#i personally love any and ALL interpretations of the fentons

[ghostly-cabbage]

Imo it's not so much that people have "forgotten" that Jack and Maddie will accept Danny, and instead, it's because that's canon that it's interesting to explore all the other avenues as well

Speaking of the way the Danny Phantom fandom has been marinating for 2 decades, I think folks have forgotten what an incel asshole Vlad is an focus on the quirky sexy vampire aspect

In tandem, they've exaggerated Maddie and Jack's negative traits and forgotten we have their canonical reactions to finding Danny's secret: unconditional love and acceptance. Fuck I was revisiting Bitter Reunions yesterday and I'd forgotten that in that episode Danny is confident that if he reveals himself and Vlad right there his parents will still accept him

[brainmuncher]

So I've been thinking about DC heroes and what ghosts from Danny Phantom would be the worst ones for them to fight. (Or maybe just someone that would give them a hard time.) Like if there were a ghost that they were fighting, who would be the worst one for them?

For Cyborg I immediately thought of Technus. Technus is the ghost of technology, so surely he would have some kind of control over Cyborg, right? Depending on the origin, Cyborg was either made entirely of machines from Earth or has alien technology in him. Would Technus be able to manipulate alien tech? Would Cyborg end up adding Fenton tech to what he already has? It's interesting to think about.

For Flash, I was thinking about one of the cold ghosts since he'd have a hard time with the cold. Honestly, I was thinking of Klemper. Klemper is used as comic relief in DP, always shown desperately wanting a friend. I feel like Flash (And I'm going to leave it up to interpretation of which one.) would be sympathetic to it but would also realize that Klemper is harming him, no matter that it's not on purpose. That dynamic is something I'd love to see explored sometime.

For Green Lanterns I was thinking of Spectra. At first, I considered Fright Knight since he's the ghost of Halloween and has the soul shredder. But then I realized that unless GL got stabbed by the sword and was sent to the dimension that shows them their greatest fears, it really wouldn't be much of a fight. Spectra though, she is a pretty emotion based villain. She purposefully tries to bring out the pain and suffering within a person to feed on their misery. She would try to get into their minds and break their willpower from the inside out... and isn't that a terrifying thought?

Despite not knowing too much about Shazam yet, I'd really enjoy a battle between him and Youngblood. Youngblood is a ghost that looks and acts like a child and can only be seen by other kids. He's a prankster who gets really into different roleplays (Like pretending to be a cowboy or pirate.) but tends to take it too far. I just think the idea of Billy trying to take down someone he can only see when he is Billy Batson, and not Shazam, to be intriguing. How would he handle that?

I'm not sure if this one counts really but another one is Poison Ivy and Undergrowth. A lot of people think of them and think that they'd get along really well but I feel like that would end up being short lived. Eventually, Ivy finds out that Undergrowth is a lot more into plants than even she is and recognizes that those she cares about would be killed. Undergrowth only cares about the lives of plants, nothing else. (And unfortunately, people like Harley don't fall into that category.) I think she'd become a begrudging hero at that point. And how is she supposed to fight with plants against a ghost that controls plants?

I'm sure there's more that I haven't thought of, and if I have any I'll be sure to share. If y'all have an idea don't be afraid to add on. Even if it's just a pairing that seems intriguing I'm all ears.

[a-beneficial-union]

Heya howdy, it’s my day off and hotter than sin out there, so instead of picking the grapes before we reach lethal temperatures (like a sensible person), I would like to procrastinate by rambling about an idea that’s been increasingly taking hold of my thoughts.

To put it simply, I think that Ben Tennyson, Rex Salazar, Danny Fenton, and Zak Saturday would be very interesting to compare and contrast in terms of their backgrounds and how their occupations are either matters of passion or functionally forced.

Ben and Rex are the most similar to one another in that they are deeply entrenched in the heart of organizations which can, and have repeatedly threatened, to severely punish them (through captivity or execution). They are both viewed as inherently irresponsible in spite of the fact that they show shocking maturity in how they act given their circumstances. Rex gets a bit more leeway in this, as his makeshift family (Dr. Holiday, Six, and the monkey) make compromises with him so that he can still live his life, the way any healthy relationship should allow for, and overall there is mutuality between this group’s members.

