#i miss early seasons jay

[sanaimissyou]

I'm still not over Jay's name.... Jay Walker...

One of my favorite things about Jay is how he’s always the first one to resort to crime (featuring one of my favorite Jay clips)

[ashtxrie]

7:18 AM (jay)

PAIR. non-idol!jay x gn!reader GENRE. fluff, established relationship, timestamp WORD COUNT. 1.0k WARNINGS. none! NOTES. i am BACK i'm finally writing again and it's just so fun and refreshing to write when there's not like. a million tests in the next few days!! anyway hope you enjoy this jay fic because he seriously needs more love hello??!! @star-sim vannie this is for You tbh after u wrote that sunoo fic that rocked my world

when you walk into the kitchen and stifle a yawn, jay can’t help the laugh that escapes his lips. and the sound feels gentle; it alights the morning with clementine warmth and settles against your skin to fill that missing familiarity you spent minutes searching for as you restlessly tossed amid your sheets.

“go back to sleep,” jay murmurs, and you can hear the smile in his voice before he even turns around. water bubbles in a pot on the stove, and the metallic beep from the open fridge has him rushing back to grab an egg before closing the door to keep the chill inside. “you’re not supposed to be up until later.”

you stubbornly shake your head. why are you up so early? or, at least, that’s what you mean to say. what comes out sounds more like, “so early, jay,” and you wince at the way sleep tugs at your vocal chords and slurs your words swollen around each syllable.

jay pauses to glance at you in surprise. a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. he presses his lips together as if to prevent the grin from spreading across his cheeks. it never works, and it doesn’t now, but he drops his gaze and turns to busy himself with the stove. “if you go back to sleep,” he tries again, “i promise i’ll wake you in a couple minutes.”

“define a couple.” you make your way over to him while rubbing your eyes with your fist. “i don’t believe you.”

“you and me?” jay teases. and then with the same underlying amusement, “it tends to mean two.” he turns at your approach (you hear it from the shuffle of his feet against the floor), but something mustn’t be right because he lets out a yelp and the bowl in his hands clatters against the counter.

“yeah, right.” you stop rubbing your eyes only to feel jay's hands grasp at your shoulders to stop you from walking forward, and to turn you a few degrees to the right.

his gaze focuses on your once too-close proximity to the furniture, and a crooked smile endearingly tugs at the side of his mouth. “do you… like walking into chairs?”

you groan, and your head leans forward to fall into his shoulder. so warm. you instinctively nestle into the spot at the crook of his neck, and you allow your eyes to drift shut. “are you sure you don’t want to go back to sleep?”

jay's arms wrap around your waist, and he gently tugs you closer. when he speaks, he momentarily rests his head against yours. you can hear the reverberations of his voice against your skin, and the comfort from the gesture warms you. “tempting. but i wanted to do this more.”

“what’s that?”

jay presses his lips to your temple and untangles his arms from yours. he steps back to the kitchen counter to tap the egg against the side of the bowl. the shell cracks. yolk glistens in the mid-morning light and slips onto the warm rice below, and he rummages in the nearby drawer for chopsticks to mix everything together. “i wanted to make you breakfast,” he tries casually, but you don’t miss the shyness resting behind his tense shoulders.

you blink at him owlishly. “you don’t have to…”

jay firmly shakes his head and seasons the egg rice with furikake and soy sauce. “i want to. i know you’ve been busy, and you should eat something before you take your meds.”

“oh,” your stomach sinks. “i forgot to pick them up. i ran out a while ago.”

perhaps it’s a trick of the light, but you think jay flushes. “don’t worry, i picked them up this morning.”

your eyes widen. “what?”

“oh,” jay mumbles. “you mentioned you were running low.”

when you don’t say anything, jay starts rambling. “it’s in the bag on the counter. and, um, everything in there’s yours… i happened to see some stuff and thought of you.” his voice falters, and he places the bowl in front of you. “it’s not a big deal. i was up early anyway.”

you spot the paper bag on the counter and pull it toward you. when you look inside, you find a new prescription bottle as well as that snack you happened to buy at the pharmacy a few weeks ago. you remember making him try because it was really good.

“anyway,” jay smiles nervously as he hands you a cup of water, “here. i’m sorry, i was going to make tako sausage too, like i made for riki that one time, but i know you’re probably hungry. he said mine didn't really look like octopus because i didn't put eyes or a mouth on it, but i’ll do better and make it for you next time, promise!”

you slide down from the chair and step toward him. your bottom lip wobbles. before you know it, you’re rushing forward and hugging him tightly. “i can’t believe…” you sputter for words, “you’re so sweet. like all the time. how did you even?”

jay blinks in embarrassment, breathing a laugh. “it’s nothing. i told you, really.”

“it’s not nothing,” you mumble into his shoulder, “i’m going to cry.”

jay lifts you and sets you back on the chair. “don’t cry,” he pokes your cheek, “and i did it because i wanted to. now eat before your food gets cold.”

“i’m going to do something nice for you tomorrow morning, okay?”

jay just gazes at you fondly. “sure, you will.”

you scowl. “what’s that supposed to mean?”

“nothing.” and when jay laughs, this time he wraps his arms around your shoulders and presses a kiss to the edge of your jaw.

TAGLIST : @star-sim @boyfiejay @jlheon @jwsdoll @dimplewonie @suneng @en-gelic

[caeqey]

‎♡‧₊˚࿐ the little things — 엔하이픈 thoughts

or — things my suitor does, that i think en- members would do too

#wc 1k+ pairing ⟢ highschool bf!en- members x gn!reader ⸝⸝ genre : fluffㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ , angst if you squint warnings .ᐟ mentions an argument, food/ed (reader forces themself to not eat)

이희승 : messages you after every round

early in your relationship with heeseung, you quickly caught onto the fact that he loves gaming. you didn't mind it of course, it was nice that he had his own thing. it only became a problem when it started feeling like he cared more about his games than he did you. not wanting to assume the worst, you decided to talked to him about it. heeseung was honestly upset, not because he thought you were being selfish, but because his actions made you feel that way. since then, he loves to text you in between rounds, updating you about the silliest things like —

“baby look! i ranked up 😁” , “I GOT BATTLE ROYALE BABY YIPEE” and often, you'd see notifications like “sorry baby, i was in game. can you play with me next time, please?”

박종성 : brings you food for lunch

jay was aware that you had a bad habit of not eating your food. often times, you'd give your lunch to your friends. it hurt him, seeing you not eat, forcing yourself not to. he took note of your behaviour and then had the bright idea that he should make you your lunch. he never forced you to eat his cooking though, but he did encourage you. as time passed, you grew a healthier relationship with not only food, but with jay as well. the delicious meals he made daily were truly the highlight of your day. every now and then, he also likes to slip in notes that say —

“eat well, you deserve it dear :)” . “i know this is your fav, so i hope i did it justice ( ._. )” , “ sorry if it tastes burnt, making tanghulu is harder than it seems :(“

심재윤 : asks you to go to his games

volleyball season has finally arrived at your school, and that meant only one thing for you. watching your dear boyfriend's games on the daily. being the libero of the senior volleyball team was not a light task, but jake seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. whether it was a regular game or a tournament, he would always ask you to go. you didn't really have much of a choice though, since you are part of the school's photography club. this meant that attending games was mandatory for you. but, mandated or not, you wouldn't dare miss any of his games. it's delightful to see jake in his element, it's as if his aura changes the moment he's on the court. but of course, your boyfriend being the guy he is, jake always reminds you to —

“take pictures of me please !” , “cmonn you're a photographer, you have to take pictures of me” with a pout. however he seems to always say “WOAH THESE LOOK SO GOOD!!! i knew you were amazing sweetheart” in the end.

박성훈 : likes to watch you make art

as one of the school's most prominent artists, you are very well known for the art that you create. sometimes you art would be submitted in national competitions and you'd often get complimented on your skills during your school's art shows. and sunghoon is no different from those who admired your art. in fact, your boyfriend is "your number #1 fan" (as he likes to put it). he loves to go to your house, just sitting there and watching you work with the medium you chose. one day, you asked him why he loves to watch you every time to made art. he thought about what to say for a moment before stating —

“well, i find it odd how you're constantly told that your artwork is stunning, but you're never told that it looks even better as you're working on it. it's like you're an extension of the piece, my darling, you're abeautiful work of art as well.” tearing up at his words, you engulfed him in a tight hug.

김선우 : sends you pictures of the sunset/sunrise

your boyfriend knows how fond you are of the sunset and sunrise. even before you had gotten together, you two would always stay up all night to watch it rise when morning came. ironically, the day (or night ?) you two had gotten together, was when you were once again waiting for dawn. so, whenever sunoo had the chance to, he would always try to send pictures of the lovely sun rising and setting. it became your thing, something only you two did with each other. those pictures would often come with texts like —

“goodmorning honey! isn’t the sunset so pretty?” , “i was out walking and noticed the sun was setting hehe”, “hiii are you uppp? look what i saw :)”

양정원 - loves to build legos with you

both you and jungwon have always been interested in legos, and there was no exception to that.even when you two go to the mall. often entering the lego store to browse for any sets that you liked. so it did not come to you as a surprise when your lovely boyfriend gifted you a set of lego roses for your birthday. he knows how much you’ve wanted to build these types of things with him, it was practically the best gift he could’ve ever thought of! now sitting across from each each other, crossed legged and giggling. things were going as planned until —

“love it’s the other way around!” you exclaimed, “wait, huh ???” despite his experience in lego set building, flowers were not his thing. “the petal, i mean. it’s upside” you chuckled. the night of your birthday went on smoothly as you two continued creating the plastic flower arrangement.

