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thequeenofneverland1 · 3 months

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The Hope Of The Mikaelsons Family Part Six

Summary: The Mikaelson family is faced with a new threat as they uncover the truth behind Y/n's abduction by Sheriff Elizabeth Forbes. they’re determined to get answers regarding why she was taken in the first place. However, as they delve deeper into the mystery, they realize that Y/n's life may still be in danger, especially with the looming threat of the Hollow. Now, the family must navigate the dangers of their past and present to protect Y/n from harm and ensure that justice is served for the betrayal they have faced. With the stakes higher than ever, the Mikaelsons must unite, confront their enemies, and face the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

Warnings: Violence and confrontation, Mentioned of Kidnapping and separation from family, Betrayal and deceit, Emotional turmoil and angst and Mention of past trauma and sensitive topics

Caroline's eyes grew tearful as the realization dawned on her. With emotion trembling through her body, she hid her face in her hands. "I'm at a loss for words. It's all too much."

Klaus, despite his usual bravado, approached her with a gentle touch. "Caroline, we understand that this is difficult for you. But we need to think about what's best for Y/n. She deserves to know the truth about her family."

Her eyes red with tears, she gazed up at Klaus. "I am aware. However, how can we inform her? She's just six years old. I do not wish to frighten or perplex her."

He nodded, his expression softening. "We'll handle it delicately. We'll sit her down and explain it to her in a way that she can understand. And we'll be there to support her every step of the way."

She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself."Okay. Okay, we can do this. For Y/n."

Klaus smiled, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "For Y/n. We'll get through this together." And with that, they began to make a plan to share the truth with you, knowing that they would always be there for you no matter what.

You were playing with your dolls in the living room when you heard shouting voices coming from the kitchen.

"Hayley, we can't keep this from her forever. She is entitled to know the reality." Klaus informs her.

"I understand, but she's still very young. How can we explain all of this to a six-year-old?" She returns the favor.

You frowned, not quite understanding what Klaus and Hayley were talking about. But one word caught your attention.

"She's a Mikaelson, Hayley. It's in her blood." He walks back and forth.

Casting a bewildered glance around, you entered Freya's room. “I heard Hayley and Klaus discussing someone being a Mikaelson, Freya. What person were they discussing?”

With a look of surprise on her face, she looked up from her spell book."Oh, Y/n, they were talking about..."

Klaus and Kol stormed into the room before she could say anything further. "Y/n, what are you doing here?"

Kol hurried to be at your side. "We've been looking all over for you!"

You backed away, confused on why they were getting nervous. "I was just asking Freya a question."

Klaus and Kol exchanged a glance, realizing that the secret was about to be revealed.”What were you asking about?"

You paused, not sure if you should go on.”I heard you and Hayley discussing someone being a Mikaelson. Who were you two conversing with?”

Klaus exhales deeply. "Love, you're too young to know, but we'll tell you when you're older."

Just as Klaus was ready to continue, Hayley entered the room. She noticed your expression and the uncomfortable environment. "Klaus, maybe it's time we tell her."

He frowned, shaking his head. "She's not ready. She's too young."

Hayley approached you and dropped to her knees in front of you. "Y/n, we need to talk to you about something important," she stated softly, emotion in her voice.

As a sensitive six-year-old, you raised your innocent eyes to Hayley and recognized the seriousness of the situation. You inquired quietly, a tinge of concern in your voice, "What's wrong?"

Feeling the weight of what she was about to disclose, she inhaled deeply. Her voice quivered with passion, "Y/n, Liz Forbes raised you with love and care, but Klaus and I... we are your real parents," she confessed.

Your little face was filled with confusion as you struggled to take in what was said. "What do you mean?" you murmured, your voice trembling with terror.

You leaped up with tears flowing down your face before Hayley could reply. "I want to go home!" you exclaimed, heartbroken in a tiny voice. "I want to be with my sister!"

Klaus and Hayley exchanged a startled look as they recognized how confused and in pain you were. “We are your family, Y/n.” He reached out to you and pleaded, "We love you."

But you hurried out of the room, tears clouding your eyes, calling out for your sister and yearning for the comforts of what previously felt like home, overcome with emotion and divided between the reality and the familiarity of the one home you had known.

She and Klaus could only watch helplessly as you disappeared around the corner, your small figure fleeing in distress, the weight of the truth about your parentage and the longing for the sister you remembered so vividly clashing within your young heart. The echoes of your sobs lingered in the air, a painful reminder of the fragile innocence shattered by the revelation that had shaken the foundation of your world.

After your abrupt departure, Klaus, Hayley, and the rest of the family gave you some time to cool down, hoping you would eventually return. They didn't realize that you had left the house, driven by the sole desire to find your way back to your sister, the one constant in your young life that brought you comfort and familiarity.

Meanwhile, Kol walked into your room with a tray of dinner, a warm smile on his face. However, his smile faded when he saw that you were nowhere to be found. Panic gripped his chest as he quickly scanned the room, only to find it empty. Without a moment's hesitation, Kol vampire-speeded to the living room where his siblings and Hayley were gathered.

"Y/n is gone," Kol announced urgently, his brows furrowed in concern. "She's nowhere to be found in her room."

Klaus got to his feet, his eyes widening in horror as his maternal instincts went into overdrive. "Look through the entire property! As the seriousness of the situation enveloped the family, he gave an order, "We need to find her before anything happens."

Without a word, the family members split up, each taking a section of the estate to search for you, Their shared unspoken tie as they worry and fear for your safety. The unspoken bond that connected them in their determination to keep you safe now fueled their efforts to bring you back home, where you belonged, enveloped in the love and protection of your true family.

Klaus braced himself as he dialed Caroline's number. He knew this would be a difficult conversation “Caroline, it's Klaus. There's something you need to know," he began, his voice heavy. "Y/n ran away."

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. "What happened?" She demanded, her tone sharp.

Klaus hesitated before continuing. "Hayley told her the truth about her and me being her parents. She didn't react well... She said she wanted to go back to living with you."

Her voice trembled with anger and worry. "How could you guys? This is your fault! You scared her off. I hope you're happy now."

Klaus winced as her words stung him. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. “We never intended for this to happen. We just wanted her to know the truth."

She let out a bitter laugh. "You guys should’ve waited for her to be older for her to understand because. now my sister is out there somewhere, alone and scared. I have to find her."

Klaus could hear the anguish in Caroline's voice and he felt a pang of guilt. "She’s my daughter and I will find her," he said. "I'll do whatever to bring her home safely."

Your sister was silent for a moment before she spoke again, her voice slightly calmer. "Fine. But this isn't over, Klaus. We're going to have words when this is all over."

Thirty minutes passed with agonizing slowness. Caroline paced the room, her mind racing with worry. Suddenly, there was a faint knock on the door.

She rushed to answer it, and When she opened the door, she saw you standing there, tears streaming down your face.

Without a word, she pulled you into a tight embrace, relief flooding through your hair. "Y/n, thank goodness you're safe," she whispered, stroking your hair.

You clung to your sister, your sobs muffled against her shoulder. "I'm sorry," you mumbled. "I didn't know what to do."

She just held you tighter, grateful to have you back. “It’s ok honey.”

as your sobs subsided, you pulled back from the embrace, your yes red and puffy. You looked up at your sister, a mix of confusion and hurt in your aze.

“Caroline... is it true?" Your question was hardly audible above a whisper. "Are Klaus and Hayley really my parents?"

With a kind face, she nodded. "Yes, sweetie. It's true. But you have to know, that doesn't change anything between us. You're still my little sister, and I'll always be here for you."

You sniffled, your lower lip trembling. "But why didn't anyone tell me before?”

She sighed. "Y/n, it's complicated. It wasn't until a few days ago that I discovered this information, too.”

Your sister did her best to help you make sense of the bombshell revelation. Using simple language and plenty of patience, she explained the complicated history between Klaus and Hayley, and how they had been separated from you.

You listened intently, your small hands wrapped around a plate of warm cookies. Despite your young age, you were surprisingly resilient and seemed to absorb the information with a calm understanding.

You raised your head and gave her a bright, focused glance. You responded, a smile tugging at your lips, "I understand now. May we give my parents a call? I'd like to see them.”

She felt a wave of pride for you and nodded.”i’ll call them right now."

A short time later, Klaus and Hayley arrived, their faces alight with anticipation. You ran into their arms, hugging them tightly.

“Daddy," you whispered into your father’s shoulder. "I'm sorry I ran away. I didn't understand, but Caroline helped me."

Klaus let out some tears. Because he finally heard the word come out from your mouth. "It's okay, sweetheart," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm just so glad you're safe."

Hayley smiled through her tears, stroking your hair. "We understand, darling. It's a lot to process. But we're a family now, and we'll always be here for you."

Your sister watched from the doorway, tears streaming down her face. She felt a mix of joy and sadness as she watched you reunite with your parents. Even though she was happy for you, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the realization that your life was about to change.

Klaus noticed Caroline's tears and walked over to her, pulling her into a hug. "Thank you for everything you've done for Y/n," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "We couldn't have done this without you."

She sniffed and nodded, wiping away her tears. "I'm just happy she's safe and with her parents now," she said, smiling through her tears.

As your parents and you are about to leave, you turn to them, "Can I say one last goodbye to my sister before we go?"

Klaus and Hayley exchange a look, both sensing the importance of this final farewell. "Of course, sweetheart," Hayley replies, gently. "Go ahead and say your goodbyes."

You run over to her and give her another big hug. "I'm going to miss you so much," you say, your voice quivering.

She smiles, tears in her eyes. "I'm going to miss you too, Y/n. But I know you'll be happy with your family. And don't forget, we can always stay in touch, okay?"

You nod, wiping away your tears. "Okay."

As the door closes behind you and your parents, the weight of the moment suddenly hits Caroline. The tears that she had been holding back come streaming down her face as she drops to her knees, overcome with emotion. She had known this day might come, but nothing could have prepared her for the pain of saying goodbye to you that she had grown to love so deeply.

It’s been six days since you left to live with your real family and your sister has pretended to respond "fine" whenever someone asks her.

Damon leaned in, his voice laced with concern. "Caroline, how are you holding up? It must be hard having Y/n gone."

She took a deep breath, fighting back her emotions. "It's tough, but I know it's what's best for her. Klaus and Hayley are her parents, and she needs to be with them."

Elena placed a comforting hand on Caroline's shoulder. "But how are you feeling? It's okay to not be okay, you know."

She smiled gratefully at her friends. "I'm hanging in there. It helps knowing that Y/n is safe and happy with her family."

As Caroline and her friends reminisce about Y/n, Stefan notices a distant look in her eyes. He leans in, concern etched on his face. "Caroline, is everything okay? It seems like there's something on your mind."

Her gaze snaps back to the present, and she nods slowly. "Actually, there is. I can't help but wonder... How did Y/n end up in my family? What if my mother had something to do with it?"

Stefan's brow furrows. "What do you mean? Do you think your mother might have played a role in Y/n's kidnapping?"

She bites her lip. "I don't know. It just feels like there's something off about the whole situation. And my mother has always been secretive about certain things..."

She continues, her voice growing more animated as she recalls more details. "Remember at Y/n's birthday party, when the bodyguard told me that the Mikaelsons weren't invited? And then, when Klaus's daughter went missing, my mother suddenly showed up with a baby? She told me it was her secret daughter that she was protecting from the supernatural world."

Her friends exchange shocked looks. "Are you saying you think that baby might have been Y/n?" Bonnie asks, her eyes wide.

Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, she turns to her friends. "I have to find out the truth, one way or another. And if my mother was involved in Y/n's disappearance, she needs to face the consequences."

Her friends exchange looks of solidarity. "We're with you, Caroline," Elena says, her voice firm. "Whatever it takes, we'll help you uncover the truth."

Bonnie nods in agreement. "You can count on us. If your mother has been hiding something this big, she needs to be held accountable."

Caroline smiles gratefully at her friends, feeling bolstered by their support. "Thank you. Let's figure this out together."

You wake up in the middle of the night, with your forehead covered with sweat. You stumble out of bed and made your way down the living room

Hayley and Klaus both immediately rushed over to you, their faces filled with concern.”What's wrong my little wolf?”

You hesitantly begin, "I've been having these really weird dreams. In them, I hear two people screaming and crying about their daughter, but I never know who it is. I just feel this overwhelming sadness and fear, and I can't shake it off."

Your parents exchange a worried look, immediately recognizing the significance of your dreams. They both feel a sense of dread and urgency to figure out what the dreams mean and how they might be connected to your past.

they enter Freya's room, Klaus speaks up, "Freya, we've got a bit of a situation. Y/n has been having these dreams for the past few days, where she hears two people crying for their daughter. We're not sure what it means, but we think it might be connected to her past."

Freya listens intently, her brow furrowed in concentration. "This is certainly a unique case. I'll need to delve deeper into the dreams to unravel their meaning. Are there any specific details or emotions that Y/n has mentioned?"

Hayley chimes in, "She said she always feels a strong sense of sadness and fear. Could this be related to her abduction?"

She nods thoughtfully, "It's possible. Dreams can often be connected to a person's subconscious mind, and Y/n's past trauma could definitely be playing a role here. But dreams can also be symbolic and have multiple meanings. I'll need to use my magic and intuition to try to decipher them."

Klaus looks relieved, "We appreciate your help, Freya. We know that Y/n's dreams may be difficult to understand, but any insight you can provide could be valuable in helping her find some answers."

She turns to Klaus and Hayley, "In order to get a clearer picture of Y/n's dreams, I need all of you to join me in a shared dream state. I'll guide you through the process, but it's important that you all relax and focus your minds on Y/n's experience."

Klaus and Hayley nod in agreement, determined to support their daughter in any way they can.

She continues, "It's important to be open to the experience and to trust in your instincts. The dreamscape can be strange and unpredictable, but it's also a powerful tool for understanding the unconscious mind."

Klaus looks around, taking in their surroundings, "How do we even begin?"

She smiles reassuringly, "Simply close your eyes and focus on Y/n's presence. Imagine being drawn towards her energy, like a moth to a flame. Together, we'll enter the dreamscape and discover what lies within."

As she finishes explaining, you join them with curiosity piqued by their hushed conversation. "What's going on?" You ask, looking between your parents and your aunt Freya with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

She gives you a gentle smile, "We were just discussing how to enter your dreamscape, Y/n. I believe the answers you seek lie within your dreams, and your parents have agreed to join us on this journey."

Your eyes widen in surprise. "You mean we're going to enter my dreams together?"

Freya nods. "Yes, with your parents' presence, we may be able to uncover more details about these recurring dreams and the feelings associated with them."

Klaus wraps a protective arm around you,”Don't worry, love. We're all here for you. Together, we'll face whatever the dreamscape throws our way."

Your voice trembles as you respond, "I'm scared. The dream is always so sad and frightening. What if we see something we can't handle?"

Hayley kneels down to look you in the eye, "Sweetie, I know it's scary, but we're all here for you. We'll face whatever comes our way, together. We love you, and we want to help you understand these dreams."

You bite your lip, still uncertain, "But what if the dreams mean something bad happened to me? I don't want to find out that way."

