#how he’s always in that labyrinth waiting to be redeemed

[recents]

it’s because you’re that damn minotaur and you’re always in that damn labyrinth

[destieltropecollection]

Destiel Trope Collection 2020 Day 10: Enemies to Lovers

It's a Match! | @suckerfordeansfreckles

Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 2015 Main Tags/Warnings: pining, online dating, getting together Summary: Dean has seen the guy a handful of times, mostly at Charlie’s parties or when out and about with her — it’s only been six times that Dean is aware of, actually. Not that he counted. Well. He did, maybe, count a little. But that’s only because the guy is seriously gorgeous, and also seems to seriously hate Dean. Like, frowns and dark stares and leaving the room when Dean enters it. And that is most definitely the only reason why Dean keeps track of their meetings. It has nothing to do with the fact that, for whatever stupid reason, Dean feels all fuzzy and happy and warm around this stupid, scruffy, handsome, dark-haired and blue-eyed Cas-guy. Something about him just… does things to Dean’s head.

In The Ballroom | @gii-heylittleangel

Rating: General Word Count: 2594 Main Tags/Warnings: lovers to enemies to lovers, broken relationship, getting back together, false mentions of cheating Summary: The high school dance was useless in Castiel's opinion; there was nothing to do, people were incredibly annoying, and he would be alone. But, having Charlie Bradbury as his best friend, he had no choice but to go; after all, there was a tiny chance he would get tacos after the party. Castiel did not get tacos but he got something a lot better.

Ring a Bell for the Righteous Man | @pray4jensen

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 3003 Main Tags/Warnings: Enemies to Lovers, Royalty/Fantasy AU, Soul Bond, Marriage, Angst with a Happy Ending, Dubious Consent Summary: An hour passes and the prince doesn't bed him. Dean thinks that maybe the prince doesn't have any intention of doing it at all, and if that's the case, it'll be Dean who'll face the consequences. So, thumbing a finger down the length of Cas' wings, Dean taunts, ""I thought you promised Lord Alastair that I wouldn't be able to walk, your highness."" Dean pauses. ""Are you doubting yourself, my lord?""

Addicted | @verobatto-angelxhunter

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 3671 Main Tags/Warnings: Season 4/5 canon divergent, Destiel, slow burn, Badass! Castiel, first kiss, first time, explicit sexual content, canon typical violence. Summary: Dean can't get Castiel out of his mind. Everytime the angel is in front of him, is hypnotizing. He needs to know what is going on with him. Why Castiel is so irresistible? And why he feels that empty everytime the angel isn't near him.

the light of falling stars | @procasdeanating

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 4980 Main Tags/Warnings: Alien!Cas, wing fic, inspired by a movie (enemy mine) Summary: … when Lieutenant Dean Winchester and the two ships under his command engaged in combat with a Seraph squadron. Two army ships were destroyed, while one fighter, presumably Lt. Winchester’s, made a forced landing on a nearby uninhabited class D planet after triggering the emergency protocol. The ongoing search has not produced conclusive results. Lt. Winchester is classified as missing in action…

First Impressions | @suckerfordeansfreckles

Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 7254 Main Tags/Warnings: hospital AU, ftm trans Cas, top surgery, mentions of medical stuff, sharing a room Summary: When Cas wakes for the first time after his surgery, there’s sunlight tentatively streaming through the window to his right. It takes him a while of uncoordinated blinking and thinking until he realizes where he is, why he’s here. And then the giddiness comes, sudden and overwhelming, when he looks down at his chest and there is none. The reality is almost too much to grasp and his hands shake a little when he tries to raise them to touch. He's happy, and giddy, and so thankful. And then a nurse wheels in his new roommate, one very obnoxious and flirty Mr. Winchester. Cas just... cannot wait to watch all of this play out.

The Galaxy's Most Wanted | @saltnhalo

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 10160 Main Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe - Science Fiction, Space Pirates, Enemies to Lovers, Blow Jobs, Frottage, Angry Sex, Sexual Tension Summary: Dean had been the one always up to mischief, running around with his father’s broken laser pistol and constantly getting into places he shouldn’t have been. Sam, in comparison, always seemed to be the smart, studious one – until he reprogrammed the AI in their neighbours’ house to play ‘Happy Birthday’ at the loudest possible volume while keeping all the doors and windows firmly locked. It had taken two experts seven hours to undo the coding that Sam had managed to integrate into the house’s programming. So, yes. They had been exceptional even from the beginning. And when John Winchester crossed one too many people, his sons inherited his beloved ship, and took to the cosmos doing what they knew best: stealing. And they were damn good at it too. Almost unrivalled, across their own galaxy and even those neighbouring. Almost.

Love Thy Enemy | @gii-heylittleangel

Rating: Teen & Up Word Count: 11887 Main Tags/Warnings: revenge planning, use of guns, major characters injury Summary: After being betrayed by the Men of Letters, Dean makes the most stupid, idiotic, and best decision of his life: ask Castiel Novak, his long time enemy, for help.

The Quest for the Demon King's Heart | @cr-noble-writes

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 12500 Main Tags/Warnings: fantasy au, demon king!dean, wood elf!cas, enemies to lovers, mutual pining, minor character death, major character injury, angry sex, angst with a happy ending Summary: In a fantasy land, Dean, the Demon King, goes to a distant guild to take a break from evil, where he meets a young adventurer, Castiel, on a quest to slay the Demon King. For fun, Dean helps and protects the adventurer, and affection grows between them. Then, they arrive at the gates of his castle.

A Virgin to Redeem the Billionaire | @notfunnydean

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 16660 Main Tags/Warnings: Manipulation, Emotional Manipulation, blackmailing someone into a relationship, Mentions of drug selling (not Destiel), Mentions of cheating (not Destiel), virgin!cas Summary: When Castiel meets Dean Winchester, the other man seems to be a real asshole. So it doesn’t surprise him, when Dean shows up again and this time blackmails Castiel in a horrible way. Castiel agrees to be his boyfriend, only to protect his family, but along the way he actually falls for Dean.

The Bakery | @dates-with-cas

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 41075 Main Tags/Warnings: angst with a happy ending, offscreen character death, enemies to lovers, workplace sex, semi-public sex, attempted rape/non-con, mentions of past sexual abuse, alcohol as a coping mechanism, sex as a coping mechanism, sex in a kitchen, unresolved past trauma, top!Cas, bottom!Dean Summary: Dean Winchester loves his job, and he's thrilled to have his boss' brother coming in to work over the holidays, that is until he meets Castiel Novak for himself. The man is picky, grouchy, and absolutely fucking gorgeous.

The Path Between the Stars | zaphodsgirl (AO3)

Rating: Mature Word Count: 53111 Main Tags/Warnings: AU - Labyrinth Fusion, Angst with a Happy Ending, Minor Character Death Summary: It's been almost fifteen years since Dean met the enigmatic goblin king, Castiel. After failing to complete the labyrinth with Sam to save baby Adam, Dean is forced to make a deal to secure their freedom. Five years ago he finally gave in to the feelings he’d been keeping at bay for some time, only for Castiel to disappear from his life completely without a word. When Dean relays the story of the labyrinth to Sam's girlfriend Eileen, an opportunity presents itself for him to get some answers...and maybe have a second chance at something he hadn't dared to believe was real.

Of Twists and Turns | @kitmistry

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 75080 Main Tags/Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Pirate AU, Implied Drug Use, Minor Character Death, Amputation, Sea Monsters, Hunter Dean Summary: When naval surgeon Castiel Novak is captured by the Black Impala pirates, he has no choice but to agree to their terms: He is to serve on their ship for a whole year before they release him. That doesn’t mean he is going to like it, though. Especially when their captain is the embodiment of everything Castiel despises. Determined to earn his freedom, Castiel settles into the life of an outlaw. When the pirates’ true goal is revealed, though, he can no longer deny that things are not as black and white as he thought they were. And he can’t deny how drawn he is to Captain Winchester either.

Sovereign | @pomegranatedaffodil

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 87974 Main Tags/Warnings: Arranged Marriage, Hate to Love, Fantasy AU, Royalty AU, Virgin Castiel, Switching, Slow Burn, Minor Injuries Summary: When his brother embarks on a risky venture, Prince Dean of Pellia’s only choice is to enter into a marriage with the king of Arxelle in order to save Sam’s life as well as his own. King Castiel is severe, aloof, and no more happy about their hasty wedding than Dean. Marital bliss is the last state either of them expects to reach, but as Dean spends more time in his new home, he and Castiel slowly begin to settle into a partnership that allows them to put the needs of their kingdom before their own feelings. The longer they spend together, though, the more those feelings develop, daring them both to wonder if they might ever be husbands in more than just name.

Shot Through The Heart | @peanutbutterjelly-pie

Rating: Explicit Word Count: 156327 Main Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe, Men of Letters, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Humor, Case Fic, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Bottom Dean Summary: As a hunter Dean finds himself more often than not relying on the help of the Men of Letters. Most of the time that's not much of a problem - if it wasn't for Castiel, the smartass bookworm with the piercing blue eyes, the messy hair and the rude attitude. He's been an annoying thorn in Dean's side since day one - and the hunter doesn't see that change anytime soon.

[didiiszanny]

Can someone explain to me why does everyone love Nico so much. I’m not even trying to be mean or a douche bag. I like Nico he’s my fourth favorite character in the Percy Jackson universe. However they are better characters that go through more pain and suffering and him. One example is Leo. A character who pretty much loses everything ,but still has the mindset not to sink into despair. Now this might sound like I’m being an asshole.

Nico sister dies. Yeah I feel sad for this 10-11 old kid and , his crush broke his promise to him.  He runs away to the underworld ,and some skeletons are attacking Percy ,but he doesn’t want Percy to be hurt at all . Yeah I can see where , Nico is coming from. For the next book he is a somewhat bratty kid with some level of baggage and grieving over his sister death. Which makes it more understandable and ,I guess his actions are justified in the way. As a audience don’t really see Nico begin excluded form camp half-blood. It’s not even really mention how much. Even Will in the “Blood of Olympus” told him off for his self exile ,no one was forcing him he do it on his own. 

So I don’t wanna hear people ,bitching and complaining how I don’t understand Nico as a character. In a way he brought himself to a outcast. Which is somewhat understandable in the way ,people think of Hades children ,but people like Percy ,Annabeth and Grover don’t even care at all. They tried to reach out and be his friend ,but he didn’t really except them it’s kind of hypocritical of him. Throughout most the whole book of “Battle Of The Labyrinth” his like of understandable , but does that make is action right no. Well until Final chapters. He’s trying to bring back his sister to life, when everybody says no but a crazy ghost king says yes. Obvious answer is to believe in the ghost king for the majority of the book. He did redeem himself in the final few chapters. In the most bad-ass ,awesome and incredible way ever. At the end of a book Percy tries again to reach out to him and he’s somewhat finally excepted.

In “The last Olympian” Nico in the beginning he’s is kind of a dick ,to Percy to find out his past. Tricking and  manipulating the only person ,who constantly believes in you that’s alive to get ,that you what is always the right choice. Note my freaking sarcasm. His backstory is painful , heartbreaking and  extremely sad. Sorry to say it most character in the Percy Jackson universe has a tragic backstory. He does a number of great things in this book. Which are to many spoilers so go read the books. Also this is book where he gets a lot of character development. Also he’s 13-14 years old in his book so there’s no excuse for his actions. It because we blame Percy for a lot of shit when he was that age.

He’s not in the next book.

Now for the “Son of Neptune” he has no real reason to not tell Percy the truth. Tell me give me one goddamn good reason why he doesn’t tell Percy to truth about his past. I’m waiting waiting waiting waiting oh that’s right there’s no good reason for it.

Next book “ Mark of Athena” he gets his ass kidnap. Fine fine fine OK that comes off as being a dick so I would like to say I’m sorry ha ha ha ha yeah not really.  Yes he goes to tartarus for a day or two the reason why he does it make sense , but that will be a huge spoiler. He did promise Percy something which’s is a huge huge spoiler again.

This book it’s called “House of Hades” now here Nico did everything right.  He kept his promise to Percy.  Besides that he did almost pretty much nothing in this book that I can actually remember top my head off. All we really got to know about Nico was he was gay that’s pretty much it. Yes he did a few awesome things.

The final book of the “Heroes of Olympus” My least favorite book of Rick Riordan book series. We finally get a Nico’s point of you it’s not really as dark as I thought it would be it’s more darker but poetic and jaded than anything else. I’m not gonna give you a play-by-play what happens in this book the bond between Reyna and Nico is Probably one of or not the best part about the whole book. Nico actually kill somebody this book ,but you know what the person deserves it. Yes Nico gets a boyfriend. Which was kind of forced on us honestly. I honestly think these guys deserve each other but it’s rushed.

Finally for the trial of Apollo series Nico is barely in it.

 I know I know it might come of as hate but his my fourth favorite character.  So why does everyone love Nico so much. I love this guy anyway but I want to hear your opinions. I honestly believe they’re are better characters and characters that get better development.. I want to know what your guys favorite characters. We all have our own opinions and can’t wait to see yours.

[sherlockwatson-holmesblog]

Part-2

Thank you for such kind words everyone, I feel really good that my first real contribution to the fandom had been well received❤️ I’m blessed to be part of a community as such and love every single one of your comments. I decided to add one or two more parts to the story so I hope you enjoy this continuation of

“Are you okay?”

I hope you enjoy this one too, and I’d been thinking of posting all these chapters as a compilation on a03,Do tell me if I should do that for everyone’s convenience.

Tagging some of very kind people here, I hope you like it.

@sherlockwatson-holmes @morganeuk @johnlockfics @johnlockunicorn @shelleysprometheus @trustmesherlock @jbaillier @7-percent @shiplocks-of-love @88thparallel @221bvanshika @chriscalledmesweetie @sherlockedcarmilla @lakoda0518 @purplegori @butwemadeemcoco @bilbon-socket

For the prompt- “You’re holding back.”

Mycroft was right.

Sherlock stiffened, what was he even thinking about? This was not the time to drown in his own sorrow, this was not the time to be vulnerable.

You do remember what happened, last time when you were vulnerable?

How did it feel like to leave the wedding early?

Oh god, stop it. Just shut up.

You know I’m right Sherlock, what was it like? Being vulnerable and giving a speech on his wedding?

Stop talking, I don’t..

Tell me, what good did caring do to you?

Sherlock grunted and tightened his arms around John, he wanted to prove to his brain that it was wrong. He wanted to desperately prove that his brain did still rule over his heart, and that John would anyway never consciously do anything that might upset or hurt Sherlock. Yes, he had beaten him. Yes, he knew that. He knew..

Sherlock closed his eyes against the overwhelming flood of emotions that washed over him, this was not a tide pulling back. These were the warning bells of a tsunami that would swallow him whole if he didn’t control it.

Don’t let your heart rule over Sherlock, it’s too weak and clumsy.

He was a practical man after all, head governed the heart, the perfect calculating machine that John embellished in his fictions. But right now, he was struggling to keep his head and heart apart. Their impulses merged, his brain covered in a fog, mind feeling numb, heart trying to take control.

Control it, Sherlock.

I can’t, it’s John.

Control.

Control.

Control.

But yes, Sherlock was a calculating mind after all, and love was nothing but vicious motivator of chemical reactions in his brain.

It really is the chemical defect found in the loosing side, isn’t it?

Sherlock hadn’t realised that at some point, he had pressed his cheeks into John’s hair and was actually breathing him right now. How am I suppose to choose?

John had stopped trembling and proceeded to sniffle the last bits of grief that he was capable of showing. He felt John’s shoulders hunch and his grip on Sherlock’s shirt loosened, he felt John pull away and waited for him to slide out of his arms.

And they would walk around egg shells again, round and round in circles around each other like bees, never really talking about any of it.

But, John didn’t pull away. He loosened his grip a little and stared up at Sherlock with his dark blue eyes. Sometimes, when Sherlock had the liberty to truly look into John’s eyes, they felt like marina trenches. The deepest darkest corners of the ocean, curious on the surface but their depths like a labyrinth. Trenches that never really let you leave.

But Sherlock was pulled away from his thoughts as he felt chapped lips that tasted like tears, firmly press themselves against his lips. He had wanted this for so long, he felt himself surge forward and kiss back firmly before his brain switched on again.

Control Sherlock, control.

You’re loosing control.

I just need it, from him..

Sherlock.

Just a second more.

Redbeard?

Sherlock’s eyes flew open and he gently pushed John off him, “John, stop.”

John could feel Sherlock pushing him off, he could hear him say stop. But John just couldn’t stop, he wanted to kiss every expanse of skin on this body, every limb and rib that he had bruised, every cut that was his doing, every frown that he was the reason of. He just couldn’t let Sherlock go, he feared that if he did, he would completely loose Sherlock again. He wanted this, god he’d wanted this. Call it redemption, but it was for John, a man of seemingly very little words and expressive emotions, the only way he could love and redeem Sherlock. This was his best bet, before he spiralled again.

Just one last time, I just want this one last time.

But the universe was cruel in it’s own ways, Sherlock pushed him again, “John stop this.” He said a bit louder this time, but John pushed harder into him, fingers gripping his waist tightly.

Please let me have another minute, this is my last anyway, I’ll go away.

I’ll go away.

I am going away

“John.” Sherlock scowled, but this was no longer just love for John, this was his way to pick a fight. To have bruises and aches, so that he could feel his guilt loosen, so that he could finally sleep. So that the last image that floated through his mind was not of Sherlock, defenceless. Sprawled on the floor of the morgue, with blood coming out of nose and mouth. No, he wanted Sherlock to fight, just so that this picture burned into his retina would dissolve.

Just so he could sleep tonight.

“John!” Sherlock shouted and fisted on John’s chest, “What are you doing? Hmm? Am I some kind of a rag doll, which you use whenever you see fit?” Sherlock growled as his fists pounded on John’s chest, yes he wanted Sherlock to this. He revelled in the wake of the pain that sprouted in his chest. Much like the pain he’d always felt in Sherlock’s presence, better than longing,guilt,unrequited love and life in general though.

Very good Sherlock, that’s it. You always know what I want.

Keep pounding.

“.. I’m not your carer, your doll or use and throw that you acquiescence with whenever you feel fit.” John pinched his eyes shut, as he felt Sherlock pound again. “Are you even LISTENING TO ME?” John felt more than heard those words thrown at him, he recoiled but not enough to save himself from the strong punch that Sherlock threw at him.

He swayed on his side and fell on his left knee as pain bloomed behind his eyes and he felt blood trickle down his nose, but this was nothing compared to the pain he felt in chest.

Very good, love.

He swiped his nose with the back of his hand and pinched his nose as looked up at Sherlock to see him towering over him, eyes wild, positive rage seeping through him. But he also saw as the realisation hit Sherlock like a wrecking train, and he looked down at his freshly punched knuckles.

This is just what I wanted from you.

He stared at his knuckles and then looked up from them to look at John, eyes widening in realisations. Concern and guilt flashing behind his eyes as he took a step backwards with his hands up in a placating manner.

“John..”

But John’s self flagellation had been given the perfect ammunition to implode him. And John said the only thing that came to his mind.

I love you, Sherlock.

“ You’re holding back.”

[charminglatina]

Riverdale Couples and Ships as Romantic Tropes (Part II). 🌹

Here is Part II of the list!

#11. Bughead (Jughead Jones & Betty Cooper; ROMANTIC TROPE: CHILDHOOD FRIENDS ROMANCE)

Childhood Friend Romance

Childhood Friend Romance is a part of romantic plots, when characters develop romantic feelings for someone who they spent their childhood years with. Often the pair will see each other as Just Friends (and may even deny accusations that they might have a different type of relationship); then, when puberty hits or when they meet again after being apart for some time, they will realize that the other is all grown up. If the pair goes through a Puppy Love phase from the very beginning, a Childhood Marriage Promise may be involved. Resistance to see a childhood friend as a potential romantic partner is known as the "Westermarck effect", a theory that claims that people who grew up together before the age of 6 are likely to become hardwired to think about each other Like Brother and Sister, with a Stupid Sexy Friend squicked reaction to the notion of romance. (Other studies question this on the basis that though few of the people they examined had major romantic relationships with childhood friends, many had crushes and romantic feelings that just didn't make it.) Subtrope of Childhood Friends. See also Patient Childhood Love Interest, a subtrope common in Harem Series. Compare also with High-School Sweethearts. Often benefits from First Girl Wins.

