#i haven’t even seen the new episode yet and here i am

[darlin-djarin]

sorry if y’all followed me for dinluke but the armorer x bo-katan is endgame 🥱

[justliketoreadsowhat]

Sweater Weather ✰

✩𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟 & 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 ✩

𝐀/𝐧; 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 & 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭

_______________________________________________

𝐈’𝐌 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐈 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐓“ 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭. 

Today was one of the last college visits you had scheduled for the week, Becoming a transfer student was not something you had planned, but you no longer felt the desire you once felt as a freshman attending Ohio State University for the first time. 

The dire decision was made to pick your top 5 schools and visit them, one of them being Uconn. 

Traveling out of state was one obstacle, but attending a school that was strongly known for their sports was a different type of catch. 

“Girl please!” your sister Breah scolded as she sat on the edge of the bed watching you go back and forth on what to wear. “Your best bet is to wear bright colors and stand out on this huge campus, do you know how many fine athletes walk around here daily?!” she spiraled, throwing herself on the bed to her detriment. 

“Breah, we are not here for athletes remember? we’re here for a new environment and better educat-“ 

“DON’T give me that speech again, you have to realize college just isn’t about academics. Let yourself live a little at least” 

You’ve heard that line at least 20 times this week, and it’s only Wednesday, yet you’d be lying to yourself if you said she was wrong. 

“I am I am, I just want to get a good feel for everything before I make my decision y’know?” you said fiddling with your pedant that hung way too low on your chest for your liking. 

“Oh, sis this is it! you must’ve for Paige Bueckers goes here” she stated sitting up swiftly, ready to defend her statement, she knew you’d disagree.  “What more do you need from a University?” 

An immediate nerve struck throughout your body listening to the words flow from her mouth at a fast pace. Your eyes couldn’t resist rolling, “You will not focus this visit all on one girl you saw on TikTok!, be so for real right now” 

She busted out laughing from your reaction, almost as if she was in disbelief, “We both know she’s not just some girl y/n, she’s quite literally everywhere we look, social media, advertisements, I mean we haven’t even been on this campus for 30 minutes and I have seen her face on every poster possible!” 

She wasn’t lying either, Paige’s face was plastered on every corner possible here in Connecticut. You didn’t even want to mention the TIktok epidemic that had flooded your “for you page” after liking one singular video. 

“Yeah well she’s just.. a good player and-“ 

“She’s fine human and she just so happens to be good at many things, now let’s go tour this place, it’s going to be your new home for the next 3 years whether you like it or not” jumping from the spot she’s been sitting in for a prolonged amount of time, she grabbed your hand dragging you out the door from your shared suite.  You didn’t feel the need to argue with her anymore, the feeling of nervousness began to replace the urge for another bickering episode between the two of you. 

Moving the the double doors, the cool air hit your face sending goosebumps to greet your skin. “I thought it was supposed to be a little warmer down here” 

“Mm.. me too but, maybe if we walk a little faster we’ll warm up, just hold tight in your cute little sweater” Breah beamed at you before continuing her tug at your hand walking toward a path with brick and a sidewalk that could barely fit two people. 

“Do you even know where we’re going?, you’re just following your thoughts with no directions, can we at least ask someone where the student center is?” you pleaded, hoping her eager tangent would be put to a halt. 

“No we’re fine, how hard can it be to find a brick building that literally has “student center” right in front of it. she panned shrugging her shoulders without a care in the world. There had to be at least 10 buildings that were brick and ironically, the names were not in big and bold letters. 

The two of you stop dead in your tracks as you realize you’re now faced with 3 brick buildings that look nearly identical, unfortunately, there are no names, just 4 digit numbers painted and embossed on the front right above the large windows. 

“How hard could it be right?” you mocked her, letting go of her hand, fishing for your phone in your back pocket in need google maps assistance. 

"Well, I guess it's time to find out"

Before you could protest, her grip tightened on your hand as she led you right into the buildings, the automatic sliding doors revealed a spacious lobby, navy blue and white accent colors surrounded the walls. 

The scent of warm amber and fresh linen filled the air,  everything had a sense of calmness. 

"You know.. you had a point about her face being everywhere" taking a couple of steps back trying to examine the huge headshot of Paige's face aligned against the wall, accompanied by the rest of her teammate’s pictures all in unison. 

Your amusement quickly faded as you soon realized this was in fact, NOT where you were supposed to be. 

"Breah this is not the right place!" barely reaching above a whisper, praying nobody noticed the two of you sticking out like sore thumbs. 

"Well it might be.. maybe I can help, there's a map behind our pictures somewhere" an familiar voice chimed in with a soft yet high-pitched tone, causing your eyes to meet direct contact with a girl who was at least 3 times your height, big curly hair that nearly covered her eyes, vibrant brown skin that complemented her stature. 

And to no surprise, she was wearing a "UCONN Women's Basketball" long-sleeve shirt with matching sweats accented in navy blue. 

Great

"Um, that'd be great actually-" you paused frantically looking over all of the headshots searching for the familiar face that was standing nearly inches away from you. 

"Oh! my fault, I'm Aubrey" she smiled pointing at her picture proudly.

She was stunning, her smile was perfect, your sister quickly caught onto the thought roaming through your mind. 

"Oh! nice to meet you Aubrey, I'm Breah and this is my sister y/n!, we were looking for the student center, but this could work" interjecting herself with great stealth, it hardly ever fails. 

You carefully watched Aubrey's body language as she shamelessly let her eyes wander between the two of you, her eyes drifting back to your sweater, you could nearly see the whirlwind behind her eyes, you could slowly feel the sensation of regret grow seemingly stronger within yourself, this was a terrible idea. 

"I can walk you guys over there if you want, it's not that easy to find honestly" she shrugged, her tall frame leaned up against the wall, "but first, I think we need to take y/n to see the person who stole her fit" she smirked, motioning you to follow her lead down the long, brightly lit hallway" 

"I- I'm sorry who??" you staggered trying to gain an answer from her, if she thought playing a joke on you about the sweater was going to reel you in, this was definitely the last time you'd be seeing this place. 

You soon found yourself speed walking, trying to keep up with her legs was not anything you had prepared for. Glancing back to your sister behind you, she was smiling to herself admiring the entirety of the situation unfolding right before her eyes. 

The three of you came to a stop mid-way through the pursuit, Aubrey opened a transparent door that led to a well-furnished living room, gray couches, maple brown tables, and of course, navy-colored carpet covered the floor. 

Safe to say you were a sucker for good color coordination, that was until you saw a figure with colors that didn't match the area not one bit. 

"Aye P look! I found your twin, Nikka has some competition now" Aubrey laughed gently patting your shoulder, her large hands held the weight you were not expecting, but the feeling soon subsided as your eyes met Paige’s blue irises. They were way brighter in person, but not as bright as her sweater as she was dressed in the same one you wore, a long white t-shirt flowed beneath hers that fit perfectly with her tall stature. Her cream-colored cargo pants had enough pockets for two people, yet she somehow made the outfit look so well put together.

She was gorgeous

“I mean I’d like to say I wear it better but, you look pretty good in it yourself” her eyes roaming your figure, causing heat to rise throughout your body, she knew exactly what she was doing. 

Forcing a small smile to form upon your lips to prevent your knees from buckling, “Well thank you...” words were not forming in your brain “Where’d you get yours from? you asked pointing at her fit. 

“I thrifted it” she said proudly, looking down as if it was her most proud possession. There’s no way a woman as wealthy as Paige willingly goes to the thrift store, or so you thought.  

“Yeahh, what she won’t tell you is that I’m the one who found it for her” Aubrey chimed in shaking her head in disbelief “give credit when it’s due”

“Well you guys all have a good sense of fashion soo, why don’t you guys take pictures!” Breah examined yanking out her digital camera she had been dying to use ever since she bought it. 

Paige laughed at her sudden burst of energy, but the idea riddled something in her mind. “We can go downtown and take some when the sun goes down, the scenery always looks better at night, it’ll make your colors pop”

“You mean our colors pop, you’re taking some flick’s too right?” hoped laced in your tone.

“Oh most definitely, I would never turn down the opportunity to take pictures with someone as beautiful as you"

Suddenly there was no need search any farther, you officially knew where you wanted to spend the rest of your years.

[cleolinda]

I’ve read a few of the umpteen thousand upset comments about the paid Watcher service, and I’ve read comments angry about the upset comments. There’s one thing I want to point out, and it’s that this isn’t, or shouldn’t be, “You’re saying people don’t deserve to earn money for their work.”

The Watcher guys do deserve to earn money. I already give them money. I give them $5 a month on Patreon, not because I think they do or don’t give me $5 worth of media, but because I want to support them. I canceled Netflix for pissing me off with its price hike/ad tier, but I give Watcher Entertainment money.

They’re saying now that the Patreon will be solely about the podcasts, and they understand if people leave. I’m perfectly happy to switch the support I can afford to the streaming service. With the early adopter 30% discount, I’d actually save money. In fact, I tried to subscribe, but the site didn’t work.

Watcher wanting to profit from their shows isn’t the problem. It’s that they’re now discovering that their fanbase is young and broke in a terrible economy, judging by tens of thousands of comments on multiple platforms. I can throw them $5/month, so I do. But the Patreon only has (checks notes) 5874 paying followers, and there’s a reason for that. $60/year upfront would not be “accessible.” Patreon is literally patronage from the people who can afford it.

If the guys had said up front, “ONLY new shows and episodes will be exclusive to the service,” I think we’d be having a different conversation right now. But at first they did say, “We’re pulling all our content from YouTube,” to the point where Variety had to issue an update. Like, that’s in print and I’m pretty sure it was on video. Now they’ve backtracked to ONLY new etc.—but most people haven’t heard, and they feel crushed. And the trust is probably gone regardless.

So now four years of back catalogue will stay public. And now, you’re paying $6.99 a month for one episode, maybe two, of something a week, and now, not an exclusive back catalogue. I would pay for Watcher shows before I’d pay for anyone else, but I just don’t think the company is big enough yet for a SVOD at that price. They’re not Dropout size. They needed to build more programming and get a higher follower count first, or at the very least, charge less.

The international price/exchange rate situation is a nightmare and I don’t know what it is they’re not doing to make it… not… be like that.

I don’t know what they should have done instead of a full streaming service, but surely there were alternatives? I’ve seen comments from people suggesting they GET a Patreon. Lean on that more! Do the shows exclusive for a month and then let them roll onto YouTube! I don’t know! Anything but One More Fucking Streaming Service, which enraged me, and I was willing to move my support to it!

And I shouldn’t say this, but I will. In the “Goodbye YouTube” video the guys posted, they say that setting up the streaming service has allowed Steven to do a remake of Worth It where he and his cohosts travel the world and eat expensive food. This is the first new show they announce. Not “We have always been committed to diversity and we’re now able to bring on new creator(s) to expand our programming.” No, a redo of an old show that by definition has got to be expensive. Commenters are saying they can’t pay for the streaming service because they can’t make ends meet in this economy. The optics are terrible. I genuinely question what the thought process even was here.

I love the guys and I still watch their shows. I want to see Watcher succeed. I started watching Buzzfeed Unsolved in 2018 while recovering from surgery—as with a lot of people, their shows got me through a tough time. I’m as attached as anyone. If I can continue to afford monthly support—this is not a certainty—I’ll give it to them. I’m not a ~hater who doesn’t want Watcher to make money. But I am absolutely BAFFLED by every single decision here. I want them to figure out how to turn this around and go in a better direction, because right now, this ain’t it.

[stormandforge]

Raw reactions to X-Force #2

60% Sage, 40% Forge, and 100% what I want from a comic.

SPOILER warning.

Sage finding the solution, Forge saving the day. I want to live in this issue.

There’s a conscious effort to remove the big hitters from the action to let the nerds take centre stage, and I am here for it. No offence to the Betsy and Rachel fans: it’s just not every day my darlings get to shine.

Absolutely loving the dynamic between Forge and Sage. It’s everything I wanted it to be, equal and open, if cautious. Here are 2 intellectual people functioning on the same level, and my, is it hot in here? I’ve been shipping them for a while, but they work so well together on the page, I feel vindicated.

Forge has plans for Sage. See: “nothing works without Tessa” in issue #1, and the way he rushes to save her before anyone else when the jet explodes in this issue. He needs her around. I just hope it's not because he plans on sacrificing her.

New pattern detected: every significant relationship Forge has with a woman starts with her insulting him. Weirdo man.

Time to remind the world of a general rule: SAGE IS ALWAYS RIGHT.

Going into this, I was afraid Forge would become some sort of seer character, and that the tinkering would take a back seat. Boy, was I wrong. THERE IS SO MUCH TECH IN THIS. He’s still the master tinkerer I know and love, we just haven’t seen him in his workshop yet.

But we do see him abandon Sage in a hostile jungle to return to his workspace. WTH man, that's rude.

In case you're wondering: Forge is hot. Sizzling. The brains, the mystery, the shiny eyes…He can recruit me for a suicide mission any day.

I’m hoping we’ll get more concrete information about Sage’s goggles. I’m always annoyed by the glasses she wears – it’s never clear how they complement or enhance her power, or what they’re for exactly.

