#i hope this is foreshadowing something for mew

[peachblossomdrama]

OKAY MEW YOU SURE YOU JUST TALKING ABOUT TOP & TON???

I AM HOPING THAT YOU WILL BE

[semantics-error]

Only Friends: What if Nick is already the one blackmailing Boston?

I’m not sure if this is actually a crack theory or something everyone else already takes as a given. Maybe I’m the only idiot over here “speculating”. 

When I saw the scene where Boston tells Nick he’s being blackmailed (and links it to why he wants to try settling down a little), I just thought oh, cool, foreshadowing for what Nick will do later.

But while I was writing a series of posts about the levels of protagonism in the main six characters (probably never going to post them because they’re long and full of narrative theory that I’m sure no one cares about), I realized that while Nick has most of the markers for protagonism, he’s missing narrative punishment for progress down the wrong path. Sure he’s keeping all of his attention on Boston, when he should be kicking Boston to the curb. But there haven’t been any consequences yet.

We’re about to hit the midpoint of the show, with clear markers for the midpoints of Sand, Ray, Mew, and Boston’s character arcs. If Nick is going to hit the midpoint of his character arc, he needs to either have a false defeat (like the rest of them) or a false victory. And the narrative, which has/will punish everyone else (see the explosion that's about to happen with the Top/Boston reveal), has actually rewarded Nick so far: When he starts to dress and act like Top, he gets exactly what he wants. And when Boston pisses off everyone else, presumably he will turn to Nick.

So Nick could be headed for a false victory. And how is he achieving that victory? Maybe Nick is using one of Boston’s exes to blackmail him, pulling strings behind the scenes so Boston doesn't know it's him. He certainly has the skills for it. And it’s already started working exactly as he wants: Boston has decided it’s time to lay low, with Nick, for a while.

Another reason I want to believe this is: Nick has already declared himself crazy enough to deal with Boston. With that narrative hint just dangling there, are we really supposed to believe that he’s not already taking revenge for the Boston/Top hookup? That all he did was keep the video for later (like Boston would have) and show a single person?

No, my hope is Nick is already pulling Boston’s strings - which is Boston's worst nightmare.

When Boston loses Ray and Mew next episode, he will double down on Nick as the only person left he can control (his external goal). And then, just when he thinks he’s safe, it's going to come out what his little boytoy has really been up to. 

Now, this is just a crack theory. And it’s not narratively necessary because Boston will already be enraged at Nick (and feel the loss of control) when Ray tells Mew about the Boston/Top hookup. Then the midpoint will be a false defeat for Nick, just like Sand, Ray, Mew, Top, and Boston will all have this week. Everyone can be miserable together!

But I think it would be fun if instead, that’s when Nick shifts the blackmail into high gear. If he's the only one laughing while the rest of them watch all their efforts come to nothing. Then Nick’s midpoint will be a false victory, as he technically will have everything he’s always wanted: Boston, all to himself, with nowhere else to go.

[dribs-and-drabbles]

Observations on ep 12:

Begin Again...are we going to be back where we started...like the tweet in ep 3 suggested?

Top asking the right question - What are Ray and Boeing playing at exactly? Also Ray-pot-calling-the-kettle-black a bit there - he loved Mew and Sand at the same time...at least they addressed it.

Another kiss for the charts! Mond/First! Woop woop!

It's the both hands meme in action!!

And another kiss!! Mond/Khaotung! 🔥

Awww shame they didn't follow through with that.

How can Ray be so sure about Boeing's intentions, and how can Sand trust Boeing?! I don't get it.

Sorry Boston, your degree would be much better than getting these friendships back.

(For a moment there I thought that was Pat's tie-dye vest 😅)

Ok Nick and Boston are adorable.

I think Nick is Mark's best role to date. And also Boston for Neo too.

It's cute that Ray wants to defend Sand but Sand shouldn't be kept in the dark about what Boeing did with Top and Mew.

Aaaaaand there's another shirt I saw in another show earlier today...one more for the Thai Communal Wardrobe collection!

Mew using his manipulative ability for good.

Oh that was actually delicious. I love that Sand got behind the dog metaphor.

Oh god the opposites... Pat 'I always let my boyfriend win' and Ray 'I always win' 😂

I really hope Nick knows they're in an open relationship. But also... Yet another kiss! Mond/Neo! Mond is going to leapfrog all these other men in the charts 😂 @ranchthoughts - not to sound weird but I always think of you when these actors/actresses kiss 😂

They did talk...so Nick just needs to get in there and we'll finally get the threesome the show has been hinting at.

Awww shucks. Now Nick's upset. Maybe he should have chosen Dan... Maybe he will? Can we go back to adorable Nick/Boston??

I've sort of been in Nick's position and I think the best thing for him is to end things with Boston already, and not because of the promiscuity, but because it's harder to end something later when you have grown even more attached to them.

Aaaaaand yet another item of clothing from the Thai Communal Wardrobe...I'll need time to figure out where I've seen this one before though...

Didn't Boston stop Mew in a previous ep just like that in the kitchen? Or was it different characters?

The BEST dare. Again, Mew using his devilishness for good. Because we get...

ANOTHER KISS! First/Force!! 🎉

I feel like JoJo is being Oprah with this ep - 'You get a kiss. And you get a kiss. YOU ALL GET KISSES!

And I feel like their clothes are more back to how they were at the start...maybe only Nick (and a little bit Boston) feel like there hasn't been a return. And maybe that reflects the way these couples have ended up - whether we like it or not - and also does sort of imply that the tweet in ep 3 was sort of foreshadowing. And maybe Nick and Boston in lighter colours and against that lighter background suggests more of a fresh start and freedom for them, as difficult as it might feel now (and as much as we're not happy with this conclusion)... Edit: I posted this then read this brilliant post by @jemmo with fantastic tags by @grapejuicegay which feels like it explains this little interpretation much better.

A peck!? We only got a peck from April and Cheum?! smh

I think Mew's being a bit harsh with Boston...but also Boston is better off without them tbh. Go to New York and live your best life.

MIIIIIIIIIIX!!! The BEST ending. Absolutely A+. And @grapejuicegay wrote so well on why it was so good. And damn, he looked good (but also wearing something that's been used before 😂).

[jenyifer]

Crimes against Nick

I’m hopeful Boston won’t fuck up again. My ex says I just forgive Boston too easily but that’s not true.(I’ll probably do one for Nick on Boston crimes next just to spite her so haha)

So in honor of me rewatching all the BostonNick bits here are some of the worst mental damages Boston has inflicted on Nick in my opinion.

1. The worst one in my opinion is the phone isle confirmation. Name a worse love confession. Boston completely rejecting Nick awful psychic damage.

