw her father?

“Yeah sweetie, like papa.”

Anzu giggled. “You’ll be back, so why are you sad?” She let out a giggle after hearing her innocent reply. “You’re right Anzizi, I won’t be sad anymore.”

“Good!”

The night carried on, tears no longer shed and laughter aplenty. The next day, her family helped her pack for her trip. She put her new uniforms neatly folded in her bag with help from her mother, along with some normal clothes. She took her journal and some stationary with a picture of the whole family, her new veils for mass, her bible and school books to keep her sharp. She decided she would take the kimono by hand, and if they indeed said she couldn’t keep it, then she would mail it back home for safe keeping. 

Anzu sat on her bed, watching her pack the last of her things. 

“Isa?” asked Anzu.

She hummed in reply, waiting to hear what her niece had to say. 

“Why aren’t you taking teddy and tokage with you?”

She giggled. Teddy had been the very first thing she had received in this world. A bear her brother bought for her the day she was born, and she slept with it every night ever since. Tokage, on the other hand, was a stuffed lizard toy Maya had sent her during her last trip to Japan. 

“Do you think I should?” she teased.

“Yeah!”

She threw them in her bag too, no loss, no foul right? She’ll mail them back if needed. At least she’ll have something from home to keep her grounded. The men would probably make fun of her for it, but she couldn’t care less. 

She zipped up the bag, carefully standing. She still wasn’t used to the pencil skirt the uniform had. She had always worn Michel or the boy's hand-me-downs, or loose dresses and skirts her mom made that allowed her to run around unrestricted. Hell, even her performing clothes were loose. Her favorite was a brown, plaid circle skirt with a fitted black short sleeve blouse made of velvet with white flowers embroidered on the collar and some leather ankle boots that she had worn-in to the bone. She paused, maybe she should take that outfit too, just in case.

As she truly finished packing. She called for her father to help her with the bag. Maya and her mother were waiting at the door for them, Anzu running to hold Maya’s hand while her mother held Taiga. Thankfully, the walk wasn’t too bad, she still wasn’t used to wearing heels and despite the short walk her feet were starting to hurt. 

As they arrived at the station, the reality of everything finally hit. This would be the last time she would see her family for a long time. She would miss Taiga’s first words and steps, Anzu’s first day of school, her own high school graduation. Would her parents change too? 

As their time together shortened, she tightly hugged her parents. 

“I’ll be back soon okay? Lo prometo. ” she strained. 

Her father kissed her head, smiling. “I’m so proud of you. Stay out of trouble okay?”

She nodded, “Take good care of the cats, don’t be mean to them while I’m gone. I’ll know when I get back if you were.”

Her father chuckled and pulled away as her mother kissed her cheeks. 

“Remember to pray every day, and keep up with school as best you can.”

Isabella honestly didn’t know when she would find time to pray the rosary every day, hell, if she would even have time to study. But she would try for her mama. 

She kneeled down to Anzu’s height, brushing her dark hair from her face. 

“Alright Anzizi, you’re gonna have to be a big girl when I’m gone okay? Make sure to help your mama and あぶじ”

The girl nodded, fiercely determined.

“I promise!”

Isabella grinned and ruffled her hair. 

“Atta girl!”

She stood, facing Maya and Taiga. 

“You’ll be okay right?”

Out of everyone Isabella was most worried for, it was Maya. Attacks on Japanese people were getting more and more frequent, and without her there she was afraid the worst would come true.

Maya nodded and smiled, grabbing her hand.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Isabella leans over and kisses Taiga’s head. 

“I’ll be back Taiga, be good.”

She turns back toward the train and boards. She feels tears begin to form as she sits down and looks out the window to her family. She scans over their faces, trying her hardest to commit them to memory. Who knows when she will return.

The train begins to move, box in her lap, and she feels like the world is slipping out from under her. This was it. She places her hand on the window as she moves further away, and she sees her father run alongside it, yelling, trying his hardest to see her till the very end. The platform ends and she sees the devastated expression on his face. Her tears roll freely when she finally hears him. 

“ I love you!”

----------------------------------------------------

Chapter Translations

“いさ, すわて” (Isa, sit down)

“Te llegó una carta en el correo.” (You received a letter in the mail)

“Vas a aceptar?” (Will you accept?)

