#i feel so bad for jann good god

[waiting4kraven]

me everyday.

Gran turismo where they just done with Jack everything.

[tavolgisvist]

Another Day / Oh Woman Oh Why / God / Remember

'...in our songwriting, I had signs that the group was gonna break up...'

(Paul McCartney, April, 1985, interview on German television show Exclusiv)

8th April 1970

I told John on the phone the other day that at the beginning of last year I was annoyed with him. I was jealous because of Yoko, and afraid about the break-up of a great musical partnership. It’s taken me a year to realise that they were in love. Just like Linda and me.

(Paul McCartney, interview, Evening Standard, April 21-22, 1970)

So he rang me up that day and said I’m doing what you and Yoko are doing, I’m putting out an album, and I’m leaving the group too, he said. I said good. I was feeling a little strange, because he was saying it this time, although it was a year later, and I said “good,” because he was the one that wanted the Beatles most, and then the midnight papers came out.

(John Lennon, interview with Jann Wenner for Rolling Stone)

9th April 1970

Q: "Did you enjoy working as a solo?" PAUL: "Very much. I only had me to ask for a decision, and I agreed with me. Remember Linda's on it too, so it's really a double act." … Q: "Did you miss the other Beatles and George Martin? Was there a moment when you thought, 'I wish Ringo were here for this break?'" PAUL: "No." ... Q: "Are you planning a new album or single with the Beatles?" PAUL: "No." … Q: "Is your break with the Beatles temporary or permanent, due to personal differences or musical ones?" PAUL: "Personal differences, business differences, musical differences, but most of all because I have a better time with my family. Temporary or permanent? I don't really know." Q: "Do you foresee a time when Lennon-McCartney becomes an active songwriting partnership again?" PAUL: "No." … Q: "What are your plans now? A holiday? A musical? A movie? Retirement?" PAUL: "My only plan is to grow up!"

(Paul McCartney, press release 'McCartney')

(Btw, Stuart Sutcliffe died 10th April 1962)

17th April 1970 - McCartney album released

April 21-22, 1970 - interview Paul McCartney in Evening Standard

Last year John said he wanted a divorce. All right, so do I. I want to give him that divorce. I hate this trial separation because it’s just not working. Personally, I don’t think John could do the Beatles thing now. I don’t think it would be good for him.

(Paul McCartney, Evening Standard, April 21-22, 1970)

On the eve of the release of the Beatles new movie and album “Let it Be,” Paul McCartney said, “I quit,” or “I think I quit,” which is roughly the same thing. As a publicity stunt, it’s as good or bad as any stunt they ever appeared to pull. But like every stunt they never did pull, this isn’t one either. McCartney’s declaration of independence was entirely impromptu, spontaneous and personal… <…>

I guess the way it stacks up now and the way it was around the time when Paul dropped the big on is that he wants right out of it all and they don’t.

(The Party's Over for the Beatles by Derek Taylor)

April 30, 1970, interview for Rolling Stone

A: No one has mentioned anything about doing another Beatles album. <…> Q: What about your relationship with John? He tells me that you haven’t spoken to him in two months. A: I don’t know really. Normally I would phone him or go out to Weybridge and visit him, as I have done a lot in the past. I was that kind of person. But now I don’t go out at all and I don’t bother looking for it any more. I would rather be in bed than at the clubs. He hasn’t called me and I haven’t called him but it doesn’t mean anything. We haven’t had an argument. John is very busy at the moment. I don’t like to be busy. I don’t feel the need to. Neither of us really want to talk to each other at the moment. If we run into each other at Apple or we are making a record, I would see him but otherwise I really don’t call him. That is the way it has always been. In fact, the truth of the matter is we just haven’t called each other up lately. I don’t really think about it. I will see him when I see him. And I love him just the same.

*Btw, on the cover of Rolling Stone №58 (April 30, 1970) Paul wear well known (and not only us) shirt - just like starting over, yeah*

April 1970, London John and Yoko undertook primal therapy

*Great post about Arthur Janov and his Primal Scream therapy*

As I realised this it all started to fall into place. This therapy forced me to have done with all the God shit. All of us growing up have come to terms with too much pain. Although we repress it, it’s still there. The worst pain is that of not being wanted, of realising your parents do not need you in the way you need them.

(John Lennon, The Lost John Lennon Interview by Tariq Ali and Robin Blackburn)

13th May 1970 US première of Let It Be film20th May 1970 UK première of Let It Be film

John and Yoko went to Los Angeles for four months of intensive therapy with Dr. Arthur Janov (June through September)

John Lennon was in a movie theater, crying. The image of Paul, singing from the rooftop in the final ten minutes, had set him off. Jann Wenner shifted in his seat. In the darkness of a tiny movie house in San Francisco, the Beatle, Wenner’s hero, whose iconic spectacles and nose adorned the first issue of his rock-and-roll newspaper, Rolling Stone, had tears running down his cheeks as light flickered off his glasses. And next to him was Yoko Ono, the bête noire of Beatledom, raven hair shrouding her porcelain face, also weeping. It was a Saturday afternoon in the spring of 1970, and John and Yoko and Jann and his wife, Jane Wenner, were watching the final scenes of Let It Be, the documentary about the Beatles’ acrimonious last recording session. John and Yoko were deep into primal scream therapy, their emotions raw and close to the surface, and the image of a bearded Paul McCartney singing from the rooftop of Apple Records, against a cold London wind, was too much to bear. Get back to where you once belonged… <…> “And it’s just the four of us in the center of an empty theater,” marveled Wenner, “all kind of huddled together, and John is crying his eyes out.” Lennon and Ono had driven up from Los Angeles to meet the San Francisco fanboy who had bottled the counterculture and now commanded 200,000 readers. Wenner received the couple like visiting royalty to his spanking-new offices on Third Street… <…> When they got out to stretch their legs on Polk Street at four in the afternoon—the skies overcast, not a soul on the sidewalk—they chanced upon a little movie house showing a matinee of the Beatles film Let It Be. Wenner figured John Lennon of all people had seen it, but he hadn’t. Just as surprising, the woman selling tickets didn’t recognize Lennon—another bearded hippie who looked like John Lennon—and none of the half a dozen people in the theater noticed that John and Yoko themselves had ducked in. “It was so emotional to see Paul up on the roof and singing,” recounted Jane Wenner. “First of all, it was hard to believe John had never seen it before. And he was so taken aback.” An hour later, blinking in the evening light, Jann and Jane Wenner were crying, too. They began to hug, all four of them, on the sidewalk. “He’s crying, she’s crying, and we’re just trying to hold on to ourselves,” Wenner said. “You’re there helping come to the emotional rescue of the Beatles.”

(Sticky Fingers: The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine by Joe Hagan, 2017)

August 29, 1970

'Dear Mailbag, In order to put out of its misery the limping dog of a news story which has been dragging itself across your pages for the past year, my answer to the question, “Will The Beatles get together again?” … is no.’

(Paul McCartney in Melody Maker)

Ev'ry day she takes a morning bath she wets her hair, Wraps a towel around her as she's heading for the bedroom chair It's just another day <…> So sad, so sad, Sometimes she feels so sad <…> As she posts another letter to the sound of five, People gather 'round her and she finds it hard to stay alive. It's just another day…

(Another Day, written circa 1968, was recorded 12 October 1970 and was completed on 21 January 1971 at Studio CBS Studios, New York City)

15 September 1970 John and Yoko returned from US in GB

26 September – 23 October 1970 John and Yoko recorded John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

9th October 1970, his 30th birthday, John records Remember

10th October 1970

The night after ‘Remember’ was recorded, Lennon invited his father Alf to dinner at Tittenhurst Park. Alf Lennon brought his young wife Pauline and their 18-month-old son David Henry Lennon.

Alf later described the event in a four-page handwritten statement which he sent to his solicitor.

'He launched into an account of his recent visit to America, and as the story unfolded, so the self inflicted torture began to show in his face, and his voice rose to a scream as he likened himself to Jimi Hendrix and other pop stars who had recently departed from the scene, ending in a crescendo as he admitted he was ‘Bloody mad, insane’ and due for an early demise. It seemed he had gone to America, at great expense to have some kind of treatment through drugs, which enabled one to go back and relive from early childhood the happenings, which in his own case, he should have been happier to forget. I was now listening to the result of this treatment as he reviled his dead mother in unspeakable terms, referring, also, to the aunt who had brought him up, in similar derogatory terms, as well as one or two of his closest friends. I sat through it all, completely stunned, hardly believing that this was the kind considerate ‘Beatle’ John Lennon talking to his father with such evil intensity… There was no doubt whatsoever in my mind, that he meant every word he spoke, his countenance was frightful to behold, as he explained in detail, how I would be carried out to sea and dumped, ‘twenty – fifty – or perhaps you would prefer a hundred fathoms deep.’ The whole loathsome tirade was uttered with malignant glee, as though he were actually participating in the terrible deed.'

(Alfred Lennon)

Well, I met her at the bottom of a well (Of a well) Well, I told her I was trying to break a spell (Break a spell) But I can't get by, my hands are tied I don't know why I ever got her to try myself 'Cause I can't get by, my hands are tied <…> Well, I'm fed up with your lying, cheating ways (Cheating ways) But I get up every morning and every day (Every day) But I can't get by, my hands are tied I don't why I want her to try myself 'Cause I can't get by, my hands are tied Oh, woman, oh why, why, why, why, why What have I done? Oh, woman, oh, where, where, where, where, where Did you get that gun? Woman, what, hey, what have I done? Oh, what have you done?Woman what have I done?

(Oh Woman Oh Why, was recorded 3 November and 6-11 December 1970 at Studio CBS Studios, New York City)

We used to get asked at press conferences, 'What are you going to do when the bubble bursts?' When I talked to John just the other day, he said something about, 'Well, the bubble's going to burst.' And I said, 'It has burst. That's the point. That's why I've had to do this, why l had to apply to the court. You don't think I really enjoy doing that kind of stuff. I had to do it because the bubble has burst - everywhere but on paper.' That's the only place we're tied now. <…> I first said, 'No, we can't do that. We'll live with it.'

(Paul McCartney, April 16th 1971, interview with Richard Merryman for Life Magazine)

In January 1969, we were making a film in a studio at Twickenham, which was dismal and cold, and we were all getting a bit fed up with our surroundings. In front of the cameras, as we were actually being filmed, Paul started to ‘get at’ me about the way I was playing. I decided I had had enough and told the others I was leaving. This was because I was musically dissatisfied. After a few days, the others asked me to return and since I did not wish to leave them in the lurch in the middle of filming and recording, and since Paul agreed that he would not try to interfere or teach me how to play, I went back. Since the row, Paul has treated me more as a musical equal. I think this whole episode shows how a disagreement could be worked out so that we all benefited. I just could not believe it when, just before Christmas, I received a letter from Paul’s lawyers. I still cannot understand why Paul acted as he did.

(George Harrison, 'The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After The Break-Up 1970-2001' by Keith Badman)

I was shocked and dismayed, after Mr. McCartney’s promises about a meeting of all four Beatles in London in January, that a writ should have been issued on December 31. I trust Paul and I know he would not lightly disregard his promise. Something serious, about which I have no knowledge, must have happened between Paul’s meeting with George in New York [at the start of December] and the end of December.

(Ringo Starr, 'The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After The Break-Up 1970-2001' by Keith Badman)

8th December 1970 John and Yoko give interview known as Lennon Remembers (was publishedlater, in January 1971)

11th December 1970 was released John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

God is a concept by which we measure our pain I'll say it again God is a concept by which we measure our pain, yeah Pain, yeah

I don't believe in magic <…> I don't believe in Elvis I don't believe in Zimmerman I don't believe in Beatles

I just believe in me Yoko and me And that's reality

The dream is over What can I say? The dream is over Yesterday I was the dream weaver, but now I'm reborn I was the Walrus, but now I'm John And so dear friends, you'll just have to carry on The dream is over

(God, was recorded 26 September – 23 October 1970, was released 11 December 1970)

*something about the dream*

She [Yoko] spoke in a really tiny voice, and she always referred to the Beatles in a peculiar, impersonal third-party way: “Beatles will do this, Beatles will do that,” never failing to leave off the “The.” That used to really irritate Paul. On occasion, he’d even try correcting her: “Actually, it’s the Beatles, luv,” but she persistently ignored him.

(Geoff Emerick in Here, There and Everywhere about recording Abbey Road)

Remember when you were young How the hero was never hung Always got away

Remember how the man Used to leave you empty handed Always, always let you down

If you ever change your mind About leaving it all behind Remember, remember today Hey hey

And don't feel sorry The way it's gone And don't you worry About what you've done

Just remember When you were small How people seemed so tall Always had their way Hey hey

Do you remember your ma and pa Just wishing for movie stardom Always, always playing a part

If you ever feel so sad And the whole world is driving you mad Remember, remember today Hey hey <…> Remember, the Fifth of November

(Remember, was recorded 9 October 1970, was released 11 December 1970)

If you ever change your mind/About leaving it all behind is the quote from Sam Cooke’s 1962 song Bring It On Home To Me (Paul and John sang it and recorded solo versions: John on Rock 'N' Roll, Paul on СНОВА В СССР)

The line 'Remember, the Fifth of November' reminds all who grown in England the nursery rhyme: “Remember, remember the fifth of November/Gunpowder, treason and plot/I see no reason why gunpowder, treason/Should ever be forgot.”

'It was just an ad lib. It was about the third take, and it begins to sound like Frankie Laine – when you’re singing ‘remember, remember the fifth of November.’ And I just broke and it went on for about another seven or eight minutes. I was just ad libbing and goofing about. But then I cut it there and it just exploded ’cause it was a good joke.'

(John Lennon, interview with Jann Wenner for Rolling Stone)

'Well, there was this Japanese monk, and it happened in the last 20 years. He was in love with this big golden temple, y’know, he really dug it, like—and you know he was so in love with it, he burnt it down so that it would never deteriorate.

That’s what I did with the Beatles.'

(John Lennon, interview with Alan Smith for NME: At home with the Lennons, August 7th, 1971)

So then we began to talk again about the suit, over and over. I just saw that I was not going to get out of it. From my last phone conversation with John, I think he sees it like that. He said, 'Well, how do you get out?' <…> My lawyer, John Eastman, he's a nice guy and he saw the position we were in, and he sympathized. We'd have these meetings on top of hills in Scotland, we'd go for long walks. I remember when we actually decided we had to go and file suit. We were standing on this big hill which overlooked a loch - it was quite a nice day, a bit chilly - and we'd been searching our souls. Was there any other way? And we eventually said, 'Oh, we've got to do it.' The only alternative was seven years with the partnership - going through those same channels for seven years.

(Paul McCartney, April 16th 1971, interview with Richard Merryman for Life Magazine)

On December 31, 1970 Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit against the other three Beatles – John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr – and Apple Corps, in London’s High Court, seeking an end to The Beatles’ contractual partnership, and requesting that a receiver should be appointed to manage Apple till the case is settled.

21th January 1971

Rolling Stone publish John and Yoko interview with Jann Wenner: 'I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done' (about John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band), 'I’m influenced by her music 1000 percent more than I ever was by anybody or anything' (about Yoko), 'I thought Paul’s was rubbish' (about McCartney album), 'the music was dead before we even went on the theater tour of Britain' (about The Beatles), 'I’m a fucking artist, and I’m not a fucking P.R. Agent or the product of some other person’s imagination' (about his, Paul and George contribution in The Beatles music), '…film was set-up by Paul for Paul. That is one of the main reasons the Beatles ended. I can’t speak for George, but I pretty damn well know we got fed up of being side-men for Paul' and 'On top of that, the people that cut it, did it as if Paul is God and we are just lyin’ around there', ''It was another one like Magical Mystery Tour. <…> I was stoned all the time and I just didn’t give a shit…' 'And I knew there were some shots of Yoko and me that had been just chopped out of the film for no other reason than the people were oriented for Englebert Humperdinck' (about Let It Be) After Brian died, we collapsed. Paul took over and supposedly led us. But what is leading us, when we went round in circles? We broke up then. That was the disintegration. <…> 'Paul had an impression, he has it now like a parent, that we should be thankful for what he did for keeping the Beatles going. But when you look back upon it objectively, he kept it going for his own sake. Was it for my sake Paul struggled?' 'That’s what I’m saying: I was the Walrus, whatever that means' etc.

(John Lennon, interview with Jann Wenner for Rolling Stone)

Q: What was your reaction when you read that stuff at the time? A: Oh, I hated it. You can imagine, I sat down and pored over every little paragraph, every little sentence. “Does he really think that of me?” I thought. And at the time, I thought, “It’s me. I am. That’s just what I’m like. He’s captured me so well; I’m a turd, you know.” I sat down and really thought, I’m just nothin’. But then, well, kind of people who dug me like Linda said, “Now you know that’s not true, you’re joking. He’s got a grudge, man; the guy’s trying to polish you off.” Gradually I started to think, great, that’s not true. I’m not really like Engelbert; I don’t just write ballads. And that kept me kind of hanging on; but at the time, I tell you, it hurt me. Whew. Deep.

(Paul McCartney, interview with Paul Gambaccini for Rolling Stone, published 31 Jan 1974)

26 January 1971

At A&R Studios in NYC Paul added to Oh Woman Oh Why the sounds of firing blanks from a revolver.

So, @i-am-the-oyster, I think - both of them

[chaotic-orphan]

remember when you called vendetta your “happy fic”?

Vendetta is my happy fic <3

Even though it’s so bleak and fucked, I love it with all my heart!!!! I think it’s Jann’s song tbh, it’s so powerful, like yeah, I feel great writing it XD Like Top three of my series (for my tastes as a reader atm) would be:

Vendetta, ALWAYS AND FOREVER — MAYBE?! WHO KNOWS?!

The Immortal Hunter (idk why, vampires man, they are never bad), and

A Benignant Mischief (because I have never written anything like it before!!! My boys are so soft and squishy, (but whump… fantasy whump is coming… also!!! Scary king alternate POV???? )

But with Vendetta…. Phewf, I love writing the action scenes [even though they’re kind of janky in some places, and could be a little more fluid] but that high paced action sequence there’s just something so alive about it!!!!

Like in movies? It takes like twenty seconds, flash bang, thank you ma’am, and then the good guys win, boo, boring, who cares —

IN BOOKS?! IN WRITING?!?! YOU’RE THERE IN THE MUD, IN THE PISS AND SHIT AND BLOOD AND IT’S SO TIRING AND SO, SOO JE NE SAIS QUOI?! AND IT GOES ON FOR CHAPTERS!!! CHUNK OF A BOOK OF FIGHTING AND GAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

It really is a delight to write, like all the quirky villains that Hero has to fight in one to one quick encounters are so fun!!! Because they don’t really have character or plot except me reviewing my writing like —- hmmm, this is too easy, let me put another obstacle in front of Hero — cue a bloodthirsty, flamboyant Villain UGH! I live for that shit.

Plus, it’s only getting started, I have so much planned for Vendetta, i really love Hero and Supervillain— because they both think they’re in the right — but the next chapter is (should be?) the end of the first arc and oh my god IT GETS WORSE — For Hero at least, the dying does die out a little in the start of the second arc, but fuuuuuuuuccckkkk I AM SO EXCITED BAH-BAH-BOOM

*starts writing furiously after seeing this*

[nyaheum]

My Annual Eurovision List - 2023

Completely based on music videos until we actually see some staging. Don’t come at me.

37. POLAND

Solo – Blanka

LMAO fuck TVP. Jann would have been my winner.

36. LITHUANIA

Stay (ČIŪTO TŪTO) – Monika Linkytė

Bleh. I know some people really like this song, but...bleh. There’s nothing here that sticks with me. The song was over and I forgot what it sounded like. I don’t know, I’m used to more from Lithuania.

35. IRELAND

We Are One – Wild Youth

This is the point where I feel like too many bands are hurting this year. They would have been fine any other year, but comparing them to the other bands this year, they’re quite weak. I also expect them so sing “We are Young” every single time...what is fun. up to anyway? (hiatus, apparently.)

34. AZERBAIJAN

Tell Me More – TuralTuranX

Uh...it’s a song. Their name reminds me of Duran Duran. Remembering the name of Duran Duran was the main thing I did while listening to this song. I abolutely HATE spoken word, oh my god. And apart from that, this sounds like one of those songs from an average to slightly bad romcom. Not even the ending song, but the one from the middle, the part where the producers knew that they wanted to convey the passage of time so they simply chose to do a montage.