Freya steps forward, "Y/n, I promise we'll be gentle and respectful throughout this process. But if these dreams hold the key to understanding your past, don't you think it's worth facing your fears to find the truth?"

You took a deep breath and nodded, "Okay. I'll do it. But I want both of you with me the whole time."you looked at your parents, your eyes brimming with fear and trust.

Klaus and Hayley exchange a determined look before Klaus responds, "We wouldn't have it any other way, Y/n. We're your parents, and we stick together. No matter what."

Freya guides your parents and you to a quiet spot and instructs you guys to lie down, "Close your eyes and focus on Y/n's presence. Picture her dreams surrounding you, pulling you into their realm."

The trio takes deep breaths, centering themselves and preparing for the journey into the dreamscape.

Your parents and you settle down in a comfortable spot, each of you guys feeling a mix of nervous anticipation and fear. Freya prepares the magical elements needed to guide you guys into the dreamscape. The room fills with an ethereal glow as Freya begins chanting softly, weaving her magic around the trio.

You close your eyes, feeling a familiar sense of weightlessness as the dream takes hold. You reach out, grasping your parents' hands as you guys are pulled into the memory of the day you were taken.

The dreamscape materializes around them, revealing the bustling streets of New Orleans. They find themselves walking alongside Hayley and Klaus, who are pushing a stroller with baby you inside. Unbeknownst to them, two people are lurking nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Klaus gently ruffles your hair, "I'm just going to grab us some drinks, love. I'll be right back." He kisses your forehead, then heads towards the concession stand.

As Hayley pushes your stroller towards the playground, a stranger approaches them with a friendly smile. "Excuse me," the stranger says, "Could you give me directions to the nearest coffee shop?”

Hayley, still a bit distracted, doesn't notice as the second stranger quickly unbuckles you from the stroller and sweeps you up into their arms.

That stranger gave her a smile and thanked her before leaving and Hayley began to push your stroller and she sat down on a bench at the park. “sweetie are you sleeping? You've been so quiet!!”

Hayley removes the blanket from the stroller, only to discover that you are missing. Panic immediately sets in as Hayley frantically searches for her child, calling out your name in a desperate attempt to find you .”Y/n Where are you??”

“Someone please help me, someone kidnapped my daughter.” Hayley screams for help and begins to chase after the kidnappers, determined to rescue her baby.

Klaus, who had been on his way back with the drinks, hears Hayley's scream and immediately drops everything. He bursts into his vampire speed, desperately trying to catch up to the kidnappers. But even with his supernatural abilities, Klaus can't seem to close the distance fast enough.

The two strangers disappear into the surrounding trees, taking you with them. Klaus and Hayley are left standing in the park, stunned and heartbroken. They know that they need to find their daughter before it's too late.

Klaus and Hayley notice the item, and it triggers their memories of Sheriff Elizabeth Forbes from years ago. The realization of her involvement hits them like a ton of bricks, and they wake up from the dream with a start, gasping for breath.

"She was that one that stole our daughter. I can't believe she lied to our face telling us that she was going to help us find our daughter when she had Y/n this whole time," Klaus says angrily as he looks at Hayley.

With a nod, Hayley murmurs to Klaus, "We need to find that bitch so she could give us some explanation. That dumb ass is going to regret lying to us."

You made fun of your mom. "Mommy, you just used some inappropriate language."

Klaus and Hayley exchanged a look while trying not to laugh, forgetting that your vampire hearing allowed you to hear things from away and closer

She laughs but keeps it to herself. "I apologize; you got me! I suppose I'll have to watch what I say around you more carefully."

He smirks. "Indeed. With your sharp hearing, we'll have to watch our language."

You looked at your father with curiosity. "What's 'sharp hearing' mean, Daddy?"

He smiles at you. "It means that your vampire hearing is very sensitive, so you can hear things from far away or very quietly. It's a special ability that vampires have."

"So I'm like a superhero?" With excitement, you inquired.

"Sort of, Sweetheart.” She responds.

"Cool!" You jumped up and down

Klaus stood in the center of the living room, his siblings gathered around him. His face was etched with anger and frustration.

"We have a situation," he began, his voice low and intense. "Sheriff Elizabeth was the one who told us that she was going to help us find Y/n but she had her this whole time.”

Hayley stepped forward, her eyes blazing with determination. "We need a plan," she said. "We can't just storm into the Sheriff’s office and demand answers. We need to be smart about this."

Kol let out a short, bitter laugh. "Smart? That bitch stole our niece, and she didn’t think about our suffering and that our family nearly broke apart because of it. So Hayley. us being smart went out the window the moment she laid a hand on Y/n."

Elijah raised a hand, his calm demeanor belying the anger simmering beneath the surface. "Kol is right," he said. "Mrs. Forbes’s actions are unforgivable. But we need to approach this with a clear head.”

Rebekah paced back and forth, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "I say we tear apart this city until we find her," she spat. "That dumb Sheriff will regret the day she ever crossed us and for causing us pain.”

Freya shook her head. "We need to be careful," she warned. "The Hollow is still out there, and it's likely that Liz is working with it. We can't just rush in blindly. We need a strategy."

They all locate the place where Sheriff Elizabeth and her accomplice are hiding. Hayley, eager to confront Elizabeth, insists on joining them, but Klaus intervenes. "Hayley, you should stay with our daughter Just in case something happens."

She shakes her head defiantly. "No, I need answers. I want to know why she stole our daughter from us."

Understanding her determination, Klaus sighs. "I can't deny you the chance to face her. But we can't risk losing Y/n again. Marcel, would you be willing to watch over her while we're gone?"

Marcel steps forward. "Of course, Klaus. I'll protect Y/n with my life."

Your mother gives you a hug and a reassuring smile. "We'll be back soon, sweetheart," she said. "Marcel will take good care of you."

One by one, the Mikaelsons hugged you tightly, promising to return as soon as possible.

Klaus kneels down in front of you, taking your small hands in his own. "I have to go now, my little wolf. But I'll be back soon, I promise."

"Where are you going, Daddy?" You asked

"I have some important business to take care of. But don't worry, I'll be thinking about you the whole time." He tells you

“I'll miss you, Daddy." You tell him back, hugging him.

He gives you a big hug, squeezing you tightly. “I'll miss you too, sweetheart. But remember, I love you with all of my life. And I'll be back before you know it."

"I love you too, Daddy."

Klaus turns to Marcel. "Thank you for doing this, Marcel. We owe you a great debt."

He nods, his face serious. "No need for thanks, Klaus. Protecting Y/n is all that matters. You have my word.I won't let anything happen to her."

Klaus claps Marcel on the shoulder in gratitude, then follows his family out the door. Together, they make their way to Elizabeth's hideout, ready to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.

Marcel sat next to you on the couch, watching you closely. He noticed a sadness in your eyes

“Hey, Y/n," he said gently. "Would you like to make some cookies?"

You shrugged, your gaze fixed on the floor. "I want brownies," you said quietly.

Marcel smiled. "Brownies it is, then."

An hour later, Marcel tucked you into bed, kissing your forehead and wishing you sweet dreams. As he turned to leave, he caught sight of an urgent message on his phone.

"The Hollow," he muttered, his blood running cold. "It's after Y/n."

As Sheriff Rodriguez attempts to warn Elizabeth, Kol steps forward, his eyes flashing as he uses his compulsion on the Sheriff. "You're going to forget what you saw here and walk away. Now," Kol commands, his voice laced with power.

Instantly under Kol's influence, Sheriff Rodriguez's face goes blank, and he turns and walks away, leaving Elizabeth alone with the Mikaelsons. With the Sheriff no longer a threat, Rebekah blocks Elizabeth's escape route, forcing her to answer for her actions.

"Not so fast, Sheriff," Rebekah says, her tone dripping with menace. "You're going to sit down and answer our questions, or you'll regret it."

Elizabeth, recognizing the danger she's in, reluctantly obeys, sinking into a nearby chair. She glanced nervously at the Mikaelson siblings and Hayley surrounding her, knowing she has no choice but to face their wrath and answer for her actions. She swallows hard, her throat dry as she struggles to find the words. "I... I don't know what you mean," she stammers, trying to feign ignorance.

Elijah, however, is having none of it. "Don't insult our intelligence, Sheriff. We know you were involved in my niece's disappearance. The question is, why?"

Elizabeth remains silent, her eyes darting around the room as she searches for an escape that isn't there. Hayley, her face a mask of fury, leans in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're not leaving until you tell us everything. And trust me, you don't want to test our patience."

Sheriff Elizabeth's eyes widen in defiance as she spits out her response. "I don't know what you're talking about! Y/n is my daughter. She's always been my daughter!"

Klaus's face darkens. "Lies," he growls. "You know very well that Y/n is our daughter. You took her from us, and you will tell us why."

Elizabeth remains silent again, her resolve wavering as she realizes the gravity of her situation. Hayley steps forward, her voice cold and steady. "If you won't talk, we have other ways of extracting the truth. And I promise, they won't be pleasant."

Sheriff Elizabeth's bravado turns to cruelty as she sneers at the Mikaelson siblings. "So what if Y/n is your daughter? It was quite amusing to watch you all suffer, wondering where your precious child was. You had it coming, after all the pain you've caused others."

Her words hang in the air, the tension palpable. Klaus's eyes narrow, and Hayley's fists clench at her sides, both of them fighting to control their rage.

"How dare you," Rebekah says, her voice shaking with fury. "You took our child, our niece and our family, for a twisted sense of satisfaction? You're a monster."

Sheriff Elizabeth continues, a cruel smirk playing on her lips. "Honestly, you were all so stupid. How could you not see that Y/n was your daughter right under your noses? It was too easy to manipulate you and keep her hidden for so long."

The Mikaelson siblings exchange furious glances. Klaus steps forward, his voice dangerously low. "You're right about one thing, Sheriff. We were foolish to trust you. But rest assured, you will pay for what you've done. The pain you've inflicted on our family will not go unpunished."

Sheriff Elizabeth scoffs, seemingly undeterred by Klaus's threats. "I'm her mother. She's not going anywhere with you. And even if you try, I'll make sure she hates you for taking her away from me. She's my daughter, and you'll never change that."

Hayley steps forward, her face contorted in anger. "You're wrong, Elizabeth. Y/n knows the truth now, and she's with us. You can't hurt her anymore. And believe me, we'll make sure you never get the chance to do this to anyone else again."

Sheriff Elizabeth, sensing her impending defeat, decides to twist the knife one last time. "You know, the best part of all this was how easy it was to fool you," she says with a cruel smile. "The moment I took her, you were all so desperate, so lost. And that feeling of power, knowing I had what you all wanted, was simply delicious."

Klaus lunges forward, his fangs bared, but Elijah holds him back. "Don't, brother. She's not worth it. We'll make her suffer in ways she can't even imagine. And we'll make sure that justice is served."

Sheriff Elizabeth, still reveling in the pain she's inflicted, continues to taunt the Mikaelsons. "Besides, let's not forget that you didn't even want her in the first place. Remember how you reacted when you found out Hayley was pregnant? You were disgusted, repulsed by the very idea of having a child. So don't pretend that this is about anything other than your own selfish desires."

Hayley's reminder of Klaus's initial rejection. Klaus, his face a mask of guilt and anger, glares at Elizabeth. "That was a mistake, and one I deeply regret. But don't you dare use that as an excuse for what you've done."

Kol, having seen the shock and pain on Hayley and Klaus's faces, steps forward. "Look, I know what my brother did was wrong, but he changed when Y/n was born. She brought a new light into our lives, a hope we didn't even know we needed."

He turns to Elizabeth, his voice hardening. "You don't know the first thing about our family or the love we have for Y/n. She belongs with us, and we will protect her from people like you."

Kol continues, his gaze unflinching as he speaks. "When Y/n was stolen from us, our family nearly fell apart. The loss of our child, our hope, was too much to bear. But now, we have her back, and we won't let anyone tear us apart again."

Klaus and Hayley exchange a look, their resolve strengthened by Kol's words. They turn to Elizabeth, their determination evident. "You've made your choice, Sheriff. Now, you'll face the consequences."

Elizabeth, refusing to back down, rolls her eyes and responds with heavy sarcasm. "Wow, what a touching story. Too bad it won't change anything. Y/n is still my daughter, and I won't let her go without a fight."

As the tension in the room reaches its peak, Rebekah steps forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know, Sheriff, I have an idea. Since you seem so fond of using people's pasts against them, I think it's only fair we return the favor."

She snaps her fingers, and suddenly, all of Elizabeth's darkest secrets begin to spill from her mouth, one after the other. The Mikaelsons watch with grim satisfaction as Elizabeth is forced to confront the truth of her own actions and the pain she has caused.

Suddenly, Klaus's phone began to ring. He silenced it, but it rang again moments later. With a frustrated sigh, he answered it. "Now is not the time, Marcel," he snapped.

But Marcel's voice was urgent. "Klaus, you guys need to come back quickly. I've found out more about the Hollow, and I'm afraid it might go after Y/n."

Klaus's expression darkened. "We'll be right there."

Hanging up the phone, he turned to Hayley and his siblings. "We need to go.”

#the originals x y/n #the originals #the originals x you #the originals imagines #the originals x reader #klaus mikaelson x y/n #klaus mikaelson x daughter!reader #klaus mikaelson x you #klaus mikaelson x reader #klaus mikaelson imagines #klaus mikaelson #hayley marshall x you #hayley marshall x y/n #hayley marshall x daughter!reader #hayley marshall x reader #hayley marshall imagines

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suniverseastro · 2 years

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ASTROLOGY OBSERVATION #6

Teachers who have Leo/5th in Sun/Moon/Mecury/AC often come up with and help new fun games in their lessons and children often love this.

Mercury Pisces/12th may have difficulty expressing their thoughts, their mind often has difficulty focusing on imperatives, they are cheerful communicators, humorous, fond of art, but after a period of activity, they need some alone time to recharge

Mecury Aries talking to Mecury Sagittarius = lol really really entertaining, mecury Sagittarius love to speak all their thoughts honestly, frankly with different themes and stories in the world and Aries mecury likes new things, they are comfortable, fun, honest communicators

Aspect Moon-North Node in the synastry chart can talk about the predestined relationship in this life of two people

Mercury Virgo: they are really detailed, analytical, have moral standards, they think a lot about everything, this helps them to be more delicate in handling problems with others and things that require precision. They could be easily stressed, may criticize themselves and others when they do not achieve the perfection they want

People with the Ascendant who have many difficult angles may have difficulty finding love because they feel self-conscious about their appearance, they have many obstacles when approaching others, so their love story may be late

The position of Pisces and Virgo both needs encouragement. These 2 signs both have their own low self-esteem, Pisces is often sensitive, dreamy and easily overwhelmed by their surroundings, their mind easily strays from the material world, or daydreams and is very spiritual creatures. With the influence of Neptune, dreams, intuition, high sensitivity, cosmic energy that makes Pisces' energy pick up waves, combined with the extension from Jupiter makes them want to learn about everything things happen in the spiritual world and find answers, they easily dissolve into energy fields so their own identity can also be challenged causing them to become confused know " Who am I?"