2. Controversial pick probably but next I’d put the Halloween party. Nick really thought he could talk to Boston again it’d been some time since their breakup (for convenience let’s call it that). But Boston questions why Nick would think he’d have any place in Boston’s life. Then Boston ignores him and goes off with Atom. Nick is so devastated he gives up on Boston coming back. He also seems to have lasting effects of this conversation in episode 9 10 and 11. It haunts him because Nick wonders what he could have done better Boston frames it like that and it effectively slices Nick up into a million pieces.

3. Boston sleeping with Top. Also something I often forget Nick got to hear about MewRay before this. He got the full car convo. So everything is super fucked. Yes the audio does Immense damage on Nick. BUT I don’t have it higher because Nick can still justify being with Boston. He isn’t delulu he knows their relationship wasn’t closed. It just hurts Nick he’s not the one Boston wants. Nick can’t be top. Also the depths Boston will go to get his goal.

4. Boston rejecting Nick’s comfort after Mews bday party. It’s a little thing but Nick could see his lies chasing him and Nick needed comfort as well. But he reached out to Boston and was denied. I feel like to Nick this cemented him back in a reality where he’s just a prop in Bostons life and not a person. (To be fair to Boston he didn’t mean to hurt Nick here He did want Nick at his side it was just he was so hurt upset with himself he couldn’t take nicks love and didn’t know Nick himself was tortured by the nights events)

5. Boston calling Gap disgusting for filming him. Does make Nick feel awful idk whether to put this one on or not. Because Boston does except Nick’s comfort which is good. BUT I THINK THIS SCENE HAUNTED NICK FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES SO MUCH FORESHADOWING. Might write about it might not it was ep6

Honorable mentions: Boston calling Nick his friend at Mews bday party. Nick seeing Boston and random guy at the bar when he’s on a date with Dan.

Questionable mentions: Boston denying taking a photo with nick (he did take a photo). Boston calling Nick his customer(Bostons first ever apology in the show is to Nick here). Boston not answering if Nick could have extra men too at the pool date(Boston dodged this by talking about how he kind of wants to be with just nick).

Non Boston related injuries:

1. Sand revealing the audio. If that was to rank in this list I’d put it above the actual recording of Top and Boston. Nick really loves Sand genuinely. I think this hurt him

2. Top making Nick feel less than during Nick’s stay away from Boston speech.

3. Mew saying Boston couldn’t love anyone and Nick was a victim after BosotnNick Breakup. I think the manipulation tactics would hurt Nick extra hard while he was still in the shock hurt stage of breakup. And once Nick calmed down I bet he regretted what he did.

4. Ray being a dick either time. I don’t think Nick takes what Ray says too seriously. Yes Nick knows Ray is Bostons best friend so from that POV it does hurt but Nick knows Ray was already hurt not because of Nick what Ray said may or may not be true. Nick barely knows him. I doubt either time stuck.

[forcebookish]

ok so just some thoughts i need to get off my chest...but does anyone else find the "mew is secretly an evil manipulator" theories kind of cartoonish? 😭 like i just bust out laughing whenever i picture it bc i can't take it seriously. and call me boring but i would much prefer mew to be the "constant" of the friend group (bc let's face it in a show like this you need one) and it's gonna be earth shatteringly heartbreaking when he falls in love with top, has sex with him, and then realizes he just experienced the ultimate betrayal. idk that to me is way more interesting than "haha i was playing you all along." not saying he's not a flawed character (and i hope we see more of his flaws as the series goes on) but i really don't think it's in the way people think. but with that being said i will still be hoping for him to m*rder boston 🙏 (anyway thank you for allowing me to vent in here. i really appreciate all your theories/takes on the series so far!)

(thank u and ur welcome!!🥰 I'M GONNA WRITE A LOT AGAIN)

oh it's totally cartoonish! every time i see it i'm like, "...you guys know that they're, like, good writers, right?"😅😂

the whole point of mew as a character is his not being the stereotypical, wilting flower virgin but someone who is sexy and knows his worth. (and i'm not going to rehash everything else that tells us mew is definitely a virgin.) i agree, that is so much more interesting and smarter than 'actually, everyone's lying except boston, the character we've established is a pathological liar' lmao. the fact that BOSTON "confirms" their suspicion makes it even funnier that they're sticking to their guns.

i mean,

"or maybe?" he's just making stuff up as he goes along. this isn't just an obvious lie, we see boston earlier tell ray to go after mew because they haven't been sleeping together, to make top jealous:

and if they insist it's just to "secure" or "play" top for whatever reason, then what the heckadoodle-do is this about?

side-note: notice how boston rarely speaks in absolutes when he's weaving his web? "maybe," "might," "probably," etc. he preys on everyone's preestablished doubts and insecurities, making his lies even more believable to them. little pokes and prods, like he's just helping them work through a problem - a problem he's creating. he can say, 'hey, i'm just saying it could be true.' fucking diabolical. he also has this smug, devious smile on his face - something that true deceivers who revel in the lie do. (and people have the audacity to say that top is smug? please.)

why would mew go out of his way to vet top after he was already his boyfriend? and then dump him? (which could have easily backfired. top could have said no; mew knew that.) why would he care if top is his "type" and checks off his checklist? he wants to make sure that top is boyfriend material before he sleeps with him so he doesn't get his heart broken, which is NORMAL. even if he weren't a virgin that's a perfectly normal way to navigate a relationship with someone you don't know very well yet, especially after what boston said. all the "implications" and "foreshadowing" that i've seen the fandom bring up are literally just him... flirting lol

re: mew's flaws, mew's definitely got more going on than we've seen, especially since we know how perceptive and intuitive he is (and that, by his admission, he gets snoopy and obsessive when he's really into someone). of the boys, i think mew's the character we know the least about because most of what we see of him, he's reacting to other characters and he doesn't always say a lot. besides the "interview" shots and maybe one or two other fleeting, superficial moments, i can only think of one scene where he's actually left alone with his thoughts:

and it's him feeling bad about making top sleep on the couch and deciding to get up to check on him/invite him to bed - not something a "manipulator" would do when no one is looking.

it is really ominous that production has hinted at nick and mew being "helpers." i could see mew going off the deep end and join in nick's, uh, colorful approach to relationships fjdlskjgjm but i just think he's going to snap or something, that won't have been his master plan all along lol (maybe they have to hide the body together) (haha jk... unless?)

yikes, i really did write a lot. thank you for enabling me, anon!💕

[mirabella96]

Only Friends ep 3

Is this blackmail material?

hhahahahhahahhaa they had a time to put shirts on? this is the least realistic thing in this show! if characters had sex in shows they have to woke up shirtless!

omg so cute

This Atom actor is in the third or forth series back to back

I have a bad feeling about this CCTV thingy

Top is singing... Is this song a foreshadowing too?

Is this Sand laying to himself and Ray already fell harder? It will be a problem it is already

I do not like, like kinda obssesed/possesive Nick is presented. The way it's shown calls for something more that just curiosity

I will be really sad if Ray and Sand won't end up happy together (do I know what series I am watching? not sure, let me hope) bc they are really portrayed like they are made for each other

Boston is really wicious (this word is in urban dictionary!) and also no one is anyone friend in this show (maybe exepct of the girls)

BOSTON!