Ben, on the other hand, is lambasted constantly by the people he cares about for not being responsible enough, for not being constantly around. When you remember that he is a child (and later a teenager) working for a relative, it feels less like trying to teach him and more like trying to wring him out for all his worth. Moments where characters other than Rook show concern or regard to Ben are shockingly scarce, often reserved for climactic moments or as ways to demonstrate severity. I think Ben is seen hugging his grandfather one time per series, in spite of the fact that he’s demonstrated to enjoy physical affection and in spite of the fact that his grandfather is the sole generative figure actively in Ben’s life at this point. (Rex isn’t shown receiving much physical affection either, but in his case it feels like he prefers it that way?)

Danny and Zak both live in a part of larger organizations/communities which have threatened them, but it’s always clear that the people closest to them would never do them harm, and are very loving. There’s an entire episode dedicated to Maddie fussing over her son, trying to spend time with him (and having to protect him). Fenton Works might hate Phantom’s guts, but that’s because they’re misinformed due to some unfortunate scenes causing them to perceive Phantom as a threat. A lot of Maddie and Jack’s theatrics in the house about how they’ll take Phantom apart “molecule by molecule” starts feeling less like proclamations of aggression and more like wrongheaded attempts to comfort their children, one of whom is repeatedly seen fleeing at the sight of ghosts.

In regards to associations with peers, Ben and Danny were both ostracized (with Danny having a small friend group and Ben being part of a soccer team, who dump him without much hesitation) whereas Rex and Zak were isolated. Rex and Zak still had friends, but they were always long distance. Zak’s peers were most often species other than his own, generally his pets and the sentient bear-thing that is his adoptive brother (Fisk).

All four accidentally wound up in their respective fields due to family matters, with Rex and Zak becoming what they are very young (Zak being Kur from birth); Danny and Ben become what they are just after their formative years. That said, Ben is an Anodite descendent, which was from birth (the relevance of this varies based off of interpretation of canon), and he has a fair amount of close family who are nonhuman, all of whom are either implied or explicitly stated to have hidden their natures.

Onto deceit. Danny and Ben’s life orient around how well they can misdirect, confound, conceal, dissuade. Both were keeping their natures secret from the people close to them, including their housemates and families. They had two or so people who were aware of what they were or of their activities, and that’s it. For Danny, discovery is dangerous. With Ben, as aforementioned, a lot of the people in his life growing up were keeping pretty massive secrets from him. Was he truly ignorant, or did he clue in on the fact that no one could know? That would be a good explanation for why he’s so practiced in discretion and perfectly fine with not telling people what’s going on in his life. His grandfather and cousin knew right from the get go, but even then his grandfather was very obviously hiding things.

Zak’s family and family friends pretty much always knew what he could do and what he was up to. When he does start hiding things, it clearly pains him with guilt and he’s incredibly unskilled at covering up his activities. His parents know he’s up to something almost immediately, recognize that life has been stressful of late, and make the choice to give him some space while reminding him that they’re there for him.

Rex…doesn’t really hide things from Providence, at least not from what I can remember. He runs away at one point and the people in his life are talking to/at him over the phone the majourity of the time.

The subjects of Rex’s work often lack self awareness, being generally destructive because their bodies (and brains) have just been violently reshaped into large, dangerous beasts. His work is intervention and captivity.

Danny’s work is with more sentient beings; the undead and the effected living. Some are maliciously violent with premeditated plans to harm others since they’re no longer mortal, therefore can act lawlessly. Others are obsessive and unbidden, the abilities granted by their new existence drastically changing their capabilities compared to their much more fragile peers. It’s easy for such people to get carried away, and their undeath is broadly believed by the fandom to have given them all aggressive monomania. For them, they need to be either redirected, made aware of how their actions are effecting those around them, or be brought to safe places where they can continue on without putting others at risk. The last ghostly group are those who are aware of their deaths and are acting out. How should young Danny approach them? If they try for vengeance, are they not justified? (We see him point a group towards the one who wronged them at least once, when he steers a group of animals to the person who cruelly experimented and killed them.) At the same time, he has to navigate a world where people have seen the chaos brought by the ghosts and who would probably have some strong feelings on the matter. Some would be worshipful, others enraged as their homes and lives are desecrated. Valarie is shown loathing ghosts on principle and goes on to target the demographic as a whole, do we really think she’s the only one?