Virgo are quite discreet, careful people, they also often hide their shortcomings, they always try to make everything more perfect, so they tend to put pressure on themselves, thinking that they are not always good enough, they may always be dissatisfied with themselves and others

+ So encouragement with these 2 signs help them raise believe in themselves, encourage them, help them stabilize their spirits, and have faith in them will help them feel more confident.

The position of Sagittarius and Gemini, they need people who stimulate the mind, talk, open, interesting entertainment, give them their own space.

+ Sagittarius is quite independent. They love to have fun, travel, explore and learn. They seem indifferent and it is true that they are less interested in outside bullshit and trash on social media. They like to hang out with friends, spend quality time with their loved ones, sometimes they are sad and lonely but that often keeps it to themselves.

+ Gemini love to talk and debate a lot of different topics, they are good diplomats, is the sign affected by Mercury makes them feel like the thoughts running through their heads make them need to expend energy this by talking to someone. When they are stuck with a problem, it is easy for them to think too much, leading to imbalance

+ Both of these signs are passionate, freedom-loving, laid-back, fun to be around, they can be intimidating and scary when someone hurts the people they love They need help too. A solid fulcrum to help them relax, always ready to be by their side and encourage them

An interesting thing is: Sagittarius likes to feel secure when being with Cancer

In big 3, if 2-3 positions all share the same quality, it will make them feel confused and conflicted with themselves (sun square / opposite moon) or what others feel about themselves (AC square/ opposite Sun/Moon)

The air sun seems easier to approach and get to know strangers but they can be very cold. If you don't communicate with them regularly, they will automatically withdraw from the relationship

The Libra Sun is actually quite difficult to identify, they can be pleasing and transforming themselves to harmonize with others, love to be complimented and impressed by their appearance and fashion sense. they may take a long time to think before making a decision. In a love relationship, they can stick around and watch their partner often, they want their partner to share everything with them, communication is important with air signs

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lostinfantasyworlds · 6 months

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Fanfiction Writing Game!! 13, 23, 37!!

Hi @ruddcatha thank you so much for the asks!! 🥰

13. Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what have you been listening to recently?

It's funny because my writing is so heavily inspired by music, and for longer stories I always make a story playlist that I spend tons of time selecting songs with lyrics and music to fit the vibe of the story, but I don't usually listen to music while I'm writing. If I do, I have to listen to either classical/instrumental, lofi, or something else without lyrics. But I'll sometimes listen to part of my story's playlist before writing to get me "in the mood" 😆.

Here are some of the key songs on the playlist for the WIP I've been working on the most lately (If It Kills Me) that really sum up the vibe of the story:

If It Kills Me by Jason Mraz (where the story title comes from, a long time favorite of mine and the perfect best friends to lovers pining song)

The Day After Tomorrow by Saybia

Only One by Yellowcard

The Loneliest by Maneskin

Letters From the Sky by Civil Twilight

23. Is writing the beginning, middle, or end of the story easiest? Hardest?

I actually realized recently that I have a really hard time figuring out how to begin a story. Most of my ideas have come to me as the climactic scenes that occur towards the middle/end, and then I have to figure out a way to get there. Like for If It Kills Me, I’ve been agonizing over how to start it for literal years. It’s only the opening scene/chapter, and a lot of the details I’ve been ruminating over don’t even matter much towards the rest of the story but I’m having such a hard time settling on something 🙃.

I think the middle is usually the easiest for me, because I typically base an idea for a story around one dramatic scene where they finally get together or something like that. I do have one WIP that I only have a beginning for and no middle or end, but the rest are mostly pieces of the middle and/or end.

37. What fic has been the hardest for you to write?

As far as published stories go, Under the Northern Lights for sure was the hardest because it involved SO much research and basically consumed my entire life for over a year. I was learning how to write a long story as I went along and then got progressively more neurotic about editing, so it was pretty mentally taxing by the end.

If I include WIPs, If It Kills Me is giving me a run for my money. I wanted to write an exciting mystery/action type of story with plot twists and big reveals and red herrings and all that, but the plot is so complex that I've been having a hard time figuring out how best to fit all the pieces together so that it makes sense to the reader. It's also a fairly dark story that revolves around grief for a large part of it, so it's emotionally heavy. I love writing angst, but when it comes to sensitive topics that are very real for a lot of us and everyone experiences differently, I want to make sure I handle it delicately and realistically. Finding that balance between driving the emotional aspect home but not wanting to be so depressing that readers abandon the story has been a tricky line to walk.

Thank you again!! 💕

For the Fanfiction Writer Asks

#ask game

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ghoulsister1 · 1 year

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Pizza Club Writing Rules

With so many wonderful requests and so many loves to my stories, I think any writer needs a set of rules.

✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️

✅️I Will Write✅️

💔Angst. Yes I do write write Angst, I've so far written two main Angst stories. However, if the request contains sensitive topics such as miscarriage and self-harm the story may take a little while to write as such topics must be handled and written delicately and properly as to not offend or be insensitive. Also, I will give the story a happy ending if such topics are requested. It will feel uncomfortable for me just leave it with no good ending for the characters or reader involved. But I will write, no problem.

❤️‍🩹Hurt/Comfort. I will write stories with themes of hurt and comfort such as heartbreak but character comforting you or reader. It plays into the giving happy endings, so yes I will write these types.

💝Fluff. Yes, I do and will write Fluff stories and stories containing fluff. So if you have a fluffy request in mind, just ask.

❤️‍🔥Spicy/NSFW. Okay, so I'm still new to the whole NSFW and I've only written one headcanon containing NSFW. But don't worry, I will write stories that are on the naughty side but it may be slow but please rest assure that i will write it and I will complete it, so don't worry.

🩷SFW. Want some non-sexual intimacy? More cuddling than doing the deed? I will write SFW stuff if you need it. So no worries. Plays into the fluff category.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️

❌️I Won't Write❌️

🚫Domestic Abuse. No way. Sorry but i won't write a character abusing reader. Nope, the topic is very uncomfortable to me.

🚫Sexual Abuse. Again, no. I will not write that. Sorry but I won't. No way.

🚫Incest. Absolutely not. I don't do that writing. Sorry but again, no way.

❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

☆•~Rules~•☆

Please be kind when requesting.💖

I may be slow at times so please be patient. 💖

Don't be afraid to be specific with your requests. Just let me know what you want and I'll write it up!💖

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•

🩷All I hope is that you like my stories and that I can write them well. So don't be shy, ask away and I shall answer! Enjoy!🩷

♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•~♡~•

#pizza club writing #writing rules #writing #i will write #rules for writing #please understand #thankyou #hope you enjoy

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1d1195 · 5 months

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I LOVE going to target! truly a happy place for me lol I remember when I was a kid I loved going there because my parents would buy us popcorn lol

I fear that if I was a writer I would torture my characters bahha it would be so painfully slow burn it would hurt lol And Sam, you could literally make every story be a "love at first sight" story and I WOULD STILL GOBBLE IT ALL UP! I read your stories because you do have your own creative voice and I just love the way write! Like Im here for the way you make your characters yearn and the way you describe them all together is so good! Plus I mention this often but what really drew me in was that i SEE myself in your MC's! And you're such a sweet person, so why would I not like you and your blog?!

Anyways! YES I USED THE GOVERMENT NAME HAHAH that cliffhanger bestie I should have known it was would be a Sam story without one lol

I actually do love when writers add their take on what 'Harry' as their character the types of quirks he would have! and I kinda just love reading a grumpy/intimidating guy get all flustered over a pretty girl 🤭 Like I LOVE THE INNER THOUGHTS OF A WHIPPED MAN!

Reading that part did trigger something in me but not in a bad way if that makes sense. I once again saw ME in her and it just made me sad how much I wanted to comfort her yet I couldn't even be nice to myself when I've felt like that. BUT you always know how to properly approach topics like this without it feeling like it was thrown in there for "drama"! You did put in waring in there so that is MORE than enough and like i said you do these delicate storylines justice. Trust me, even if I did feel uncomfortable(which i did not), I do have the decision to not read it or skip it so it's not your fault!

Im VERY excited for the next part but when am I not excited!?!

This week has not been my week so there's that! I am blaming the aftermath of the eclipse HAHHA Hope you are treating yourself my love! You deserve it!-💜

That's such a sweet memory hahaha target popcorn

Thank you for all your sweet compliments as always! I love my love at first sight. I think it's partly because I'm already in love with Harry so it's like OBVIOUSLY i would fall in love with him immediately. Right now they're still burning in part 3 I might squeak out part 4 with them burning too but I might cave early 🤭 hopefully it's not too much of a spoiler.

It makes me happy AND sad that you see so much of yourself in my MCs. I think they're often an extension of myself and I know how I feel/write about myself in these MC versions of myself so it does make me sad you may feel the same way as me sometimes. But it makes me happy that you feel seen and that you and I have twin flame vibes 💕

Really a special thanks for the way I approach sensitive topics 😭 it does make me so nervous so just getting feedback that I handled it well is comforting and doesn't make me want to delete all evidence of my writing because of it. I think sometimes when I do delicate storylines there are obviously people who don't like it (I'm lowkey dreading my Love and Dryer Sheets update but I might cram everything in that I have for them into one check-in and be done with them) I don't think a lot of people have the same mentality as you that they have a choice not to read it nor comment on it. I'm so glad you think I'm sweet (I believe I actually am and I hope that doesn't sound conceited) but I think it kinda helps when I write stories like this. I never mean to be rude or unkind--I just want to have realness to my stories and unfortunately men are often trashy in these kinds of story lines.

That's not even going to be the worst cliff hanger in this series

INNER THOUGHTS OF A WHIPPED MAN. COMING YOUR WAY MA'AM 😍 I think this will be one of my more original Harry's hahaha. We'll see :)

I LOVE TO BLAME THE MOON AND STARS ON MY BAD WEEKS anything to not blame myself hahahaha I hope the end of the week gets better though! 💕

xoxo

#💜

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rottinghouseplants · 10 months

Text

Made For Mercy: Chapter 1: Part 2: Devil Town

(warning: this story does contain sensitive topics)

That night somewhere in Uptown San Myshuno, in one of the highrises...

Feng cracked his knuckles with a loud pop before resting his hands on his lap. He smiled, a malicious glint in his eye, while scanning the faces of his "employees" in front of him, lined up like cattle. "Hello. I'm assuming you have an idea why I called this meeting here tonight. I have a very important assignment for you that I need handled immediately." His voice echoed off the walls of the office as he paused, his eyes meeting Akira's. They held a stern gaze for a moment. "Akira, I am to understand that you have obtained some information from the son of the target. Yet, I've heard nothing. I'd love for you to explain that to me."

Akira gulped an audible swallow that seemed to echo in the tense silence. "Listen, boss, I just..Johnny, he's a good guy, and I know that his family is trouble, but...can we solve this some other way?" There was a moment of silence that seemed to last for an eternity packed into only a few seconds.

Feng's face contorted with rage as he slammed his fist against the glass desk in front of him, throwing himself up from his chair. "Are you questioning how I handle my business, Akira? I think you forget your place here! We will solve this, however the hell I decide we solve it." He towered over Akira, his menacing presence filling the room. With a scornful growl, he spat into Akira's face, "You will do well to remember your place, you miserable street rat." He grabbed Akira's hand and squeezed it as tightly as he could while bending the fingers backwards. A sharp pain shot through Akira's arm as Feng spat, "And the next time you forget it, I'll break every finger on your damn hands." He threw Akira's hand down, and stepped back to his desk with a satisfied smirk.

Akira balled his fists, his rage and embarrassment boiling and threatening to overflow. He held himself back, gritting his teeth and clenching his jaw. All the while, Feng held his gaze, ready to deliver a deadly blow. Darling, stepped out of the lineup, gently put their hand up to intervene, diverting Feng's attention. "Boss, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I want to assure you we can handle this," Darling said, their voice low and laced with sincerity.

Feng's venomous scowl softened into a gentle smile as he shifted his gaze towards them. Akira watched from the corner of his eye, his hatred and spite palpable in the air. "Oh, Darling, trust me I am well aware you and Miko can handle this. As for Akira, failure is not an option. One more disappointment, and he will leave this office in a body bag," Feng said, his voice as hard as iron. He turned back to Akira, his face twisted in disgust.

Darling nodded, their posture straightening. "Not a problem, sir. Understood. We're ready to hear the assignment," they said, determination and strength echoing in their voice. Feng took a deep breath and brushed his sleeves off, before turning towards all of them.

Feng's eyes narrowed, smoldering with seething rage. He leaned forward, his voice a menacing hiss as he spoke. "I want you to take Langraab out for good. And if you come back empty handed, you are all dead." The air was thick with tension, like a tightrope stretched over a pit of lava. You could almost feel the heat emanating off of Feng's body. "I've had enough of him and his audacious family getting in the way of my affairs. This is my last message: the next time they meddle, they will all be lost to the Mirage Canyon." Feng exhaled deeply and straightened his suit jacket, his gaze icy and unforgiving as he sauntered back to his desk. Lily followed him, her movements graceful and delicate as she pulled out the chair for him and gently caressed his shoulder before stepping back into her place. "Do not fail this assignment. I'm nothing but good for my word."

Lily stepped forward, her voice low and commanding, as she dismissed the group. "I presume you can see yourselves out."

Darling and Akira stared in horrified awe at the broken figure of Geoffrey Landgraab cowering in the corner, barely recognizable from the face on the billboard. Tears streamed from his eyes as he pleaded for his life, his hands trembling and bloodied from his wounds. "Please.. please! I'll give you whatever you want! Just tell me what you want! I have kids. Two sons! What will they do without a father?" His voice was raw with desperation, each syllable a desperate plea for mercy.

Darling slowly shook their head, and exchanged a deep, sorrowful glance with Akira. "We don't want anything Mr. Landgraab, unfortunately, you have alot of powerful enemies. And your time has just run out." Their voices were cold, but still filled with sympathy.

Akira stepped forward, feeling his insides churn as he saw the terror in Geoffrey's eyes. "Sorry about this, Mr. Landgraab. It's you or me." He could feel the tears pricking his own eyes, feeling the weight of the situation like a heavy stone in his chest. He had no choice in this, and the sorrow of that truth was almost too much to bear.

Two days later in the Art District of San Myshuno...

Rain thrashed against the windows, obliterating the picturesque view of the brightly lit downtown. The TV blared with a breaking news announcement tone, illuminating the otherwise dark apartment living room. Iris sunk into the couch, her discomfort intensifying with each passing moment. "I wonder what's going on.."

Suddenly, a gorgeous redheaded news anchor in a suit jacket filled the screen. The side of the screen read 'Breaking News'. "This is Angela Pleasant from Sim City News with a breaking news story from Oasis Springs. Candidate for Governor, Geoffrey Landgraab has been found dead in the springs of Mirage Canyon. Police are still determining the cause of death, we will keep you updated as we get new information. This is truly a tragedy and we at Sim City News extend our condolences to the family." The reporter closed her eyes and looked down in solemn silence for a moment, "Stay safe out there." The TV cut to a commercial for a new show on SBN.

Iris felt her heart sink into her stomach. Pixel jumped up into her lap, sensing her distress. "What a scary world," Iris whispered, her voice filled with anguish.