#10. Veggie (Reggie Mantle & Veronica Lodge; ROMANTIC TROPE: SLAP-SLAP-KISS)

Slap-Slap-Kiss

"[Punches Hiccup on the arm] That was for kidnapping me. [Kisses him on the cheek] That was for everything else."— Astrid, How to Train Your Dragon

This trope is nothing but universal in romantic stories. It frequently brings to a close the Will They or Won't They? phase of a Romance Arc. When a male and female character spend a lot of time bickering, it is all but inevitable that sooner or later he will interrupt her in mid-rant by suddenly grabbing her and kissing her. (Less frequently, she grabs and kisses him.) The kissed one rarely resists, and usually responds wholeheartedly. Usually this is triggered by their hostilities reaching a climax that results in an exchange of slaps, followed by a moment where both stare at each other in combined confusion and shock, after which they dive into the kiss. Either way, the kiss prompts both to realize that they've been in love all this time — the rationale being that they wouldn't argue so much if they didn't give a damn about each other. Normally results in some kind of permanent change in their relationship. The concept is related to the theory that hate is not necessarily the opposite of love so much as its twisted twin; its opposite would be apathy. Ergo, lots of contained emotion towards a person might be translated into lust given the proper catalyst. Pulled off successfully, it can be... quite satisfying. Otherwise, not so much. This trope is a major factor in Foe Yay shipping, since such arguments between those characters in the actual shows are often similar to examples of this trope (or even get Why Don't You Marry It? reactions). It should be noted that in Real Life it's not exactly a sign of a healthy relationship, with the exception of a little roleplay between consenting adults. Note that this trope is mostly Exactly What It Says on the Tin. If there is no kiss, that's Belligerent Sexual Tension. Dating back at least to William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Compare "Shut Up" Kiss, Love at First Punch, Belligerent Sexual Tension, "Take That!" Kiss, Vitriolic Best Buds, and Destructo-Nookie. Often considered in similar terms to Foe Yay. Tsunderes are often involved on at least one end. Kiss-Kiss-Slap is this in reverse (kissing, then fighting).

#09. Jarchie (Archie Andrews & Jughead Jones; ROMANTIC TROPE: HO YAY)

HoYay

Homoeroticism, yay! Those moments of plot, dialogue, acting, etc., that fans delight in interpreting as homoerotic. It probably originates from the old days, when the homosexuality taboo was serious enough that every gay pairing was considered a Crack Pairing, so when authors wrote same-sex characters as very intimate with each other, audiences largely accepted that they are just very good friends, and moved on, or when authors wrote outright references to homosexuality, most just laughed at the sheer absurdity of the thought. With the gradual dissolution of homophobic moral codes, more and more writers have been able to publish and share their work uncensored, changing media forever. Nowadays, Yaoi Fans and Yuri Fans willingly interpret any interaction as potentially gay, for characters without canonical orientations and even for those specifically stated by their creators to be straight (in which case the author may be very annoyed by the fans' insistence otherwise). Cultural differences also have their say here. The level of accepted physical intimacy between close friends and adult relatives is hardly constant across various eras and nationalities, so, for example, the hugs and kisses which seemed mundane for an antiquated reader may appear blatantly erotic in the eyes of a contemporary one. In particular, the concept of Romantic Two-Girl Friendship — and Romantic Two-Guy Friendship — highly intimate yet platonic, only began falling out of use in the latter half of the 19th century. When this is done intentionally, it's Homoerotic Subtext, or possibly Implied Love Interest or Ship Tease. In the related trope called Foe Yay, even rivals or mortal enemies can get this treatment by fans and writers alike, especially if they have a more friendly past together, or one is inordinately obsessed with the other. In Fan Fic, this is the direct cause of many a Slash Fic.

#08. Choni (Cheryl Blossom & Toni Topaz; ROMANTIC TROPE: OPPOSITES ATTRACT)

Opposites Attract

"Strange extremes meet in love's pathway."—The Scarlet Pimpernel

Strong relationships, in both TV and real life, thrive on how each member compensates for the other’s weaknesses with their own strengths, and vice versa. A Motor Mouth just isn’t as funny if he doesn’t have the Straight Man to torment. Similarly, only when a sweet, shy person is paired up with an equally jerkish one is their kindness and shyness made all the more noticeable. It is all but guaranteed that the characters’ differences will cause more friction than harmony between them. That’s what gives the Odd Couple its fuel for Slap-Slap-Kiss, Will They or Won't They?, and Aww, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other situations. Bickering and mushiness in one package. What’s not to like? The Odd Friendship also has elements of this, but tends to focus on how the differences make them see each other, and maybe the world, through new eyes. Perhaps the serious one is Not So Above It All, or the Shrinking Violet has an inner strength they never knew they had. A Moe Couplet also does something similar to this, focusing on how each half of the couplet brings out the other's endearing or nurturing traits. Opposites attract has become so widespread in buddy cop shows, in the form of Serious White Guy meets Loud Black Guy, that it branched off into its own subtrope. About the biggest challenge in creating a day-and-night dynamic is to keep the attract and repel cases relatively balanced. When the pendulum swings too far toward the repel side and the characters seem more interested in torturing each other than helping out, it’s no longer cute to watch; it’s just masochistic. The key (both in fiction and in Real Life) is to watch the pair's goals. If they want the same thing but use completely different methods to achieve it, it's this trope. If they want different things entirely, it's a divorce waiting to happen. If you add a third-party mediator for balance, you get a Power Trio. Contrast Birds of a Feather. Compare Too Much Alike.

#07. Cheronica (Cheryl Blossom & Veronica Lodge; ROMANTIC TROPE: VILLAINOUS CRUSH)

Villainous Crush

"Just fear me. Love me. Do as I say, and I shall be your slave."— Jareth the Goblin King to Sarah, Labyrinth

This trope applies whenever a villainous character has romantic and/or sexual feelings for a heroic one. If this crush takes a turn for the perverse (and most such crushes tend towards this), this can lead to tropes like I Have You Now, My Pretty, Forceful Kiss, Bathe Her and Bring Her to Me, And Now You Must Marry Me, Scarpia Ultimatum, and Go-Go Enslavement where the villain tries to force their desires upon the character, although none of those require a Villainous Crush. Additionally, the villain may become a Stalker with a Crush. If the crush itself is a motivating factor in their Start of Darkness, then it's Love Makes You Evil. This trope isn't always negative, though. This trope can conversely be a very humanising trait for an Anti-Villain. The heroic character may become a Morality Pet, and can be fairly certain that their villainous admirer will never harm them or allow harm to come to them, barring certain exceptions. They may even step in to protect them from other villains who have fewer compunctions. Taken all the way, it may become Love Redeems. If the feelings are mutual or an actual relationship develops, then it's Dating Catwoman instead. When this is purely subtextual, see Foe Romance Subtext. The specific variant when the Evil Empress captures the hero to seduce him is Villainesses Want Heroes. Not to be confused with Foe Yay, which are purely audience reactions.

#06. Archosie (Archie Andrews & Josie McCoy; ROMANTIC TROPE: BIRDS OF A FEATHER)

Birds Of A Feather

Grace: My mum always said opposites attract. Rich: That's magnets. We're people.—Skins

Relationships, particularly romantic ones, tend to thrive when the people involved are similar. People are simply more likely to get along if they share common interests, values, beliefs, and goals. Thus people with similar personalities will often flow together easily, whether romantically or not. The dynamic of this pair differs widely from Opposites Attract pair. Their personalities can often be interchangeable and both of them can have a same role if they are a part of a group. However, their common obstacle is having a harder time to compensate for each other's weaknesses. Be warned, writers: while often Truth in Television, this trope can sometimes be seen to create a poorly written Love Interest who just happens to be a Gender Flip of the main character. When the commonalities are much fewer but still create a bond, see Commonality Connection. Contrast Too Much Alike.

#05. Beronica (Veronica Lodge & Betty Cooper; ROMANTIC TROPE: ROMANTIC TWO-GIRL FRIENDSHIP)

Romantic Two-Girl Friendship

"It was perfectly acceptable at Baker & Inglis to get a crush on a fellow classmate. At a girls school a certain amount of emotional energy, normally expended on boys, gets redirected into friendships."—Middlesex

At the beginning of adolescence, there is a time when friendship is emphasized, usually junior high/middle school. These friendships can have very strong emotional bonds, and, when two girls develop a close bond, it will almost appear to be a romance. They hold hands. Getting together to do something is a "date." Fights are treated as a "break-up." They're willing to sleep next to each other in the same bed (and maybe even cuddle). They're also sometimes capable of moving and speaking in perfect unison. They may not actually be in a romantic relationship, but it is emphasized in such a way that if they were, you'd assume it'd look this way. In the Western world, this was far more common up until the late 1800s, and applied to both men and women, even into adulthood. It was referred to as "romantic friendship." This practice waned at the turn of the 20th century as adults, particularly men, did not want to be mistaken as homosexual. Note Generally, it still only occurs between young girls, where it is more socially acceptable and not indicative of sexual orientation. In Japan, this is known as "Class S" and is far more common than in the West. Due to the influence of Western female literature,Note the Japanese developed a belief that young girls are expected to have friendships with each other that emulate boyfriend–girlfriend relationships. This is considered a temporary but wonderful part of adolescence, which they can later "graduate" from to "real" relationships with boys. To remain in a "Class S" relationship past middle school is seen as a sign of immaturity, although it is expected that these friendships will continue into adulthood without the romantic elements. The possibility of one or more of the girls involved in a "Class S" relationship being truly invested in the other romantically is usually ignored. If the romance starts to become too passionate, parents may try to intervene to separate the girls. This should never become physical that way; it would "corrupt" the Incorruptible Pure Pureness, which is then traded in for marriage. If the girls do cross the line into sex (or even passionate kissing), they are no longer this trope, instead becoming Schoolgirl Lesbians, and are treated differently. Compare Heterosexual Life-Partners, where it just doesn't seem as romantic but remains a tremendously important personal bond, above and beyond a genuine romantic relationship. Also compare Experimented in College.

#04. Varchie (Archie Andrews & Veronica Lodge; ROMANTIC TROPE: UPTOWN GIRL)

Uptown Girl

"She's a rich girl, she don't try to hide it, Diamonds on the soles of her shoes. He's a poor boy, empty as a pocket, Empty as a pocket with nothing to lose."—Paul Simon, "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"

You know the story. It's a love story. Our lovers are from different worlds — one wealthy, one not. The poor girl has fallen in love with the Gentleman Snarker, or the Unlucky Everydude secretly courts the daughter of the richest man in town. And she loves him too. Maybe it was Love at First Sight. Maybe she has a habit of slipping out to the seedier side of town for a night of fun. Maybe they've been friends their whole lives and the difference in status never really mattered. Will their love be enough to let them be happy together?

In any case, this is usually played out in one of three ways:

The poor guy and rich girl mutually fall in love, and neither one cares about their differences in wealth. People around them, however, do, and conspire to interfere with True Love.

The poor guy falls for the rich girl, even though he knows that she's out of his league. Undaunted, our hero engages in some Zany Scheme to get her to notice him or be impressed by him. This usually ends with the girl revealing that she doesn't care if he's rich or poor, and that she loves him for who he is.

The poor guy and the rich girl fall for one another, but he doesn't know she's rich at first. When he finds out, he's either intimidated by her wealth once he finds out, or else doesn't think he's good enough for her. As before, she doesn't care about such things, and has to convince him that he's the one she wants.

When the rich girl wants nothing to do with the poor guy, but slowly warms up to him, it's a different trope entirely. Note that the roles aren't locked by gender: a working-class girl who loves a rich boy also fits this trope, as do two lovers of the same gender. A relationship variant of the Odd Couple and quite often overlaps with Nobody Thinks It Will Work. Also often leads to cases of I Can't Believe a Guy Like You Would Notice Me, either with severe case of insecurity (like the third type above), or simply the poor guy being constantly feeling lucky and appreciative that someone so rich could fall for him. If it's not just the fact that she comes from money, but that he feels like she's above him, she's a Peerless Love Interest. Compare with All Girls Want Bad Boys, which often follows the same socioeconomic groups (or the inverse, if the girl is The Ingenue and the boy is an Gentleman Snarker or Spoiled Brat). Can overlap with Single Woman Seeks Good Man as it is the guy's personality that wins her heart (as is the case mentioned above). Not to be confused with the Brittany Murphy film Uptown Girls, which doesn't use this trope. Not to be confused with City Mouse either. This is transitioning into Dead Horse Trope territory, since interclass marriage is no longer shocking, and the expectation that men should be the breadwinner in the family is much weaker today than it used to be. On the other hand, it may become an Undead Horse Trope with the emergence of culture wars and new waves of social stratification. For the non-romantic variant, see Interclass Friendship. For the version endemic to India, see Type Caste, although that trope is not restricted solely to marriage and relationships.

#03. Falice (FP Jones & Alice Cooper; ROMANTIC TROPE: UNRESOLVED SEXUAL TENSION AKA UST)

Unresolved Sexual Tension (UST)

"To repress one's feelings only makes them stronger."— Yu Shu Lien, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Two people are obviously attracted to each other, but some element of the story is keeping them apart. This tension is frequently referred to as UST in fandom, where it is pronounced "oost" or Yu-Ess-Tee. Also known as "Long Unresolved Sexual Tension". Belligerent Sexual Tension is a way to keep the UST by having the couple fight each other too much to actually get together. They Do is when it gets resolved (Literally Falling in Love might help). Shipping Bed Death and Strangled by the Red String are when it gets resolved badly. Compare All Love Is Unrequited, Will They or Won't They?, Just Friends, Moment Killer (a staple of a UST relationship), Maybe Ever After (a more uncertain version), Cannot Spit It Out. Contrast Official Couple, when the couple is already together, and Friends with Benefits, where the primarybond in the relationship is sex.

#02. Barchie (Archie Andrews & Betty Cooper; ROMANTIC TROPE: WILL THEY OR WON’T THEY?)

Will They Or Won’t They?

"Pam is very attractive, no question. If I didn't have an award show to host, I could easily see having two or three seasons of will-they-won't-they sexual tension that ultimately goes nowhere."—Conan O'Brien, Emmy 2006 opening skit, after crashing, The Office (US)

Two characters, often combative but with obvious Unresolved Sexual Tension, resist going into a full blown relationship for a rather long time. Usually the two characters will be presented so that "they will" is the conclusion to root for; only rarely is the question of whether the writers think they should in any real doubt. Actually ending the dance is a tricky business. It is difficult for shows to recover from the loss of a major source of dramatic tension represented by an unrequited relationship. Many shows Jump the Shark or suffer Shipping Bed Death when the two characters finally get together. A common problem is that the show suddenly becomes about the relationship rather than remaining true to its original premise. Sometimes an attempt is made to introduce a new source of dramatic tension, but it is frequently cheesy and lame. To avoid this, many shows choose to answer the question and end the show nearly simultaneously via a Last Minute Hookup. Of course, the opposite can also occur. Shows can go out of their way to avoid resolving the relationship, making ever-more-desperate narrative leaps. In longer-running shows, they may even have the characters hook up for a little while, only to split up over and over again, until by the time they finally let the characters get actually, technically married, the show has lost its viewership anyway. Belligerent Sexual Tension is often a victim of this. Sometimes a Love Epiphany can be used to have a character realize his/her feelings, but still not resolve the question, just add a new dynamic to it. A fundamental Shipping-inducement strategy. See also Almost Kiss, Held Gaze, Relationship Upgrade, Moment Killer, Everyone Can See It. When a series ends without even a hint of resolution to will-they-or-won't-they, it's No Romantic Resolution. If it's more ambiguous, it's Maybe Ever After. Contrast Friends with Benefits, where they definitelydo it, but without the emotional baggage. Compare Just Friends and They Do. Contrast Platonic Life-Partners and Ship Sinking — they won't. See Just Eat Gilligan if it's a major plot point. See also Break-Up/Make-Up Scenario when they separate for some dramatic reason, spend a time apart, then reconcile (usually with a kiss, which breaks the Will They Or Won't They)

#01. Jeronica (Jughead Jones & Veronica Lodge;  ROMANTIC TROPE: BELLIGERENT SEXUAL TENSION AKA BST)

Belligerent Sexual Tension (BST)

"Wonderful girl! Either I'm gonna kill her, or I'm beginning to like her!"— Han Solo about Princess Leia Organa, A New Hope

There's a couple, usually a sometimes sweet, sometimes grouchy female (Tsundere) paired with a secretly-kind jerk (Jerk With A Heart Of Gold), who are not able to admit their feelings. At the top of their lungs. Despite the conflict, there is an attraction. This is usually obvious to everyone around except the couple. Confront them with the obvious, they'll deny deny deny. Sometimes they will progress to admitting their friendship but insist they are Just Friends. Eventually, they can admit their feelings to practically anyone except their loved one. It ends up where both characters dance around admitting their feelings as if the words "I love you" are some sort of death curse, much to the frustration of the audience and the other characters. Older Than Steam, since this is used in Much Ado About Nothing, and has varying degrees of popularity at different times. If there is a Love Epiphany with one of these characters, expect it to change nothing, at least in the short term. This can even be true in established long-term relationships; see Like an Old Married Couple. If the whole relationship is defined by the belligerence, it can become The Masochism Tango. If a pair of outright enemies has this sort of attraction, it's a case of Foe Romance Subtext and when it ultimately goes from subtext to text, then it's Dating Catwoman. See also Slap-Slap-Kiss, No Accounting for Taste, Well, Excuse Me, Princess! and Defrosting Ice Queen. If we're lucky, at the end we may get to see a moment of Aww, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other. Expect this couple to be either extremely popular or completely hated by the fandom. For the platonic version, compare Vitriolic Best Buds and With Friends Like These.... Not to be confused with Hate at First Sight, although it may overlap.

[tarithenurse]

On my mind, in my soul - 8

Prompt: “I'm so Sorry” by Imagine Dragons, Avengers Tower, a bottle of whisky. All of it suggested by a lovely Anon, so I can’t credit directly. Used lyric passages are in block quotes, as usual. Pairing: Loki x Burglar!reader. Content: Angsting with angst, illness, drinking (though not excessively), pining, nightmare-like scenario, near death, more angst (because why not), worrying, probably swearing.  A/N: Wow....I’m getting much more writing done lately than expected! Feel free to comment and especially reblog! It’s always nice to know what people think. AND due to later shenanigans, I’ve had to reconsider the AU-ness of this, meaning that Ragnarok isn’t canon here (at least not yet). PS Proof reading? What’s that?

Fixing

Opening your eyes is a struggle in its own made no lesser by the glaring lights shining down on you. Light shouldn’t hurt but this does and it’s worse than during the worst hangover…and still it’s not what makes you want to return to the soothing of the darkness that’s already reaching out for you, silencing the distant roar of voices and shrill beeps.

…   Loki’s PoV   …

All around him, people are either working frantically to save this woman they don’t even know (just because he has asked them to) or yelling at him for an explanation. For once, Loki recognizes a fraction of their frustration although he brushes it aside it much the same way he clears the view from the wall he’s leaning against to the bed on the other side of the glass wall.

Green eyes flicker between the frowning faces and tightly pressed lips of the doctors and nurses. Although he knows they are doing all they can, their hands moving rapidly without missing a beat, Loki finds it near impossible to approve of their efforts. Midgardian medicine’s archaic, he sneers inwardly as he sends the cold into the wall behind him instead. Archaic or not, any disruption might ruin their effort all together.

“Lokiii!” Thor’s voice breaches the annoying buzz from anyone else. “What’s the meaning of this, brother?”

Heavy hands force the God of Mischief to look away from the prone figure, finding the electric crackle he knows so well from the older brother’s spats of anger. Having grown up together, Loki supposes it makes sense that the default assumption would be that he’s somehow at fault for whatever tragedy has befallen anyone – often that would have been the case.

“I tried to prevent it,” he answers coldly, once more attempting to clear the view only to find that Thor’s a lot harder to brush aside than the flimsy Midgardians. “Move, brother.”

The hesitation’s brief, spawned from confusion rather than anger, before Thor steps aside and Loki fails in retaining a relieved sigh when the woman’s in sight again. The convulsions have ceased, and it’s a relief to see that the breathing is less laboured even if it’s only because of the tube that’s been shoved down the trachea. Stabilized, that’s the term they’re using beyond the thin barrier, so why does this strange feeling keep gnawing at him? This sense of restlessness. Of guilt and…and worry?

People begin to leave the room, some wiping their foreheads and removing what looks like lab coats, others rushing to nearby rooms with the last samples of whatever has poisoned [Y/N].

“Loki…” Thor nudges the pale man, shifting the attention to a small doctor before them.

Doctor Cho fidgets with the hem of the light blue shirt she has been wearing under the surgical outfit. Not wanting to meet the demanding, green eyes, she looks to Thor instead. “We’ve managed to stop the poison from doing any more damage,” she announces slightly shrill despite the muted whisper, “but we still don’t know what it is and unti–“

“– until you do, there’s nothing that can be done,” Loki finishes the sentence.

About time for anyone telling you off for all your deeds No sign the roaring thunder stopped in cold to read No time Get mine and make no excuses waste of precious breath

… Reader’s PoV   …

You know it’s a dream because of how slowly you seem to be moving, but it doesn’t matter because as long as you’re not waking up, this is what you’ve got to deal with. It’s hard to find some sense to it all, though. Caught in an endless labyrinth created of distorted artefacts, you just know that you have to move forward.