Did we see Forge fixing/improving Sage’s goggles by simply laying his hand on them? If yes, that’s new and that’s hot.

Forge staring into the Analog all day like it’s the ring of power or something. Hey, handsome! Look up and give us a smile!

Of course he stores the Analog in his leg. The ridiculousness of this man.

I actually cheered at the debunking of the “passive” mutation. Mutant nerds represent.

Things that happen when you write Sage in-character: she becomes SEX ON LEGS. Uber smart metaphor for autism who speaks in probabilities and foreign tongues, helloooooo

“Not ‘colonizer’. Mutant.” Ohhhh that’s a bit cringe.

Little Miss Tessa talking in the third person for some reason (there might be a reason...?)

Loving the research Thorne is putting into this. He obviously knows Wakanda, but I love that he can also justify his premise with actual back issues. Gotta love a nerd with receipts.

Speaking of receipts, I stan Sele's bluntness. 'Hi, Stranger who just saved us all. I know everything about you. Didn't you use to screw the queen? Now get off my lawn.'

“Do not finish that sentence”, lol

The duality between science and magic is obviously a crucial part of Forge’s character, even if he hasn’t touched magic in a long time now. He favours science again in this issue, but I’ll be interested to see if he can balance the two again in the future.

Keeping the Tank mystery going, I see.

Nori’s a precious jewel.

I really don’t mind the episodic approach so far, but it could get old.

The average comic book reader might want a bigger scale and more explosions. I don’t. I want more stories of Forge and Sage being their hot nerdy selves.

[prying-pandora666]

“The Search” Rewrites, Book 4: Air, Leaks, and A Call for Help from the Fandom

I’ve talked a little about the Book 4: Air restoration project @book4air. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out! Three full episodes are already out and episode 4 is going to cover Zuko’s early days right after his banishment, exploring his relationship with Iroh and the world as Zuko understands it as a lost boy rapidly coming into manhood.

Wait until you hear the VA’s performance with music and everything! It’ll break your heart.

But I want to talk a little bit about what comes after these next few episodes: our adaptation of “The Search”.

If you’ve seen our adaptation of “The Promise”, you’ll know it was quite faithful. This won’t be the case for “The Search”. For the purposes of the overarching story we are telling, this story is getting overhauled. (Please still support the original release if you’d like to see the canon version).

The biggest change that’s been announced is the addition of Toph. The team felt that a story about family, identity, and faces could benefit from including Toph’s perspective as she comes from a unique but toxic family situation, has a strong conflict between the performance expected of her versus who she really is, and is completely blind and so faces don’t even register for her.

Here is the sample scene we released:

But I want to talk a little bit about what we are changing about Zuko and Azula’s roles in the story. While the set up is virtually unchanged, there is one small alteration that makes a big difference.

(Sorry for the poor quality, this is technically unreleased content and I’m being kinda risky leaking it.)

Ursa’s letters are now a diary. This means that rather than get random flashbacks, the narrative framing now becomes Zuko and Azula reading these entries together. As a result, they get to discuss their discoveries about their family, and even share each other’s perspectives.

What that means is that when things like Zuko dangling Azula over the cliff happen, now we actually are forced to address it. The characters have to talk about how they treat each other and the reasons why. They have to confront the toxic family dynamic they’ve been forced and groomed into since childhood. Zuko has to realize his mentally ill little sister isn’t the monster here and in fact he’s the one with all the power now, and Azula has to realize that Zuko can be trusted if she can let go of her fear long enough to talk to him about her vulnerabilities.

We also address issues like this:

Many people criticize this for being OOC, but I think there’s a way this could easily not be. Sokka has been known to be juvenile and reactionary as a first response, the difference is that he always eventually apologizes and learns from his mistakes. Without even needing to be asked.

Threatening a mentally ill person who has just been removed from an asylum—even as a joke—is not okay. It would be questionable even if they’d been friends before this, but considering their prior relationship it really does seem like an boneheaded lack of awareness or compassion for how triggering this could be.

So rather than remove this interaction, we addressed it. And I am really taking a risk posting this here, but here is a brand new script page:

Sokka isn’t just comic relief. Sokka is smart, Sokka is compassionate, Sokka is brave, and Sokka knows when it’s time to apologize and reach out versus when it’s time to fight.

Safe to say, there are several things that stay the same and we tried to keep faithful to the spirit of the story, but there’s a lot we wanted to do for the Gaang and for the Fire Sibs, and I hope you’ll join us on this adventure, whether you’re a diehard fan of the comics and just looking for a fun AU, or you hate the comics and would like a rewrite, or even if you’ve never read them and would just love to return to the world of ATLA.

The only trouble is, we can’t do it alone. The project is very expensive and time consuming to produce. Our team pays for everything out of pocket and some of us don’t even have reliable housing, so it’s been a hard time.

If you can help in any way, even only by spreading the word so YouTube will stop burying us in the algorithm, that would be huge!

If you can afford to help, we have a Patreon where you can get all sorts of early goodies.

Reblogs and comments greatly appreciated! As the head writer and voice of Azula, this project is very near and dear to me. Avatar was my first pro-writing gig when I was just a homeless 19 year old, and it’s here for me again as I struggle to rebuild my life and health that COVID destroyed.

I love this series and the community that has helped me through the hardest times in my life. I can’t wait to make something beautiful with you all!

[dangermousie]

Pre-Joseon Sageuks: a Biased and Incomplete List

So, as promised way earlier, a post on pre-Joseon sageuks that I’ve either watched or plan to watch so am aware of them. I am sure there are others but here is what I got. Obviously my takes on them are subjective blah blah blah.

Jumong - arguably the Daddy of all Traditional Sageuks, this one ran for over 80 episodes and had insane ratings. It follows the rise of the mythical founder of Gogureyo tho it takes fantastical elements of his story and changes them for historically plausible ones. It’s very long and very meaty and politics/battle heavy and has a large cast of complex characters (including pretty nifty women and a LGBTQ supporting OTP) but it is anchored by the incredible performance of Song Il Gook as the titular character as he slowly but believably grows from nothing to a hero if at the cost of losing his marriage.

The King of Tears Lee Bang Won - this is basically a half and half beast as (you can tell by the title), it’s set in the last days of Goryeo and early days of Joseon. The time period covered is the same as in My Country and Six Flying Dragons, but this is the most traditional take of them all, even more so than 6FD. Not a single pretty face in the cast (tho Joo Sang Wook is a mighty fine man, emphasis on “man”), this is for the real fans of traditional sageuks. I enjoyed it a lot but if you want to check out pre-Joseon sageuks but have mainly watched youth sageuk stuff before, you should probably start with another drama on this list.

The Great Seer - set in the reign of King Gongmin, the last proper king of Goryeo (his son King U is technically the very last but there are questions as to his status), this is for those of you who want to watch Ji Sang in a sageuk. It’s centered around seers but don’t expect mysticism, this knuckles down to politics.

Shin Don - hi there, another story set in the reign of King Gongmin! From the title, you can tel it centers heavily on the powerful monk who ruled for the King at one point. This has been on my to-watch list forever because this appears to devote a decent chunk of its time to Gongmin X Noguk and I am dying for a proper drama for those two. This is from 2005 so if you do watch, keep that in mind in terms of visuals etc. That cast is lit!

Bicheonmu - this is sort of cheating because it’s pretty much set in China but it involves Koreans so. It’s a drama take on the same story told in a pretty awesome movie. Tragic love, battles, young Joo Jin Moo etc. i am very fond of it. This said, find and watch the Chinese version, Korean one was shredded.

The Iron Empress/Empress Cheon Chu - set in Goryeo, this was another of women ruler centric dramas that had a mini popularity peak in late 00s/early 10s (a trend I wish continued.) it got overshadowed by Queen Seonduk but by all accounts is a solid drama. It’s on my list but I haven’t watched it yet.

The King’s Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang - by the writer of The Rebel and My Dearest. Have I got your attention? Another woman centric ruler tale set in Baekje. Yes, there is a love story. That cast is great, to boot. I have started and liked what I’ve seen but got sidetracked. Need to get back to it. Before you look at the ep number and faint seeing the number 108, keep in mind that the eps are half an hour long so it’s an equivalent of a normal 54 ep sageuk so if you can watch eg Empress Ki, you are good with this.

My Country: The New Age - Lee Bang Won but make it gay. OK, I kid, sort of (not really) but this is smart and passionate and heartbreaking. If you want a wide scope or lots of politics, probably not a take for you (Six Flying Dragons is RIGHT there), but if you want an intense, emotional tale, come right in!

Six Flying Dragons - to me, this is THE drama about Lee Bang Won. It’s smart and emotional, deals with politics and has heart. It has a large cast of characters I got invested in, OTPs that will blow your mind etc etc.

Faith/The Great Doctor - if you are a fan of old school shoujo like Red River, Basara or Fushigi Yuugi, this or Moon Lovers are your best bet on this list. A time traveling tale with other fantasy elements about a modern day plastic surgeon who ends up being kidnapped into Goryeo during the early days of King Gongmin’s (hi!) reign by a tormented, oath bound warrior played by Lee Min Ho at his hottest (and playing historical General Choi Young. Do RPS at your pleasure), this one is one of my all time favorites.

Seodonyo/Ballad of Seo Dong - I am actually currently watching this one tho I haven’t been posting about it. Set in both Baekje and Silla, this is an angsty love story with a side of politics. It’s filmed in 2005 and looks accordingly but if you don’t mind dated visuals, this is pretty great!

Emperor of the Sea - set in Silla and Tang, this was a huge hit and deservedly so. Our protag is a slave and gladiator and a great naval hero. This is grim and smart and epic. It’s from 2004 so once again, if dated visuals are no-go, skip, but if you want a great story and performances, this has your name on it.

The Kingdom of the Winds - an epic cursed prince narrative, our ML (Song Il Gook at his sexiest) rises from abandoned prince and slave and abused assassin to general, royal and king, sparing time for an angsty delicious love story with an enemy princess. This has serious sageuk bits AND the best shoujo tropes in the business, plus enough whump to keep anyone happy.

Gye Baek - Lee Seo Jin, another sageuk stalwart, stars as the title character in this tale of a Baekje commoner, war slave and general. This is grim but glorious.

Soldier/God of War - this is a traditional war-centric sageuk and grim as hell. Another slave to general tale.

King Geun Chu Go - this is on my watch list; it’s about a warrior king of Baekje. Haven’t seen it but heard good things.

Ja Myung Go - smart and unrelentingly tragic, featuring Jang Ryeo Won and Jung Kyung Ho as doomed lovers and Park Min Young in an evil role, this is great and has deeply flawed characters in the very definition of doomed by the narrative tale.

Arthdal Chronicles - this is obviously a fantasy but the tale of prophesied twins, magical priestess, wars and mysticism is clearly set in a pre-Joseon in terms of aesthetics world.

Alchemy of Souls - like Arthdal this is pure fantasy but also like Arthdal, a lot of its styling is pre-Joseon so on this list it goes.

Moon Lovers/Scarlet Heart Ryeo - ok I think if people have heard of only one drama on this very long list, it’s probably this one. Modern time traveling heroine ending up during the reign of Goryeo’s King Taejo, in the middle of his sons’ fight for the throne, having an epic but doomed romance with shoujo catnip tortured bad boy Lee Jun Ki.

Shine or Go Crazy - if you want a more historical take on Moon Lovers succession fight but still with plenty of hotness, angst and doomed romance, come right in. This baby stars Jang Hyuk, so you know it’s bound to be good. I actually started it and enjoyed it but got sidetracked. Need to get back to it. Fun fact: while Moon Lovers was hugely popular internationally, domestically Shine or Go Crazy (they aired around the same time), did much better.

The Legend/The First King’s Four Gods - for a long time this was my favorite kdrama of all time and is still probably in my top 10. Ignore the odd first episode, the rest is perfection. Expensive and wonderfully written, this was Bae Yong Joon’s last drama before he retired to rest on his pile of money (if you are young, you probably don’t remember what a big deal he was, bigger than all the Hallyu stars nowadays put together. He basically was singlehandedly supporting the kdrama industry at one point), but what a worthy way to go out. It’s an epic Goguryeo fantasy tale of a prophesied prince coming into his own, with such amazing characters and relationships and OTPs and battles and points about destiny versus free will. It is everything and I kinda want to rewatch now.

The Blade and The Petal/Sword and Flower - ostensibly a star-crossed Gogureyo love story, this really is more about politics. It’s a mixed bag. The visuals are insane but Uhm Tae Woong, while always solid in modern dramas, is out of place in a sageuk (in QSD Kim Nam Gil stole his thunder; there is nobody to do so here but that doesn’t help him.)

Queen Seon Duk - probably the most famous entrant into female power sageuks, this was a mad hit and centered on the titular character’s rise to power and fight for the same with her female nemesis Mishil. If you want love stories, angsty fighter Bidam propelled Kim Nam Gil to stardom as he stole the leading man mantle from Uhm Tae Woong.

Empress Ki - currently rewatching this. It’s set in the waning days of Goryeo but takes place mainly in Yuan. Still, the FL is Korean and a lot of the story revolves around one of her suitors’, a deposed Korean king, attempts to get his land back. As you can tell by my rabid posts, this is a great drama - politics, romance (I ship FL and the Yuan emperor like mad), murder, dysfunction and everything good.