33. ALBANIA

DUJE – Albina dhe Familja Kelmendi

The guy singing in between is absolutely taking me out. Definitely would’ve liked this more if the chorus hit harder, like this it’s just...kind of sad? But not the good kind, the melodramatic kind (which I can appreciate, to a certain extent, but not to THIS extent.)

32. CYPRUS

Break A Broken Heart – Andrew Lambrou

Did you know that Andrew actually wanted to participate for Australia in 2022? Yeah. I googled this while listening to the song because it has nothing that pulls me in. It’s fine, don’t get me wrong, he has a great voice, but...eh.

31. GREECE

What They Say – Victor Vernicos

Why is he a child. I like the chorus, kind of, but that’s pretty much it. Very meh.

30. LATVIA

Aijā – Sudden Lights

Another song that really takes its time to build up to nothing noteworthy, which is a shame, because in its basics, I quite enjoy it. It’s just a little...frustrating when the chorus comes and goes and nothing in me has changed? Idk lmao.

29. SWITZERLAND

Watergun – Remo Forrer

This is my grandma’s favourite song this year, yay? For some reason I keep reading his name as Ferrero Rocher. The letters barely match, I think it’s just because this is Switzerland. (yes, ferrero is italian, idk.) Oh, the song? It’s fine. It’s not his fault he’s not Gjon.

28. ICELAND

Power – Diljá

It’s fine. Feels very generic, but doesn’t hit hard enough to justify it. Specifically considering it’s Iceland sending it.

27. ARMENIA

Future Lover – Brunette

Surprisingly good in theory, but in the end I only actually like the middle part. The beginning is well sung but a little too slow for me, and I don’t really enjoy the end in general? I’m very unsure with this.

26. NETHERLANDS

Burning Daylight – Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper

I don’t find any joy anymore either, dude. We’re so in synch, damn. Why does the first chorus do that thing where it teases a nice build up for half a second just to drop immediately? And then the second one doesn’t even properly redeem it. Ruined the whole song for me, genuinely. Not that I liked it a lot before, ehem.

25. DENMARK

Breaking My Heart – Reiley

I listened to this and kept thinking that it sounds like a song I already know, but...turns out it was just this song the whole time. Apparently someone at my local radio station really likes it. I don’t, really, I feel like I might be too old for this type of music. Talking about this...you’re telling me Reiley is OLDER than me? What the hell.

24. ITALY

Due Vite – Marco Mengoni

Second year in a row where Italy doesn’t really do it for me, damn. At least it’s a lot better than whatever was going on last year with Brividi. I still liked Supereroi a lot more and think it should have won. Meh.

23. SAN MARINO

Like an animal – Piqued Jacks

Certainly a song. All I could think about while watching this is one Youtube comment simply saying “He is a little hot” because...they’re not wrong? The song itself just doesn’t hit – but I have the fleeting suspicion that this might be fixed by having the sound mixing done by literally anyone that ISN’T San Marino. I don’t even dislike it or anything.

22. ESTONIA

Bridges – ALIKA

I know that everybody loves this, okay? It’s good enough. Perfectly good ballad. It’s not her fault I dislike most ballads. I do like the last minute though, it picks up a lot, I enjoy that.

21. AUSTRALIA

Promise – Voyager

I love how Australia is really going through the classic Eurovision evolution. My right ear also likes the song. I watched the music video, and I think the left one just didn’t get invited or something. It’s actually REALLY off-putting.

20. SLOVENIA

Carpe Diem – Joker Out

Please don’t come for me, but why does everyone love this SO much? Like, I like it a bit too, but not as much as everyone else seems to? I genuinely feel like I’m missing something here.

19. BELGIUM

Because Of You – Gustaph

This is so groovy, I don’t know why everybody hates it. (I mean, I DO know, but apart from that...it’s not that bad.) It’s not the best thing I’ve ever heard, and the aspect ratio of the official music video freaks me out, but it’s very camp – which is a good thing, obviously this is Eurovision after all!

18. UNITED KINGDOM

I Wrote A Song – Mae Muller

I had no expectations for the UK, mainly because I missed all of the teasing they did, so I’m completely fine with this...it just feels like a lot of songs this year sound similar to this? Maybe I’m going insane. But it’s nice to listen to. I wouldn’t turn the radio off if it came on.

17. GEORGIA

Echo – Iru

Imagine how much more this could have slapped if it was in Georgian. Just imagine. It’s fine like this too, and I’m sure it will be elevated by the staging, but...just imagine, honestly.

16. ROMANIA

D.G.T – Theodor Andrei

Okay, let’s ignore the performance for a bit, and just judge the song. I quite like it, actually. His voice is nice, it’s absolutely something different, and I always give a native language bonus.

15. MALTA

Dance (Our Own Party) – The Busker

The revamp did good things for this song. I like a good saxophone, and I feel like this is quite underrated in the community. It’s fun(ky), I think they will be great live, and the music video is definitely worth a watch while you’re at it.

14. SPAIN

Eaea – Blanca Paloma

I feel like I shouldn’t talk about this song without my lawyer. It’s growing on me, very slowly, but there’s still only select parts of the song that I really like, while the rest is just something I have to go through to reach them. Like the salad you get when you order a steak with fries. (I also just liked Agoney a lot more.)

13. PORTUGAL

Ai Coração – Mimicat

After a song I absolutely couldn’t stand last year, Portugal absolutely delivers again. Feels very authentic to Portugal, I really like her voice, it’s quite fast-paced, I really enjoy it.

12. SWEDEN

Tattoo – Loreen

It’s a song. I don’t know, I don’t care about it, it’s good, sure, but it’s absolutely not a winner for me. Also, the pre-chorus sounds so much like another song I know, but I cannot figure out which one and it’s driving me insane. (I have to admit though, rhyming pain and rain IS true lyrical genius, and whoever wrote that part should win an award.) I like the studio version more than the live version by the way. Yes, even with the performance. Don’t ask me why.

11. MOLDOVA

Soarele si Luna – Pasha Parfeni

I love that as long as we have Moldova, Eurovision will never be boring. This is genuinely nice, too, and fills the void Fulenn left in my heart last year perfectly.

10. FRANCE

Evidemment – La Zarra

C’est très...French. Obviously. Good French, but French nonetheless. Groovy, though. I can appreciate that it’s not really a chanson chanson.

9. UKRAINE

Heart Of Steel – TVORCHI

It’s completely fine. Quite good, even, but I just don’t think that it lives up to the songs Ukraine sent the past decade or so...which is understandable, not only because of their situation, but because the song sent by the winning country never really is. I still really appreciate it for it’s modern tone and the bass. (still preffered fiinka though sorry)

8. CROATIA

Mama ŠČ! - LET 3

This is my absolute guilty pleasure this year. I even rather like it musically, I quite enjoy it away from all the chaos. Of course, the chaos is the main reason I like it. What would Eurovision be without these songs, seriously? BRRRR, TRAKTOR.

7. ISRAEL

Unicorn – Noa Kirel

I know people don’t like this because it sounds like three songs mashed together, but I quite like it. Why? Probably because I listen to K-Pop, I’m used to the mashed-together-sound, and I quite like it. Apart from that I enjoy the song, of course, although I’m purposefully ignoring the lyrics.

6. SERBIA

Samo mi se spava – Luke Black

I listen to music like this quite a lot, so I obviously enjoy it...I’m just very afraid that it won’t really land at Eurovision, not with the juries and not with the televote. But I’ll be optimistic and delude myself into thinking that there’s no way it won’t at least make it out of the SF. (And I would absolutely believe it if it was in Semi 2 instead of Semi 1.)

5. NORWAY

Queen of Kings – Alessandra

She, Queen of the Hype! For good reason though, this is GREAT. Very Eurovision, very European in general, I love good party music.

4. CZECH REPUBLIC

My sister’s crown – Vesna

PLEASE PLEASE LET THEM BE GOOD LIVE. I can’t take another Austria 2022. This is SO good. I love it musically, I love the mix of languages, I might have a small crush on their rapper, please let them be good live. Please. I beg you. (I have a bad feeling, though. Especially the chorus just seems very hard to replicate life. I’ve seen the NF, I know.)

3. GERMANY

Blood & Glitter – Lord Of The Lost

I’m still so...in awe that we’re actually sending something good this year? Like, how did this happen? Who did we sacrifice for this? (Answer: Electric Callboy.) This kind of music just feels very German, even if they’re singing in English. My only critique is that I want him to growl more, but if their Eurovision stage is anything like their winners performance at the NF, I’m not worried.

2. AUSTRIA

Who The Hell Is Edgar? - Teya & Salena

No, seriously, who is Edgar? I only know Teya & Salena. This is such a bop – WITH a message, damn. Easily moved into my Top 5 immediately after it came out. Probably my most listened to song this last week. It’s REALLY addicting. What the hell, Österreich? Not both of us going through change right now, aww.

1. FINLAND

Cha Cha Cha – Käärijä

This song came out, I heard it once, and decided it’s my winner this year. Only Gladiator could have possibly challenged it, but we know how that went, so this is my undisputed first place. Please, juries and televote, do not rob our small king.

[carpedzem]

FUCK THEM SO BAD sorry my bad my demons came out

I just got to listen to gladiator after you recommended it and its fucking brilliant like awe inspiring, would have fucked so hard on the main stage fr been playing it on loop for days and cant get enough of it

All them corrupt bitches can hang, Jann is the real winner

see i would say this is a little bit drastic but also i feel like a lot of poles would love to see them like that ^_^

gods i love janns audition its just. such a good performance you can see how comfortable hes on stage i just keep watching it

[inseparableduo]

Drabble set in the route of Twins becoming Gods. A side.

Darla sighs as she leans her head against Matt’s shoulder. How long has it been since they’ve hung out like this? It feels nice.

“Is it wrong… to want to save everyone.”

“Well, not everyone can be saved and not everyone wants to be saved.” Is Matt’s instant reply.

Somehow, she knows he would give an answer like this. Realistic, but not utterly depressing like Janne or needlessly complicated and demeaning like Lina’s. He really was the only person she could talk to right now. Even her own brother is unaware of what she wants to get off her chest at this moment, but he probably suspects it. 

“Even so, I want to save them. Maybe I’m just being selfish, but… you can hear it to, can’t you? Their prayers to die peacefully and quickly, the ones that beg you not to let them die, the ones asking for safety. How… How do you put up with it?”

“Well… I’m sure it was hard for me at first. Actually, that’s a lie. I’ve always heard them. So, to me, it’s just something I’ve always dealt with? But, all those voices, not everyone deserves to be saved. You understand right?”

“No. I don’t.”

“Good, bad, guilty, innocent. Terms that seem to be clearly defined yet, have new meaning, different terms depending on who interprets it. Who gets to deal out the punishments. According to humans, murder is bad yet a just punishment in the right circumstances. Should the murders who cry in forgiveness in fear of what shall meet them on the other side be saved? Forgiven? Does everyone truly deserve salvation? That is something that you must decide for yourself, as only you and your brother have control over those souls.”

Yet, despite the harsh reality she was unwilling to face, he comforts her. Petting her hair to calm her down as she mulls over questions she was never meant to. If she had lived a normal life, what kinda questions would plague her now? Frivolous, inconsequential ones for sure, at least in comparison to what she was mulling over now.

Yet, to the her that lived in this reality, and to the one that lived in the hypothetical. Both questions would feel just as all encompassing. She could still fight to have that life. A life where she is a normal girl with worries. Yet, that desire has died. That flame has started to dull, and she wonders should she just embrace the reality that is upon her? The path that was inaccessible yet, highly sought after by many. Would she finally embrace the opportunity that was forced onto her?

To become a God?

If she were, she would have to have the answer to such questions posed to her. She doesn’t have any, nor the slightest clue how to get there, but… she wants to. 

“Do… you know?” She asks, looking up at him. Head no longer leaning against him.

“If I told you, those answers would be meaningless. Not only that but, to ask me such a question you must have some semblance of an idea, surely? To save everyone, even that is an answer you could have if you want it.” He continues to look ahead. At the nothing before them. Somehow, she’s glad he isn’t looking at her. 

“But, that wish… it’s childish, isn’t it? Saving everyone. Maybe… it’s a childish wish born out of my selfish desire of no longer wanting to hear their cries. Feel their pain. I just want… to not deal with it.”

“Even so, you could just murder everyone from that selfish wish of not to feel it anymore.” He tilts his head, and now he looks at her. His blue eyes feel like they're seeing right through her. 

“Wouldn’t that just make it worse?”

“Yes, but only for a moment. You would feel everyone’s pain all at once, then you wouldn’t feel any of that any more ever again.” He says it as easily as one would describe the weather. As if, it wasn’t deeply wrong. Her stomach could only turn at the thought of such an answer. 

“No I couldn't! I would never do that. Such a thing would be way too cruel!” And she truly meant that from the bottom of her heart. Even taking another’s life to save her own felt wrong. So, to senselessly murder everyone? Not only would that be what she wanted, she could never live with herself.

“Yet, it’s still an option. If you truly were selfish, then you could do such a thing. To save everyone is an ideal that only an ignorant person could come up with, yes. But so would a carrying person, and that is what you are. You don’t have to hide your true self from me.” And even if he wasn’t smiling, she can see the smile in his eyes. Even that is a rare sight, unseen by most. 

“You think too highly of me.” She now averts his gaze. Such expectation, she could never live up to them. She used to think not having any was worse but, she always felt compelled to try and meet the expectations given. Even this was its own kinda hell. 

“Maybe so but, not without reason, I think. You truly are someone that not only subverts all expectations but, preforms actions that should be impossible. As much as you hate the position that you are in, truly, only you could ever be in it. In fact, you and your brother are the only people I’ve ever known to perform such a feat. So-” he then grabs her hand.

“Whatever path you decide to take, I’ll know you’ll see it to the end. Even if you switch paths, I don’t think that means you're giving up. You're just seeking an end to this situation in any way you think is best.”

Somehow, his encouraging words make her heart beat faster. Since when did he have such sway over her heart like this? Maybe coming to him was a bad idea. No, it was a dangerous idea for sure! For as soothing his words were to her resolve, it made her body react in such a way. A way in which she’s never felt before. She mentally shakes her head, but that doesn’t stop the buzzing she feels on her skin as he holds her hand. Still, she has to respond to him. 

“Thank you, I needed to hear that. I’ve been unsure of not only my thoughts of… wanting to pursue such a choice but, on who to go too for advice. Just now, you’ve given my heart. No soul, a greater comfort than I could ever imagine. Something that only you could give, surely. So from the very bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Unknowingly, she sends Mat in much the same turmoil she was in just moments before. Yet, his face remains unfazed to such raw emotions battling inside him.

“You’re welcome. I’ll always be here for you.”

“And I you! Even if my desire is selfish or not, I wish to have full control of these souls and not just unleash mindless, senseless punishment upon them. I want to be a God. A god that the people dream of and brings them comfort, I want to save everyone!”

[nicos-archive]

Jennifer was back in the goddesses soul. Like always, she was standing on top of a lake with nothingness for as far as the eye can see. 

Leal standing right in front of her. If anyone else were to look at her, she’d seem ethereal. Like she once saw her. 

“God. You’re such a cockroach. What’s so good about living that you fight so hard for it.” Leal sneered 

“That’s funny coming from you. Why do you even want my soul so badly?”

“Because out of everyone I’ve ever met, I hate you the most. I want to tear you apart. I want to see you suffer. I want to eat you and ruin your body. You belong to me, and one day you’ll see when I take everything from you.”

“Really, I wish I could go one day without seeing your ugly ass face.” It was bad enough seeing her when she was asleep, but when she was dead? So much worse as they had more time to yell at each other.

Then, like that, she could feel a pull. 

“It seems our time is being cut short. Hopefully you’ll finally give up the next time I see you.” Leal’s smiling face is the last thing she sees.

The worst thing about it isn’t the pitch black eyes that made her golden iris glow, but the halo and jewelry that enhances the image. She just wished that she could just cover her all in mud or something.

When she closes her eyes, she feels all her senses slowly come back to her. The worst part of dying was not the pain from feeling her bones break and pierce her organs. Or even her blood vessels and nerves get torn along with flesh and bone.

No, what hurt the most was coming back from nothingness that peace of death and being ripped back into her body with a consciousness that was still in the middle of pain. Her body was healed. Enough so to bring her back, but that didn’t mean her body was in perfect condition. Being put back together hurts just as much as being ripped apart.

She tries to breathe, but her lungs are still full of water. She couldn’t even open her eyes yet. They either weren’t there yet, or too damaged. It was hard to which was the case. Even her hearing wasn’t fully back yet. She feels a sharp pain on her chest. 

Once. 

Twice. 

A faint ringing in her ear that grows louder and louder. Suddenly she hears everything and it’s too loud. The waves, wind, the sound of a flag in the wind, something metal banging against another. Then everything quiets down to a normal as the ringing fades.

The water in her lungs finally makes its way out as she coughs it out. Her eyes snap open and sees Matt over her. Hands still on her chest, about to make another compression.

“Thanks.” She mutters weakly. Body still feeling weak and disoriented. 

He just nods before helping her sit up, it’s then that she notices he had put his jacket over her.

“How long was I at the bottom of the ocean?”

“2 weeks.”

“God. I’m so fucked. There's no way I’m going to make this month's quota. He’s just gonna throw me back in there.” She groans as she covers her face with her hands. 

“Don’t worry. Janne and Lina have been taking care of that.”

“Oh? She must really love my brother if she’s actually going to lift a finger. I should probably do something special for Janne too.” Jennifer sighs. She may seem annoyed and exhausted but, she really was grateful to them.

Instead of responding, he just helps her stand up.

Unfortunately, the two were used to this situation. As much as she and her brother would love to defy their boss and maybe even leave the gang, they couldn’t. He was much stronger than them and just by not meeting his expectations he not only killed them but dismembered them and threw them in the ocean.  

Which was what he did when they really pissed him off. It’s been only a few months since this last happened. They didn’t even bother to fight back during their punishments. That only made it worse.

They didn’t even bother to question why, out of everyone, they were the only ones ever punished.

With that aside, she follows Matt to a bathroom. Once inside, she opens a pocket dimension where she keeps an extra change of clothes for situations like these. 

When she comes out, she���s still wearing Matt’s slightly damp and oversized coat. He doesn’t ask for it back, so she doesn’t bother. She has more important things to worry about. 

“Let me show you where my brother is.”

A nod is all she got in response. That and his hands go to hold her shaking hands. She didn’t need to say it, but he knew she was worried, scared, nervous, and felt alone. He was just glad he could be there for her. 

In turn, she looked at him with a small smile. In times like these she always knew he’d be there for her and, it helped eased the anxiety she held whenever she couldn’t see her twin

[ill-skillsgard]

I need Faust and Faith's reunion after he's done touring 👉👈 No pressure or anything. I just miss them a lot!

I always miss Fausty boy! I have some other prompts I wanted to incorporate into this one, but it was getting too long. I hope you enjoy!

+

Warning: 18+ mentions of public sex, mature language, anti-religious overtones, mentions of blood, violence, death, and drug use.

Summary: Faith goes to her first black metal show and asks Faust about the black circle.

- Not based on Lords of Chaos. I use Faust!Valter’s likeness only as inspiration.

Read more Faust x Faith here [x]

The duelling guitars screeched through twin stacks of speakers and filled the auditorium with malfeasance. Faith had never witnessed such a carnal reaction. As she watched from the side stage, the crowd below opened into a whirling pit of black-clad showgoers, pushing, jumping and banging against each other. The drums kicked into a blistering rhythm, and her attention turned toward the man she barely recognized with white and black makeup painting his face like the ghost of a demon.

Faust punished his drumkit with expert precision, his arms blurring in the chaos of their first song. His black hair swung as he banged his head without missing a beat. Horned and studded limbs spilled over the metal barricade, tongues lolled, and eyes lit with blissful fury. The singer's growls seemed to rise from the depths of hell, a monster shrieking at its thralls for more destruction.

Even with earplugs in, Faith felt the music blowing back in waves, shaking the column of her throat and turning her brain to mush. She dared slip one plug out to hear the true volume and quickly stuffed it back in when the intensity struck.

During the ambient interludes between songs, the crowd roared still. A few hundred people raised their hands, praising the men on stage. It reminded her of church, how they would let their eyes roll back, chanting the hymns and facing their palms skyward. This was no church she had ever set foot inside. The walls were painted black, the floor sticky from spilled beer, and its congregation made her gathering's displays of loyalty seem demure. The air reeked of salty skin and malt embedded in the paint from nights like this.