Zak’s subjects are, well…his subjects. He has inherited governance over a class of life collectively referred to as “cryptids” and whom he can twist the minds of. This ability extends only to what the subject is inclined to, but how far can that go? We see him and his family tempt subjects with external stimuli, granting him the opening to slip into their consciousness and persuade them to his will. He works exclusively in intervention and relegation, if it weren’t for his immense empathy and genuine desire for both the cryptids and humans to live peacefully, he could very easily abuse his position. He verges on this one time and it is the conflict of the episode, and it is something he is called on by those around him and which he quickly rectifies.

Ben’s lot is a more diverse bunch. While Zak’s focus is mostly on animal-adjacent creatures, a few being cognizant, Ben deals with people. He handles war, conflict, invasion, opportunistic cruelty, the beginnings and ends royal lineages, hostile takeovers, the list goes on and on. Rex and Zak dabble in this, bur those are exceptions. Danny has to contend with it on occasion, as powerful people lord over him with threats and control. Ben is often a delegate, but can be far more easilt be called a warlord or living weapon.

I say “living” because I question how truthfully it can be said that Ben’s human. The Anodites are claimed to be all or nothing, but real people say that about ethnicity and so the claim comes across as in-universe bigotry. It feels like someone looking to their children and thinking “You’re Americanized, therefore you have no claim to your ancestors” or “They’re not dark enough”.

Speaking of colour, they’re all white passing with Ben being on one end, Zak on the other, and Rex and Danny (jet black hair) being intermediaries. Ben gets immediate White privilege where Zak might get it denied in the wrong circumstance. I don’t myself adequately knowledgeable to discuss their ethnicities or races, but colourism is something I have quite a bit of experience in. I am the palest person in my family and grew up being teased that I must have been adopted because the Italian and Syrian seemed to have skipped me, and I know others who have similar issues of not having the traits of their predecessors. I have siblings who have some slight Black traits and have been ostracized for it by our parents, and I have listened to the trash people say about my clearly Mexican siblings (and their father) because they assume I’ll be on their side.

I think Rex is the only character whose ethnicity is explicitly discussed, since he’s an amnesiac and gets to reconnect to the surviving member of his original family. His older brother openly finds hilarity in Rex’s Americanization, up to and including Rex’s poor fluency in Spanish. Ben is directly denied his heritage when he meets his grandmother, who takes one look at him and blatantly decides him too dissimilar (which she is implied to have done to her children as well). Zak gets to learn of countless cultures through being shuffled around the map, and Danny is an Illinoisian (he is of the corn and soy).

Back to the human aspect, Ben’s human status is dubious whereas Zak’s is questioned but concrete. Rex and Danny have their humanity and legal statuses questioned repeatedly. Rex, Danny, and Ben are all shapeshifters with nonhuman attributes; Zak is human through and through (ironically enough).

Each of these characters have grown around their work, with it informing their personalities, boundaries, and affects. A neat comparison between Ben and Zak is how they relate to cage fighting— but I really need to get a move on, so that’ll have to wait ‘til next time.

[batsyheere]

Who are your top 7 favorite ships ever (can be canon or non canon) from any media? Why love them? Thanks 🌻

That is definitely a question with a complicated answer. I have so many ships that I love and I don't consider all ships inherently romantic- I love bonds formed in fire.

But here's my top seven:

Shikamaru and Naruto

I have so many reasons for this ship it's not even funny and a good portion of it stems from my problems with the canon. It doesn't even have to be romantic, I just love watching them interact and seeing Shikamaru realizing he's doomed to have sunshine in his life forever.

Mobei and Shang Qinghua

Another ship that doesn't inherently have to be romantic and one that makes me cackle because the emotionally competent one is neither of them. This ship is also tragically another example of the fact I often don't like main characters and their pairing when something far more interesting is happening on the side.

Cassandra Cain and Danny Fenton

This one ties with another ship I have for the DP x DC crossover but I chose one and it had to be Cass. They're cute in a very sweet and lighthearted way. I always love seeing how someone will interpret their interactions.

Kurogane and Fai Fluorite

Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles had one grasp on my soul and it was the heavily implied relationship between these two characters that truly began my weird trend of background relationships being more intriguing to me than the main characters. What can I say? I love sad wizard hours and the person who has to drag the wizard out of sad hours.

Princess Bubblegum and Marceline

Every form of this ship makes the deeply buried romantic in me want to crawl out and revive. The essence of growing old with someone and knowing even time apart will eventually reunite you.

Beauregard and Yasha

I love buff scholars and gentle giants. They intrigue me. And their romance was certainly something to see when half the time it was neither of them really knowing what they were doing.