"Si" (Yes)

“あなたのお兄さんと私は、この誕生日を特別なものにしたいと思いました。あなたが子供たちの面倒をたくさん見てくれたおかげです。私たちはこれを作ってもらい、私の家族の助けを借りて、日本から送ってもらいました。” (Your brother and I wanted to make this birthday memorable since you've helped us so much with the kids. We had this made and sent all the way from Japan with help from my family.

"お兄さん" (Big brother)

"素敵な兵士" (Handsome soldier)

“心から感謝いたします.” (I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart)

"Lo prometo" (I promise)

"あぶじ” (Mix between あぶ and じじ, personal loving term for grandmother)

[fiasco-of-freyglen]

realizing my last question might have made no sense (the back in black one) What I was trying to get at with the point about showing up late, did that effect the choices since Fiasco was by himself and couldn't bounce ideas off his party members?

I think fiasco frequently convinces himself that he’s totally alone in his own head (as opposed to other ardowin PCs of mine), and really does a lot of his decision making without the advice of the party. You may have noticed that fiasco will occasionally fully make a decision for the group and not really wait for an objection (for example, the decision to go to the archon library immediately after the gildhart raid, rather than going after Valentina, which conveniently worked out to be in the same place).

Because of the two days of isolation, fiasco made a lot of choices that he’ll have to deal with on his own (he believes, he’s wrong). In regards to Alithea, the choice not to immediately not give her sparrows letter was more of a decision for alithea’s health instead of actual strategy. Fiasco has no idea what the letter says, and by the last time sparrow was upfront and honest about what she is, he didn’t want to risk an emotional moment possibly being further detriment to alithea’s health.

[ladylooch]

I have a question. How would Emma and lexi take care of their men after last night ? They clearly were very upset during the media scrum.

Ooooo they were sad weren’t they 🥺

Emma will defer to Timo for what he needs. They are great communicators. But also Timo played half of his career without her or any partner, so he knows what best he needs after difficult nights. Emma will usually curl up to him wherever he lands. Sometimes he wants to watch tv. Sometimes he wants to go to bed right away. Other times he wants to bend her over the back of the couch and take his frustration out on her. That’s her favorite 😍 But Emma is never far from Timo. On the rare occasions he wants to talk, Emma will listen and validate where needed. Mostly though, she knows he wants to vent and will offer a safe space for him to do that.

Our sweet Lexi gets as sad as Nico after those nights. She hates when Nico is sad and immediately wants to fix it for him. Nico tells her all the time, there is nothing she can do. But as a captain’s wife, she feels the burden of the team on her shoulders too. Lexi likes to make Nico a comforting snack and crack open a beer with him on the couch. Nico likes to talk after the game, sometimes they will be up well after 1 am discussing every little detail. Lexi researched hockey rules and strategy online and through books so she could offer insight and provide feedback. Nico loves that about her. How she dives right into his work and passion with both feet. Before her, Nico would feel so alone and isolated after rough games. But now he has her holding his hand on the couch, assuring him the team will work through their struggles with his steady leadership.

[stillthewc]

DISVENTURE CAMP ALL-STARS: FINAL FIVE PLACEMENT PREDICTION

With Episode 16 wrapped up and the thirteenth contestant eliminated from All Stars, I wanted to take a quick second to post my placement predictions for the rest of the current cast. I'll do my best to explain my reasoning for each person, and will add a "read more" in order not to immediately spoil anyone. With that out of the way, let's get started!

5. RIYA

While I was horribly wrong about my previous prediction of Riya going home last episode (rip Alec), I'm about 95% sure she's going home next, assuming the person in fourth place doesn't usurp this placement for her. Riya's arc this season has very much been about trying to maintain her "villain" branding while pushing away someone who still believed in her, and this episode's left enough breadcrumbs to have me thinking it'll officially wrap up soon:

With Alec being disposed of, and Grett having zero loyalty towards the villains anymore, Riya's essentially all alone voting-wise (outside of maybe Ally, but she seems more obsessed with getting Jake out than legitimately working alongside her at this point). This makes me think Riya will realize how isolated she made herself, and see how flawed her pursuit of "villainy" truly is.