Feet heavy, the ground soft and sticky beneath you as it actively tries to hold you back, making each step physically straining until your legs and lungs are burning from sheer exertion. Whenever you pause, sticky tendrils rise to grab hold and drag you further down.

Once, you fall, nearly swallowing a mouthful of the living floor while you struggle to break free and clamber on forward. Your hand automatically reaches for the emptiness around your neck only to remind you that whatever should be there is missing. That’s why you have to keep going. Have to find the cold.

…   Loki’s PoV   …

They’ve left him alone by the bedside, deeming is safe enough to let the God of Mischief that close (at least after Thor had given his word that it would be fine). Sitting in the room with dimmed lights, Loki ignores anything going on outside that space, his watchful eyes never leaving the shape resting under soft covers. Sometimes [Y/N]’s brows crease, urging the man to lean forward, elbows on knees and chin on clasped fists. Loki can go for much longer without sleep than a normal human can.

A son of a stepfather A son of a I'm so sorry

By the end of the next day, a day that has come and gone without any answers and as such without a cure, Tony Stark enters the infirmary to find Loki standing very close to the bed. Pale fingers laced with nearly lifeless, a thumb absentmindedly caressing refined knuckles.

“So…” Tony begins awkwardly, “thought it was time for that drink.”

Over the years, as the former aggressor has had to clear his name and redeem himself in the eyes of the Avengers and the governing organisations of Midgard, Loki has acquired an odd relationship to the inventor and philanthropist. It’s not quite a friendship, more of a mutual respect from recognizing more than the extravagant mess-maker the world sees.

Now, looking up from the still woman, he finds Tony with a bottle of whiskey and two glasses in his hand, and a crooked smile on the face that doesn’t quite reach the eyes. A nod is all it takes. Quietly lifting a chair over, the man settles down and pours two hefty measures. I’ll return to your side soon, Loki promises wordlessly.

The quiet smacking of lips sounds the approval of the drink and mixes with the faint whirr from medical instruments. A precursor to the words that have yet to be said.

“Who’s she?” There’s no judgement in Tony’s voice at least.

Yes, who is she? Few words would fully do the woman justice nor be capable of explaining who she is to Loki or in her own right. In truth, the only reason he’s had to still be involved in [Y/N]’s life is his guilt and his…my what? Love? No. Love’s reserved for those deserving.

“She’s…someone I’m indebted to.” Dark amber swirls in the glass once. Twice. Thrice. Then it’s drained, burning pleasantly in the throat. “No news on the poison?”

“Sorry.”

Stark has many ways of apologizing, each retaining it’s own level of sincerity or scathing sarcasm depending on the recipient or the occasion. This sorry is genuine although the man isn’t to blame. Afterall, he and those affiliated with him have done all they can to save [Y/N], and it’s not their fault the Midgardian knowledge isn’t enough to –

Sensing the stillness, Stark waves a hand in front of Loki’s face. “Hey…what’s up?”

“Soul Forge…” the god manages to breathe.

“Soul…that sounds ominous.”

Loki can feel hope returning to him, can feel the renewed power running through his body. “A Soul Forge is a…how can I phrase this simply enough for you to understand? It’s a medical device used for diagnosing and treating many illnesses and condition in Asgard. It could cure [Y/N] or at least help us get closer.”

A weak sputtering can be heard from Stark, but the Asgardian’s on his feet by the hospital bed. “Sorry to break it to you, Reindeer Games, but your old man’s made it clear that you’re to stay here.”

“I know. But…I must try.”

Life isn't always what you think it'd be Turn your head for one second and the tables turn

…   Reader’s PoV   …

Every path you take looks the same in a world where nothing moves the air and the shadows stretch unnaturally. Still, you know you’re getting closer, somehow, because the grabby ground is receding, chased away by slippery patches of ice that glitter darkly with the threat of sending you falling though into a cold nothingness should you slip and fall hard enough.

Logic screams at you to stop, that it’s just a dream and you don’t have to try so hard…but it’s not only in your head. Not completely. Reaching a new patch of ice, you slow down in an attempt to prevent the slippery surface from breaking beneath you. Out of reach, thin tendrils of living stickiness are reaching for you only recoiling slightly at the angry glare you shoot them.

Don’t you dare, you yell voicelessly at them, I’ll get there, just wait and see! And you power on, chest burning and heart threatening to give up before you reach your goal.

…   Loki’s PoV   …

The idea of leaving [Y/N] behind is nearly enough to break Loki’s resolve if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s for her that he’ll attempt to reconcile with his father. Stepfather. And if that’s not a hurdle monumental enough, Odin’s still known for his lack of interest in the Midgardians despite the realm being favoured by Thor.

“It’s time,” the older brother’s hand lies heavy on Loki’s shoulder.

They both know the risk Loki’s facing and although it may be for different reasons, they pray to the ancestors that the Trickster will be allowed to return from Asgard. One last look at the poison-marred face, a last caress across the knuckles, then Loki turns to leave.

And I know, I know that I did you wrong But will you trust me when I say that I'll Make it up to you somehow, somehow

[nagichi-boop]

KH3 Review / Opinions

So some people wanted me to post my thoughts on KH3 and I'm super bored rn so I'm gonna try to do it.

Please keep in mind that this will have spoilers in it, so if you don't want that, don't keep reading this. Without further ado, here are my thoughts:

Pros:

The game included a lot of fun new mechanics, which made attack choices more varied. Some of these were awesome in my opinion - such as Anti Form, the different Keyblade forms and having more new team members in different worlds - and others were...not so great, but I'll get into that.

For the most part, the worlds were very fun to explore. Olympus, while not my favourite world, certainly did have one of the biggest areas to explore. This sometimes meant that I got lost, but it was nice to be able to roam freely without having to wait for sections of the map to load whenever I went into another area. The Kingdom of Corona was such a pretty place to explore and being alongside Rapunzel and Eugene was so fun.

The background music in this game was amazing. I don't tend to pay attention to background music and such, but I noticed that the music fit each area very well. For example, Toy Box had an instrumental version of "You've Got a Friend in Me", which was very fitting and Arendelle had a very upbeat and enchanting song, though hearing it over and over on things like the Kingdom Hearts trailers and adverts did kind of exhaust it for me.

The cutscenes. Oh boy, were there a lot of cutscenes. My dad even came in at one point and asked me why there was more cutscenes than gameplay, and I suppose some people may have found it annoying to beat one round of enemies and then have a 5 minute cutscene, but for someone like me who isn't necessarily the best at games and is more interested in the story, I quite enjoyed it. Plus, unlike other games, I didn't think any of the cutscenes were lazily animated. Each character had unique movements in each scene and it was very charming to see the characters interact with one another.

Being able to play as different characters was nice, even though it was only Aqua and Riku. I heard that they did have other characters sorted with move sets and stuff, so I'm low-key hoping that as a DLC, you'll be able to go back to the worlds and play as different characters. Like imagine Ventus visiting Corona and maybe having a small cutscene of him and Rapunzel being all soft and stuff, hhh.

Some of the characters were treated to some nice development this game. Sora still had his cheerful tone and determination to help his friends, but he was also given a few other traits that I liked. I loved how sarcastic he was at points such as in Arendelle when he falls down the mountain after X amount of falls, which perfectly reflected how I felt at that point in the world. He also showed that his reliance on friends cut into his own self worth a little, and so being alone trying to save everyone must have been confusing to him and certainly very difficult to find the resolve to keep fighting. Another character I thought was treated well was Roxas. I don't know what it was but he really stood out to me. He came at just the right moment to save his friends and had an assertiveness towards Xemnas that was much appreciated. He also ran towards Xion when she started crying, which was very cute. Ienzo was also really cute, my goodness. I didn't care about him when he was an Organisation member but he was such a sweetie in KH3.

The animation in major cutscenes was also gorgeous. The ending cutscene has such pretty animation and lighting, I loved it.

Although it's only a minor detail, I thought having NPCs talk their lines instead of having to read them yourself was a nice subtle touch that was much appreciated.

That Donald upgrade tho. He had a much more proactive role in this game which was awesome. I also felt like his and Sora's interactions and having them insulting each other were a very nice addition.

I don't know if I got lucky or if I'm secretly okay at video games, but I didn't find any bosses to be so difficult that I was stuck on them for hours. I think the most I died was the final fight, where I died 2 or 3 times? But even then, it didn't take me very long to defeat Xehanort and generally throughout the game, even bosses I thought I'd die to didn't kill me, or if they did, it wasn't more than once. Unlike in KH1 where I spent an hour the Wonderland candle thing and in KH2 where I spent two hours on the Demyx boss.

XION'S, LEA'S AND ISA'S OUTFITS AT THE END, OH MY DAYS!!

Don't hurt me but I ship Sora and Kairi and so having them be shown more as lovers than friends was just the fangirl fuel I needed.

Favourite world in Kingdom Hearts 3: probably the Kingdom of Corona for me. I love Tangled and being able to play through that world was amazing. The small interactions between Sora and Rapunzel were also super sweet and pure. I also liked San Fransokyo because it had an original story and I love that movie, too.

Cons:

As much as I loved most of the worlds, there were a few issues with some of them, one of which being some of the stories. Worlds like Arendelle really annoyed me as it didn't really feel like you were part of the story. You just went up and down the mountain observing Elsa. You also didn't get an ally until right at the end of the world's story which was a bit annoying. Arendelle wasn't the only one though. The Kingdom of Corona also felt like you were just a spectator to the story, though to me it didn't feel as intense because only certain cutscenes felt this way (such as the boat scene and the scene where Eugene "dies"). I wish each world had a unique story instead of focusing on the events of their respective movies.

Another issue with the worlds was the exploration. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy exploring, but some weren't as fun as others. I hated the boat mechanic of the Carribbean world and when looking for lucky emblems, I found myself trying to escape fights because I didn't want to go through with them. I didn't hate Monstropolis like a lot of people, but I do see why people would hate it as a lot of the rooms do kind of look the same. And as much as I enjoyed San Fransokyo, I do wish you could explore a bit more. The city was also quite hard to navigate as everything looked the same. Even just opening up the bridge would have given us a bit more to explore.

I literally forgot that the 100 Acre Wood existed until I looked up worlds just now for wiring this post, oof. I did go there but you literally did different versions of the same mini game for about 30 minutes and that's it. I did like the cutscene when he leaves the book though because it foreshadows later events. (He says something about not wanting to lose his friends, I don't remember the exact quote tho.)

While I appreciated having so many different ways to fight, I did find a few things quite annoying. Like I did have a few moments outside of battle where I just wanted to open a chest but I'd accidentally trigger an attraction or form change. Apparently, there was also a button to switch situation commands but I literally found out about that after someone read this review so that’s fun. I remember being so annoyed because I couldn’t use the command I wanted to use but apparently that was just me being stupid. Attractions also weren't always appropriate to the situation, which sometimes meant using an attraction and not really dealing a lot of damage or having difficulty trying to aim and attack enemies. Or maybe I just suck at video games, idk.

Because there were so many different mechanics, I never felt the need to be creative with my battle strategy. I never really went to cook with Remy because I didn't feel the need to and I also never really touched magic unless it was needed, either. I guess I just enjoyed being able to hit A and Y to get through the battles. Yes, I played the Xbox One version, don't kill me (A is X and Y is triangle to you PS4 people).

While a few of the characters were treated well, a lot of them were done pretty dirty in my opinion, probably because of having to bring together ALL of the characters. One of these is the infamous Kairi, who severely suffered from a lack of development, which caused a lot of people to hate her and also meant a lot of people hating the portrayal of Sora and Kairi's relationship (I still love her tho because of how people in the fandom characterise her). Another character is Naminé, and while she's not really my favourite, I can see why people were upset. If you missed a certain cutscene in the Final World, you would only get to see her in the end cutscene. The fact that you could miss a whole cutscene with her is kind of strange. I missed it when I played it. Also, I thought Lea sort of suffered a bit, too. He did have some scenes that showed him off nicely, but people forget that he was also quite weak like Kairi for some reason (but now isn't the time to go into that debate). He had his Keyblade destroyed very easily and struggled to protect Xion. I don't know if he just lost his other weapon but I would have thought he could have at least yeeted them at Xemnas, at the very least to distract him.

I thought the labyrinth section of the Keyblade Graveyard was very...strange. I did appreciate that the fights weren't particularly hard (because I'm not a particularly great gamer imo) but what I did find weird is how everyone except Vanitas was redeemed and how quickly everything happened. Like Luxord and Marluxia suddenly became super chill like "I know we tried to ruin your life, Sora, but you're actually pretty chill". Like...what?? (I know Marluxia is in Union X but I haven't gotten to that yet and in the main games, he wasn't a particularly interesting character to me, so I didn't really care that he became "good".) And while I do appreciate Xehanort getting some sort of redemption, it felt a bit off. He tries to destroy the universe and also murders a bunch of people, but then his bff comes along and says "yo, stop that" and suddenly he's good? Like he doesn't even apologise to everyone or help bring Kairi back or whatever, he just poofs away.

Speaking of things being rushed, I felt like I was getting whiplash nearer the end of the game. One second Aqua is bad, the next she is in the realm of light. Ventus is asleep, Sora suddenly gets the power to wake him up. Terra tries killing his friends and then he comes back. I love my children and I'm glad they're happy but it felt like a lot of it happened so quickly that I couldn't process what was happening.

I feel like the game would have benefitted from a bit more character interaction. I know that's asking a lot from a game with so many characters, but even small things would have helped. Like @chachacharlieco suggested in a recent post, even having the characters coming into Yen Sid's tower for a small interaction could have helped, like Kairi and Riku quickly talking about what had happened, then having Sora come in and complimenting them both on their clothes or whatever. Also, maybe having her give Sora her letters would have made their relationship a bit easier to swallow for people who don't ship them because it did feel somewhat underdeveloped at times.

Why was Kairi sitting alone in the end cutscene? Like I get that she was having a sentimental moment of reflection for what Sora had done and wanting him back, but I feel like even having Riku stand near her and share some understanding eye contact or him putting his hand on her shoulder would have been reassuring. It just felt weird for everyone to be having fun while she seemed to be the only one to remember Sora.

I thought the game would be a nice closing point but it wasn't. I would understand just having the cliffhanger of Sora being gone because not all stories have a happy ending and it still would have closed that chapter and we would assume maybe the next arc would be saving Sora. But also having the whole Luxu reveal and having there be uncertainty about that? If this is setting up the next arc, so be it, but it did feel a bit weird to have the end of a story line but still have so many loose ends and questions.

This isn't to do with the game in particular, but I feel like some things in the trailer should have been left out. Like showing Saïx meeting up with Lea, showing Scala Ad Caelum or showing Sora screaming and being mad in the Keyblade Graveyard. Could you imagine playing the game without knowing about Scala As Caelum and just seeing it for the first time? And could you imagine hearing Sora scream for the first time in game and feeling that raw emotion blind? Plus, I felt like the trailers built up that scene in particular a lot and I remember feeling underwhelmed in that scene because everyone just...died.

Least favourite world in Kingdom Hearts 3: The Carribbean. I wanted out. The pirate life ain't for me.

So I know I sound like I'm one of those people who hated the game, but I really didn't. I enjoyed the game quite a lot actually. I think I mostly enjoyed the cutscenes, which there was a lot of. Being able to see the characters interact with one another and having them be animated and not just standing still made the game feel a lot like a movie for me, which made the cutscenes more fun to watch and pay attention to. I do feel like the game could have done with just a couple extra cutscenes to address some character problems outside of a couple shots of chess and some paopu fruit but I understand that there was a lot to cram in and I'm sure this isn't the last game that we will see all these characters in. I didn't think that everyone would survive Kingdom Hearts and they didn't, but I thought we would lose more characters tbh. Plus this isn't the end - I'm sure Sora will come back.

I can't wait for the next Kingdom Hearts game and the start of a new chapter in the story!! Coming to store in 2158.

[preserving-ferretbrain]

Acts of Sacrifice

by Dan H

Monday, 13 August 2007Dan H on Harry Potter, Aslan, and John Sheridan

I still, technically, have a weblog, although I haven't updated it in over a year.

One of the things I wrote about when I still did update it was the movie version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardobe. In particular, I felt that it was interesting that in movie!Narnia the Salvation of Narnia was supposed to come from the Pevensies, whereas in book!Narnia and BBCAdaptation!Narnia it was very much supposed to come from Aslan.

I don't think it was conscious, but this subtle change pretty much destroyed the underlying moral message, and the underlying emotional impact of the book. Incidentally it also undermines the original Christian message, but religion isn't really what I'm interested in for the purposes of this article.

In the movie, Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund, and the strong implication is that he does so because otherwise the Prophecy would not be fulfilled, and the Four Kings and Queens would not be able to Save Narnia and the White Witch would win. In the movie, Aslan makes a sensible strategic decision. His life for the lives of everybody else in Narnia.

In the book, however, the exact opposite is true. It is Aslan, not the four children, who is the key to driving back the White Witch. When Aslan dies on the round table he is not only sacrificing himself, he is sacrificing Narnia itself, and he is doing it purely for the sake of one rather horrible little boy. Again I should briefly mention that this is rather central to the Christian message: Jesus was not one man dying for many, he was God dying for You.

As you probably remember, I've just come from an epic slog through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. One of the things that sat most awkwardly about that book was Harry's "sacrifice" at the end. Like movie!Aslan Harry makes a strictly Utilitarian decision: by his death he can weaken Lord Voldemort, and therefore achieve his goals (or, perhaps more precisely, the goals of that manipulative fucker Albus Dumbledore).

Perhaps I'm just selfish, but I genuinely don't see that as any kind of meaningful sacrifice. Both Aslan and Harry reach the decision that they can, by their deaths, further the goals they are working towards better than they can by remaining alive. It's just resource management. It certainly isn't heroism. It most definitely isn't Christ-like, despite Harry's miraculous resurrection and the revelation that his death broke the power of Lord Voldemort and redeemed Hogwarts.

There's an episode of Babylon Five, which I don't actually like very much (because it's very, very heavy handed) which actually highlights this point remarkably well. In the episode Comes the Inquisitor, the Vorlons send a man named Sebastian to B5, and Sebastian proceeds to torture the hell out of John Sheridan in an effort to get him to admit that he is unworthy of his destiny.

So Sheridan gets zapped, Delenn shows up, so the Inquisitor zaps both of them, and they do the traditional: "Wait! Don't kill my romantic interest! Kill me instead!" speech.

Here's where it gets interesting, where the distinction is drawn between the sacrifices of Movie!Aslan and Harry Potter, and the kind of sacrifice that actually has a meaning.

How do you know the chosen ones? No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his friend. Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame... for one person. In the dark. Where no one will ever know or see. I've been in the service of the Vorlons for centuries, looking for you. Diogynes with his lamp looking for a man willing to die for all the wrong reasons.

Now okay, it's a bit preachy, it's a bit JMS, and ultimately I'm in no way convinced that Sheridan actually displays the qualities which Sebastian attributes to him, but I think it recognises something which both the Narnia movie and the Potter books failed to recognise. It is easy for a fictional character to sacrifice themselves for an objectively defined Greater Good. Defeating Voldemort or the White Witch are obviously big important endeavours and they require that people make sacrifices. But it's precisely because those tasks are so vast that the decision to sacrifice oneself in their service is ultimately meaningless. If your destiny (sorry, "Destiny") is to die, then dying is really your only option, whether you go to your doom with your head held high or blubbing like a little girl is ultimately meaningless. In the Potterverse the vaunted Gryffindor courage is little more than a good old British stiff upper lip: putting a brave face on it while you do whatever it is you were intending to do anyway.

I should probably take a step back here and say that I'm very much talking about fictional characters here. Real people have survival instincts, they have millennia of evolution telling them to save their own skins. In the real world, a soldier going into battle, a policeman tackling an armed criminal, or an aid worker working in a warzone are all showing tremendous courage, even heroism, just by going about their daily lives. A fictional hero, though, has to be more than that. A hero must, by definition, not just be doing his job. A hero who is also a solider must do things which the ordinary soldier is not called upon to do, and ordinary soldiers are regularly called upon to lay down their lives for a cause.

The test which Sebastian places before Sheridan is a simple one, but one which cuts to the heart of what "sacrifice" really means. He does not ask "what will you sacrifice for your destiny" he asks "what won't you sacrifice for your destiny" or to put it another way "what will you give up your destiny to protect."

I think it's actually a very important question for any "hero" to ask. A hero is generally working towards some higher goal, and they will often make tremendous sacrifices in pursuit of that goal. The greatest sacrifice a hero can make, therefore, is not their life, but the very goal towards which they have struggled for so long. When your entire live has been devoted to something, dying for it is a small step, giving it up is what takes real moral courage.

The death of a fictional character is meaningful only insofar as it affects the narrative afterwards. When a fictional character sacrifices their life, the sacrifice only has meaning if it does not directly further their wider goals. Otherwise it's just a play, a strategic manoeuvre. Being dead but getting your way is infinitely preferable for a fictional character than being alive and losing.