Hwarang - it’s so brain dead it might as well be a brain-eating amoeba in drama form but it did give us both Park Hyung Sik and Park Seo Joon before they made it big in drama world. It’s terrible tho, stay away.

River where the Moon Rises - I have such a love/hate relationship with this drama - I loved the beginning, with our tormented assassin heroine slowly being warmed by the loyal rustic ML with his own trauma. And then Ji Soo’s bullying scandal happened and he was replaced by Na In Woo, aka the actor I like least from any country in all my close to two decades of watching dramas. I tried but I simply couldn’t and I am still mad. This said, if you don’t share my NIW allergy, it’s probably worth a watch.

The Great King’s Dream - if you liked QSD and can’t get enough of the period but want an even more traditional tale, you can do worse than this drama. I liked what I saw but this baby is 70 eps and lacks Bidam so I peaced out. Maybe I will get back to it sometime, but probably not.

Jeong Do Jeon - as you can tell by the title, centers on JDJ and the last days of Goryeo. Not really my bag (time period been done plenty in other dramas and I don’t have that much interest in JDJ) but supposed to be solid.

My Only Love Song - a short silly mess but still probably better than River (which tells the same story) because it doesn’t have NIW.

King Gwanggaeto the Great - 92 eps. I can’t!

The King Loves - delicious love triangle (that goes ALL ways), angst, prettiness, a side of bodyguard romance. What’s not to love in this Goryeo tale?

ETA: this post was so long that when I tried to tag every drama I mentioned, tumblr told me you hit the tag limit of 30 tags no more tags for you. Oh well, sorry dramas that ended up I tagged!

[illuminatedquill]

Sabine Wren (A Quick Study)

Know Thyself to Break Cycles

I was heavily debating whether to make this post because there is always a chance that I’m Talking Out Of My Ass and Looking Too Much Into It but, hey, that’s the fun of it, right?

Speculation and analysis. For this post, it’s about - who would have thought? - Sabine Wren, everyone’s favorite Mandalorian Jedi.

Specifically, there’s a scene in Ahsoka episode 6 that I keep coming back to that I’ll be talking about in this post.

If you somehow haven’t watched Ahsoka yet, then be warned - SPOILERS under the cut.

Here’s the scene:

[gif supplied by @sersi]

Here's why this scene intrigues me so much.

First - Natasha Liu Bordizzo is hella pretty, guys.

(. . . Yes, this is important info.)

Second - notice how Sabine is responding to Thrawn here. It’s not a direct stare. Up until this point in the conversation she's Not Impressed with Thrawn's grand return.

She’s looking at him from an angle; specifically she is tilting her head at him.

That’s significant. Why? Because:

Tilting can similarly indicate curiosity, uncertainty or query, particularly if the head is pushed forward, as if the person was trying to look at the subject in a different way in the hope of seeing something new. The greater the tilt, the greater the uncertainty or the greater the intent to send this signal.

It’s clear that Sabine, despite her bravado, is feeling uncertain about various things regarding her situation.

1. She just doomed their home galaxy to find Ezra.

2. She left Ahsoka for dead.

3. She possibly left Hera (and Jacen!) for dead.

4. She doesn’t even know if Ezra is still alive.

So, yeah. She’s standing on shaky ground and she knows it.

But these matters are the obvious issues. And we all know that there are deeper emotions are at play here for Sabine.

Because this whole conversation has Thrawn - one of the Empire’s, if not the most, brilliant strategists - admit that he is completely confounded about Sabine’s motivations.

Thrawn. Confused. With. Sabine.

Let’s look at it again:

This is Thrawn.

The concept of loyalty is not unknown to him. He understands that; he literally has an entire army and certain parts of the Imperial Remnant that are loyal to him, waiting and preparing for his return!

He studies the culture of a species; their art, their music, their history to understand them - and to exploit weaknesses that are revealed through that same study.

He’s not a stranger to the Ghost crew, either! He’s even seen Sabine’s art. He knows her - or so he thought.

And, yet, he does not understand why Sabine made such a risky gamble. It goes beyond loyalty.

And I think that puzzles Sabine, too. Because my belief is she thinks she knows why she's gone so far to find Ezra.

But if Thrawn is confused about why're you doing something, then wouldn't you start to question your own motives, too?

Hence, the head tilt. Sabine, seeking to understand why he's so confused about her motivations - and, maybe, realizing that he's not the only one who is confused.

Third and last point:

Kudos to Natasha's fantastic acting here. There's a level of nuance to her expression at the end that I am obsessed with.

It's a blink or miss it moment but pay close attention: right at the end, after she says, "You wouldn't understand."

Sabine goes from steely-eyed determination to . . . something that looks a lot like surprise. And a hint of realization.

It's like what she said or how she said it just surprised her. It's just the slightest lifting of the eyebrows and widening of the eyes but . . . that's how it looks to me.

Sabine, as stated earlier in the episode, is not one for self-reflection. But here, in this confrontation with her old foe, she ,maybe, partially, realizes something about herself here.

What could it be? Personal interpretation: that her reasons for finding Ezra are not so cut-and-dried as she once thought. That there are deeper forces in motion, driving her forward.

To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom. - Socrates

I've talked about this before that Sabine not understanding herself - and not being in tune with her feelings - is a huge reason for her actions in the show. And because she lacks this self-awareness, her judgment going forward will remain clouded.

(Which is, you know, not good for a Jedi.)

I know I'm treading close to dangerous waters here . . . but I'm coming from the perspective of someone who watched Rebels and saw Sabine and Ezra as wholly platonic. Deeply, truly, best of friends.

And now, after having watched Ahsoka, I don't see that as being the case anymore. At least for Sabine. It's different now.

There is something more going on here. It's been talked about and analyzed before in this fandom by smarter people, but there's quite a number of scenes that dance around the subject of Sabine's feelings towards Ezra.

It's never addressed head-on but acknowledged, indirectly, by four other notable characters -

Ahsoka

Baylon Skoll

Thrawn

Shin Hati

Ahsoka comes the closest, telling Sabine she knows how much Ezra means to her - but also warning her to put her 'personal feelings' for him aside to service a greater good.

Baylon Skoll says Sabine's 'focus' on Ezra blinds her. And, you know, tempting her with, "Do it. For Ezra." at the end of Episode 4.

Thrawn - well, we discussed him already. "Gambled the fate of your galaxy on that belief," what a line. It goes so hard, I love it so much.

And, interestingly enough, Shin Hati also indirectly acknowledges it with the casual observation: "the one she so desperately seeks".

(Hera also clocks Sabine from the get-go, knowing precisely how to hook her in to working with Ahsoka again. "She'll do it for Ezra.")

It's the rancor in the room! They're talking around it, but never directly addressing it!

These dialogues they have about Sabine and her feelings for Ezra - it's so similar to how someone tries to describe the shape of something but it's obscured or hidden, you know?

You get a detail here and there - bits and pieces of a larger, more coherent picture, but never the whole thing.

That's what it feels like to me, in terms of the dialogue; like they can't quite grasp what she's feeling/what's driving her, but catch just enough to make a close estimation.

(I can't tell if any of this is intentional and it's driving me nuts. What are you playing at, Filoni.)

Sabine does get past her fear of losing Ezra with her decision to stay on Peridea with Ahsoka, though. However, much as that is a pleasing 'full circle' moment for her character arc in this season, there's still greater tragedy on the horizon -

Because Ezra still doesn't know what she did to find him. It's one thing to lose someone physically, as in death, but to lose them in the sense of a relationship: a foundation of trust, respect, and love is uniquely devastating.

That's one of my main issues with the ending for Ahsoka. Sabine's arc rings a little hollow because she didn't open up to Ezra like she should have. That was the real test, I think, and she failed.

It's going to be a never-ending cycle if she doesn't come to understand herself and her feelings.

One of Ahsoka's main themes is actually breaking cycles, it seems. Baylon wants to break the cycle of never-ending wars plaguing the galaxy.

Ahsoka wants to break the cycle of darkness inherent in her Jedi lineage; she stops Sabine's training precisely because of this fear that her pupil will turn to the dark side.

And Sabine wants to stop the cycle of loss that's been all too prevalent in her own life.

Baylon thinks he's found the 'start' of his cycle which has something to do with the Mortis gods.

Ahsoka came to terms with Anakin's legacy and is coming around to mend the relationship between herself and Sabine . . . but Thrawn's pointed observations in the finale and her reaction to them still show that's something she will continue to struggle with.

Also, judging by the expression from hearing this conversation, Sabine doesn't know about Anakin or how his legacy has cast this large, looming shadow over their master-apprentice relationship. So Ahsoka has still yet to properly break that cycle if she does not open up to Sabine about why she stopped her training.

(Or how Ahsoka is afraid of Sabine's potential should she fall to the dark.)

As for Sabine . . . she never told Ezra the truth. About any of it. And the loss she truly fears may yet come to pass as a result.

Breaking cycles is all about knowing thyself.

For Sabine, that means coming to terms with how she really feels about Ezra. Being honest with him about everything . . . and willing to let him go, if that's what it comes to.

I don't know how you repair a relationship after committing such a terrible act.

I've literally written several fanfics regarding the consequences and potential angst of how Ezra and Sabine could fix things.

(And I'm still writing them now, I promise! Right after finishing this. And getting some sleep.)

It's Sabine and Ezra. She loves him. Doesn't matter how you interpret it, that's a fact.

And he loves her. Maybe even enough where he can "love her more than anything she could do wrong", which I'm paraphrasing from Andor.

(It's such a great line. Up there with my favorite from Doctor Who: "Do you think I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?")

Star Wars is all about that, right? About how it's never too late to make amends; that love can turn back the darkness and drive out hate. It's one of the reasons why we love this franchise so much.

It shows that we can always forgive and love each other and fight for each other, no matter how far off the path we have wandered.

They'll find their way back to each other. Not because of the Force; because it's those two.

[t0ast-ghost]

S3 EP10 (Plato’s Stepchildren) Imagine having that guy as your stepdad.

Let’s get it started:

- Yeah! The boyfriends are beaming down! I love when episodes start like this

- Spock’s eyeshadow looks marvellous today

- The title gets explained :) helpful

- The costumes are amazing

- Damn poor Alexander, don’t make him do that! Also who tf are these guys?

- “We haven’t had any pressing need for the medical arts.” Interesting she says arts

- “How old would you say I am? Oh, don’t be afraid I’m not vain.” Spock with no amount of hesitation, “Thirty five.”

- Stuff being thrown

- I love Alexander

- “Alexander, where I come from, size, shape, or colour makes no difference.”

- “Doctor McCoy you may yet cure the common cold.” Spock loves him so much

- Alexander is like, ‘do not fucking anger him, that is a Bad idea. Capital B.’

- These guys are like the worst version of rich kids

- Why’re you hitting yourself (if you have siblings… you get it)

- “Kirk to enterprise, acknowledge. Acknowledge. Enterprise, come in. Enterpr- I can’t raise them.” He tries so hard

- I really like McCoy’s stumble, it’s well done, as in it looks the most realistic

- They want to keep McCoy.. I’d say I couldn’t blame them, but I can (let him leave with his boyfriends)

- “My dear Mr Spock” Back the fuck up Parmen. Your name sounds like cheese.

- “Captain, leave while you still can.” He ain’t going to do that without McCoy

- I like how we’ve just been getting these live Alexander reactions

- What the fuck is happening

- the little dance around each other !?!

- Some episodes are full of love and meaning and resistance. And some also have this.

- Parmen made Kirk frown and Spock smile and frown like the 🎭

- McCoy watching them in pain :(

- Kirk is so desperate for McCoy to not be left with them

- Spock has reached his breaking point. Why is he laughing (Leonard Nimoy has a beautiful smile tho)

- Oh my god is this the whole episode? McCoy watching his boyfriends get humiliated/tortured?

- hi guys. This is my moment to breathe. I am writing this with one hand over my mouth and trying not to laugh.. I laughed anyway. Kirk’s neighing was a little too much for my brain to handle

- He neighed again omg

- Live McCoy reaction

- McCoy don’t give in. Just don’t give in. You can’t stay there.

- EVERY TIME. Every time Spock talks about emotions it’s to relate to them or to dislike them. “The humiliation must have been most difficult for you to bear. I can understand.” “The release of emotions, Mr. Spock, is what keeps us healthy, emotionally healthy, that is.” “That may be, Doctor. However, I have noted that the healthy release of emotion is frequently very unhealthy for those closest to you.” Anyone care to dissect this?

- “Then you must release it [hatred & anger], gentleman, as I must master mine. I might have seriously injured you, captain… even killed you. They have evoked such great… Hatred in me. I cannot allow it to go further. I must… master it. I must… control.” *breaks vase* amazing speech. Very vulnerable on Spock’s side. He’s unable to control his emotions here and it could endanger Kirk (possibly McCoy)

- Bones.. nooo babygirl don’t sacrifice yourself

- “It’s not me. It’s not my size. It’s them!” GOOD FOR YOU ALEXANDER!