I need a cute series for Khao and First

Oh, so Mew is (????) a master manipulator as some people predicted, I am pretty sure I have read exacly what Boston said somewhere on this platform. Or Boston is the greatest manipulator and he has (whatever he has) sth artificial/not true/photoshopped

O FUUUUUUU hahhahahahhahahahhaha bleh

[chaos0pikachu]

I do have thoughts!

I will say, if we take Jojo's comments at face value and assume he's not trolling to avoid spoilers - which would be possible but ultimately disappointing but I've been routinely disappointed by gmmtv's shows and don't have rose colored glasses towards Jojo's work like some folks do - then I had assumed that Boston was bothered by the reality of Top and Mew.

Because Top "won", he got what he wanted the entire time - Mew's virginity. I'm not sure if Boston is fixated on Top or Mew tbh, I feel like Top's read on Boston last episode - which was deserved - was closer to the truth of the matter; that Boston does feel inferior towards Mew.

I don't like speculating to much because it could easily get kripked and if I have to much faith in the narrative I'll be let down. I want to infer that Boston's probably had some relationship baggage b/c his father is a politician and how cavalier he is about getting revenge porned.

Like, let's really take that in, someone Boston had sex with, recorded him without his consent and threatened him with it for money.

I don't think fandom is really taking that in, or giving it any weight bc people don't like boston so they don't care or think he deserves it. What I hope is the narrative isn't just going to make it No Big Deal and it's only foreshadowing about Nick's recording coming to light. Which again, is a huge violation of both Boston and Top. It's literally illegal lol I think it's a really distant concept for people but it's a horrible experience.

But I do think Boston could, potentially, view relationships as something inherently to keep at a distance b/c historically ppl have always wanted something from him or if he was always in danger of having his intimate moments blasted publicly and/or used against him. Which might be what makes Top appealing, that he needs nothing from Boston b/c he already has everything and also has things at stake to lose.

If Boston is fixated more on Mew, it may be because he feels inferior to him b/c Mew doesn't have baggage. He's the core of the friend group, he's easily liked and he has a romantic view of relationships that Boston clearly doesn't share whether out or cynicism or bitterness. Other characters keep telling Boston he's a bad person, and, he is lol he's a shitty friend, but not always for like legitimate reasons but b/c he sleeps around a lot (something that we know Ray and Top also do but no one calls them slutty, Nick even blames the revenge porn thing on Boston being slutty). I can't tell if this is on purpose in the narrative to showcase that Boston being promiscuous isn't a flaw - it's his selfishness and inconsideration - or if the show is going for the "sluts are evil" trope. I'm hoping for the former rather than the latter.

So I took the scene as Boston being upset about MewTop but if it was about Ray and Sand it might just be b/c Ray is the same as Boston - selfish, inconsiderate of others - and is jealous that Ray's finding legitimate happiness with someone new and seemingly good. Or maybe he feels Ray is betraying Mew if Boston is fixated on Mew.

It could be a lot of options honestly, but it depends on whether Boston is supposed to be an actual character in the show or a caricature.

So the question I have is: Boston, why?

Like what was the point of this whole mess in the end of episode? I’m not complaining, I love mess, but I genuinely don’t understand. Especially the moment that he revealed the information about photos of Mew and Ray - to Ray. Wasn’t the smartest thing to do I would say.

So we see Boston in this episode being fine. Like he’s spending time with Nick and chilling and doing nothing dramatic. Even when Mew and Top come across - he does that bombastic side eye thing

But ten seconds later he’s totally enjoying his time with Nick and doesn’t seem bothered at all

We have Mew calling him with existing news TM and okay Boston is not happy there. But later he’s again totally fine with Nick, asking to stay over for the first time and it doesn’t look like he’s plotting something.

Even when he catches Sand and Ray he seems surprised but not in a bad way.

Well, until Nick brings up the fact that it’s not the first time those two having quality time together

And than they partying their shit out and having fun until what? What triggered Boston so hard? Nick asking SandRay about their relationship status? SandRay being clingy? Ray asking to stay over?

Like he shifted from this

to this

without any reason?

And okay, Jojo’s explanation here is fine - that’s how Boston is, he hates seeing people happy.

But it’s not like Sand and Ray were that happy of a couple? I mean they were clearly wasted and enjoyed each other a lot. But so as Boston with Nick? And it’s not like SandRay have something Boston hasn’t. He literally has the same relationship with Nick - even better, because these two actually discussed their status. And while Boston doesn’t know about Nick’s obsession and him recording the car scene - from his perspective they are all great. So it’s not about jealousy. These two are way messier from his perspective

Okay, Ray moving forward from Mew wasn’t part of his plan - but his plan already failed? So it’s not about TopMew thing. And anyway Ray wasn’t that important part of a plan in a first place.

And Boston seemed okay with Sand before, why hurting him? The whole “Sand has a right to know” topic is hmm okay but it’s not like Boston being real about his feelings towards Top with Nick so. Not about justice also.

So is it somehow about Ray? Like really Boston just doesn’t want his alcoholic suicidal friend (can I use this word or) to have some happiness in his life? That’s just cruel and also unreasonable. Or it’s just Boston being drunk and high and not controlling himself very well? Those situations can escalate quickly it’s a fact.

Can please someone explain to me what was his thought process here? Any assumptions please?

Side note but if somebody looked at me like Sand I would be really scared and shut up immediately

In conclusion, Boston, go to your room and think about that behavior

[berrychanx]

Here's my opinion about the original episodes / fillers of Tokyo Mew Mew we've lost so far

Episode 5-Gymnastic - cat agility never used again or the events are mentioned... 🤷 Ichigo taking all the spotlight

Episode 6 - which originally was the cruise episode mixed in with episode 19 and 41 - only served to introduce deep blue. It showed us Ichigo doesn't know english and Minto is used to socail events .....

Minto being used to big parties i think it's common sense and the cruise episode serves that role

Episode 5 and 6 has the girls struggling to defeat the enemy for a while and after have some extra element help them in battle

Episode 9- meh, good environment episode but that's all

Episoe 10 - seiji could be re-mentioned again, for example in episode 49 when Minto asks her nanny what she would if today was her last day and tomorrow was too late... 🎶 Would say goodbye to yesterday?

Episode 14 - meh, keiichiro moved on and even if you skipped this... Nothing in his characters foreshadows or mentions he had a gf

Eoisode 15 - was a great idea, nice way to introduce the new weapon. I hope we have a masha dedicated episode ♥

Episode 16 - ok.. I like lettuce but why? In context the episode feels out of place

Episode 17/18 -wrong way to introduce the blue knight imo, i prefer the manga version. In the manga we actually get to understand why Aoyama created that alter-ego.