西村 力 — is the miles to your gwen

riki is actually the reason why you had taken an interest in the famous spider hero. he would often talk about the movies and the comics with you, which interested you the more he talked about it. you adored it when he geeked out about his interests, it was the side of him that no one really saw. soon, you were just as addicted as he was. and when the across the spiderverse movie had come out, you two did not miss the opportunity to watch it together. by the time his birthday rolled in, you thought about the perfect birthday present. matching bracelets that were impressed by miles and gwen. you were undeniably anxious though, even spending all night pondering about how he’d feel about the gift. but upon opening your gift he said —

“woah!! it's so cool, thank you!!” riki smiled, genuinely. “wait, hey, are you alright?” he asked, sensing your anxiousness. “i’m glad you like it. and uhm, i know that miles and gwen don't exactly end up on good terms by the end of the movie… but don't worry riks. we're gonna do our own thing”

note ᝰ.ᐟ please tell me someone got the atsv reference in riki's part (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞ anyways i hope you guys enjoyed this !! please leave feedback, it would really help me out :)

[thecryptidbard]

ALSO can we talk about Hetty’s reaction after Flower tells her “You’re a good friend”???

Think about where she was at this point last year—having also just revealed a massive secret, one that almost irrevocably ruined one of her oldest friendships. She’d admitted in Ghost Court that friends were not something she’d ever had in life—something she hasalso just reiterated moments ago to Sam and Isaac, that one of the reasons she felt so trapped and alone and without options at the end of her life was because she had no friends.

Think about how far we’ve seen her come; in season one, it’s huge growth for her that after Jay’s possession, she admits to the other ghosts that she missed them. Or season two, how in a very un-Hetty move she’s willing to swallow her pride and apologize to Nigel (even though she’s sure she isn’t in the wrong!) for the sake of saving her friendship with Isaac. Or even earlier this season, how closely she’s clinging to Alberta in so many of the episodes, because she’s so grateful she got her friend back after being so close to losing her that she doesn’t even want to be physically separated from her.

And then now, she’s just once again revealed a secret she’s kept for well over a hundred years, in order to save Flower. She’s kept this part of herself from everyone for so long, and the very second she sees that Flower is securely out of the hole, she turns her back to everyone to gather herself and then bolts.

Isaac and Sam make her see that, yes objectively she has people here for her now like she never had in life, but Flower coming in and thanking her is when she actually gets to see and experience the reality of how different her existence is now. “You’re a good friend,” she says, and it might be the first time someone has ever said that to her. And Hetty just looks up at Flower so surprised in that moment, and so heartbreakingly hopeful, because I genuinely think that until right then, she really hadn’t considered it like that before; she just knew that Flower was in trouble and that she had to help her whatever the personal cost, because not saving her wasn’t even an option.

So much of the ghosts’ relationships, especially early on, were transactional, and, especially in Hetty’s case, built around enforcing particular power dynamics: accruing a wealth of back rubs, extorting Pete’s TV time before signing Elias’s contract, or any of the countless occasions she brought up her status as ‘lady of the house’. So the fact that she makes this sacrifice that feels like a loss of power to her is in and of itself big; but Flower acknowledging that, and making sure Hetty herself sees it too, by calling her a good friend—it’s a whole different level of meaningful.

She doesn’t just thank Hetty. She makes sure that she sees what her actions mean to her. And Hetty is so taken aback by it, because Flower saying this to her and meaning it is a gift she was absolutely unprepared for; a “good friend” is not something Hetty has ever known herself to be, up until now. But she very badly wants for it to be true.

[enha-stars]

✧ take a break, angel

pairing: soft!jay x reader (fluff)

summary: it’s midterm season, and jay wants you to take a break. if not for you, then for him

warnings: mentions of stress, food, kisses

a/n: lmao this is sooo self indulgent it’s crazy. i am currently writing this during my 20 minute break. i look like gollum

staring at his phone, jay let out a long sigh. he had texted you four times today and you hadn’t responded to a single one.

he knew you were studying and you had specifically told him that you would turn your phone off, but it didn’t stop him from texting and checking up on you.

he shook his head and pocketed his phone, smiling at the cashier as he relayed your food order, having memorized it after the third date. he paid and stood by the door, foot tapping unconsciously.

he wished he could do more to help you; ease your burden somehow, but this was all he had. all he could do was make sure you were eating and taking breaks, even if you specifically told him not to bother you.

you had a really hard time focusing whenever he was around, regardless of how small he made himself. there was just something distracting about him; about his presence and his pretty face and broad shoulders.

once the food was done, he made his way to your apartment. he could already picture how he’d find you; hunched over the dining table with papers and textbooks spread out. he was sure that he’d find a bunch of coffee cups in your sink and cans of energy drinks hidden in the garbage under the sink.

he wasn’t sure why you bothered hiding them, he could always tell you’d have one by your eyes. they were always slightly brighter, a tad bit shinier. although he advised against them, he knew how important certain indulgences were.

he stood in front of your apartment door with bags of food. he felt a sliver of doubt as he stared at the brown door. he wanted to help, but he didn’t want to make you angry or frustrated. still, he took his chance and knocked on the door with his foot.

he knocked five times, lips turning upwards at the familiar beat. it was something you both had come up with early on in your relationship, a secret code that he’d tap on his heart whenever he missed you.

he heard shuffling on the other side before your voice, slightly breathless and slight annoyed spoke against the door.

“jay,” you sighed out, head leaning against the door. “what are you doing here?”

jay laughed, a goofy smile overtaking his face. it didn’t matter what you said to him, he loved your voice.

“open up, angel. i brought food.”

he didn’t mind having a conversation with a door between the both of you, as it had become a normal occurrence you both during this time of the semester.

jay grinned at your groan and raised an eyebrow as you slowly unlocked the door and pulled it open, a frown on your lips.

his heart began beating faster as you slowly revealed yourself to him. he hadn’t seen you in two days and it was already too much to him. you were so beautiful.

his eyes trailed your body; taking in your eye bags and tired features. his heart warmed when he recognized his shirt and sweatpants on you, knowing you missed him just as much as he missed you.

“jay,” you frowned. “you can’t be here. you promised.”

despite your words, your heart warmed at the sight of him, soft and bright. you wouldn’t admit it, but you were so glad he was here. you had missed him greatly.

instead of answering you, jay pushed past you and smirked to himself when he eyed the dining table, littered with papers just like he knew it would be.

he set the food down on the corner of the table, making sure none of the containers touched any of your work. he slowly turned, taking in your dark apartment. he eyed the candle and smiled when he realized it was the one he had given you all those months ago.

you sighed and shut the door, knowing that there was no way you were getting rid of him now. as he scanned your apartment, you bit your bottom lip, trying to hide the smile that threatened to grace your lips.

jay turned and faced you, a hand on his hip as he raised his eyebrows. he knew you were trying your best to stand your ground, but he didn’t miss the twitch of your hands or your soft smile.

“we should eat while the food is warm, angel.”

feigning annoyance, you crossed your arms. “jay, i have to study. thank you for the food, but i don’t have time right now.”

jay simply stared at you and you felt your hard exterior crumble, wanting nothing more than to eat something other than packaged ramen.

he spreads his arms and tilts his head. you let out a long sigh before shuffling over to him. he gently wraps his arms around you, one hand on your lower back and the other on your neck. you limply wrap your arms around his waist, and breathe him in.

he smells like home; like comfort.

he rubs your back and presses a kiss to your forehead. “take a break, angel. you’ve been studying all day and i promise you that a small break will only help.”

your hold on his waist tightens and he smiles against your waist, glad he had listened to his gut. you both stand there for a few minutes, just holding each other. well, he’s holding you and you’re clinging onto him.

your stomach grumbles and jay laughs as you frown at him. he kisses your cheek and pats your butt, ignoring the way you rolled your eyes.

“go sit, y/n. i’ll grab some plates.”

he unwraps his arms from around you and steps back but you grab the front of his sweater and pull him towards you, smashing his lips against yours, swallowing his noise of surprise.

jay blinks before his hands immediately cup your face, kissing you deeper. he lets you control the pace, glad to be used in any way you want.

you pull away and breathe heavily, smiling at his pursed lips and closed eyes, before pressing a softer kiss to his lips.

“thank you.”

hazily, jay opens his eyes and nods. he’s still trying to taste you in his lips so he doesn’t notice your wide smile. “anything for you, angel.”

you pat his cheek and it snaps him out of the daze your kiss had pulled him in. he blinks and quietly walks to the kitchen, a giddy feeling in his chest.

he finds you sitting on the sofa, organizing the food the way he always does. dry items on one side and everything else on the other.

you smile at him and he’s very glad you’re taking a break. he missed you, and with the way your eyes crinkle, he knows you missed him too.

taglist: @karinasbaby @pprodsuga @ak4e7a @moon7jay @jaeyunluvr

[zkoh001]

Back to Ninjago ✨

I was drawing this. For 72 full hours (spread out trough like-3 months)

It doesn't look like I put 72 hours into this... (I swear my confidence went like a drunk rollecoaster while making this piece)

But alas, it is done, and I worked too hard not to share it. Behold the elemental alliance. (I can't draw armor. So the design changes are mostly because of that)

I totally got the Masters of Sound and Gravity the first few times, which is quite hilarious cause the Master of Gravity spends quite some of his screentime flying, but oh well.

Also, I tought they were related (for no particular reason) hence the positioning on the picture.

The guy on the left side of the picture was literally listed as "unknown elemental master" and I literally only added him so the proportions were more balanced (also so noone could argue it isn't finished)

I feel like his power was supposed to be lightning (based on the outfit) but then season 6 happened, and he was quietly retconned to make way for libber. I hesitated making it a father daughter situation, with him passing his powers on faster than Cole's grandfather to Lilly, but in the end, settled for making him a Master of Light.

Lilly and her father joined together, but neither of them are sure why it took so long for the power to pass down (probably after or at the very end of the First Serpentine War). They were both the type to understand it's war, and those rarely have a happy ending (in general, these people were kinda forced into this role because of their powers, some of them pretty young) Maybe the late heritance caused issues with Lilly's immune system leading to an early death? 👀🥺

I like to think the old Master of Earth was a mother hen of sons just as Lilly (it's genetic a this point). The above picture happened sometime after Garmadon's banishment.