- “I’m gonna cut them.” Oh okay uhm no I don’t think that’ll go down well for you

- That’s the first time I’ve ever seen the screen of one of these things

- That good for Alexander, he knows he needs to get away from them, I support his decision

- UHURA AND CHAPEL TO THE RESCUE

- nope nevermind. Immediately controlled.

- Damn why don’t the others get new outfits :/ OMG THEY DO!

- SPOCKS SINGING (I have so many thoughts in my head. This is probably the first time they’ve heard him sing. I think this makes McCoy and Kirk even angrier)

- Um. WHAT is happening?

- “I haven’t the power.” Reverse he-man

- I have been watching with my fingers partially covering my eyes, I did not think Star Trek could put me this on edge.

- YEAH CUT THEM ALEXANDER! Oh he’s immediately stopped

- NONO NO NO NO. Not Alexander!

- Okay so now they’re both using Alexander.

- “Don’t stop me! Let me finish him off.” “Do you want to be like him?” Such a good and simple question

- “Parmen listen to me. I could have had your power but I didn’t want it. I could have had your place right now, but the sight of you and your Academicians sickens me! Despite your brains, you’re the most contemptible things that ever lived in this universe.” Pop off Alexander

- Annnd Kirk just leaves them.. okay well at least they’re all off the planet now

That was… certainly an episode.

Masterpost

Episode written by Meyer Dolinsky

[pxrplebxtterfly]

Yes Father (2/2)

gifs belong to me

18+

Pairings: Sam Winchester’s alias Father Frehley x fem reader

Warnings: SMUT, priest kink?, mentions of religion, alcohol use, spanking, fingering, blowjob.

Summary: Father Frehley shows up in your town and the two of you share a nightcap.

Word count: 4.5k

Notes: This fic was written in a FIRST PERSON POV!!! This is part of a two-part fic about Sam’s alias Father Frehley. This second part takes place during season 12, episode 4: American Nightmare, ten years later. Although Sam goes by Father DiNero in the episode, the narrator still knows him as Father Frehley. Also, so sorry for taking forever to put this out, I’m working full time this summer so it’s been hard to make time to write. This 2nd part might be less cohesive and consistent due to my inability to write all the time. Thanks for being patient and I hope you enjoy!!!

❀𖤣𖥧𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼𖥧𖤣❀

It’s been ten years. It’s been ten years since I’ve seen Father Frehley. Until now. There he is walking out of the church on my block with the same priest he was with before. This is not what I expected when I decided to take a walk this morning.

❀𖤣𖥧𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼𖥧𖤣❀

I moved to the midwest after finishing college for a job. I also wanted to get out of my small town in the deeply religious south. After my experience with Father Frehley, one thing led to another and I started to transition out of the church.

❀𖤣𖥧𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼𖥧𖤣❀

That’s how I ended up here, in my new town, in front of him once again.

He sees me, standing on the sidewalk across the street, shock on my face. I see him too. He’s even taller than I remember. His hair is longer and his face more chiseled.

He’s ten years older, so am I.

He’s equally as shocked, the chances of encountering each other again are impossibly low. Yet, here he is, walking across the street towards me, a smirk plastered on his face.

“Father Frehley?” I say once he’s close enough to where I don’t need to raise my voice. He steps up onto the sidewalk in front of me, his hands in his pockets.

“Hi, it’s good to see you. What are you doing in Iowa?” he greets with a smile.

I’m in a trance seeing him again.

“I live here, what are you doing here?” I ask, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Visiting friends,” he looks back at the church, “how long’s it been?”

“Ten years I think,” I say blushing when I’m reminded of the last time we were together.

“Wow, well you haven’t aged at all” he gestures to me, a twinkle in his eyes.

His jaw is covered in stubble, aging him. He looks more mature and grown.

“Thank you” I say and blush again, as I see the way he looks at me.

He still has that same lust and desire in him, like he had when we first met. I can feel it.

“Father!” Father Simmons calls to him from their car.

Apparently he doesn’t recognize me, though I don’t judge him for that.

“I’ve got to go, but it was nice seeing you again. Let me know if you want to get together while I’m still in town!” he says softly, looking down at me.

I say goodbye and watch as the handsome priest saunters back to the other side of the road.

I hate myself for my horny thoughts: that he’s only gotten sexier.

❀𖤣𖥧𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼𖥧𖤣❀

It’s 10:30. I shouldn’t be calling him but I’ve found myself distracted the whole day after running into him this morning. I can’t stop thinking about the way he corrupted me, and how he taught me so gently. My skin burns, daydreaming about his massive physique and probing eyes.

The last time we did this, I knew nothing. Now I know that what he did was not the way things usually go.

However, I don’t hold any resentment towards him or feel like what he did was wrong. In fact, it’s always turned me on, knowing that this young, hot, kind, priest strayed from his religious upholdings to teach and please me.

It’s something I fantasize and think about often; the kinky sort of thing that makes most people raise an eyebrow with confusion.

For me, it’s an eyebrow of intrigue.

I ransack my jewelry box on the dresser looking for the stack of cards with numbers on them, I’ve accumulated from men over the years. When I find it, I untie the rubber band holding the cards in place, and take the card from the very bottom.

It’s his. The number on it might not even be his anymore but it’s worth a shot.

I pick up my cell phone and punch the number in. I press call and hold the phone up to my ear. The line rings three times, and I hold my breath the whole time. After the third ring, the line clicks and I hear a “Hello?”

“Hi, is this Father Frehley?” I ask nervously.

“Uh, yeah it is, can I help you?”

I breathe out, shakey just from hearing his voice.

“I hope so. You told me to let you know if I wanted to get together and well, I do right now if you’re not busy” I bite my lip, hoping he can tell it’s me.

“I thought it might’ve been you,” he chuckles softly.

“Are you up for a nightcap?” I ask. There’s a pause and then I hear his laugh start again.

“You know what, as a matter of fact I could use a drink. What’d you have?”

“Whiskey, bourbon, scotch… Any of those sound good?”

“Send me your address, I’ll be right over” he says, his mind made up already.

We end the phone call and I text him my address. In anticipation, I set out all my best liquor and daydream about the things he might do to me once he comes over.

Within minutes of calling him, the Chevy Impala pulls up outside my front window. I hide behind my curtains and watch as he walks up to my front door. My heart is racing, watching him take long strides up my sidewalk, in the dim porch light.

He knocks on the door and I take a deep breath to settle my nerves. I act like I wasn’t just watching him and take a second to answer.

When I open the door, there he is. My body tenses seeing him and I’m almost overcome with excitement.

He stands there smirking down at me, thrilled at my desperation. He’s still wearing a black suit and white roman collar like he’s just been to mass. My body is overrun by attraction and I can feel my core jump as I step aside and let him in.

“So, you said you have whiskey” he says as I close the front door behind him.

“I do, it’s in the kitchen, you can follow me” I say, and walk in front of him, down the hallway to the kitchen.

“You have a beautiful house; it smells nice in here, like a real home” he says behind me.

“Thanks, it’s probably all the candles I burn, I can never have too many” I say and grab two glasses off the kitchen counter.

Moments of silence pass and he doesn’t say something until I’ve poured our drinks and put the bottle of whiskey down.

“You know I never thought I’d see you again, so seeing you this morning was rather jarring” he says as I pick up our glasses.

“Jarring in a bad way?” I ask, walking towards him and offering the drink.

“I wouldn’t say so” he says gently as our fingers brush when I transfer the glass to his hand.

We lock eyes, his green irises putting a spell on me. I feel my heart burn and I don’t walk back to the other side of the kitchen for a moment; too lost in the lusty haze surrounding us.

When I finally back away, he asks me a question: “Are you still religious?” He’s looking down at the ground, noticing some smudge on his shoe.

Oh God, I think. He’ll hate my answer, I mean he’s a priest. But he broke his vows first, who is he to judge?

I blush with guilt and shake my head. I decide to confess with a hint of playfulness, “How can I be after what you did to me?”

His eyes shoot up to look at me. When he sees my smirk he takes a deep breath in, as if trying to hold something back. After a second he nods, smiles, and says, “That’s very fair”

“What about you? Are you still religious?” I tease, taking a sip of my drink.

“What do you think?” he scoffs and adjusts his collar, “However, I’m no longer a junior priest, I’ve fully joined the priesthood.”

“Oh yeah? Congratulations. Can I ask you a question about priests?”

I decide to be bold because already this whiskey is having an effect on me. I want him to take my clothes off and have me right here on my kitchen island.

“Of course, anything you want,” he says. The look on his face makes me think he already knows exactly what I'm about to ask. It has to be brought up eventually.

I bite my lower lip before asking, “What kind of priest fingers someone?”

He pauses, his eyes probing mine with a fire lit behind them. His eyes undress me, the lower half of his face going a little slack with shock.

He takes a breath, licks his lips and says, “a sacrilegious one”

I shiver under his gaze, and ask quietly, “Are you still sacrilegious?”

He stares at me, sinful ideas blossoming in his head. I can see them form behind his eyes.

“Should we find out?” he asks in a low voice, straightening up.

“Yes please” I smile and put my glass down. He does the same.

He walks towards me and corners me to the counter. He places his hands on the counter beside my hips and looms over me. The smell of his cologne hits me and my legs become weak. As I stare up at him he lifts his hand off the counter and brushes a strand of hair behind my ear.

With his fingers gently cupping my face, he kisses me. It’s soft at first, and so gentle. His warm lips barely even on mine. The taste of whiskey crawls into my mouth and makes me burn to taste more of him. He continues, gifting me with slow, loving, sweet, kisses.

The tantalizing, methodical movement of his lips makes my head buzz. His deliverance of affection and passion sends heat everywhere, flooding every vein.

Soon, the lust of years gone by, is too strong to resist and things begin to heat up. His tongue glides into my mouth and we begin to devour each other. Our mouths open wide, and greedy to explore.

Both of his large hands hold my face as I melt like ice cream in his mouth. The feeling of his hands cradling my jaw and skull so tenderly makes my cunt lurch with amusement. Knowing how vulnerable and fragile I am as he handles me, twists the knot inside me tighter.

His hands begin to get a little rough, a little more in control. They hold me close to his lips and his fingers tangle and tug slightly at my hair.

His stubble and fallen strands of hair tickle my cheeks as his body slowly molds into mine.

My hips push against his thighs and my lower stomach is pressed to his pelvis. I can feel him stiffen through his slacks. He moans into me when I push myself into him more, not wanting any space between us.

I wrap my hands around his neck, keeping him leaning downwards to kiss me. I weave my fingertips into his hair at the nape of his neck and play with it. Apparently he likes this because he places a knee between my legs and pushes it forward until his thigh reaches my crotch. Feeling the pressure he creates, I roll my hips and pathetically grind on his thigh.

I moan into his mouth as he bites my lower lip and lifts his leg to create more pressure. We part naturally to breathe and he moves his hands to my ass. He squeezes gently and asks, “Have you been a good girl all these years?”

I don’t know what to say so I just nod and whimper as he grips my ass, and I chase his lips.

“Tell me,” he commands softly, fingers clawing into my flesh.

I sigh, out of breath and because his words turn me on. “Probably not Father,” I say, “but I can be good for you tonight”

He responds with a shaky moan-like laugh, delighted with my response and kisses me with such desire I almost become a puddle at his feet.

He continues to knead at my ass, pushing and pulling with the rhythm of my hips on his leg. He does this all while kissing me, the cat and mouse with his tongue making me grind harder.

I’m panting into his mouth, holding his face as close to mine as I can. We stop kissing when I’m unable to breathe and need to concentrate on not overwhelming myself with pleasure so quickly.

“Look at you getting all worked up on my leg” he whispers into my ear.

I moan at his comment and squeeze my thighs around his leg.

His hands move from my ass to my breasts. He squeezes them through my shirt. I immediately rip my shirt off over my head and undo my bra for him.

He marvels at my tits and takes them in his hands. As we kiss he pinches my nipples and runs over them with his thumb. I’m whimpering into his mouth, twitching at his touch.

He pulls off my mouth and ducks down to my chest. He takes one of my breasts into his mouth and sucks. His tongue plays with my nipple as he sucks my breast.

I hold his head to my chest, so far immersed in this pleasure I block out the world.

He moves his mouth to my other breast and I moan. He sucks and plays with my tits for a few minutes, giving them attention. When he’s finished he begins kissing me again. He kisses me and I taste my skin on his tongue. He pulls away suddenly, and I can tell in his eyes, that he’s thought of something.

“You wanna be good? Turn around,” he tells me.

That’s what I do. I turn around and bend over the counter. I feel him pull at my jeans, and feel the cold air hit me. He pulls my pants down to my ankles and I kick them off.

He comes up behind me, hips pushing against my bare bottom. I feel him through his pants and I clench around nothing. He leans over me and kisses my neck just below my ear. The sound of his breathing and feel of his lips forces a sigh and whimper out of me.

His hands feel up my waist and back, germinating seeds of heat sowed under my skin. His hands travel to my shoulders, and down my arms. His fingers wrap around my wrists, and this display of dominance makes my stomach flutter.

He whispers into my ear, “Stand up”

We stand up at the same time, his hands let go of my wrists. When we’re up, he turns me around against the counter by my waist. He kisses me once more and grabs my wrists again.