When Lily Potter sacrifices herself to protect baby Harry, that's heroic. But her sacrifice is meaningful precisely because it is futile. From the Utilitarian mindset which governs Harry's later sacrifice, or the sacrifice of movie!Aslan, it's a completely stupid thing to do. As far as Lily is concerned, Harry is going to die no matter what she does, so really she should have just cut her losses and saved herself. Her sacrifice had power because she wasn't trying to achieve anything by it, she was just making a moral stand: no matter what, she wasn't going to stand aside and let her son be murdered.

In fact, one might almost say that the sacrifice of a fictional hero (as opposed to a real person doing a difficult and thankless job) is powerful only if it is ultimately futile. Its meaning resides in its very meaninglessness. It has to have a purity of intent, a simple moral decision that this line cannot be crossed, that this injustice cannot be borne, and all the "greater good" can go hang. The sequence in Pan's Labyrinth, in which the doctor administers a fatal injection to a captured solider who would otherwise be tortured is a fine example of this. This single act of mercy costs him his life, and it costs the rebels their doctor, but achieves nothing except the end of one man's suffering.

So for me, the most resounding moment of heroism in Harry Potter is not when he goes off to let Voldemort kill him, thereby destroying the chunk of Plot which resides in Harry's very soul. Rather, Harry's one moment of redemption in my eyes was when he flew into the burning Room of Requirement to rescue Draco Malfoy. Here he risks not only his life but his entire Destiny in order to save his worst enemy.

Unfortunately, Harry's principles are not always so unwavering. He happily uses Unforgivable Curses at little or no provocation, whenever it becomes convenient to his Quest, and it is his devotion to the Quest we are expected to admire, not his loyalty to any actual people (which is, let's face it, negligible).

I don't mean to single Potter out here. I think there's a general tendency in modern fiction to praise those who put the "big picture" ahead of the troubles of individual people. It seems to be seen, nowadays, as worthier to be concerned with large scale issues like destroying the Dark Lord than with small scale issues, like how many lives you wreck along the way.

Were I in the mood to make a trite political point, I might be inclined to draw parallels between this modern brand of heroism, and the attitude of a number of modern governments to problems like - say - international terrorism. So long as you take down the Dark Lord it doesn't matter what methods you use to get to him.

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Wardog

at 10:38 on 2007-08-14Hmmm...interesting, very interesting. *strokes goatee* Actually, it occurs to me that Harry's Big Deal is that he supposedly understands LOVE unlike Lord V. And that his sacrifice is, you know, this amazing, jesus-like act of LOVE. But surely the point of love is that it's personal and small-scale. I mean, it's LOVE that inspires the Malfoys to say "fuck this war and everything else, we're saving our son." If I had a son and he was walking off to lay down his life before a nose-less super-villain (and by, super, in this context I mean inept) I'd probably be all "Son, son, run away to Australia, you can live with Hermione's parents, go, go now." I wouldn't be saying "Hey, kid, death is fun. You're being really brave." LOVE is another one of those weird double-thinks, it's the ultimate selfish emotion that, nevertheless, inspires selfless acts. Thus Lily Potter dying for her son. Not Lily Potter grinning happily that the son she *gave her life to protect* is about to *fling his own away*.

Similarly, you'd think LOVE would not gather around Harry

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Wardog

at 11:01 on 2007-08-14Also I have to wonder if the 7th book was trying to ship RAB/Kreacher, just because it occurs to me that drinking the Killing Juice himself was an insanely noble sacrifice, especially when Kreacher survived it and, in fact, had suffcieint dodgy plot-hole house elf magic to be able to get them both out of the cave again. Also to lay down your life for an attempt to kill your house elf strikes me as ... well ... is that LOVE do you think?

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Arthur B

at 12:28 on 2007-08-14I think the general rule with Harry Potter books is that "if the fans think they can discern a relationship between characters which is not specifically stated in the text to be a relationship, they are Wrong because they are trying to corrupt the Holy Writ of Rowling".

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Wardog

at 16:52 on 2007-08-14I don't know, I think there's definitely something going on between RAB and Kreacher... Greater love hath no man than he who is willing to lay down his life for house elf... Oh, sorry, we're talking about Rowling here so that should be LOVE.

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Jen Spencer

at 14:46 on 2007-08-15My current favourite source of heroism: David Sumner in Straw Dogs. He is willing to fight the pack of maniac locals to the death because he will not stand by and let them lynch a slightly retarded murderer, and he certainly will not let them violate the sanctity of his home (again) to do it. You go dude!

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Wardog

at 10:36 on 2007-08-16I haven't seen Straw Dogs, I'm afraid it's another one of those movies that would upset me. I gotta comfort zone and I'm sticking in it, dammit.

[grimelords]

My May playlist is finished and it’s got everything from Rachmaninoff to Peaches across 3 and a half hours, I hope you enjoy it.

If The Car Beside You Moves Ahead - James Blake: James Blake has got such a big brain and this song is unbelievable. He has such a way of taking things that could be gimmicky like this vocal stuttering, or looping vocals and making them totally heartrending.

The Boxer - The Chemical Brothers: The central melody of this song is constantly stuck in my head and complete proof that you can make an incredibly catchy hook with just three notes if you need to.

known(1) - Autechre: I think this is maybe Autechre's most straightforward song but it still sounds like a harpsichord concerto getting sucked into a black hole. The way the violin-ish part swoops around throughout the whole thing, disintegrating and reforming before your eyes is hypnotising.

Sundown - Boards Of Canada: Guess who started crying this month listening to an ambient Boards Of Canada song thinking about how the end of soil is within my lifetime and we have destroyed our only home the earth!!

Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys: With their new album coming out I went back and listened to AM for the first time in a while and it's still really astonishing what they pulled off. This and R U Mine? completely blew me away when they came out. Having the audacity to completely change your sound and style and have it work perfectly is amazing, and then disappearing for five years and trying to do it again? Bold.

FML - Kanye West: I was listening to this a lot when Kanye was off his lexapro and fucking his whole life up. And now there's a sequel to this on the new album where Kim's begging him not to fuck the money up, which I think is a very good kind of storytelling.

United P92 - Venetian Snares & Daniel Lanois: I love the idea of ambient Venetian Snares and this is the song on the album where their two ideas meet in the middle the best I think. Also the way this builds and builds into total chaos I always forget that it's coming and get surprised when it says 'the machine can cum', what a funny song.

Turnstile Blues - Autolux: I saw Autolux's drummer in Jack White's band when he played on SNL a couple of weeks ago and suddenly remembered how perfect this song is. A true testament to the power of a simple groove that sounds like it was recorded in a concrete garage.

Young For Eternity - The Subways: Yet another great song about being a vampire and all the benefits that vampirism can bring to your life! Thank god for Dracula! He sucked the shit out of me, now I can leave my work for nights and leave my days for sleeping! Young for eternity!

Oh Yeah - The Subways: I bought a 7" of this song a couple of weeks ago in honour of the time it inexplicably caused me a mental breakdown and made me sprint out of my house to drive around town crying and listening to it on repeat for some hours about 5 years ago. Not sure what that was about!

The Blues - Defeater: As far as songs that go for less than a minute go, I really can't fault this one. Pure power, it does absolutely everything it sets out to do and still manages to get two choruses in under the wire.

Bombay - El Guincho: I saw Holy Mountain this month in a double feature with El Topo, and although El Topo kind of sucked I loved The Holy Mountain a lot. There's a part where there's been a battle and a whole lot of protesters are dying on the ground bleeding, except you can see that the blood and guts are obviously special effects, you can see the hose that she's using to pretend to cry and the guts are green balloons and things like that. Hold on I found it on youtube anyway I know I've seen it before and I thought it was in the video to this song or another one of CANADA's videos but I watched them all and can't find it! If anyone can tell me the music video I'm thinking of, thankyou. This song is also, of course, good.

Swim Good - Frank Ocean: Honestly has there ever been a better song about wearing a cool suit and driving your car into the ocean?? Never. This is perhaps the best sing along song ever because you've got to do your smoothest voice ever until he does his little emo yells of 'I'm goin out!' near the end.

Batphone - Arctic Monkeys: I think this is my favourite song off the new Arctive Monkeys, it's the most '3am slamming away at a club piano' type vibe of them all, but most of all I love the little spiralling into space guitar noise that keeps happening whenever he finishes a line.

An Open Letter To NYC - Beastie Boys: I'm almost always thinking about the time Beastie Boys made a very serious song about how good New York is after 9/11 and they said 'dear New York I know a lot has changed, we're two towers down but we're still in the game'.

Black Car - Beach House: I can't get enough of the new Beach House album, and this song in particular. It's some of my favourite lyrics of theirs ever, a good song for when you're trapped in a dark labyrinth of your own creation.

Midnight Radio 1 - Bohren & Der Club Of Gore: Got quite heavily into Bohren & Der Club Of Gore again this month. This is from the album before they got rid of their guitarist and replaced him with a saxophonist, which pretty dramatically changed their sound from 'extremely brooding night music' to 'film noir soundtrack', which is still very good but really not the same. Anyway this song goes for 20 minutes and it feels illegal to listen to it any time before 2am.

House In LA - Jungle: I am so excited that Jungle are finally back and with such an amazing song too. I love how spacious this is, it feels very different to their first - a lot more grown up and I really can't wait for the album.

Lemonworld - The National: Someone had a tweet a while ago that was like 'the guy from the national sounds like he's been going through a divorce for ten years now' which is very true, but this song feels like it's from happier times when he went to see his sister in law and had an morosely horny time. This song feels like the entire experience of reading a literary novel condensed into 4 minutes: a depressed older man in New York having a sort of backwards, confusing sexual thought. This is a song I regularly listen to on repeat and sing along to, it's a very specific feeling and I think "it'll take a better war to kill a college man like me" is one of the best lines he's ever written.

Rigamortis - Zomby: I put off listening to the new Zomby album for so long because his last one was just so boring but he's completely redeemed himself on this, it's really something. It feels like one long piece, which is amazing when any sort of thematic coherence is a rarity for Zomby albums. There's a lot of recurring sounds and motifs, and almost zero drums in the traditional sense. It feels like a really mature reflection on grime that he's been building up to for years.

Indoors - Burial: Whereas this song sounds like you're waiting outside a club in hell.

Segeln Ohne Wind - Bohren & Der Club Of Gore: Another Bohren song but from much, much later. I love the way the brass sounds in this when it finally comes in, it's so rich and overpowering.

Isle Of The Dead - Segei Rachmaninoff: Wikipedia says "The piece was inspired by a black and white reproduction of Arnold Böcklin's painting, Isle of the Dead, which Rachmaninoff saw in Paris in 1907. Rachmaninoff was disappointed by the original painting when he later saw it, saying, "If I had seen first the original, I, probably, would have not written my Isle of the Dead. I like it in black and white." and it also says "Prints were very popular in central Europe in the early 20th century—Vladimir Nabokov observed in his novel Despair that they could be "found in every Berlin home". Folks what is going on with this spooky painting.

Been Caught Stealing - Jane's Addiction: For a long time this was the emergency dead air song on Triple J, which is an inspired choice in my opinion because there'd be ten seconds of eerie silence because something's gone wrong at the station and then suddenly two huge loud chords! and dogs barking! A BEEN CAUGHT STEEL IN! ONCE!

Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel: I was sitting on the toilet when I saw a news article that said Peter Gabriel has finally made his music available on Spotify and I said 'yessssssss' loudly myself and then played Sledgehammer. Honorable mention to the best ever sample of this song in Contemporary Man by Action Bronson, which is unfortunately still unavailable on Spotify.

Reaching The Gulf - Dylan Carlson: I saw a review of this album saying Dylan Carlson is the only choice for soundtrack if they ver make a movie of Blood Meridian and they're completely right. I'm also so glad that he collaborated with Emma Ruth Rundle on this, it feels like the closest I'll get to bonus tracks to her Electric Guitar One album.

T-1000 - Swarms: I have no idea where or why I first heard this album but it's been in my rotation for a long time. It's in the general canon of post-Burial dubstep before dubstep got americanized and it's just very nice. When the vocals finally come in on this it's a very emotional moment for me.

Casino Trem - Tyondai Braxton: It's really surprising listening to Tyondai Braxton's work after Battles because he has such a distinct melodic style it's shocking to realise how much he brought to that first album. After listening to a lot of his solo stuff it becomes so recognisable it almost feels like you can go back through Mirroroed and pick out every single guitar line of his making. Anyway this song is great. Starts out sounding like what it feels like to be trapped in a pokie and ends up like you're trapped in a databent Banjo Kazooie cartridge.

Kick It - Peaches & Iggy Pop: The first time I ever heard this song, and the first time I ever heard of Peaches or Iggy Pop was on the soundtrack to Midnight Club 3 so I didn't really know what the fuck was going on. I still don't really. I love that this is supposed to be like a dangerous sexy song but the whole time Iggy Pop is just rebuffing her advances and bullying her. Then she's like 'go to berlin' and then the song ends. Still not sure what this one's about still!

If You Know You Know - Pusha T: GOD this song is good, I've been listening to it on repeat. What I love about Pusha T is where a lot of other rappers talk sort of frivolously about drug dealing and everything, he often feels like he's putting his hand on your shoulder and looking you straight in the eyes saying 'I am not fucking around. If you need drugs of any calibre or kind I can get them for you in massive quantities.' The impish way he's saying 'if you know you know', absolutely kills me, like he's a cartoon man winking at me while hiding drugs inside a tennis ball.

Hacker - Death Grips: I think I put this on my playlist last month but I'm still on it so. My new favourite part of this song is when he says "The table's flipped now we got all the coconuts bitch / Burmese babies under each arm / Screaming beautiful songs".

Cavity - Hundred Waters: Hundred Waters feel like a really underrated band to me, I've been listening to their last two album a lot this month and they're just stunning. The long build up towards the end before the two note melody comes back and kills me? What a moment.

Music For The Long Emergency - Polica: I didn't love this album when it came out but I've been listening to it more and more and it's really growing on me. I think I put this song on a playlist a month or two ago so I won't write more but let me say this: Polica rules.

On The Grid - Lime: tfw you turn the knob and you do a good job and you wind up on the grid :/

Elephants - Them Crooked Vultures: I feel like Them Crooked Vultures gets forgotten when people talk about Queens Of The Stone Age albums. People bring up Desert Sessions and Kyuss but somehow forget that this giant album happened. Anyway this is far and away the best song on it because it just keeps on giving and giving. It's just a huge jam about riding an elephant and having cool hair(?).

Particle - Hundred Waters: This song feels like it could be the EDM hit of the summer if it was structured slightly differently, but instead it's the biggest brain pop song I've heard in a long time. I love how much power the bass has in this, it really feels impactful when it comes and goes. The vocal performance is obviously incredible as always but I really love the distorted vocal line that sort of tears itself apart now and then, against how clean everything else in this song sounds it really makes it.

Me Or Us - Young Thug: Thinking hard about when Young Thug sampled First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes and made it into a really really good song.

Because I Love You - Montaigne: God this song is good. All the time the lyric 'I ate a salad today, I ate one yesterday too' pops into my head and makes me laugh. She tweeted about this song a couple of days ago and it really made me laugh: "My ex-boyfriend & I once watched BBC Sherlock & during the ep he paused & basically soliloquised about how he’s a tortured genius just like Sherlock & I’m his Watson in as condescending a way as you’re probably imagining then poured a shot of whiskey & now you know the story"​

listen here

[windrocklibrary]

=== TESSIE “TESS” KESADORA ===

“The word freelancer just fits the bill well you know? Not too unprofessional. Not too scary.”

~ Tess

Stories within Zaun tells a tale of a mysterious character – known widely as an ingenious gunslinger. This odd figure moves throughout the many resplendent districts and inky underbellies with vague goal and movement, garnering the attention of many names. While she may be called as a lot of things; beneath her widely known accomplishments that masked her is an unexpectedly kind-hearted quality that could never fit the portrait of a lethal gunman. Her name is Tessie Kesadora. But you can always call her Tess.

  I.                   A DIFFERENT VISION.

Before her skills with a gun was known let alone developed, she came from a family with an unfortunate background. Born and raised in the undercity of Zaun is already terrible enough, Tess’s parents were also unable to support the family adequately forcing them to give up on Tess to be raised by someone more capable than them – her uncle, Jom Kesadora. While Jom was at first, not eager in the decisions of his relatives, he soon realized that with all options at hand, he was the only best one that Tess could have from her parents.

In her introductory years of living with Jom, Tess grew up learning more about her uncle – an excellent craftsman who is not only exceptionally talented but also admirably jubilant; during her hours of chores where she lends a helping hand for Jom, she saw her uncle working with intricate movements that built even more intricate devices, all of which built with both remarkable form and impressive functionality. What Tess witnessed was beauty taking shape, wonderful and purposeful contraptions that are bought and used by the customers of Jom’s workshop; this impression was also similar when she explored Zaun, a gathering of people from many cultures, a dynamic city that seethes with personality and potential. Tess saw wonders and excitement, but Jom saw something else when he looked at his niece: his past regrets.

Underneath Jom’s layer of a joyful craftsman are mistakes and experiences that he wished he had never done in the first place, unknown to everyone and Tess, Jom caught himself in the web of Zaun’s underground activity – trapped in a debt that he owed to too many gangs. He was forced to secretly work under many criminals, providing them with his more lethal creations or simply funding and paying back the money he owed. These questionable and dangerous events only steeled Jom, forcing himself to prepare and train for the worst outcome; it was this part of him that haunts Jom when he sees Tess. He remembered how enthralled he was—just like her—when he takes his first big step into Zaun, only to be greeted by the city’s well-known underbelly; at first, he saw wonders of many possibilities—just like her—but it all now turns into a vision of blighted criminals, lawless society, and a careless “anything goes” attitude.

  II.                A GUN IN HER HAND.

This surging reminder gave Jom a new drive, a hope that he wanted to see for Tess; while he believes that it’s too late to redeem himself – the time and opportunity to help Tess was more than plenty, and he’s willing to take it as quickly as possible. Initially, Jom introduced Tess on his ways as a craftsman, to which she eagerly and willingly agreed to learn. Throughout the days Tess was able to create a steady progress and understanding the ways of her uncle’s craftsmanship, she was slowly able to properly create simple devices and even replicating Jom’s collection. It was an organic growth that the two of them carefully nurtured together – and when Tess was finally adept in developing her own works; Jom knew that the time was ripe – to teach her in skills that slowly deviated from their more usual studies. What used to be a study in fixing and building techs suddenly became a practice in creating a plethora of arsenals.

Then came a gun.

All of these new practices of inventing potentially harmful gadgetries to suddenly learning how to use a pistol was enough for Tess to notice the changes that her uncle implemented. The lessons were clearly alien and obviously surprising, she had never known this side of her uncle, a cheerful and kind person, to have these kinds of skills let alone eagerness to teach it to her. The many times Tess asked for a reason her uncle would always explain it as a way for her to “defend herself from danger”, but when she soon grew tired and fed up with the same answer, Jom could only follow suit by telling the truth.

Jom explained everything that must be known to Tess, starting from his past beginnings to his many regretted deeds, Jom showed her his own different perspective on Zaun. He told her that life in Zaun—or rather—Life in general, is never beautiful nor wretched; it stays in a gray area that constantly changes from one place to another. The point of this entire lesson was for Jom to teach and prepare Tess for the coming future, but he has no intention in using her for his own interest, in fact, Jom implored to her that she should never carry his responsibilities and sins – all that he wants from Tess is the skills to take care of herself and the wisdom to understand for herself.

At first, she couldn’t really understand it – as she grew older, Tess began to spend most of her time working under Jom’s workshop as his full-fledged assistant, outside in her personal time she continued to explore Zaun like she always had, though this time something changed within her. Where she would normally have a sense of curiosity in her younger days, she now became more cautious – perhaps this was because of what her uncle taught her – she wasn’t sure. The labyrinth streets where she used to play and run along with other children she came across back then soon felt foggy and lifeless. The crowded Bordering Markets that she would usually see bursts of colours soon felt claustrophobic and crooked. Things that she previously either took for granted or childishly interacted with soon felt weighty and often inauspicious – and all that she could think are Jom’s words.

Has it always been pretty? Has it always been ugly?

  III.             A SMILE ON HIS FACE.

In a later time within the household of Tess and Jom, a terrible news soon came without notice. One of the possible worst outcomes, Jom’s greatest fear inevitably caught up to him. A letter from one of his creditors, the Helgar Gang, was sent as a final reminder, stating that they had enough of waiting for their payments and decided to have one last meeting for Jom to make it all up. Expecting the worst, Jom fell into a spiral of his previous self, creating and tangling more webs as he desperately seeks for help from others, promising them a payment as a return, be it money or weapons.

Tess had witnessed a completely different side of Jom, a part that she heard of in his stories. A part that she knew how much Jom despised, finally coming back to haunt him once more. It was unpleasant seeing her uncle be in such a frantic and hopeless state; while he does find success, it was only a few close acquaintances who agreed in helping him as a backup. Uncomfortable with the situation at hand Tess mustered herself to him, volunteering to help against the possible attack; it was a request too much for Jom, but with Tess’s sincere persistence and the situation at hand – he gave a despondent agreement.