Libber (or whatever they call the previous Master of Lightning) turned out really cute, I'm probably most satisfied with her (also gave her freckles to match Jay). I feel like we massively missed out on having her be the one to make/power Prime Empire. I mean, I get they wanted to save the mom storyline for MotM, but I'm sure you can write two separate stories revolving around parents. I also believe she joined really young, probably the youngest (and she was a menace. Also imagine if she was friends with the twins, the tragedy)

Wu and Garmadon pretty much have their canon designs (I like that they are dressed the most "traditional" out of everyone) except I added a bit more purple and gold respectively. Also, I'll mention it here, every active elemental masters have eye colours matching their elements, and their pupils are light (giving way to theories about them not even being human). The spinjitzu bros have "rings" around their pupils in the opposite color (purple for Wu, gold for Garmadon) showing the link between them and their powers.

When Garmadon is banished, Wu's eyes become completely gold, affected by their severed connection (and Garm has red eyes, but normally his would have become purple as well) Also, I kinda traced the text on their gi, cause I'm not drawing that from memory 😅

Master of Shadow was one of the first to join the Alliance, but is not the youngest member, she wanted a peaceful solution at the start, and like most of the earlier members, have a more nuanced view on the war, probably even had serpentine acquitances, which is why she looks so sad a lot of the time.

I see Ray and Maya as a kinda golden retriever, black cat dynamic. Maya was incredibly skilled, cold and precise, and one of the deadliest elemental masters (I was cooking up some story about a warrior clan she grew up in, but it's up for interpretation).

Ray meanwhile lives by the principle of "They can't know my next step... if I don't know my next step." Runs in, swords blazing, most people fighting him are just sort of. Perplexed at first.

And of course Maya didn't like him at first, but it's really hard to dislike Ray long term. (Which is how he also became Wu's best friend, despite him trying to hold a 'polite acquitances' type of relationship with the Ems. Ray is just like that) But she fell first.

Either this happened, or he went ahead of the trouble and asked him first.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand (working a lot on this means I had a lot of time to microwave these dudes, this post is looong)

Master of Ice is just that one kind of slightly creepy wise old man, who just... knows stuff. Everyone just sort of accepted that you don't ask him how or why he knows stuff, he just does. Wu and Garmadon have a tendency to follow him around (cause he's pretty similar to their father in a way), which kinda translates to everyone following him around like little ducks (even when he barely socialises with anyone lol).

Design for Master of Ice is inspired by @maydayissleepy, go check out their art!

And I already made a bunch of posts about Hands of Time and the time twins, but design wise, I just made a new one (to avoid the complex armor). When in battle, it's basically impossible to tell the two of them apart. Also, they have heterochromia because they both have two powers technically. The murky brown we see in the show is because they lost the power, but are still technically the Masters of Time, since it never passed on (if the blades broke somehow it would go back to them)

I feel like they joined later (even way later, which is why they clashed so much with the alliance) which is why they aren't mentioned in the early flashbacks (and also cause they didn't exist yet), and went kinda gungho on the war, not really knowing (or caring) for it's nuances.

Anyways, let me know what you think!

[ninjamelissajulien]

I'm gonna rant about Zane for a moment so bear with me

Zane's Motif is Humanity and Betrayal.

From his first conversations with the group, to his chapter book, to Night of the Nindroids, to Tournament of Elements, to SOG/Hunted/MOTO, to the Ice Emperor, to Crystalized, and now Dragons Rising- there is a repetition of Zane not being human. 'He's not like us'. 'He's weird... no, he's weird weird.'

Going into the Pilot Era (Season 0 through S1E6 The Snake King), Zane was always different in how he spoke, acted, and almost existed. Part of this is the brilliant voice acting by Brent Miller- he/Zane speaks very eloquently, a bit monotone but still full of emotion. "Yes. It was a joke. Ha, ha." "The Golden Weapons have left this realm and are now in the Underworld. The end is drawing near." Zane is blunt in how he speaks, yet internally he's in pain. He doesn't know where he comes from, where his family is, or who is family is. One of my favorite lines is from the early chapter books, Kai: Ninja of Fire. "I envy you." "No, I envy the fact that you know they're gone." Zane, at this point, is orphaned with no memory of his family. Kai decides to drop everything to help Zane find his old village and look for any sign of his past (fun fact: Zane and Kai are drugged in his book, I'm dead serious). Although, they do not find anything to help Zane and his past, it allows the pair to bond and grow closer.

In Zane's own chapter book, he is tempted by Garmadon for information about his past. If he gives up the Golden Weapons (and betrays his friends), Garmadon would tell him about his family and their whereabouts. This is the first of numerous instances of someone in power tempted Zane with something he desires, but to achieve it he would have to betray his friends. Zane is tempted. He misses the idea of what his family could be, the false idea of where he came from. Zane, of course, doesn't fall for it, but it's a lingering wonder of is Garmadon telling the truth? Did he really know who Zane's family was? Were they still alive, looking for him?

My favorite graphic novel, (other than the first volume, The Challenge of Samukai), is Night of the Nindroids. This book, taking place between the Art of the Silent Fist and Blackout, focuses on Zane and his feeling of isolation. Yes, he's a ninja, but he's a nindroid. Is he truly on the right team, or should he be with his own kind? In NITN, Zane is separated from the team and brought to the Overlord (Garmadon calls him a "toaster with attitude").

"What are you afraid of? Or can a collection of nuts and bolts even feel fear? No, you can't. Not fear, not hate, not even love, just imitations of those feelings. You are a robot. But I have the power to make you more! Defeat the other ninja for me, and I will transfer your mind into one of their bodies! I will make you human!" the Overlord to Zane.

On a side note: Night of the Nindroids is an incredibly fucked up concept. Zane would get to choose who's body he would take over, inevitably killing the original person. He chooses Kai, meaning (if) he went through with it, he would be living in Kai's body while Kai himself is dead. :)

Back to the point. Zane is tempted with the idea of becoming human. Of feeling emotions, of being able to get hurt, of "feeling the sun on your skin", of being normal. And, he does agree to work with the Overlord (as mentioned previously, choosing Kai's body to inhabit). He, single-handedly, takes down Cole, Jay, and Kai. Zane, though, doesn't want Lloyd anywhere near the events so he sends him away to bond with Sensei Garmadon, but he also sends Nya on a mission. He knows that Nya is intelligent and needs her out of the way for everything to succeed. Even the cover itself shows Zane's separation from the team; while Kai/Jay/Cole are caught, Zane is in front with his internal systems being revealed. He's even in his damaged appearance, showing the mechanics under his false skin. I won't spoil it, because it is a fantastic graphic novel, but it shows that Zane by himself is incredibly strong and powerful.

Tournament of Elements is the death of Human!Zane and the introduction of Titanium!Zane. In his previous appearance, he was able to pass as a human, unless he was drastically injured, but now, in his titanium form, it's even more obvious that he's different. He has PTSD and panic attacks from his encounter with Death. Zane, at this point in time, is the only one who's died and come back, further separating him from being human. But, I feel like, this could aid in his desire for humanity. He knows how precious life is, he knows how easily things can go from bad to impossible. His whole reasoning for living is "to protect those who cannot protect themselves"- from an outside perspective, it's a way for him to be a hero. But, on a deeper level, its almost a suicidal way of seeing things. He was built to face the danger so others wouldn't. Now, that's just my perspective on that.

The Oni Trilogy brings in Zane's cloaking. A way for him to be human again, while still being himself. He's able to switch between blending into the crowd in plain sight versus being himself. Though this does not change how he acts, it allows him a cover especially for when he needs to be hidden (Snake Jaguar).

Now. The Ice Emperor. Arguably the opposition to Zane himself. The Ice Emperor is what could've happened if someone found pre-pilot Zane and used him for their own selfish desires. Both start out as someone with no memories, no compass, just a lost child. Zane, pre-pilot, finds the village he later lives in and allows himself to be aided. Here, he is given things to do and ways to help others before being given the chance, by Wu, to find and better himself. The Ice Emperor is turned into a weapon. He's not allowed to think for himself, every decision is made and manipulated by Vex. The dialogue between IE and Vex is repetitious. The Ice Emperor is stripped of his humanity, betraying himself in the process. His powers are used to cause pain and suffering, killing Krag's family, freezing the Formlings, and causing a realm-wide ice age.

Even how the Ice Emperor sits on his throne shows how captive he is to Vex. Every time that IE moves from the throne, he has to shatter the layer of ice that forms over his arms/body. He's constantly asleep/powered down, possibly due to the amount of energy the Staff is demanding (especially for holding it for so many decades).

Crystalized is the closest Zane gets to voluntarily losing his humanity. the Ice Emperor was forcefully stripped from him, but Crystalized has him choose to lock his emotions away. He doesn't know how to deal with the grief of losing Nya. Even being with Pixal and Cole can't get him out of his depressive funk. It takes an outside perspective of allowing emotions out for him to see that its okay to be emotional, that being emotional is being human.

[supertrxshwrites]

This is a continuation of my angsty Jason Todd x Reader fic post ..this isn’t all of it idk if I’m going to write the rest lemme know what yall think. I listened to “ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine several times while writing this so I recommend doing that anyway enjoy the angst.

𓆩♡𓆪

During the fall and winter Jay always made it a point to drive me home from school instead of us walking. Something about shitheads waiting in the shadows. We finally pulled up to my house, he had been super excited that day, he kept telling me how Bruce was gonna let him do something he’d been begging for, for like ever. Before I got out of the car it was different with us though. When I turned to say bye he had this look in his eyes. It was serious but half joking almost like he was going off to war. I didn’t take it seriously..I probably should have.