When he pulls away, he keeps one hand holding my wrist. He starts to walk to my living room, and I follow him as close as I can. He leads me to my couch and he sits down in the middle. I sit next to him.

“Bend over my lap,” he commands.

I give him a curious look that asks, “what are you about to do to me?”

His eyes shimmer, he smirks and nods to his lap. I’m intrigued and crawl over him.

I feel his hard-on underneath the side of my hip as I settle myself over his lap.

Wasting no time, he runs his hands over my ass and grabs palm fulls of my flesh. I feel his fingers grip my skin to expose my pussy for him to look at.

“Fuck” he moans and slaps my ass a little.

I squeal from the sharp sting and circle my hips in response. I wasn’t prepared for his hit but I enjoyed it.

“Oh did you like that?” he asks and another slap, a little bit harder than the last, lands on my other cheek.

I moan a ‘mhm’ and squeeze my thighs together. He slaps me again.

I’m cursing at the surge of pleasure being sent to my cunt each time he spanks me.

He rubs his palm over the places he’s slapped, cooling and soothing them with his touch.

Once again, he spreads my folds with his fingers and groans at the sight of me. My slick covers the inside of my thighs, coating my skin.

“Such a pretty pussy” he murmurs, groping my ass. I feel and hear him spit on me, his saliva landing right at my entrance. My stomach churns with heat, and I wiggle my hips, trying to grind into his lap.

I then feel his finger circle my hole, prodding at it, teasing me. I push my ass up, trying to make his finger slip in. The heavy tip of his finger, toying with me, makes my head spin. The crave for his fingers in me becomes almost impossible to bear.

“Father, please” I plead, my face buried in throw pillows.

“Please what? Cmon use your words for me” he teases.

I feel his other hand begin to rub my clit. The desperation for his fingers in me only amplifies. My skin prickles from the torture he’s causing.

“Please put your fingers in me” I beg.

He listens and plunges his long, thick finger in. I release a sob of relief and pleasure, when I feel him deep against my walls.

He begins to curl his finger, slowly hollowing me out. He soon starts oscillating between fucking his finger in and out of me, and pushing up against my g-spot.

I crave more, and that’s what he delivers. Adding another finger, he opens me up and pumps into me more ferociously.

He fucks me with his fingers, deep and hard, making tears form in the corners of my eyes. His other hand vibrates with speed against my clit, making me moan and squirm. He fucks me perfectly, hitting every pleasure nerve in me. His fingers start to vibrate in me and I begin to cry from the overwhelming bliss.

His fingers coax an orgasm out of me, setting free what had been building up all day. It’s over way too fast and I’m in shock at how easily he drew an orgasm from me.

“Oh my god” I pant once he’s slowed his movements and I’ve come down.

“That good, huh?” he teases and takes his fingers out of me gently.

I sigh at the empty feeling and push myself off my stomach. I sit back on my knees and say, “you have no idea,”

He drags his fingers across my waist, leans towards me, and before our lips touch, he says, “oh I think I do”

As he speaks he brings his two fingers that were in me, between our lips.

I blush, embarrassed at my orgasm that covers his fingers.

“Open,” he says, and I do. I let him push his fingers into my mouth, exploring my tongue.

“Do you like the way you taste?” he whispers, his gaze never straying from my mouth. He’s smirking, enjoying the show, as he watches me suck on his fingers. I nod, showing him. I take his wrist in my hand and pull his fingers from my lips. Once out, I kiss the tips of his fingers and he scoffs as it turns him on.

“Get on your knees” he says softly. He’s not commanding or harsh, but almost moaning with his anticipation.

I kiss him quickly on the lips and watch him smile as I slide off the couch and onto the floor. My knees bruise but I don’t care, I just shuffle myself between his long, meaty thighs.

I look at his crotch, and see the tent in his pants. It makes the heat between my thighs only grow. He leans forwards and begins to stroke my hair. He pets me and says, “So far, you’ve behaved well. But, I want you to show me how good you can be”

I know what he wants and I’m more than happy to service him.

“You think you can do that for me?” he asks.

“Yes Father,” I say and reach my hand up to palm at his erection.

He breathes out quickly through his nose and says “good girl,”

I watch him lean back into the couch, giving me full control over him. He unbuttons his black dress shirt and peels his roman collar off. He shrugs off his shirt and I’m stunned at how his torso looks. It’s so sculpted and tan, it’s better than I ever imagined. I notice a tattoo of a pentagram at the center of what appears to be the sun. It’s above his left peck and it sparks curiosity in me. I want to know the story behind it eventually.

I slither my hands up to his belt and undo it slowly, biting my lip in excitement. I remember him well; how could I forget?

His belt undone, I zip open his fly and then tug at his pants and underwear. I need to see him, I need to feel him.

He lifts his hips and pushes his pants down and off, kicking them to the side.

Finally, his red, inflamed cock is free, and all for me. I grab it immediately and wrap my hand around it, feeling how thick it is.

He lets out a shaky breath as I take him in my fist.

“Come on baby, show me what you can do,” he breathes out, encouraging me.

I kiss the head of his dick, smearing pre-cum on my lips. I then stick my tounge out and lick around his tip. Once I’ve swirled my tongue around the head of his leaking dick, I begin to make out with his shaft. I kiss up and down his cock, all the way down to his balls. I suck on his balls, taking one into my mouth, and then the other. He moans as I slobber on them.

“Fuck, you’re so-,” he can’t finish his thought, too lost in watching as I lick every exposed piece of him.

I’m looking up at him the whole time, watching his reactions. His fist is holding my hair back, guiding my head gently. I finally wrap my lips around him and suck. He groans as I begin to slowly bob up and down, getting my mouth used to him.

“Look at you…” he coos, proud and stunned by my eagerness. I smile through my motions, happy he’s in awe of my performance.

As I continue, I look up and see his eyes shut tight and jaw clenched as I suck. His hand on the back of his head causes his arm to flex, sending a ripple of tingles to my pussy. I hum in pleasure at his enjoyment and this causes him to let another moan escape.

Hearing him fills me with endurance and excitement. I force myself to go deeper, taking him into my mouth a little bit farther. I keep the same up and down motion, going a little faster as well.

I pop off him, giving myself a minute to breathe. I look up at him and his face is heavily flushed and he’s biting his bottom lip. “Fuck” he sighs.

I giggle and continue where I left off.

Now, I’m taking him all the way to the back of my throat. My teeth have rubbed the inside of my lips raw, and his cock has bruised my throat, but I’m not about to stop. I’m giving him the sloppiest head of his life and it’s made clear to me that he’s almost done.

He’s been panting for a few minutes now, as if he’s trying to control himself. Trying to hold out a little bit longer. I keep going, focusing on his pleasure only. My hands are playing with his balls and jerking on the lower half of his cock.

He goes silent and then all at once I hear him moan and let out curses while something warm fills my mouth and throat. When he’s finished, I slow and stop.

I look up at him and show him my tongue, still laced with his seed. He breathes out an exhausted moan.

I swallow him and show him my empty mouth after.

“Fuck,” he moans, “You’re such a good girl, you should be proud”

He bends forwards and I sit up on my knees. He puts his hands on the sides of my head and kisses me. It’s a little dry, both of us out of breath, but it’s endearing.

He pulls away, his hands still on my cheeks and stares at me. I look up at him, letting him admire me. He plays with my hair and caresses my cheekbone with his thumb.

Neither of us speak, preferring to let the silence embrace us.

The smell of our sweat is thick in the air, almost fog like.

I stand up and climb into his lap. I wrap my arms around his neck and straddle him. I cling to him, the both of us naked and flushed. He envelopes me with his long, lean arms, pulling me tight against him.

We sit here momentarily, breathing each other in, enjoying the intimacy we’re sharing.

I feel him start to kiss my shoulder and move to my neck. I pull my face from his shoulder, allowing him access to my throat. He kisses and sucks on my neck lovingly. He’s inattentive to anything else.

His lips on my neck make me groan lazily. Sparks fly off of us, driving me wild. He kisses up my throat, to my jaw and diligently pours his affection onto my skin. He finally reaches my mouth. Our kisses are like before, slow, less hesitant but just as impassioned.

I desperately don’t want to break away from what we’ve just shared but I know that it’s fleeting. I pull away and hold his head in my hands. It’s my turn to admire him.

He smiles at me and says, “I don’t want to go, but I think I should”

I smile with him and nod. We both know he has his priest thing even though he’s probably the worst priest I’ve ever met.

“Call me if you’re ever in town again” I say.

“Absolutely,” he says.

I climb off him and dress myself. He sits up off the couch and does the same.

Before he leaves I take a pen and sticky note from a drawer in my kitchen and write my number and name on it. I hand it to him after he puts his shoes on and is standing by the door.

He slips the sticky note in his pocket and pulls me in by my waist for one last kiss. When we part he says, “Goodbye,” and smiles as he opens the door.

He walks through and out into the night. I take his place by the door and watch as he walks down my sidewalk and gets into his car.

I shut the door as he drives off and sigh while I think about what just occurred.

I still smell him and I’m not sure if I’m ever going to be able to wash it off.

[pigeon-the-nerd]

I have some Tma/tmagp theory’s

Some of them have probably been seen before but I just finished the magnus archives so I haven’t Seen many theory’s yet

Spoilers for the magnus archives and probably at least the first 2 episodes of the magnus protocol

So in the magnus protocol we can all pretty much agree it’s an alternate reality where the fears were sent after Tma ep 200 right? And its unknown weather or not the fears will work the same there or even be categorized the same

But I’ve seen no one mention the fact that their might be other entities in this new reality, in 197 we get this diolouge

“ARCHIVIST

The Powers don’t exist there? They’re, what, unique to our… dimension?

ANNABELLE

Unique? Oh, I don’t know about that, but certainly there are many, many worlds without them.”

Here (as I understand it) Annabelle implies that tho the fears may not exist in many worlds (note she dosent say all) she dosent think that the fears are unique. I think we will encounter some new beings or new fears, and if there already was something like the fears there, how would it/they react to the fears arrival? I would love to see the aftermath of something like that, the fears are one being in the end and what happened if there are genuinely two of that kind of being

Another theory is that that the fears emerged into the world from hilltop road at the beging of time or when they go to another reality they go to the start of it

Or I got the impression that in 168 after the fears starve and “lose their grip on this reality” that life would start again? And the world would start over and maybe it has already and teh crack in reality at hilltop road was formed from a previous change and Jon made another one in ep 160 with the current change

Anyway I love this podcast and I am going a little bit crazy over it

[paperstorm]

I saw some posts on twitter today insulting Rafael for denying the spin off and not mentioning Tarlos or Ronen in his ig post. And some hating on Rashad because he didn't mention TK in his interview and just talked about Carlos and his new co worker. Not to mention the huge amount of hate towards Carlos since those still dropped. I don't know if I should say this here or if you see this, but guys! Where does all this hate come from? Can't we be nice? To each other, to the cast, to the people we say we love? We're gonna have our comfort show back in a week. It's not pretty to break others' hearts over something that isn't even confirmed yet.

Online spaces are wonderful for so so many reasons but they are also playgrounds for people with hate in their hearts and who can’t tell the difference between negative and positive attention and just want eyes on their posts even if they’re being awful. So many things are SO up in the air right now. Ronen almost certainly wasn’t supposed to say what he said yesterday, so of course Rafa is gonna deny it even if it’s true. Any denial is honestly meaningless at this moment - either a spin off isn’t happening and he’s gonna say that, or it is happening and he’s still gonna say it’s not. And tbh I still haven’t seen a video of Ronen talking yesterday to confirm for myself what he actually said instead of a second hand summary of it that might involve misunderstanding his words or at the very least exaggerating them. There are a lot of people making a lot of big assumptions right now, I saw tweets yesterday that were like “breaking! Tarlos spin off confirmed!!” and it is certainly not confirmed. I would love if we could be nice to each other but sadly that’s not always how fandom spaces function. I am endeavouring to be better this year about not letting nasty opinions take up space in my brain and being more liberal with that block button. I get caught up in not wanting to hurt feelings but you know what seeing this kind of stuff hurts *my* feelings so at some point you gotta prioritize yourself over strangers on the internet, right? It’s very possible we have 12 more episodes and then that’s it forever, I’m not gonna waste that precious time giving space to negative people :)

[disneyprincemuke]

episode 1: old scars and future hearts [fast times and fast nights]

featured: kelly piquet, max verstappen, daniil kvyat, jupiter nightshade, venus nightshade, roxanne castle, fernando alonso

word count: 3498

kelly piquet and max verstappen? no, there was a time — for several years — that it was kelly piquet and daniil kvyat. while they were never on the grid simultaneously, they were always together, be it when daniil was in the toro rosso or red bull, or kelly when she was in the williams or the red bull. it came as a shock to everyone when they announced their split. because, well, they have a kid: a bright, beautiful and sweet girl named penelope. what business did max verstappen have being involved with red bull driver, kelly piquet, right after the end of that relationship?

kelly piquet (red bull driver): daniil and i split a very long time ago. we are doing great at co-parenting penelope. she understands that we no longer live in the same house. she has handled it very well up to now, even with the addition of max into our little family. it should be a good sign, but it's kind of worrying, realistically.