Faith saw people wearing shirts with Faust's band logo on the front, and a burst of pride warmed her belly. Though she was remarkably out of place, there was an odd sense of welcome. She could run headfirst into the crowd and get swallowed up and spit out like anyone else.

When they finished their set, Faust retired his drumsticks to a holder, chugged an entire bottle of beer and took a brief bow to the crowd before walking off stage. Faith bounced as he approached and scooped her off the floor, smearing her face with paint from around his mouth. When he set her down, his lips were partially visible through the now grey muck.

"How was it?" Faust asked.

"You guys are amazing. That's was so cool, babe!"

"Ah, you're just saying that."

"No, really! I can't believe how crazy they went for you!"

Faust sneered playfully, though their reception had been one for the books. "Probably 'cause half the crowd are friends of ours."

"Doesn't matter. You still kicked ass."

Faust's smile was unbreakable from a show well played and seeing his girlfriend waiting for him at the side of the stage. He led her to the green room as stagehands and managers nodded them through and let her dab the corpse paint off her face in the bathroom. Faust sopped up the sweat in his hair with a towel and changed his stage clothes before Faith returned. His bandmates soon joined them, and the chatter was unintelligible. People from other bands came in to talk and congratulate the young group on their first cross-country tour, and soon the back was filled with people hanging VIP badges from their pockets.

Faust pulled Faith from the bedlam before the room grew too hot. They made their way to the main floor and the rows of merchandise tables. Faith couldn't help but feel privileged to have access to the other side of the tables where Faust told her she could stash her coat and purse while a lineup of fans waited to purchase t-shirts and albums. Admirers pulled Faust away several times to take photos and shake hands. Faith watched in awe as people took turns posing with her boyfriend, who stayed looking stoic in his half-melted face paint. Her boyfriend. People from all walks of life wanted proof they'd met him, asking him to sign album covers and tour posters.

When Faust broke away from the clamour of excited metal fans, he took Faith's hand and pulled her through the crowd to a stairwell guarded by security. He flashed his tour badge, and the guard permitted them to the balcony where a few other musicians sat in a less crowded area.

"Come on, let's go outside. I need a fucking smoke," Faust said.

They went through a set of metal doors to an outdoor balcony where two men leaned against the railing, passing a joint and chatting. One spotted Faust, and a smile cracked over his face.

"Hey, Faust. Great show, man. We watched from the balcony. You guys were fucking killer," the man passed the joint to the drummer.

He hauled a significant bout of smoke into his lungs, then expelled it into the night air, handing it back with a nod.

The man refused. "Pass it to the lady."

"She's good," Faust said.

"I'll take a hit," Faith countered.

Faust glanced at her, brow raised high. "You sure?" He chuckled.

"Yes. I'll be fine."

Faust handed her the joint and turned to his fellow musicians. "Thanks. Glad you guys enjoyed the set."

As Faith inhaled, the other man turned to her and offered his hand to shake. "Hey, I'm Janne."

"Faith," she mouthed around a lungful of searing smoke.

"This is Yosh," Janne gestured at the man who'd initially offered Faust the joint. "Good to meet you."

"Is this your girlfriend, Fausty?"

"Yeah. She's my girl."

"Aw, that's cute. Didn't take you for the relationship type, to be honest. You like this scary son of a bitch?" Yosh asked.

Faith giggled as she looked up at the towering man dressed in black while he lit a cigarette. "He's not that scary. At least not to me," said Faith.

"Good man to have by your side at a show. You might get trampled down there."

"This is actually my first show."

Yosh choked on a hit and coughed, "really? And you came to a black metal show? That's ballsy."

"Well, it's not really my thing, but I wanted to see them play. I came from out of town just to be here tonight," Faith said proudly.

"Oh, right. You guys are from the green belt, right? Or should I say, the black circle?" Janne tittered.

Faust's eyes grew stony. "No. I'm not part of that shit. Bunch of fucking posers."

"We were just talking about the church fire there a couple weeks ago. You guys are known for that, aren't you?"

"I don't know. Guess so," Faust shrugged.

"They said there was a body found after they put out the fire, and it was nailed to some pieces of wood...like a cross or something. Can you believe that shit? How metal is that?"

Faith swallowed. She had heard the news break the day after the fire before they announced the unidentified body and after Faust had surprised her at the bus stop. They had prayed about it in church the following week and set up a collection to bulldoze the wreckage and reconstruct the chapel even bigger than before. Her mother was so stricken from the news that Faith had to spend a night at her parents' house consoling her while her father bad-mouthed the city's youth.

Bunch of heathen Satan-worshippers in this town. If I'd have known how disgusting some of these people are, I'd have never moved us out here.

Faith, her sisters and their mother all huddled on the sofa watching reruns of Full House while Stan stood hard-backed at the front window, peering out every few minutes as if the culprit might attack them next.

Oh, Stan, you don't know who did it. You can't point the finger when the police haven't even updated the community. Give the embers a chanced to cool. Besides, it's places like these that need the most help. We'll raise the money. I just hope to God they catch the people who did this.

All Faith could think about as she ate her sundae next to her sister was what she was doing the night after the fire. While the fire department was busy putting out the flames across town, she was pressed against a brick wall getting fucked by one of the heathen Satan-worshippers her father despised. She tried not to connect dots that had no business forming any kind of picture. Faust's appearance had been a coincidence.

I'll tell you who did this... It's that damned black circle. They've done it before, and they'll do it again.

Faust waved a hand in front of Faith's face, and she flinched from her reveries. "Babe? You there?"

"Oh, sorry," she laughed. "Kind of zoned out."

"Wanna head back inside?"

Faith didn't realize she was shivering until Faust rubbed her upper arms. "Sure. Yeah, let's do that."

"One puff of a joint, and you're on another planet, huh? Good seeing you Janne, Yosh... We should tour again."

"Yeah, man. As soon as possible. We're always on the road. We'd love to have you out for as many gigs as you guys can handle."

Faust nodded and clasped hands with both men before urging Faith along with a palm on her bottom. Once they made it inside, he snuck his fingers under her skirt and pinched her hard enough to give her a jolt but not to hurt.

"Faust!"

"What? No one's looking. Hey, you wanna check out our tour bus?"

Faith went to the balcony railing and saw the next band setting up their gear. She pointed below and turned to Faust. "Won't we miss the next band?"

"You actually wanna stay and watch?"

"Uh, yeah! This is my first show. I wanna see all the bands."

"All right. We can stay up here or go to the floor. But I'm warning you, it can get ruthless down there."

"I want to go down. It looks fun."

"Then we have to go now. We'll try to get right up front where you won't get swallowed in a circle pit."

"Really?" Faith gasped. "Like, right up front at the barricade?"

"Sure, why not? If you want the full experience. I'll stand right behind you and make sure crowd-surfers don't land on your head. Then after, I'll show you the bus, and...I dunno...Probably fuck."

"Oh my goodness, Faust. Yeah, right!"

"I'm serious. I'd fuck you right here if there weren't people around."

Emboldened by his suggestion, Faith whirled around and stared up at him with her brows lowered. "What's all this about the black circle?"

Faust scoffed. "What are you talking about?"

"I've heard it mentioned before and that you're part of it. I just wanna know. Is it some kind of gang?"

"Do I look like I'm in a fucking gang? No. It's just some dumb shit they made up in high school."

"They as in your friends?"

"It's stupid and means nothing."

Faith stood in place. "Well, they're saying that church burned down because of your friends. Aren't you afraid someone might ask you questions?"

"I'm not afraid of shit because I've been on tour this whole time."

"Faust—"

"What did I tell you about the twenty questions? Now, do you wanna go watch the show or do you wanna keep talking about irrelevant shit?"

Dissatisfied with his response, Faith clammed up and followed Faust to the main floor. They wriggled through the tightening crowd and got upfront before the lights lowered, and a gust of smoke covered the stage. Ominous chanting heralded in a band dressed in black hoods. Faith watched, awestruck, but in the back of her mind, thoughts of the black circle fermented, giving off a foul smell she couldn't ignore.

After the headlining band opened with pyrotechnics and the frontman tossing a skull of pig's blood over the crowd, Faust took Faith around back, where the tour buses formed a barrier between the street and the venue. He led her inside and turned on the light to reveal the interior in a state of disarray. Beer bottles overflowed in the sink, ramen noodle wrappers littered the floor, and spiked leather decorum hung over seats and tables. There was a shredded porn magazine, its contents pinned to the wall and drawn over with a black marker, breasts shooting fire and snakes slithering out of places that made Faith blush.

"Sorry about the smell. Touring always has a distinct odour of unwashed balls and puke."

Faith tried not to touch any surface until Faust showed her to the back lounge area, where they sat and looked at each other in prolonged silence. Faith reined in a smile while her boyfriend sat back and studied her face.

"I'm glad you came. Sorry that it's probably more chaotic than you expected."

"It's okay. I'm having fun."

"You sure? I know it's not really your scene."

"You're my scene," Faith said.

He reached for her hand. Faith thought he meant to hold her, but he tugged her closer instead, straddling her over his lap. His hands came up under her skirt and over her ass while they kissed. Faust pulled away as she rocked her hips forth and placed his hands on her hips.

"So, how's school?"

"You're really asking me about school when we haven't seen each other in weeks?"

"What? Is there something else you wanna do?"

"I think you know what I want."

"Yeah, but I want you to say it."

Faith peered down the hall, past the bunks, toward the front of the bus. "What if someone comes in?"

"Not like my band hasn't walked in on you sucking my cock before."

"Oh my gosh, don't remind me."

Faust darkened, pulled air through his teeth. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course, I missed you. How is that even a question?"

He tilted his hips up and let Faith drop when he relaxed. She tugged his shirt up to appreciate the trail of hair leading down from his navel.

"What did you miss the most?"

"Your big, throbbing heart," Faith giggled. "I missed cuddling with you and going on walks together. Waking up with you beside me. Your cooking."

Faust pulled her down for a hug. "All right, all right. I get it. You wanna fuck, just not in the bus."

"Do your bandmates fuck girls in here?"

Laughter burst from his mouth as he rocked Faith back and forth. "They fucking wish."

The couple chuckled until another silence proceeded. Faith saw the fiery look in Faust's eyes, the appetite for her body that never tapered, his joy from having her there on his tour bus. Yet, all Faith saw was a building on fire, flames flickering behind his green stare. She smothered the thoughts with a kiss Faust took for permission to explore under her skirt again. Maybe she could kill her suspicions by reminding herself how much he loved her, the lengths he would go to protect her.

Voices yelled outside the bus, distracting Faith but not Faust, who rolled beneath her hips, oblivious to the arousal shooting through his groin.

"Yeah, come on, baby. Pull my cock out and sit on it for me. It'll be quick."

"Faust!" Someone shouted outside of the bus.

Faith pushed on his chest and perked toward the sound.

"Where the fuck is that asshole? First, he fucks off for an entire day, loses his phone, makes us cancel a show, and now the prick can't be dicked to help load out because his bitch is here? Getting real fucking sick of the bullshit, Ola."

"Mordy, chill out, man."

The bus door opened, followed by a waft of cigarette smoke. Boot tread hammered across the floor, and Mordy swayed through to the back, scoffing when he saw Faust with his girlfriend perched on his lap.

"You wanna take apart your drumkit, or are you just gonna let it sit in the way of everyone's gear? Oh, sorry, should have known you were too busy to be fucking bothered."

Faust lifted Faith off his thighs, and she bounced on the sofa as he shot up and stared Mordy down. The bass player didn't flinch.

"What? What're you gonna do, Faust? Punch me out? Good thing it's our last show. Wouldn't want your personal business getting in the way of the biggest tour of our fucking lives so far."

"You don't know shit, so I suggest you shut your mouth."

"No, I'm not gonna shut my mouth. Someone has to stand up to you, and none of these pussies will. Go load out your fucking gear, man!"

Faust smelled whiskey on Mordy's breath. He was far too sober to start a fight with the bass player and nodded, shouldering past him. Mordy crashed into the wall and cursed as the drummer stomped off the bus, leaving Faith fidgeting with the edge of her skirt and unsure if she should follow. Mordy scoffed at her and exited the bus after Faust, shouting until she no longer heard him.

When Faust returned, Faith stood up and wrang her wrists. "Should I leave?"

"We're both leaving," Faust muttered as he tore open the zipper on his backpack and scrounged up his clothes and stage effects to stuff inside. He ducked into the small fridge and took four bottles of beer, sticking two in the holders of his bag and pocketing the other two inside his leather jacket.

"Come on. We're out of here."

"But, neither of us have a car, and we're far from home," Faith said.

"Call a cab."

Outside of the bus, guitar cases and boxes of merch waited for loading. Faust opened a tote, wrenched open a steel moneybox and took some of the cash inside. He found Faith's coat and purse and passed them to her before kicking a hole into the plastic container. Mordy and Ola noticed this as Faust walked away with Faith in tow.

"Hey, asshole! What do you think you're doing? You can't just fucking take off with the merch money!"

Faust turned around, grabbed his crotch and flipped them off. "Suck my dick, fuckbags. Find a new drummer."

[zu-is-here]

Zu hi! I have to say I live love loveloveeee the comic you did! I have no idea why I'm so obsessed but I so am rn XD

I can just imagine that when they land Dream just claps his hands like "yay again!"

The idea of dream being left alittle mad ahahhahaha yessss. I adore it.

You'd suddenly given me a tun of inspiration for somethingggg

Also I hope you were able to catch up on sleep after that, how are you feeling? How's your day been?

Also I have to say the party sounded like it was loads of fun! Good for you

Hii Gayfish! Aww I'm really happy to hear it, thanks a lot! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)☆

Yesss!! That's what he would definitely do (≧∀≦) acting as if nothing bad happened while Cross had a heart attack and euphoria in the shortest amount of time :'D

Bruh, he's all one surprise after another, one of a kind, isn't he? ★ After all, it's post dark cream, where nothing is lost forever ;) I'll be looking for what your inspiration will turn into <3

Oh I were, thanks! (*´꒳`*) The day's been nice and peaceful so the week started great ♪ It was indeed! *^*

How are you doing? ♡

UPD:

PFFF— guess he'll turn "gray" with Dream pretty soon XD

Oh she was actually sleeping peacefully but woke up when I went to bed and decided that I woke up to feed her :'))

Work and drawwwing ;) on Sunday, my family returns to the city but due to the elections I'll be at work again (ó3ò) Hope to visit them in the evening after <3 What about you? ☆

Oh my god XD Was it okay?? (・∀・) I'm sure you're doing great, please have a good rest!╰(*´︶`*)╯

OHHH you and Jann did it amazing! \(//∇//)\☆ Can't wait to see the updated, so intrigued~ ♡

[ayngondaia]

they announced a new evolution for paimon and im so excited abt it hhhhhgg

[koalitypop]

how to make a bookworm fall in love with (all of) you || chapter 1 - “nothing”

pairings: OT7 x reader 

tags: love for books, polyamory (in the future) 

word count: 2.9k

chapter 2

a/n: all of the books that have been mentioned are real books and i specifically recommend reading “Nothing” - it is one of my favourite books and it is a great read if you are looking for something rather philosophical. i hope you enjoy the piece! 

When all 7 members of BTS entered the local bookstore, where you spent every afternoon, surprisingly, you couldn’t be any more annoyed. You could hear that a group of pretty noisy people had entered, but because of the shelves in front of you, you couldn’t see them – all you did was sigh and continue reading the resume of that thriller book you saw everywhere you went.  

Books were your biggest passion. They helped you understand yourself better and were your secret escape universe from this tiring awful world. And after years on years, being supported only by fictional characters and magical worlds, you decided to try to surround yourself with books, as they were one of the not so many things, which brought you happiness and comfort.  

You treasured the few hours you spent every day in that bookstore a lot and there were many reasons about it - it was really warm and cosy, constantly smelled like tea, wasn’t really bright and, most importantly, it was located in the rather calm place in your neighbourhood. It totally fit your imaginations for the best bookshop.  

“Yaah, it smells really good in here”, a boy exclaimed somewhere in the bookstore.

You rolled your eyes, irritated. Was it necessary for this boy to scream?

Many steps coming from different places and a boy’s shade on your right - someone was getting closer to you. “It must be one of those punks” you instantly thought. It wasn’t hard for you to imagine their hands scrunching and creasing the books or not putting them in the correct place, making cold shivers creep down your back. Such a disrespectful attitude towards books wasn’t something you could tolerate.  

The resume of that thriller book sounded promising, but you put it back at its place and decided to continue wandering around, hopefully not meeting any of those nasty sounding people.  

You turned left twice, going to the Young Adult section of the bookstore. The quantity of Young Adult books was astonishing, especially for a bookstore, which wasn’t a part of chain stores. Young Adult wasn’t exactly your favourite category when it comes to books, but as every other thing in regard to books, it was worth a try. Despite that, your favourite book was categorised as Young Adult one.  

A new hardcover edition of Looking for Alaska. Not your all-time favourite, but still a very good read. The new edition was really beautiful, still mostly black as the origina-. 

“Gosh, those idiots again!”

Someone ran into the section out, almost breaking one shelf, making you turn your gaze to him in shock. That person looked pretty interesting - wearing a very old-looking coat, with wide pants and a Ravenclaw sweater underneath, a pretty ridiculous outfit, which however looked gorgeous on him. If you could only see his face, his stupid baseball cap getting in the way.

The boy looked at you and sighed. “Ah, sorry-” at first starting in Korean, “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,” then he continued in a very bold American accent.

He made a bow-like movement and continued looking for whatever he was looking for. Fortunately, you were able to get a few glances of his face. Olive tan, beautiful brown hair and sinfully plump lips, as his tall and fit figure wasn’t seductive enough. It was a miracle to see such a handsome boy in a bookshop.  

He cursed behind you, obviously not finding the book. You were trying to carry on with the resume, when after one not very well-coordinated clumsy movement, he was standing dangerously close to you, still searching.  

You tried not to send curious glances every two seconds, but, God, it was so damn hard. His eyes jumping around the shelves in between the tittles, trying to find one, so focused, with his lips slightly opened, making him look immensely cute.

Someone shouted something from the other end of the bookstore. And then, you remembered.  

He must be a part of this noisy group, which entered a few minutes ago. He probably wasn’t so smart as he seemed, maybe he spoke English, because he’s Korean-America, despite not looking as one. He's probably buying a book for his girlfriend, as a late gift for an anniversary. Or for a cousin. Definitely not for himself.

“I found it!” he screamed, pulling a book out.  

Nothing by Janne Teller. Your favourite book.  

Okay, this changed the things a lot. You could say something, you had the rights to do so. Maybe, just maybe, you were a bit too harsh on him, maybe he truly was buying the book for himself, maybe he’s even a bookworm, just like you. You could just simply praise him, nothing overboard, only acknowledging the fact that he has made a great choice.  

“Good choice. It’s my favourite book.” you remarked in Korean.  

The boy turned to you so fast, you were afraid he would bump into you just as he did a few minutes ago into the shelves.  

“It’s mine too! I reread it every mon-… Wait, you speak Korean?” he was so excited to speak about the book, it took him some time to figure out that you are speaking in his native language, despite obviously not being Korean.  

“Would I be looking for a book in a Korean bookstore, if I didn’t?” you chuckled. Pronunciation, accent – you sounded as a native speaker.  

“You speak really well! It’s surprising. Korean is a very difficult language and not many people are able to speak as well as us Koreans do! Not that you look dumb, I mean you look nice, even smart... Oh, God, don’t mind my blabbering.” he ended up getting all shy and blushing.

“It’s alright, I get that a lot.” you laughed more at his cuteness than at his words.  

It seemed like he was interested, so you had to give it a try and follow. And how could you not, such a man shouldn't be passed.  

“I am Namjoon.” he added, giving you his hand for a handshake.

“Y/n.” you simply replied, taking it shyly.  

“So, you said that Nothing is your favourite book?” Namjoon said, his voice full of excitement.  

“Yeah, it is. I mean I love numerous books, but Nothing changed me. It’s written so well and the plot is fantastic. The fact that the author used children to be the main characters of such book, that is such a bold decision and she could have failed so many times...” you blurted out before being interrupted by Namjoon.  

“I know, right! It sends such a deep philosophical message! Gosh, I am so happy I found a fellow lover of Nothing. Most of my friends can’t really understand the book or just don’t read it, because they find it too tough. I hate it when people are afraid of reading books with philosophical messages, just because there isn’t any action or so!” Namjoon continued, gesturing around.  