Episode 20 - great original episode, i hope the remake does something similar

Episode 21 - good episode, this could have been mentioned again in laters episodes 42/3... Even if you skipped this episode you wouldn't know something like this had happened because even when of their other members is about to leave no one mentions Minto’s struggles.

We see Minto is sad and feeling lost with the situation but honestly... Seems like episode 21 didn't affect her.

Episode 22 - i wish it didn't existed...

Episode 23 - ok.. But too much shoujo cliche...i like that in the remakes they have goals and dreams.

Episode 24 - meh episode overall but shows zakuro isn't a cold person

And that's all for now

I have high hopes for what Mia Ikumi has written for the characters and story development.

New Minto is sooo much better than the original and I'm glad Seiji is having more screen time

[melancholyjones]

TMMN ep1 thoughts

overall I loved it!!

the OP & ED pay homage to the og anime’s OP/ED! (I nearly cried when they sang “[it’s] showtime again!”)

that, combined w/ the fast pacing has me thinking new might be more for  fans of the og series than for new audiences - we learn masaya’s name & basic personality b4 even hearing ichigo’s name, as if we’re expected to already know her. just overall it was a very busy ep, but not much actually happened til the last 10ish mins. they really rushed thru laying the groundwork

that said i do really like the changes they made re: mint already being a mew. i really really hope they give her an arc about coping with being the 1st mew but not the team leader

it’s interesting that the girls were deliberately chosen this time round, unlike the manga or og anime where it was coincidence/fate that they all happened to be at the exhibit. hope it’s explained how/why they specifically were picked & by whom

another reason i love mint already being a mew - SHE & RYOU HAVE BANTER!! they’re besties! genuinely my fav part of the post-fight scene, pls let them continue to be snarky & judgmental together

i truly truly adore the new voice cast! tenma & hinata bring so much personality to ichigo & minto! in particular i love tenma’s voice cracks & hinata’s v clear, crisp tone (i dunno how to phrase it, something about her delivery just reads as confident & direct w/o sounding stiff or mean). i loved them + juni as retasu from day 1 (can’t wait for next ep!). toda & ishii took some time to grow on me but they’re perf too! all of them just express their characters’ energies so well -  props to the voice director! 

haven’t paid as much attention to the boys’ va’s, but i do like this masaya so far - he’s a lot more reserved & low energy than the og series, which i think works better for the character. i think a subtlely flat/detached affect suits him & helps w/ foreshadowing 

also, am I reading to much into it, or did his initial reaction to ichigo confessing she doesn’t actually know about animal conservation seem like subtle withdrawal/shut down - up til she starts asking him more about it? like, he was excited to’ve met someone he thought gets it, but when it turns out (from his pov) ichigo’s just like every1 else, he immediately puts the mask back on all the way. it’s once she starts trying to learn more & engage w/ the topic sincerely that he starts to open up again. but it all happens v quickly in just a minute change of facial expression. i dunno maybe i’m reaching

speaking of ichigo, SHE’S SUCH A TEEN I LOVE HER. having no clue what she wants to do when she grows up & deciding ‘fuck it, focus on the present’, learning about some great injustice in the world & immediately forming a hard opinion about it, seeing her crush get attacked by a monster & her 1st instinct is to throw a rock she can barely lift & tell it to fuck off, getting in a car w/ strange men, realizing only once she’s in the vehicle & has no clue where they’re going that maybe she’s in danger & THEN POUTING & STOMPING out of the vehicle when ryou calls her annoying - SHE’S A DISASTER WHAT A DARLING

i think my only real big let down is that once again they omitted the girls meeting bc of retasu’s bullies. it’s a really good scene! it communicates in just a few pages how the girls react to someone in need & how they resolve conflict (plus i was really looking forward to watching bu ling kick some1 in the head & zakuro casually threaten to break a girl’s arm)

neway i’m so excited for the rest of new!

[composerofshibuya]

Alright, long post about TWEWY The Animation Episode 1 Underneath!

MY BOY. THERE. IN THE ANIMATED FLESH. I love the style. I love how distinctive everyone is, and how true-to-the-game it looks. I think they translated still images into animation beautifully. And, if in the end it remains shallow, at least it's pretty. I can't to see Joshua.

Alright. So, overall, it was good to okay. I had goosebumps when Twister started playing. The music truly ties my emotions to this game in a delightful way. I hope they'll incorporate more into the show. Let's dig into the good stuff first!

1) The animation. It's crisp, it's fun, it's the game to a t. I think they really hit it out of the park with it.

Look at that classic Shiki pose! I love how they incorporated so many elements of the game into the show.

Sprinkled throughout the episode you can see the different names and symbols of the brands. I thought this was a very clever way to tease them and make them present for fans of the game, without being overwhelming to anyone new. Additionally, I doubt that they'll be important at all in the animation - I don't see them playing dress up haha.

2) The music - this is actually both a pro and con. I love the elements of the Game in the Animation. Overall, I think they blended it very well. However, I hate the version of Twister they picked for the opening, and I really hope they change it up episode-to-episode. It's probably one of my least favourite versions of Twister and it's just... not a pump up version of it. Ultimately, I'd rather the original.

3) Introduction of characters - I have some complaints about this, which I'll get into later, but overall I was happy with how many they introduced and how they introduced them. They defined their personalities (Beat, my fave himbo, Kariya and Uzuki them lazy mischievous Reapers, etc, Neku being a Lonely Boi). I thought the established them well, if not fumbling things in other places.

4) Design of noise: Fuck, they're beautiful and dangerous. I love how they've taken these flat 2D characters and turned them into something a little more dynamic. The colours are great and bright, and I didn't think I'd love them. I'd serious get art of these guys!

Also the "static" as they appear/disappear I thought was nicely done.

5) I like how playful the show is despite the dark themes. It let's itself be fun:

WLIKE WE SYNCED UP, EH???

Okay, now... some negatives. As much as I enjoyed episode one, boy howdy do I have some criticisms, and as far as these go they're pretty common for adaptations. I recognize my bias as someone who loves the game and has poured a lot of time into it, but I still am kind of worried.

1) Pacing + Character Development: WOW THREE DAYS IN AN EPISODE. That's a rush!!! That's so much crammed into one episode. The characters never get to breath and be defined beyond that initial introduction in a way. As I said earlier, it never let's the horror of the situation set in. I understand there's a huge difference between games and animation as mediums, and I also get that adaptions will always lose something that another form really embraces, but the big thing to me about this game is loss and time. There are periods of silence where characters stand and sit with their thoughts. The Animation gives them no time to deal with that and I think a lot of weight and beauty is lost through this. I'm coming at this as a person who knows the future - I've played the game - but the game was never subtle with foreshadowing, and frankly this episode had none. Shiki never checks her phone. She's never reserved. She's 100% genki girl. And that's a little tragic if you know her story. Neku doesn't ponder his lost memories - he isn't given time to! - and we don't get to see how much this bothers him. Beyond the first few Noise deaths, it doesn't feel like the, put bluntly, fucked-upness of the Reaper's Game ever gets a chance to settle in.