#sims 4 story #sims story #sims 4 storytelling #sims 4 stories #creative writing #simblr #sims 4 #long post #madeformercy

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incorrect-ikevamp-quotes · 3 years

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why does jean warn up to mc so quickly? ikevamp makes it clear that jean is a pretty reserved person and doesn't open up or let people in easily but he seems to let mc in quite quickly and it confuses me quite a bit.

Oh boy, where to begin with this one.

Well, I have a lot of Feelings^TM about this, but I'll try to be concise. Essentially, I think Jeanne doesn't recover in the other routes--or the general storyline--largely because he's just a lot to unpack narratively speaking. And without some pretty direct intervention, he has a hard time healing. MC’s direct intervention was meaningful because it was focused, consistent, and adapted to Jeanne’s specific needs. She also doesn’t make light of his experiences which is key; she fully understands that she can’t fathom what he’s been through. There is a very weighty respect and acknowledgement, a seriousness with which she treats his wounds that’s important.

It’s easy to make this a “why is MC nOt LiKe ThE oThEr GiRlS” but honestly that’s just not the sense I get when I look at all the information available to us.

That being said, I also just feel like every person's recovery from traumatic events doesn't really look the same? I mean Leonardo’s cptsd isn’t going to operate the same way Jeanne’s wartime/Inquisition cptsd is going to operate. Some people require very individualized healing, others will often require a large scale group effort to lift them up.

Typically people don't ever just get over what happened to them and never worry about it again, either. It's usually a process of coping; the hope is that with time you find healthy ways to deal with grief and move forward. Therapists aren't magicians, they just help people process painful experiences/thoughts. It's honestly up to individuals to find meaningful ways to implement these tactics.

Tl; dr: My contention is that Jeanne doesn’t open up or choose to stay alive because MC magically heals him, rather his recovery is a convergence of many people’s efforts and hopes that he stays alive. Gilles (he insists that Jeanne must live, asks him to promise), MC (affirms and bolsters that promise), Comte (makes a second life and recovery possible)--and in no small measure Mozart and Napoleon--all make an active effort to buoy him. As people often say, it takes a village to raise a child.

While Jeanne seems to respond most powerfully to MC’s attempts, it feels more like a product of chemistry/compatibility than it does a random cop out. There is no insinuation that only romantic love can heal; after all, MC gets close to him without any romantic intentions at first. They’re just good friends? It’s more that their feelings simply moved in a different direction after a point, which doesn’t necessarily happen all the time. Jeanne is also incredibly moved by Mozart’s love for him as a friend, Comte’s love for him as a father, and even Gilles’ love as a comrade to an extent. If anything, without their input Jeanne’s capacity for romantic love would be questionable at best.

Now, because I can never for the life of me stop analyzing, I have a more large scale outline of my thoughts below. Spoilers for Jeanne’s route:

If we look at Jeanne's life history, he has pretty specific trauma. Most of the harm he endured was a direct result of human rights violations after the war itself. He didn't enjoy fighting and killing people, but he's also very much a man that sees the reality of his position: it's either kill or be killed. His entire goal was to defeat the enemy as efficiently as possible in the hopes of ending conflict, and with his enormous resolve turns the tide. He had no innate interest in inflicting harm, or lack of control when engaging. He isn't pathological about it, and doesn’t dehumanize the other side. He was more "this was an act of necessity, but those are still human beings." So as far as I can tell he has a very strong moral compass and sense of duty, he doesn't show much delusion/confusion in that regard. (Also evident in his conversations with the young orphan boy.) Furthermore, he has been shown to have a sense of humor--cracking jokes with Gilles and boosting morale for his fellow soldiers.

His childhood abandonment is significant (he left his home because he was "not an adequate farmhand and they had no ability to feed all their children") but I don't know if I would consider it a huge trauma point for him. It seems as though he deemed it an act of necessity--not spite. It was simply the way of things, and he couldn't help his wiry constitution. You'd be surprised how common that was once upon a time, tbh... While it's certainly not right or fair, it does appear that in his perception it was the choice he made and he moved on after he became a soldier. Just focusing on what he could do, rather than everything he lacked. For people in his position, they often feel it is useless to linger on what should have been. There’s no time to linger or doubt, life hangs in the balance.

That leaves us with his time under the Inquisition, just before he was slated to be burned alive. I think this is the keystone trauma point for him, because there are a lot of moving parts to his powerlessness here. The first part is that his entire life's mission--ending the war so that people would no longer have to die and/or starve as a result of senseless violence--was just sabotaged. All those years of doing things he never wanted to do (wartime violence) and being forced to leave his family to ensure they didn't all starve, all of it treated like some kind of joke. Like he didn't sacrifice years of his life and sanity to protect a people who were happy to call him a monster and watch him burn alive. The second part is the overt gaslighting and rewriting of Jeanne's personal history (and overall French public perception) for the sake of the King's political agenda. To call him a treasonous danger to the country when he was once lauded a hero. The third portion is the actual physical helplessness of being arrested, starved, and continuously maimed for no reason beyond pure malice. While it's never right to do that to any human being, this was done to a man who prided himself on his stalwart moral code. To abuse and torture him for something egregious that he would never do (at the risk of death) is just another slap in the face to everything he is and believes in.

I just feel like the context clarifies why that period of time would be the tipping point. His entire moral code and life’s work is being called into question and swept aside, as well as his agency? He believes very powerfully in a sense of right vs wrong, what's fair and what isn't fair. Somebody else deciding that for him--and deciding in a way that is openly unfair/incorrect--further makes him lose himself and his sense of reality. A person in that situation begins to doubt if they are good or bad. His belief in god all the more pressing; if he was a good person, why would fate bring him so much suffering? Honorable soldier or not, his blade has drawn so much blood...

People often reference his stilted social skills (and I am of the belief that he is on the autistic spectrum) as a reason why he is so "people-adverse" but tbh? I don't agree. His memories before the onset of this trauma reveal that he was actually a very warm person, and that people were more than willing to fight under his banner. He had friends, and he had comrades--his country loved him. He was the picture of well-meaning civic duty. Just because he doesn’t integrate smoothly into larger social groups or adapt well to socially shifting circumstances, doesn’t mean he just hates people lmao. When people give him the space to exist within his comfort zone and don’t take advantage of him, he thrives. Compounded by that, we also have his actions in the present to further prove what is true and what isn't.

While he is stern with the orphan boy (I'm sorry I can't remember his name, damn it) there is no malice or cruelty in what he has to say. He doesn't punish the kid or do anything out of line. It may not be fair in terms of the adult level of discretion he asks of him, but the kid also didn't have a lot of options realistically speaking lmao. Same thing with MC, she and the orphan boy are nearly identical in how Jeanne treats them. He's a little rough, but the route reveals that his intentions are just a reflection of what he's been through. He truly believes that if a person isn't strong, they won't survive--because his entire life was a series of trying to be strong/reliable because nobody else would. There was nobody to protect him, and nobody to care for him went things went south. It was him and his sword against the world, and even his exceptional skill as a fighter did not protect him from the Inquisition's arbitrary torture. He has lived in a world where good acts can become absolutely meaningless, where following rules and helping people still gets you slaughtered. That's going to take a considerable toll on his mental health: where do you find the will to go on when the next second of your life could mean the devastation of everything that matters to you?

Spoilers: you don't. Or if you do, every minute of the day is a fight to stay alive. That is the point at which we meet Jeanne. Caught in the hellish whirlpool of wanting more, wanting better--but being terrified of the cost. The cost of hoping, only for his entire world to go up in flames again. It's not a small thing, in my view.

If you have any doubts as to whether or not that is the case, I direct you to literally every singular instance in which Jeanne's emotional sensibility goes visibly dark/south. When do these instances happen? When it rains, for one. And when Shakespeare deliberately starts pressing on his sensitivities: about the soldiers he was forced to kill, about the nation that spurned him, how he's truly "wicked" at heart and doesn't deserve to be happy--seconds before flames erupt for the festival. Does that really sound coincidental? I mean lmao. The rain is a painful reminder, but MC transforms that memory into something a little lighter with her bet. He has nothing to lose in her game, all she does is ask for time with him or offers him something if she loses. There's a playfulness there, a restoration of agency and ease that's invaluable to his recovery.

As for Shakespeare's deliberate retraumatization...I can't even begin to explain how damaging that event was. Shakespeare is undermining Jeanne's agency in that he--not unlike the corrupt monarch of Jeanne's era--is twisting Jeanne's beliefs to work against him. He knows full well that Jeanne doesn't feel like he deserves somebody so bright and understanding (we need to remember it's not really a luxury he's had much in life, especially after the war ended). He knows Jeanne has a tendency to impose that strict moral code on himself even more than he does on others. To reaffirm his every worst fear and lurking terror only throws Jeanne into a vicious downspiral. Jeanne doesn't reject MC out of disgust or hate. He rejects her because he literally cannot handle the concept of trying to be happy again, or of burdening her with his constant struggle to move on while he’s in the middle of a bad episode. He knows he won’t be able to stop reliving the past, that every second of his life and breath will be colored by his gruesome memories. He's trying as hard as he can to keep the intrusive thoughts quiet, to move on. But I'm not going to lie to any of you, that is incredibly difficult to do alone.

The next obvious question is, well why can't the other men help him? This isn't to say that they can't--we see how much solace Jeanne finds in Napoleon and Mozart. Even Isaac is gentle with the veteran. But there are limits to how much they can do. Napoleon is struggling with his own wartime trauma, and it's not identical to Jeanne's. Plus there’s a distinct difference in their sensibilities? Napoleon is the type to habitually seek comfort in helping others when he can't help himself, he's not as in tune with answering his own personal feelings and regulating them. (I mean just look at his new ES: he knows what he wants, but it takes a nudge from Isaac for him to go through with it.) He’s very communally reliant in ways Jeanne isn’t; Jeanne is a very private person, and typically prefers one on one from what I can tell.

Mozart is the definition of repression, and if you look at their interactions it's usually Jeanne that's smoothing over Mozart's rough edges. Mozart says as much himself: that he feels like a rotten friend because he knew Jeanne was struggling with a lot of intense trauma, but he didn't know how to unravel it without hurting him in the process. Mozart calls it personal cowardice, but honestly I just feel like they both had too much going on to be able to help each other effectively. (And Jeanne expresses this sentiment too? This idea that he's not angry with Mozart? He knows they're both carrying a lot, he's just touched Mozart cares about him in return.)

Okay, briefly unrelated, but like. Am I the only one that wheezes uncontrollably when Mozart is like "?????? Idk what it is about MC...I don't want her to be scared of me..." in his own main story in the baths. And Jeanne. IS TRYING SO HARD. NOT TO SPILL THE BEANS ABOUT HIM O B V I O U S L Y BEING IN LOVE. THE HILARITY I CAN'T DO THIS. Jeanne was like "yeah....yeah that's rough buddy.......[screams internally, give your boy time Jeanne he's fragile]"

Honestly? That's the thing about Jeanne too--he has incredible self-awareness and hyperarousal-related (I mean the PTSD kind, get your head out of the gutter) awareness to the people around him. He's very, very conscious of the fact that he is surrounded by geniuses when he can't even write his own name. Just because he has the fortitude not to lash out with his insecurities, doesn't mean he never feels stupid or inferior. And it doesn't help when there are people in the mansion who call him--a fucking war veteran from 500 YEARS AGO--nAiVe. He's not naive lmao. He just doesn't know how the world works so many years later, and it's a ridiculously steep learning curve? Leonardo and Comte are nearly 500 years old, but they lived throughout every hour of that time in a linear fashion. It is a big deal to be moved from 1430 to 1890 in the span of a second asynchronously, and then be expected to function without a hitch??? Given the circumstances he adapts well.

That atmosphere--this constant impatience with what he doesn’t understand, his inability to be caught up to speed quickly--is going to hinder his recovery lmao. He feels like a burden most of the time, and agency and freedom are crucial.

Another thing that occurs to me about the mansion's arrangement is that there is a power dynamic, just as any space with people in it has some level of hierarchy (unless you live with miraculously chill people). Jeanne is acutely aware that Comte is the most powerful being in that space, and he is not only hatefully angry at him--but likely afraid too. We have to remember that the biggest betrayal he witnessed in his life was at the hands of a monarch; it was the aristocracy that turned on him and erased the truth. Comte is openly a child that resulted from both that era and that type of lineage, I don't really blame Jeanne for being wary. He intimately knows how willing rich people are to throw normal folks under the bus to suit their ambitions/whims. Comte, while not deliberately threatening, also seems to be painfully aware of this impression he gives off. His "chad persona" as I've mentioned allows him to navigate his life in secret by necessity, but it’s actively damaging to his son. He can't reveal the truth because of Vlad's betrayal, and he's openly unsettled by what it could mean to be honest. Will they wonder about Vlad and find themselves ensnared under his mind control as Charles and Shakespeare are? Will Comte himself be subjected to the mortifying ordeal of being known only to lose them?? That's a risk he isn't willing to take--and that leaves him in a double bind.

What is it that they say, the truth will set you free? This is where MC and Comte come into enormous play when it comes to Jeanne's recovery. One thing to keep in mind is that most of the people in the mansion have their own traumas they're trying to carry, and I feel like a lot of them are unsure how to approach Jeanne. Or if they do, he's very guarded. It takes a lot of consistent effort to get through to him. What does MC do when Jeanne unleashes his harsh worldview on her? She's understandably frightened, but Jeanne isn't malicious (so she chases him around). In fact, he openly avoids and runs away from her--well aware that what he's done is wrong. If anything, he did it on purpose, bringing us right back to Shakespeare's verbal undoing; why does Jeanne attack her in the first place?

LMAO. He attacks her because she essentially says "oh thanks for helping me!" "I am not nice. Watch yourself." "But you seem like a nice guy to me?" "REEEEEE" Does the pattern become a little clearer? When people think kindly of him, his instinct is to shatter that illusion with an impulsive reprehensible act. When people think poorly of him or lash out, what does he do? When that orphan boy starts yelling and screaming, Jeanne is nothing but calm. He explains the situation, and offers the kid a choice, perfectly happy to be the bearer of bad news. This operates on many levels I’m sure, but I have a feeling it has something to do with him being hailed a saint and a war hero only to be tortured and branded a monstrosity (and he probably thinks being a vampire is doubly monstrous). He’s more comfortable being hated because he feels it’s what he deserves in a lot of ways.

Jeanne has a lot of internalized self-hatred because of what he's done, and because of how much harm was inflicted on him outside of his control (he's Catholic and he was tortured, come on this writes itself). If I'm honest, I think that's actually the greater part of why he hates Comte lmao. Comte refuses the very concept of being cruel no matter how much Jeanne lashes out. Sure he lectures him and scolds him, but he never actively limits what's important to him or controls or harms him. Comte fully realizes the tragedy of how Jeanne's life was used by a nation in dire straits, and knows he needs time and acceptance to heal. No matter how dismal or unhappy, Comte doesn't stop--he fully believes Jeanne should have time in his life where he can really live for himself for once. But therein lies the issue, Jeanne doesn't know how to live for himself.