→ daniil’s apartment, january 2024

penelope lies across the sofa with her head on daniil's lap as they watch the program on the television screen. penelope lifts her head and turns to lie on her stomach, resting her cheek on his clothed lap and looks up at him.

"are you coming with mummy and me to bahrain?"

"aw, p," daniil sighs, brushing away the hair that's fallen on her face. "you know i don't work in formula 1 anymore, right? i race other cars now."

"yeah," penelope sighs. "but you used to come with me to mummy's races."

"uncle max will take you with him," daniil laughs. it's funny because they'd just had this same conversation last night right before she fell asleep. perhaps it was the sleepiness taking over her and now she doesn't remember the conversation ever happening?

or maybe she's asking one more time for good measure.

penelope purses her lips and raises an eyebrow. "uncle max isn't my new daddy, is he?"

"do you not like him? i thought mummy said you were getting along well?"

"i do." she scrambles to sit up and sighs, throwing her head back. "what am i going to do while mummy is racing? what if i get bored? there's no one to play with!"

"silly!" daniil laughs, hands grabbing her stomach to tickle her. penelope shrieks, shrivelling up into a ball as she tries to fight his hands. "uncle max will be with you!”

max verstappen (head of rbr advertising, kelly piquet’s boyfriend): the goal isn’t to be her dad. she already has one, so that’s not what i’m here for. but we do get along well! she’s a very lovely kid.

daniil kvyat: p always talks about max and how much fun he is. she’s always liked him in the red bull garage, so there’s no hard feelings there.

→ max’s condo complex, january 2024

“maxie!” penelope shrieks, throwing her arms around max’s legs.

“oh, hey, mate,” daniil greets him with a handshake and a hug. “how’s everything been?”

max smiles. “pretty good!” he looks down at penelope. “did you have fun at your dad’s, p?”

penelope nods before running into his apartment. “yeah! we went to the water park!” she holds her arms out. “where’s the cats?”

“p, be gentle with the cats!” daniil calls out into the apartment before looking at max apologetically. “i’m sorry, mate. she really missed the cats. even begged me to get one so that she’d have cats in two homes.”

max presses his lips together. “it’s a trap. don’t get cats, mate. they’re amazing, but god.”

daniil laughs, handing max penelope’s bag. “i seriously considered it for a while! but i won’t be around much, so it seems cruel.”

“i know what you mean,” max grins. “i saw you’re driving for prema this year in wec! congrats, mate!”

“it’s exciting! how’s the red bull car?”

max shrugs. “haven’t seen it yet. next week, maybe. right before the public launch.”

daniil sighs. “well, i’ve got to run. i’ll see you next weekend to pick her up! be safe!”

daniil kvyat: we’re all adults. no reason to harbour feelings just because he’s with my ex-girlfriend.

❝do you think penelope will try and be a racer herself like her mum? or do you reckon she’s got no interest in the racing scene like both of you?❞

kelly piquet: preferably not! [laughs] it’s such a cutthroat sport — i’d prefer if she didn’t subject herself to this kind of stress. but i’ll support her if she wants to.

→ daniil's apartment, january 2024

penelope jumps off the couch. "can we watch tv?"

daniil walks out of the kitchen with two cups, both filled with orange juice. he walks over to the small girl cuddled up on the couch in her pyjamas with a stuffed kangaroo. "what do you feel like watching, p?"

"can we rewatch one of mummy's races?" penelope asks, slowly moving to hang her head at the edge of the couch. "i want to watch the one where she's racing against auntie jupiter."

daniil kvyat (prema driver for wec, kelly piquet's ex-boyfriend): p has been very fond of jupiter since they met in the garage of the red bull a couple years ago. to p, jupiter is the world champion of her era. she loves roxanne, sure, but she sees jupiter in a whole different light. jupiter and i are on good terms – doesn't really matter to me if p spends time with her.

kelly piquet: actually, i don't want my kid around jupiter. i don't need my sweet baby taking after her recklessness.

jupiter nightshade (red bull driver, 4-time world champion): baby penelope, oscar and i love playing with hot wheels in my garage – i let her win all the time. oscar, though, is quite ruthless.

oscar piastri (mechanical engineering major at the university of bristol, jupiter nightshade's boyfriend): [giggling softly with a hand over his mouth] it's funny. i'm the reigning champion in our hot wheels competition. p doesn't mind, though. she's a good sport.

→ silverstone gp, 2023

jupiter sighs, dropping to her knees as she wraps her arms around the young girl. penelope scrunches face face as her hands come up to cover her eyes. behind them, oscar pumps his fist into the air, hopping over to the pair on the ground.

jupiter whirls around slightly, swatting at her dancing boyfriend. she shoots him a glare and gestures at the sobbing girl in her arms.

he clears his throat and wipes the smile from his face. he purses his lips together as he faces the crying girl. "aw, p! i thought you said it was okay if uncle ozzy won?" oscar coos, tapping her shoulder lightly. "do you want to play a second round? i'm sure i won out of pure luck."

penelope peeks from jupiter's shoulder with a hand on her lips. "yes."

oscar piastri: that's what she said to me when we first started playing. how was i supposed to kn– [throws his arms into his lap and sighs heavily] i'm not very good with kids.

kelly piquet: oscar, i like. he's an honest kid. he's the kind of influence i want p around. but i don't know... him with jupiter? she's a bad influence on him. but for some reason, i can't keep p away from her.

→ bahrain, pre-season testing, 2024

max walks into the red bull racing home, a bag over his shoulder with a tiny hand wrapped around his. he looks down at the younger girl and shakes her hand. “excited to visit mummy at work?”

penelope, with one hand on the railings and the other locked in max’s, stomps up the stairs as she hums happily. “yes! i wanna try on mummy’s new helmet. and the car! yeah, her car!”

he laughs, grabbing both her hands and lifting her into the air for the last few steps. he puts her down at the top of the steps and drops her hands. “we can watch from mummy’s garage with uncle christian!”

“you mean grandpa christian!” penelope giggles with a hand in her mouth. she whirls around towards the long hallway stretch and screeches. she takes off, screaming for her auntie jupiter, stopping right by her door.

“p, shouldn’t we find mummy first?”

max could hear kelly’s relentless reminders to him this morning before she had left their hotel room. make sure penelope doesn't find jupiter. but she is a five-year-old: there is no way he will drag her into the politics of everything.

“but we’re already here!” she balls her hands into fists, winding her arm back to start knocking on the door.

but the door opens before she can try and grab jupiter’s attention. a taller figure towers over her, immediately swooping her up into their arms. “baby penelope!”

she screeches and writhes in laughter when fingers dig into the side of her stomach. “auntie jupiter!”

“i thought i heard your tiny little feet against the floor,” jupiter giggles, promptly putting her back on the ground. she drops to her knees to meet the girl’s height and keeps a hand on her back. “how have you been? did you miss me?”

“is uncle ozzy here?” penelope cranes her neck to try and get a glance inside the room. “i brought cookies!”

jupiter looks behind her, finding max smiling at her politely with a paper bag in his hands. “we bought them on the way.”

“uncle ozzy will be here later,” jupiter smiles. “did you enjoy the holidays?”

“yes! i had two christmases!” penelope beams, holding two fingers up to emphasise her point. “i had so many presents!”

jupiter tilts her head. “what new toys did you get?”

penelope’s eyes widen, shaking excitedly in her arms. “i got a new hot wheels set. can we play later?” she grabs the sleeve of jupiter’s shirt. “please? with uncle ozzy? i won’t cry this time.”

the driver laughs. “of course! i spent christmas with uncle ozzy in melbourne. he’s got this koala stuffy that we bought for you; i’ll give it to you later, okay?”

penelope claps, nodding. “okay!”

jupiter nightshade: my dislike for piquet has absolutely nothing to do with baby penelope. daniil and i were teammates a while back, so that also helped, i guess. and how can you not love baby penelope? she is absolutely adorable and delightful! i've got two siblings of my own – both considerably younger than i am – so that experience really helps with my budding friendship with penelope.

venus nightshade (sophomore ferrari driver): my name is venus nightshade – i'm jupiter nightshade's little sister. this is my second year in formula one and i drive with ferrari.

→ monaco gp, 2023

mercedes team radio sonnet pham: it looks like they're going to sacrifice little nightshade

❝venus nightshade, the pole sitter for the baku track finds herself crossing the chequered flag in p5 after a late pitstop. while her teammate, veteran, natalia bunbury won the monaco gp, with fellow rookie, aella gutierrez just three seconds behind in the mclaren.❞

venus stands by the red bull racing home, hands over her eyes as she looks up hopelessly at her older sister. “i don’t understand. i could have converted that pole to a win.”

“they didn’t pit you when your tyres have deteriorated?” jupiter presses her palm against her forehead, pushing her hair away from her face. she has a hand on her hip as she turns away to start pacing. “that’s so stupid! christian never would have missed that!”

“i had no grip on the track so i spun out at the corner.” the younger girl drops her head with a frown. “i’m sorry.”

jupiter halts where she is. she turns around sharply and raises an eyebrow. “why are you apologising?”

venus, with tears in her eyes just sighs. she looks away and turns away from jupiter. “i feel kinda hopeless. i can’t go against the team.”

“yes, you can,” jupiter scoffs with a raised eyebrow. “do you want me to talk to them? fred’s gonna get an–“

“piter,” venus sighs tiredly, shaking her head. “don’t. i’m already talked about enough because i’m related to you.”

“but venus-”

“jupiter,” venus repeats her name in a firmer tone. jupiter finally takes a look at her younger sister and there’s a certain assuredness to her that makes her stand down. “don’t do anything. stay out of this.”

the red bull driver’s shoulder slumps slightly with a soft sigh. she holds her hands up to surrender to venus’s wishes. “okay.”

but when you know you’ve got the power to make at least one person’s life better, you’d do it, right? especially when that person is your little sister trying to make a name for herself in the same sport you’re in? you’d want to see her succeed as much as you have.

→ bahrain gp, 2024

“what the fuck, jupiter! i told you to stay out of it!” venus shrieks, throwing her arms into the air. “i’m only a rookie – what right have i got to demand being prioritised over nat?”

jupiter rolls her eyes with an exasperated sigh. “i didn’t tell fred to ‘prioritise’ you. i told him to get his shit together before he loses a good rookie.”

“that’s the same thing!” venus runs her hands through her hair, laughing dryly as she tugs at her roots. “i told you to stay out of it! that’s something i can only say if i can prove to the team that i’m worth considering for the long term.”

“you’ve proved yourself enough,” jupiter answers, shooting her sister an incredulous stare. “you’re almost always on par with nat every weekend. i was trying to help!”

“well, you didn’t! now everyone thinks i’m trying to use my world-champion sister for an easy way out!”

“who said that to you? tell me.”

“jupiter! you don’t get it!”

jupiter nightshade: i was just trying to help her out. i mean, it’s been an ongoing problem with ferrari, right? i can’t speak for nat, but now that my sister’s on the team… how could i have not?

venus nightshade: it’s not the imagine i want everyone to have of me. i want to be respected and climb my way up just like everybody else. i don’t want to use my relation with jupiter to get there.

roxanne castle (aston martin driver, 2-time world champion): i get where venus is coming from, but also jupiter’s side of things. when i started as a rookie, nando was already a driver in f1. he tried his best to make my transition into the sport easier by pulling strings and doing whatever he could. sure, i got a lot of flack for it, but in his eyes, he just wanted to help.

❝reports say that roxanne castle and fernando alonso were avoiding one another at the paddocks today. could the rumours that fernando was pulling strings behind the scenes come to fruition? is it safe to say that it’s coming between their relationship?❞

❝some staff members of ferrari say that they heard screaming and fighting coming from fernando alonso’s driver’s room.❞

fernando alonso (2-time world champion): just wanted to see my wife (then girlfriend) succeed. [shrugs] what did you expect me to do?

— breaking: fernando alonso announces retirement from formula 1 at the end of the 2023 season.

— breaking: daniel ricciardo to drive for aston martin in 2024

— breaking: red bull junior driver, charlotte miller, promoted to the alphatauri team after ricciardo’s departure

→ abu dhabi gp, 2023

❝this is your last race in your very long career in formula 1. how do you feel?❞

fernando slightly frowns, glancing at roxanne at the far end of the couch. “pretty good, actually. but, i won’t disappear altogether — i’m helping aston martin with car developments and other things with the car.”

he hears an exasperated sigh from the other end of the couch. he moves slightly and laughs at his wife rolling her eyes.

“she is not very happy with my retirement.”

roxanne picks up her mic and wipes a tear from her eye. “i like being teammates with him.”

fernando grins. “i think i will miss her more than i miss racing.”

→ parc ferme, abu dhabi, 2023

❝we bid goodbye to yet another racing legend, fernando alonso. there he is, embracing his teammate and wife, roxanne castle right by their cars.❞

roxanne pulls away, tears now falling out of her eyes. “i’m going to miss you, my love.”

“i’m not going anywhere,” fernando laughs, cupping her cheeks. “i will be with you in the garage!”

“not every weekend,” roxanne frowns. “it’s what i’ve gotten used to.”

“mi amor,” fernando pulls her into his arms again. “do not worry. i am your designated bag holder every time i am here.”

it’s not easy, as they’ve reiterated numerous times, to be romantically involved and be racing one another on the track. somehow, they did manage to see it through — they’re married now, duh. but fighting on the track in separate teams is different from being teammates.