In the anticipated day – dead of the night – Jom gazed at the Helgar Gang slowly closing into his workshop while Tess, and others who agreed on helping, hid quietly waiting for Jom’s signal. As the gang leader approached and greeted Jom, the two delved into a talk, discussing on the situation at hand. The conversation started slowly, with Jom carefully persuading and the gang leader swatting down every offer. It only grew into an argument between the two, one moment more heated than before. And then, it happened all too sudden.

She heard a gunshot.

She was too shocked to react, Tess suddenly saw an Augmented beside her jumped out of the cover and returned fire, and soon everyone followed one after another. Tess grabbed tightly to her gun and joined in the fray, taking aim at the first clear enemy she saw and fired at. She remembered seeing both her uncle and the gang leader backed off from each other as if in pain.

Two seconds later, the workshop became a battlefield.

She smelled burning gunpowder with a dash of blood and cauterized flesh.

She heard screams and dissonant percussions.

She saw lights flooding the walls and ceilings.

She felt blank. Slow. Quiet. Suddenly moving on nothing.

The last thing that spurred her back into the moment was a glimpse of her uncle, bloodied and wounded, fighting back against the invading thugs with a gun on his hand as he clenched against everything that was sent against him. What Tess saw pushed her back with determination, a reminder of why she was here in the first place. She recalled the things that Jom taught to her and why: so that she can have the skills to take care of herself, to take care of the things she loved—her uncle—so she tried again.

When the fight pulls into a close, the defense against the Helgar Gang’s assault was a successful one. She finds herself snapped back into the midst of the aftermath; the workshop fell into near disrepair, filled with both the wounded and killed. While the backups tried to settle the situation at hand, Tess quickly searched for her uncle, hoping that whatever she had seen before was just a figment of a dream. What she found, however, was Jom grievously injured, lying down, shivering and breathy, slowly struggling to lean himself by a wall. It was the ugliest thing.

The sight of her uncle compelled Tess to head quickly towards him. Her heart slowly collapsed as she moved closer to Jom, his messy condition becoming unbearable for her to look at. But she saw something on Jom, she heard something – when Jom was able to clearly see Tess kneeling close to him, his breathing became laughter, gritted teeth turned into a smile. He was glad to see that she was alright. It didn’t make sense to Tess, why was her uncle—at his worst condition—pretended to have a happy look for her? Jom said that he wasn’t pretending, and answered, “next to you, a smile is the last thing I have in this world”. Tears streamed down Tess’s face, emotions overwhelmed her. It was the prettiest thing.

  IV.             A FUTURE.

After the incident befell, the workshop was slowly rebuilt and Jom was able to recover; however, it did bring repercussions. Worried that the ghost of Jom’s past would come back for him, he asked Tess for a final favour – a request for her to leave and avoid him as far and long as possible until he has settled all of his matters alone. It was a heavy request for Tess, but she understands and accepted to his request nonetheless – Jom never wanted for his relatives (let alone his niece) to be a part of a problem that he forged on his own faults.

Now standing all alone underneath the city of Zaun, Tess recalled the days and years she stayed with Jom, the lessons that were taught to her. It was an irregular feeling at first being alone and all, but the memories helped her cope – remembering that one smile her uncle made – it gave her a new drive, a new look at the future and Zaun itself. With skills—whether lethal or not—to take care of herself and the wisdom to think for herself, she sets out her own path hoping with a goal to take care of the people and their city; so that they can smile once more.

On the surface, she worked as a capable and independent craftsman. In her free times, she refined her strengths and talents. Spends time to play with the children. Thwart thugs and local gangs. Nurse the elders and even help out with menial tasks for others. She was called by a lot of things, sometimes good and not-so. But you can always call her Tess. 

[everyonesomething]

Session 21e

Edith Runekill: "So."

"Guess... guess we still got no idea where we are in this maze, huh." Grim: "Sure we do. We're in the corn." Edith Runekill laughs in delight; Grim told her a joke.

In this session, Grim and Edith get trapped in a metaphor.

The set-up: Still at the roadside farmer’s market, Grim and Edith find time to have a chat.

The Game: In the parking lot, Edith is juggling groceries, supplies, the keys to the camper, and a growing sense of unease she’s developing every time she looks at the nearby field of corn. She is somewhat distracted, which is why she ends up launching the keys into the cornfield with Mage Hand when Grim startles her.

Grim has been sitting in the shade of the camper for about an hour while everyone else perused the farmer's market, as uncannily still as a lizard on a rock and quite easily overlooked. She only moves when Edith gets close enough to talk, turning her head to take her in.

Grim: "Runekill."

Edith Runekill , intent on the complicated applied mathematics of loading the camper in the most efficient way possible, jumps and starts. The keys fly high up into the air, in violation of all the laws of Newtonian motion. Grim blinks and her eyes follow the keys, and then she looks back at Edith with a faintly puzzled expression, as if to say why did you do that? Edith Runekill watches the keys majestically arc through the air; in a perfect parabola they fall to earth and land somewhere among the corn. Edith Runekill: "Oh, dang." "Um." "Hi, Grim." Grim: "That's a hell of a wizard trick." Grim still isn't sure if Edith is going to wave her hands and bring them back. Edith Runekill casts a sidelong glance towards the corn field. "I... really messed up, didn't I?" Grim: "You?" Grim sounds mildly incredulous, still not really focused on the keys. Edith Runekill: "Well, um, the... the keys, I mean. You gotta concentrate on mage hand, but I was trying to do too much at once, and... well..." "I guess I oughta... go... get 'em back."

Grim offers to get the keys instead—she instinctively feels Edith would take all day tracking something down in a maze of corn whereas getting lost isn’t an issue for her. Of course, Edith doesn’t want someone else to fix her mistakes so after some back and forth, they decide to go in together.

But things are never so easy when corn’s involved.

Nora R. | A staff member steps out to block Grim's path. She's wearing a pointed wizard hat styled in after an ear of corn. Nora R.: "Halt, ye travellers! Dare you enter my devious CORN LABYRINTH? Dost thou possess the courage to find the TRUE PATH? Art though strong enough to best the TERRIFYING BEAST which lurks in the heart of the Labyrinth?" Edith Runekill cringes. Grim stares at the wizard, then moves to brush past her Grim: "Gettin' our keys." Nora R.: "Um... only the pure of heart may pass! Er, which you can prove by... um, please pay the fifty silver admission?" Grim: "Lady, we're goin' in, pickin' up our trailer keys, and comin' back out. Save it." Nora R.: "P-please! I'm in deep trouble if they find anyone in there without a hand stamp!" Grim makes a noise of animal level irritation and digs in her pocket, then shoves a gold piece at the wizard Grim: "Find yourself a better job." Nora R. | The corn wizard, in a low voice, says. "Lady, you think I'd be here if I could get literally anything better than this?" She irritably stamps Grim's hand. Grim: "Yes." Nora R. | All business again, she brandishes her stamp. "And now, your sweetheart?" She means Edith. Oh, God. A nightmare. Grim grunts and just keeps walking Edith Runekill meekly allows her hand to get stamped without making eye contact. There but for the grace of Auril goes she, etc. Edith Runekill slinks after Grim.

Grim is all business once they’re inside, letting Edith talk about corn density, hybrids, and maze layouts. The corn rustles around them. The pair finds a dead end and Edith stops Grim just before she can start cutting her way through the maze. As frustrating as it is, they can’t just start hacking apart someone’s source of income.

They turn around to retrace their steps, but find the previous path is now blocked with a new entrance off to the side. The maze has been changing as they go.

Magic!

They’re both confident they won’t get permanently lost in corn hell. Grim’s sense of direction is too good and Edith points out the amount of corn is a constant so there must be new open paths for every closed one.

Edith Runekill: "I guess the amount of corn in the field's a constant, so whenever a passage closes, another one's gotta open somewhere..."

Grim: "How th'hell d'you keep so many thoughts in your head all the time?" Edith Runekill: "Well, I specifically went to a school that specialized in agricultural magic. It wasn't what I ended up majoring in, but I picked up a bit anyway. It was kinda inescapable." Nora R. | The path behind them closes, and a new one opens up to their left, in addition to the path forward they'd been following. Grim shakes her head, eyeballing the new path and then turning along it Grim: "Nah, I know you got learnin'. I mean somethin' else. You always got a lot happening in your head, a lotta tracks, a lotta voices. Seems exhausting." Edith Runekill: "Oh, I... well, sometimes it is. Sometimes it's hard to concentrate on one thing when I got six others I'm worried about." Grim nods and glances back at her Grim: "S'what I'm thinkin'. Ain't nothin' ever clear that way, I'd imagine." Edith Runekill: "Sometimes trying to think of all the angles at once means you see something you woulda missed otherwise, though. See how one thing connects to the other. Realize that now's the time for something you had in your back pocket. That sorta thing." Grim: "You gotta hold it all in your head for that?" She regards her curiously. "Don't you never just ..feel it's the time?" Edith Runekill: "I... uh. Not... really? When I act impulsively like that it tends to not go so well for me." Grim falls silent and takes a drag on her cigarette, watching the way ahead

Grim hears some heavy footsteps in a nearby part of the maze and more cautiously follows Edith as the latter spots something shiny in the dirt. Rather than the keys, it’s a token for the maze: a coin with an ear of corn on one side and "CORN LABYRINTH FUNBUX" on the obverse. In smaller writing beneath it: "You've found some of King Corn's hoard! Redeem your coins at the exit for a fun prize!"

Things are going super.

Grim lets out a low steady exhalation It's fine. This is fine.

Grim: "Runekill, if you're enjoyin' this we're gonna wind up havin' words." Edith Runekill: "I'm absolutely not enjoying this." "I hate this." Edith Runekill flips the coin away Auril knows where. Edith Runekill | There's a muffled grunt. Grim: "Makes two of us. Alright, let's keep moving." Edith Runekill: "Yeah." Grim closes her eyes for a moment as they walk, struggling to keep her bearings in this ocean of corn. It's not a comfortable feeling.

Edith comments out loud that she thinks she’s had dreams where she was lost in a corn maze. Grim can’t relate, she hasn’t had dreams since she was a kid. She thinks maybe dreams are connected to magic, but Edith tells her no, hers are just anxiety. Grim relates even less to this concept, the only dreams she remembers from her childhood were about fire. Edith apologizes, but when Grim asks what the apology’s for, she stumbles over her words and says it’s sympathy for Grim’s past experiences.

Edith changes the subject back to the lost keys. Grim tries to get a sense of where they are relative to the entrance, but is eerily at a loss. All the while, a rustling sound is in the background of the maze. They focus their attention back to finding the keys and getting out.

Helia (GM): The stalks of corn part.

Corncob Head walks on to the path. Edith Runekill: "Oh no! It's Corncob Head!" "What's he doing this far east?" Grim has literally no idea what's going on or what Edith is saying suddenly Grim wonders if this is what dreaming is like Grim is so out of her depth Edith Runekill: "I... wait, Corncob Head... is real...?" Edith Runekill: "Is this... am I hallucinating...?" Grim is like the most twin peaks character in this group and this is too much even for her Grim: "Shit, if you are I hope you ain't seein' what I'm seein'." Edith Runekill sidesteps a little closer to Grim. "A nightmare man with corn for a head?" Edith Runekill: "'Cause that's what I'm seeing." Grim: "Well." "Hell." Grim raises her rifle and takes a step back Edith Runekill: "It's something we told stories about back home... but I figured it was just folklore, y'know. A cautionary tale about coming home again if you leave." Corncob Head talks a step forward. Grim: "Runekill, tell me 'bout this thing. Is it a ghast, undead? A construct?" Edith Runekill: "It's just something outta tall tales! Things they say about Corncob Head ain't exactly magizoologically consistent, y'know? He's... he's a representation of something primal to Plaguewrought Land. A punishment for anyone who leaves and tries to come back." "Could be something that goes back to the Spellplague, maybe?" "Hm." "Um I'll get back to you when I'm not COMPLETELY TERRIFIED." Corncob Head reaches for Edith. The groan continues. Edith Runekill: "It— it's me he wants, Grim." Grim narrows her eyes a little Grim: "Well he ain't gettin' you."

Grim uses her rifle to fire a few magic bullets into the ground in front of Corncob Head. They’re enchanted to shoot up at anything that gets within 30 feet of them.

Yeah!

Corncob Head isn’t sure what to make of this and backs off. Grim and Edith try to figure out what he even is and why a Plaguewrought spirit would be so far west. Does he know when a Plaguewrought Lander is going back home? Does he just manifest in corn fields? Edith tries to Dispel Magic on him, but nothing happens.

Having had enough of magic mystery solving for one afternoon, Grim and Edith back off from Corncob Head and head to an alternate path. Corncob Head, too, backs off and retreats into the corn wall behind him.

Rattled by the experience, the pair is even worse off looking for keys or an exit.

Edith Runekill: "Let's just keep moving. This was built for tourists, right? Obviously Corncob Head isn't typical but there's gotta be a way out..." "...I was always kinda afraid things would turn out like this for me. Like it's a dream I had..." "Like I got this sense of deja vu in here. Even though I been in lots of corn fields but only a corn maze once before." Grim: "Keep it together. Keep on movin', like you said." Grim eyes the corn walls suspiciously, watching for any sign of Corncob Head returning Grim: "Whatever dreams you had about this never had me in 'em." Edith Runekill: "Yeah... yeah! That's a good point. The worst thing about all the dreams I had like this is that feeling of being alone, of having nowhere to turn, noone to help you. But you're here!" Grim: "You got a lot of folks at your back. But you got grit, too. Between us, we'll figure this out."

Corncob Head is a mighty adversary, but he’s only strengthened their resolve.

Mercifully, they find the keys up ahead. It doesn’t help them find the exit, but one thing at a time. Grim picks a path at random, leading them to the east—though the magic at work is messing with the natural shadows, making it hard to tell which way true east is.

They relax some as they put distance between them and Corncob Head.

Grim: "Sorry I ain't much more'n a gun in the end."

Edith Runekill: "Y-you're a lot more'n that, Grim." Grim: "You know what I mean." Edith Runekill: "Not... not really? You're tough as nails, brave as hell, you got a lot of experience with things I never even thought about, and... and a friend." Grim gives Edith an odd look, then frowns back at the corn stalks Grim: "You got a lot of charity in you, Runekill. Can't help but be glad of that" Edith Runekill smiles slightly. "And I can't help but be glad you got our back through all this." Edith Runekill: "Even when occasionally I been a bit... inconsiderate...?" Grim gives her another odd look Grim: "Hell are you talkin' about? Reckon you're about the only one've us who considers." Edith Runekill: "Well... I Knocked." "Pretty rude of me, in retrospect." Grim snorts and looks ahead again Grim: "Retrospect my ass. You ought've known better all the while than to go listenin' to Pepper." Edith Runekill: "Sometimes I lose my head a bit and don't think things through. Sometimes."

Grim then apologizes for what she said to Edith the other night. Edith accepts it, it was upsetting to hear Grim talk that way but knows she wasn’t really herself that night. Grim corrects her to say it is a part of her, just one she didn’t want Edith to see. Edith is supportive of her regardless, and it’s only natural the group would have some friction from the close quarters.

Grim then stresses to Edith she’s not a good person, even if Edith disagrees. She feels like Edith is holding her to a higher standard than she should—it’s just going to get her hurt when Grim doesn’t live up to it.

Edith takes her words to heart and admits she was putting Grim on a pedestal at the start, but doesn’t agree that Grim isn’t a good person. She’s risking everything to stop Szass Tam, and for Edith that speaks for itself.

Grim: "Takin' down a predator ain't morals. It's survival." She eyeballs the cornstalks around them as she says this, like it's as much for corncob head's benefit if he's listening. Edith Runekill takes one last drag on her cigarette and extinguishes it with prestidigitation. "Protecting people vulnerable to predators who can't fight 'em off alone is morals, if you ask me. It's the basic stuff of decency, of civilization. Mutual aid and the like." Grim gives a low grunt, but it sounds more thoughtful than dismissive. She can't really argue. Edith Runekill: "It ain't easy, doing what we're doing. Or... it isn't for me, anyway." Grim huffs on her cigarette for a moment, then speaks bluntly Grim: "You an' Mal, you got a lot've other paths you could be taking. You got good things ahead, an' all around you the way you was livin' back home." "You got a lot on the line, an' I respect that. Respect you equally if you come down to packin' up and headin' home before this goes all the way to hell." Edith Runekill peers out across the swaying corn, silent for a while, framing her thoughts. Edith Runekill: "I know enough about Tam to say I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I packed it in before I saw this through." Grim: "Y'might not get to live with yourself or your man if you don't. You at peace with that?" Edith Runekill , without hesitation: "Yeah." Edith Runekill: "I mean. I'd prefer if it didn't come to that. I know I got things I'd like do ahead of me. But, if it's gotta be that way, well... that's how it is." Grim looks back at Edith and regards her levelly, then nods.

More at ease now, Grim and Edith can clearly focus on the maze—Grim comments she’s beginning to see why Edith would want to leave endless fields of corn. She asks if she’s been east of Plaguewrought, out towards Thay. Edith hasn’t, Thay doesn’t care for outsider archaeologists digging around in the area. Grim suggests maybe she and Edith can see the sights in Thay before they all have to face Szass Tam and Edith smiles at the invite.

Grim: "B'sides, you and I ain't had a chance to raise hell. Ain't gonna let Pep 'n Malkas have all the fun, are you?" Edith Runekill comes emerges a bit from her grave, solemn look, and flashes Grim a crooked smile. Edith Runekill: "Been a while since I did anything that could be called hell-raising." Grim: "I know you got it in you. Country girl, ain't a doubt." Edith Runekill: "I used to be the kinda girl who jumped outta moving cars on a dare, so... well. Probably." Grim: "Kinda girl who leaves everythin' she knows for the city, then does it again to hunt a lich. I reckon you got a real good impulse for livin', when you let it out." Edith Runekill nods. "Yeah. But I don't think a lotta people notice that. They see the way I look, the way I talk, and figure they got me pegged." Grim: "People are dumb." "Most folks're better at holdin' down assumptions than they are at gettin' the measure of a person, but don't nobody like to admit it." "Learn that real quick livin' a month from one washroom to the next." Edith Runekill nods. "Even my own folks looked at me and saw somebody I ain't really. Which... probably explains a lot about how things turned out with them." Grim: "Long as you know who you are, fuck the rest've 'em." Edith Runekill: "Yeah! You know what? Fuck 'em!" Edith Runekill looks chagrinned Edith Runekill: "Um... fudge... them...?" [infernal] fuck

Grim tells Edith that Mal’s more nervous to see her folks than he’s letting on. Edith is torn—she knows it’s unfair to drag him there, but she’s worried it might be the last time she ever sees her family. Grim says that neither Edith nor Mal is wrong for feeling about her folks the way they are, but it’s something to keep in mind. Mal’s sacrificing a lot to go with her and Edith knows it. Grim tells her they’re lucky to have each other and that she hope their relationship stays strong.

And with the last of the tension resolved, Grim and Edith manage to hatch a plan on how to leave the maze.

Edith Runekill: "It's getting late. The others are probably worried about us..." Grim grunts and rubs her eyes Grim: "You wanna try flyin' yourself on outta here, I won't be sore." Grim is not doing that though lmao Edith Runekill: "I'm not gonna leave you in here." Grim: "Hell you ain't, never stayed lost and ain't about to try it now." Grim blinks and then rounds on Edith Grim points at her own eyes and then at Edith's. There's another brief electric tinge to the air. Grim casts Hunter's Mark on Edith Grim: "Get yourself on back to the camper. I may not know corn, but I sure as hell know how to find a quarry." Edith Runekill: "Oh! 'Cause you'll be able to fix on my location and triangulate with that." "That's... that's really good thinkin'." Grim nods, giving a slight smile Grim: "Got my moments." "Go on, now. Gimme somethin' to head towards." Edith Runekill: "Maybe more often than you give yourself credit for." "See you soon." Edith Runekill casts Fly, and gently wafts away on the air current until she gains some altitude; she swoops out of sight, towards the camper. Grim watches her go, squinting from under her hat Edith Runekill gently lands on the roof of the camper. Grim gives Edith a minute to reach ground level again, then sets her hat, shoulders her rifle, and sets to navigating the fucking maze at last Edith Runekill tries to catch sight of Grim in the field from the height of the roof, but to no avail. Grim makes pretty short work of the maze once she's able to keep her bearings, maybe ten minutes behind Edith by the time she finds her way back to the entrance.

Once she’s out, Grim finds Edith taking her frustration out on the worker running the maze who maintains flying out of the maze is against the rules. If they had wanted to leave, they were supposed to flag down one of the workers in the watchtower—a worker Edith says disappeared, leaving them alone with Corncob Head.