Ratio and Aventurine

Something about their dynamic just speaks to me, you know? A character with very little self-preservation and the guy who now knows this and is highly invested in making sure they live.

There are of course so many more ships I favor and tend to pop into and out of my interests depending, but otherwise these are ones I could name off the top of my head. Thanks for the ask, anon

[scarletsaphire]

Hi! I’m your gifter for the Valentine’s Core Event!

Wondering if there’s any specifics you would like in your creation?

HI!!! I am so happy to hear from you, and I hope you enjoy working on it! As for specifics, I know I was pretty vague. I truly am happy with anything, so if you get an idea, you are more than welcome to work with that. But if you need ideas:

Danny & Nocturne: (Full transparency, this is the top of my list, but I know its not popular like. at all. so i do not mind if you dont like it/want to do it. No pressure.) But if you're willing to, and just dont have ideas. Here is a powerpoint I made. It includes a lot of ideas and a couple of interpretations of their dynamic. all of which I would love to see. Even if its a side thing, and you decide to put the focus on something else.

Danny/Valerie: I love identity reveals between these two, and also really like post reveal where they're working together, either in a fight or to cover each other.

Johnny/Kitty: If you do anything with them, all I ask is Drama with a capital D. Everything goes.

Danny/Tucker/Sam: I really like when they know each other so well that they can communicate without talking, that they just fill in the gaps the others might leave. (I also like BAMF for all of them, especially in the case of like. Interactions with Casper High, or even parentals on any side.)

Fenton/Phantom: Hunter!Fenton is a favorite AU of mine, but I'm happy with pretty much anything for them. Same character that split later, soul bonded in the accident, never were one person to begin with, whatever.

(Couple other things: I understand that I'm very much taking this from like. a Story Perspective. I have no idea what art form you do, and I am Very Happy to receive drawings, I just. Don't draw and don't understand that creative process well. Hopefully if you are An Art instead of A Write, this still helps!

I also adore fae aus, and most popular aus (like ghost king, corpse au, no one knows, full hazmat, cryptid, etc. Only ones I can think of I don't really like are Halfa!Sam/Tucker. If you want to include AU stuff, go for it, I eat that shit up.)

[spacedace]

@catastrophic-crow I'm so excited to talk to someone who is down to vibe with my half-mad scribbling haha 😄 the real hungry dark is a writer finding someone who likes their story ideas lol

I also just really like the name Stella in general and was very excited to give it to Elle as her new name haha

I don't know if I've ever actually added it to any fic/snippets/scraps or anything, but in my head her full name is "Stella Nova Nightingale" because Stella Nova means "New Star" and I think if Danny was the one that named her he'd

1) go hard on the space theme of it all, and

2) want her to feel like a new person. I think he'd want her to feel like her name was something that expressed her as her own unique person and not just his clone, and Stella Nova means "New Star" which I think is kinda fitting in that context.

Also I always give all of them the name "Nightingale" because I'm a sucker for that last name for runaway Fentons (either Jazz, Danny & Elle running away from Bad Parents Maddie & Jack or Good Parents Maddie & Jack leading the kids in running away and they all start their lives over together).

(Plus I have this image in my head of her hanging out/working with the JL or Young Justice or something (I mostly imagine this as being in the Ghosts of Gotham story, where Elle eventually works as a civilian Translator/Interpreter for the JL lol) and her full name gets mentioned and everyone is just like "No, that can't be your name. That's a fake name." And Elle just rolling her eyes because while her siblings might all be rocking fake names currently, Stella Nova Nightingale actually is her real name. She didn't have a legal identity before that lol)

And oh, oh no. What have you done??? You've given me free reign? You've given me invitation to overwhelm you with snippets & thoughts? You haven't run after the first info dump???

Oh, oh ho ho ho ho you are in for just, waaaayyy too much babbling and the like now hahaha 😂

I absolutely adore these AU names. Holy shit they're so cool and make so much sense and vibe so well with the story, seriously how the hell do you do it 😭❤

Fuck both Ensaring Bonds & Ensnarling Bonds are so good as AU names aldjf;ladjfaj

I agree with you thought that I think Ensnarling works better for this AU. I fucking love characters going feral and unhinged and monstrous and doing insane shit for those they love and that's exactly the vibe I'm feeling for this story. Both in the world where Elle literally becomes a nightmare monster to protect Damian & Jon safe, and the main story-line dimension where even though her bonds can't anchor they are still strong enough to dig into her and literally threaten to kill her (or the ghostly equivalent), pulling her along to the point of facing off against a Multiverse Dimension Eater alone because she's so determined to keep them safe and her bonds are the pseudo-physical representation of all she feels for them.