“ I’m gonna be gone for about a week..don’t forget about me while I’m gone” he says with a laugh his eyes and nose crinkling as he smiles

‘ I’d never’ I say softly punching him in the shoulder

“Good..because there’s something I want to talk to you about when I get back but I don’t wanna spoil it by leaving” he says with a grin before looking down

“Just promise me you’ll be okay while I’m gone” his eyes were staring into my soul like he was searching for something more than an answer

‘I’ll be fine Jay promise’ I held my fist up for him to bump it

“You’re doing Knucks so that means you can’t break it” he says before fist bumping me

‘I know I know..alright I gotta go before my mom starts calling me’ I say before getting out of the car.

‘Be safe..’ I say as I grab my backpack and head inside.

Jay was so excited about his trip with Bruce, hell I wish I knew where he was going. But I guess it’s like a father son bonding thing. I didn’t want to ruin his excitement I just have a weird feeling about it.

I smile and wave as he drives off down the road, his tires kicking up slush.

I kick the snow from my boots and head inside before going to work on homework.

The next week felt like years, I mean I have other friends but when your best friend isn’t around nothings the same. Eating lunch was boring, the classes we had together weren’t interesting anymore and even after school. I took the bus because I knew Jason would lose his shit if I walked home.

After the first few days I started to feel this funk, something worse than seasonal depression. Something deeper, something scarring.

I found myself in my bed staring up at the ceiling, its old and dusty and peely. The fan going slowly. I can’t help but replay the car ride from school before Jay left.

‘He wanted to tell me something..’ I say sitting up

I shake my head before plopping back down on the bed.

“He’ll tell me when he gets back.”

Thursday felt like Christmas Eve so excited for what’s to come I had been waiting and waiting for Jay to finally get back. The school day went by fast and when I got home I actually ate instead of sulking by the window like a sad puppy.

“Friday was the day! Friday Jason will be back and everything won’t be so boring” I say as I wash my face in the bathroom.

I pull on some shorts and an old Tshirt and climb into bed. Too excited to sleep I scroll online for a bit before dozing off.

The next morning I got ready as fast as I could. Grabbed my backpack and rushed out the door expecting to see Jason’s red Nissan sitting on the curb.

But nothing.

I took the bus, still excited. I got to class early and saved a spot for him.

Nothing.

“Okay maybe he’s coming back late from his trip” I say a bit nervous but I brush it off

As the rest of the day goes on I feel a hard pang of disappointment in my chest. Crushing my heart like a soda can.

I waited at lunch.

Nothing

Even at the end of the day I waiting for him to pull up. I missed the bus I waited so long.

Nothing.

I found myself walking home. I knew Jason would be mad about it but he’d be here cussing me out as he slowly drove next to me.

Nothing.

I step in a big puddle, my shoes and socks aresoaked the entire time of me walking home.

I get home and drop my backpack at the door, I kick my shoes and socks off and run upstairs slamming the door.

“A week..my ass” I say angrily going to sleep.

The next day felt worse, then it was days and then another week. Until one day there was a knock at the door after school.

“JASON!” I run down the stairs almost breaking my neck getting down them. To finally open the door.

“Where have you been oh my god dude-“ my excitement is cut off when I’m met with a familiar frame in all black.

“..Bruce?” My stomach twists it feels sour. That same bad feeling from before when I got out of the car the day him and Jason left for their trip.

“Y/N” he sounds cold and robotic. More than usual. Almost hurt

I yell for my mom and we all sit down in the living room.

“Where’s Jason? It’s been three weeks!” I say crossing my arms angrily

“Uhm..look..y/n” there’s fear in his voice

“What is he sick or something?..spit it out Bruce!” I say impatiently

“Jason’s…gone.”

His words felt like a trigger. I felt my heart burst into a billion pieces in my chest like an airbag. This car crash got worse because Bruce got up and left. No explanation, nothing just.

“Jason’s gone.”

[icy-watch]

I'm not going to be done crying for a good while.

I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to say rn, but ahhh? I haven't been this way since Rebooted. My coworker will have to deal with me being emotionally devastated for a while. Again. (The worst was after I finished the Wolves of No World series by Romina Garber.)

This was a very good season, despite it being short.

I don't think I can really make any predictions for the next season. My brain is short circuiting rn. So, Siri, play the Linkin Park and VITAS mashup so I can feel something again.

So, tomorrow, it's movie night. Which means, Thursday I'll watch Tales from the Monastery of Spinjitzu and, if the time allows, the first episode of the next season. And, technically, the next series. Until then!

Below the cut are the predictions I got right and wrong.

Correct

Jay is planning on proposing to Nya. He did and I'm so proud of him.

Garmadon is struggling to decide which side he's on. He was struggling against his oni self and his love for his family.

Incorrect

Kai's arc will be very similar to his arc in the early season. It was not. And I'm actually kinda sad about that.

Wu will give up being a master this season. He actually didn't. I'm surprised he didn't pass the mantle down to Lloyd or the other ninja.

Zane will have to say goodbye to Pixal mid-battle. Nope. Only had to say goodbye before a rescue mission.

Pixal will be left behind in a battle or sacrifice herself to save the others. She did go above and beyond to save Lloyd and Garmadon after they destroyed the Realm Crystal and retrieved the Golden Armor. But she was not left behind, and she didn't sacrifice herself.

Lloyd and Garmadon will be kidnapped or something by the oni. They were not.

We will get Wu in episode 3. Episode 4.

Ray will help Kai reforge the Golden Weapons. Bruh. I miss him and Maya. Where are they? What are they up to?

Partially

They're going to lose Cole to the darkness. He did fall into it, however they did not have to fight him to save Ninjago.

Lloyd is going to die. He got better.

Unconfirmed

None :D

[janicho88]

When It All Falls Apart -Chapter 4

Pairing- Jensen x Padalecki Reader

Word count- 2,648

Warnings-Pregnancy talk (Will last a good chunk of the story) But it's not the reader. Some language. Implied smut. Jensen isn't the best boyfriend. I warned before this started posting it would contain angst, if you need another reminder, here it is. If I missed something let me know!

A/N-A little off canon, SPN ended after 10 years. We still got all the characters in during that time though. Thank you to @writercole and @leigh70 for your help with this. You two are amazing!!

Summary-Y/N Padalecki loved acting on Supernatural.  Working alongside your older brother and your boyfriend, but after ten seasons the guys have chosen to hang up the guns.  Now the three of you are moving on to other projects, but that’s all that needs to change right?  While you have moved to Austin to be closer to your family and boyfriend, Jensen is working elsewhere.  Distance is only the start of your troubles.

Series Masterlist

“You’re back, you’re back, you’re back!!” A small voice screams while climbing on your bed way to early Monday morning.

“I am, and I was sleeping Tom.”

“Wanna come play with me?”

Rolling over you squint at the clock, and almost swear out loud when you see it says 5:15. “Thomas, I love you, but no. I will play with you later, Aunt Y/N had a long weekend and would like a little more sleep.  Why are you even up so early?”

“Scary noises in mommy and daddy’s room.  I called mommy but she didn’t come, do you think they got hurt.?

“No, but they’re going to,” you mutter to yourself.  To your nephew, “how about you lay with me for a bit and I’ll play with you later, after breakfast, okay?”

He huffs out his agreement, and the two of you manage to drift back off to sleep.  Two hours later you are following the little guy down to the kitchen.  No one else is up yet, so you help Tom get his breakfast and pour yourself a glass of juice before sitting down next to him. 

A perky Gen soon makes an appearance.  “Hey, how are you two doing this morning?”

“Aunt Y/N got me breakfast,” Tom answers.

“Oh she did, that was nice of her.”  She turns to you, “thanks for helping him.  I’m surprised he’s up so early, he was trying his best to stay awake until you and Jared got home last night.

“Scary noises woke him up, he came into my room a little after 5.”

“What scared him?”

“From what he said it was you and my brother doing something I don’t even want to think about.  But Tom just thinks someone was getting hurt.”

Her jaw drops at your words, “Oh, snap.  We didn’t mean to wake him up, it's just these dang pregnancy hormones have me all…”

“Nope, nope, nope, there are some things that go on with you and my brother, I don’t need to know about.  At least someone is getting some.”

“What don’t you need to know about your brother,” Jared asks, walking into the kitchen.

“Apparently, we got a little loud this morning and woke Tom.  He in turn went and woke up Y/N.”  She then turns to you, “what did you mean about that last part?  Didn’t you just see Jay?”

“Yeah, but we had separate rooms.  Wasn’t exactly the weekend I was hoping for, but he said he’ll be here this weekend.  So, I’ll be clearing out of your house for the weekend.”

“What are your birthday plans for Saturday?” Gen wonders.

“I don’t know, Jensen didn’t say.  I’ll try and get it out of him later this week.  I’m good with a day hanging out at the house, I don’t need anything special.”

You grab a muffin from the counter as you are leaving the kitchen.  Walking into the living room, you listen for Tom, trying to figure out where he ran off too.  You hear giggling behind the couch and decide to sit down there.

“I came to see if Tom wanted to play, but I guess he isn’t here.”  Next thing you know he is running around from behind the back.  

“I’m right here!”

You spend some time with him before taking a trip to the grocery store for Gen.  Back at the house you spend a little time out by the pool before helping her with dinner.

The three of you are sitting on the patio after eating watching Tom play in the yard, when Jared turns to look at you.

“So what do you think of Ackles’ news?  I think it’s about damn time, I’ve been telling him he should do that for years.”

You turn to your brother in confusion, trying to figure out what he means.  Nothing comes to mind.  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The album.”

“What album?”

It’s Jared's turn to stare.  “Are you just pretending not to know?  You don’t have to, he told us about it at dinner Saturday night.  Dude seems pretty excited about it.”

“Jared, again, what album?”

“You really don’t know?” he asks.

“That’s been established, babe.  Let’s move on to the explanation,” Gen cuts in.

“Ackles is making an album with his buddy Steve Carlson.  They’ve been working out the details and writing over skype calls.  You seriously didn’t know?”