“Namjoon-ah, did you find it?” a tired raspy voice asked with a slightly higher tone.

“Yeah, I found it” Namjoon waved his friend off with an eye-roll.

“Wait a minute”, you continued, pretty suspicious, “you said that Nothing is your favourite book and you reread it every month, but why are you buying another copy then?” your brows scrunched, thinking you had caught him in a lie.  

“I know that it sounds really dumb, but my roommate’s dog ruined it. You don't want to know about the argument we had afterwards. Thank God, the copy wasn’t signed or he would be dead.” Joon explained.  

“No, it’s fine, I got you. I have heard and seen this, numerous times,” you tried to laugh the situation off, feeling the conversation dying, hoping that Namjoon would say something else.  

“You have a dog?”  

“Oh, no, no, I don’t...”  

“A dog person?” He tried to guess.  

“More of a cat person actually.” you laughed, your eyes focusing on the slight smile on his lips.  

“Just like Jimin. He’s another one of my roommates, and he loves cats. Unfortunately, we hardly make time to take care of Yeontan”, that must be the dog, “what about another pet. But, you see, there is another one of my roommates, his name is Yoongi, and he kinda has some cat looks, so Jimin must be fine, I guess. Oh, I talk too much, sorry for being so annoying.” Namjoon got all shy again.  

“You’re not annoying, not at all. I can reassure you, you are a great person to talk to. But, with how many people do you live with? I mean, you have already mentioned three roommates and a dog.” you laughed slightly at the very end.  

“Well, I actually live in a dorm with my six members. We are in a group, like a musical group, like a boy band.” Namjoon explained again and again.  

“Yeah, I got it the first time.” you smirked.

“Goodness, I don't know what is happening to me, really, I am not like this usually.” Namjoon got all red and flustered.  

All shy and confused – was it because of you? Well, maybe not, but still you had to continue, the moment too alluring to overthink right now.  

“No worries, it’s cute, you're cute.”  

God, Y/n, shut up. Now that was a little too much.  

He smiled.  

Okay, a smile, a smile is good, not too promising, but good. Maybe he likes you, or at least thought that you weren't a weirdo or a psycho.  

Why were you thinking so much about it?  

“Have you picked up anything?” Namjoon asked.  

A book. Any book. Just pick one, Y/n!

You were in panic. Pure panic. Which book should you pick up? If you just pick any book, randomly, there is a very high chance that you will pick up a not well-written book, a bad one, about a certain uncomfortable theme or just a book, which he doesn’t like.

The thriller!  

“Yeah, there is one at the thriller corner, which caught my eye!”  

You weren’t lying. That resume of that book sounded promising and you wouldn’t mind buying it now, as you didn’t have any particular idea what you want to read.  

“Do you usually read thriller books?” he asked, leading you to the thriller corner.  

“I wouldn’t say so. You see, most of the time, I just want to read a certain type of book – sometimes I want to read something rather philosophical, sometimes I want to read fantasy, sometimes I look for historical novels. It depends on my mood, I guess.” you simply answered, trying not to sound indecisive.  

“Literally, same. I just don’t get it how people read the same type of books they whole lives. It’s like being at the same place your whole life.”  

Namjoon’s comment made you smile, he was so cute gesturing around.

You picked up the book. Just the thought of buying a book made you feel happy – a new world you can explore, new characters to meet. The same way people were excited before going on a vacation, you were when you were buying a book, and truly, there wasn’t anything more normal for you than that.  

“Stone Bruises by Simon Beckett. Interesting.” Namjoon murmured, peeking over your shoulder to see the title of the book.  

“Have you read it?” you asked, tuning over to meet his face, incredibly close to yours.  

“Never heard of it.” Joon giggled.  

“No matter what I do or where I go, I always see it, so, I guess, I should read it. It sounds promising.” you explained, turning your head back to the book, embarrassed by the closeness.  

“That might be your next favourite book then.” he mentioned, moving a little, so that he isn’t so close to you.  

“Oh, I don’t want to compare any other book to Nothing, I always end up disappointed afterwards” you laughed, heading to the pay desk.  

“I got you” he added, somewhat putting an end to your conversation.  

Oh, no.  

You didn’t want the conversation to end. It shouldn’t end. He was cool and smart and... God, so handsome. And even if you had no chance with him, at least you should try.  

You had nearly reached the pay desk, once you both pay for the books, you would go out of the bookstore and that was it. The end. He wouldn’t ask for your number, why would he, you hadn’t even spoken for a long time or flirted at all. And his friends? They would for sure start to make noise again. That was it. No chance. You couldn’t even come up with an idea what you should say, panicked and scared that you might say something incredibly stupid.  

“You have managed to make another one to buy Nothing!” the boy at the pay desk exclaimed.

“No, it is actually my favourite book too, I just need another copy” Namjoon laughed, showing off the book.  

This was the perfect chance to tell him something. About the book? No, he already knows everything, it’s his favourite...  

“So, Y/n has found a fellow Nothing fan then? Knowing how many people love this book, you might be soulmates.” the cashier teased, taking the book from Namjoon’s hands.  

Soulmates? Literally, he had to say that?  

You sent the boy behind the desk a very angry look, ready to say something to make the situation better, being interrupted by a loud thud.  

And, of course, his friends!  

“Yah, Park Jimin just don’t pick such big books with your small hands, you always end up dropping them. I am so tired of your messes, really!” the boy started by screaming, but was whining at the end, talking ever so fast.  

“Sorry, hyung...” another boy whispered.  

Namjoon left the pay desk, going to his friends, leaving you without giving you any time to say something.  

“Hyung, it wasn’t actually Jimin who made a mess.” Namjoon sighed.

“Ah, and how do you know? You weren’t even her-”  

“Would you stop screaming?” Namjoon cut him off, a few sighs following his words.

You couldn’t hear what Namjoon was exactly saying to his friends. You were just so disappointed in the fact that your conversation has ended like this, only being able to think about all the bright future you could have had with him if you had found something to tell him when you could. You paid for your book, your mood a bit parky after this development of the events, ready to continue with all the other stuff you had to do today.  

“Guys, this is Y/n. Y/n, these are some of my roommates – Jimin, Jin and Yoongi.”  

Dear Lord, these men were handsome!  

Jimin was a not so tall man with an angel-looking face, sinfully plump raspberry-pink lips adding to his beauty. His blue shirt did more than enough to show his bulked up upper body. He was carrying a small book in his hand, The Notebook in particular.  

On the other hand, there was Jin – tall, fit and exceptionally handsome, staring at you with deep brown eyes. His enormous shoulders made him look even hotter, while the cute Super Mario bag charm on his backpack was telling you about a rather childish and cite side of him.  

Last, but definitely not least, there was Yoongi, again, not so tall, a bit pale, but hot as hell, licking his small pink lips, while looking directly into your soul. Truly had some cat vibes going on. The headphones around his neck and his overall a bit baggy clothes didn’t let you know much about his figure, but you were already thinking about who exactly you were interested in, now as you have seen pretty much half of this band.  

“I’m Y/n!” you smiled, trying to empty your hand.  

“You speak Korean?” Jimin asked, his lips parted open, all pouty and cute.

“Yes, I actually live here” you said trying to put some more confidence into your voice.  

Then, again, as always, your conversation was interrupted. Now, by the barking of a dog outside.  

“Oh, Yeontan must be getting angry, we have left him for too long outside.” Namjoon said, gesturing to the other boys to get outside, while waving bye to the boy behind the pay desk.  

This for sure was a weird end.  

“Bye!” the cashier waved at you, smiling.  

You waved back, sighing. It wasn’t meant to end like this.  

You exited the bookstore, being met by the frisky wind of Seoul.  

“Y/n, wait a minute!”  

Namjoon?  

You turned around, hoping for the best.  

God was finally at your side.  

“I’m sorry that I got out so quickly, it’s just, we have to take extra care of Yeontan, he is a small dog, you know” Namjoon was about to start blabbering again.  

Just behind him, you saw Yoongi, Jin and Jimin and another three figures, all squatted down, surrounding a very sweet-looking dog.  

“Oh, yeah, I got you, no worries” you tried to laugh it off, being mesmerised by his looks, now that you can see him at light.  

“You see, I was hoping we can exchange numbers. So we can text and stuff like that. Or maybe KoalaTalk?”  

Damn, yes, God was at your side.  

[xfcklprtehkrx]

Follow the Music

Received this question from @beyondkailani​ : I'd be interested in your views on the episode titles, especially those released for season 2. I find some of the implications interesting - Sex and Candy being followed immediately by Como la flor for example. Very different in tone!

Okay the episode song titles thing is really fun.  For S01 I was familiar with every song, and yay cause even some of my old favorite bands in there.  Nirvana, Everclear, Aerosmith, and Counting Crows?  Can’t go wrong.  Once the episode with Rosa’s CD happened I realized the episode titles were doing the same thing, but I think for most episodes it’s way more literal than others. Since we’ve made it through S01 already I’m gonna mostly focus on S02.

I made a youtube playlist with lyrics for the sake of review: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu6cxfqCMO9l7f1jJlLLgCzQELAo7W-BZ

2X1 Stay (I Missed You) (Lisa Loeb) Okay this song, the lyrics are 100% about Michael and Alex.  Lyrics strangely seem like the inevitable moment of real separation between them because Michael is with someone else.  It also smacks a little bit of their reluctance to let go of each other for so long.  Now the title could be a direct point to both Rosa and Max seeming to be dead at the end of S01.  I mean Rosa was dead for 10 years.  She can’t just come back to life, so if she’s going to live, she can’t stay in Roswell. Even if Rosa could stay, what about all her drama with Isobel?  Problems. I mean she was Noah at the time, but Rosa doesn’t know that, so they can either tell her or have it be a constant problem.  There’s also a chance Rosa already knows and she was going to tell her dad, so she doesn’t exactly scream ‘support the alien conspiracy’ to me.

I don't pay attention To the distance That you're running or to Anyone anywhere

I don't understand if you really care I'm only hearing negative, no no no, bad

So I, I turned the radio on, I turned the radio up And this woman was singing my song Lovers in love and the other's run away Lover is crying 'cause the other won't stay

And you said that I was naive And I thought that I was strong I thought, "hey, I can leave, I can leave" Oh but now I know that I was wrong 'Cause I missed you Yeah, I missed you

You said, "you caught me cause you want me And one day I'll let you go" You try to give away a keeper Or keep me 'cause you know you're just so Scared to lose

2X2 Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space (Spiritualized) This one is all ‘I can’t help falling in love with you’.  That speaks to me of Michael and Maria.  Could also be a Liz leans on Kyle thing too, assuming Max is still dead.  She does always run back to him, which is super unfair to Kyle.  Maybe it’s also something good for Isobel.  She deserves a new love after everything with Noah, so I’d rather it go that route than either of the other two. 

2X3 Good Mother (Jann Arden) This episode will probably revolve around Maria’s mother, and since I predicted before that Michael’s hand and Maria’s desperation to find a cure for her mother could go sideways, I suspect some of that will happen here.

2X4 What If God Was One of Us (Joan Osbourne) As a Malex shipper I admit this is the one that interested me the most since Tyler Blackburn confirmed in this episode Alex gets a new love interest.  I can’t see how this would relate to Alex in anyway, so I was disappointed to not get any further insight.  

Now the lyrics make me suspect this is when Michael tells Maria he’s an alien. I mean yeah it’s ‘god’ not ‘alien’ but still some similarity there to me.

If God had a face what would it look like? And would you want to see if, seeing meant That you would have to believe in things like heaven And in Jesus and the saints, and all the prophets?

2X5 I'll Stand By You (The Pretenders) I see so many things in this one. -Rosa(assuming she’s still alive)/Liz -Max(if he’s back)/Liz -Max(if he’s back)/Isobel -Michael/Max and/or Isobel. -Kyle always being there for Liz even though he’s sort of a doormat -Kyle and Alex’s rekindled childhood friendship and Kyle being there for Alex -Tragedy strikes so Alex and Maria make up and he’s there for her or vice versa (even though I don’t foresee that lasting)

This could touch so many of the relationships on this show.  It’s too generic to me, and we won’t know until we get there.  Especially since so much will hinge on how they decide to handle Rosa still being alive and Max being dead.

2X6 Sex and Candy (Macy’s Playground) Now I know the word sex is in the title, but I never interpreted this in a literal way. I always assumed it was about eye sex.  His eyes meeting across the room with this fantasy girl and he’s surprised she’s looking back.  So maybe something romantic for Isobel or Alex.  I assume by this point Maria and Michael will be together so nothing to do with them.

Hangin' round downtown by myself And I had so much time To sit and think about myself And then there she was

I smell sex and candy here Who's that lounging in my chair Who's that casting devious stares In my direction

Mama this surely is a dream Yeah mama this surely is a dream

2X7 Como La Flor (Selena) I don’t speak Spanish so I had to check out a translation for this one, but this one breaks my heart.  It’s all about losing the one you love and letting them be happy with someone else. I could almost ugly cry at the implications of this song.

I know you have a new love However I wish you the best If in me, you didn't find happiness Maybe someone else will give it to you

If you saw how it hurts to lose your love With your goodbye, you take my heart I don't know if I can love again Because I gave you all the love I could give

2X8 Say It Ain't So (Wheezer) This song following the last song makes me feel like I am right about the main subject for that episode since it seems to follow the exact same line of thought, but it actually doesn’t.  I suspect Jesse Manes will make an appearance here.  This song is actually about a boy’s fear of his father’s alcoholism.  Then again, if the person who picked it didn’t actually know what the song was really about then yes, it follows the theme of the previous song.

2X9 The Diner So I wasn’t 100% sure which song this was referencing.  My mind immediately went to Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega, which I won’t lie, I had stuck in my head for like 6 years because I couldn’t figure out what the song was so I never heard it again. ��When I finally did it was sweet relief.  Now there’s a ‘The Diner’ by Kaskade but it’s really just a remix of her song, so I’m going to assume that’s the song.

Now absolutely nothing in this song draws me back to this show.  There is a verse at the very end that seems like it might be significant, but it’s not in the ‘the diner’ version.   Then again, it could just be that the episode takes place surrounding the Crashdown, and the song title is literal.

Oh, this rain It will continue Through the morning As I'm listening To the bells Of the cathedral I am thinking Of your voice And of the midnight picnic Once upon a time Before the rain began

1X10 American Woman (Lenny Kravitz) This seems way out there, but this song makes me think of an outsider government/military type showing up to investigate and stir the pot.

So beyondkailani had directly commented on the contrast between 2X6 and 2X7.  I agree. Different in every way, but I’m not sure it has any meaning beyond trying to find song titles that fit the narrative, but then I think ‘no way’, and I’m sure it must be something more complicated.  I’m still digesting how I feel because the songs do bounce all over the place as far as genre.  

In S01 I felt like 75% of the song titles it was just the title that related to the episode.  I’m sure the lyrics also add to it, but mostly I think they were chosen just for their titles.  There are some episodes where it must be the lyrics that had meaning because I can’t see another connection (1X4, 1X10), but for most, it’s just the title.

Per example: -Don’t Speak is a break up song and I suppose you could attach a secondary meaning of the loss of your faith in someone to this song, but that’s a tough sell for me. -Smells like Teen Spirit on the teen revisit episode and I assure you the song is not actually about being a teenager… -I Saw the Sign on the episode where Liz finds a possible motive for why Isobel killed Rosa when this is actually also a break-up song of sorts. -Champagne Supernova on the Gala episode -Creep for the prison and Noah revealing the full extent of his actions (yet the song is actually about wanting someone who you think is amazing to love you but thinking in comparison to them you are nothing).  Now that I’m reconsidering this one the lyrics may also have value here. Originally I hadn’t considered that the lyrics might represent Noah’s feelings about Rosa.  Rosa not being an active character I didn’t consider her as part of the equation the first time.

I added some of these to the playlist at the top as well. 1X1-Pilot 1X2-So Much for the Afterglow 1X3-Tearin' Up My Heart 1X4-Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? 1X5-Don't Speak 1X6-Smells Like Teen Spirit 1X7-I Saw the Sign 1X8-Barely Breathing 1X9-Songs About Texas 1X10-I Don't Want to Miss a Thing 1X11-Champagne Supernova 1X12-Creep 1X13-Recovering the Satellites

Now all of this could be totally moot since most of the songs in S01 are just about the title and I focused on content to make conjectures.  This was really fun for me though.

[iamwhelmed]

Willpower

Wow, first DOA fanfic in YEEAARRS. This time it’s about my favorite girl, my waifu Lei Fang. She’s been my role model since I was super small and playing Dead or Alive 3, and not surprisingly-- I’ve always shipped her with Jann Lee. Tough guy, professional asshole, the one who never looks her way when goddammit Jann Lee the love of your life is right fucking there just TALK TO HER. Anyway... I’ve been meaning to write something for years, but I’ve always been scared I didn’t have as good a grasp on the story as I thought I did lmao

Summary: Lei Fang’s dress was white, and long, and gorgeous-- and the slit up her leg was ripped in three different directions. Her eyes were worse, dead, empty, staring into nothing as she sipped a glass of straight whiskey. There was a feeling Hitomi had, one she hadn’t felt in a long time, a bad feeling, like the last breath of air before you went underwater to drown. Something had changed, something was going to change. Hitomi wasn’t sure she’d like it. 

Jann Lee breaks Lei Fang's heart, and Hitomi is here to witness her coming back together again.

Read it on AO3

Read it on Fanfiction.net

She'd known Lei Fang for awhile now, about three years. Maybe more. Hitomi liked to think they were best friends, closest confidants- rivals. She liked to think they knew each other better than anyone else, that their traded secrets (harbored loves burdened by circumstance) and months spent training and movie nights with popcorn and ice cream- she liked to think they amounted to an understanding unrivaled by anyone they'd known before.

Despite all this, she'd never seen Lei Fang cry.

Lei Fang, who was as fiery and determined as she was stubborn, who got kicked down and rejected again and again for close to a decade and only took it as a challenge, she'd been embarrassed but never sad. Never discouraged. Never heartbroken. Hitomi knew what heartbreak was, felt it every time she saw auburn hair and stern eyes that still felt as warm as strong arms over her shoulders. She knew what it felt like to wonder if he felt the same way, and more than anything, she knew when it got too much and she had to shed her tears and mourn a love she feared would never be. It didn't happen often, only once in awhile, but occasionally. When Hayate smiled at her, when she was rarely reminded that he'd spent more time away than he'd spent at the dojo with her, she'd cry. She was silent for the most part, dug the heels of her hands into her eyes and let it out as she curled into herself on her couch, let the TV blare and block it all out as she remembered slowly but surely how to breath.

Lei Fang had seen it once, showed up at her front door at the wrong time. Hitomi hoped it hadn't been obvious, that she'd smiled enough and that her voice didn't crack, but Lei Fang saw her eyes (and the shameful red rim of her waterline). Anyone else might have asked her if she'd been watching a sad movie, or gotten bad news. Lei Fang? Lei Fang took one look at her, grit her teeth, and said: "Where'd the bastard go? Where is he?" Hitomi had wanted to laugh, but she let out a sob and rubbed at her sore eyes and said: "Busy. He's busy."

Lei Fang told her that no man worth her time would ever be too busy for her. Hitomi guessed she was right, but they both knew these strings around their hearts were far from snapping, despite how sternly they may be strung.

But Lei Fang never cried, not in front of her at least. She just got angry. She punched down walls, kicked over columns. She trained harder than any one person should be physically able to handle. She came back harder and stronger and it still never seemed to be enough. It was a cycle, one she resonated with, respected, and kind of grieved. But she and Lei Fang did it every year now. They went and trained and sparred, and eventually parted ways to go kick some butt in the tournament. Except neither of them ever won, for varying reasons. It happened. They'd win it next time. That's what she figured when she met Lei Fang at the bar a few weeks after the sixth tournament. They were going to have a few drinks, lament their losses, Lei Fang would smack talk Jann Lee, Hitomi would laugh, and they'd get on with the next year.

Lei Fang's dress was white, and long, and gorgeous- and the slit up her leg was ripped in three different directions. Her eyes were worse, dead, empty, staring into nothing as she sipped a glass of straight whiskey. There was a feeling Hitomi had, one she hadn't felt in a long time, a bad feeling, like the last breath of air before you went underwater to drown. Something had changed, something was going to change. Hitomi wasn't sure she'd like it.