And ooooohh I love the idea of it having a bunch of names from all these different ghosts/survivors shakily trying to explain just what it is they saw/experienced.

(also don't apologize, holy shit that's all amazing and I love it all so much!! ❤❤❤)

Also! I figured out since the last time we talked about this AU just what the Hungry Dark is:

It's Elle.

Specifically it's another Elle from another alternate dimension where she loved & formed bonds with Damian & Jon (thinking they were unanchored in this dimension as well, so Hungry Dark!Elle life/experiences mirror OG!Elle as much as possible for max angst when Elle finally figures out what's going on). Something catastrophic happened and she lost both of them and the rest of her family, where she lost everyone, as well as had something happen to fuck up her bonds/ability to form them.

That's why Elle using her bonds to Damian & Jon to the Hungry Dark works, because she's able to pull this alternate version of herself to stability with the reminder of what her real Core Bonds (specifically to Jon & Damian) felt like and with some ghost magic/healing stuff Elle is able to heal the corrupted version of herself, but at the cost of her Bonds being forcibly ripped out of her and almost killing her.

I love angst (with a happy ending) what can I say hahaha

No for real though I really enjoy angst? Though specifically angst where everyone is okay and happy at the end, I am a devout lover of hurt/comfort what can I say 😂

Also just love when charaters are all clearly in love with each other but so determinedly believe that it's no reciprocated? Specifically characters that are utterly unhinged in their love and devotion to the people they love, especially, especially when all parties involved are that way.

Just love them being like "Ah, they are the center of my universe, the light of my life, but alas my feelings are unrequited. At least I have them in my life as a dear devoted friend, that is enough for me"

While everyone else is standing in the smoldering ruins of what the other character(s) have done out of love of this particular dense motherfucker and are like "I'm begging you to grow a brain cell. Just one. A single brain cell. That's all you need here." Only to regret it when all unhinged parties are happily in love and unhinged together.

To that end I uh...I may be about to throw some random snippets of this at you now lol Fair warning they are truly just small snippets and nothing really complete and some of them are roughly of the same scene moment since I was playing around with ideas.

Also heads up there is some implications of gore and ghostly cannibalism lol

---

The Phantasma of the bleak world they have temporarily been sent to burned to look at against the unending black.

Where the world had fallen to void and endless night, Phantasma had become a beacon. In the most literal sense. Most of her human features shed, only brilliant, blinding white light in the rough shape of his friend’s form remained. Legs seemingly forgotten entirely, lower half eternally in that long serpentine tail that blazed a painful, discordant after-image behind her as she drifted and moved. Her arms were too long with too many sharp angles, fingers stretched and viciously pointed into claws, looking more like splinters of shattered glass than fingers.

She had no face, had forgotten even that in her time here, spectral form shifting and twisting to align with her understanding of herself. Sometimes, though, green would burn against the white in the shape of frenzied, predatory eyes and a razor sharp, wretched mouth full of too many splintered mirror-shard teeth when she zeroed in on a target for her…hunger.

Phantasma had become monstrous in the name of survival. Shedding her humanity somewhere along the way in order to keeping herself going in this apocalypse. Of keeping her Damian and Jon alive and safe.

It was a painful reminder, how much she’d do for them.

Of what their Phantasma might turn herself into for them.

He caught Jon’s eye as the broken version of their friend gave an inhuman screech and darted out into the black. Claws and fangs sinking into flesh of an enemy before any of their group had even been aware there was someone lurking in the impenetrable darkness. A gurgling, wet noise was all their would-be attacker could give before they were dead and not-Phantasma was greedily ripping out another shimmering pearl from the body and noisily devouring it.

Constantine looked ill, but couldn’t seem to tear his gaze away. Hands trembling on his cigarette as he watched her eat a person’s very soul. The only thing able to supplement her ectoplasm with this world so thoroughly ripped away from the Infinite Realms.

-

Phantasma - their Phantasma - was oddly quiet when they finally managed to regroup with her.

Damian watched as she kept tugging at her clothes, adjusting her jacket, the fit of her gloves, the line of her collar. Her eyes wouldn’t meet his or Jon’s, and the distance she kept between both of them and their alternates seemed telling, though Damian couldn’t quit place what it was telling of.