— breaking: fernando alonso set to replace sebastian vettel in aston martin

roxanne castle: it was a pretty good transition. i think if we were teammates when we were younger, we never would have gotten married.

fernando alonso: she’s right. when i was approached by aston martin, i thought it was a joke. i mean… putting me up against my wife? that has got to be some kind of twisted prank, right? but at that point in our lives — and career — we were mature enough to separate it from our marriage.

racing alongside one another… does that remind you of somebody else?

— f3 prema drivers, aella gutierrez and logan sargeant, teammates turned lovers?

— breaking: aella gutierrez in the running for top 3 in the drivers’ championship after singapore gp podium

but that’s a story for another day. fernando’s decision to retire, allegedly, wasn’t taken seriously by roxanne at first especially after his performance with the team.

roxanne castle: it’s unfair. when he told me he was thinking of retiring, i didn’t think he meant now. i tried to convince him otherwise but he said he is very sure about this decision. i will miss him, definitely. we were together almost every weekend — no, everyday — for the past 18 years.

→ spain, february 2024

roxanne comes up behind fernando, pulling his shirt down his arms. she wraps her arms around his torso and hums. “i will miss you this weekend.”

“mi amor, i wish i could come with you,” fernando sighs, turning to face her. he watches as she takes a step back, pulling down on his shirt as she starts buttoning it herself. “but they need me at the factory this weekend instead of the paddock.”

“i know,” she sighs tiredly. “it’s just going to be so weird walking in without you.”

fernando laughs. “i know. i feel weird not being there with you.”

roxanne tugs on the shirt and straightens it out for him. “you’ll call me in the evening though, right? then you wouldn’t feel so far away.”

fernando alonso: when i made the decision to retire, all i could i think of is that it’s time to open up a spot for a new rookie… like seb did last year. i’ve had a good run.

he’s right. for once, it actually ended up with a rookie getting the seat. alphatauri is taking a chance on junior driver, charlotte miller, to drive alongside yuki tsunoda this year. kelly piquet’s contract expires at the end of the season; they will all be fighting for that second seat alongside jupiter nightshade.

charlotte miller (rookie, alphatauri driver): i’ve just entered the sport so i don’t really have much high expectations for myself getting that seat. but, i will be working towards that goal to the best of my ability this year.

❝2023 f2 runner-up, charlotte miller, will be joining us on the track as an alphatauri driver. the question is will she wind up being the better choice instead of liam lawson, red bull reserve driver, and boyfriend?❞

@cashtons-wife @darleneslane @angsthology

[serfergs]

A brief defense of a Boss & a Babe

So I’ve never added commentary like this before (usually prefer to sit back and enjoy the hot takes 🔥 & analyses from those much more informed & eloquent), but from what I’ve seen the consensus is ABAB is at the least disappointing and at the most infuriating. And I won’t lie I didn’t vibe with the first episode. But I’ve now watched the second and I’ve got thoughts (and feelings). To preface I had very little expectations going in. This is my first ForceBook experience & I didn’t really care for the premise or trailer, but thought I’d give it a try. And it’s not only more entertaining than I expected, but also kinda…deep? In this essay i wil-

Just kidding I’m def going to bullet point this ish. Plz forgive my awful formatting idk what I’m doing

Boss is relatable. I read him as introverted and depressed (maybe from a break up and/or homophobic trauma?). It’s already hard to make friends as an adult when you’re introverted so I can only imagine how hard it is to make friends with coworkers who are clearly trying to keep their distance from you. My guy is lonely. Especially when they’re telling the new guy how cold & distant you are. My head cannon is nobody in the office is a reliable narrator because no one has bothered to GET TO KNOW boss/gun.

I didn’t like Cher at first because I read him as a silly kinda ditzy character, but I was wrong. I kinda love that he’s not afraid to show his concern for boss because that’s exactly what boss needs. Someone to cross the professional line and say “hey I know you’re not ok and I wanna be there for you”. Fuck professionalism in this rat race of a world, you need a friend. Maybe there are some problematic ethics at play, but it’s a BL ok there are plenty of other plots I hold a suspension of disbelief for so honestly not too far fetched imo

Even though they kissed in episode 2, I feel like the emotional build up of their relationship will be more of a slow burn and I love how realistic that is. I truly believe these two characters are both physically attracted to each other and want to have an emotional connection. I love the ForceBook chemistry. It’s both fun-flirty but also very affectionate. The way Cher is kind of sarcastic and silly to try & cheer up Boss reminds me of my relationship with my partner so maybe I am a little biased but their connection feels very realistic to me

About the kiss. I loved it. It was flirty, it was intimate and it made sense for the moment. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think Cher invited Boss up to his room to seduce him. I think he offered a warm, welcoming place to spend time after Boss told him he usually works late and then goes home alone. Cher knows how lonely Boss is and his genuine concern for him is so sweet. From inviting him up for noodles to inviting him to BBQ to meet his friends (and normalize having queer friends) is just so damn considerate & touching. Cher really seems to have the truest of intentions & I think I would be his real life bestie cheering him & boss on the sidelines, seriously. Maybe I’m problematic lmao

Did I mention I love we got a kiss in episode 2? I’m out here manifesting the break in the typical episode 5/6 kiss especially for these office BLs. Again it’s way more realistic for them to kiss each other at this point in their relationship & for the tone of the show. Sometimes I think a good timed kiss is way more impactful than a dramatic emotional yearning kiss 5 episodes in but maybe that’s just me. More playful, sweet early kisses plz & thank you 🙏🏻

I’m excited for more. Haven’t seen episode 3 yet as of this writing. Fingers crossed their relationship continues to be a sweet, supportive slow burn and not a dumpster fire so I don’t regret writing my first ever BL analysis 🤪

[madamegemknight]

I've finally watched the Muppets 2011 with my dad, and it was a blast!! I love its sense of humor (seriously, that Muppet man joke had me CACKLING), and it's so heart-warming in its simplicity and having a good time despite the trials the Muppets went through... I feel like I can't wipe this smile off my face (ehe)

Do you have any other Muppet or puppet media you'd recommend? I thought I'd ask you since you're the resident puppet expert, and I've been wanting to get into more puppet-related stuff :P

OH YAYYYY I’m so glad you liked it!!

And I do have other Muppet/puppet media I would recommend, thank you so much for asking (and gosh I am incredibly flattered you consider me the resident puppet expert). This is going to be LONG (sorry about that in advance), so under the cut it goes!

First off, I’d recommend the sequel to Muppets 2011, Muppets Most Wanted! It’s about the Muppets going on a world tour after getting back together in the previous movie, only for a criminal mastermind named Constantine (who looks exactly like Kermit) to hijack the tour, sending the real Kermit to prison and pretending to be Kermit so he can hide from the law and use the tour as a chance to steal the Crown Jewels. It’s a really great comedy heist that’s also an INCREDIBLE musical, and it has the same humor and sense of heart that Muppets 2011 has. I haven’t seen it in a while, but I have incredibly fond memories of watching it with my sibling when we were younger, and I think you would really enjoy it.

I would also recommend the original Muppet Show! I haven’t finished watching it yet (I’m on season 4 of 5 at the moment) but it’s a really fun show that serves as a love letter to old vaudeville theater and is just consistently entertaining. There’s no overarching plot and you can pretty much watch any episode in any order, though I would suggest that if you’re interested in checking it out, you watch the Harry Belafonte episode first - it’s regarded by a lot of fans (including me) as being the best episode of the series, and gives a very good idea of what the rest of the show is like.

(Also I HIGHLY recommend you watch the pitch reel for The Muppet Show, which you can find on YouTube here. It’s not essential viewing by any means, but it’s very funny and gives a bit of context for what the field of entertainment was like at the time the show was pitched)

The original trilogy of Muppet films are also absolutely stellar. The Muppet Movie is the story of how the Muppets got together, The Great Muppet Caper is essentially an AU where Fozzie and Kermit are brothers working for a newspaper and trying to prove Miss Piggy innocent of a jewel robbery, and Muppets Take Manhattan is essentially an AU where the Muppets were all friends in college and are trying to put on a show in New York. The original trilogy films are really fun in my opinion because they play fast and loose with what’s real and what’s fake; Kermit admits at the beginning of The Muppet Movie that it’s only an approximate retelling of how the Muppets actually got together, and the other two movies in the trilogy are telling completely separate stories than the main Muppet timeline, with The Great Muppet Caper even having an entire song devoted to telling the audience that it’s just a movie and that it isn’t actually canon. They all have INCREDIBLE soundtracks, too, the songs from these movies are some of my favorite Muppet songs ever.

Fraggle Rock isn’t really considered a piece of Muppet media anymore, since when Disney bought the rights to the Muppets they didn’t bother buying it as well, but it was originally a Muppet production and all of the stuff I watched as a kid referred to it as a Muppet production, so I’m counting it as a Muppet production still lol. Fraggle Rock is an absolutely amazing show on all levels; the puppetry is great, the songs are all stellar, the characters are so well-written, and despite being a show aimed at kids it never talks down to its audience, handling serious issues like death and prejudice with the respect they deserve. It’s probably best to go into Fraggle Rock as blind as possible (unlike The Muppet Show, there is an overarching story, though you don’t really find out that there is one until towards the end of Season 1) so all I’ll say is that it’s probably one of my favorite Muppet productions ever and that the finale, without exaggeration, made me cry for 30 minutes straight. There’s also a Fraggle Rock reboot called Fraggle Rock: Back to The Rock, and while I personally don’t think it’s as good as the original series, it’s still REALLY amazing and you can tell that the team working on it really cares about the og series. If you do end up watching Fraggle Rock, I’d recommend the reboot as well!

Getting into a bit more obscure territory here, but Tales From Muppetland: The Frog Prince is very near and dear to my heart. It’s a Muppet retelling of the Frog Prince fairytale, with the twist that the princess has been cursed by the same witch that the frog prince has been cursed by! The relationship between Prince Robin and Princess Melora is really cute, and it’s clear that the two of them really care for each other. I love the changes that it makes to the original fairytale, too; I mentioned the twist of Melora also being cursed, which gives her and Robin the chance to bond and leads to a very sweet song about finding someone who understands who you are and what you’ve gone through, but the story is also altered so that Robin explains why he needs Melora to kiss him instead of hiding the fact that he’s a prince from her - she doesn’t believe him, but I’m glad they made that change regardless. The witch is also a really fun villain! She’s reused from a previous Muppet production (Tales of The Tinkerdee) that was meant to be a pilot for a planned show but was never picked up, and I’m really glad she got a chance to shine in something that was actually officially released.

Sam and Friends is the first ever Muppet series, debuting in 1955, and while most of it is unfortunately lost media there are a couple episodes you can find online! I really like Sam and Friends (I have a book all about the making of the show), and I would recommend it both as a way to look at how far television puppetry has come and as just a genuinely very entertaining show in its own right - plus, the episodes are only 5 minutes long, so you can get through all the available episodes pretty quickly. My personal favorite episode is “Powder Burn,” a parody of the show Gunsmoke.

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is probably one of my favorite Christmas specials ever, despite me only watching it for the first time this past December. It’s a very earnest and emotional story about a family (Emmet Otter and his mother Alice Otter) living in poverty after the death of Emmet’s father. Both Emmet and Alice want to be able to give each other a good Christmas present, so they both enter the local talent contest on Christmas Eve in order to win the cash prize without telling each other. The soundtrack is done by the same man who did the soundtrack for The Muppet Movie (Paul Williams), and is just GORGEOUS - it manages to be silly and heartfelt at the same time, and does some really interesting stuff with the instrumentals, like having a kazoo solo during one of the more somber songs which somehow actually works! Like Fraggle Rock, it it isn’t afraid of tackling serious issues like death and poverty, and like Fraggle Rock, it made me bawl like a baby.

Finally, I would recommend both the documentary Of Muppets and Men and the Jim Henson Hour episode “Secrets of The Muppets” (I sadly haven’t watched enough of The Jim Henson Hour to give a proper recommendation, but from the little I’ve seen it’s very good). Both of these tackle the behind the scenes of working on the Muppets, with Of Muppets and Men being about the making of The Muppet Show specifically and “Secrets of The Muppets” being a general overview of the stuff the Muppets had done up to that point. I completely understand if you don’t want to see the behind the scenes workings of the Muppets (my mom doesn’t like seeing that kind of thing either and I get why), but if you do want to see it I can’t recommend these two enough. They do an excellent job at introducing and highlighting the skills of the troupe of Muppet performers, detailing specific tricks of puppeteering, and showing how everything comes together.