"Hey, what's up?" She tried to keep her voice a level up, cheery, normal.

Lei Fang glanced at her from the side, gave her a small smile with a busted lip, and what she could now see was a budding bruise at the bone of her cheek. "You made it."

"Of course!" She made a show of glancing over her face, and skimming over the dirtied, mussed stains of her dress. One of her shoes' heels was snapped. The other strap around the ankle had torn in two. She resisted the urge to let out a low whistle. That jerk had done a number on her this time. "So, should I see the other guy?"

Lei Fang snorted and tipped her glass back, finishing the rest in two, three gulps. She set the glass down and the bartender filled it as soon as it hit the wood, and Hitomi was starting to get the impression that she hadn't walked in on her first drink. "Yeah, I gave him a few good shiners. Maybe that smug face of his will have a broken nose tomorrow."

"Mmm."

The bartender welcomed her, took her card for a tab and filled her glass with a colorful cocktail.

"Did you beat him again?"

"No."

Lei Fang's vacant eyes followed the (second? third? more?) whiskey and round ice as it did laps around the rim, her blue and purple wrist looking worse for wear every second. Hitomi took a hesitant sip of her pink fruity drink and waited.

The silence was deafening and stale. She wasn't used to quiet around Lei Fang. She glanced around the bar where other Dead or Alive contestants had gathered in the distance. She supposed Lei Fang had decided to sit in the farthest place she could. She found no eyes wandering in their direction, but gathered from Tina's shift in their direction and Helena's far-off eye that they were listening. She'd have to keep her voice low.

"I guess I got what I wanted."

"Huh?"

Lei Fang chuckled, smile usually so sly and taunting now sardonic as she stared down the shelves of the bar. Her eyes were still hollow, but Hitomi could see a glaze in the bar light's reflection. "I never wanted something normal. Dinner dates, flowers, romantic birthdays alone… I never wanted any of that. It's boring." She wasn't sure if Lei Fang was talking to her or simply lamenting, so she didn't say anything, just gripped her drink and held it to her like a lifeline. "Never will have any of that, will I?" Lei Fang exhaled, and she couldn't tell if she was laughing or sighing. She watched as Lei Fang's nimble fingers clutched at the bar glass, noticed with growing concern that her hand was trembling.

"Lei Fang?"

"How stupid…" Something snapped. Barren eyes filled with tears that fell in rhythm. That smile, that sarcastic, humorless smile twisted into something bitter, something that Hitomi realized with a starting realization… was heartbreak.

She set her drink on the bar and leaped into Lei Fang, pulling her into her arms and squeezing her as a warning that she wasn't letting go. Lei Fang, who she knew all this time was a warrior, who was a powerhouse and an untoward partition, didn't even put up a fight. She went limp in her arms, weeping openly as she dug her head into her chest and pressed her fists to either side, wept like she'd forgotten to for years. She shook and trembled and whimpered, and she mumbled over and over again as though the realization continued to occur to her. "I'm so stupid!" He doesn't even see me. I'm nothing to him. She heard every word Lei Fang couldn't say, set her chin on her head and fought her own tears because she needed to be the strong one right now.

She glanced up to see if anyone was looking. Helena was burying her head in her pool game with Bass, Tina had turned her back to them completely. If anybody else was paying attention, they weren't letting on about it. Eliot turned to glance over at them, concern filling his big expressive eyes, but Brad Wong wrapped an arm around him and tugged him tight into his chest. Hitomi closed her eyes and buried her head in Lei Fang's hair.

"I know," she hushed, "I know."

Lei Fang had a date. A real, honest-to-god date. His name was Chao Li, and he was the wealthy son of one of her father's friends. He looked handsome in the magazine pictures Lei Fang brought to show her, and according to his father, he'd become particularly well-versed in the art of bowling as a hobby. She'd caught his eye at a charity event in Hong Kong. She said yes when he sent a massive card (roughly her height and maybe her weight) and a wheelbarrow of peonies, orchids, and lotus blossoms. Hitomi was happy for her, because she deserved to be admired and sought after, and just a tiny part of her was smug that she'd bagged such an amazing guy. She mentioned it to Tina in passing one day when they ran into each other at the beach. Tina laughed and whistled and said: "That's what she needs to do. Light a fire under his ass!" She didn't need to ask who Tina meant. They both knew.

Lei Fang came back a few weeks later as they met up for brunch at the pretty cafe near Hitmoi's house, told her Chao Li was just as hot in person as he was on paper. He'd brought her to see a famous ballet, then took her on a romantic boat ride under the blossoming cherry trees and stars. He'd held her hand and told her that he'd never seen a woman so strong and fascinating. He'd said there wasn't a woman like her. Hitomi agreed, and giggled through the whole story. She just couldn't help but notice that Lei Fang's smile didn't reach her eyes.

Lei Fang continued dating Chao Li, though they hadn't gone as far as claiming "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" status. She had a feeling Lei Fang didn't want to put a label on it. That was too normal, too mundane. If Chao Li had a problem with it, Lei Fang hadn't told her. Time passed, a few months went by, the seventh Dead or Alive tournament would begin soon. She worried Lei Fang would pull out, but she was more than happy to start training again. Chao Li insisted that she compete, told her "you have a talent, what use is it to hide you away from the world?" He wouldn't hide her beauty from his colleagues, he certainly wouldn't hide her strength. Hitomi had cooed and told Lei Fang how perfect he was for her, and Lei Fang agreed- but she wouldn't look her in the eyes.

As usual, she and Lei Fang trained and sparred and gave each other pointers, and they grew stronger and better with each day. It felt like there was something missing, though, and it didn't occur to her until Zack was popping up in a helicopter with DOA invitations that they hadn't once mentioned the elephant in the room, the foe she and Lei Fang would undoubtedly face. As she and Lei Fang hopped into the helicopter, something cold and heavy and wet sunk into the pit of her stomach. Dread.

As usual, she and Lei Fang passed the first stages of the tournament with no competition. Wins came easy, and the same people who made it to the quarter finals last year made it to this year too. Mila, Eliot, Diego, Tina, Bass, Kokoro, Rig… Jann Lee. She had yet to mention his name to Lei Fang, not because she was purposely avoiding it but, uh… okay maybe she was a little. But every time they saw the leaderboards, saw his face plastered on the screen by Diego's, she couldn't help but hold her breath; Lei Fang was trying not to notice. Chao Li had been in the audience for every single round, cheered with the crowd and was there when Lei Fang won to welcome her into his arms. So sure enough he hung around them when they chilled out at the bar.

Tina whistled low as she checked him out, said, and I quote: "Damn Lei Fang, got yourself a slick and thick piece of meat!" Lei Fang rolled her eyes and Mila busted into gut-wrenching laughter. Zack pounced and gave the guy a warm welcome, and Brad Wong raised his glass in greeting. The three of them eventually took a seat at the table with Mila and Tina, who were teasing Eliot across the way for being adorable. He got flustered, and mad, but Brad Wong's laughter settled him from doing anything he'd regret. A few hours flew by with laughter and drinks, and Lei Fang was a little tipsy, and Hitomi might have been too. Rig had walked in, sat down, and ordered an Old Fashioned at some point, and Helena had clocked out early into the night. Drunk Lei Fang picked fights with Bass and Drunk Hitomi laughed as it happened. Sober(er) Chao Li tried his best to smooth things over with Bass by stroking his ego. Hitomi was vaguely aware that her sides were killing her and that she'd well run out of air to expunge in fits of hysteria, but the laughter had merely turned to breathless heaves. Bass himself seemed almost amused, watching as Chao Li made his very best efforts toward keeping Lei Fang's hind in her chair.

Hitomi hoped that Jann Lee walking into the bar wouldn't ruin the mood, and it didn't. She, like Lei Fang, seemed to be the only one to notice him walking in. There were greetings, some from Kokoro, some from the bartender, but Lei Fang stayed silent, choosing instead to lean her weight into Chao Li's side. He seemed surprised, if not pleased, oblivious to the sudden departure of the cheery girl he'd known all this time. He wrapped an arm over her shoulders and smiled to himself. Hitomi glanced at Jann Lee to see if he'd noticed them, but the man had set his eyes on Rig and looked ready to spar. Hitomi snorted to herself. Of course he would. She hated to pity Lei Fang, knew she'd never want that, but it was hard not to when even she could say her affections were… recognized. At the very least, Hayate was never anything but kind to her. Jann Lee never seemed to not have a Kung Fu stick up his- Hitomi exhaled through her nose.

Instead of starting a fight, Jann Lee ordered a drink, sat silently a few stools away from Rig and stayed there, staring into nothing. Good, Hitomi thought, he can stay over there. She wasn't sure where Lei Fang sat on fighting Jann Lee again, but she had a feeling she wasn't likely to spring for a sparring match. She had her head buried in Chao Li's shoulder and abandoned her drink on the table. He leaned his head on hers, whispering into her hair. "Are you tired?" Lei Fang shook her head, and he pressed a kiss to her hair. "Would you like to head back?" Hitomi felt her heart pop watching them, though the grossed-out or embarrassed murmurs of the younger contestants might have made her giggle. Bass nearly lamented on his relationship with Tina's late mother, much to Tina's mortified disbelief.

Lei Fang raised her head so that her chin set on his shoulder, and she pouted. "You don't have to baby me, I can finish my drink at least." Chao Li grinned and leaned forward, pressing- much to Hitomi's stunned silence- a gentle kiss to her lips. Lei Fang didn't seem to kiss back, but she didn't resist either. She closed her eyes and pouted some more when he drew away. Kokoro's and Elito's faces turned red at the public display, while Tina and Mila and Zack couldn't seem less bothered by it. "Geez, I haven't had that much!"

"Of course not," He smirked and pulled away, standing with his empty bottle in hand. "I'm getting another beer, then. Anyone want anything? On me."

A few people cheered and raised their glasses to another round, and Chao Li graciously took to the bar. Lei Fang met Hitomi's eyes as she readjusted to sit up straight, and met Hitomi's small smile with an even smaller one.

They weren't expecting the crash that came from the bar. Hitomi whipped around to see Rig, lightly pushing Chao Li's half-limp body off of his own, glaring daggers at Jann Lee who, much to Hitomi's surprise, stood barring one raised fist. Chao Li clutched his cheek in one hand steadied himself with the other, nearly tripping on the toppled barstool as he climbed off of Rig's lap, looking for all the world like a scared child, filled with disbelief. Rig mumbled something along the lines of "Was that really necessary?"

Hitomi took a chance glance at Lei Fang and found that she had also heard the commotion, and was readily alert. Her fists clenched and unclenched at her sides, raring to fight, but the look on her face said that she was too shocked to move.

Chao Li scrambled to stand, backing away from Jann Lee slowly, cautiously. Jann Lee scoffed, turned to Lei Fang and nodded to her recoiling lover. "This is who you choose, Lei Fang?" Her mouth opened, but she said nothing. The entire bar had turned to watch whatever the hell had begun unfolding, and Hitomi herself found the scene too disastrous to turn away from. A car-wreck in slow motion. Jann Lee ran a thumb over his top lip, brushing away sweat that wasn't even there as he turned to face her. "You choose a coward who could never defend you?"

"I'm perfectly capable of defending myself!" Lei Fang's voice trembled despite the insistence in her tone. Jann Lee said nothing.

Instead he raised his glass, finished the last drop, and left the bar without so much as a second glance. Chao Li went home that night, and neither Hitomi nor Lei Fang blamed him, but he'd proven Jann Lee right. More than anything, Hitomi knew, that was what would irritate Lei Fang the most.

Lei Fang began training harder than she'd ever seen her train before. More viscous. Unending. She was up before Hitomi was and last to fall asleep. She was constantly challenging other contestants to spar, and winning every time. Hitomi was impressed, if not a little concerned. They sparred one last time before the quarter finals and wished each other luck.

Once again, like every tournament before, Lei Fang went up against Jann Lee.

She was all fierce, no serenity, little grace, only anger. Hitomi watched from one of the upper wings and silently cheered on her friend, hoping against all hope that this is the one time she wins in the ring, because Jann Lee needed to be brought down a peg.

The two went back and forth, exchanging blow after blow, going round in circles with kicks that broke or sprained wrists and punches that made the audience wince. Hitomi herself found her fists squeezing the guarding pole tight enough that it sunk it under her nails. She'd never been so nervous for a fight she wasn't partaking in before.

"Hitomi."

She gasped, twisting around to find her own internal struggle staring her in the face, warm eyes lighting up over a smile as hot as the sun itself, she swore it felt like it anyway. Her cheeks heated against every unwilling bone in her body. "Ei-Hayate!"

He approached the rail to stand at her side, watching with crossed arms as Jann Lee and Lei Fang exchanged bone-breaking blow after blow. Hitomi, though still nervous, shy even, returned to her original position. Hayate tilted his head. "Jann Lee's going to win."

Hitomi blanched. "Don't be so sure! Lei Fang has been training really hard the last few days!"

"Train as she might, there is no surpassing his will."

"She's got a pretty strong will too." She smiled, thought about fights over a cabbage and hot volleyball matches that left dents in the sand. Yes, Lei Fang had a will unlike many she'd ever known. If there was any girl out there who could beat Jann Lee into submission, it was her, and in the face of recent failings, she still believed she would. "I believe in her."

She felt his eyes glancing her up and down. "Some things are stronger than will to defeat the undefeatable."

"Like?"

Hayate turned back to the match, as though he hadn't been skimming over the bare skin between her shirt and pants or the shine in her eyes (a color he'd still dream about to this day, and wake feeling more complete). "The will to love."

She'd been so close, she was sure of it. Just one more well-timed throw, one more blocked fist, and the fight would have been hers. But she'd been too slow, or maybe too focused on hurting him when she should have focused on avoiding him. Thus was the story of her life, she supposed. One knock to the stomach and she was flat on her hind end, wincing as she skidded to the floor and hit the back of her head. Ouch, that was gonna hurt in the morning, not as much as her pride would, though.

Lei Fang winced, raised one hand to the back of her aching skull and glared up at Jann Lee's approaching figure in the too-bright lights of the DOA ring. What a jerk, she grinded in her head. What an absolute ass. She hated him, hated him more than anyone she'd ever had a mind to hate before. She hated him for his arrogance and his smugness, hated him for how cold he was, how he couldn't seem to ever let her win, in or out of the ring. She hated how he'd taken so many years from her, how she finally thought she was done and he riled her up and pulled her right back in. She hated that he'd never give her what she wanted, but he was more than happy to keep her trying. Tears, frustrated, hurt, angry, helpless- they burned at the corners of her eyes like firecrackers but she refused to let them spring to life. She would not cry in front of him. She'd wasted enough tears on a man who would never earn them, and a man who would never care to. She bared her teeth and cupped her bruised and swelling cheek, hissing at him and hoping he saw the hatred in her eyes, because he'd never seen anything else in them before. Lei Fang leveled her breathing as Jann Lee approached, looking down at her with the same infuriating stare the egged her to get up. She wanted to- boy, did she want to- but she was done. She shouldn't have wasted this tournament getting ready to fight him, shouldn't have wasted years trying to get him to acknowledge her.

"Do you see now, Lei Fang?"

"See what?" She spat the words out, like blood in her mouth. Jann Lee cocked his head, once again scoffed at her. How she hated that.

Then he surprised her in the next moment by offering his hand. She glanced at the outstretched arm, then trailed it back up to his cold, calculating face. She must have looked confused, because he carried on. "There is no other man on this planet who can protect you. Wasting your time is foolish." She reached to touch his hand, but paused at the last minute, still feeling for all the world like he'd given her a concussion, knocked her into a coma. He must have. He closed the distance and captured her hand in his own, pulling her up with such strength that she felt the air leave her chest.

Lei Fang found herself face-to-face with Jann Lee, chests inches apart, though he'd released her hand. She glanced from her hands, clasped at her chest, to his face, finding it harder with each passing second to look at him. But she would, because she was Lei Fang, and he was Jann Lee, and he'd never settle for anything less. She should have figured, should have guessed. His eyes bore into hers and never left, the equivalent to burning her fluttering eyelids right off.

A few meters away, Hitomi's jaw was dropping the lowest it had ever gone, and Hayate was smiling to himself.

Hitomi won the tournament, not in short thanks to Lei Fang's enthusiastic cheering in the crowd (she swore she could hear her voice over thousands). Jann Lee, most shockingly of all, bowed out of the competition after that fight. Hitomi wondered if his intention had been to beat Lei Fang all along, if he'd never intended to stick around the competition. Considering Rig hadn't entered, and Mila knocked Diego out in their match, that was probably the best guess.

Chao Li never spoke to Lei Fang again, probably thought Jann Lee would punch him again. Which was fine because he probably would.

Lei Fang started openly talking about Jann Lee and how she was gonna beat him again for sure. She trained hard, but there was no more talk of Jann Lee accepting her. As far as Hitomi could tell, he'd done well more than that. Sure, Lei Fang sometimes showed up to their hang-outs with bruises all over, but the smile on Lei Fang's face was unmistakable (and so were bruises on her nape of her neck that were decidedly not a result of sparring). She did happen to see her friends cry once or twice after that, but it was all a result of watching a really sad family film that left both of them in tears. So did it count? Not really, Hitomi decided.

When they made chocolates on Valentine's Day, Lei Fang stuck to making something coffee-flavored. "I just feel like going a little less sweet this year." Hitomi grinned and kept her thoughts to herself, deciding that was perfectly fine because it meant she had to buy less sugar. The chocolates came out prettier than last year, and tastier (they'd had to sneak a bite). They'd stayed up all night and crashed on her couch watching rom-coms.

When they woke up, the box Hitomi had made had disappeared. Lei Fang laughed at her and said: "He's Japanese, isn't he? There better be a white day gift in March or I'll kick his ass for you."

If Lei Fang's chocolates were passed off to somebody else again this year, she certainly didn't act like it. In fact, Hitomi thought she saw a nearly permanent skip in her step.

There weren't anymore stories about romantic dates under moonlight or tales about a spring boat ride with recited poetry, but there were rants about sparring matches that didn't end her way, and stories where Lei Fang grew red and trailed off before cutting the story short altogether. Hitomi could see the details swarming in her big round eyes, and let her imagination run wild with what Jann Lee might be like when he's being nice.

The eighth Dead or Alive tournament came around, and once again, Hitomi and Lei Fang hit the road and trained. It went about the way it always did, though when they inevitably followed (stalked) Jann Lee to find out how his training had been going, Lei Fang wasn't shy about talking to him. The two exchanged witty banter; she taunted him, and he snarked. To Hitomi's joy, not necessarily surprise, Lei Fang offered to help Jann Lee train.

He took them up on it.

After a few sparring matches, Lei Fang and Hitomi decided to hit the road again. They wrapped their swollen limbs and put some bandaids on their cuts and waved goodbye to Jann Lee, who was covered in ACE bandages, himself. He'd merely nodded and gone back to training. The girls parted, but not before Hitomi caught the smallest exchange.

Lei Fang dilly dallied and let her eyes wander and watch him as he broke a log in half.

Hitomi bet neither of them knew it, but she saw him turn and smile at her.

[bluerosesburnblue]

Liz Liveblogs Bravely Second: Chapter 6, Part 1/2

Well, I said I’d shoot for Halloween, not that I’d make it. I legitimately wasn’t expecting the Yōkai sidequest to be so... dense. So, because of that, we’re splitting this chapter into two parts, too. I think the finale deserves an entry all on its own

We’re in the home stretch, folks. Get ready for Bravely Second Chapter 6, Bravely Second

Hey, welcome to my liveblog of Bravely Default. So Tiz, after the destruction of Norende wakes up... wait. Hmmm. Wrong brunet boy. How did we get to the Caldisla Inn?

Karl’s soothing voice is a welcome reprieve from... that scene

“Wait! Where’s Denys?” *noises of discomfort from Tiz, Edea, Magnolia, and me*

“We defeated Diamante...” No. We were denied the ability to defeat Diamante. Now it’s Denys’s burden, assuming someone can even survive at the end of time. The self-sacrificing idiot...

Magnolia is being called to return home, as the hero of her people... and the light of her communicator is clipping through her Black Mage hat. Whoops

Weird that Karl didn’t recognize Tiz until right now. What, was Yew the only one asleep? Was his hair so bad you couldn’t be sure until you heard his voice?

Even more insane that he recognizes Edea since I have her in her Ranger getup with a full face mask

“Me and Agnes and Edea and...?” “We always counted on him when we.. When we...” Tiz. Edea. Do you not remember Ringabel or the first game? I thought we just weren’t talking about him because it was a sore subject, but...