Which brings me to how MC and Comte "heal" Jeanne. I feel like they give him the space he needs to recover, and that's what results in his gentled temperament and happiness. Remember that so much of his main story is MC endlessly chasing after Jeanne. No amounts of his hissing or running or threatening stops her. Even if his refusals are empty of real dislike, they're enough to deter most people. Not MC. She's able to see through to the depths of who he is, and doesn't just use him for her own ends? She actively seeks to teach him (to read and write) to help him settle better in this era, she actively tries to ease his distaste for rain with a well-meaning bet, and she never gives up on him. (Actions mean so much more to him than words in general too, tbh...). Love is more easily defined by work and effort than it is by attraction.

When he has his episode at the festival, sure she's rattled; but that's because she truly believed that he didn't want to be around her anymore. When she notices he really doesn’t want to be followed, she stops like any normal person would. It’s only when she reads his notebook and sees the truth for herself (that he’s given up despite having the same feelings for her) that her determination is rekindled. She doesn't approach him fearfully, doesn't treat him like he's made of glass either. She just wants him as he is--accepts and loves him as he is. Scarred, bloody, exhausted, abrasive, terrified. She doesn't define him by how easy he is to love. That is a huge issue with traumatized people lmao. Because of their maturity, people always just assume they don't need help, or they rely on them to an extent that isn't sustainable. The second they reveal need or that they struggle, people walk away or victim blame them because it’s easier than taking them seriously.

While MC's attempts may be a little more obvious (cherishing his lily field, wearing the hair pin he gave her, careful about his gruesome injury, really listens when he talks about the horrors of his life and accepts that he experienced a level of agony/terror she can never understand, tries to express her feelings no matter his evasion) I think it's also important to consider Comte's large scale effort. I don't say this to undermine MC, I say it because Jeanne's life was defined by a complete lack of security. He left his parents to make their lives easier, he lived in a war that meant life or death any second, and his country's leader branded him a traitor which lead to his endless torture and public execution. Jeanne does not know a life in which safety is the norm. Point blank. He does not understanding going outside and not expecting the worst anymore.

Comte not only understands that level of despair, but treats it with dignity and respect. He fully accepts being hated if it means Jeanne can use that hatred to live on and find a way to heal. And most importantly, when Jeanne begins to move forward with MC and Mozart's help, Comte never once holds it against Jeanne when the truth is revealed. He's not angry, this isn't about reprisal or reparations or revenge. It's just love.

Jeanne doesn't really have a concept of this? His entire life was mostly transactional, defined by strength and efficiency. Nobody gives a damn about your feelings. You either hurl yourself at the problem or die. Nobody is going to help you or carry you or save you. While he may have had a little more support while he was in the military from his fellow soldiers, that support system was ripped away from him during the Inquisition.

One very common sentiment regarding elongated imprisonment and torture is that survival occurs in pairs. It is an undeniable fact that people need others to survive. It is the nature of who we are. Individualism has never proven to be successful, or if it is, its dividends are astronomically minimal when compared to people working together.

What does it mean to be the most reliable, steady person in the room? Usually it just means you don't know how to ask for help when you are no longer capable of maintaining that stance. Napoleon is guilty of it. Leonardo, Comte, and Jeanne all are too. It's part of why MC and Comte's capacity to see what he needs and provide as much as they can is such a big deal. That sort of consistent support (without a constant necessity to beg for help) allows Jeanne to be able to re-integrate into his new reality and find joy. Even if his nightmares and memories never go away, they are now being actively overrun by positive experiences. That's the thing about recovery, really--it tends to be more about drowning out the negative as much as possible and coming to terms with it, than it is about forgetting or never feeling it again. It’s about softening the sharp edges of pain like sea glass.

So is MC magical and randomly got Jeanne to open up? Nah, I don't think so. I think it was a series of persistence and real acceptance of who he is that made him warm up. People really seem to underestimate how deeply affecting understanding is, but that's how damage is undone. Jeanne can't really linger on the idea of his own monstrousness, his unworthiness, a lifetime of misery, when the person in front of him actively listens and cares about him. Makes him laugh and smile and lose himself in warmth for the first time.

If I'm honest, I feel like people also just...underestimate the level of traumatic resurgence that's perpetuated and inflicted by society’s standards in general lmao. This rhetorical structure in which good and bad exist in moral extremes, this idea that people should be able to recover and never experience relapses or periods of sensitivity. The refusal to radically listen to people and their problems, and make active attempts--not matter how small--to mend/ease those hurt feelings. Granted there will always be people in the world who do not want to improve, but I feel like most people want to. It's hopelessness, silence, and stigmatization that remain the true enemies of traumatized/mentally ill people everywhere. And among that population are always war veterans...

#ikevamp #ikemen vampire #ikevamp jean #ikevamp jeanne #ikevamp meta #ikevamp saint germain #ikevamp comte #sorry i have a lot of feelings about this topic kjahsflkjhsjkghfd #but yes!#i think mc being able to help him was more about her sensibility and the mental fortitude/space to be able to care about him as he needed #i don't think it's necessarily that she's SpEcIaL #trauma is a sensitive subject--especially considering he's a war veteran #but i also think it's simple and complex at the same time #simple in the sense that people really do just need consistent support and love to be able to care for themselves again #complex in the sense that support can come in so many permutations and some of them are very delicate and multi-faceted #and thus must be handled with extreme caution in some regards #anywho not that i'm any kind of expert this is just what i understand and see #also in case it wasn't clear i love him and cry every day (look away comte it's my whoring hours)#though i hope this helps??? i went off harder than anticipated lakjhglkj #thank you for the ask!!! <3333 #asks #rambles #not incorrect quotes

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is-the-owl-video-cute · 2 years

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One huge problem i have with proshippers is that they seem to think that people against proshipping are entirely against dark topics ever being brought up, when like. No? There is nothing wrong about having media where the topic of incest or pedophilia or abusive relationships come up, as long as they are being handled in a mature and correct way. The difference between that and proshippers is that proshippers think that writing romanticised and cutesy stores about those topics and making it seem like a good thing (because they never write about how for example the abuse someone faced affects them, they only try to make it into some cutesy and almost charmig thing) and they think that people calling out that behaviour is censorship. It also entirely depends on what context it all is in. For example if im watching a movie for adults i could expect for example sexual assault to be depicted and brought up, but you rarely ever see proshippers debate about adult geared things, but what they debate about is children's media. In children's media i wouldnt expect to see sexual assault brought up, and I the case they were to, they would do it in a mature and proper way, and not romanticise it. Proshippers just defend their will to write their gross abusive smut about characters from children's shows, not their right to bring up dark topics in adult media and to have an honest and mature and proper conversation about it.

Im sorry these people are coming after you, mate, I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents.

Exactly. I don’t have a problem with dark content, I have a problem with fetishization, normalization, and romanticization of said dark content. A minor/adult relationship should not be written as aspirational, desirable, or attractive. If you want to write about something so reprehensible, you should do so very carefully. Pornography, by default, is not going to be a careful or respectful approach. I see people make claims like “oh fandom forgives this character for murder but not this other character for rape that’s weird” except that it isn’t because sexual assault is something more people have experience dealing with leaving it a very sensitive subject and trigger. Most people in fandom spaces have not been murdered. To that end though there are certainly certain types of murder that also must be treated delicately, hate crimes are one example.

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bushs-world · 2 years

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Finished watching episode 2 of Ms. Marvel and let me fangirl over a few things.

1. First of all, Shah Rukh Khan 😍😍😍. And no, I disagree with Kamala and Kamran. The best SRK movie isn't Baazigar or DDLJ. It's Devdas, change my mind 😤😤

2. The Mosque scene was so good and totally realistically depicted. I am impressed they filmed the proper way of 'waazu'. And the women section not as maintained as men's 😣😣. But what can I say, in my place there is only one mosque where women can go. And yes your shoes do get stolen, so Nakia why did you wear Versace to the mosque?

3. Nakiaaa!!! I love her. The fact that she wore a hijab out of her choice, and not because it was imposed onto her out of religious obligations. Honestly neither do I wear a hijab myself nor do I endorse it. But I do know wearing one can sometimes make one a target of hate and bullying. So, for Nakia to choose to wear it, not because it is her religious duty but as her embracing her identity irrespective of what the world feels is so brave. And she is running for the mosque board as a young girl; competing against an influential elder man. Go girl you rock.

4. The talk about partition.. I am glad it was handled sensitively. The partition is a very delicate topic. My grandmother lived during the partition and the stories she told me weren't good. She told me she separated from her sister who went to Karachi while she stayed back in India. It was a really, really dark period.

About the train part, let me tell more about it. So during the partition, there were trains that ferried loads of people across the border. So trains from Pakistan brought Hindus to India. Trains from India brought Muslims to Pakistan.

And I think the civil war they talked about was the one which led to the formation of Bangladesh.

5. And lastly, Bruno is definitely getting jealous 😁😁

#ms marvel spoilers #ms marvel

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creativesplat · 3 years

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I often try not to be too critical on this blog, but I thought I ought to mention it.

Star Wars the Clone Wars has some serious problems.

Some things are just not handled delicately or correctly in any way shape or form. I’m not going to talk about the Clovis arcs here, since @englishlady has already done a very good job on that, and will instead elaborate on my opinions about the Zygerria arc.

Trigger warnings for discussion of slavery, non-consensual stuff, and sexual harassment.

Anakin’s portrayal was the thing that really frustrated me at first. This is a man who has suffered under slavery, abuse, and violence for the first nine years of his life, and the story writers are telling me that he is almost entirely comfortable bantering with his Padawan whilst surrounded by awful things from his past? After a few years you don’t just get over trauma, but his reactions seem to have.

I have been through nothing even remotely as bad as this, but the bad stuff that has happened in my past isn’t something I can get over, and when it’s brought up I feel rather uncomfortable, uneasy, or downright rotten.

The show writers really should have looked at this and said: ‘we are putting a character who has experienced childhood trauma into a position where he will be confronted by it and may experience it again, let’s try to handle it sensitively’ but what they actually went for was: ‘we’re doing episodes on slavery, there should be scantily clad ladies and the overall message that slavery is bad’ Yes. Slavery is bad. Everyone knows that. In dealing with such a sensitive topic, it should be handled better. Not just ‘slavery bad, but ooh look girls!’ (I will be getting on to the inappropriate costume design in a moment, btw), but also some delicacy and tact. These are real world problems that people today still suffer from, they should be handled more appropriately.

There was one line that really stood out to me (although all of them were rather poor) and that was where Ahsoka is discussing her roll on the mission.

Here’s the conversation from the Clone War’s TV show:

Here’s the conversation from the comic.

See the difference?

It feels really really tone deaf for the only character that is making light of the situation the only one who has actually experienced it. It felt a little like saying: ‘oh this sort of thing isn’t that bad, hehe lol’. It felt dismissive and not only unpleasant in terms of the real world as well, but also just incredibly poor writing and story telling.

You don’t even need to realise he has emotional trauma to realise his character would be uncomfortable in that situation, he doesn’t like sand and he’s on a desert planet. He doesn’t like putting Ahsoka in danger, and Ahsoka is in danger. I mean maybe I’m just a little judgmental or maybe I misread it… but… IDK, the portrayal of Anakin really cheesed me off.

---

Here’s the bits that may be a bit triggering, just a warning:

Ahsoka’s outfit is in no way shape or form appropriate. She is dressed like a sex slave, and she is a child.

Anakin would have probably chosen the outfits for this mission, because you know, he has the most knowledge on the subject. You can not tell me that the Ex-Slave Anakin Skywalker would gladly dress his underage female Padawan in saucy clothes.

This was a creative decision which made no sense in the story or for the characters, and it has some rather unfortunate implications. Whilst Ahsoka is not in any way harmed sexually there is the implication that something could have happened, had the Queen or Anakin allowed it. That is a rather distressing concept. It is inappropriate, particularly for a young child.

In the comics Ahsoka was dressed like Shmi Skywalker.

It would have made no difference to the story had they kept her dressed as Shmi Skywalker. I don’t really understand why they decided to dress a 15 year old girl as what appears to be a sex slave. It is disgusting and inappropriate.

Although, full disclaimer, I have never read the comics. I have only seen some of these pictures when researching to write this little opinion piece, so they may have handled the subject matter inappropriately too, I’m not sure.

---

Another monumental wrong doing on the part of the writers was to make the ‘romance’ between Anakin and Miraj Scintel feel (with the music and staging) like a pining love.

She had his friends captured and seriously harmed, had him electrocuted until he fainted, and is the queen of an entire slave empire.

It was not a romance, or even a pining one-sided love.

At best it was sexual harassment of a powerless prisoner/ slave.

At worst it was sexual assault.

He woke up on her bed (which a few people have pointed out is a little unnerving and suggestive), she was very touchy with him (and he is uncomfortable with it), and she threatened him with hurting Ahsoka and Obi Wan (indirectly but it was clearly still implied) and the people who wrote the show said that they wanted the audience to feel some form of pity at her death because of their ‘romance’.

There are some moments where the writers imply that Anakin might not be entirely as into their ‘relationship’ as she is, telling her that she had “all the power” in their dynamic, but he looks so nonchalant at this point that it might go over the head of an audience member. He is telling her that she is forcing a relationship on him, and that he is powerless to stop it, and it’s played off as a blasé interaction.

I’m not entirely sure you can put those things in a show and try to play it off as romantic to get the ‘child-friendly’ rating. They could have quite easily at least attempted to deal with the serious subject matter that they introduced. There was a suicide and a significant amount of torture and abuse in these three episodes, so there was no excuse when the show glossed over such obvious and unpleasant misconduct.

I don’t know what it is with the writers writing abusive, predatory characters who’s deaths are supposed to inspire pity. Miraj Scintell was handled as poorly as Rush Clovis was, and I don’t really have a solution to that.

Maybe if you’re watching the Zygerria arc of the clone wars, don’t watch it with younger siblings or your children.

Although, this is completely an opinion piece, so if you totally disagree or think I’m a bit of a hater or just being judgemental, that’s fine. I may be being too harsh, IDK.

I’d like to think that this was an honest mistake from the writers rather than them being deliberately obtuse or inappropriate.

#zygerria #Star Wars the clone wars #opinion piece #little rant #Star Wars meta

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dreamwritesimagines · 2 years

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Trigger Warning ⚠️

We’ve been talking about the miscarriage plot for a while now and i think that as time has passed i feel like it fits both the narrative of the story and the era in which it’s set in even more. I feel like it would really change the characters in many ways (good and bad). Of course it would have to be very delicately handled since it is a sensitive topic for many but i’m sure you’d do it justice if it came down to it 💕

Omgggg-

I think it would change lots of things for Cherie! 💔 I don't think she considered that possibility before, ever😱

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whatifyoulivelikethat · 4 years

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pause, m | myg | 4

pairing(s): yoongi x reader

summary: Some things that are normal for most aren’t normal for you and Yoongi. He moved in and sleeps in the same bed with you, but still all you do is hold hands and kiss gently. Everyone has their own pace. Not everyone lives in the fast lane. There’s just... this nagging feeling. You have to be honest.

warnings: rated M (18+) - mentions of a previous physically and verbally abusive relationship; language; smut (penetrative sex); there’s so much fluff you might die; also RIP to their heads XD; non-idol!AU; music producer!Yoongi x dancing fanatic!reader

rated M because I know how sensitive a topic domestic abuse is.

"Sorry."

"What?"