2) I didn't have high expectations for pin utilization or brands. I love how they've blended the pin symbols and the use of them onto the screen as Neku activates his psychs (occasionally).

However, my big complaint is there's really no explanation of what they are or how they're activated or even the fact that Shiki couldn't use them (although I do love how the animation shows her fighting with Mr. Mew <3). This isn't a problem per se, especially as it's a major game mechanic thing, but I would have loved to see some time dedicated to it. It's just such a big part of the game. Looking at the pin 777 gives Shiki he says it'll become useful/valuable depending on the future. So, maybe we'll see further development. Please please please have some Tin Pin Slam!!

3) As a direct result of 1 - this scene just didn't feel as !!! shocking to me. That being said, I still thought they did a great job with the visuals here. It was... okay. But again, I'm willing to admit that playing this scenario vs watching it is probably a huge factor.

4) I don't know how to say this, or at least put it eloquently, but I think the Animation really fell flat in the first episode. My Rule Of Anime is if it doesn't catch me in four episodes, consider dropping it. As an outsider, I don't know how I'd react to episode one, but as an insider while I loved seeing something I love and am passionate about brought to life it just didn't hit right in so many ways. The characters were flat, the pace felt rushed, and while I care about the characters, I worry what I would think of them if I didn't have prior knowledge. Like Shiki looking at her phone. When that moment hit - when the game explained WHY - every time she was caught looking at her phone just hit me. Then, in future play throughs, I noticed it so much more. So, I worry a little bit.

Overall, I am a little diappointed - my hopes were waaaaaay too high - but I'm excited to see what comes next. As I've said, I'm hoping they're pushing through this to go more in depth later. If they don't develop the relationship between Shiki and Neku I just don't see the [Major Event] that happens in the future hitting hard emotionally. It feels like the story beats of the game are getting skipped over and I think it's the future detriment of the series. But! I'm getting ahead of myself. This is episode one! Lots to come.

I loved how the episode ended, sprinkling in bits of lore. I am excited.

Also, Minamimoto and Hanekoma are FINE AND DAMN, THEY LOOK AMAZING (tho Minamimoto looks... much younger than in game, he's still A++ he can SOHCAHTOA me anytime whew).

And done! Thanks for sticking around <3 Let's all cry about this and the new Neo trailer together!!

[venamizu]

3, 15, 23, 30, 33? :D

3. Favorite characters?

In no particular order: Kai, Joe, Ranmaru, Reko, Sara, Gin, Kurumada, and Mai. I love most of the cast, so I have a ton of favorite characters haha

15. Opinion on Midori/Sou Hiyori?

god can this guy please shut up for two seconds

23. Character you find suspicious?

I started YTTD very very late (I started playing after chapter 3-B release) so I actually don't have a lot of speculations because a lot of my questions have already been answered BUT the characters I find most suspicious as of now are:

1. Meister (are you sara's papi or not????)

2. Megumi (not a whole lot about her rn, so she's definitely going to be brought up again in 3-2)

3. Joe (weird amount of connections with the cast pre-game. has a doll and ai despite being a non-candidate. i hope these are all coincidences because i am scared to death that there will be some evil plot twist with joe in 3-2)

4. Keiji (i don't have a good reason for this. im just suspicious of keiji, even 3 chapters later lmao)

30. Did you vote for Kanna or Shin?

Voted for Shin :(

I really did want to keep Mr. 0.0% Survival Rate alive, but Sara forgets about Joe in the Shin Route and I couldn't bring myself to play Shin route because of that </3

Also, I'm a sucker for happy endings, so I appreciate Kanna route a lot, even if I do miss out on some things from Shin's route

33. Any theories for the next part of Chapter 3?

YES! I'm honestly not observant nor very good at picking up on foreshadowing, so my predictions are very flawed but eh whatever :D

1. Sue Miley is Gin's mom (why he doesn't recognize her if that's the case??? idk man)

2. Not sure if this is because of dead parent anime tropes, coincidental, or something significant. But since nearly all the cast either has either dead parent(s), deadbeat parent(s), or never knew their biological parents, I have a feeling they were raised to partake in the Asunaro death game

3. They find Mishima's head/collar (ideally not in Mew-chan)

4. Since the Sacrifice card will be more powerful now that there are only 4-5 people left, Sara will end up being the Sacrifice and a potential ending would be being allowed to leave with a person of your choice

[luisleyyaoi]

This is gonna have spoilers for the entirety of Undertale, and I mean the entirety, so don’t read until you finish it. Also it’s gonna be long, enjoy.

So if you don’t know, Undertale happens to be my favorite game of all time. I’ve played it at least 7 times this year, yeah I’m that guy. So, since the 5th anniversary is coming up I thought I’d talk about some of the moments that stick out to me.

Pacifist Run

Mettaton game show has always been my favorite moment from this run. The music is amazing, Metal Crusher is one of my faves from the ost, I love Mettatons character, just look at him he’s so extra, the entire thing is just a fun experience

Hanging out with Undyne, need I say more? But seriously, this was a fun way to expand her character, she really needed it

Papyrus as a whole, I love him. He’s the guy that made me feel so much guilt during my multiple genocide route attempts

The dialogue and writing during this run is amazing. The characters feel real, the writing is witty and entertaining, it’s just great and I adore it. I hope I can give a fraction of the emotion in this writing in my own works one day

The Mad Mew Mew fight, oh the Mad Mew Mew fight. I freaking loved it!! It’s my favorite boss fight and I think the songs my favorite one too.

Neutral Run: this’ll contain every Netural Run thing since there are so many.

Sans reaction in any of the runs can be... something. My personal favorites are:

“You’d better watch you’re back, kid. Things aren’t looking good for you”

“This is what happens when guys like me take it easy.”

The fact that Mettaton is hinted to of killed anybody who didn’t like him in a few endings... I don’t know how to feel about that.

For real, Mettaton shouldn’t be a leader. I love the guy but, he’s not cut out for that. He’s too self-centered.

Sans trying to hide that everyone died from Papyrus in that one ending makes me really sad, especially since I think Papyrus knew they died but didn’t wanna believe it

Alphys saying she should of killed you when she had the chance is so... powerful, for a lack of better words

It’s basically confirmed that Alphys kills herself in a couple endings, that crushes me every time. It makes me feel sympathize with her that much more.