Tiz doesn’t even remember the king of his home nation. What happened to you kids?

Diamante’s bestiary states that when it fell, it destroyed a part of the Miasma Woods and split the continent in two. I assume that refers to the separation of landmasses between the Harena and Yulyana regions, since there’s... like... a crater there where I’m pretty sure there wasn’t last game. I never mentioned it, it’s just the spot where we keep boarding the Skyhold because Denys really liked parking over it?

Karl who are these two white-haired kids? Are they yours? They can’t be grandkids since Owen is...

Caldisla’s theme is still amazing. Feels like being home after a long journey. Love it when a game can do that to me.

Tiz really had forgotten his entire home and the start of last game. Edea couldn’t remember it either

Yew says he’s read about Caldisla, but he couldn’t remember what he’d read either

I am reminded of a plot point in the Korean webtoon Kubera: One Last God. In that, a person who uses time magic too much will “forfeit their existence” for a time. They disappear and don’t age, but as long as they’re vanished from existence, nobody can remember them. If someone tries to remember events surrounding them, they freeze up and then immediately think of something else, forgetting their original train of thought. I’m getting the same vibes here

I know that tinny tone, Alternis!

“I am the one who carried you out of the Skyhold and to safety.” But how did you get to the Skyhold in the first place? I can’t imagine it was still flying after we “defeated” its power source, so it must have crashed somewhere around the Yulyana/Florem area, in which case the party should be very, very dead. Dead beyond my ability to fix

“I would go to the very ends of the earth for you if you needed me, Edea.” Okay, Clearly-Ringabel, turn the charm down a notch and exposit for us

“That bloody witch... Yōko will pay!” So Yōko sealed everyone’s memories of Caldisla? How do you figure, Dim?

Ah, she gave him the cryptic message of “Go to Caldisla, the land of endings” and he had no idea what she was talking about but went anyway and his brain freaked out

He’s still wearing Edea’s bow! So at the very least it’s the same Alternis from the Geyser Grotto

You know, I’m just now realizing that it’s been two games and we still haven’t had party members from either the Yulyana region or the Eisen region. You know, one of the four main continents? Has a major magical artifact in the form of a capital-”C”-Crystal?

I mean, Tiz is from Caldis, Agnès from Harena, Ringabel from Florem, Edea and Yew from Eternia, and Magnolia from the Moon, which somehow got representation before Eisen did

...how dare they put a hidden item next to a child you can talk to. Do you know how difficult it was to get Yew to focus on the object and not the kid!? Yeesh

Hitboxes on hidden items are so finicky in this game I swear

And there was a Phoenix Down behind Owen’s grave. Thanks

Oh... oh no. Oh no I looked at Til’s grave. Oh god Tiz I’m so sorry

God he sounds like he’s gonna cry. “Til was a lot younger than me... Even younger than you.” I don’t think it ever occurred to Yew that while he was using Tiz to replace Denys... Tiz was doing the same thing back

And the Caldisla amnesia makes it worse oh no. Could you imagine? Walking through a town and slowly realizing that it’s your hometown. And then stopping in front of a grave and it’s your brother’s grave. And it only hits you while you’re looking at it that you even have a brother... had a brother

Til doesn’t get a big grave like Owen. His is one of the small, unassuming ones. The only person he meant anything to was Tiz

And Tiz is being lauded as the hero he deserves after his untimely coma after the defeat of Ouroboros. Can’t help but notice they aren’t celebrating Edea, who was also there, but eh. She’s got the entirety of Eternia to throw her a party. Let Tiz have his exotic cheeses

Heyyyyy, Egil! How’s my favorite kid who didn’t die in a mine!? Nice armor, buddy! Looking good!

Oooooooh a Junior Captain? Nice work!

A great beast at Lontano? It couldn’t be a Ba’al, could it? The only story-based one we’ve had so far is Urchin

That’s actually the one thing I think I prefer in Default over Second. The Norende Nemesis fights weren’t necessary for completion, which was good since I mostly played that game at college where my 3DS couldn’t connect to the internet thanks to how poorly set up the login information was. My 3DS just couldn’t handle it. I barely did them, and I really didn’t miss much because of it. Here, though, if I want to 100% complete the game I have to do the Fort-Lune Ba’al fights, and which ones I get are entirely up to chance. I have been doing them, though. Get a lot of Apparati (probably people sharing it because it’s the only one with a Catmancy skill), followed by Snowcap in terms of quantity. Heck, I only got my first Redshirt the night before writing this and the only Urchin I’ve seen has been the story one. Completing those Bestiary entries is probably the last thing I’ll be able to do just out of luck

“The Youth Brigade”? What, we doing child soldiers now or is this the Caldisla version of Boy Scouts?

“Tiz, would you care to introduce us?” “Of course! This is Egil. He’s like... um... a little brother to me.” Hey, Yew, meet your new favorite little brother. Egil’s family. Mostly because Tiz has chronic Big-Bro-itis, but still. He’s a good kid

Can Egil be a party member in Bravely Third, finally giving us our Eisen representation?

Tiz no. Don’t mention the Three Cavaliers. That’s still a sore subject!

Oh damn. “You must be, like, the best of the best! So why are you hanging out with someone like Tiz here?” Egil! Harsh! Tiz killed a World-Consuming snake demon, you know!

“Yew’s a good friend of ours. I guess you could say he’s like a slightly older younger brother.” These boys cannot stop taking in new brothers! It’s adorable! I love it! (See, Denys? This is what you miss when you needlessly throw yourself into a time vortex. You miss getting adopted by Tiz and having, like, 60 younger brothers.)

An earthquake? First reaction says it’s the “beast” but we are right near the Great Chasm. I hope it was just a rock slide, but it’s never that easy

It’s the Rubadub? Why the fuck did the Rubadub cause an earthquake!?

Damn, according to Sakura we’ve been out for over a week

Sakura is best team mom! She did the laundry while we were gone, fixed the damages from the Skyhold collapse, caught a ton of fish, and is already making dinner with it!

Oh... wait what? Wait. ...is that where Caldisla is? I... hrm.

So my poor geography sense ended up making the “Caldisla disappeared” plot point work because I misremembered where the whole continent was. I thought it was in the middle of the ocean between Eternia and Florem and just wasn’t on the map because the section it would be in would be cut-off and it wasn’t going to be relevant! I thought it was farther to the right! God, see, this is what happens when you change the orientation of the map on me. I can’t navigate for shit

So, hey, I read through my old Liveblogs to catch myself up for the finale just in case, and you know what I called out and had conveniently forgotten by the time I played the last chapter? Minette Napkatti is seventeen FUCKING years old. She’s OLDER than both Yew and Janne. I wrote everything last chapter under the assumption she was, like, 10! God, her being 17 is so much worse. Now it makes people treating her like a pet even creepier! How is Minette even worse than I gave her credit for! Stop enabling this girl and get her some serious mental rehabilitation!

Now, I should really look at that urgent Beast situation... buuuuuuuuut there’s a sidequest in Gathelatio!

Actually, Yew just brought up the Crypts in a Party Chat and now I’m curious. Where did the stairwell Denys was standing near... go? Does it just exit into the city somewhere?

Party Chat says Alfred said there was a secret passage between the Crypts and the Sanctum. I’m gonna go see if that’s what’s up with those stairs

“I’d rather we didn’t go blundering around the family crypts if we don’t have to” Sorry, Yew, I’m with Edea. It’ll be five minutes, max. Besides, it looks like the sidequest is in the Sanctum. I wanna sneak up on ‘em if I can

Uhhhhh... wh...

Denys? Denys did you leave this shadow-man ghost thing here? What the fuck is that?

Why is there a nondistinct shadow man near Foundar’s grave?

All it says is “Fear the Eye of Foundar... But I suppose it’s still too early for you to understand what that means. Heh.” Hey, don’t laugh! You aren’t the first person to give me awful, vague prophecies! Sylvie beat you to it by a whole timeline!

There are some bits of... probably hair dangling at the sides of Shadowman’s face. It looks kinda like Yew’s concept art hairstyle, honestly. Huh.

That’s it that’s unsettling I’m out

And hey, that was the secret passage into the Sanctum! I hadn’t even noticed a door there in my past visits. Let’s... uh... let’s just talk to Braev and forget that unnerving shadow boy

What’s the matter, narrator? “By what strange trick of fate do your paths cross anew?” getting too much for you? Braev’s been in the story for a while, I don’t think he needed an introduction

Ah. Well, the sidequest is still Edea-focused like all the others, but at least this one I can get behind. It’s Braev testing whether Edea’s ready to succeed him

And there’s still a choice, hm? Should you desire the power to cut down all foes, the Grand Marshal’s sword is in Everlast Tower. Should you desire the power to protect your subjects, the Grand Marshal’s shield is in the Central Command basement

I don’t suppose we could do both? They say the two are opposites, but I hardly see why. A true ruler knows how to balance the two. Knows how to change their persona to match the situation. To cut down your foes is to protect your citizens. To protect your citizens is to spite your foes. There’s no reason to limit your capabilities

Regardless, if they do make us pick one, I find the sword is the better option. A shield can only hold out so long without the opposing forces thinning out

“It’s a travesty! Ketchup is for burgers and fries!” God, Yew is a boy after my own heart. I’ll try any food or food combo once, but putting ketchup on a good steak seems like sacrilege

And Tiz is also a boy after my own heart. Keep it simple with your eggs. Salt and pepper is all you really need. Though I’ve never had hollandaise, so I can’t really comment on Yew’s choice

Aw, Tiz puts soy sauce on his oysters because that’s how Agnès did it when he first had them. Cute!

And it was all a ruse to distract them from the fact that she botched dinner! Oh, Magnolia, sweetheart. I appreciate the creativity but I think bringing up favorite foods was the worst thing to do

Edea thinks getting the sword was too easy... so she wants to talk to Elder Sirius? If I go, is he just gonna tell me to grab the shield as was my plan to attempt from the start?

Braev’s location is marked... but so is the shield still. I want both

“It’s what Heinkel would’ve done.” I have no problems believing that Heinkel would use an heirloom shield to grill food. That checks out

Aaaaand that’s why you ask Yew before you use his stuff to cook with. Leave my nerd son and his collections alone!

A true leader directly defies orders and grabs both heirlooms regardless! We make our own win states in the House of Liz!

And seek shield counsel with Goodman. ...screw it, let’s talk to Sirius and Goodman. I’m curious if either of them have new dialogue

Seems like they do! Unmarked cutscenes. Sirius warns Edea to be careful of all power, as any could be used for evil. But it can also be used for good. The power is not the issue, but the intent of its wielder. To cast aside any means of defeating all who would endanger those you seek to protect is foolish

And Goodman espouses the benefits of a shield. Separate the soldiers from the civilians, and have the soldiers become an unbreakable wall to repel all threats. The shield has no chance of endangering others (KH Goofy would like to have a word, sir)

Edea mentioned Dominus Harena, so I thought I’d check him out and lo and behold! He also has a scene. Ancheim makes weapons, but uses none. They fight instead with their knowledge, using the scholars of Al-Khampis to outbuild and outsmart their foes. And they can absolutely use those weapons if they want. “Don’t brandish a big sword - but be sure to have one ready when you need it” is pretty close to my life motto

Meeting Braev at Vestment Cave is the first relevant event in the Yulyana region, huh?

Vestment Cave is the place you were blessed with a daughter? Edea was born in this cave when Sage took you in? Did I know that or is that just some trivia you felt like sharing, Braev? Because if so uhhhh...? I don’t think I can get that out of my head

Oh? “I see you have the grand marshal’s sword AND shield. ...And yet you have equipped neither.” I... have Edea as a Ranger? Equipping either of those would do nothing for her. I was not aware you wanted those equipped

...you know what? Yeah! Have the big sword (and shield) but don’t brandish it! That is our answer!

“Justice must be supported by might and authority - but when it is delivered at the point of a sword it is naught but coercion. [...] A stout shield is needed to protect the people in times of war. Yet the true goal should be a world with no need for shields. The noble course is to believe in the ideal.” This sidequest is awesome

“But you have one more trial to face - together with the friends who stand beside you!” And you know what? Those friends are the only weapon a good leader needs! They keep you from swinging the sword with abandon or allowing harm to come passively! They balance you, keep you in check! Edea Lee, go and claim the position you have earned!

(I just wish that Edea was in a different outfit in that scene. Loses a bit of impact when her face is covered with an animal mask)

Damn! He revives more times than Diamante! You fucking hear that, Denys!? Edea’s dad is a harder fight than DIAMANTE

And now Edea receives the Stave of the Grand Marshall. She is, unquestionably, the Grand Marshall of Eternia. I’m so proud of my girl!

Ah! And we’re visiting her parents at Sage Yulyana’s old place! Seems Braev and Mahzer are moving out here to retire. Good for them

‘sup Alternis? ...still mad about the Grandship escapade?

Braev is taking up needlework, huh?

Okay, I love the way John Eric Bentley said “a new tea cozy!” He’s a good replacement voice for Braev in my book

That sidequest was EXACTLY what I had hoped the others would be! It was such a good character focus to showcase Edea’s growth from the beginning of the first game, and the actual elements of it were so nuanced! There were so many permutations of events. Did you obtain the sword, shield, or both? Did you talk to Sirius, Dominus, Goodman? All of them? None? Some combination of two of them? Were the items equipped when you talked to Braev? Ultimately, the structure was simple, but the narrative you got out of it was all up to you. I’d be interested to see every permutation of the talk with Braev, but I am so happy with what I got. And I’m so proud of Edea. She’s come a long way from the self-righteous, black-and-white girl of Default’s events. Eternia is in good hands

I love that Tiz being the king of cooking with leftovers is canon

...so I can’t help but notice that there’s a Fort-Lune Ba’al icon just sort of... floating there above Lontano. That’s weird.

What on Earth was that noise it made?

“I-it’s exuding a level of power on par with... No, even exceeding Diamante’s!” YOU HEAR THAT, DENYS? You didn’t even take out the strongest Ba’al!

“We can’t let Denys’s sacrifice be in vain!” Yew, honey. You’re sweet, but it was in vain the second he made it. We’re about to prove how useless it really was

Oh, it’s just a Turtle Dove? Not even, like, a special one? Alright

Not too bad. Only got close at the end there because Yew went down and I had trouble getting him back up

Certainly harder than Diamante, at any rate

So it seems the only two mandatory Ba’al fights in the game are an Urchin and a Turtle Dove, and I’m certain those were the only two that made appearances in Default as Norende Nemesis fights. So that’s why those two were added to the BD international release

Aw, Egil doesn’t understand how pendant-call works either and thinks we shoved Agnès in the jewel

Where is she? I can’t say I recognize that room. Wooden doors with a crystal-thing in the back?

And yet another person who just couldn’t remember Caldisla

I guess she was on an Airship?

And on the Magnolia Cooks sideplot: She’s really good! Her quest for recipes has led to her becoming a master of Luxendarc cuisine

“A bath has to be sot hot you can barely stand it!” I know Edea’s opinion is meant to be an extreme... but that’s how I take my showers so...

I will say I don’t jump out and douse myself in cold water, though. That’s a little much

I guess hot-bath-cold-bath followed by freezing iced lattes is an Eternian thing? Yew’s into it, too

Alternis and Agnès are already here talking to the king? We’ve almost got the whole family in one spot! (This Alternis doesn’t have a bow, though. Guess we’ve still gotta hunt down Ringabel and Denys if we want that family meetup. Why is it always the blond ones who are a problem?)

According to the king, the people of Caldisla forgot the rest of the world in turn. That’s some nonsense that’s going on

Bow-Alternis is absolutely Ringabel. Alternis doesn’t know anything about his arm being hurt or Yōko

It’s an interesting way of doing the Alternis-Ringabel thing. Last game they made them seem like the same person, too, up until the reveal by having them get injured in similar places and never on-screen at the same time. This game we’re able to tell them apart despite Ringabel actually trying to impersonate Alternis because of their differing injuries

Where do Ba’als come from and what are they? It’s a question that’s been forced to the background thanks to the immediacy of the Kaiser’s plot, but now with that settled it and Anne’s plan are all we have left to solve

I like how Yew and Magnolia got cut off in that shot, leaving only Agnès, Alternis, Tiz, and Edea. A version of the first party

Oh, Magnolia. She’s beating herself up because she never thought to ask what the Ba’als were, but still dedicated her life to stopping them. But no one knows what they are. She would’ve been asking a question no one could answer

I appreciate Yew trying to commiserate by telling her he didn’t know anything about the Crystalguard or Denys but I don’t think those situations are really... comparable? Magnolia is talking about unknowable eldritch horrors. That’s a little bit bigger than the Crystalguard stuff

“There must be someone out there who can give us a clue!” “Do not judge a carrot by its leaves, nor a man by his words alone...” Leave it to Altair to announce his timely appearance in the most dramatically dorky way possible

“It’s a ghost!” ...I mean, yeah? Technically? But we know Altair. Edea, chill. Team dad tire-man of the vegetable proverbs is here to enlighten us

So the Ba’als are Vega’s emotions given life. Born of her memories with Altair, and I imagine the fight with Geist back in Sagitta is what tipped him off. Diamante probably only confirmed it. I can’t imagine anyone else whose memories Diamante’s background could have belonged to

Altair theorizes that something found Vega’s regrets upon being left behind and gave them form to be used as weapons

And that just leaves one place the Ba’als could be from. The last place anyone saw Vega alive: the Celestial Realm

“Let’s go to the Celestial Realm!” Yew, if travel between Luxendarc and the Celestial Realm were so easy Vega wouldn’t be trapped there, Ouroboros wouldn’t have had to create a chain of worlds just to break through, and I would travel to Luxendarc just to hug you. It’s just not that easy

And Altair agrees. It’s just not... simple. Maybe not possible

“Never say never until you’re dead!” Okay, but Altair is super dead, though? He has every right to say “never” at this point

At least he’s got a good sense of humor about it

...3DS did the going black thing again

“Of course I do not... accept it...” This game does some interesting things with the concepts of acceptance and denial. To not accept something is similar to, but not the same as, denying it. I like that they brought it up like that

He’s getting desperate. Begging the party to help Vega. Altair...

“You’re our friend, Altair.” “Your... friend? Oh, thank you, my dear children!” Altair, I nominated you for team dad. You’re not a friend now, you’re family. We live to make the impossible possible. We have (or most of us have) defeated Ouroboros. Let’s go get Vega.

So who could help? As Altair said, Anne. A fairy who can control the Ba’al and who spoke of a Master. She clearly knows something about them the rest of us don’t, and I’ve still got a bone to pick with her

I’d know that place anywhere. She’s at Norende’s Great Chasm

Norende has a path between the Celestial Realm and Luxendarc... right where the Dark Aurora was... I should’ve known Ouroboros would use the weakest point in the barrier to get through

So that’s your plan, you little shit? Use this path as an express lane to get Ba’als to Luxendarc without interference from the Moon people? And then maybe get your boss in? Not happening. Nope. I refuse. Yew, Tiz, and everyone else deserve better

Funny you’re monologuing, Anne, since I know you know I exist and can, presumably, hear you. What’s their secret if it’s not the hourglass that let them keep their memories? I think you already know

They are directly using the fact that we, the player, saw that scene and now know where to go next and the party doesn’t. Party’s got no idea. That scene was for our eyes only

And the last sidequest has opened up. Yōko Yōko Yōko Yōko Yōkaiiiiiiiii

Oh thank god the Vampire Castle’s unlocked. I would’ve cried if they made me do the dragon fights again

Why should only Magnolia dress warm, Edea? You’re wearing about as much as her!

I don’t like Alternis’s helmet sitting at the door like that. Ringabel, you’d better be okay! You were my favorite last game, don’t you die on me!

Oh! My encounter rate is locked at standard. Guess I have to fight, huh? That’s... it’s never done that before

There’s a painting no one ever noticed before. Yōko in both human and Yōkai form, with a blonde child

And there’s the girl of the hour! You gonna pull a DeRosso and give us your backstory while we climb the tower?