Corncob Head exits the maze. Edith Runekill: "Sometimes I feel like my whole life is getting out of a corn maOH AURIL WHAT" Corncob Head 's Corn Face is pulled up and a normal human's face is visible under it, like a helmet. Corncob Head looks sweaty and uncomfortable and frankly terrified. Edith Runekill: "...i "...i'm going to die of embarrassment." Corncob Head stands and lights a cigarette under a wooden standee that says "Challenge our spooky corn maze! Dare you face the horror of Cornboy?" Corncob Head 's wooden standee version stands menacingly over the maze. Edith Runekill: "...maybe I shoulda done a bit more vetting in my haste to go get the keys back."

Malkas comes out of the restrooms, adjusting his pants. Malkas: "Oh hey, you made it." Grim eyeballs corncob head Grim doesn't give a fuck how natural or otherwise that thing was, she's still consumed by the desire to punch it Edith Runekill: "This really seems like an irresponsible use of potent folkloric images, if you ask me!" Malkas turns and looks at Corn Boy. Malkas has vague recollections of kids dressing up as "evil tiefling" for halloween and thinks Edith might be overreacting a little. Edith Runekill: "Do they think Corncob Head's a joke? Do they think the darkest stories they tell on the coldest nights in my homeland are just toys they can play around with??" Grim: "Gonna wait in the car." Grim leaves Malkas: "I left half a baked salami in it." Malkas calls after Grim. Grim values that information AND Mal's acquaintance

Resolution!

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Drabble Arch: Hatching Potion -  Intruders

               The empty cask was held in front of me as the king demanded my attention. He wishes to have me witness the murder of people that are most likely just lost. His words of hatred pierce through my every being, fueling my anger. My parents weren't evil.. Not all humans were evil.. They never were. Why blame an entire group of people because of something a small portion did..? I would scream.. but nothing would come out. My throat burn. From anger or the poison, it didn't matter. It just burns..

               My skin begins to heat up. Keep it together.. My parents always said that even when good and bad people exist, bad people can turn good. Antiheros are always redeemed in comic books; maybe it's the same here, but I can't have him fight now. Maybe if I could spare some time, they could escape. My head began to hurt. The potion's effects were still present, dragging all of my senses down. I only heard the impatient loud echoes of "Get in!" in the lair.

               I quickly glance at the floor for something to latch on. Bones, glass, weird unidentifiable objects. Books! I grabbed a book from the messy floor. It  was wet with an innate stickiness to it.. Surprisingly warm.. Let's not think about that, I just need a distraction for them. Time for those poor people to get out. I quickly show Twitch the book I found. He quickly peek at the cover. Twitch grew impatient.

               "Oh! This!?" Twitch shouted, waving the book in the air. "This is just another one of my great stories! Twitch has many great stories! Stories that he tells to his subjects all the time! But now's not the time for Twitch's stories!" Twitch kicked the book on the floor, landing into its rightful place on a puddle of sludge. "Now's the time to make them! Hehe.. I wonder what the humans steal this time don't you think!? The more we stay.. the more our intruders run! We can't have that in my kingdom can we?" Twitch place the cask down and grabs ZAC's arms. "Come on! I need you to learn how to protect and kill! Protect Twitch and his sewers! I'll read a story if you come.." Twitch squeaks, trying to shove his arm into the cask to no avail. The rat huffed "Grrr... Fine!" Twitch picked up his crossbow and take aimed at his "creation". "GET IN! No more defying  my orders! Do it again and I’ll skewer!"

               The arrow's gleam on the crossbow was enough to force me to go in. In this state, my substance seemed like it would melt, and any blow associated with my antenna could kill him. He wasn't exactly the most stable right now. I quickly put in my green legs into the compact place. Then my chest and my arms, and finally my head. My skin felt uncomfortable with the texture on the glass as it is pressed down on to the surface. Any more subtle movements and I would've cracked the cask right open. If anything, the groaning of the glass began to start.

               Crack. Crack. Crack.

               The rat's voice and footsteps  towards the water was nothing more than an echo in the distance now. Suddenly the scenery turned black as we navigate in the dark water. The light sources that should be embedded in the pipes were cracked and mangled in this area. Only when we get out of the pipe do we see a dim light source at the very surface of the sludge. A very dim light from the surface of the lower sumps of Zaun a million feet away. What loud sounds of violence and society of the lower sump was hidden away by the sound of rushing waste from all levels of Zaun. They were at the deep center of the sewers. Who could be down here..?

               Suddenly, the water splashes, and the rushing grew more imminent. Twitch hops out of the water and throws my cask on the ground. The glass shattering my ears as it cracks violently. On one hand, I was happy to finally stretch my limbs, but now my ears rang like crazy. I slowly got up and watched as Twitch peers into a crack in the wall, mumbling to himself as he speaks with another roach.

               "Oooh.. 2 of them.. and They're getting deeper and deeper you say.. Closer and closer? Wow they're asking to die aren't they.. Hehe.. Well.. they'll know who owns these sewers? Now we know where they are!" Twitch looks at me and tugs my arm yet again to the direction of the pair. I let him take over, just because I could potentially find a way to protect them. Besides, I don't know how to navigate in this labyrinth, and I might as well have the "king" of the labyrinth help me.

               Eventually a voice begins to echo in the distance. A male and a female. "ZAC!?" the woman called out frantically.

               "Quiet down!" the male voice grumble. "We don't want to attract anyone down here."

               "But there isn't anything! I should've known.. I should've known he would do this!"

               Wait.. Mom? Dad? I quickly glance at Twitch as he smiles maniacally at an open shot at 2 shadows in the distance with their flashlights shining about.

               "Hehe.. Look at them Goopy One.. Humans  never learn.. They're trying to follow me! Exterminate me! But.. they're easy pickings..." Twitch quickly give his second crossbow that he showed to me and throws it upon my chest. "Quickly! Kill them now! Before they run.. You don't have eyes on the side of your head so that means aiming is probably easier for you! Heh.."

               I look at the crossbow again and gaze at the shadows in question. I can't do this.

               Twitch's head jerked backwards as I place the crossbow on the ground. The weapon was more frail than it looks, its crack echoing in the hollow tunnels. "What are you doing!?" Twitch shouts, trying to fix it desperately.  

               "You hear that!?" Dad asked.

               "I think its him!" Mom replied.

               The footsteps come closer and closer as Twitch tried to put the parts together. "They're coming.." Twitch hissed hysterically. "THEY'RE COMMING! Look what you did!?" Twitch growls as he slung his own crossbow off of his back. "Fine! You'll learn my crossbow later.. Twitch can end this!"

               The rat looks at the shadows coming closer and closer to him, ready to fall to their face and be looted and thrown into the water with the rest of them. He begins to mutter his mantra. "Aim then shoot. Aim then shoot. Aim then shoot..."

               The footsteps grow closer. I hear the string pull. The trigger was about to be pushed. The sounds echoed in his mind as everything slowed down. I can't let anyone die. No one should die. Sorry about this buddy.. I quickly jumped on him as the crossbow fires into the water. The being hit his head as he laid on the concrete unconsciously. Did.. did I kill him? I bent down and slowly reached for his heart and neck. His heart was beating..

               I look up slowly to my mom and dad with their flashlights and rifles to see faces of horror and confusion as they looked at the both of us. They knew who the Plague Rat was. Everyone did.. and they see that he still breathes.

               My dad quickly grabs his rifle and points at the body as I quickly covered for the rat. The trigger was never pulled.

[didiiszanny]

Can someone explain to me why does everyone love Nico so much. I’m not even trying to be mean or a douche bag. I like Nico he’s my fourth favorite character in the Percy Jackson universe. However they are better characters that go through more pain and suffering and him. One example is Leo. A character who pretty much loses everything ,but still has the mindset not to sink into despair. Now this might sound like I’m being an asshole.

Nico sister dies. Yeah I feel sad for this 10-11 old kid and , his crush broke his promise to him.  He runs away to the underworld ,and some skeletons are attacking Percy ,but he doesn’t want Percy to be hurt at all . Yeah I can see where , Nico is coming from. For the next book he is a somewhat bratty kid with some level of baggage and grieving over his sister death. Which makes it more understandable and ,I guess his actions are justified in the way. As a audience don’t really see Nico begin excluded form camp half-blood. It’s not even really mention how much. Even Will in the “Blood of Olympus” told him off for his self exile ,no one was forcing him he do it on his own. 

So I don’t wanna hear people ,bitching and complaining how I don’t understand Nico as a character. In a way he brought himself to a outcast. Which is somewhat understandable in the way ,people think of Hades children ,but people like Percy ,Annabeth and Grover don’t even care at all. They tried to reach out and be his friend ,but he didn’t really except them it’s kind of hypocritical of him. Throughout most the whole book of “Battle Of The Labyrinth” his like of understandable , but does that make is action right no. Well until Final chapters. He’s trying to bring back his sister to life, when everybody says no but a crazy ghost king says yes. Obvious answer is to believe in the ghost king for the majority of the book. He did redeem himself in the final few chapters. In the most bad-ass ,awesome and incredible way ever. At the end of a book Percy tries again to reach out to him and he’s somewhat finally excepted.

In “The last Olympian” Nico in the beginning he’s is kind of a dick ,to Percy to find out his past. Tricking and  manipulating the only person ,who constantly believes in you that’s alive to get ,that you what is always the right choice. Note my freaking sarcasm. His backstory is painful , heartbreaking and  extremely sad. Sorry to say it most character in the Percy Jackson universe has a tragic backstory. He does a number of great things in this book. Which are to many spoilers so go read the books. Also this is book where he gets a lot of character development. Also he’s 13-14 years old in his book so there’s no excuse for his actions. It because we blame Percy for a lot of shit when he was that age.

He’s not in the next book.

Now for the “Son of Neptune” he has no real reason to not tell Percy the truth. Tell me give me one goddamn good reason why he doesn’t tell Percy to truth about his past. I’m waiting waiting waiting waiting oh that’s right there’s no good reason for it.

Next book “ Mark of Athena” he gets his ass kidnap. Fine fine fine OK that comes off as being a dick so I would like to say I’m sorry ha ha ha ha yeah not really.  Yes he goes to tartarus for a day or two the reason why he does it make sense , but that will be a huge spoiler. He did promise Percy something which’s is a huge huge spoiler again.

This book it’s called “House of Hades” now here Nico did everything right.  He kept his promise to Percy.  Besides that he did almost pretty much nothing in this book that I can actually remember top my head off. All we really got to know about Nico was he was gay that’s pretty much it. Yes he did a few awesome things.

The final book of the “Heroes of Olympus” My least favorite book of Rick Riordan book series. We finally get a Nico’s point of you it’s not really as dark as I thought it would be it’s more darker but poetic and jaded than anything else. I’m not gonna give you a play-by-play what happens in this book the bond between Reyna and Nico is Probably one of or not the best part about the whole book. Nico actually kill somebody this book ,but you know what the person deserves it. Yes Nico gets a boyfriend. Which was kind of forced on us honestly. I honestly think these guys deserve each other but it’s rushed.

Finally for the trial of Apollo series Nico is barely in it.

 I know I know it might come of as hate but his my fourth favorite character.  So why does everyone love Nico so much. I love this guy anyway but I want to hear your opinions. I honestly believe they’re are better characters and characters that get better development.. I want to know what your guys favorite characters. We all have our own opinions and can’t wait to see yours.

[man-creates-dinosaurs]

ESSAY: Are the ALIEN Films Dinosaur Movies?

NOTE: This essay contains spoilers for the film ALIEN: COVENANT (2017, Dir. Ridley Scott)  

At first glance it’s a question that appears to be a total non sequitur. After eight films and countless comics, novels and video games there has never once been any indication that the Xenomorphs – the genetically engineered, black skinned, bio-mechanical, shape-shifting “perfect organisms” at the heart of the ALIEN franchise - are dinosaurs, let alone a product of terran evolution. Even the Xenomorphs’ most direct literary antecedent, the Coeurl from A. E. van Vogt’s 1939 short-story “Black Destroyer,” is decidedly mammalian – feline to be precise – in nature.  

Nevertheless these facts apparently were not enough to give scholar W.J.T. Mitchell pause while writing his groundbreaking cultural study of dinosaurs, The Last Dinosaur Book (University of Chicago Press, 1998), in which he posits that…

“Ridley Scott’s ALIEN films are an exception to this rule in their adherence to the most pessimistic logic of dinotopia. The initial discovery of the petrified alien creature is presented as a paleontological find. The space travelers descend into the fossilized belly of an ancient subterranean dragon, a vaulted, cavernous labyrinth supported by enormous ribs. Their presence revives the dormant eggs waiting in the giant womb, and unleashes the rebirth of a monster whose blood is not merely cold, but composed of metal-eating acid. The reborn monsters are ‘body-snatchers’ who breed by using human bodies as temporary wombs until they are ready for their ghastly and deadly ‘birth.’ The monsters are regarded as a potentially valuable military technology by the intergalactic corporation financing the expedition. The alien, it becomes clear, is actually the ‘monstrous double’ of the very corporate state that wants to exploit its power.” (p. 38-39)

When Mitchell uses the term “dinotopia” he is not referring to the acclaimed series of illustrated novels by writer/artist James Gurney. Rather he means any fictive world in which dinosaurs and humans are imagined as coexisting. The “rule” of such imaginary realms, which Mitchell observes here, is the often inherently violent conflict for survival which dinosaurs and humans appear to be perpetually engaged in. Moreover, in most instances it is the humans who emerge triumphant: “Dinotopia seems to require a happy ending for mammals, no matter how arbitrary.” (p. 38) The ALIEN movies then are an exception to this rule in that the human characters always loose. Oh true, there may occasionally be survivors of encounters with the Xenomorphs, but as was the case with the series’ early protagonist Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) survival is no guarantee of a happy ending.*

But even if this is true, it is an idea still predicated on the notion that the ALIEN movies are somehow dinosaur films. How could this be? The screenplay for the original ALIEN (1979, Dir. Ridley Scott) was written by screenwriter and director Dan O’Bannon (1946-2009) who openly acknowledged on multiple occasions that he owed the idea for ALIEN to a number of different cinematic, sequential and literary sources; one of the most significant film influences being the 1958 sci-fi film IT! THE TERROR FROM BEYOND SPACE (Dir. Edward L. Cahn) about a reptilian humanoid extraterrestrial that sneaks adored an Earth bound spaceship departing from Mars and subsequently begins picking off the human crew one by one until they can eventually blast it out the airlock (Valaquen).

But while ALIEN may borrow IT!’s narrative structure, the film’s thematic elements come from none other than American horror icon H.P. Lovecraft. O’Bannon was a huge devotee of Lovecraft and even wrote and directed several films based on Lovecraft’s stories with ALIEN owning much of its affect to Lovecraft’s seminal 1936 novella At the Mountains of Madness about an Antarctic expedition lead by a team of paleontologists/geologists who subsequently stumble upon the ruins of a prehistoric alien city buried in the ice. Exploration of the city leads to the shocking discovery that these aliens were probably responsible for the creation of human life and the horrifying revelation that the synthetic shape-shipping monsters, called Shoggoths, which did them in are still alive and on the prowl. Of all the films in the ALIEN series it is PROMETHEUS (2012, Dir. Ridley Scott) which makes the greatest use of the themes of “cosmic horror” found in Lovecraft’s novella (McWilliam, 531-545), but nearly all the films – even 2004’s ALIEN VS. PREDATOR (Dir. Paul W.S. Anderson) – owes a slight debt to this story.      

As maybe evident from the occupation of the protagonists, Lovecraft scholars are largely in agreement that H.P.’s primary influence for writing Mountains was his reading of contemporary paleo-fiction beginning with Katherine Metcalf Roof’s now painfully obscure 1930 short-story “A Million Years After” about a revivified dinosaur egg (Joshi and Schultz, 11) as well as classic Edgar Rice Burroughs’ works including 1914’s At the Earth’s Core (Fulwiler, 64) and 1918’s The Land that Time Forgot (Debus, 79), as well as John Tain’s 1929 novella The Greatest Adventure about an Antarctic expedition which discovers a lost world of mutant dinosaurs created by an ancient technologically advance race (Price, 141 & Debus, 77-78). As in Lovecraft’s Mountains, the scientists in Tain’s novella discover that the ancient race which created the mutant dinosaurs ultimately wiped themselves out when their experiments lead to the cultivation a deadly parasitic spore – a plot point which leads us back around to latest installment in the ALIEN franchise; ALIEN: COVENANT.

Considering this lineage it is now possible to draw a line directly linking the ALIEN movies to paleo-fiction thus further legitimizing Mitchell’s claim. While the fact remains that the Xenomorphs are not dinosaurs in even the loosest sense of the term, it is possible to argue that they are still influenced by the kind of stories we tend to tell about dinosaurs.

On this latter point I am reminded of Joshua Bellin’s provocative book Framing Monsters (Southern Illinois University Press, 2005) which argues that the ALIEN and JURASSIC PARK film series both play off American cultural anxieties concerning the fear of infertility among the ‘right’ kind of people (i.e. white, patriarchal, heterosexual, married couples) in the face of the illicit and unregulated explosion of offspring among the ‘wrong’ kind of people whether that be “clever [LGBTQ] girls” who have figured out how to reproduce in a “single sex environment” as in JURASSIC PARK (1993, Dir. Steven Spielberg) or the black-skinned “super-predators” of ALIENS (1986, Dir. James Cameron) ruled over by their matriarchal Queen who Bellin sees as an embodiment of WASP boggart that is the unwed African-American welfare mother (Bellin, 106-136).

Whether one agrees with Bellin’s analysis or not depends on how convincing one finds his arguments in which case I would encourage those interested to seek out his book, but personally I do find them convincing insofar that I see both the ALIEN and JURASSIC PARK franchises as promoting a narrative which celebrates the archetype of the hetero-normative nuclear family while figuratively and literally demonizing – be those demons dinosaurs or extraterrestrials – those who by choice or circumstance do not wish to confine their future to the American dream of a married life in which the husband works and the wife remains in their white picket fenced home with their two kids and a dog. Indeed, those who reject such a lifestyle are either naïve workaholics – such as Claire Dearing of JURASSIC WORLD (2015, Dir. Colin Trevorrow) – who only need to be shown the folly of their ways and given the opportunity to redeem themselves by accepting the role of foster-mother to the children whose lives their refusal to be responsible parents has imperiled, OR they are mad scientists who, in an almost textbook example of the feminist interpretation of the myth of Frankenstein, have decided to try and take the process of baby-making into their own hands and as a result created something unnatural and monstrous.

This once again leads back around to the new film ALIEN: COVENANT which pushes this latter idea to the furthest limits it has ever been since James Whales’ classic BRIDE OF FRANKENSTIEN (1935), with its revelation that the Xenomorphs are the creation of PROMETHEUS’s sociopathic, sexually frustrated and now possibly gay (or at least bi) android David who has given rise to such horrors as a byproduct of his angst over his inability to [pro]create.  

As Mitchell noted it does appear that, in the end, the alien – and dinosaur – are indeed actually the “monstrous double” of the very systems of social indoctrination and control which surround our everyday lives. And even more troubling, according to the ALIEN films, they’re winning.      

SOURCES    

Bellin, Joshua. Framing Monsters (Southern Illinois University Press, 2005)

Debus, Allen A. Dinosaurs Ever Evolving (McFarland Press, 2016)

Fulwiler, William. “E.R.B. and H.P.L.” in Black Forbidden Things, Edited by Robert M. Price (Starmont House, 1992)

Joshi, S.T. and David E. Schultz. An H.P. Lovecraft Encyclopedia (Hippocampus Press, 2004) 

McWilliam, David. “Beyond the Mountains of Madness: Lovecraftian Cosmic Horror and Posthuman Creationism in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus (2012)” in the Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts Vol. 26, Iss. 3 (Idaho State University, 2015) 

Mitchell, W.J.T. The Last Dinosaur Book (University of Chicago Press, 1998)

Price, Robert M. “About The Greatest Adventure” in The Antarktos Cycle 2nd Ed., Edited by Robert M. Price (Chaosium Inc., 2006)  Valaquen, “Alien and its Antecedents” (Feb 26, 2015) at Strange Shapes: https://alienseries.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/alien-and-its-antecedents/

* The ALIEN films are particularly notorious for ending on what seems to be a positive note only to pull the rug out from under the characters in the sequel. ALIEN ends with Ripley seemingly having survived her encounter with a Xenomorph only for the sequel, ALIENS, to reveal that she has been in hypersleep for 57-years with everyone she’s ever known and loved having died. ALIENS then ends with Ripley being granted a surrogate family in the form of Newt and Hicks only for ALIEN3 to open with the revelation that Newt and Hicks were killed while in hypersleep. PROMETHUS likewise seems to end on a somewhat positive note with Shaw having survived and it is only in ALIEN: COVENANT that we learn that Shaw was subsequently murdered and experimented on by David. COVENANT actually breaks with tradition by ending on an overt downer; it is clear in the film’s closing moments that Dany and everyone else onboard the Covenant is doomed.         