Genocide Run

My favorite moment from the game, Flowey being scared of you. Flowey, the ruthless killer who physically can’t feel emotion no matter how hard he tries, feels his first emotion in years and it’s fear. He realizes that you’ll kill him too if he gets in your way and he’s terrified. It’s such a powerful moment, imo. It shows that you’re the monster here, you’ve taken this too far, you’re the bad guy without outright saying it. Flowey doesn’t go you’re evil and leave, he just stops talking and shakes, realizing what he just said and tries to convince you to reset. It’s not forced either, it’s so good 1000/10 moment

Sans lore, Sans lore, read all about it! We learn more about they mystery man himself, Sans the Skeleton. It’s way to much for me to put here, considering I never beat him and forgot most of what he said anyway, just trust me when I say is good

Undyne the Undying. This develops Undyne way more that you think it would. It shows how determined she really is, how much she wants to protect the Underground, how much she cared for everyone, it’s a good moment for her character

Ok but the Flowey backstory, amazing. I love it so much, the best part of this run is the Flowey stuff.

In general: just stuff about the game as a whole

The music, omg the music. The music in this game is amazing, as simple as that. I haven’t heard a bad remix to this day. Don’t get me started on the easter eggs in the music. Like, the songs tie together in a not forced way. That Gaster theme? It’s in almost every song in the game, showing that he really is there, watching. Song that might play when you fight sans? It’s Sans main theme when it’s edited a bit and contains Papyrus’s theme, which makes me very sad. But nobody came? Floweys theme slowed down. The song that plays when you fight the Blook family? It’s remixed twice and it slaps every time, plus it’s in Muffets theme which foreshadows Mettaton hiring Muffet to kill you and Mettaton being a Blook. I could go on for ages but I’ll stop here.

Trans Mettaton, trans Mettaton! Mettaton is already my fave but him being canonically trans makes him 100x better! I’m questioning my gender right now so being able to relate to him and see myself in him is amazing.

Trans Mad Dummy, trans Mad Dummy!!! Mad Mew Mew is a secret boss that confirms Mad Dummy is trans. Yet another canon trans character, I’m very happy!

Ok I’ll leave this here, it’s super long. Sorry if y’all don’t care, I’ve gotta talk about this game. I don’t know anybody irl that cares so y’all gotta deal with it.

[whenimgoodandready]

We need an army! The knights were taken down! Globgor was taken down (he put in a good fight though) and Eclipsa isn’t that skilled in magic to fend off Mina! Star! GET THE BEST OF THE BEST WARRIORS YOU CAN FIND ON MEWNI AND TELL THEM TO KICK SOME SOLARIAN A**! (puts on knight helmet) Let’s fight!:

*The Right Way-So they left us with a cliffhanger on Eclipsa, huh? Making us think she was done for!? Well think again! Cuz Star comes in with her ✨Whale Blast🐋✨to save the day! She’s not alone. Meet the Greatest Warriors Mewni has. Rollcall:Kelly, sword weilder and fighter (a.k.a.Marcos other ex-girlfriend), her Battle Buddy, Jorby! Two members of The Kill Devil Pass Riders Club, Talon and Quirky! Rich Pigeon and his giant muscular robotic (hairy) legs and last, but not least, Pony Head and her cameraman boyfriend, Seashorse! Live taping for “The Ponyhead Show!”.............okay, so we’re doin’ the whole The Ragtag Bunch of Misfits thing again, but we’ve seen them fight, so why not!?

Let’s do this thing! Everybody split up, so we can all see your individual awesomeness! Yea! Oh! How ‘bout we put in some cool action music and have the gang do some roof top jumping! Yea! That’s bada**! And then we could-(slash) OH Sh*t! Quitkys down for the count! (slash) OMG! Now it’s Talon! (slash) There goes Kelly and Jorboy! (slash) Ah! C’mon! Rich Pigeon too! You can not be serious!? (slash) Oh! Great! Now it’s Pony Head and Seahorse (guess this means it’s the series finale of “The Ponyhead Show!” too, Eh?). This is terrible! It’s The Marc-nificent Seven all over again! Oh! The horror! The horror! Star! Do something!

Back at the Monster Temple, Globgors wound was expanding and it’s getting worse! How much? Well, the Solarian scar..............is fatal! Don! Don! Don! What’s the plan!? What’s the plan!? WHAT’S THE PLAN!? Nuke it!? Are you f*cking serious!? Who’s idea was that!?..............Janna!? Okay, Janna, I think you’ve seen that Avengers movie one too many times to go with what the World Security Council wanted..............actually, I really loved that movie, soooooooooo let’s nuke that b*tch!

Listen to Pony Head, Star! Sure she didn’t make the best choices before, but in this case, she’s legit serious! Mina is fueled by hate with Solarias firey passion of killing all monsters put into that sword, but you, you are filled with love! Sweet, beautiful ღ love! ღ You wear your heart on your sleeve-NO! On your cheeks! NOW POWER UP AND SHOW THAT PSYCHO B*TCH WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF! What’s she made of you ask!? A giant ✨Rainbow Fist Punch of Knight Armour🌈👊✨ that’s what! Listen here Mina Loveberry and listen good! Mew👏🏻Ni👏🏻Has👏🏻Changed!👏🏻 SO ACCEPT THAT! NUKE GO! 💥KABOOM!💥.......................STAR LOOK OUT! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH-Oh! Thank God she missed! Almost gave me a heart attack right there!

NOW WHAT!? Stars nearly down as well!? WAIT! Eclipsa! What are you doing!?.........is that-is that “The Spell With No Name”!? That kill shot spell! You’re using it! By-by finishing what her mother Solaria left behind for you!.................do it. ✨BAM💀🦋✨ SHE’S DEAD! Wa-hoo! Oh yeah! (cabbage patche dances) Go Eclipsa! Go Eclipsa! It’s your birthday! It’s your birthday! Hey! Look who’s here to join the party! It’s Marco! Awwwwwe, he and Star found each other again! Just like in “Battle for Mewni”. He warns Star about Mina coming to attack, but (laughs) Marco sweetie, your a little late to that party right there (laughs)............whattaya mean that wasn’t Mina!? She’s-she’s on her way! RIGHT NOW! WTF!? Don! Don! Don!

Sad we didn’t get to see nothing of The Marc-nificent Seven 2.0 battle against (what-we-thought was) Mina, but damn! That sword is a nightmare! It’s that kind of firey passionate hate that made those Solarian soldiers go mentally unstable! Now, THEY’RE ALL GONNA DIE! Is-is this how it ends!? With every minor character in here dying!? This better not be like that! When Janna suggested that whole “nuke plan”, it reminded me of how they handled it from the Avengers cuz it was on tv recently and I really loved how bada** that movie was and I’m hoping to finish off the rest of the franchise of it. Lol! Star put in a good fight with “NOT Mina”, but it still wasn’t enough cuz she went down like a sack of potato’s the way Meteora did to her (“Conquer”). Sorry Star, you’re real powerful, but this is waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy beyond what your pretty pretty spells can do. I knew that “Spell with No Name” spell was gonna be used on “Mina” eventually. It was foreshadowed (“A Spell with No Name”), cuz we saw what it can do and even Eclipsas spells must’ve seen Avengers to wanna nuke the whole damn place! I think that spell did just about the same damage there. Yup, (smack lips) it did. It really did. Solaria left it unfinished in The Magic Book of Spells for Eclipsa to continue it, but in this case, it wasn’t for monsters, it was for her failed experiment with “Mina” Plot Twist! That Mecha Knight was NOT Mina Loveberry! THEN WHO THE F*CK WAS THAT!? AND WHERE DID THAT ARMY COME FROM!? AND WHY DOES MINAS SUIT HAVE PIGTAILS!?