“No, he never said a word.”  Great, you think, one more thing to keep him busy.

“Maybe I wasn’t supposed to tell you, make sure you act surprised alright?”

“Sure.”

The conversation dies down, and you spend a few more minutes watching Tom before you excuse yourself to head to your room.  You don’t even try to reach out to Jensen tonight, what Jared has told you shows you are just moving further down the list of his priorities.

Thursday comes around, and you hadn’t heard from Jensen since you’ve been back.  You have texted him, two you saw were read, another one still hasn’t been.  That evening you give him a call, trying to figure out your weekend plans.

“Hey honey, how’s it going?” you ask when he finally picks up the phone.

“Fine, I’m just walking into my place.  It’s been a long week, the scenes we’re filming this week are something else.”  He goes on to tell you a little more, without giving many spoilers away.  “So what’s up?” he finally turns the conversation back over to you.

“I had a few questions for you.  First one, what time are you flying in?  I’ll come pick you up.”

“You don’t have to drive all the way over there.  I’ve already got it covered.”

“The airport is just half an hour away.”

“I’m not flying into Austin, I’m going to Dallas.”

“Oh.  Stopping to see your parents before coming home?”

“I’m staying in Dallas this weekend.  Mack and Josh want to have a family get together on Sunday, they have been hounding me about coming home this weekend.   I’ve got some meetings on Saturday, and I’m flying back here Sunday night.”

“Oh.”

“Jared said your parents were coming back to Austin Saturday night, so I figured you’d be busy all weekend.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Did you have another question?”

“Nope, not anymore.”

“Okay, I’m filthy and beat, so I’m going to go hop in the shower.  Have a good night.  Love you.”

“Yeah, love you too, Jay.”

That phone call definitely dampened your spirits.  Maybe he was still going to surprise you Saturday, and he didn’t really have any meetings.

Gen takes you out for a mani/pedi on Friday, then out to lunch.  While you are sitting in a quiet corner booth she starts talking about your plans for the next day.

“Any idea what you and Jay are doing tomorrow?”

“No, he said he wasn’t coming to Austin.  He has meetings in Dallas and then is spending time with his parents.  I think he’s just trying to surprise me.”

“I’m sure.  After all the craziness I bet he just wants to do something special for you.”

You smile and nod, hoping she is right, but something in your gut has you wondering.

“Well, we’ll be home all day hanging by the pool if the two of you want to join us.  His pool isn’t open yet, right?”

“No, since he wasn’t going to be around and I was busy and mostly spending time at your place.”

“I didn’t think so.  We can order from your favorite Italian place for dinner.”

“Thanks, I’ll see what tomorrow brings and what he is thinking.”

Your food comes and you discuss some of the plans for Father’s Day on Sunday. 

Saturday morning hits you like an almost four year old tornado.  You are sleeping soundly when your door bursts open and Tom is throwing himself on your bed.

“Happy Birthday, Aunt Y/N!!  Happy Birthday!”

“Thanks, Tom,” you groan, rolling over.

“Thomas Padalecki, didn’t I tell you not to wake her up?” Gen scolds her son from the doorway.

“I’m sorry Y/N, but happy birthday since you’re awake now,” she says, turning to you.

“Thanks Gen, it’s alright I should get moving anyway.”

“Daddy said he’d make breakfast this morning.”

“Is he even awake yet?” you question looking at the clock, surprised when it actually says 7:48.  Tom wasn’t as early as he could be some mornings.

“He’s in the kitchen with his grown up drink.”

You look over at Gen, too sleepy to understand why your brother is drinking this early.

“He’s downstairs with his coffee.”

“That makes more sense then I was thinking.”  Tom rolls off of you so you can crawl out of bed. Throwing a sweatshirt over your pajama top you follow your family downstairs.

“Morning birthday girl,” Jared greets you with a smile.

“Morning, I hear you are cooking breakfast,” you reply, sitting down on a kitchen stool next to Tom.

“I made your favorite, blueberry pancakes and a cup of hot chocolate.  Gen says you need to go all out for birthdays, so she cooked some orange cinnamon rolls.”

“Wow, thanks guys.”

Tom hops down and runs off all of a sudden, you look to the other two in the kitchen, both of them shrugging.  Then you hear his little feet running back.  “I made you a card,” he yells out, as he waves it in front of you.

“You did, thanks buddy.”  

You enjoy a nice breakfast, before going up to shower and get yourself ready for the day.  Throwing on shorts and a tank top, you throw a few makeup things in a bag you might need if you have to dress up later to go out.  After saying your goodbyes you leave for Jensen’s.  Gen is sure to remind you of her offer again.

You pick up a few things around the house, water the plants and go through a few of your things.  Your phone has gone off multiple times with text messages from friends, your parents have called, but no Jensen.  Changing into your bathing suit you go out back to lay in the sun until you hear something.

Your phone rings as you are walking into the house for a cold glass of water, “Hi Donna, how are you?” you greet Jensen’s mom on the other end of the line.

“Happy Birthday, sweetie.  I’m fine, how is your day going?”

“It’s good.  I’m just hanging out at Jensen’s house right now.”

“Are you doing anything special today?”

“I don’t know.  Jensen just told me that he had meetings today, I think he’s hiding his plans.”

“He left this morning, but didn’t tell us what his plans were.  I hope you have a wonderful day. Alan wants to talk to you, I’ll talk to you later.  Love you sweetie, happy birthday again.”

“Thank you Donna!  I’ll talk to you soon, enjoy your weekend.”

Alan gets on the phone next to wish you a happy birthday, you talk to him for a few minutes before wishing him an early happy Father’s Day and saying your goodbyes.

A short time later another call comes through, “Hey,” you answer.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y/N!!!” is yelled from the other end of the line.

“Thanks Mack, how are you?”

“I’m good.  Wasn’t sure if you were going to answer, or if you were busy with my brother.  I’m glad I caught you.  How are you doing?”

“I’m okay.  I haven’t seen your brother yet, I’m just hanging out at the house right now.  How is that new husband of yours?”

“He’s good.’

 “Any big summer plans?”

“Not really.  We need to get together soon.  When do you wrap that mini series you’re doing?”

“We finished last week, I’m out of work until Walker starts.”

“Okay, we definitely need to figure something out then.  I won’t keep you.  Have a fabulous birthday, talk soon.  Bye girl.”

“Thanks.  Bye Mack, take care.”

You get off the phone with a smile. You and Mackenzie weren’t too far apart in age, and had always gotten along very well.   

As you are walking back outside, another text comes in.  Looking down, you are quickly disappointed to see it isn’t Jensen.  As long as you have been together, if he isn’t with you in the morning he has always been the first phone call you would receive in the morning. 

Another hour passes and it’s almost 2 o’clock now.  Gen’s name comes across your screen as your phone lights up again.

“Hey, just to see if you know your plans for the night yet.”

“I don't know. He's not here, and I haven’t talked to him today.”  You refuse to call him at this point.

“You haven’t heard anything?  Y/N, come back here and hang out with us.  He can find you when he comes to town, but I don’t want you to be alone.”

“Alright.” 

Grabbing your things, you lock the house back up and make the short drive back to your brother's place.  Jared and Tom are out in the pool when you arrive and Gen is waiting for you in the house.  She gives you a big hug when you walk in.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, peachy.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, there is nothing to discuss.  I’m beginning to think he really did have some meetings today.  I’m not going to call and force him to talk to me.  Besides, if he doesn’t answer, it’s just going to frustrate me more.

You spend the afternoon with them, your parents arrive early in the evening.  Somehow you miss Jared sneaking out to get you a cake and your favorite ice cream.  Dinner is ordered from your favorite Italian restaurant.  You open your present from your parents.  Once Tom goes to bed the adults gather in the living room to watch a movie.

Gen catches you when you are walking out of the living room.  “This is from Jared and I. We got it a few days ago, but I wasn’t sure you would want to open it in front of your parents.”

 Taking the envelope from her, you carefully tear it open.  You laugh when you open it.  Disney princesses are around the number 5 on the front.

“Your brother picked out the card.  I made him put the ones about unicorn farts back.”

That has you snorting, “Sounds like Jared.”

You open the card and a plane ticket falls out, you look up at Gen.

“Jared called Eric last week to see when Jensen might have a lighter filming schedule.  He gave him those dates, it’s next weekend.  We weren’t sure how long you would want to stay, so it’s just four days right now, but you can change your return flight.  I really hope this helps you two straighten everything out.”

“Thank you.  I really hope so too.”

When you are getting ready for bed, your phone dings again.  Checking the notification you see Jared has tagged you in an Instagram post.  It’s a birthday message from him and Gen with some pictures from the day.  You scroll down the home feed and see Jensen also has a new post from today.  It’s not the usual birthday shout out he has done in the past, but a picture of him along with his friend Steve.  The caption underneath says `Good time catching up with an old friend, making big plans.’

That must be a nod to the record Jared had mentioned.  Closing your phone, you lay down and try to fall asleep.  It’s a bit of a struggle. Your mind is racing with many thoughts tonight.  After the last few months, should you really be surprised how today played out?  How is your trip up to Toronto going to go?  Will it help fix your relationship, or be the end?

Thank you for reading!

Chapter 5

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[annieqattheperipheral]

NHLPA launches a new program to help players prepare for life outside of hockey

i.e. dad yelling at u to get a real job bc ur etsy shop aint be bumpin forever

the kids are getting a high school guidance counsellor and co-op term! what colour is ur parachute nursey

no wonder sabres on the rise oko's media hits so beautifully eloquent. they got smartypants mini gm at the helm

i just find this so interesting and wonderful ...and like if a big hockey butt wants to come hit me up for improv classes i'm not complaining🫠 imma make a union actor (nate. realistic) two time emmy winner (sid. dream on u don't have that ass) outta u

full article under cut:

Early in his time in the NHL, Darnell Nurse says he did not notice a lot of players talking about what to do after hockey. Going into his ninth season, the chatter is now normal.