You retreated your hand from the tuft of hair sticking out of Yoongi's black cap. He turned around and raised his eyebrows at you. You ended up apologizing before actually doing anything or even touching the little black tail in the opening of his hat. He adjusted the brim and gave you a weird look.

"Something wrong?" he asked, tilting his head.

"No, uh... I..." You struggled to find the words. "I almost touched you. I wasn't sure if you were okay with that."

Yoongi smiled a little. "It's okay. I know you're there. And I know it's you."

He was sitting right next to you at your computer in your bedroom. You had set up a station for him, the two of you in the corner, occupying two computers ninety degrees from each other. All you had to do was turn to the right and he was there. He turned to the left and you were there. It was kind of cramped and not ideal, but it had to do for now. Yoongi worked on music at home. Some things Yoongi could only do at the studio, but some things he could do at home. You found him a decent computer and some hand-me-down equipment and it was good enough.

Actually...

It was miles better than it was before. He was surprised when you asked him if he wanted to work on his music at home. It wasn't permitted in Yoongi's previous relationship. But you saw he lamented sometimes, recording demos on his phone and wishing he had some sort of setup to do some things. You didn't understand the technical aspects, but it couldn't hurt to ask, right? It had become a fun project and now Yoongi was sitting beside you.

Yoongi spied the images on your monitor. "What are you looking at?"

You turned back. "Apartments. I'm just trying to see if there's something bigger, so you can have your own music studio at home."

He bit his lip. "I can't afford that right now."

You understood that Yoongi often mentioned money because it was a topic of arguments with his ex-girlfriend. You hadn't gone into this expecting Yoongi to be rich. In any case, it was better for him to invest in his music. You had already told him this, but habits take time to be broken. Thankfully, your work paid well even though it was mostly clerical duties. There were perks to having worked at the same company for a long time.

"It's okay. I want a bigger space too."

"You mean you want your dance studio back?" he teased.

You felt your ears heat. "I can use the living room... anyway, I want you to be able to work in peace. I haven't seen anything good though."

"Mmm, well, this kind of thing takes time and luck."

You turned your head to look at him and found his face next to your shoulder. A handsome profile. His eyes shifted to look at you. Something flitted in those dark brown eyes. The nagging feeling came back, tapping inside your ribcage, rattling impatiently. You looked away, back at your computer screen.

Yoongi said your name softly.

"Is something wrong?" His voice wavered. "Did I do something?"

"No, Yoongi," you replied, still not looking at him. The frustration inside expanded. You knew you had to communicate. You couldn't not. If you avoided it any longer, you would be growing the seeds of doubt and you wanted Yoongi to trust you. To do that, you needed to be honest.

"I'm horny."

Silence.

"What?"

You jerked a little in your seat, moving away from Yoongi before raising your head to make eye contact. Your chest felt tight, ashamed, even though it wasn't supposed to be embarrassing.

"I'm horny," you repeated, rubbing your fist on your thigh. "I don't want to pressure you because I know that topic might be delicate. I just..." You kept looking at those wide cat-like eyes and then looking away, heart beating fast and heat building faster. "I find that I can't really look at you that long without thinking about it. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Silence. You felt your stomach knot.

“I don’t remember the last time I had sex,” Yoongi murmured. “I don’t remember the last time I wanted it.”

Ah. Right. That would make sense. Of course, that’s how he felt. Also, you weren’t exactly sexy. The octopus dancing didn’t really get the guys, so to speak. You could handle yourself. It was fine. He was just so… You wanted Yoongi to feel good with your touch, wanted his heart to flutter the way yours fluttered, wanted to see him breathless with want.

There was a weight on your thigh.

You started, looking down, breath at your throat. You were wearing loose gray shorts and the matching sweatshirt. Not a sexy outfit to get your freak on. But you were staring at Yoongi’s hand, kneading the fabric and your leg underneath and the heat was rising, heart racing.

“I think I need a reminder…” he murmured. “A reminder on how good it feels to be loved like that.”

Yoongi lifted his head and you stared into his eyes.

He leaned forward and closed the distance, kissing you softly, and you breathed him in, fitting your hand over his, guiding it up, gentle touches, turning in your chair to face him, and he was turning to you, holding you close, your hands skimming over his t-shirt, not trying to get more, just wanting to show your want, just demonstrating how you would run your hands over his skin if there was no barrier, and he stood up, making you stand up.

And then your heads banged together.

“Ow!”

“Motherfuc–”

You swore and Yoongi clamped a hand over your mouth, rubbing his forehead and shaking his head.

“Don’t ruin this,” he winced, removing his hand.

“My brain feels rearranged,” was your woozy response, cursing the narrow space.

Yoongi took your hand and pulled you away from the computers, towards to the bed, the same bed you two slept on, but didn’t touch, not like this. You only held hands or kissed gently. Late at night, when Yoongi was fast asleep, you would stare at his profile and wonder if he felt the same passion you felt, but it was weird to watch him sleeping, so you looked away and stared at the ceiling instead, thinking about him and his body against yours.

And now it was, his arms around you, pressing you to his chest, kissing your lips, cheeks, closed eyelids, making you laugh a little. Your fingertips on his back, tracing patterns, his gasp against your skin, cap falling off and tumbling to the floor, his black hair brushing your forehead.

“T-Touch me more…” he murmured.

He took your forearms and pushed them down, sliding your hands under his white shirt and then it was skin on skin, a needy noise between you two. With burning ears, you realized that was you, Yoongi’s hands on your shoulders as you explored his back, fingertips dancing up his spine, his pants in your ear, and then his fingers in your hair, messing it all up, rolling his body into yours.

Hardness.

You gasped, raising your thigh to press against it, and his hands slid down, and you looked up to see his half-lidded eyes hazy with desire.

“I want to follow your lead, Yoongi,” you breathed. “Any time you want to stop, we can stop.”

He nodded, leaning down to kiss you, deeper this time, tongue sliding in and playing with yours, your hands exploring the contours of his back. His skin, so soft, so lovely, smelling the vanilla and patchouli body wash you used because you shared the same shower and he used all your products. You shared so much with him, but there were some things you couldn’t share. Not yet. Not until he gave you his sign that he was ready.

You never told Yoongi, I love you.

The most precious words used in this world, turned to a poison dagger to hurt him, so you never said it, not until he was ready to hear it, not until he wanted to hear it. You knew Yoongi knew. You would hold his hand, draw a heart in his palm, small things like that, and he knew. He’d squeeze your fingers and smile a little smile and that was enough.

Maybe you were tiptoeing too much, but it was impossible to tell, because everyone is different and not even Yoongi himself knew what trivial actions or words would bring back unpleasant memories. He had spent so long repressing them that it was hard to tell reality from fantasy. He didn’t know what to be afraid of because he tried so hard to make them disappear.

You drew a small heart on Yoongi’s shoulder blade and he gasped, pulling you closer.

“I… like when you do that…” he mumbled, sounding a little embarrassed.

“Draw hearts?” you questioned, tilting your head.

“Yeah… on my skin…”

And then Yoongi surprised you.

He backed up a little and pulled his shirt over his head, taking your hands and placing them on his chest, not saying anything, but you could see it in his eyes, I don’t look very good, and you pressed your fingertips to his chest, over his beating heart, looking up at him.

“You will always be perfect to me, Yoongi.”

He gave you a wistful smile, believing you and not at the same time. “You have weird taste.”

You drew a small heart over his, feeling him shiver at your touch. You grinned brightly. “That’s how you know I’m devoted.”

He chuckled, closing one eye, looking sheepish. You waited, letting him work through the emotion, trying not to put himself down, taking it for what it was. It was not an easy thing to do. You had to be patient. Yoongi took your hand and pulled you to the bed, a familiar environment.

“I want to make you feel good,” he said.

“You don’t–”

“I want to,” Yoongi reaffirmed, looking you in the eye, determination in his tone. “I want my hard work to be the reason you feel good.”

You shouldn’t say it. Well, maybe it will lighten the mood. You struggled internally and then leaned forward, placing the back of your hand near your mouth.

“Hard work is a weird way to refer to your dick,” you whispered closely.

Yoongi burst out laughing, gums flashing, raspy and full, shoving you onto the bed. You bounced, hands flapping about, grinning at you own joke as Yoongi grabbed the bottom of your sweatshirt, yanking it up and over your head.

“This and your bad habit of moving your head at the same time as me–”

“It means we’re in sync!”

“I don’t want a concussion every time we make out,” Yoongi shot back, pinning your arms down and hovering over you, exasperated smile on his face.

He was so close.

Your grin slowly deflated, realizing that he was shirtless and you were shirtless, and Yoongi had you pinned down, gazing down at you with dark eyes and that open-mouthed smirk that was also disappearing, realizing he was on top of you, realizing this wasn’t innocent, realizing he was about to do something that should be normal but was made abnormal to him.

“You don’t have to do it,” you said gently.

“I know.” He looked at you under his black hair, messy and flat from being under the hat, brown eyes and pink lips standing out on his fair-skinned face. “But I want to.”

You always thought that parts of life were boring. It would be easier to fast forward and skip it.

But not with Yoongi.

He leaned down and kissed you, a kiss that you wanted to pause and live in forever, him inhaling you, pressing deeply, hands releasing your arms and cradling your head, his kisses like stars, precious light that brightened your whole world. But you also wanted to press play, kissing him back, your hands caressing his sides, drawing small hearts on his skin, your own heart swelling with the electricity of touching the one you loved, not knowing until now how nice it was, the simple sensation of dancing your fingers up his back and back down, his gasps on your skin, kissing down, down the curve of your neck and the swell of your breasts, so focused that his eyes were screwed shut and his brows were furrowed.

“Yoongi…”

His eyes opened slowly and Yoongi looked up at you with shaking pupils. Scared he was going to fuck up.

“It’s just me. You know, the one who dances like an octopus.”

His expression seemed to relax, turning into ruefulness. “How could I forget?”

“Should I wiggle a bit to jog your memory?” you teased.

“Please don’t.”

Your remark seemed to have calmed him, returning to your breasts, slipping the straps down, kissing along the curve of the cup, slipping his tongue under experimentally to make you jump, heart racing once more, a small smirk on his lips as he reached behind you and unhooked it, releasing them from their prison.

“O-oh!”

You yelped when Yoongi pulled your bra down, kissing your nipple directly, tingles flaring from the kiss, leaving you breathless as his tongue danced out, licking gracefully, slow circles that made you clench your jaw and tighten your core to avoid arching your back to get more. Yoongi seemed to sense your urgency and added more pressure, closing his lips around it, and your hands flew up, holding his head as carefully as possible but holy shit, holy shit, Yoongi’s tongue on you was pure ecstasy and he was doing it for you, showing his love for you and that’s why it felt so good, that’s why it was so fucking nice.

“Ah, fuck, Yoongi…”

He kissed to the other side, murmuring your name against your skin, seeped with desire and affection, pushing your wet nipple with one finger as he kissed the other, two points of pleasure that flowed through you, your gasps turning to moans, his hands coming up and encircling yours, lacing your fingers with his and holding them, whispering, faint, nearly silent, vibrating your sensitive skin with his lips and breath.

And then you heard it.

His whisper right above your heart and you looked down, Yoongi’s eyes looking up at you.

Apologetic for taking so long.

“I love you.”

If someone paused the tape right now, took it out, and your life ended right there, you would be okay with that. If that was the last moment in this world, if that was all that was and time stopped, you would be content.

But it wasn’t.

Play.

You smiled down at him, trying to prevent your voice from shaking.

“I love you too, Yoongi.”

The most precious words in the whole world.

“Should I stop?”

Your eyes widened. “N-no! I mean… if you’re…” You stopped speaking, seeing the playfulness sparkling in those dark eyes, pleased to have tricked you, even if only for a second.

“I’m kidding,” he chuckled, lifting himself up to kiss you lightly. “I only wanted to see if you would be bothered.”

“I am very bothered,” you responded, peeved. “Hot and bothered, even.”

Yoongi lifted a brow, small amused smirk on his lips. “Come to think of it, me too.” He backed up and you lifted your chest, only to have Yoongi press down on your collarbones, worry flitting his face.

“What?”

“Don’t bonk my head.”

You grimaced. “I’m not a serial head bonker.” You lifted yourself up and Yoongi swung his head back, eyes flashing with mock fear. You pointed to the nightstand, rolling your eyes, and rummaged around in the drawer, feeling to the back and pulling out the small box.

“How old are those?”

Your cheeks flushed. “L-Last month!”

“You wanted to fuck me since last month?”

“N-No, obviously earlier, but I didn’t k-know if you ever wanted…” you trailed off, flapping your jaw, holding up said box, the condoms tumbling out. You panicked a little, not wanting him to think you were expecting too much, dropping the box and scrambling to collect the pile, the tip of your finger hitting the box at the exact spot that would cause it to fly off the bed and hit the wall.

You stared at it, betrayed.

Yoongi burst out laughing. “I can hear you talking to it,” he chuckled.

“I’m not saying anything!”

“You wanna fuck me?”

Your head snapped back, eyes widening. Yoongi tilted his head.

“Yes,” you blurted. “Well, yes, I mean, you’re so…” This was awkward. It didn’t used to be awkward but, also, you had never been this invested. Your eyes widened. You were invested in a person. Actually invested, invested in Min Yoongi. You looked up at him and he looked back curiously like a cat, not realizing your epiphany. Oh shit. Now this was even more weird.

Do something. Do something. Not that. Oh no, you’re doing it.

You held up the plethora of condoms. “Pick a card?”

Living alone made you too fucking weird.

“Aren’t they all the same?” Yoongi snickered.

You shifted, putting them back down on the bed. “Ahaha… right…” Your leg pressed against his and you jumped, startled. “You’re hard.”

Yoongi raised his eyebrows. “When gorgeous tits are out, the human body reacts when there is attraction, even if you’re speaking nonsense.”

You blinked at him. “G-Gorgeous?”

Yoongi’s ears flushed pink and he reached over, ripping a condom off the others. “Y-Yeah…” He straightened, scooting back to between your legs, placing his hands on your shorts. “Ah… unless the mood is killed…”

“No,” you exclaimed, hands flying down to the waistband. “It is not. It is alive and well. Very well.”

Yoongi opened his mouth and shut it. Then he opened it again, smiling a little. “I’m beginning to think we are a bit strange.”

“it’s just because it’s the first time,” you rambled. “All first times are a bit strange.”

This wasn’t getting anywhere, so you yanked down your shorts and underwear at once, Yoongi gasping and snapping his head down as you kicked off your clothes, the sharp scent of your arousal suddenly very apparent. You felt your cheeks heat, unaware that you had such a strong reaction to Yoongi being above you, observing your wetness with round eyes, as if to say, I did that?

“Wow.” Yoongi raised his head, black bangs framing his beautiful eyes. “You’re stunning.”

Was it ever like this? Like every word was precious, every lyric in this song meaning more than the words themselves, like every single piece of the composition was perfect, special, everything pause-worthy, even the odd bits, you reaching up to cup his head, pulling Yoongi down for a kiss, him pushing his own pants down, sucking in a breath as your hand wrapped around him, moaning in his mouth, deepening the kiss, more erotic, more intense, his cock throbbing in your palm, getting harder by your touch, Yoongi whimpering in your mouth, backing off slowly, ripping the condom open, sliding it on, and you watching, oh, he’s beautiful there too.