[umbrahighpriestofgiratina]

Rude Awakening Epilogue

Well. This is it. The end. This fic has come a long way in three years and while I'm glad it's over I'm gonna miss it. But! I'll save further thoughts for after the main attraction - though thank @veniasilente for one of the many, many foreshadow-y cameos:

Epilogue: New Game +

Hoopa looked over the survivors he had rescued, scrutinizing them carefully, before extending one of his massive hands to one. "Gimmie. I know you stole it from me." The man yelped and produced a gold crown, which zoomed telekinetically into Hoopa's hand. Hoopa cackled and turned to Palkia. "They're all good to go!" "Alright," said Palkia. "We're going to need to educate them on what the Pokemon world is like. Show them a few moves. Maybe teach them that the local wildlife is under divine contract not to murder them on sight and in reality would rather be friends." "Okay!" Hoopa turned to the crowd. "Alright folks! Lessons with professor Hoopa start now!" Palkia chuckled and moved on. ----------- Morgan was concentrating on her dragonstone as Panne watched. She grimaced and concentrated until it finally glowed and... ...An Axew stood in Morgan's place. "Huh? How come I'm so small? I don't even have any wings!" "It's because of the influence of this world," said Dialga, approaching. "For the most part only humans and Pokemon exist." "I do not wish to be a manspawn then," said Panne. "Make me one of those Pokemon." Dialga paused, then turned around and spoke into a portal. A small, pink, bespectacled creature emerged from it, looking around. "Alright, Dialga," said the Mew. "Who needs a species fixer-upper?" "There, Bartelby," Dialga said, pointing a hoof toward Panne. Bartelby waved one of his tiny pink paws and in an instant Panne was a small, blue, pointy rabbit-like creature. "Hmmm." said Panne. "Small but comfortable. I think I like this." "You're faring better than I am!" said Morgan, changing back to human soon after. Dialga chuckled. "Don't worry Morgan. You'll be able to make your new dragon form reach stronger and stronger stages. Same with Panne's new form." "Really?" said Morgan. "That's so cool!" "That would be useful, yes," said Panne. Dialga thought a bit. "Though first... we're going to have to find you two new homes." He glanced over at Virion and Libra, who were bickering over a platter of biscuits. "...And them too I suppose." --------- At a facility on the outskirts of Goldenrod City a man with brown hair and a teal shirt was tending to Nidoran, several Nidoran, and a few Nidorina and Nidorino to boot. It was then a human Dialga approached, holding Panne. "Excuse me... Doctor Machali?" The man looked up. "Yes?" "Hello. Quentin here. I believe I've approached the PEFE before." "Oh! Yes. Lovely to see you again Quentin. What is it?" "Well, you specialize in the Nidoran line and..." he held up Panne. "I'd like you to take care of this very special Nido before she gets passed along to a Trainer I have in mind." "Oh! Oh, certainly. Come here, little girl..." He took Panne carefully into his arms. Panne squirmed a bit, but eventually settled down. She looked Dialga in the eye. Dialga smiled, carefully petting the Nidoran that were surrounding him, and gave a thumbs up. Panne smiled back. ------------ In Lumiose City, Libra and Virion were sitting in a Gogoat-pulled trolley, enjoying the view. "This new world is amazing Libra!" said Virion. "So many sights to see, so many people to meet, so many hair care products..." "Mhm," said Libra, looking around. "What's wrong?" said Virion. "I don't really care about any of that. At least not in and of itself." "Why not?" Libra smiled. "I care about sharing it with you." "Wait, reall-" Virion was interrupted by Libra kissing him. Startled, he soon kissed back. ------------ Dialga, Palkia, and Morgan - all in human form - approached a lavish mansion, and knocked at the door. The door opened to reveal a man, woman, and young girl. "Mr. and Mrs. Hale?" said Dialga. "Yes, Mr. Quentin, Mrs. Valentina?" said Mr. Hale. "How are you all doing?" said Palkia. "Good, good," said Mr. Hale. "Especially after the Unown situation you helped stop." "Is this the girl you called about?" said Mrs. Hale, looking at Morgan. "Yep!" said Palkia. "This is Morgan." "Hi!" said Morgan. "I promise I won't break anything. Within the first day anyway." Mrs. Hale chuckled. "Molly? Meet your new big sister." The girl's expression changed from one of curiosity to one of pure joy. She immediately ran up and hugged Morgan. "Big sis, big sis!" she said. "Good to have you too," said Morgan. She then felt something tugging at her leg and looked down to see a Jangmo-O. She picked it up and cuddled it as Dialga and Palkia stared. "Oh! That little girl followed me everywhere on a recent trip to Alola, so I brought her home," said Mr. Hale. "She seems to like you Morgan!" The Jangmo-o purred as Morgan pet her. It was then Dialga noticed a familiar mark on the Jangmo-o's head and remembered Naga's words. "I am not the first Naga... There have been others before me... The role and memories are passed down from one incarnation to the next." Despite the weight of her words Dialga couldn't help but smile. He then looked over to Palkia, who was deep in thought. "Something the matter sister?" "It's just... I'm thinking about Robin," said Palkia. "I gave his last vestige some of my power,in hopes he'd escape. She looked up into the sky and smiled. "And... I feel like he has! He's out there somewhere, I know it!" ------------ At a table, six people were conversing, talking and laughing happily, except one, a young man with white hair. "Something wrong Robin?" asked a girl with teal hair. "It's nothing wrong," said Robin. "I was thinking of a dream I had. A hopeful dream." "Like what?" said a man in a hat and coat. "About someone who helped me... Long ago. Helped me survive long enough to get here." "That's pretty nice, yeah," said a teal-haired boy. "Yeah, we're glad you're here, Robin," said a girl in white. "You've made yourself quite at home," said a girl in red. "Thank you." said Robin. He looked up to the sky. "And thank you... Valentina Palkia." THE END *** Holy cow. The process for this fic has been amazing, even with some roadblocks (the year-long delay much) and it's been wonderful sharing it with you all. I know I got more response some places than others but all the response I've actually gotten was incredible, and this is hugely significant in being the first chapterfic I've actually finished. Thank you, all of you,  for the feedback and likes and follows and everything, and I'm looking forward to sharing more of Heroes After All and my future projects... Though expect some trivia for this fic down the line.

[perpetuallurkernazanin]

Toby Fox spoiled my novel-length fanfic’s ultimate plot twist (an “it happened to me” story???)