Not-Phantasma was significantly more animated at the sight of the Jon and Damian of her world. High whistling trills and purring rumbles filled the stagnant air as she darted around them, seeming to check them over for any sign of harm. Alternate-Jon gave a low chuckle as Not-Phantasma pressed what passed as her face almost flush against the side of his head, long spindly claws dancing over him as if searching for sign of injury.

“We’re fine, Sunny.” Other-Jon assured, pressing a hand against Not-Phantasma’s without fear of harm from her sharp, splintered claws.

The shattered version of Damian’s friend trilled and then slid away to wind herself around his own alternate, giving him the same thorough checking over. “Peace, Stella, no harm came to us in your absence.”

His Phantasma tugged at her jacket again and stepped quietly towards the hunched figure of Constantine. Her gaze set out towards the yawning black that surrounded them. She didn’t fly, feet planted firmly on the ground and her green eyes had dimmed, losing their ethereal glow.

No fresh ectoplasm to sustain her, he recalled with a twisting gut. Her powers had already diminished in the short time they’d been there. Constantine assured them that the same spell that sent them all to this hell would send them back within 48 hours. Damian only could hope that Phantasma wouldn’t be reduced to needing to feed like her counterpart to survive before that time came.

Everyone in this world was already dead, in one way or another. It wouldn’t trouble him much to kill one of the cursed denizens of this realm so that she might feed off their soul. But he knew that it would have to be truly desperate for her to give in to that. She’d never forgive herself should she ever be reduced to such actions, a means of survival or no. From her reaction seeing her other self feed before - from her explanation on the nature of Cores and the unbreakable taboo that harming them, let alone devouring them, held in the Infinite Realms - he’s not sure he and Jon would be able to convince her to consume any they brought to her. Not after seeing what the other her had become.

Perhaps he and Jon could sustain her with small pieces of their own souls if it came down to it. If Constantine could carve his to bits for trivialities, it couldn’t be so difficult to do it to keep someone as important as Stella Nightingale alive and well. Damian would carve himself open and tear his soul out with his bare hands, let her devour every inch of all he was if she needed it. He knew Jon would do the same. Knew that Elle wouldn’t hesitate if they needed the same of her, though her affection was born of a different source than what he and Jon held for her.

-

Phantasma wouldn't look at them, and Constantine wouldn't stop looking at Phantasma.

Something had happened.

Jon looked at his alternate self, wrapped in the long ethereal tail of Not-Phantasma as plans of finding another route back to the place they had initially landed were discussed. His alternate seemed the same as he had been before. Weary and worn, tense and ready for battle at a moment’s notice. Beside him Other-Damian was the same, though he was more preoccupied with Not-Phantasma than anyone else. His eyes only for the broken, wretched creature that imitated their friend as she ran too long, splintered glass fingers through his hair and hummed a low purr at him.

Fondness and sadness in equal measure.

Nothing to indicate they’d done anything. Nothing to imply something had gone wrong. None of them came back injured and none of them mentioned having any trouble while their two groups were separated.

Still though, Jon knew something had happened.

Constantine did too.

The drunken magician’s expression oddly blank as he peered down at Phantasma beside him, lines of his face deeper as he stared. Phantasma glanced up at him to meet his eye and her face pinched, pained, as she gave the faintest shake of her head. Constantine frowned and took a drag of his cigarette, eyes turned back towards everyone else in silent agreement not to say anything.

But not say anything about what? Phantasma’s diminishing powers? Her alternate self’s complete deterioration? Had she seen something in the time they’d been separated? Some additional sign of how far this horrible version of her had changed and twisted?

He glanced back towards his own alternate self, the easy way he reached out and accepted the hand Not-Phantasma held out to him.

A world where Elle was ever on the brink of starvation. One where she needed to break the ultimate Taboo for the world of the living and the dead to survive. Jon had just been thinking of his willingness to kill for her, his willingness to tear out the soul of someone himself and offer it to her if it meant keeping her alive. Had spoken in hushed tones with Damian in the eerie quiet of the night before of options, on their shared determination to do whatever it took to keep Elle alive in a world that seemed specifically designed to kill her slowly.

They’d been there less than 48 hours. Their alternates had been there for years. How much had they done to keep her alive in that time? How many had they killed?

How much worse had they done?

-

“Constantine.”

“Bats.”

“It’s been three months, Phantasma hasn’t returned.”