“People are curious as to what there is outside the game and what you can do to prepare yourself,” Nurse said.

Plenty of players have taken it upon themselves to prepare for the future, like Zdeno Chara getting his real estate license and others finishing college degrees or exploring business opportunities. The NHL Players’ Association on Thursday launched a program that gives its members the chance to do a personality analysis and delve into real estate, business or other avenues while still in the league.

The hope is to help them develop interests outside of hockey while playing and ease the transition to life afterward.

“It’s something that’s been missing a little bit,” veteran center Lars Eller told The Associated Press. “It’s kind of well known that one of the struggles for a professional athlete is the transition on to the next thing once he’s done with his professional career. And this platform helps you with that transition, and it’s something you can start even while you’re still playing so you can sort of hit the ground running once you’re done.”

New union boss Marty Walsh made helping former players one of his top priorities. His arrival in March coincided with a process two years in the making, after player feedback indicated the desire for more assistance outside of hockey.

The result is the NHLPA UNLMT program. Retired defenseman-turned-psychologist Jay Harrison is available to do an assessment, and players can get involved with companies ranging from Money Management International to The Second City comedy and improv theater and institutions like the University of Florida and Stanford’s graduate school of business.

Former goaltender Rob Zepp, who’s spearheading the program as the union’s director of strategic initiatives, said an extensive survey provided the building blocks for something that was designed to be 1-on-1 and customized for players to figure out what might interest them.

“What we’ve seen so far it really runs the gamut: anything from enhancing one’s personal brand to starting a podcast to taking these certificate-level courses in real estate, in entrepreneurship, in business, in leadership, communication skills, networking skills,” Zepp said. “We have players that are interested in or are currently pursuing commercial real estate avenues or farming ventures or construction.”

Eller, Nurse and Buffalo captain Kyle Okposo are among the players who have tried UNLMT so far. Okposo has already graduated from Stanford’s business leadership program, while Eller has spoken with Harrison and taken some of the courses offered.

“They’re not waiting until people’s careers are over,” said Nurse, who is still in his prime at 28. “It’s something that you can dip your feet into and grab a hold of while you’re still playing and giving you resources and opportunities to kind of figure out what you want to do.”

Zepp got a degree from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of Liverpool the old-school way — tapes and textbooks sent by mail and tests taken in front of a proctor — while playing mostly in the minors and Europe before before 10 games with Philadelphia in 2014-15. He felt like having something to study made him a better goalie and understood there was plenty of idle time on the road.

Eller, who is a silent partner involved with helping start-up businesses, thinks the same way.

“We, as players, we have — not a lot of freedom once the season is starting — but we do have a lot of free time,” said Eller, who scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for Washington in 2018 and is a pending free agent at 34. “It’s a huge positive if you have something else that you can take your mind off of hockey and do something productive with that time.”

Walsh got to know several Bruins alumni when he was mayor of Boston and has since talked to other former players and come away with a mandate to protect guys beyond their time on the ice.

“When they played, they gave it their all, and a lot of them didn’t really have anything after that,” Walsh said. “They didn’t make big contracts. They really didn’t have a strong pension system. A lot of them, even going back further than that, lost stuff. We can’t let that happen again.”

[laracrofted]

I LIVE for positivity night, so thank you for hosting one 🥹

First and foremost, I am absolutely in love with Baby, I’m High Octane and am so excited for any future updates! It’s phenomenal and I devour every word you give us!

@hangmansgbaby is my platonic soulmate, the sharer of my brain cell, and my very best friend. We’ve been through some shit together 😅 but I couldn’t be more grateful that we’ve stayed as close as we are! I fell in love with her Always, Darling Jake series over a year ago (what?!) and have continually fallen for every single story she writes! Pucking Finally, a Javy x Nat hockey fic, is incredible and I CANNOT WAIT for yall to get to read Royally Pucked (the Jake x OC!!!! next story). It’s amazing. As is You Burn With Us, a Hunger Games x TGM crossover. I don’t have words for how good all of her writing is, but I can absolutely tell you they deserve all the love and praise in the world! Gbaby, I love you with my whole heart! 💕

@sarahsmi13s is another one of my early days babies! I’m so grateful for her friendship and always being happy to have me bounce ideas off of her! She also has SO MANY incredible series that are underrated. We bonded over my love for her Tell Them series and I absolutely latched onto J&S immediately after. I love you, Vin!

@roosterforme has been such a kind, loving, and supportive friend in the whole time I’ve known her! I’m wholeheartedly obsessed with Adult Education and almost had a heart attack when the queen Bradshaw Baddie™️ wrote a Jake fic! She also went and made me fall in love with a Bradley in Old Habits Die Hard. Beer Boy and Sugar FOR LIFE

@thedroneranger has been a sheer force of positivity through so many things! I’m so thankful that I’ve made a friend in Jay and that she loves GP as much as I do 😂. The To-Do List is one of my all time favorite series and was a huge inspiration for how I structured The Honeyverse! Coffin Cuddler™️ till the end of time

@trickphotography2 has been a supporter for quite a while now and I so enjoy all of our conversations! Her D-Day & Tis The Damn Season series have me in absolute chokehold and I pester the hell out of her regularly for little sneak peaks 😉

@callsigncurse is a new friend and I ADORE her! Snow is such a precious nugget and I’m so happy we found each other. Her Evergreen Falls series is absolute magic and yall should keep an eye out for it 😍

@aviatorobsessed ANDY. My sweet lovey! I live for her comments on my fics AND our conversations. I’m so happy we’ve gotten to be better friends and notifications from you make my heart so happy!

@teacupsandtopgun BETHHHHH. Beth is the best with the most thoughtful comments on everything and is honestly such a sweet soul! I’m fully hooked on Jake & Flick and still come back for more pain because it’s SO DAMN GOOD. Also, Beth’s moodboards are STUNNING and I swoon over them every time.

@seresinhangmanjake holy moly, I am so in love with the Oh, Baby! and The One I Want series she has. Her words paint a stunning scene and I always feel like I’m right in the middle of it!

@ohtobeleah is currently murdering my feelings with Was It Over? It’s so raw and real and emotional and my heart breaks more with every chapter. I also adore I.R.I.S and will forever love her badassery! I’m looking forward to getting to know her better in the new year!

@na-ta-sh-aa I honest to God teared up over your sweet submission and want to frame it!

To my newest friends @dizzybee03 @jynxmirage @shanimallina87 @djs8891 @taytaylala12 @capoteera @hookslove1592 :

I could not imagine writing without yall! Your kind words, screeching at me in reblogs or DMs and overall support make me smile so big that my face hurts! I’m so thankful y’all are always happy to let me bounce ideas off of you and encourage me when I’m struggling. I’m sure I’ve missed a few of my nuggets, but I love them all so much 💕

you've been such an incredible supporter of baby, i'm high octane, and i'm so grateful for your feedback and your kind words. happy new year! 🤍

end of the year positivity night 💌

[mislamicpearl]

Random thoughts about Ninjago DR S2 part 2 (first three episodes)

SPOILERS

THE ADMINISTRATION! AGENT WALKER MENTION! Ugh, but if only Arin and Sora had mentioned him in front of the others!

The two of them acted more like actual ninjas in that first minute sneaking around than I think any of the OG ninja have done in 17 seasons lol.

For some reason that "dispel the vapor!" joke made me laugh hard.

Lloyd in the opening using rising dragon technique instead of Kai is both cool and sad at the same time🥲

Not really digging Wyldfyre's new hair style.

Kinda weird how Cole is nowhere to be seen in the first episode and only Zane is shown to have been training with the dragon masters.

Also his kids completely disappeared?? They weren't with Geo either, where'd they go???

Aww Lloyd... just, Lloyd. I love you baby boy.

Nya was going full aunt on Wyldfyre and I'm HERE for it!

KAI SIGHTING!!! Yes I am going to freak out every time they show Kai. Also have he and Bonzle eaten anything since they were sent to the back rooms?? How long has it been anyway?

Tournament of elements and Chen mentioned!

I completely forgot that Geo was an EM, because his power is really stupid...

Also did he just decide to go back and live in the realm of lost things or whatever it's called...?

Woah woah WAIT was that Ninjago City? It still exists??? And it looks normal? Is that where all the missing side characters are???

Hmm, so, Roby... not a fan of this character so far. I mean he's funny but I'm really not big on the whole influencer personality he has going on. At least he doesn't seem to be a jerk (except to his uncle lol)

Oh and he's gonna be the boyfriend/love interest of Wyldfyre the writers talked about huh? (Way to make that obvious.) That's... odd. Too early to judge the ship of course but it's a little strange to see Wyfy swooning over this type of guy (much less that she would swoon over anyone really).

NEW Master of Shade??? WHAT! What about, you know, Shade? He was cool! He was part of the resistance! Lego stop replacing the old characters for no reason!!

And of all the EM's to keep and bring back, you kept invisible man guy? Um excuse me, what about Karloff and Neuro? IF YOU REPLACE THEM I WON'T FORGIVE YOU!

Speaking of, where the FRICK is Skylor???? Like if you don't want her on the show (YET) at least give her a mention or something?? Or explain why she's not there? Seriously, wouldn't the ninja at least wonder if they might run into her?

Or JAY FOR THAT MATTER??? Ugh it bugs me so much that aside from Nya asking Lloyd about Jay in season 1, none of the OG ninja ever ask or wonder about the ones who were missing, or ever make it an objective of theirs to find each other.

Roby: the winner gets to take the loser's powers.

Ninja: What if the winner is evil?

Roby: Nah I have the cup and can take back the powers any time, and you can totally trust me bro.

Seems kinda sus.

Oh, Beatrix's twin sister showed up, that's neat and unexpected! (I forgot she had an elemental power tbh.) Already like her way more than Beatrix.

The Merge apparently: You get an elemental power, you get an elemental power, everyone gets an elemental power!