New content in the Switch release of Undertale last week contained a major revelation about a canon character… and confirmed a major headcanon / plot twist that I had been gradually foreshadowing in my WIP backstory fanfic for over two years and almost 100,000 words (and the fanfic is only about 2/3 done, so the twist wouldn’t have been revealed for like another year yet.)

For a week I’ve been caught between amazed elation and an undertone of exasperation. I feel like I need to make some public record now… as proof it happened this way??

(The fic is “The Problem of Bodies” by Mz_Mallow on AO3.)

Explanation / spoilers under the cut.

With the addition of the Mad Mew Mew battle, Toby Fox revealed that Mad Dummy is a trans woman, just like Mettaton is a trans man.

TBH when first planning The Problem of Bodies I was going to simply make Mad Dummy a grouchy uncle/aunt… It was my amazing fiancée & beta-reader who convinced me to write MD as sibling to Mettaton and Napstablook and as a trans girl.

So, as a record, here’s an account of the foreshadowing in The Problem of Bodies. (EDIT: I had forgotten one instance of foreshadowing when I first posted this... it’s item #3)

1) No pronouns used for Feisttablook in narrative voice. Other characters refer to Feist as they/them in dialogue, but the narrator avoids pronouns for the character altogether. Happstablook got no narrative pronouns either until he had a personal revelation of his gender at the end of Part 1, Chapter 7, the final line of which is, “Happy hovered at the sideline for a minute before yelling, loudly, deeply, a crow of pure joy; and he threw himself into the pile-up.”

2) Feist’s first experience wearing clothes in Part 1, Chapter 7, which is meant to be an echo of that classic narrative of the first time a trans femme person sees herself in feminine clothes. Feist’s overall love of fashion is drawn from original game canon, ie the dream of becoming a fashion mannequin recounted in the Mad Dummy boss battle.

3) The first line of Part 2 Ch. 4, when Feist is going to see Hark’s bodies for the first time: “Phasing through the floor into the room below, Feisttablook almost landed directly on top of a pink plush doll [...]“

And then halfway through that chapter, as the city ghosts are talking about their feelings re: becoming corporeal: “Feist felt dizzy as the lingering fear of rejection and ridicule dissipated. In some ways these stories were similar to what Feist felt… but somehow different, as well. It was that undefinable difference that left Feist reluctant to share more.“

4) Feist’s thoughts on first possessing the dummy body, in Part 2, Ch. 4: “Was the body perfect? Of course not. There were things Feist would have changed in the design — a more rounded head, more like the cute version of the everyman design used for smaller dolls; a lower center of gravity; curved mammalian-type lines — but it was so much better than having no body.”

5) The fact that Feist becomes pregnant in Part 3, but is unable to impregnate another ghost.

6) Feist’s experience of being pregnant in Part 3, Ch. 3: “The idea of pregnancy had been frightening — expecting restlessness, volatile moods, compulsively chasing away other ghosts — but instead, Feist had found a sense of deep calm, like making a new family this way wasn’t just life-affirming, but self-affirming. Finding new ways of expressing love, through courtship and now through expecting the child, felt intimate and important; like when Feist found clothes that fit just right.”

Contrast with Happy’s reaction to the suggestion that he might be or could become pregnant, from Part 2 Ch. 2: “Comprehension hit, and for a moment Happy was terrified that Staid saw something true, that there were strangers growing inside of him. (Not strangers, he would later correct himself, More of us, more of myself.) The beat of fear and repulsion he felt at the thought gave him reassurance: ghost pregnancy came from satisfaction and hope, not anxiety and doubt. He was all set for prophylactic cynicism.”

(These reactions are NOT intended as statements on how all men or all women feel, or are expected to, or are supposed to feel; the contrast is simply a part of fleshing out these two characters)

7) Feist’s thoughts on trying to find a new body in Part 3, Ch. 11, in which she longs for a feminine body the way Happy longs for a masculine body, but unlike him is not yet able to recognize her feelings as having to do with the way the body will be gendered: “A body. Not just a tool made for someone else and repurposed; a personal, personalized body. With personality. One that was strong and flexible and adaptable. One that expressed the soul inside instead of obscuring it. A body to fuse with. The dream grew and took on dimension and weight, as if the dream itself were becoming corporeal.

“What stood in the way of realizing this dream? The curiosity or censure of other ghosts? After all that had happened, Feist was beyond worrying about what other ghosts thought. The impossibility of the body itself? The dummy body wasn’t bad, it was just insufficient, lacking in some way… and that could be figured out, with a little room to experiment.”

Sooo… TPoB fic will proceed as it’s been planned from the beginning, moving forward to and through and beyond in-game events… Except that I never guessed that Alphys would have a life-sized plush Mew Mew Doll in her house (WTF, Alphys), and that it would be found by Mad Dummy / Feist… so that will be written in, when the plot eventually gets to that point.

I do have another major plot twist planned for Part 4 that is not in Undertale canon… and I know Toby Fox will not spoil this one, because (1) it’s based in originally existing game canon, and (2) it involves mature-rated thematic elements. Take THAT, Toby you marvelous troll. XD

[gaycey-sketchit]

(Gary anon) It's cool, don't worry about it. We're gonna be on break pretty soon. (Here's to this week and what it unfolds) If it's the case, best I can think of is either a TRio recap or more of Leon's backstory to further set up the finals. Assuming this one isn't another clip-show like the others, I wonder if the dub will even bother with the recaps. Which kinda circles back to the mystery surrounding the amount of episodes left if those are skipped.

(Part 2) Okay, that "recap" is looking a bit more likely now. Magazine confirms the 21th to be Ash vs Leon part 1, which leaves the 14th as still N/A. Really hope it's not PM's ending, I saw rumors floating around it might be just 1 episode only. I can buy that for Regigigas, not the Mew search itself. I hope it's something like they might be hiding an appearance or last minute training on Ash and/or Leon's part. (No sign of S/V anime either)

(Part 3) {Saw the episode} I can't believe how much stuff I ended up calling, except for one. But that was because we all thought it was finally gone. xD Yeah, this was mainly one big Galar Pokemon dumping fest, with some reminiscing. (Unfortunately, the intro foreshadowed again what I was thinking would happen with Goh. I'll leave it at that) Oh yeah, the next episode: The only good thing about the preview is that Journeys might actually get extended a bit. [Not official yet.]

Hopefully by the time that break's over I'm a little less out of sorts! ^^;

Recap episodes don't usually get dubbed, do they? But yeah, that does raise questions about the number of episodes left.

Ah. Yeah, I can't really imagine the Project Mew arc getting wrapped up in one episode? Hopefully that doesn't happen. I guess we'll see how it all plays out.

I've now seen the episode as well! All things considered it was pretty cute, nice to know Cinderace's old friends have been thriving!

Oh.

Here's hoping! A few extra episodes would be good.