“Nothing gets past you, does it.” Smoke curled past John’s lips, drifting up in lazy whorls towards the smog-filled sky of Gotham. Zantanna had called him in as a favor, the city’s curse was acting up and causing problems. Not the first time, but the first in many years that they had to try and handle the issue without Elle there to speak with the City Spirit directly.

The looming shadow growled, but compared to the things John had faced the Bat wasn’t so scary. Not as the Dark Knight at least. As a man, a father of a son suddenly missing a close friend…that was something else. John wasn’t sure if Batman realized he’d be more effective in shaking information out of him as Bruce Wayne and he hoped for his girl’s sake the brooding vigilante didn’t ever figure it out. The bats and birds were a persistent lot. If they thought they needed to sniff Elle out, they would. The infinite aspect of the Infinite Realms be damned.

“There’s been no sightings of her anywhere on Earth.” Batman materialized from the shadow beside him, no longer voice alone but sharp, dangerous shape as well.

John took a long drag and blew smoke in the Bat’s direction, just to see the other man’s jaw twitch. “Last she said before she left she was heading back to the ol’ haunting grounds.” He shrugged, “Probably catching up with the Graveyard. Rattling chains, dancing with the skeletons, the usually spooky things.”

“She’ll be returning then.” Not a question, but a faint unfurling of the darkness around him. Gotham was a loveless, rotten place in John’s mind, but damn if the old lady didn’t adore her would-be cryptids.

He could let Bats believe it. Could let the conversation die there. It’d only delay the inevitable though. Another week, another month, that looming shadow would be back. Or worse, the sour face of Phoenix, the kicked-puppy expression of Flamebird.

John was used to giving bad news. He never got good at it though.

“She’s never been one to stay in one place long.” His fingers were starting to burn, the cigarette nearly gone. He took a final drag before flicking it out into the gutter, watching it spark and sputter as it interacted with whatever foul chemicals pooled there. “Fourteen years bumming around just one world? Must have been out of her mind with boredom.”

Snippet/prolog thing from a DP x DC fic that lives almost entirely inside my head outside of this & a few other bits.

Please feel free to take this as an overly long prompt haha

If anyone wants context to this let me know and I'll be happy to info dump at you lol

-

The kid had been eleven the first time John Constantine met her.

A little ghost girl, too small for the crowns and dominions that were rightfully hers, wandering the world alone and unattended because to stay in one place would drive her mad - or worse. He didn’t think himself as having a particularly soft heart, but there was something about little Stella Phantom that grew on him - a bit like a mold, he liked to explain. Maybe it was the way she swore like a sailor and kicked a demon in the low hangers with a feral grin the first time he met her. Maybe it was just how lonely she looked, small and slight in the large world she was so obsessed with exploring.

She had a family. A Grave of her own that worried about her, but who couldn’t follow her on her constant travels no matter how much they wanted to. Proof that being some of the most powerful beings in existence wasn’t enough to prepare you for parenthood.

Somewhere along the lines she started following John around. Interested in what he was doing, where he was going, who he worked with. It hadn’t taken long to get her folded into JL Dark. Zantanna had blanched when he’d shown up with little Elle, pulling in the big wigs from JL Light to argue about the ethics of involving a child in their work. As if Supes and the Bat had legs to stand on with their own brood so often in the thick of danger. Elle was safer under his watch than she’d be under the loose oversight the Titans had or whatever fresh hell was going on with Young Justice but hell if anyone would listen to him on that front.

He lost the war when she met Superboy Jr. and Robin V.

She’d adored them from the start, delighted at having children her own age around to spend time with. They formed a little team, working together here and there, then more often as they got older. She still worked mostly with JL Dark, but she was growing up. Spreading her wings a bit.

Elle was seventeen when the Bonds first formed. The spider-silk thin threads finally winding themselves into the heavy binds that spilled out of her Core and reached out for anchoring in the boys. It was sickeningly sweet, in the way puppy love always was. She was too young for Core Bonds like that to settle, of course, in the way children were always too young when they fell in love the first time. It was normal though. Ghost children the Realms over made Bonds only for them to fade or change as they grew, almost never anchoring to anyone til they were full grown.

She’d blushed as red as Marvel’s suit when she realized John could see them, stuttering and embarrassed. He’d teased her about it for a long time, about how much she’d grown up, how much trouble she was going to cause, how he was going to have to fight the big bad Bat and his pet boy scout when she inevitably dishonored their poor, innocent sons. It was entertaining, endearing.