Seriously, these elemental powers are really becoming like quirks or devil fruits now (@ MHA and One Piece fans). I wonder if Arin's "quake" friend will have any significance moving forward.

Him fanboying over Cole and Nya was cute though.

I know nothing has really happened yet, but SHEESH Cole and Zane feel like they're just THERE. These characters used to have more of a presence even when they didn't have something to do. Honestly I think the cast has just gotten too big for the writers to know what to do with, which is why they keep putting at least one or two of them (usually Zane *grumbles*) in timeout.

Dang, what's happening with Jordana is messed up.

Ngl I'm glad snail guy got kicked out, was never a fan of him.

Definitely intrigued by weird horned geckle hybrid guy (didn't catch his species name).

'"There is an imposter among us!"

JAAAAAAAY WE GOT A JAY SIGHTING LET'S GOOOOO!

[likelyamused]

OC Questionnaire ft. Maxime Girard

Tagged by @lynzishell : Thank you so much!!!

01 NAME

Maxime Girard

02 NICKNAMES

Max. Only his grandmother and teachers called him by his full name. His parents called him The Kid or Kid.

03 GENDER

cis male

04 STAR SIGN

Capricorn

05 HEIGHT

5'8"

06 NATIONALITY/ETHNICITY

Québécois of French Canadian descent

07 FAVORITE FRUIT

Raspberry

08 FAVORITE SEASON

Early Fall, when the nights are cool and the days are still hot. Less bugs too.

09 FAVORITE FLOWER

Apple blossoms. Beautiful, fragrant, useful.

10 FAVORITE SCENT

The sea, wood fire smoke and the scent of dog cuddles (dog owners will know what I'm talking about 😉)

11 COFFEE, TEA OR HOT CHOCOLATE?

Coffee

12 AVERAGE HOURS OF SLEEP

He used to get only 5-6 hours of sleep before he came to Brindleton Bay. Since Marco lent him camping equipment, he's been getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep most nights.

13 DOGS OR CATS?

Dogs. He's friends with every dog he meets.

14 DREAM TRIP

Max always wanted to see the ocean, thats why he came to Brindleton Bay, because it was accessible. But his true dream trip would be Sulani.

15 NUMBER OF BLANKETS

Right now, he has a sleeping bag Marco lent him. It's getting quite cold and humid in his tent, so he's really grateful for it.

16 RANDOM FACT

Max left his parents apartment with a backpack full of necessities and a little cardboard box containing a mallard duck and a blue jay feather. They're all that's left of his childhood memorabilia. He made sure he packed them before leaving.

Tags: @weirdosalike, @miss-may-i

Of course, feel free to ignore for whatever reason.

[streaminn]

Tongues & Teeth I (wenclair)

lil au where its after season one and semester break, more explanation in my past posts tbh but essentially Enid feels like she’s doesn’t deserve to be standing by Wednesday and does smth about it until some other pack of werewolves come strolling into town.

includes more indepth werewolf lore and mannerism

--

Perhaps it was the fact that Wednesday finally settled down after the whirlwind of events that is her first semester but she could not help but note that something seemed off.

She curses at herself for feeling so unsettled, you would think being away from the institution she so desperately tried to escape from at the start would be relieving but instead it left her with an irritating tingling underneath her skin and she did not know why.

Was it her abode? No, she did not think so.

Everything seemed the same in the Addams manor: Pugsley’s incessant cheap attempts at assault still lingered every moment, Thing scuttled around like the spy he is and her Parents continue to scorch her eyes with their over the top affections.

(She does not mention that emptiness in her arms, the shiver in her skin everytime she brushes near someone.

Something was wrong and she can not figure out why.

Perhaps she is ill?)

It is when she goes to visit the town's mall for a family outing, two weeks away from Nevermore, that she is sharply reminded of what's missing.

It was the background song of a song that strikes her like a sword. It had a familiar nauseating tune, so loud and so Enid that she had to physically stop at the sudden ache in her chest at the remembrance of her friend.

Oh.

Oh.

“No wonder,” Wednesday murmurs, pointedly ignoring her Mother’s look. 

Enid truly left her mark and to think she had slipped Wednesday’s mind is inexcusable. An Addams always honours their words and distance wasn’t supposed to make her forget.

Safe to say, after some scouring through the brick of a phone for the necessary information, she goes and sends a message.

Wednesday knows that her roommate is a phone addict, always having it on her body when she could and she vaguely remembers how fast it would appear whenever a notification would sound.

She was not unsettled when after an hour or so, no reply had come with her message. She also had not reread her words to make sure she came off wrong.

Enid, How has your early break treated you? It has been a while since we have come in contact and the fault lies with me. I may have forgotten to exchange information when Xavier has gifted me this phone. Do tell me about your recent days. Sincerely, Wednesday Addams.

Was it too blunt? Too sharp, too uncaring?

Wednesday didn’t know and so she settled with ending the night early, anything to pass the churning in her gut.

In the morning, she felt the crawling of bugs scuttling along her stomach when she opened the phone. Her heart felt like the repeating banging of the doorbell as she stood up fully.

Enid Sinclair has sent (6) message.

OMG WEDNESDAY?? THE Wednesday Addams!?

You type like a nerd 😮

Pls dont kill me, this isi all slash jay

Joking! All jokin

My days just go so much better now! Bc leik omg, i genuinely didnt expect this

This is amazing weds im telllin u

It brings something to her face, to see such familiar words. Although some of the diction was confusing, Wednesday chalked it up to being an Enid thing. Just with her words, it's almost like Enid was chattering right away next to her.

Wednesday and Enid continue to text all throughout their break like this. Always in the mornings then picking up in the afternoon.  One totally unaware of what is happening to the other.

–

Enid doesn’t frequent the library, simply because it isn’t exactly one of the most well known places in her town. Why was this being brought up? Well her mother kicked her out of the house, murmuring to stay out of trouble because another pack of wolves is coming to town. 

It made Enid slouch, a frown on her lips. She’s a little high strung but she doesn’t cause trouble unless someone starts it.

It's not her fault her brothers got too physical, she was just repaying the favour.

So now here she is, in a library. Why is she in the Library? Well, it's because the smell of old books caught her attention. It was so irritating, being so sensitive to smells because holy moly do people stink but here? In the aisles of dusty shelves and old paper, it's almost like she’s standing next to Wednesday again.

A part of her whines at the loss of lavender and ink, that was what's missing. She was missing Wednesday and she got reminded of it when she got her texts just this morning.

God, she really really missed that girl.

Who knew being in such close proximity made her so clingy?

But it's okay! They were texting and omygod does that make her heart race. She could spend her whole day doing this, except Wednesday has stuff to do and she’s left staring at the block of text.

With a sigh, Enid pulls a random book from the shelf, admiring the simple name pressed on its side. Ravens and Wolves, how curious. She was about to open it until the chime of the library bell alerts her to a newcomer.

Normally she wouldn’t really care, a glance maybe and then back to her own world. Until a smell hits her sensitive nose and she staggers back like a newborn deer.

The scent of overwhelming ash fills the building, one that makes her hiss and attempt to plug her nose with a hand. God, these powers! so infuriating. There's something else in the air, something the other wolf is projecting but it's so hard to focus when her eyes are watering.

It's when she sees someone's shoes on the corner of her vision does Enid finally look up. In the sea of overwhelming fear pouring over her head, a flash of confusion and annoyance strikes her brain. Who does this wolf think he is? To corner a teen like this, it almost makes her wonder what Wednesday would do.

Probably stab him but that isn't allowed here.

So her hand tightens on the spine of the book as her body screams at her to run. She does want to follow but a part of her doesn’t want to move and she agrees.

Because honestly, what's with people and prodding and pushing? 

She’s just here, trying to read and then some asshole comes to stare her down. This wasn’t just over some book either because she has never felt such curiosity and amusement oozing off someone more than now.

With a frown, Enid places the book back and quickly shuts off her phone before pocketing it. Not liking the way his eyes seem to stare at it for a moment.

He certainly didn’t seem that imposing, but he just had this serial killer vibe that made her give a shaky smile in turn, anything to try and keep the peace.  The man just tilts his head in reply, giving a lip closed smile in turn. 

It makes the hairs on her neck rise.

Honestly, she would’ve assumed the guy was harmless if it weren't for the amount of edgy vibes wafting off like smoke, just about threatening to choke her out. It claws at her senses and Enid doesn’t know if he’s even doing it on purpose.

It's like the air around him was naturally dense, making it hard to even stand so close.

“So you’re the blood moon pup,” he starts and the mention of that night has Enid growling, eyes narrowed as she stands straight. When had she slouched?

Blood moon this, blood moon that. She doesn’t know much of the significance other than the fact that it's a special night and that her parents told her to be hush about it. The other werewolf gave her side eyes but it never went more than that.

Almost immediately, the air went from slowly suffocating to thick and absolutely choking and Enid swallows on another instinctive growl. Oh shit-

The wolf is still smiling and in fact, it seems to have gotten bigger - amused - but Enid can see the hint of anticipation, of threat in his lips. Her mind screams at that, clawing at her shoulders and she steps back, trying to push down such bothersome instincts.

“Don’t be like that,” he chides, stepping forward as his lips pulled into a showcase of teeth. “I’m just curious about the late bloomer and it's not everyday a pup shifts in a blood moon.”

He says it's important, like a symbolism from some god. Enid is reminded of a delusional preacher at this moment. Honestly she should care about why so many people seem to care about the moon, but there was no point. She could shift now, she could protect now- 

That's all that matters.

Protecting what hers.

Protecting Wednesday.

“What about it?” she grits out.

He taps at his cheek and Enid remembers the scar on her face. She has it bared to the world to see, even securing a clip to keep her hair. She should be slouched about it, vanity was all she had before she shifted but now?

It was a trophy, a sign that she had taken care of what's her.

“I simply wonder what a pup like you had to go through to shift on that night,” he murmurs, all easy words and shrugging shoulders. “You’re an abnormality, did you know that?”