This episode's opening and closing set pieces heavily emphasize how corrupted Riya's become, with her selfishly asking for a perfume bottle back he apparently gave her as a gift (not sure of the full context of this since this is my first DC season, but obviously it was a show of goodwill), and disposing of it after seeing Connor's disappointment in her desire for it. This metaphor feels like a nice semi-cinematic closer to their story, representing the end of this arc.

Add in the fact Ally's being built up as the next big antagonistic force, and the eventual pushing out of Riya feels like an inevitability at this point. I do genuinely hope it's sooner than later though, please let this storyline die already Odd Nation.

4. GRETT

It pains me to put Grett at such a low final five placement, since she's probably my second-favorite person still left in the competition. Her arc about breaking free from Yul was extremely cathartic, as is seeing her gain confidence in herself and take control of the competition. However, that's precisely the problem, she's in too good of a position right now.

Obviously, Ally's seen through her strategy of playing both sides, making it clear that she'll probably have a hand in Grett's elimination. But it also worries me that Grett won the last episode's immunity challenge, with this demonstration of how capable she is feeling like the climax to her story. Plus, on a pure logical level, she doesn't really have the votes to stay at this point: while Connor's chill with her, Jake's open about distrusting her and Ally's growing suspicious of her. Tl;dr, things aren't looking very good for Best Girl in the long run 😔.

3. CONNOR

The man, the myth, the legend, Connor's my personal fave of the season by far. The man's carrying All Stars on his back at this point, with me loving his positive influence over the heroes, his desire to prove he's capable of winning, and even his exploration into his destroyed relationship with Riya (even if I wish the arc was exponentially cut). However, I have difficulties thinking he'll actually win.

While he has enough plot points at this point to make me think he won't immediately be evicted after Riya's gone, I think the major theme with him post-Riya elimination will be the "proving himself" arc. However, I don't necessarily think it'll end with him proving himself as the best contestant, but rather realize the positive effect he had on others: Jake basically sees him as a father figure, Alec is gay for him admires him as a person, and even Riya has the slight potential of being influenced for the better by him. I can totally envision him fumbling the bag just before the final two, but being shown just what his worth truly is, and helping my pick for the winner... well, win the season.

2. ALLY

As much as I really, really, really don't want Ally getting to the finals, it pains me to say the story would just make more sense if she came in second.

Although I personally find the writing of her arc substandard at best, Ally's descent into villainy is a perfect mirror of my current winner pick: while their arc's been about them growing and changing as a person, she's ended up regressing to the same petty, annoying contestant they once were, making them nice thematic parallels to one another.

Plus, with Riya likely leaving relatively soon, and Grett's "villain" status being up in the air at this point, it just makes sense for a newly-corrupted hero to be the final boss of the season. Hell, with her desire to be liked, perhaps the newly-found disappointment from her friends will be the reason she loses. Who knows?

1. JAKE

I've been on Team Jake's-Winning-Disventure-Camp-All-Stars since Lake's character shilling to Aiden about him in Episode 11, and with everything I've watched following it, I can't see any outcome that doesn't have him being the winner at this point. He's easily what I'd consider the main character of the season and, while his arc hasn't exactly been the most enjoyable to me personally, is the one I'd consider having the most win equity to it.

During the first half of the series, Jake... isn't exactly the most pleasant, to put it mildly. Due to the early arc of Jake's paranoia over Tom's relationship with Aiden, he spends most of his initial screentime being snippy with his hero alliance (mainly Aiden and Ally), something weaponized by some of the more villainous players. This petty feuding leads to the hero alliance's darkest moment: Ashley, aka Jake's most trusted ally at that point, getting voted out as collateral.

However, after Best Boy™️ Connor returns to the game, and subsequently calls the heroes out for their pettiness, Jake begins to take small steps to stop being such a self-destructive person. He manages to turn his sour relationship with Aiden around into a genuine bond, helps Connor out of his Riya-related funk, and has his currently-best moment of winning Episode 15's immunity challenge, using his emotional openness to pass a truth-based challenge. This is wrapped up in his pre-challenge exchange with Connor in Episode 16: he's realized he can change for the better.

All of this makes me think the finale will focus on the dichotomy between him and Ally: while Ally's fallen into the same paranoid and spiteful line of thinking as him, his ability to grow as a person will be karmatically be rewarded by his win.

...And that's it, that's all! Thanks for reading my predictions! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna see how these stack up as the new episodes roll out, lol.