“Thanks…?”

“… Uh, you’re welcome.”

You spoke out loud. Great.

“Do you need some prep?”

“Yoongi, please put it in before I say something stupid again–”

You cut yourself off as Yoongi pushed in slowly, both of you suddenly gasping at the sensation, you already wet enough because you had been thinking about this for so long, morning, night, morning, night, thinking about Yoongi, and if you could, if he was ready to have him inside you, filling you up, and it was happening, happening right now, sinking into you, looking into his eyes. And you could see the amazement, the wave of satisfaction that shimmered through his dark orbs, and the way Yoongi looked at you.

Like he was complete.

“I… oh, fuck…” His eyelids fluttered. “I might not be that good…”

“Are you kidding me, holy fuck, you feel fucking incredible,” you breathed, clenching around him, moaning softly at the perfection that was him, heart racing with every second. Your hands came up and held his cheeks, your breath hot and fluttering upwards. “You already feel so good, Yoongi. You can see it in my face, can’t you?”

His eyes searched yours, looking for the lie, the performance, but there was none, no need to lie when your hips were already slowly rocking into his, creating movement and pleasure, and he fell into the rhythm, complementing you. Your hands dropped and you put them over your head, grasping the pillows, letting out every cry and soft sound so Yoongi could hear and know this was the truth, your legs circling his slim waist. Yoongi bit his lip, breathing hard, whimpering a little.

“I mean… it’s been a while… and you feel too f-fucking good, oh fuck…”

You realized what he meant and you reached down with one hand, jolting as your fingertip touched your clit, rubbing it forcefully, shudders flying through you, gasping at your own stimulation, breasts pressing together, and Yoongi moaned, feeling you constrict and pulse around him, wetter, thrusting into you harder until there was a symphony of sound, heavy wanton breathing, slapping of skin on skin, chasing your climax as Yoongi chased his, eyes locked, almost there, almost there…

At the bridge.

Somehow you both knew the final chorus was coming.

“Yoongi…”

He breathed your name, drawing it out like the most precious word in this world.

You moaned deeply and it rushed through you, shooting up your torso and into your chest, an overwhelming pressure that took you under, making you throw your head back and gasp his name, pressing down on your clit to amplify every bolt of pleasure that made your muscles shake. Yoongi groaned, thrusting into you hard with his own gasp, cock jerking and shooting into the condom, surrounded by your suffocating embrace and you saw his eyes roll back a little, muscles in his arms tense, fingers bunching into the sheets, black hair sweaty and sticking to his face.

Hot breath mixing with yours, heavy pants of shared ecstasy.

“Whoa…”

His dark eyes flickered to yours, pupils blown out, blinking slowly as he exhaled. “W-What...?”

You felt your ears heat. “Oh… uh… it’s never been like that before. I’ve never felt… so much.”

A red flush bloomed over Yoongi’s cheeks. “Me neither…”

“Maybe we’re in love?” you offered lightheartedly.

A small smile grew on his lips. “Yeah, maybe.”

You began to raise yourself off the bed, but Yoongi put his hand on your collarbones quickly.

“Hold on. Let me get off first.”

“I’m not going to hit yo–“

“Ow!”

“Motherfuc–”

Press play.

fin.

masterpost

#yoongi x reader #yoongi x you #yoongi fanfic #bts fanfic #yoongi smut #min yoongi x reader #min yoongi x you #min yoongi smut #bts series

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youarejesting · 3 years

Text

Wash Out.21 (Sope Special)

[Master List]

Banners: @purpleskies1999 Pairings: Dolphintrainer!Taehyung x SharkDiver!Jin, Mer!Jimin x Reader, Scientist!Namjoon x MerKing!Jungkook, Mer!Yoongi x Mer!Hoseok. Rating: 16+ Genre: Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, little bit of Action, Slice of life, Enemies2Lovers, Friends2lovers, Social media au, Fake Texts, Fake Subs.

Summary: Taehyung and his best friend Y/N are Dolphin trainers at Wash Out; Marine Wildlife and Theme Park. When the nerdy marine biologist and resident veterinarian Doctor Kim Namjoon goes missing; the two friends form a ragtag team with Taehyung’s rival Seokjin and a…. Fish?

[Prev] [Next]

Yoongi stood still, his legs shaking. It was not normal for him to be standing for this length of time. They were mermaids used to having tails their strength in the water. Swimming was like breathing. Of course their legs only appeared on their sacred land under the ocean.

They couldn’t walk on human land, could never compare to their leg strength. Most Mermaids spent their days in the water only entering the sacred land for celebrations. Yoongi being one of many guards would protect the royal family, albeit there was no longer a royal family. Jungkook was all that was left, a prince forced to be a king before he was ready.

Guards were the most common of the merfolk to adorn legs. Jungkook was confined to the sacred land, his time in the water limited. Anything to keep him safe from the threat of other merclans. Each guard embellished in the silk of the clams. Byssus was woven finely like silk, the light material was surprisingly warm enough to protect the guards and King whilst in their more vulnerable form.

Yoongi looked across the crystal throne room, the love of his life standing just as tall, his stature stronger than Yoongi’s. A feat as Jungkook tore the room apart, bioluminescent vines and lanterns ripped from the walls. Food and wine splattered on the floor of their ancestors.

Hoseok’s mouth turned down, the sight unnatural for his usually cheerful disposition. The hardest part of their job was raising Jungkook, it seemed no matter how hard they tried to teach him right and wrong, politics and history they still came up short. He didn’t have a family, not anymore, he didn’t know how to share and never had to work for relationships.

Everyone adored him, feared him, doted on his every whim. He was given the finest foods and all the newest technology Merfolk could offer. Anything to keep him content in his prison. It surprised Yoongi that Jungkook hadn’t questioned his confines, that he was complacent with their level of control over his freedom.

Jungkook no longer understanding, why his new found friend was so reluctant to stay. He extended all his riches and gifts to the human, something other merfolk would cherish.

“Why does he still want to leave, with me he could be treated as a king,” Jungkook seethed, throwing a leg over the arm of his throne massaging his temples. “Leave me.”

Hoseok marched dutifully to Yoongi, supporting the older merman as they made their exit. Walking him to the entrance of the underwater cove, the air though damp enough to keep their lungs from feeling dry, they much preferred sinking into the cool water. Doing so allowed the power of the sacred land to slip away leaving only their natural form.

The two transformed their black and blue tails wrapping around each other, a romantic gesture Yoongi enjoyed more than he wished to admit. They relaxed in eachothers arms peacefully, sinking further until they landed on the floor of the large network of caves. This is where most of the merfolk lived as they were still protected from the open ocean.

Under the cove was wide and besides a few stalagmite and stalactite the surface was predominantly flat. However the local life was anything but, everyone bustling around the settlement enjoying tending to the seaweed, crafting and protecting the sealife.

“Jungkook, is struggling. He doesn’t understand how to handle rejection. He doesn’t understand that people value the same things,” Hoseok mumbled, massaging Yoongi’s lower back to help relieve tension from standing for such a long time.

“That human cannot survive long under the ocean, he grows weaker by the day, barely eating.” Yoongi huffed, “If Jungkook doesn’t let him go, the poor thing will die, Jungkook isn’t ready to experience something like that so close to him.”

“I think he has gotten too attached, losing this human might break him,” Hoseok bit his lip, “Dare I say he is in love with him, he could be his promised.”

Yoongi scoffed, the idea that Jungkook happened to find his promised one and he was a human, the first human he had ever met. Yoongi and Hoseok were unaware they were each other's promised until Yoongi had a week off from guard duty and started to get really sick. The two had met in the infirmary wasting away and only in one another's company did their condition improve. “Hoseok, that’s a bit much.”

A figure swam down the path quickly, heading straight to the sacred cove entrance, carrying something large. Was someone trying to attack their home? The two fell apart taking up offensive stances, each lurching forward when they spotted Jimin holding an unconscious human.

“Not another one,” Yoongi chastised, eyes sweeping over Jimin trying to be inconspicuous. Though he cared he showed it silently, not fond of open praise. The kind to listen and assist others out of sight.

“I have to make sure he is alright,” Jimin gave no further explanation, swimming up into the cove entrance dragging the human onto the sacred land. Jimin’s gold tail disappearing, leaving behind two bare legs.

Wrapping himself in a cloth, the two followed. Yoongi strained to lift himself into an upright position. Hoseok brought out their usual transport, especially for Jungkook’s deliveries. In this case they threw the unconscious human across the shell of the crustacean and they headed to their king.

“Are all humans this big?” Yoongi asked, eyeing the figure draped beside Jimin. The two crab-pooling wasn’t the issue, the way Jimin looked genuinely concerned for the human was. It was no good for humans and Merfolk to fall in love, the dynamic wouldn’t end well.

“No, they aren’t all this big, some of them are small, delicate and beautiful. They are magnificent, fascinating beings. Some are scary and mean and others are innocent and protective, just trying to do the right thing.” Jimin whispered, checking the humans breathing once more.

“Is he your promised?” Hoseok asked softly, not knowing how to approach the topic sensitively. Jimin smiled, shaking his head. The thought appeared to have amused him.

“He is someone else’s promised,” Jimin said, “But I think I met her, she was beautiful and strong, never letting anyone stop her, never letting bad things keep her down. She would swim head first into enemy waters to save someone she barely knows.

The human groaned, “Where am I?” Jimin let out a sigh of relief, this human was waking up and didn’t seem to be physically hurt, at least there were no wounds they could see upon his flesh. “Am I dead?”

“No, you are not dead, you are in our settlement.” Jimin grinned at the disorientation present in Seokjin’s words. He was struggling to enunciate his words, each more like a whine drawn out.

Upon entering the crystal throne room the group tried their best to support the sluggish human inside. Gaining the attention of Jungkook, ceasing his brooding long enough to assist the three struggling mermen. As if hearing the commotion or perhaps Seokjin’s terrible jokes Namjoon emerged from where he had been staying.

“Jin! Are you okay?” Namjoon grabbed his friend, checking him over for injury, “What are you doing here?”

“Rescuing you and avoiding the police, I ran my car off the cliff and also may have destroyed the letter box outside your beach house.” He laughed, “Never really liked it anyway.”

“You did what?” Namjoon said, concerned, “Are you crazy?”

“Listen, we were being chased. It was all for you, and Jimin of course, returning Jimin and rescuing you.” Seokjin smiled at his friend. Yoongi thought these humans were weird, they were reckless and too odd for his liking. “I even teamed up with Taehyung and Y/n in order to save you. Do you know how hard that was?”

“Didn’t seem hard at all, you and Taehyung seemed to get along really well.” Jimin pushed the human with a smile, it was weird to see Jimin acting so comfortable with the humans. “We will return you so that the issue can be resolved, I am starting to grow worried about how we left.”

“What do you mean?” Seokjin asked confused

“Humans tackled Y/n and Taehyung dragged me into the water. Right before you and your car contraption fell into the water I killed the man who scared you all.” Jimin said proudly, this didn’t seem to go over well with the human’s. Yoongi hoped Jimin didn’t do something stupid turf war wasn’t on his to do list.

Yoongi didn’t understand the words coming from Seokjin’s face, if he had to liken it to anything, it sounded like vulgar slang, curse words. The human looked panicked.

“We have to go back, they are probably being sent to prison,” Seokjin said, trying to leave unsure which direction to go, “They are in big trouble.”

“Can’t you just talk to your king and explain and they will be removed from prison?” Jimin said

“Prison doesn’t work the same as it does here,” Namjoon explained, “Very Very bad people go to prison, Murderer’s, thieves and other despicable humans put in one place.”

“Yeah and if they go to prison, they may be beaten or worse,” Seokjin huffed. Jimin looked up at Jungkook who nodded, bringing out a small mirror and handing it to Jimin.

Looking over Jimin’s shoulder, Yoongi noticed a human different to the two infront of him, she was feminine delicate and leaking. “What is happening to her?”

“She is crying,” Jimin explained, “Humans do that when they are hurt or in despair, from what I have been told they do the same when they are happy too.”

“Confusing and a little stupid.” Hoseok laughed, “How do you know the difference?”

The charges have been dropped, Namjoon breathed listening to the interrogator, explaining that they couldn’t record the phenomenon that occurred on the beach. “They are being let go,” He smiled, a sight Yoongi hadn’t seen since he first laid eyes on their large domestic crustaceans.

“There is Taehyung,” Seokjin called out looking down, the two humans looked void of any emotion, they collected their things and climbed into the police car getting an escort to their homes. “They are safe and that’s all that matters.”

Seokjin smiled, his eyes leaking much to Yoongi’s disgust. Namjoon smiled, he seemed a little amused by the older human. “I remember distinctly you saying you hated Taehyung with a passion and wanted him to choke on a sardine.” They two laughed for a moment, “When did things change?”

“I guess when you are working as a team to save someone you develop an understanding.” Seokjin shrugged his large shoulders, “It also didn’t help that he was living in my house for almost a week.”

“You like him,” Namjoon poked him, “Admit it you have feelings for him.”

“We can head back when you are ready, we have returned Jimin home safely.” Seokjin smiled, looking around at the group and smiling, “I am Seokjin by the way, you can call me Jin.”

The man was goofy, reminding Yoongi of Jungkook himself, the two so alike in their childlike nature, letting themself play without hesitation. It was almost admirable that people could act so carefree, unaffected by how they could be perceived.

“I don’t know if I am allowed to leave?” Namjoon said, his smile falling, eyes fixed on the ground before him.

Yoongi looked at his king, the spoiled young man reflecting on his actions, it had been many days since they saw the young man smile. Almost expecting him to refuse, Yoongi schools his expression when he doesn’t.

“You should go, You don’t belong down here?” Jungkook took the mirror before walking away from the group to sit on the throne. He lowered his head looking at his reflection trying to distract himself from the pain. Letting your promised go was the hardest thing a merperson could do. Under normal circumstances, promises are only parted by death.

Namjoon walked over, placing a hand on the king's head and smiling at him, “If ever you want to visit, I would be happy to show you some great places, places you would love.” Jungkook’s broken heart warmed at the human’s dimples appearing softly in the flesh of his cheeks.

That was the last thing they needed, their king running off for a romance on the coast line. Seokjin swung his arm around Jimin playfully, the merman giggling whilst his legs almost buckled. “Yeah Jimin knows the private beach by Namjoon’s house, he can show you the way if you ever want to visit.”

Tags: @backinblack1967 @miriamxsworld @moccahobi @simplymemyself @a-gayish-unicorn @ella-mella @vjinfan23

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galemalio · 4 years

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3 Examples of Racial Bias in Animation Storytelling

It’s not hard to grasp that a white person, while not explicitly or consciously racist in the sense we might usually imagine, is still inherently racially biased because they benefit from and grow up used to white supremacy.” - Scottishwobbly, Tumblr

This is nothing new. This is something POC (People of Color) have been talking about in separate fandoms. Nevertheless, it needs to be acknowledged by those unaware.

This article is not made to say that some of the animations that I will use as examples are bad. But in the hopes that we, as consumers and creators, will do better in the future in handling characters that are POC.