Those words nearly make her see red. Abnormal, outcast, not like the rest-

Who is this asshole to think he can say what he wants?

“What about it!?” she barks back, voice rising as she steps forward, ignoring the aching pressure rising in her chest. “I had to fight for someone and I would do it again and again if I had to!”

(Wednesday was choking and so small in that fuckers hands and she never felt such rage before, burning and coiling under her skin.

She blacks out after Wednesday calls for her. 

Enid wakes up naked and there's blood under her nails and something sticking onto her throat.)

Her words immediately tempered off as unease began scratching up her spine. Something is screaming at her to shut up, to stay away. Normally she would’ve chalked it out as her instincts being crazy about someone unnecessary but she has never felt like this before and the want to run suddenly comes. 

Other packwolves don’t feel like this, not even the pack leader that takes charge of her family. It's like there's a shroud hanging around the wolf’s shoulders, like a curl of death’s veil so ready to swallow her whole.

He’s terrifying, but if there’s one thing Enid is good at, it’s fake it till you make it.

“It's not everyday I meet such a pup with no manners,” he says. “You can call me Romulus and you’re Enid Sinclair, yes?”

“Just Enid,” she chokes out, trying to force down the churning in her stomach. His name rings a few bells and it suddenly hits her. This was the alpha, the pack leader of the wolves visiting.  What's the leader doing interacting with a kid like her? “What do you want from me?”

It makes her step back and she watches how the older wolf seems to follow her movements easily, trailing after like a creep until she’s caught against a wall. It makes a sound bubble out from her chest as she scowls. 

He laughs, throaty and almost borderline a growl. “Right, sorry Just Enid.” He waves his hand and she watches the tips of sharp nails.

It's not like she can just run, he’s standing at her only exit and despite the pride in her stomach, Enid has no choice but to cower. Her lips pulled back into a snarl and fully unleashed the low growl from her throat.

“So feisty,” he says, giving a lil chuckle.

Romulus laughs, all teeth in display as he leans to meet her eyes. Ice blue, she notes. Similar to hers.

It makes Enid’s face scrunch.

“Is that all you came here to say?” she asks, staring at him with a face completely open to her distaste. She knew other werewolves can be weird as hell, but to think that they were this weird. He looked too calm and if the glimmer in his eyes said anything, entertained as well. Even with her growling, he didn’t seem to take her as a threat.

If he keeps pushing, then she’ll fully fight back. Pack leader or no, no one is going to push her around like this. It's insulting- Wednesday would never stand for this!

It was unnerving. Even the sight of her teeth or claws was enough to make someone pause but not this guy.

“Hmm…” Every bone in Enid's body tensed as the older wolf reached out, and her eyes widened as the hand drew closer to her face. She briefly believed the man was going to destroy her eyes, but instead, he gently plucked at a lock of her coloured hair while twirling his finger over it.  "Every other day, go to the library. You're a very interesting kid. I want to know more."

No, no way.

Romulus didn't react negatively to the blatant disrespect; instead, he just hummed softly, his eyes gleaming brightly in the faint light of the building and his face expressionless. Enid would have been concerned, even terrified, but she is too furious to give a damn.

Enough with the passivity, Wednesday would not stand for this stuff any longer!

“Back away! Don't you see how weird you seem right now?” Smacking the hand away from her head, Enid growled. "You're sounding like a creep!"

"I'm the creep?" he laughs. "weren't you the one staring at that gadget off yours? Addams was it?"

Enid felt all of the air leave her lungs, shoulders rising as she tensed up. What did he say?

"What're you trying to imply you sick fuck!?"

She expected a shout back, instead...

For almost three seconds, everything in their small space was silent - aside from Enid's growls - before a louder, more menacing rumbling literally halted the younger blonde in her tracks.

Romulus didn't growl. He wasn't showing teeth, and neither were his lips pushed back. He no longer has that unsettlingly blank expression; instead, a slight smile is pulling at the corner of his lips and he looks pleasantly amused. He doesn't appear to be a threat at all, but the deep rumbling from his chest startled Enid and caused her to spill out a whine before she could control herself. Even though it sounded like a warning rather than a typical growl, this one  seemed more like a gentle reprimand aimed to get her to stop acting out without actually scaring her.

That only scared Enid even more.

Enid's eyes widened as her whining subsided, completely dumbfounded by her own response. She was used to being growled at by other pack leaders, who have also warned and scolded her but she's never felt a reaction like that, not even when some of the wolves at school snapped at her in the beginning. Sure,  she may have grudgingly stopped, but she never complained and she never caved so quickly. Enid was right. This wolf was a problem; something about him was off; like every part of her knew he wasn't a typical wolf.

“That’s better.” The older blonde cooed, hand reaching forward to comb through the pup’s hair gently and this time Enid was too in shock to slap the hand away. “I assure you, I have no interest in anything like that. Late shifting at a blood moon is particularly odd in my life so I'm curious.” Enid could only weakly glare at the title. “So humour me, you wouldn’t want anything to happen to that…” he seems to humm before giving a smile, all teeth and fangs on display. “Wednesday, right? You should really keep your phone shut, pup.”

“Leave her alone!” She hissed, tone on the verge of sounding desperate and far from the angry, defensive growling from before. She barely got out of a Hyde attack and a part of her fears what will happen if she goes against a whole pack but she isn’t going to turn her back to one person that holds her like she’s precious. “If you think I won't claw your face out simply because you're some bigshot then you're wrong!”

“Then just talk with me, come to the library every other day and i don't need to drag not just your friend but your whole pack." The subtle threat wasn’t even subtle at all and Enid just glared harder. “That’s all I want.” Romulus continues, removing his hand from Enid’s hair and trailing down the side of her face before drawing back.

So she tears her eyes away and nods because fuck, she couldn’t exactly say no, now could she?

She grits her teeth as she searches the other man’s face for a minute, trying to find something, anything, that could show this was a trick. But his expression is frustratingly equal parts soft and terribly amused. There’s no hint of danger nor anger there, even after he growled at Enid, even after the pup had been constantly disrespectful as a way to get the man to just go away.

Enid clenched her hands into fists to stop them from shaking. She was never this violent, never this quick to anger and that made her hesitate, made her think. This is fine, she tries to reassure herself. If she can handle a pompous werewolf, she can handle whatever dumb noble Wednesday’s family could throw at her.

Her scars ache at the touch and it's a reminder of what Enid is willing to do for Wednesday.

“That’s it?” She whispered, the fire burning in her slowing down to ambers.

“That’s it.” The wolf echoed.

[paragox]

I've been thinking about this since 2025 leaks were out and since rn I'm waiting for a client's response and my phone to charge I figured I would just go ahead to share it.

So I think some of the faults one could have with Dragons Rising can be because of the fact is working as both a sequel and a soft reboot so it's trying to keep old fans and bring in new fans.

Overall I think it's been doing an amazing work at that, but it kinda affects the writing at times.

For example a new fan won't know anything about the Ninja or anything that happen prior, this isn't much of a problem, old fans get a bonus of getting the references and getting hyped for old folks or themes and stuff.

But it can bring problems when writing a character or scene, or even managing the amount of characters, this is up to P1 S2 btw and I won't be including leaks info so no spoilers there.

One instance we can see this is Zane, on one hand I truly believe they're playing the long game with him and we will see more evolution of him as next season rolls round, Doc said it himself "we will be rolling in and out characters according to the plot", but as of right now he's not... Zane, at least not the Nindroid we know, he's been in the sidelines as has been incredibly robotic, yay.

Cole is another one in a lower instance, he's there w the finders but... that's it, he doesn't do much tbh and I won't blame any kid whose watching Ninjago for the first time and says he's not his favourite, because they haven't seen him shine.

And then there's Jay, which is in a kind of limbo, one one hand the new watchers might get interested in him because everything surrounding him is suspicious on the other hand there's not much to care since he's been on screen like 2min over two seasons, but I've seen characters been the same amount of time on screen and still loved so.

But here's the thing, we gotta slowly show his character, the old one, the ninja side of him, but he's amnesic and not the focus rn so how? Enter Nya, this, I believe, is the reason why the fear section was used to bring in Jaya, sure in part is because is for the emotional punch but on the other hand serves well enough as a first time exposition for new watchers on Jaya and how these two characters are correlated.

We can argue about Nya writing all we want all day, but all in all I don't think it's that bad in DR, instead you could argue she's being used as a tool for exposition and such why we got that scene. Some of the writers here worked on Seabound, I really don't think she's being that misunderstood as some people might make her be.

Because of the two when one is not there the non-functional one is Jya, not Nya as she tends to resort to Anger when something happens, and she's been working just fine these years, especially because she grew up having to be self-sufficient at an early age, she misses him but it's not really crippling her.

I could argue they're just not showing their worst deepest fears because on a character analysis there are usually something related to stuff like self-doubt, isolation, etc.

The fears we see in DR are used as plot points and honestly with that in mind it doesn't bother me as much as it could've if I stick with the "oh this is my worst deepest fear ever", "of course is Jay, of course is Zeatrix, of course is Arin's parents", they're valid fears, but they're not the deepest, they're however points to have in mind for next seasons.

I also see they're going on a very long run story, it reminds of a book or a visual novel, plot points open, some close, other more are open and some won't come back to closure until you're 20hrs+ into the story and you're reminded of it.

I don't think that's bad, basically is a long waiting game, sure DR does have a pacing problem at times, especially in parts 1 (I hate you ep 6 of s2) but for what I've watched it's not the worst thing, it might work better or worse but at my eyes is just another narrative structure than the self-conclusive one we're mostly used to and honestly? I think they're doing a decent job at it.

We're gonna see plot points be shoved aside until they're relevant again, we're gonna see characters sidelined during half a season or a season until they bring them back, we're gonna slowly get answers as the parts go on and some mysteries might not even get answers and I think that's okay.