[bluboothalassophile]

Forever

Time was a tricky thing to him, for time was only an illusion of things passing. They said he had walked the earth for five hundred years before he met her. But before her time was not important. Still his time with her struck him hard, time for him had started with her.

Time started with silence for him. Silence had greeted him with her, a startled gasp, quick gulp then a defiant spark lit her eyes as she dared to approach him. No one had ever dared to approach him so closely, though his first instinct was to run her through with his claws. He was most curious about this human pup. She intrigued him for she was brave in a way most humans were cowards. Then her big brown eyes always spoke her emotions, told him she cared about him despite not knowing him, she took care of him though he knew her little body couldn't afford to. Though their time was brief he knew he'd remember her for a long time after she smiled happily at him. The love and adoration in her eyes made him somewhat protective. But he needed to leave and she needed to stay, their time had been short and he had left. Until the scent of her blood.

Time stopped for the first time in his life.

Turning around he had walked right to her limp, lifeless body feeling something break within. Her life was brief because she was human but it hadn't needed to be cut short. The child had offered him love when no one ever had, she had offered him food though she could not afford to skip any meals, and she had attempted to care for him though he had tried to scare her away. Their time had been short but it hadn't been meant to be sliced down like this. For the first time in his life Tenseiga pulsed, he claimed it to be a test but in truth the girl was the only human he had met who deserved more time. He wanted her to have more time.

Returning her life to her he left, she followed him, even grabbed his hand. Though her hand was tiny he found himself confused, he hated humans but he liked holding her hand. He never expected the devotion, the love, and the obvious admiration in her large brown eyes had him valuing the time he would get to have with this girl. He would do his best to make certain she was happy in the time Tenseiga had stolen. Though Jaken was not fond of the girl he kept her. After he had managed to get her clean and talking again he learned quickly her name was Rin, she was eight, and hated humans (which had shocked and delighted him), she would be good so long as he let her stay. He let her come ignoring her promise to be with him for forever.

The summer passed, time passed, life continued on and he continued to wait for her leave him or hate him. Nothing, but the girl seemed to be a bottomless pit of questions: Why's the sky blue? Why do birds and Lord Sesshomaru fly? How do you fly? Can I fly? What kind of flower is this? Will you play with me? When is lunch? Why is the grass green? What happened to your left arm? Why do you carry two swords? How come Jaken follows you? How old are you? What are clouds made of? Why does it rain? Can I see a rainbow? Why do you hate humans? Do you like me? What do your markings mean? Why do you have claws? Why do you wear a fur? Can I marry you? (His answer: Maybe…) His questions were much simpler: Where did she find the time to think up these questions? Was this normal for human pups? Was this curiosity human nature or her way of getting him to talk to her? Sometimes he wondered why all this ran through her head but he patiently answered all the questions she asked him to the best of his ability. Most of the time in a yes or no fashion since some things could not be explained. There were only two things which threw him off balance when she asked.

The first being: If I died one day, I was wondering, would you- would you always remember me? A question which had crushed him under its meaning but one he tried to brush off with the answer: Don't say such silly things. He didn't add he could never forget her even if he tried; he needed her, craved her company, and loved her to the point it could pain and overwhelm him making him feel invincible all at once. The question made him face reality about her mortality. Sadly it was the only thing she asked for from him.

The second question which had caused him to run face first into a tree was: Lord Sesshomaru, where do babies come from? For that he had no appropriate answer for a pup though he knew his expression was comical to the girl as she giggled happily. The only good thing about that day was that Jaken had been lost so he had not seen Sesshomaru walk into the tree out of shock of her question.

Life continued, the hunt for Naraku continued and his quest for supreme power continued. But he valued his time with the human girl who mattered; the girl who had screamed at a stubborn monk he was coming for her. It infuriated him that no one had listen to Rin and let her decide so he made it clear it was her choice to follow him, he secretly valued her following him. Her yes had sealed her own fate and his, he was doomed and she was determined to have forever.

Because he saw her time was precious he made time for her to have fields of flowers, to laugh and sing, and time to be a child, she'd grow up one day. Then he had come, and Sesshomaru felt jealous, insanely so, when she gave her precious attentions to that boy, Kohaku, but he ignored his feelings and reminded himself Rin should cherish all her time in this world. He must share her since Rin had her own life. Still he hated the boy for making his Rin laugh and giggle, and smile when all he could do was remain impassive. She was just a child, she was not his, she was not his pup, she was not his. He chanted this to himself internally, almost religiously. Then she asked if she could stay with him forever, it made his world a bit more bearable with that boy tagging along knowing his Rin wanted to stay with him.

It wasn't until her second death though that he was truly crushed, devastated, damaged beyond repair and even that did not describe what he felt accurately. He'd have risked spending all of eternity in hell holding her little corpse if the boy hadn't been with him. Rin had been so fond of the boy he couldn't leave the boy to suffer with him as well. Returning to his mother's palace he held his Rin's little body in his arm. Time had run out again, and Tenseiga wasn't working. Looking at her pale little body he couldn't help but regret everything, every time he had brushed her off or ignored her or was jealous for her dividing her attentions. Just one more time, he just wanted one more minute. Just to see her once more alive and smiling with a look of absolute love, something no one else had ever given him in his life.

With his father, love was through approval and power though he hadn't had any when his father had tossed him aside and bequeathed Inuyasha with Tetsusiaga. Love from his mother was even less likely for she only like to manipulate things to do her bidding, he had learned long ago his mother felt no love since he had been a pawn to keep his father. Though he was certain it hadn't worked since his father had sought out Inuyasha's mother.

Sesshomaru would give anything he had, everything he was just to have one more moment with the wayward girl who had shown him absolute adoration and love. He just wanted more time with the girl, she was still so young and he had so many of her questions to answer. Looking at Rin he had remembered thinking she was never this still, not even when she slept. Why did fate hate him so much it kept coming around to destroy Rin? Rin was human, humans only had decades to live and he was a daiyōkai, he had centuries to go through. In comparison her life was nothing more than a heartbeat compared to his, but it was one heartbeat that was breaking his frozen, dead, and hate filled black heart.

Graciously his mother had done him a kindness by bringing Rin back a second time. He'd have more time with the girl who loved him. The thought was thrilling but when he was warned she would not come back a third time he began planning. After he killed Naraku he was going to steal Rin away somewhere where she could be safe. Somewhere where he did not have to worry about her time running short. He would not waste any more time with the girl, his Rin would know she was cherished and prized above all his other worldly possessions, including the left arm he regained later with his new sword, Bakusaiga. Rin was his world; she was the most important person in his life. What was a few decades with Rin going to do his plans? It wasn't a true delay since he was only nineteen in daiyōkai years. Time was something he had plenty of, Rin did not and he planned to treasure his time with Rin.

Time was almost cut short again by that damn spider, then the girl, Sango. He had wanted to scream in agony when that boomerang went flying to Rin but he was still too far to save her. The labyrinth of this spider he was trapped in would not let him near his Rin. Instead he had listened to Byakuya of the Dreams explain the illusion to Sango while his heart agonized. He vowed to himself to kill the demon slayer once they destroyed the spider, which was his plan until Sango redeemed herself giving Rin her mask. His Rin had then pleaded with him to save Sango though he did not want to, but he'd give Rin anything she pleased. That was her second request. Destroying the spider had been a relief to him, there was nothing left to threaten Rin's time with him.

Until the old miko had interfered. Telling him Rin needed to be among her own kind, with humans. She needed to learn to live with humans before she decided if she wanted to follow him or stay in a village for a happy normal life. Oh, how he had loathed the old miko. Even he saw the reasoning behind the miko's hurtful words. Their parting had been a tedious and painful day which had etched itself in his memory. Rin had been crying, screaming, pleading, clinging to him with a death grip no eight year old should have the strength for while Inuyasha and he attempted to detach Rin from him and his mokomoko. It was extremely painful for him, both emotionally (because she kept shouting he promised she could stay with him forever) and physically (because she had ripped out a few good chunks of fur out of his mokomoko which had hurt like hell)! Finally freed from the girl; he disappeared quickly so she would stop crying sooner. He was not so lucky, his Rin wasted a week with her tears, and he had used every bit of his willpower not to run to her, snatch her up and disappear.

Why shouldn't she be with him? He was the one who had brought her back to life. Also, Rin wanted to be with him. The incident with those monks had proven that, but he had forced himself to stay away. Well, as far away as he could go which was rarely farther than ten miles. It irked him to no end that he stuck around on the fringes of that human village to watch his ward. Even worse was Inuyasha knowing he was there and neither of them telling Rin. Again he had the old miko to thank for his newest bit of hell. The old miko had actually requested he stay away so Rin's decision would not be influenced. He did stay away, for the most part at least. He couldn't stay away; he physically could not stay away from his Rin, so he brought her presents and claimed to be there to inquire about her health and happiness. Then he'd leave, killing himself on the inside for the pain he was receiving for leaving. It was only worse knowing she was adapting so well. It also did not help knowing Inuyasha and his pack got to enjoy Rin's smiles and laughs while he was forced to wait on the outskirts for the day he could ask her to come with him again. The place he wanted to be was not on the fringes of this human village but with his Rin!

Fate must truly hate him to waste what precious time his Rin had left in the world.

Time was wasted during his wait for her, it was not wasted for him since time had no bearing really. What were a few centuries? But Rin did not have a few centuries, she only had a handful of decades and it pained him to know he was wasting her precious time. It pained him knowing he was wasting her valued time but he was biding his time. He could be patient. His Rin still loved him; he could see it in her eyes whenever she looked up to see him. It was a look no one else received, and with all the time he spent spying on Inuyasha's pack he knew this for a fact. Rin looked at him with a look of absolute, undying, unyielding, unending love whenever he came to visit.

To his shock in a short time her love changed though, he could see it. And almost watched it change slowly though no one else noticed it. The love and adoration the child had given to him was still there but it was not in the same manner it once had been. Once she had worshipped the ground he walked on, thought the sun and moon rose and fell at his command for he was her savior, her guardian, and her friend. She loved him unconditionally still but the love changed from that of an innocent child to a young girl growing into her womanhood. The gangly teen who still walked by his side now blushed when he looked at her. Time was changing her again, he thought sadly and he could not participate in the change since he had promised not to sway her decisions. The love she gave him was changing; his Rin was growing up and learning about a new world. Time was continuing, but it was still frozen for him.

He never changed really, the only major change was the style he wore his armor and hair and his ever growing mokomoko which was now heavy, irritatingly fluffy, and dragged behind him when he walked because it was so heavy. His youthful appearance hadn't changed in the last six years though Rin's was. The small child was transforming into a small adolescent girl. Again he ached at their time differences but still cherished his time with her. Humans aged so quickly…a sigh escaped him at the notion of the truth behind the words. In a blink of an eye his Rin had gone from being a cute little girl into a young adolescent to one who held the promise of beauty when she was a woman. It was one night when he had managed to steal Rin away for a trip when the first major change came.

Something had been off about his Rin throughout the trip, she had slept a lot, didn't want to move about, and when they relaxed from walking she had stretched out to lay as flat as possible on the ground. It was obvious she was in pain but she wasn't telling him, he guessed she knew how precious their time was. Humans never seemed to appreciate their time but Rin was different. His Rin had died twice, and both deaths were his fault in his mind. But it was in through those deaths which had him noticing how much she appreciated her life and her time with people; even him. They had decided to stop at a hot spring, he had chosen it mostly because Rin seemed to be in so much pain. Patrolling his perimeter he had heard an earth shattering scream, he had panicked as he raced to Rin. She couldn't be dying again! He would not let her die a third time so young! Bursting through the bushes to attack whatever was scaring her he came upon a very naked adolescent girl who was crying and frantically cleaning herself in waters that were being stained by blood. Half his mind was dead at the sight of the girl, the other half of his mind was relieved it was something so mundane as a woman's bleeding. But still, he worried about time again.

Time had brought another change to his Rin.

Carefully he had handled the naked, weeping girl with the care and caution she had first given him. Getting her out of the water he wrapped her up in a spare robe, she was sobbing, panicking and clinging to him; begging him to make it go away. Sesshomaru had cursed time again for this change; he had not been prepared for this change though it had been inevitable. Settling under a tree he had held her while she calmed down then passed out, he merely held her since he did not know what else to do. He could not leave her here but he was not about to take her to the village in this state so he sat there cursing time again. But savoring every moment he had with his Rin. When the next day had come Rin was still bleeding, scared and panicky but he had carried her back to Kagome and Inuyasha, carefully since she still seemed to be in pain.

What had confused him was his reaction to Rin's changing scent, it was another sign of time but his reaction was unsettling. If being away from her before had been difficult it was damn near impossible now! Her scent called to him, the changes in her scent were so damn appealing it was difficult to stay away from her, so he had to become careful about his visits to her. Timing was important now though he still felt like he was wasting time fighting the inevitable. Change was coming again, he knew it though he wasn't certain when the change would come.

Rin's first year with her bleeding had been hell on him. His problems were not something he mentioned to Rin but Rin told him all about her problems. She told him about the heavy pain, the heat, the exhaustion, and worse the cramps which made her want to curl up in a ball on the floor and die, not to mention the headaches, the soreness, and the bleeding. All of this to her was painful; all of this to him meant entirely different things. Things he did not want his Rin to know of yet. But time was thwarting him in this battle, he knew this when young Kohaku took an interest in his Rin. It had taken all of Sesshomaru's will power not to kill the boy outright; he would not hurt his Rin by hurting her friends. This became his new internal chant as he prayed to all that was holy for some mercy. He did not expect to receive any but still hoped for some all the same.

Time sucker punched him again when her sixteenth birthday came, the year he and the old miko had agreed upon. It was time for the question. He'd only ask her once, he promised himself, for he would not come back to her continuously and beg for her to come with him. If she rejected him he would not destroy the entire village, he'd leave and destroy an entire army then try his best to stay away from the damnable human who had cast him aside. But he could not find it in him to destroy her, he never had been able to think to destroy her but still…he didn't want her rejection.

Much to everyone's shock; his own included though no one would've seen it; she had chosen to follow him again. Delight, happiness, and affection rolled through him as he looked blankly at the girl in all her mystery and wonder she still held a look of absolute undying love in her dark brown eyes. Accepting her company they left, quickly before anyone in Inuyasha's pack tried to stop him and take what was rightfully his away. His Rin was back where she belonged, by his side. Her fingers brushed his, to his shock and pleasure, and then her still small, slight hand slid into his as they walked to the forest where he had left her old friend Ah-Un waiting. The dragon was happy to see his mistress again, both head received equal attention from his Rin while he merely admitted relief to her coming. Jaken would meet up with them after he had finished his errand.

Time hadn't changed her much.

True she was taller, but she had been a child when he had met her so it was inevitable she'd grow up. Her young woman's body was slight, her curves delicate, her legs long, her feet still bare, her black hair was still worn with the same bit swept up in a now much longer tuff on the side of her head. But it was her eyes which pierced him and made him thankful for the first day time started for him. Her unconditional, undying love was still there though it had changed, he could see it. Now she did not see her hero, her guardian, now he knew what she saw for he saw it in her too. Looking at her woman's body he decided time had, for a change, been kind to her.

At first he tried to ignore how time had changed her. Perhaps if he did he would not jump her as he so ached to do. She was his, she should be his in every way but he knew she was not ready for him to take her. Or was she? True her adolescents made her blush under his gaze, and he could hear her heartbeat pound away but being his Rin this only made her smile at him again and look at him with a mysterious gaze. There were times when he thought she wanted him to jump her but he would not do so because he would not be his father. Again he realized he was fighting the inevitable and time, both were thwarting him to his irritation. He didn't want to be his father, but he didn't want to ignore Rin's changes as a young woman. Her life was too short to be wasted on his personal agonies. His Rin still looked at him with absolute love and he was defeated.

If he did not want to be his father then he would not be, he would not be a manipulative bastard who his children needed to leap through hoops to please. If Sesshomaru was to bed Rin then he'd do it properly, she'd be his Lady, his mate, and his equal. His children would know he loved them though he was not certain how to express this love he was going to give them. Perhaps his Rin could teach him a thing or two…

All he needed now was the right time.

Time seemed to work itself out for a year after his Rin had been returned. It was one night with one of 'her questions' as he was beginning to term them. It was innocent enough, and it was not one which threw him for a loop or had him walking into a tree again. The question was: Lord Sesshomaru, what is love? To both their surprise he had had an answer which he had not intended to share with her but came spilling out anyway. Her smile was bright, happy, loving and then she threw herself into his arms as she had so long ago and kissed his cheek, then his forehead and then his lips. It was all so innocent for her, and unexpected to him since never had he really let the girl touch him or hold him and he had never let her kiss him.

But when her lips innocently brushed his in a chaste kiss of a child something in him had snapped. Something in him wanted more, he wanted all of it, he wanted all of her, he wanted everything she could give. Things he had denied himself out of spite and out of concern of her. His Rin never protested, she never fought against him and she never said no. Instead she was eager to help, though she was quickly distracted whenever his hands touched her, stroked her or caressed her. She had willing taken him, all of him despite the pain of the first night. He knew he had hurt her but he hadn't been able to stop, nothing could have stopped him not even himself. Rin never complained, she never cried, and she never protested that night she surrendered to him, much to his pleasure. That first night he had marked her, marked her for all the world to see. For the first time ever it was clear who she belonged to. The mark on her screamed to all who saw it: Mine! Back off!

Strangely Rin never asked him for a wedding, he didn't think of it until later then went about figuring out the useless human ritual for her, he could see she wanted one and he wouldn't deny her anything. Immediately he went to the hanyou to figure out what a wedding was, only to discover his brother was again useless in this matter. Much to their annoyance he and Inuyasha had to decipher what a wedding was and since both of them were inuyōkai they did not have use for these human weddings. But they figured they could figure it out and not bungle it up. How wrong they were!

In the end both he and Inuyasha went to Kagome for help. She planned her wedding too since she realized she was not married, though it was a bit late to be worrying about it in Sesshomaru's mind. About three pups too late in his and Inuyasha's mind. Time moved forward and he waited for her again, this time under the blooming sakura tree. For a change he didn't mind waiting for her, she had all the time in the world with him now, she was his forever.

Time would continue to steal her from him, it was an inevitable part of her being human but as he swore to the gods he'd love and cherish her. He knew only death would part them. Rin vowed to love him forever, even after her death as if she knew it was unavoidable. Death always seemed to be the inevitable divider for them. It would take her from him one day. Until then she was all his. Everyone wished them well, though he wore a smug smirk at Kohaku's glare of envy. What was there not to be envious, Rin was now irrevocably his. She always had been. Rin was his in every way possible, why should he not feel pleased he had her and did not have to give her up to someone else? Their wedding night was fun, long, and the closest to nirvana he was likely to get. There was no pain that night, there was no curious looks or hesitant touches that night. But the ecstasy and bliss he had from the first night continued to astonish him.

Looking back on those memories he realized that was the closest to time stopping. Afterwards his Rin would curl up beside him, hugging his mokomoko which he wrapped around her protectively. Afterwards he'd watch her sleep beside him so trustingly and wonder what he had done to deserve this woman. He was evil, there was no doubt about that, he still loathed humans, though he tolerated Inuyasha's pack more than most, and he hated weakness; his Rin was nothing but weakness. Her human frailty, her short life, her ability to love so freely, and her naïve view of the world. She saw beauty in everything; he saw pain everywhere but her. Only gods knew why he needed this weak, little, human woman to love him.

"I love you," he had whispered in her ear that night. Meaning everything he had just admitted to, her response was a slight smile to him in her sleep. But he began doubting she was really asleep when she wiggled her hips again. He couldn't stop then.

Time continued much to his disappointment.

Rin though seemed content with time continuing. The first changes came quick enough, if he had been paying more attention to his Rin he'd have never missed the subtle changes in her scent. But he had missed them. What they both hadn't missed was the mornings when she'd wake up only to run off to throw up everything in her stomach. At first he had panicked thinking she was dying on him again, he was prepared to drag her to his mother's again and demand for a cure. Rin thought he was being ridiculous and even told him so, which irritated him. Could she not see how important she was to him? Probably not, Rin didn't see her value. The second change he noticed was how she wouldn't eat certain things and went through pains to avoid certain foods; foods which had never bothered her before. He brushed this change off since to him all of her foods smelled unpleasant. The third change he noticed was when he loved her, she seemed…tender. It didn't stop them but it slowed him down enough to wonder what was wrong with his Rin.

Was she dying of some rare human illness? He didn't know, he didn't know anything about humans other than what his Rin experienced and told him. It wasn't until the illnesses in the morning passed that he noticed a major change in Rin. At first it had confounded him, then it had amazed him and then he waited for her to figure it out. There were two other heartbeats in Rin other than Rin's own heart. He then noticed what he had missed those months ago, the change in her scent, how tired she was, and her absent bleedings. Joy filled him for this was, strangely, what he wanted, despite having only hanyou pups, and then terror set in.