There’s definitely more Muppet media I want to recommend, but if I did so we’d be here FOREVER, and I still haven’t gotten to the puppet media recommendations! This list does serve as a pretty good starting point though - if you like Frog Prince and Jug-Band Christmas you’ll probably like the rest of the Tales From Muppetland specials, if you like one of the original trilogy of Muppet movies you’ll probably like the others in the trilogy, if you like Sam and Friends you’ll probably like the Muppets’ appearances on shows like the Ed Sullivan Show or the Jimmy Dean show that they made during that period, etc. Most of this stuff is on YouTube or the Internet Archive, but if you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it, let me know and I’ll do my best to locate it 👍

AND NOW AFTER 50 MILLION PARAGRAPHS WE ARE ON TO THE PUPPET MEDIA IN GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

I have to start this list off with my favorite movie of all time, The Dark Crystal. It’s a fantasy epic done entirely with puppets, and it is utterly gorgeous. All of the puppets are so detailed (I had the absolute blessing to see some of them when a local museum held a puppetry exhibit and the sheer amount of tiny details you can’t even SEE in the film are incredible), the world is so richly developed, the soundtrack is absolutely top-tier, and the amount of innovations in puppetry that this film causes are mind-blowing. There are traditional puppets, people in suits, radio-controlled puppets…the list goes on! I cannot recommend The Dark Crystal enough, it means so much to me and is probably the reason I’m so obsessed with puppets in the first place. It also has a prequel on Netflix called Age of Resistance - like the Fraggle Rock reboot, I don’t think it’s as good as the og, but it’s still absolutely stunning and the team working on it clearly cares about the world of the original film. Sadly, the prequel was cancelled after only one season :( I still recommend it if you like the film, but just go into it knowing that it’s gonna end on a cliffhanger.

The Little Shop of Horrors movie has an absolutely AMAZING puppet in the form of Audrey II, the film’s main antagonist. There are multiple Audrey II puppets, as the character grows throughout the entire film, and the biggest one required over 50 puppeteers to operate. There are no opticals or blue screens used for Audrey II (except for one scene at the very end of the film that they had to reshoot), and the effect is mind blowing. Little Shop is an absolutely incredible film overall, too, and thankfully doesn’t use Audrey II as a selling point or a gimmick - the puppet is incorporated very naturally into the film, and you appreciate the puppetry much more as a result.

I haven’t watched Labyrinth, but my sibling has and they really like it! From what I’ve seen of the puppetry, it’s really well done, and the movie seems very fun. Sorry I can’t give a better recommendation than that lol.

If we’re counting stop-motion animation as a form of puppetry (which I personally do considering the models are typically referred to as puppets), then I absolutely recommend checking out the work of LAIKA, which includes productions such as Coraline and Kubo and The Two Strings. I also highly recommend Wendell and Wild, made by former LAIKA supervising director Henry Selick, as well as Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. All of these films are stunning, and they absolutely deserve the hype that surrounds them.

This one is a bit more preschool-centric, but when I was very little I was OBSESSED with Johnny and The Sprites, and having watched a bit of it again recently, I feel it still holds up somewhat for older audiences. It’s a show about a musician named Johnny who moves to a house in the woods in order to focus on his music only to find that the house is next to Grotto’s Grove, where a species of fairy-like beings called the Sprites live. The series is focused on Johnny teaching the Sprites about human stuff and the Sprites teaching Johnny about Sprite stuff in turn. It’s a very cute and charming show :3

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Mystery Science Theater 3000, a show about a man trapped in space with 4 robot companions and forced to watch bad movies as part of an evil science experiment. It’s very goofy and very immature at times, and 99% of the time you need a guide to understand the stuff they reference, but it’s great regardless, and despite being very simple the puppets are really well-designed. Unfortunately, one of the characters is named after the ethnic slur used against Romani people in the show’s original run; it wasn’t done out of any intentional malice and the creators changed her name when the show was revived and viewers expressed their concern, but if that sours your opinion on watching the original show I completely understand.

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is a classic, and for good reason - both the original webseries and the tv show riff off of and play with the stereotypes of traditional children’s puppet shows, while still clearly respecting the art of puppetry and giving it their own unique spin. It’s definitely on the spookier/gorier side of things, so MASSIVE content warning if you want to check it out, but DHMIS is very good and I adore it.

And with that, this very very very VERY long list comes to an end. I definitely didn’t mention everything that I wanted to - there are some excellent pieces of puppet media, like Starkid’s Starship, that I just haven’t gotten around to watching and thus can’t properly recommend - but like with the Muppet section, I’d suggest using this as a starting point. There’s a TON of puppet media out there, and this is just scratching the surface!

I hope this list helps, and that you find something on here that you enjoy :D

[disasterbijupiter]

G Gundam side story English translation, Ch. 3 part 1

This is my personal fan translation of the new G Gundam side story, Chapter 3!

(start from beginning/original post) | (read previous part)

~Note:~ Now that a few weeks have passed since the new story started posting, I'm pretty sure some other people are also translating it. However! At least for now I intend to continue with my version, as it's a project I'm really proud of and having fun with. (Also, I'm pretty sure this is still the only English translation readily available/on Tumblr so hopefully this is still useful to some people!) Also, I kind of feel like with translations of media the more the better, so that there are more interpretations of potentially ambiguous parts, and so people can choose to read whatever version/style they prefer. Or at least that's the way I am lol.

Anyways! Here is the first part of Episode 3~~

Episode 3:

Prologue

Everyone becomes dumbstruck at the white Master Gundam.

Everyone: “That’s………”

X X X

Stalker: “Everyone, here is yet another surprise! It seems that what appeared from beneath the cloak was a white Master Gundam!? And that beautiful yet dangerous glow! Holding a white folding fan in its hand and carrying nine funnel plates on its back, as its name suggests its appearance is reminiscent of a fox! And that name is ‘Gundam Master Lone Fox’! Two people who have never known defeat, ‘Undefeated’ versus ‘Seeking Defeat’……… Why would someone with that name, as if they are challenging the Undefeated of the East, take up a seat at the Dark Shuffle? Furthermore, what’s this about being the King of Hearts and the rightful Master of the School of the Undefeated of the East?!”

Domon: “Ah……… Ahhh………”

Domon becomes shocked.

Stalker: “It seems as though Domon Kasshu has some idea………”

Stalker smiles at the reader.

Stalker: “Well then, for today as well, Gundam Fight!! Readyyy, go!!!!!!!!”

Stalker speaks loudly.

Arena

Domon is intimidated by the White Master Gundam.

Domon: “There… there’s no doubt about it……… This white Master Gundam is………!!”

The God Gundam kneels. Further, he quickly kowtows, bowing with his forehead pressed to the ground.

Domon: “I am the lowest ranking member of the school, Domon Kasshu. It’s nice to meet you for the first time!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Hmph, with skills like yours, it’s a wonder you can call yourself a member of the school. From what I’ve seen it looks like you haven’t been able to even properly train, have you? In that case, what a pitiful fellow you are.”

With the white fan in her hand, Lone Fox Seeking Defeat nudges Domon’s head.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Here, try standing.”

Domon: “Ugh!!”

Even as he tries to stand, Domon is unable to get up with the white fan lightly pressing him down. His knees tremble unsteadily.

Domon: “I……… I can’t find strength in my legs.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “What is it? What’s wrong? You can’t stand up? Well then, here!!”

She props Domon’s chin with the white fan, and like that she lifts him up.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Can’t you stand up? But your lower back! Your chest! Both knees!!”

One after another, she hits Domon hard with the white fan.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Finally, if you gather your energy in your tanden!”

She jabs him in the lower abdomen with the tip of the white fan.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “That should do it!!”

When she looks, Domon is poised in the stance of the school’s kata.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Well, maybe that looks a little bit better?”

Domon: “!!”

Domon endures the humiliation.

Undefeated of the East: “Hahaha, strict as always. I was also scolded awfully harshly when I was younger.”

The Undefeated of the East gives a bitter smile.

Undefeated of the East: “However, of course I can’t say anything to that.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Hmph……… So? Looking at this, what even is the modern-day Shuffle Alliance?”

She surveys the other arenas. Each one of the Shuffle members is overwhelmed and struggling.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “If I were to sleep in the Guyana Tombs for a little while, I would look like this mess.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat sends a signal to each of the Dark.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Thank you for your hard work, Dark members! However, to continue any further would be pointless, so if it’s not too much trouble I think it might be fun to finish this in one go!!”

(continue to next part)

[buriedalienfma]

Another week, another episode of ‘My Adventures with Superman’. Honestly, I am getting a little restless having to wait for an entire week for a new episode, but that’s just because I really like the show and want more of it. This week saw the release of episode 4, and I wanted to talk about it. This episode follows a similar pattern to the previous episodes in that the relationships and the dynamics between the main characters are very well written, but the actual superhero stuff is comparatively weaker.

Here’s my thoughts on episode 4 (obligatory spoiler warning for those who haven’t seen the episode yet) :

- I was surprised that there was no follow up to Superman unlocking his heat vision in the last episode. You would think that it would be a pretty big deal to Clark since he’s been shown to struggle with controlling his powers in previous episodes.

- I do like that Lois was frustrated with how her interview with Superman went in the previous episode. She’s absolutely right in being angry that Superman didn’t really answer any of her questions, especially since he initiated the interview in the first place. I like it when Lois isn’t completely and entirely enamored with Superman and is willing to call him out when she needs to. It just makes their dynamic more interesting and shows that the characters are on equal footing.

- On the other hand, I like that Clark is protective of his secret identity, and even takes measures to hide any evidence that might point to him being Superman. I’ve always considered Superman to be a very introverted character. He tends to keep people at an arms length and and has some loner tendencies that sometimes strain his relationships with others. It’s a nice little contradiction in his character. Superman’s public image in-universe and out is that of a cool and confident hero, but he’s far more reserved than you would expect and that’s one of the more interesting facets of his character.

- I like that there’s a focus on the reporters of the Daily Planet trying to expose the corruption and other unethical activities of the rich and elite of Metropolis. It makes the series feel a little more relevant and topical.

- In this episode the trio is tasked with covering a Gala held by Anthony Ivo, a CEO of the fictional Amazotech. In this episode, Ivo seems to be reminiscent of Tony Stark, especially with how grandstanding and egotistical he is.

- A small moment, but I like that Clark is a little passive with how he interviews Ivo - until the latter insults Lois, at which point Clark becomes way more confrontational. It’s a very cute bit of characterization.

- This episode further develops the relationship between Lois and Clark. The scene where the two are talking to and opening up to each other right after Clark is kicked out of the AmazoTech building is definitely the highlight of the episode. It’s revealed that Lois has a strained relationship with her father and that she has been an intern for over a year, which explains why the character has been so obsessed with chasing a good story in both this episode and previous episodes. It goes to show that Lois isn’t one note and there’s layers to the character. And Clark comforting Lois when she’s opening up to him is such a sweet moment.

- And another thing about that scene - this show very clearly knows just how attractive the main characters are. I remember that one of the people working on the show even confirmed that they deliberately tried to make Superman look cute and/or attractive in every scene that he’s in. I very much approve of that. It’s about time that Superman breaks away from his “America’s stern father figure” image. And as for Lois, well - there’s a good reason why a lot of people are falling head over heels in love with her tomboy design in this show.

- The villain of the episode is Ivo, who is using a mech suit that can absorb and imitate Superman’s powers. In the comics and other media, Ivo is the creator of Amazo, an android that copies other superheroes’ powers, but this episode combines that idea with the character of Parasite, a classic Superman villain that has the power to drain the life energy from his victims. Now I know that some comic fans are upset that many of the metahuman and fantastical characters from the comics are being changed in this adaptation so that they are more tech-based. I’m on the fence on this one. On the one hand, I think that fans should just accept that this adaptation is trying something new instead of being slavish to the comics. It’s an adaptation and it’s allowed to change things. On the other hand, I think that the writers could have gone a lot further with how they adapted Parasite, by playing into the body horror and bio-weapon aspects. They could have been a lot more creative, but they play it a little too safe, since Ivo’s ‘Parasite’ Mech suit is a little generic.

- I do like that once again, Jimmy and Lois are able to help Superman defeat the villain. I also like that Superman ultimately uses his brains to gain an advantage over his enemy rather than simply spamming his superpowers. It shows that Superman isn’t just a meathead.

- Ivo not being able to understand that Superman is simply helping people out of the goodness of his own heart is a neat bit of characterization. I like that this aspect of the Superman is played sincerely. The show isn’t trying to imitate the MCU style of humor that likes to lampshade and poke fun at the premises and tropes of superhero stories. Superman helps people, because he’s a good person. That’s played 100 % straight and I really appreciate that.

- Jimmy isn’t given a lot of focus in this episode and the previous episode. I hope that changes in future episodes as I would like him to get more spotlight. Ideally, I would have Jimmy be the first person to find out that Clark is Superman, and then become Superman’s secret keeper, just to reinforce the idea of Jimmy being Superman’s best friend, but I don’t think the show is going in that direction.

- And the thing that really got me interested - the epilogue of this episode. Lois puts the pieces together and starts to realize that Clark Kent might be Superman. From previous scenes, we know that Lois already has an issue with people keeping secrets from her. That means that there’s going to be a little bit more tension and drama in the relationship between her and Clark, and I am very much looking forward to that. So far, the romance has been played as wholesome and sweet, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but there is a part of me that wants to see a little bit of tension and maybe even some angst in the relationship, just because I think that would be pretty engaging.

So that’s episode 4. I am enjoying this show, though I acknowledge that it has some flaws. The people behind this show have worked on shows like Ducktales and She-Ra, which were pretty good from what I’ve heard, so I think I’m justified in having faith that they’ll eventually iron out the flaws of this show