Most often, racial bias in storytelling is when the narrative treats white or light skin toned characters better than darker skin toned characters. The darker skin toned characters are often POC-coded or actual POC.

White creators often do not notice their racial bias in their storytelling as they benefit from and grow up with white privileges and white supremacy. This can also apply to light-skinned POC who have light skin priviliges.

Some of us don’t often see it but real people who relate to the characters of color do. Especially when it reflects from their experiences with racial bias, microaggressions, colorism and flat out racism.

So when they speak up, it’s important to listen to them to unlearn the racial bias we may have in ourselves.

I will be emphasizing “the narrative” for I am criticizing how the story treats its dark-skinned characters and not because I am criticizing the characters themselves.

This article is critiqued by @visibilityofcolor as a sensitivity reader once and then additions were made before publishing. If you’re looking for a Black sensitivity reader, you can contact her.

This article is a 14-minute read at average speed so buckle up. Unless you want to skip to your show mentioned below. External Tumblr Resources will be put in the reblog.

Here are three examples that I was made aware of.

Example #1: The Narrative Treats the Light-Skinned Character at the Expense of the Dark-Skinned Character

Steven Universe was one of the animations that pushed lgbt+ representation in cartoon media. However, there are narratives here and there that showed racial bias.

SU creator Rebecca Sugar was raised with "Jewish sensibilities" and both siblings observe the lighting of Hanukkah candles with their parents through Skype.[1] Rebecca Sugar also talked about being non-binary.[2]

But as a white person, she (and the rest of the SU crew) is not aware of the inherently biased values from growing up and benefiting from white privilege.

One example is the human zoo. There are people that have spoken up about this such as @jellyfax of Tumblr who pointed out that the Crewniverse mishandled a loaded topic and reinforced a white colonist propaganda where the captive humans of mostly black/brown people are naive, docile and childlike in order to subjugate the people that they colonized. .

What I’m here is how a character of color from the main cast is more obligated to the lighter-skinned character.

In the episode, Friend Ship, one fan had spoken out about how Garnet, who had been validly angry at Pearl, was compelled by a dangerous situation to forgive Pearl. Garnet is a Black-coded character. While Pearl is a light-skinned character.

Garnet was mad at Pearl for tricking her into always fusing with her. Then they were trapped in a chamber that was going to crush them. In this situation, they have to fuse in order to save themselves but Garnet refuses to because she was still angry at her.

In the end, they were forced to talk it out, for Garnet to understand Pearl’s reason for wanting to fuse with her and everything worked out well.

The narrative focused so much on Pearl’s self-worth issues at the expense of Garnet’s right to be angry.

Yes, it showed that Pearl is trying her best to make up for it but Garnet should have been allowed to work at her own anger at her own pace instead of being obligated to consider Pearl’s feelings over her own.

I wouldn’t have noticed it until someone had mentioned it. Because it was never my experience.

But it’s there, continuing the message that it’s okay to put the emotional labor on Black people and disregard their own feelings for the sake of the non-Black people who have hurt them -particularly light-skinned women.

White Fragility and Being Silenced White Woman Tears

Again, racial bias in animation storytelling is often not intentional because white creators do not experience it due to white privilege.

Without meaning to, that scene alone shows Garnet as the Angry Black woman trope that is ungrateful and rude to Pearl who then ends up in tears. Without meaning to, Pearl with her light skin, became the tearful white girl trope that had to be sympathized over.

The Angry Black Woman trope is a combination of the worst negative stereotypes of a Black woman: overly aggressive, domineering, emasculating, loud, disagreeable and uppity.[13]

The Tearful white girl trope comes from the combination of the stereotypes of white women being morally upstanding and delicate and therefore should be protected.[13]

Which, unfortunately, many white women have taken advantage of.

These two tropes are harmful to WOC (Women of Color) because they experience the "weary weaponizing of white women's tears". This tactic employed by many white women incites sympathy and avoids accountability for their actions, turning the tables to their accuser and forcing their accuser to understand them instead.

(Image by Виктория Бородинова from Pixabay)

In "Weapon of lass destruction: The tears of a white woman", Author Shay described that white tears turns a white woman into the priority of whatever space she's in. "It doesn't matter if you're right, once her tears are activated, you cease to exist." [11]

White woman tears have gotten Black people beaten and lynched such as Emmett Till. Carolyn Bryant who had accused 14 year old Emmett Till of sexually harassing her in 1955, admitted she lied about those claims years later in 2007.[15]

In Awesomely Luvvie's "About the Weary Weaponizing of White Women Tears", she states that the innocent white woman is a caricature many subconsciously embrace because it hides them from consequences. [10]

In The Guardian’s article, "How White Women Use Strategic Tears to Silence Women of Colour", Ruby Hamad shares her experience:

"Often, when I have attempted to speak to or confront a white woman about something she has said or done that has impacted me adversely, I am met with tearful denials and indignant accusations that I am hurting her. My confidence diminished and second-guessing myself, I either flare up in frustration at not being heard (which only seems to prove her point) or I back down immediately, apologising and consoling the very person causing me harm."[4]

This is not to say that all crying white women are insincere. But as activist Rachel Cargle said:

“I refuse to listen to white women cry about something. When women have come up to me crying, I say, ‘Let me know when you feel a little better, then maybe we can talk.’”[3]

One of the most quoted words in “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.” is this:

“It is white people’s responsibility to be less fragile; people of color don’t need to twist themselves into knots trying to navigate us as painlessly as possible.”[3]

When white women cry in defense, instead of taking accountability, People of Color are then gaslighted into thinking they’re the bad guy. This is emotional abuse and a manipulation tactic.

People of Color shouldn’t have to bend backwards to accommodate discomfited white or light-skinned people who have hurt them.

How She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (SPOP) Did It Right

Despite SPOP having good lgbtq+ representations, there are other biases in the show. Such as Mara, a WOC whose only purpose was to sacrifice herself for the white protagonist. There was also the insensitive joke in their stream regarding Bow’s sibling that perpetuated an Anti-Black stereotype which Noelle Stevenson has apologized for.[14]

But the scene I have encountered where the Black character was validly angry and his feelings were treated well by the narrative, came from SPOP.

Bow, a black character, was validly angry at Glimmer, a lighter skinned character. Glimmer made a lot of bad decisions, one of them was using Adora and their friends as bait, without their knowledge, to lure out and capture Catra.

Glimmer tearfully apologized in Season 5, Episode 4. Adora readily forgave her. But Bow didn't.

They faced dangers along the way but the story didn't put them in a dangerous situation where Bow has to forgive Glimmer in order to get out of it.

This was Glimmer's words of apology:

"Look, I know you're still mad at me. Maybe you'll be mad at me for a really long time. I deserved it. And maybe... maybe we'll never be friends like we used to be. But I'm not going to stop trying to make it better. I made a mistake with the heart of Etheria. I should've listened to you and I'm sorry. You get to be mad. For as long as you need to be. But I'm not going anywhere. And when you're ready, I'll be here."

In short, Bow was allowed to take the time to be mad and not just get over it for someone else’s sake. The story validates his feelings and he was allowed to take his own pace. That is emotional respect the story gave to him.

Example #2: The Narrative Gives Better Endings or Portrayals to Colonizers than Their Victims

Avatar: The Last Airbender has handled dark themes well such as genocide, war, PTSD, disability and redemption with great worldbuilding.

However, I never noticed the racial bias in ATLA until people spoke up of the double standards in ATLA’s treatment of light-skinned colonizers compared to their dark-skinned victims-turned-villains.

The characters in question -Iroh, Azula, Jet and Hama- are all flawed and well-rounded in a believable way. But how the narrative treats them is unequal.

General Iroh is an ex-colonizer who gets to redeem himself and not answer for his past war crimes, living a peaceful life as a tea shop owner. The only reason Iroh changed was when he was personally affected by the negativity of their military subjugation -his son’s death. It wasn’t the harm of the Fire nation ravaging Earth kingdom villages or cities and affecting millions of people that opened his eyes.

Azula, the tyrannical daughter, had closure of her mother's rejection when she was a child and was able to escape imprisonment.

Jet and Hama, victims of colonization who have done bad things, did not get similar conclusions to their stories OR compensation for what they have gone through from the Fire Nation's colonization.

Jet was given a second chance but was arrested for trying to expose Zuko and Iroh being firebenders -firebenders who were their enemies for conquering their villages. Then he died from the injuries of the person who had brainwashed and mind-controlled him.

Hama was imprisoned for life.

Compared to the sins of the light-skinned colonizers, the narrative didn’t give Jet and Hama the development where they could heal from their trauma, receive compensation for what happened to them and really have a chance in life.

The dark-skinned victims of colonization just became a lesson to the viewers how they shouldn’t hold grudges for being colonized. The end. They have received consequences for their actions but there is no continuation to their stories after that.

It almost seems like the narrative is saying that because they have harmed colonizers who have no part in their trauma (and in Jet’s case, some Earth kingdom villagers), they are therefore unworthy to be given an actual chance in life.

While Azula and Iroh, who have actively participated in conquering, colonizing and attacking the Earth Kingdom itself, were.

Someone once said that if indigenous people have control over Hama’s story, it would have been done differently. But the ATLA crew are white, non-indigenous people who prioritized redeeming colonizers instead.

The narrative has also affected how the ATLA fandom thinks. If most fans are asked who they would want to be redeemed, the popular option would be Azula over Jet or Hama.

Once again, I don’t think the ATLA crew noticed it due to their racial bias. But still, the harm is done and the racially biased message is continued:

The colonizers and their descendants don’t have to make amends for the colonizers’ crimes. Or if they do, only lightly since it’s in the past (no matter how recent that past is).

The colonized who rebel will tend to hurt innocent people and then get a grisly end for getting in way over their heads.

I would venture as far as to say that the narrative may have the added subconscious desire to quiet their white anxiety on the vengeance of the colonized. As I have learned when writing about Vodou stereotypes and how they have stemmed from the history of white anxiety of Black vengeance, of Black fetishization and of dissolution of the white race through intermarriages.

In @visibilityofcolor’s blog, someone asked:

“So I saw some of the really heated debates on here and on twitter about how if Iroh and Azula can be portrayed sympathetically despite their actions then characters like Jet and Hama should've been given a chance too. Do you think that the writers understood the implications of only redeeming characters from the colonizer/fascist nation but not giving the characters who suffered because of their fascism a second chance too?”

To which VisibilityOfColor replied:

“No, because at the end of the day, the writers are white. When it comes to stuff like this, it’s no surprise when we see white writers redeem problematic characters before they actually redeem victims of those racist problematic characters. For instance, Dave Filioni, who worked on both avatar and star wars rebels, did the same thing when redeeming agent kallus who was an soldiers in the imperial army and took credit for a genocide. where as victims of the empire were still painted in negative lights. i really don’t think they understand.

They have this ‘be the better person’ view on things, which is what a lot of white people tend to emulate when it comes to people of color standing up to their oppressors. and unfortunately, these are ideas passed on to children, esp minorities. that they should forgive people and communities who hurt them and ‘be the better person’. this is why white ppl don’t need to write narratives for people of color.”

Example #3: The Narrative Favors the Light Skinned Character Than Dark Skinned Character in Similar Situations

I would like to reiterate that racial bias in storytelling is often not intentional. I am not saying the creators and the people who support them are bad people. No.

However, I encourage that once a racial bias is made known in our work, it is our responsibility to change them to stop the perpetuation of its harmful message.

Hazbin Hotel is a popular cartoon with whimsical designs and its concept opens the conversation about redemption. The creator, Vivziepop may not have noticed the racial bias in her cartoon as a white Latina [5] that grew up with and benefits from white privileges, along with the Hazbin crew.

In the Youtbe video, "Hazbin Hotel - How Art took over Writing", Staxlotl states:

“I understand that there was a lot of time and effort put into this pilot, almost three years worth of effort. But I think most of that time was spent into the art and visuals when it should’ve gone into polishing the writing in the characters.”[6]

Once again, I’m not here to critique the characters but how the narrative treats its dark-skinned characters.

The story treats Charlie, the white-skinned, “Disney-esque” protagonist princess differently from how it treats Vaggie, the dark-skinned, more outspoken and protective Latina girlfriend of Charlie who supports the princess’ cause.

In its pilot episode, both girls experience humiliation. While Charlie is portrayed by the story as someone the viewers have to feel sorry for...

...Vaggie is portrayed in her humiliation as the butt of the joke for the viewers.

While they both didn’t like what Angel Dust did, Charlie was sympathized over in the narrative as a moment...

...while Vaggie’s angry but valid callouts were dismissed and ignored as part of the comedy.

While Charlie was someone that needs to be protected in the narrative...

...Vaggie is left to fend for herself.

Again, I don’t think the creators noticed the racial bias of their cartoon. However, this racial bias is reflected in the harmful perceptions that dark-skinned women, particularly Black women and Black girls, are more mature, tougher and need less protection at a young age.[7]

This adultification bias perceives them as challenging authority when they express strong or contrary views and are then given harsher discipline than white girls who misbehave.[8] And this continues when they grow up.

In a 2017 study, Black women and girls aged 12-60 years old confirmed they are treated harsher by their white peers and are accused of being aggressive when they would defend themselves or explain their point of view to authority figures.[8]

This bias also coincides with the Spicy Latina trope of a brown-skinned, hot-blooded, quick-tempered and passionate woman.

Everyday Feminism described this trope as "Although objects of desire for many, the spicy Latina may have too much personality to handle. So much so that she is often viewed as domineering or emasculating." [16]

Sounds familiar? (Look at Angry Black Woman trope above.)

Why is it that a light-skinned character, Charlie, is allowed to be vulnerable and be sympathized while the dark-skinned Latina character, Vaggie, is mocked, dismissed and expected to tough it out?

Severina Ware had to remind the world in her article that relates to the bias against dark skinned characters:

“Black women are not offered the protection and gentleness of our white counterparts. We are not given permission to be soft and delicate. We are required to exhibit strength and fortitude not only because our lives depend on it, but because so many others depend on us. Black women should not be charged with the responsibility of saving everyone when nobody is here to save us.”[12]

As @cullenvhenan of Tumblr has said in her post:

“if you're a white creator and your brown/black characters are always sassy, reckless, aggressive or cold and your white characters are always soft, demure, shy and introverted you should think about maybe why you did that”

(Image above from Iowa Law Reviews’ “Aggressive Encounters & White Fragility: Deconstructing the Trope of the Angry Black Woman”)

Detecting Your Own Racial Bias

It would be hard. No matter how much you edit and create, you may miss it because it was never your experience.

So how do we prevent our racial bias from creeping into our creations?

Listen to POC and their feedback.

As @charishjb from Instagram has shared, here is one of the things that we can do (tumblr link here) [9]:

Consider POC voices. Listen to their experiences. Hire sensitivity POC readers. Put multiple POC voices in positions of leadership in creative projects.

Then we can stop the racial bias that perpetuates again and again in the media. I hope for that future.

#racial bias #racism #colorism #animation #steven universe #su #pearl #garnet #atla #azula #general iroh #jet #hama #hazbin hotel #hazbin vaggie #lynching mention #lynching tw #writeblr #artblr

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