I have never heard Vampire Castle called the Hall of Truth? Did I forget? It’s been a while. Hall of Exposition, more like

“Tiz! Do not think you can avoid the dangers that you encounter in this place.” AKA: no. You have to fight the encounters. Also, I forgot setting the encounters was a Tiz thing

“The powers of Luxendarc’s gods will not avail you.” So it’s a Celestial power Tiz was using. Assumed as much. And according to Yōko, this is Luxendarc. We play by Luxendarc rules this time (unfortunately)

So either Ringabel or Alternis can work the pendant call. He didn’t have the bow, but he talked like he knew what we were on about. Suspicious

So Yōko slept. And slept for quite a while. Twenty years ago an ambitious man came to wake her up, and with him came a girl with the Plague. The man in the painting is wearing Crystalguard clothes, and came to plunder the offerings at Yōko‘s shrine. The man was so determined to take those treasures home that he ignored the girl’s grandfather, who asked for her to be quarantined due to her sickness and pleaded with the church to let them sail. The church sent Geist. Once she was exorcised, the fleet could move. His ritual didn’t cure her at all, though. She doesn’t need to say it. I can already tell that the man was Yew’s father, Greide

Greide Geneolgia, whose greed sparked the Great Plague

She gave us his journals.

Foundar left behind texts for his descendants, texts that Greide managed to decode and use to locate Yōko’s shrine. The girl was the granddaughter of their patron from the church, sent to help them find the shrine that the Orthodoxy wanted so badly to find.

Greide used the girl to house Yōko’s soul, so she couldn’t stop them from raiding her shrine. It was there that they found the statue of Cú Chulainn that Bella would one day animate. The girl only fell sick with the Plague after the raid on the shrine. Griede’s writing comes across as paranoid. He thinks they’re being manipulated, and that his “enemies” are behind it

Judging by his outfit, the figure in this painting seems to be Geist

Hey uhhhh. Yōko? How long have you been staying here that you managed to replace a ton of DeRosso paintings?

Geist’s report went through, despite Greide’s attempts to stop it. The girl was put under quarantine and banned from travel. But another man and Greide decided to change tactics to get their plundered loot back. They asked to bring the girl to Eternia so that she could get the best medical treatment available to her. So they let her travel. And at every port they stopped at on the way back, they spread the Plague. To many continents. When the sailors began to freak out, Greide poisoned everyone aboard, including the girl. He was the only survivor, returning home with perhaps not all of the loot he wanted, but certainly enough. And one year later, Denys was born. Right on the heels of his dad murdering a whole crew of people for some sick loot

(I wonder if the timeline actually works out)

So Norzen and Braev were the ones opposing Greide the most, besides the elders. Greide looked into their pasts to see what he could use to... convince them to come over to his side

So if this happened in 2379... Denys was probably born in 2380-ish. Which seems about right? Definitely not 2384 like the Final Fantasy Wikia says. That would make him younger than Agnès and I’m very sure she isn’t over 23, which is Denys’s canon age as confirmed in the Bestiary (What are you guys doing, FFWikia?)

And this is just a painting of a huge area of gravestones with ravens.

The first deaths were in Eternia. “A sleepy border village.” And now we hear what we know from Default. Braev begged the church to help his home, and in return they sealed off all roads. Quarantined the smaller villages and left them to die. The incident that sparked Braev and the Anticrystalists’ revolt against the Orthodoxy. Braev gave Norzen full authority to investigate the Plague, where Minette’s mother would eventually discover a cure, but not before the first wave had killed more than could ever be counted

On the timeline: Greide’s 4/11, 2379 journal entry mentions a woman bringing her son and claiming he was Greide’s. Since he recognized her, he figured yeah, sure. Kid’s probably his and he can’t prove otherwise. So he took her and their son Denys in. So at the very least we can confirm that Denys was born before April 11, 2379. Unfortunately, I have no idea what year this game takes place in and can’t do math, so... I still have no idea if that date checks out?

And Denys’s mother... “left them” by 5/25 2380, and Greide became engaged to who I assume is Yew’s mother just over a year after that. And, like, jeez, Denys’s mom died when he was 1 or 2 years old? The way people talk about her it sounded like she was around for longer than that

Greide pretended to be loyal to Braev’s Duchy, but was appalled by how... businesslike they treated him. Like the idea of people not groveling at his feet because of his family name was repulsive

“There has been no warning from the Eye of Foundar...” God, is the Eye a prophecy machine? Why did a shadow man have to tell me about it in the Geneolgia corpse basement?

Hah. When Greide met with DeRosso and Sage Yulyana they called his ancestor a “sickly man” and a “monster,” respectively. And for the first time in his life, Greide felt true fear, but only at the potential loss of his status

Bestiary Tiz described DeRosso as “the pretend vampire with the baritone voice” which is really all you’d ever need to know about DeRosso

And here’s a painting of a burning Crystalguard banner. Greide disbanded the Crystalguard after Braev’s successful uprising, since the church was no longer in power and Greide wanted to keep himself and his allies out of the way of the rebellion. Houses Geneolgia and Camlann destroyed any who wanted to keep the Crystalguard together. Their biggest opponent: Janne’s father. His dying words were giving custody of his son to his squire, Angard. And Nikolai watched it all. After that, he tried to reinstate the Crystalguard and get himself and Janne a place in it. And just as Nikolai explained, the now unemployed soldiers went and looted the few villages left with survivors. And the Geneolgia and Camlann families formed private armies to save their own asses by taking down the bandits that they caused

Yew’s so shaken he collapsed. Hey, someone help my boy up? He’s having a rough day and I only see it getting worse

According to the Journals, Yew cried the whole night the attack on Jerome Balestra happened. Empathetic beyond belief, even as a baby

Seems Greide at least entertained the notion of choosing Denys as his heir. He says it himself: Denys had all the courage and skills he could want in an heir, but Yew had the superior bloodline despite his seemingly lesser talent as a kid

And he dies with some unspecified “promise” left unfulfilled

...I don’t even need to examine that painting to know who that is on the left. That’s Denys. I’d recognize him anywhere

Ah, a symbolic painting. On one side we have a young Yew grasping the Sword of the Brave, with Denys behind him. On the other side is Yōko and Danzaburō mirroring the Geneolgia brothers. It’s so obvious now that Danzaburō was just Denys in a hat and with two real arms. And I think with a different voice actor, maybe?

Yōko is a different kind of being. They called her a Yōkai, but that confuses her as she is the only one of her kind she knows. Her goal is simply to achieve true growth and lift the world into a higher plane of existence. True growth? It’s looking at yourself in the most open sense and accepting all that you are. By doing so, you become truly and fully realized, able to be the person fate wanted you to be

Girl, you didn’t have to switch forms on me

“Brave the dark depths within their heart”? Is that what you tried to do at the Geyser Grotto? Show everyone the parts of themselves that they deny to try and get them to accept those flaws and grow?

Yeah, I think that’s it. And she remembered that she never looked at Edea’s heart. Yōko... is absolutely right. Edea says she defected in the last game because she was appalled by their actions, and to an extent I’m sure it’s true, but it was also a ploy to get her dad’s attention. Selfless and selfish in equal measures. So often are actions both, and all it takes is a different angle to see it

And her other secret is exactly what I called out last liveblog: she misses Ringabel more than anything, and it kills her to see all of her friends and family and even enemies pair off while her love is probably in an alternate reality, loving an alternate her. Her love is a version of a man she should never have had the ability to meet if the worlds had stayed intact. The version of a man who wouldn’t have existed without that universal fabric being breached

“And what hurts most of all, is that he chose to leave you.” He did. He left the Edea he’d journeyed with to go try and save the Edea he’d failed. Just like Alternis is probably dismayed that she loves an alternate him, Edea probably can’t help but fear that Ringabel only saw her as a temporary replacement for her alternate self

Yoko’s being so mean since I am fairly certain she knows Ringabel is here. She called him interesting at Geyser Grotto. I know she knows who he is

OHHHHHH FUCK YEAH THAT’S LOVE’S VAGRANT

EDEA QUICK CHANGE OUT OF THE RANGER OUTFIT. GET SOME GOOD CLOTHES. UNLESS HE’S INTO RABBIT GIRLS? HE PROBABLY IS, ACTUALLY

That’s my last game fav! How’s it going, ‘Bel? Good to see I correctly identified his appearances, too. Geyser Grotto, then Florem, then Caldisla

Cute hug. CUTE HUG.

I don’t know why the revelation that it’s Ringabel means anything to Yew and Magnolia. I mean, it’s basically “You thought I was Alternis, but it’s actually me, his twin who you’ve never met!” but with the added bonus of “how did you dimension hop?”

A painting of Yōko fighting unidentified warriors. Ringabel calls them the Planeswardens, the group he’s taken up working for. They... warden planes. Which is to say they defend alternate realities. According to him, Yōko only wishes to create chaos, nothing more

“Growing as a human being is about more than drudging up old fears and traumas...” God, I missed ya, Bel

And the Planeswardens have classified Yōko as an S-rank Malevolent Spirit of Concern. So she’s dangerous, though I’m willing to listen to her spiel, at least. The most she’s done so far is emotionally traumatize us, right?

She’s over 4.6 billion years old? Because that’s just how long she’s been on Luxendarc, she’s actually older than that. Do... do you people know how time works??? (Evidently not because no one in the Glanz Empire did, but still) That’s a LONG TIME, GUYS!

No. NO. Do NOT cut to Ringabel, standing alone, going “No matter what the cost, I must defeat her!” I already had one unexpected favorite dumb blond boy sacrifice himself this game, I’m not letting you do it to the other one, too!

So Ringabel and Denys for Bravely Third party when?

And according to Greide’s journals, Foundar’s dying message was basically “If you have more than one son, have them duke it out. Winner gets his inheritance, loser is either his brother’s servant or dead. That applies to every generation after me. Have fun, losers!”

“Fear the Eye of Foundar.” What IS IT. What can it DO. Do I have to worry for my boys because I’m already worrying you don’t need to make it worse

To enter Yōko’s shrine, you have to decipher Foundar’s code using the symbols carved into the walls of the crypt. And you have to do it on your own. You cannot tell anyone how. Only then can you hope to know if you are even qualified

...Greide didn’t write “Fear the Eye of Foundar.” It simply appeared in his locked journal after he deciphered Foundar’s texts

YEEEEEEEEEW I think your family’s cursed. There’s some fucked up demon magic going on here and I DON’T LIKE IT. We gotta go get Denys. Like, now. I think you’re both doomed but he’s doomed and without Celestial guidance. And also trapped with a horse

Year AO 3. I think this is from Foundar. Proposed to by the pope’s daughter, then he spoke to Yōko at her shrine, describing her as “pitiful”

The “promise” was Foundar’s to Yōko. A task he needed someone with “the vast wealth needed to support a million souls, great military strength enough to strike down a thousand political foes, and technology advanced enough to grant a hundred men hundred-year lives” for. Greide suspects that those who failed Foundar’s request for his descendants gave up on the last part, with the Eye warning them of failure

Yōko was put to sleep to contain the first Plague. If you seal her inside the girl... the Plague returns because now the girl has it

Greide what... “Well, I didn’t get an ominous demonic message on the last page, so I should be good to go on the fulfilling Foundar’s promise thing!” N... no???

So first he wanted fame. Then he wanted the “power” Yōko bestowed on Foundar that caused his meteoric good fortune and rise through the ranks. Not a single shred of selflessness, as befitting a man named “greed”

Confirmation that Yōko had the Plague sealed within her and was put to rest in the shrine to keep it from infecting Luxendarc. I see we’ve got a morally grey fox demon here. For all she tries to help, it may do more harm than good sometimes

Greide was legitimately shocked that the Origin Plague spread as the Great Plague. His decision to poison those on their ships was due to a message from the Pope claiming he wouldn’t let any potential carriers dock

The Plague had one clear physical identifier on the effected: a star-shaped pattern on the pupil. He killed anyone he saw with that mark, and apologized to both the girl and Yōko sealed within her, who Foundar had wished to save and who he had failed

God, that star mark is just... ripe for a scene of someone turning around and having it in their eye as a dramatic reveal. If it doesn’t happen in this game I feel it’ll probably happen in a potential Bravely Third

“To my sons, and my son’s sons... I leave you this message: Blame me. Hate me. And then lead the church and this world on to a path which will ultimately eradicate the Plague that the fox girl so desperately wished to contain. To my sons... To all who come after me... Fear the Eye of Foundar. But do not fear failure.” And in the end... a moment of clarity. Who is right? Yōko or Greide, two tellers with biases that are different but no less strong?

I have never felt the pull of a sequel hook so strong in my life

Oooooh hello! Tent event with Ringabel!

And after giving him coffee, Yew and Magnolia make a hasty retreat so the Default crew can get some reminiscing done

Yes. Call Agnès. Get the quartet together again

Oh fuck Alternis picked up ABORT. ABORT.

So Agnès had him take her calls while she was in the bath, and now The Dim Twins are arguing

So Ringabel saved Braev and Alternis after the Kaiser’s attack during the first timeline. Alternis, did you not recognize your own damn voice when he saved you?

“Did you say Agnès was in... the bath?” *Edea whips her head to look at Ringabel faster than I can blink* Boooooooy you’re in... hot water now

...never change, Bel. Never change.

Did Yōko eat the team’s breakfast? The monster. Now she’s done it!

I’m gonna kick her ass and become a fox demon myself!

Yōko, that’s an amazing sword. I super love it. God, the pale pink fire theme? So rad

OH HOLY SHIT. Ringabel jumps in at random points in the fight to do his special attack!? THAT’S AMAAAAAAAZING. Love’s Vagrant may as well just be the battle theme at this point and I looooooooove iiiiiiiiiit

So, hey. Game. I see you can do this? Have a guest party member during a fight? Why couldn’t you do this with Denys!? Especially during the Diamante fight! It’s like literally every boss in Chapter 6 is designed to remind you how stupid Denys’s sacrifice was!

And Yew and Yōko‘s conversation is really something. She accuses him of bearing the sins of his forefathers, and when he tries to assert that he is himself, not Foundar OR Greide, and therefore shouldn’t be held accountable for their actions, she accuses him of denying his family. And that he sounds just like all the rest of them. Full of sentiment and idealism... and ultimately just as flawed and helpless and self-serving

So, hey, first of all leave my boy alone? Yew’s doing his best and has been this whole game. He’s the sweetest kid. You are not allowed to speak to him like that. I’ll kick your ass

Second, it just really goes to show how both Yew and Denys have spent their whole lives trying to fix a problem that shouldn’t have been theirs to fix. And it goes to show what great foils they are to each other. Denys instantly took the weight of their sins on himself, accepted them as a problem he had to fix, and dedicated his life to doing so by actively denying any good that came out of their actions and trying to undo it all. Yew is the one denying that it should be his problem to fix, yet he’s the one who accepts that what happened happened and is trying to fix the problem by looking at what went wrong and what went right and trying to smooth out the rough edges. It’s an interesting dichotomy of the acceptance-denial theme present in the narrative, where you could say that Yew’s denial led to a form of acceptance, and that Denys’s initial acceptance led to a form of denial that later had to be worked back into acceptance, but a less extreme kind

I LOVE YOU RINGABEL

God, he’s going, like, every turn! He’s using every weapon in the book! THIS MAN IS UNSTOPPABLE

Man, and a boss that doesn’t revive? I love this quest

And changing jobs back, I see we’ve unlocked something I’ve known about for a while: Job Level 11, the hidden level. 9999 JP? That’s actually not an awful requirement

The final truth. The song of Altair is playing (and his bestiary entry has him mention that Yōko is familiar). One day, two people appeared on a glimmering ship, travelers from another world. Yōko aided them, as they looked for a way back to their own world. But a disease from their world that they had been studying in their ship’s lab escaped, and mixed with a disease from Luxendarc to create the Plague. Yōko feared for the people of this world that she loved, so she sealed the Plague inside herself and then sealed herself away, so that none could get sick again. People began to worship her as a god and built her a shrine, until eventually they, too, fell (I imagine this is Wa, the nation that sank beneath the sea eons ago, mentioned in various weapon notes, most notably katanas and other Japanese weaponry. It would explain the Japanese aesthetic of Yōko). 2400 years ago, the subject of our final painting (maybe? Nice mustache either way), Foundar, found her (..heh) and promised that while he didn’t have the means to help her, one day he would have one of his descendants free her from the Plague and her self-imposed imprisonment. Greide sealed her inside the girl to transport her to Gathelatio so that they could use their medical equipment to cure her... and we all know how that ended. It all destroyed any sense of goodness and love left within Greide, the would-be savior of a doomed spirit whose overconfidence led to a Plague that destroyed half of his world’s people

Hey, somebody hug my crying boy? Somebody hug Yew for me? Please? ...please?

Yōko is grateful to both Foundar and Greide. Foundar couldn’t save her, but could inform her that an old friend of hers was safe. Greide freed her, and even though he killed her host and left them beneath the sea, he did help end the Plague as she always wanted

Yew doesn’t even have anything to say. It’s his turn to shape the future? It is. But I know he’s gonna make it a better place

And Ringabel has to go. He wasn’t even supposed to let us know it was him; his superiors forbid it. But Yōko essentially turned this castle into a pocket-dimension that she regulates, so he figured he could reveal himself without his bosses knowing

“Edea, I never left you and I never will. Wherever... whenever you are in peril, there I will be!” ...Edea has died more than anyone else in my party, to the point where she’s a full half a level down from everyone else, even in the mid-70s. You’re sweet, but you’re doing a terrible job, pal

And to Magnolia, a job: with Yōko gone, there isn’t anyone to hold her Sins back, and they have been unleashed. (Dark summons!) No one knows fighting unearthly demons like Magnolia!

And his request to Tiz: tell Agnès he says hi. She’s the only friend he never got to see again (thanks, Alternis)

Wow, way to just warp out in a flash of light. Later, ass! You couldn’t just escort us to the door? (Trash fav)

WOW that was a dense quest. Goodness. And it’s still technically not done! I’ve got Sins to snag! But holy shit, why couldn’t the other sidequests in the game be like this? I mean, there was plot relevance! Character focus! Backstory! I’m so glad the Chapter 6 quests managed to be so good, it’s just a shame there weren’t more of them!

So the Adventurer’s fox opened a high level magic shop and... taaaaalks? This isn’t Persona 4, why is there an entrepreneurial fox here?

Hey, you shadowy DICK. What’s the Eye of Foundar!? I read the notes, fess up! Do I have to start worrying for my two favorite boys or what!?

And now he says nothing. Cool. Thanks. If anything happens to Yew or Denys I’m coming after you first

(So I think the reason my 3DS screen goes black when I put it down sometimes is because I’m putting it down on on my computer, where there’s magnets to keep it closed when I fold the screen down)

Ooooooooh looking for the Sins I found the hidden village of Chompshire in the Yulyana region. That’s what that owl guy meant during the Grandship quest

I mean it’s really pretty. Seems like an easily missable area unless you’re going for completion. Not bad, just not super important

So let’s get this show on the road and see what these sins are all about, huh?

The first sin is Asmodeus, the embodiment of lust. I mean it’s freaking sick looking? Like a floating cloak with a bunch of snake heads? There’s a blood moon rising in the background. And the battle theme rocks. I mean that literally, we have wailing guitars and some riff that sound like old-school Final Fantasy songs. Which, I mean, I guess that makes sense, since I think these guys are supposed to be cameos from Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light (I have a friend who played that game a lot). The Adventurer’s a cameo, too, since Bravely was originally envisioned as a spiritual sequel to that game. Neat trivia

Okay??? It can imprison people in the Infernal Realm??? Not my boy! Bring Yew back!

Hey, he did. Thanks, you demonic monstrosity!

Guys, you look winded. That fight wasn’t that bad. Bit worrying, I guess, what with the Infernal Realm nonsense, but not awful

Sin 2 is Beelzebub, the manifestation of gluttony. I honestly have no idea how Magnolia knows what these guys are and their names, but whatever. It’s a head wearing a crown with some squid tentacles. The sky is red. He’s classified as a bug? Do enough damage while it’s in Gluttony mode (all attacks heal instead of hurt) and it dies instantly. Which is what I did. Later, doofus!

Next up is Mammon, the being of avarice (aka greed for non-pretentious folks). It’s a chick with wings, fox-like ears, and four, clawed arms coming out of her back. Her Avarice attack lets her steal the whole party’s BP, so it’s a bit of a waiting game at times.

Died the first time after getting very close and then getting wiped, level grinded everything to max in between then and the second time. I don’t forsee any more combat deaths, I’ll tell you that much

Oh, it’s a “he” according to the Bestiary? Alright.

And now we have Belphegor, a creature of sloth. And... hey, I thought I recognized this guy when fighting Yōko! It’s a weird furry guy sitting in a wheelchair. I fought this guy as a Norende Nemesis last game! He was one of the few I did. How do you like us now, man?