Who wouldn't be terrified to be a father after how he had grown up? Would his pups like him? Would he be able to love something he had despised vehemently? Would Rin be happy? How were they going to do this? Could they continue their travels? Or would Rin need a place to call home? All this ran through his head until Rin happily skipped up to him one day and asked him to guess why she was happy. He had no idea, she told him she was pregnant, he faked shocked for her sake since she seemed so pleased. Then she had insisted they go to Inuyasha's village so she could tell Kagome the good news.

They had visited Inuyasha's village under Rin's request and he had spent the better portion of a visit trying to stay out of the village. He hated people staring him but worse was the dog eared niece of his who seemed to think his tail, mokomoko, was her play toy and kept biting him. Despite his warning growls and nips on the child she had sunk her little fangs into the mokomoko and received a fierce growl from him. Inuyasha on the other hand had thought this situation hilarious as he doubled over in laughter, Sesshomaru had had his revenge though when he sicced the girl on her papa's ears which she loved. He saw the human blood rearing its ugly head when the child hadn't understood his growls but decided he'd tolerate it since these pups were a part of his family. Deciding retreat was his best option before he snapped he had slipped into the forest to wait for his Rin and to stay out of those menacing teeth's way.

Time had been kind to Inuyasha and Kagome, only six years together and they had two healthy sons, an aggravating teething daughter, and one more on the way. Sesshomaru might never express his thoughts but he was happy his brother had found happiness. Sango and Miroku had a large family, after the twins and their first son they had had four other children; all of whom were fascinated by Sesshomaru for an unknown reason. Rin's friend Shippo was a mighty fox demon and still working on his goal. The boy Kohaku though… Sesshomaru glared as he had to watch the boy try to engage Rin in a conversation. The boy had grown but his childish desires for Rin were beginning to irritate Sesshomaru. Kohaku was flirting with his mate, it took all of Sesshomaru's will power not to go over there and kill the whelp. It was clear his infatuation hadn't ended yet. But when Sesshomaru looked at Rin and saw her sigh in irritation from Kohaku's advances, he was content with his life.

Time was something he cherished now.

Again time flew and he found himself with Rin, more and more often at Inuyasha's village. It was simple reasoning in his mind because his Rin was now huge despite her small form. Rin's small form was still slight, she would never be large but her bulging belly had her off balance often these days. And secretly he feared the worse might happen if they traveled in her state. His instincts though refused to let him be away from her, he could not leave his Rin alone. Everywhere Rin went he found himself following, snarling at intruders or humans who dared to wander too close to his Rin. There were few who he tolerated on a normal basis, now there were none. He even reached the point where he viewed his brother as a threat, but he noticed Inuyasha copying his behavior towards a pregnant Kagome so Sesshomaru guess this protectiveness to be normal.

The best/worst day of his life began because time decided to continue.

It had been a normal day, he was walking with Rin in her field of flowers when her water broke. The pain he smelled rolling off of her had him scooping her up and flying to Inuyasha's mate's hut. Kagome had given birth to her fourth child a few weeks earlier and had been ready for Rin. To his frustration Sango, old Kaede and Kagome all kicked him out of the hut. Sitting in the entry with Inuyasha and Miroku beside him, they waited. Sesshomaru fought the desire to run to his Rin as she screamed for him in agony. Inuyasha and Miroku insisted the pain was normal, the screams were normal, the man being outside was for the best. Apparently this had more to do with Sango and Miroku than him or Inuyasha; a few unsavory threats were promised in the heat of birth apparently and Miroku vowed to leave birthing to the women. He had had a broken hand to prove labor could be painful for the man too.

Sesshomaru hadn't cared about the stories Inuyasha and Miroku were sharing about their times with their mates birthing all he had cared about was Rin. Listening to her screams, cries, pleading, and pain had internally killed him. He was worried, openly worried for the first time in his life. He was worried his mate's slight form wouldn't handle giving birth. Fear was clawing at him, fear of her dying on him. It wasn't uncommon for a woman to pass in birthing, at least from his understanding. Birthing was dangerous, he hated himself for putting Rin in this sort of danger. He felt his eye twitching as he listened all day and all night to Rin's pleas for him to be with her. He wanted to be with her, he was losing time with her. Again.

But time proved merciful this time.

Early the next morning, after his sleepless night there were two clear loud wails piercing the silence. No one could keep him back then as he lunged into the hut. His amber eyes never saw his children as his eyes snapped to his Rin who lay there panting and pale but very alive and healthy from her scent. He had quickly gone to her, held her and felt relief swamp him. Kagome and Sango presented them with two sons, Rin was happy to take one into her arms while he held the other. This was difficult to do since he could not let her go. In the end mokomoko had ended up being his third arm so to speak as he held his pup.

The first set of sons had his coloring, his looks, and Inuyasha's ears. Both had one jagged magenta strip on each cheek and crescent moons in the center of their heads. Rin was pleased, and proud of herself as she smiled at her two sons, he was terrified and curious. He had never dealt with pups, at least not this small. But he was slightly disappointed there was no visible trace of Rin in the pups. Just as he thought this Rin said the most unexpected thing she was glad they looked like him. He didn't understand why this pleased her. Hopefully traits of his Rin would appear in his pups. What had really shocked him was the love he felt for the pups, never had he felt such and intense, immediate love at first sight. Not even when he had first seen Rin. Gently he hugged his mate to him and found himself genuinely happy for the first time in his life.

Time seemed to be accelerated now with two pups in their lives.

He knew his pups' growth would slow once they were past being toddlers but he didn't know what else to expect. Rin always laughed as she chased after her pups and when he began worrying about if he was a good father or not she'd reassure him everything was fine. It was to his disappointment that his pups seemed to take after him for the most part, not just in looks but attitude. Both pups were quiet, both were strong, both adored their mother and him, and both seemed happy though one couldn't tell. For pups they had their emotions very well under control. During the days Rin would laugh, smile, play with them and adore them while they traveled and he would protect them, watch after his pack and family, and often found himself playing when Rin was too tired. Nights though…nights were his and Rin's.

After their pups were sound asleep Rin was his, all his. Though he didn't mind sharing his Rin with his pups he was a selfish bastard and liked having Rin all to himself. It was in the nights when she was all his, to worship, pleasure and be pleasured by. Life was wonderful for him; it would've been perfect if time wasn't so precious. All too quickly though her human time began stealing her away. Again Rin conceived, again she birthed, and again he had a child looking like him instead of her. Years passed, Rin aged, pups grew and came into the world. It was when she was thirty-five when Kagome and Sango both said she shouldn't bear another pup. Their last pup was born the next year and Sesshomaru finally got what he had wanted, a daughter who despite coloring resembled her mother. He was happy, his family was safe, and his children his pride while his mate was still his life.

Nineteen years had matured Rin, she was growing old but she wasn't that old yet. She was softer, a little plumper, and a little slower while he was still youthful in appearance. It seemed to irritate Rin who was growing old while he looked no older than twenty-one. He often assured her she was still beautiful to him and his opinion was the only one that mattered. He knew since he had killed for other's hateful opinions of his Rin and his relationship with his Rin. Their pups, all ten of them, were happy and healthy and safe. His youngest daughter was his secret pride since she did take after her mother. All of his children had his silver hair, his amber eyes, Inuyasha's dog ears and to his surprise their mother's view of the world.

Years continued to slip by; he cherished his time with Rin even more. And though he worried about a world without Rin she continued to promise to be with him for forever. His heart was heavy with the knowledge she could never give him forever, he could love her forever though. Perhaps that would be enough for him after she passed. She was going to be sixty-six soon and though he had to help her up, carry her occasionally, and even care for her he didn't mind. Fifty-seven years was more than he had expected from his mate, he wished for more time though. Fifty-seven, almost fifty-eight years was too short of time and some of the time had been wasted while he waited for her. Their pups had matured and treated their mother with a gentle love he hadn't expected, their eldest didn't look more than twelve after all this time. It saddened him knowing his Rin would never see their pups grow into a young men and women but she always smiled and praised them like the doting mother she was. Sesshomaru wished vainly for time to stop again.

Time was taking his Rin from him but she was leaving this world with dignity.

He carried Rin to her friend's funerals; he and Inuyasha had to help bury them. It had hurt Sesshomaru to help Inuyasha dig a hole for his mate and wife Kagome but he knew it didn't hurt him as much as it did his brother. Inuyasha then told him he was grateful, grateful for the time he had had with Kagome; all fifty-nine years. Glancing at Rin who was surrounded by her youthful children Sesshomaru agreed, for once, with Inuyasha. He too was grateful for the time he had with Rin.

Sesshomaru found himself dreading nights as he watched over his aging mate listening to her weak heartbeat. Age had taken her youthful beauty, taking her midnight hair for grey hair, taking her smooth skin for wrinkles, and taking her strong body for this weak shell. But Rin's heart and eyes never seemed to change. She still looked at him with her undying, unending, and unconditional love, she still smiled as if he was her world it was the smile that still made his heart skip a beat or two. He remained stoic throughout her life, never showing her a single expression or telling her a true feeling he felt for her other than three little words he whispered to her every night since their wedding night. He didn't know how to show her his love, he didn't know how to express his emotions to her but it didn't matter. She seemed to understand everything he couldn't say.

Seventy years after he met that wayward eight year old and she knew everything he never said and never asked him to say it her time had come. Rin's third and final death was here to take her from him again, but she wasn't leaving him without a fight. She had been fighting death for weeks now, it killed him to see her like this but he remained stoic through all of this. Their children gathered around her every day, all ten silver heads with white ears sitting atop their heads circled his mate, his wife, his Rin. Every day Rin would smile at her children and listen to them as they talk to her, every day she was given the prettiest flowers her children could gather since she could no longer go to see their beauty. And every day he sat with her, holding her small, slim, and now fragile hand. It amazed him at how quickly she had changed from a child to his Rin to an adolescent to a woman to the love of his life to his mate to his wife to the mother of his pups to a sassy middle aged woman and finally to a frail old woman whose smile still melted his heart. Gods above did he love this woman; it pained him to know her end was coming as he held her hand.

"I love you, I'll love you for forever," her last words.

"I love you too," he answered as he held a frail hand in his youthful strong one. Her smile shone on him as her heart faltered then stopped. His anguish crushed him in that moment as he gathered up the frail body of the only woman he ever loved and held her. He didn't want to let go of her, he didn't want to let her go. But he had too.

His Rin had finally left him a third and final time, but not without a fight. She had gone from a curious child who had chattered his ears off a mile a minute to a corpse, again. No tears welled in his eyes, though he was tempted to cry, howl his pain for all the world to hear as he held her again. Time stopped for him again, time meant nothing now that she was gone, now that he was left with nothing but her small, frail body. Closing his eyes he inhaled her scent again, the forest, the flowers, the scent that was so uniquely Rin it was something he never wanted to forget. Their children all stood gathered around her looking a little lost as he hugged her to him, but he couldn't let her go, not yet. Just one more moment, it was all he wanted.

But he always wanted one more moment with her.

Inuyasha and his brood showed up to help him bury Rin, much to Sesshomaru's shock. They buried her under what he had long since termed to be her tree, a nice old sakura tree which she had always been so fond of. It was also where they had gotten married. Fifteen amber eyes watched as their father and uncle buried their mother and aunt, both men too sad to notice the other and not a single insult was thrown that day. To Sesshomaru's disappointment the day was beautiful, he wanted the world to display the bleakness he felt. The world should be mourning for the woman who brought it a bit of sunshine was dead and buried. Standing there with his ten pups around him he stared at the grave.

He wished their pups weren't so much like him, their ten amber eyes all somberly looked at the headstone, grief was there, as was pain and sadness but there were no tears. Tears were not something he and his children shed. Rin was the one who always provided tears when they were needed. His gaze never left the freshly carved headstone.

"She lived a good long life," Inuyasha commented breaking the silence.

Sesshomaru said nothing.

"You don't know this but when she came to the village she missed you, she never showed it but she did. Anyway when Sango's twins were older, it was just before you took her back and they asked who she was going to marry. She said you; we all just about died of heart failure. I asked why, she shrugged and said she had loved you for forever, she'd continue to love you for forever even after she was gone. Rin lived a full life, gave a lot of love and laughter to this world and she was loved. In the end I guess that's all that matters." Inuyasha told him. Sesshomaru said nothing but bent to her head stone and carved in something other than her name.

Rin, Forever Loved

It seemed appropriate then a small child hand slipped into his as they all stood there in the warm sun. It squeezed his; he squeezed his youngest daughter's hand back. Seventeen amber eyes all mourned the loss of the last human of their little family. But time would continue and he and Inuyasha had pups to raise, fights to hash out, and total domination plans in play. It was amazing what a few decades could change between two brothers who hated one another with a vengeance when they had begun all of this. Life continued on for him, sadly without Rin there, but Sesshomaru felt Rin's love surrounding him.

Perhaps she really could give him forever…

He'd give her forever too. He looked to the stars and decided life was a little sadder without his Rin. But it wasn't horrible, just sadder. He still had her children surrounding him with unspoken love.

[bellringermal]

>Gerhman is Yharnam’s best house-waifu. Lol, why? Could you tell us about Gehrman's character trait in your headcanon, please?~ Describe the ways in which you find him attractive. I have many mistakes in english, forgive me, my mother language is not English Т_Т

I got this ask sooo long ago and always prioritize other replies not because I didn’t want to answer this, au contraire, because I wanted this little post to be one of those walls of text I can be proud of. Where to even start?  Buckle up!

There are tons of reasons why I like Gehrman as much as I do and the more I play the game, the more I discuss the character both with fans and detractors the more I fell in love with this awful, awful man. First of all, let’s analyse what the game tells us about him through item descriptions and dialogue and let’s leave all the ‘fanficcy’ stuff for later:

Hunter attire of Gehrman, the first hunter. Created before the workshop existed by making adjustments to everyday clothing, and later became the basis for all hunter’s garb. The hunter’s emphasis on engaging beasts with speed, and therefore of selecting lightweight attire, no doubt traces back to Gehrman’s own combat style. [Gehrman’s hunter set]

This description single-handedly sells Gehrman as the main responsible for the greatness of the combat system. He is the ‘lore reason’ why Bloodborne’s gameplay is so different from the previous Souls games. Dark Souls was already very popular before Bloodborne came out but my interest in the series was extremely limited. The lore wasn’t intriguing enough to persuade me to ‘suffer’ through the clunky combat of DS to get to it.  Bloodborne on the other hand, came with the kind of visuals and lore that, as a huge H.P Lovecraft fan, I was dying to see properly represented in a videogame or a movie. Bloodborne is what we Lovecraft fans were waiting for. And it’s not just beautiful to look at and interesting to analyse, is also hella fun to play. The first time I saw some combat gameplay for it, I thought it looked a lot like the Devil May Cry games of the PS2 era which were pretty great games.  When Hidetaka Miyazaki stood up during a brainstorming session with his colleagues and said “What if we give the player two weapons from the start? No no, I’m not talking about a broken sword and a small shield to hide behind. I’m talking about a badass transformable blade and a gun. Defence is not an option. Learn to dodge, or you’ll die.” that’s when the First Hunter was born, so to speak. Lore-wise, you have to thank Gehrman for the sleek combat and the stylish clothing.

The times of the Old Hunters were brutal times. We know this from the description of some of their weapons like the Beast Cutter:

This crude weapon relies on brute force and is regrettably inelegant, suggesting that the hunts of the earliest hunters made for horrific affairs, painted in sanguine black and reds.

or the Boom Hammer:

Crush the beasts, then burn them - the brute simplicity of the Boom Hammer was favored by hunters with an acute distaste for beasts.

and yet there is an element of nostalgia and sentimentalism in the description of the Old Hunter Badge:

This hunter’s badge, crafted in Gehrman’s time, has no practical purpose, except perhaps to assist in romanticizing the past.The badge was a special privilege for the hunters of the past, and should not be dishonored.It should be left in peace, unless one is truly prepared to assume the will of those gone before.

Elements that if you ask me, perfectly fits what we know of Gehrman’s personality. He is someone who clings to the memory of his glory days and the things he loved. The item descriptions put great emphasis on how carefully he kept said things.

Yet at the same time, he disregards the Doll. Why is that? Well, if you ask me, it’s because he spent ETERNITY trapped in the dream with her. But before Moon Presence snatched him from the real Workshop to trap him in the dream replica of it, he cared.

Although it has been lost for quite some time, one can still see signs of the care with which this tasteful ornament was once kept. [Small Hair Ornament]

He wasn’t that tired, that bitter, not ‘too old for this’ when Laurence beckoned Moon Presence. Perhaps he even volunteered to become the host of the Dream (not in my headcanon, but it’s a possibility) out of responsibility and the desire to redeem himself. He was the First Hunter after all, the one who started it all and who led so many people to their deaths. Including the woman he loved. And even if the Gehrman we met in the game is now a grumpy and creepy old dude who doesn’t give a damn about anything and whose only wish is to be freed from the dream, he does not falter. His sense of duty and his guilt are stronger than the bitterness in his heart. He will suffer the ‘terrible dream’ until the end of time if that means he can spare you the same fate.

Gehrman surely saw the hunt as a dirge of farewell, wishing only that his prey might rest in peace, never again to awaken to another harrowing nightmare. [Burial Blade]

Is he the perfect human being? Fuck no. But humans ARE flawed, and Gehrman’s dedication to his task is admirable, especially after such a long time. And that’s precisely why I portray him the way I do in my fanfiction.

He fits into the stereotype of the eccentric inventor with lacking social skills but he’s also the Old Hunters’ leader and founder. The lives of his students and of the scholars depend on him and with such a responsibility placed on his shoulders he HAD to grow some spine. Gehrman did not become the Hunter we know overnight: years and years of training and experience in the Chalices made him the formidable warrior to whom all Hunters must tip their hats.

Now, moving onto sillier and absolutely non-canonical reasons why I love this dude so much, here’s why Gehrman is the best Soulsborne house-waifu: [with pictures!]

He wields a scythe. And as we all know, only true waifus use scythes.

He REALLY loves dapper clothing. And has a weird fixation (among the others :P) for red lined capes/coats.

He makes the best meat stew ever. Maria really missed it when she went back to Cainhurst because not even fancy banquets are a match for Gehrman’s cooking skills.

Best teacher EVER:

He loves to read cheap romance novels. Especially the smutty ones hehehe.

He is not good with animals. Not even domesticated ones (he and Maria’s fluffy white cat, Ferdinand, openly hate each other)

He is the Mother Hen/Papa duck of the group for real. If an argument starts, he sedates it, he cares for the well-being of each member and wants them all to be in their best shape before entering the Old Labyrinth.

He actually listens to what his students have to say. His pride prevails at times, but if the mistake was his, he admits it.

“How to Pick Up Fair Maidens” was a present from Laurence to him. Of course, the student’s intention was for it to be a joke but Gehrman actually read it. Many, many times.

He looks gorgeous in a dress. (Don’t ask me. Ask Maria.)

Laughs at his own jokes while being aware of how bad they are.

He is very fond of his Burial Blade. He made replicas for his students but the one he wields is very special and went through so many modifications as time went by. He proudly considers it his masterpiece.

He had an existential crisis after realising that Queen Annalise, who looks only a few years older than Maria, is actually his age.

One day, a meteor crashed next to Byrgenwerth and his first thought was to forge blades from it. Because why the fuck no.

He has a thing for melodrama. As if the huge ass scythe wasn’t a clear sign of that.

He was raised by Dores and Edmund who are the best dads in Yharnam and that’s a fact.

Micolash and Rom got together after 3 weeks. It took Gehrman almost 2 YEARS to find the courage to say  s o m e t h i n g to Maria.

He punctually forgets about his birthday and his students joke about the fact that he does it on purpose to avoid getting old(er).

The Small Hair Ornament was his mother’s and is very dear to him. Giving it to Maria was of great significance and she understood that, reason why she left it in the Workshop as her farewell gift to him.

Among the hunters, Gratia is the one who makes the best impression of Gehrman. And is pretty hilarious to watch.

He is, let’s face it, pretty hot. Even in his late years, he kept that handsome face of his, a face that rivals that of Prince Freakin Lorian… aka the hottest dude in DS. (I’m not insinuating that they totally reused Gehrman’s model, nono)

..aaaand I’m pretty sure he’s shredded and covered in sexy scars. Oh and he’s tall. Very tall. Dayum.

I mean, in a fandom that has affectionately nicknamed Bloodborne ‘Old Men Thirst: the game’,  it’s a CRIME that Gehrman doesn’t get the attention he deserves. (At least when it comes to ‘fangirlism’. Lore-wise and from a pure gameplay standpoint I’d say he’s one of the most beloved bosses in the franchise.)

His boss theme is honestly one of the best pieces of game music I’ve heard since the glory days of PS2.  It’s so different from all other tracks in the OST, so minimalistic and yet so powerful…! Reminds me of Kingdom Hearts and old FF’s music. Bloody hell, who’s cutting onions? I want it to be played ad my wedding, funeral and resurrection ceremony.