Okay, scratch that “no combat problems” thing this asshole absorbs anything that isn’t magic of the specific element he’s weak to. Yew? Darling boy of mine? Think you can Spellcraft Summon him into oblivion?

Atta boy

Well kids, let’s go kill Satan, the manifestation of wrath. With all the ranting I do sometimes, you guys sure I’m not the manifestation of wrath? I will say, this is probably the coolest depiction of a wrath-based foe I’ve ever seen? I mean, it’s a buff guy with four arms each holding swords, a torn black cloak, and his head doubles as a helmet and a full blown furnace! No wonder we’re fighting him near the Eisen volcano, he fits right in!

I looooooooooove Meteor Raiiiiiiiiiiin

And on to Leviathan, the manifestation of envy. AKA a bunch of wiggly serpents that go offscreen. Joke’s on you, jackass. I have Yew Geneolgia, destroyer of all on my side. Boy’s a terrifying spellcaster now

See, this is what happens when you let Yew do what comes easily to him instead of trying to make him be a swordsman like his brother. He becomes THE MOST POWERFUL BOY

Guess he had a turtle shell head? I dunno, he died too fast

And for the last one, no one’s surprised by their appearances anymore. Heck, the team’s enjoying it! It’s Lucifer, the manifestation of pride. Guy took the “fallen angel” thing and ran with it. It’s a suit of armor with a double angel wing on one side and a feathery sword-wielding arm on the other. And a dog head on its belly that bites? A’ight, man, you do you

I love my powerful magic son

And it seems Yōko’s left Yew a note thanking him. Good! You’d better thank Yew, specifically, because he did all the work!

That was an interesting sidequest... related thing? I will say, the most interesting part of it is the Bestiary entries, which take the real-world stories of these demons and comes up with Luxendarc analogues for the stories. It paints a really interesting picture of their world, but other than the references to real-world religious figures I don’t have much to say about it

Okay, I know Agnès’s hint line of “Yew... where are you going!?” is supposed to be referencing the fact that he shouldn’t know where Anne is and the player does, but considering that since we left Caldisla we’ve:

Trekked down to Vampire Castle and hung out there for a long while for seemingly no reason to an outsider

Flown across the world, stopping at various points to fight high-ranking demons in no particular order

Walked around in circles in Florem Gardens for, like, 10 or 15 hours to level grind (and bounced around to various shops to blow off the excess cash)

And gone in for a few last-minute Bestiary entries that I knew the locations of

I mean... it’s a valid question. Like, from her perspective we probably look completely insane. Or, since it’s Agnès, like we’re just as directionally challenged as she is. I didn’t do anything here I didn’t do with you last game, Agnès, but I promise. Next time...

We’re gonna go save Vega.

[aqatelier]

Super Trunk Show 2017 Stockhom

Super trunk show started in 2013, 4 years ago back in Sweden. Sweden as we have already know, are among the most well dressed gentlemen around. The event focus on classic men shoes and naturally being the same time I have gotten into classic men shoes, naturally this is one of the event I ogled about every year the event is held in Stockholm.

Fast forward 4 years and I have finally fulfilled my wish of visiting them. It all started with me researching for a shoe making course to take, which leads me to enroll for Janne Melkerson 2 weeks course in Ostersund, north of Stockholm. And since I am attending the course, I coordinate both event to coincide back to back.

Jesper Ingevaldsson whom I met the night before the event during their pre trunk gathering, is the founder of shoegazingblog told me how they started this event. On his website shoegazing.se he has a closed forum for the moderators and one of the moderator suggested bringing Vass to Stockholm cause he has difficulty travelling oversea. Since Jesper has interest in this trade and has already known other shoe makers, he has the idea of bringing them all together in a single event called Super Trunk show. He did also mention that the first year they held the event it is quite a disaster. He didn't expect the crowd to be so big and the logistic for the exhibitors are quite chaotic. Despite these hiccup, he is able to pull off the event to everyone expectation.

I am sorry for the overwhelmingly tons of photos in this article. Feel like breaking down into 2 post but I will wish to let you guys read everything at one go...  

Super Trunk show 2017 focus on local Swedish retailers and some international shoemakers which includes a new comer, Jan Kielman. The day start by attending the VIP opening from 9.30am to 11am where you can pre-register to avoid large crowd when open to public after 11am. I was there around 10.30am and the crowd is still quite small. This is the best opportunity to talk the exhitbitor. As I have already preordered Skolyx’s white sneaker, I went over to their booth and try on my size. They fit great with size 41 on my feet. Gosh what a relief to my feet as I have only bought one pair of loafer (C&J sydney) with me and walk in the city for 3 straight days! Emil and his brother Sebastian have been very friendly, talking to me about their vision of their company and we also talked about the numerous Yanko last and design that they have brought in.

Skolyx booth

Yanko shoes from Skolyx. This is the first time I saw som many Yanko last and design

I especially like this design

Skolyx inhouse white sneaker, manufactured in Turkey. God they are so comfy

I have met Michael Håkansson aka Magic Mike Patina on the first night I am in Stockholm and since then I have met him every night for drink. A guy who looks serious on the appearance but full of warmth when talking to him. A nice person to talk everything to. He shared a lot of his patina experience with me, especially creation of marble effect. I am so going to try it myself when I have chance! Here you can see at his booth he has created a beautiful and artistic grey marbled effect on a pair of Yanko balmoral oxford.

Magic Mike Patina begin his patina

Some of his works. 

I like the jodphur the best

The sole of the jodphur

Progress of his patina on a pair of Yanko balmoral oxford. You can see the transformation. Piece of art!

Malton Kielman and Jan Kielman are the new comer for  this year event. Malton and Kielman sell bespoke leather accesories such as briefcase, wallet, passport holder and lanyard etc made by Jan Kielman company... Most of his product are patina by him, offering an unique product he carries. From what he mention, some of his patina are inspired by four season especially fall color. For those discerning guy who wants to own their product, good news. Onlybrown in Singapore carry their product. Check them out!

Malton Kielman bespoke briefcase and patina

Love this wallet!

Some of his leather option for bespoke. Very exotic...

Maclej Kielman, the current generation of shoemaker for Jan Kielman, is one of polish shoemaker exhibiting for the first time this year. With him he brought his son along and some of their demo shoe with them for display. His son, Jan Kielman the next generation shoemaker are very friendly in explaining Kielman various offering to me. According to Maclej, they will have to name every alternate generation son "Jan" to carry on their branding... Something I have never ever imagined....

Kielman shoe on display. His signature model seamless one piece wholecut

Some design to note are his one piece seamless wholecut, norvegese wholecut and double monk. They are very well made and sturdy. From what he explained, he don't do fitting shoe as it is not their traditional to offer fitting shoe. He did mention that if we are not satisfied with the fit, we can always send the shoe back for adjustment. Or in the worst case, they can remake another pair. Price start @ ~850euro for polish tanned leather and ~50euro with french tannery leather.

Another of my favorite, one piece wholecut with norvegese stitch. Photo @ shoegazingblog

Square beveled waist from his one piece seamless wholecut

He keep apologizing to me, explaining that this is the first time he attended this event and not sure what to expect... I am very tempted yet I can't decide on the spot hence I have my measurement taken by him in case I want to make a pair in the future I can send him an email :)

Great personality from Maclej Kielman

Jan Kielman, son of Maclej Kielman

Spingyard shoe care is the subsidiary branding of Brunngård Sweden, also the main sponsor for this event carries shoe care product. From the usual like polish, wax, brushes, buffing cloth, shoehorn to insole (Springyard sense) for various season. 

One interesting range of product they carry are the "shoe therapy" range. Product under this range are eco friendly to the environment. The solvent are biodegradable and will not harm environment. They have working on this product range for couple of years and finally they are certified by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency as eco friendly. An interesting concept and remarkable feat I will say. Product under shoe therapy range includes waterproofing spray, cleaning spray, cream paste and refreshing spray.

Picked up some product from them. Will give review after back home and used them....

Various shoe care product from Sprigyard

thesabotshoe is not new to everyone reading this. Although they are a young company (few months old), founder by @erikeg and @king_olle, they are not new to the world of shoe. Those who has followed classic men shoe on Instagram will definitely know them.

thesabotshoes’s Dux argentum by @meccariello-calzoleria​

thesabotshoes private label by @meccariello-calzoleria​, The loafer caught my eyes....

Finally get to the anticipated Yohei Fukuda RTW in real person

The range of shoemaker they carry are from reknown shoemaker worldwide, from Andres Sandra in Spain, the sabot private label by Antonio Meccariello and Antonio Meccariello (Dux Argentum) to the anticapted Japanese shoemaker Yohei Fukuda's ready to wear line. 

Some closeup shot of my favourite design from Yohei RTW. Clean and done up to highest standard

Gaziano Girling. I didn't go stay too long at this booth as they are out of my league for bespoke :) but here is their demo shoe on display.

Daniel Wegan, the swedish gentlemen who head the bespoke department of G&G is here as well. Too bad I didn't have the chance to talk to him...

Gaziano Girling.display at their booth

Mr. Daniel Wegan talking to one of the attendee

Hiro Yanagimachi is one of the exhibitor this year. He has a booth here but I should not mention too much about him since I have talked about him back during my Japan Sartorial trip 2 years back. See link. 

Some of Hiro Yanagimachi shoe on display

Hiro Yanagimachi’s Internatonal last for his trunk show in Europe and United States

Together with  Hiro Yanagimachi’ is taro maezawa @leather-san

Myrqvist, a young brand under herrstil is making wave with their value for money collection @ 200euro. They carry a large range of design to start with. Their shoe are GYW and made in India, giving them a competitive run of money with other entry level shoe maker. I didn't stay too long at this booth as I need to  go for other agenda nearby the trunk show. More review of their shoe is available at Shoegazing blog.

Myrqvist shoe on display. Will say they are indeed value for money based on the make up

Finally one can never leave Stockholm without a visit to the world most famous online shoe store, Skoaktiebolaget. I did pay them a visit halfway during the trunkshow during my late lunch...

Saint Crispin on their display shelf

John Lobb on their display shelf

Paolo Scafora on their display shelf

Paolo Scafora and Carlo Santos on their display table

John Lobb chapel in Parisian museum brown calf. Getting my size for this. who knows...

When I’m back, the Super Trunks Show shoe shining competition has just started. It’s considered the highlight of this event where 3 contestants (Anders Sundström, Jonathan Petersson and Johan Wennerholm this years) will be competing to come up with the best shine in 20 minutes on a pair of Loake 1880 Aldwych! Imagine waxing and coming up with shine for one side of shoe in 20 minutes?! I can’t do that for sure. Anyway you can see the following pictures to judge for yourself how high their standard are. The winner take home a pair of Loake1880 and springyard shoe care product sponsored by the organizer and this year the winner is Johan Wennerholm. Thumb up to him!

The contestants at work. Look at their serious look

The winner shine from Johan Wennerholm. Imagine this shine done up in 20 minutes!

The last agenda of the event is Q&A session where attendee can ask the professional in the field on the trend of classic men shoes. The host are Neus Benavent, store manager of Gaziano & Girling’s shop, Emil Jansson, founder of Skolyx and Emelie Stenlund, bespoke shoemaker and cobbler at Skomakeri Framåt and Södermalm’s. 

Some attendee asked about the trend of the design and the last of classic men wear shoe and some asked about if the trend for classic men wear shoe is stagnant or will continue to peak.... Interesting session with a lot of interesting answer from the pro in the market. I am lucky to hear this session conducted in English as for the past 3 years it has mainly been conducted in Swedish.

Host participant from Q&A. From left,  Emelie Stenlund, Emil Jansson, Neus Benavent and Jesper Ingevaldsson

Epilogue

When I booked the trip to Stockholm for Super trunk show 2017, I wasn't expecting anything except to attend the event and talk to the exhibitor. But when I am there, I was practically full of meet up drinking session with the well dressed gentlemen from scandianiva everynight. We talked about everything on sartorial and the difference between Asia and scandianiva. I feel very welcomed by the folks here. It's always nice to put an actual face to the IG guy you follow... You know who you are... : ) @datinventory @ jesperbrannstrom @michael.hakansson @thesh0e @ patrickmtpo @kbaskim @martinsenkristian @ j_ingevaldsson

I'm sure this will not the last trunk show for me....

Stay tune for my next adventure in Sweden.

Cheers to the main man, Jesper Ingevaldsson, founder of shoegazing.se blog

Michael of Magic mike patina and his finished work

Jesper (left) and Daniel (right). Nice knowing you guys!

Knut (left) and Martin, the Norwegian dude (right). Nice knowing you guys!

[theseventhhex]

Children of Bodom Interview

Children of Bodom

Children of Bodom’s skyrocketing start in the mid-90s was a takeoff that newcomer metal bands are still being measured against till this day, almost all of their albums earned gold or even platinum status in their home country and over the past two decades they‘ve become regulars on some of the world‘s biggest stages. Brought into existence in 1993 by childhoold pals Alexi Laiho and Jaska Raatikainen at the astoundingly young age of 13 and 14 years respectively, the Finnish formation was completed by keyboardist Janne Wirman and bassist Henkka Seppälä. With every subsequent album, the band manages to improve and perfect their unique sound. Thus, they build a pillar in the metal pantheon. They are long known for their light hearted musical principle of operation and for their grave work ethos rather than a just-for-fun-attitude, which is why they could position within the front lines of the world’s finest metal bands… We talk to the iconic CoB frontman Alexi Laiho about his songwriting, touring and Freddie Krueger…

TSH: Over twenty years into the band's existence, the consistency with each Children of Bodom body of work is truly remarkable. How rewarding is it to know that you guys have a seamless way of communicating a trust that is expressed musically?

Alexi: It feels great man. Essentially we are just like family; this is a band of brothers who respect each other very much. I don't know if there is a key factor to our consistency, but because we grew up together, as well as going to the same school since we were like 11 years old, that's obviously given us a unique bond. We've kept the same four of us since the first album too. Also, when you tour as much as we do, you get to really know a person even more so. You can't compare this band to a marriage or anything like that, there's just simply a great balance of harmony and chaos with each passing album, and that's what it's all about.

TSH: How do you feel your songwriting had evolved in recent years?

Alexi: I've always felt that anything and everything that's happening around me somehow finds its way into my music. I guess even world events affect me in some way, whether it's conscious or not, but I feel like my songwriting is not pulling from what you commonly hear on the news. I tend to draw from real life experiences. I don't really like to focus on religion or politics, but I guess even if you don't know it, those things are impacting you in some way, simply because there is so much bedlam that cannot be avoided. Negativity has always been an outlet for me to write about. I guess it sounds cliché, but writing about negative things is like the best form of therapy for me, and the only form of therapy that actually works...

TSH: You've stated that when you feel bummed out or pissed off is when you feel strongest…

Alexi: Absolutely, and that's something that I learnt at a very early age. I always kind of cherish that feeling, when you feel, as you said bummed out or stressed, but you can turn it into something positive with music. I like it when I get that one second of fucking pure rage and it makes me feel like superman. Also, feeling bummed out doesn’t have to be anything heavy like feeling suicidal, I haven't felt suicidal since I was 18 years old - it doesn't have to be anything too dramatic. You can still find inspiration from small moments of rage - like being in a traffic jam and getting super-pissed off. There is no human being on the planet that will run out of shitty feelings, it just won't happen, so all this negativity and shitty energy can actually be a good source of inspiration. Life isn't always one big party, I mean I do like my poison too, but sometimes you need to find a balance between the two.

TSH: You're no stranger to being told that you're a guitar god. Being incredibly gifted and skilled on guitar, does it please you that you're constantly changing the conversation and taking your guitar playing to new heights?

Alexi: Oh, for sure. It's great that the guitar continues to take me to new avenues. This instrument has always just been so intriguing to me, I guess intriguing doesn't do it justice; I'm actually obsessed with the guitar! I've loved it since I was like 3 years old. I got my first guitar when I was 11 and the rest is history. To this day it remains important to enjoy practising on my guitar and even just playing the guitar for the hell of it.

TSH: I wanted to get your views on some classic Children of Bodom tracks. When you look back on a track like 'Sixpounder', what resonates with you most?

Alexi: I do remember that track was the first time that we used drop tuning on a Children of Bodom song, and it instantly stood out from the rest of the songs. I remember it had this super heavy and hardcore feeling and it was very different for us. As far as the song structure goes, it actually has a pretty simple verse chorus, verse chorus thing going on. 'Sixpounder' is one of those songs that we still play today and it fucking kills every time we play it.

TSH: Furthermore, 'Everytime I Die' is a song that many individuals connect with and interpret in their own way. What does this track convey to you?

Alexi: I'm pleased that our fans and various individuals can connect with this song and apply their own feelings. I've had fans from around the world tell me how they associate with the lyrics and energy of the song - it's so cool. You know, for me, this song is kind of venting and it has this tension, but I also feel that there is a lot of positivity in 'Everytime I Die'. It's very much like when you're on your knees and you just let go of the weight on your shoulders to feel free.

TSH: I understand that starting a song is the most frustrating part for you, after the initial few riffs, everything comes out naturally. Is it still a case of having to switch off and have a deep level of concentration?

Alexi: Yeah man, it's always been this way. Right now, we are starting to work on new material and every day I'm fighting with a blank page and looking to just sort of get the first riff out of my system. I've got tons of ideas, but I find it's important to get the first song down to makes things a little easier. Man, making new music is fucking hard! It's a hell of a challenge, but I live for challenges and embrace the hurdles that I need to overcome. After all these years, trying to sound fresh means you have to find the right state of mind when you're writing, therefore overcoming that initial first challenging phase is always vital.

TSH: Children of Bodom has constantly performed in the US and Europe, you've even taken your shows throughout, South America, Indonesia, India and Japan. How liberating is it to perform to such a loyal legion of followers and to know that you have a bond with fans where English isn't even their native tongue?

Alexi: It's fucking amazing man, it really is! Performing live to metalheads around the world is probably the main reason that we are still doing this. Touring is always a pleasure, I don't give a shit if it's a dive rock club, a large festival, or an arena - it pays off once you get onstage and you see people going crazy. Sometimes it pisses me off when bands are bitching about touring. It seems like everybody is trying to prove a point that there is nothing glamorous about touring. I say fuck that attitude! Touring is fucking awesome! To be on the road and play live often is not a bad job to have at all.

TSH: How's your shoulder feeling after surgery?

Alexi: Much better. I had surgery two months ago, which was long overdue, so I've been trying to rehab and get back in shape. It's all about making sure that my body stays whole and healthy. I do concentrate on preserving my voice a lot these days too.

TSH: How are your days off being spent?

Alexi: When I do have a day off, I just watch brainless TV, something that doesn't make you think too much, ha! I like to watch sitcoms a lot, especially trashy ones. I really do like Seinfeld, and obviously horror movies are a must for me...

TSH: Being a fan of Stephen Kings IT, you must be looking forward to the remake this September?

Alexi: No way man! I didn't even know there was a remake! You'll have to send me some links. Pennywise the clown is a fucking scary character - highly rated, for sure!

TSH: Is Freddie Kruger your ultimate horror movie icon?

Alexi: Ha! Yeah, man. By far Freddie Krueger is my favourite character. Man, when I was a kid, the Elm Street movies were specifically banned, we were not allowed to watch them. When I was in the first or second grade, I remember my neighbour's parents had the Nightmare on Elm Street tapes on VHS and we watched the first two. It was an amazing experience! Those movies were the scariest and most fucking appealing films ever! To this day I love the music, the feel and everything about those movies. You can't beat 80s nostalgia.

TSH: Are your intentions with Children of Bodom to very much always attempting to get better as a performer, player and singer?

Alexi: Absolutely. I'm always looking to improve on all levels with this band. You know, I had this need when I was a teenager to show the world that I can succeed and prove people wrong, even now this attitude is still driving me. I had many doubters and people that did not believe in my intentions initially, and proving people wrong over the years has become one of my favourite things in the world. I would do anything to fucking prove someone wrong if I disagree - I get crazy with it! If I have an aim with this band, I'm going in 110% sure that it will happen. I mean who'd of thought we’d be able to keep this up for 20 years, that even surprises me, yet we still have so many amazing fans! We have fans that weren’t even born when the first record came out! That's fucking insane and mind-blowing dude! I'm just so grateful for the support and I’ll always look to give it all and deliver our best work possible with every Children of Bodom release and live show.

Children of Bodom - “Morrigan”

I Worship Chaos