He waited for the Bonds to fade or shift. Weeks. Months. Years. As she turned nineteen, he started to wonder if they would stick around. If in another few years they might strengthen, begin the slow process of anchoring.

She was twenty-one when her boys - calling themselves Flamebird and Phoenix now - started dating each other.

The Bonds remained, steady and solid and painfully unanchored.

John stopped teasing her about them.

They hadn’t changed to accommodate platonic bonds, nor had they faded any. Their tendency to tangle around her like snare was another point of concern. Core Bonds weren’t meant to cause difficulty for the ghost they were born from, and they certainly weren’t meant to wrap around the ghost’s limbs and body in painful loops like that. They weren’t supposed to hurt.

When she was twenty three he started suggesting it might be time for intervention. The irony that he of all people would be trying to get someone to take steps to cut out the thing harming them was not lost on him. Nor was the way the fond feelings he had for the girl had skewed decisively paternal over the years in a way that his younger self would have mocked him for endlessly.

He felt better about broaching the subject knowing that her Grave had been suggesting the same thing. That he wasn’t overstepping the bounds of whatever odd partnership they’d developed over the years. John was, he had very reluctantly come to accept, the girl’s mentor if nothing else. His job was to teach her and guide her, not be her parent.

No matter what his old, battered heart might try and suggest.

Even still, he couldn’t help but be concerned.

She was twenty-five when they got temporarily launched into that broken, bleak world. When they met the Elle and Flamebird and Phoenix of that horrible dimension.

The three alternates’ bonds were anchored completely, tying the triad together in threads of silver and green. Not even Other-Elle’s complete, sickening deterioration into something cannibalistic and feral had been enough to break them. He can’t imagine how much it must have hurt to see that, for his girl to glimpse a world where something she’d longed for for so long happened, only for it to seemingly be at the expense of reality itself.

He helped cover for her, after their two groups had been mixed up and separated for the night - or what might be called night in a world that no longer had any light to make those kinds of distinctions in time. When she came back with the Flamebird and Phoenix of that world, after their little separation from the larger group he kept her two boys misdirected. Distracted Nightwing and Zantanna so they didn’t go asking too many questions he knew Elle wouldn’t want answered. The Bat John was helpless to do much about, but thankfully the big brooder seemed too intent on the desolate, lightless world itself to notice the way Elle’s gaze was going distant, bittersweet at the edges.

He didn’t know what, exactly had happened in the hours she was gone. He could guess, from the way the Other-Phoenix and Other-Flamebird looked at her, the way she avoided her boys. Loneliness and desperation made for an easy slide into bad decisions. John might just have to admit that Zantanna had been correct, all the times she’d said he was a bad influence on the girl. Not that there was any surprise there.

Elle’s Bonds were even more of a knotted mess than before. Offered something so close to anchoring only to find no purchase. They twisted about her throat like a noose now, ready to strangle the life out of her one day.

He signed off on her leave of absence when they finally made it back to their home dimension.

Anyone else would want details to write down. Would want to know the specifics of why and for how long and a whole mess of other details she either wouldn’t or couldn’t answer. He’d get his ass roasted over the fire for the mess the paperwork was in, but that was fine. He’d endured far worse for far less important reasons.

Personal leave, he’d written.

Duration of leave: indefinite.

Reason for leave: None of your fucking business, Bats.

They shared a cigarette on one of the high catwalks in the Watchtower watching dawn break on the world below. Grateful to see the sun and stars again after those two days in utter blackness. They didn’t talk about her Bonds. About what happened. About how she hadn’t talked to her Boys since coming back. Just stood and smoked. He pretended not to notice her tears. She pretended not to notice his. Neither of them had ever been any good at goodbyes.

When the time came she bumped his shoulder in thanks - for the cigarette, for the company, for the years of friendship and family - before turning and stepping through the bright purple door standing impossibly in the middle of the walkway.

He glimpsed the green of the Infinite Realms and the distant shape of her Lair beyond. A world of worlds, paradise to one that never stopped, always off to find something new, something never seen before. It was against all odds that she’d even stumbled upon this one in the first place. A small speck in the crushing infinite.

When the door closed it did so slowly, a painful whine and a soft, mournful click all that marked her leaving.

John watched it bleed out of existence, and wondered if he’d ever see her again.

Six months later, the stars started to disappear.

[ectokelpeigh]

No One Knows AU is so great for so many reasons but I have this one scenario bouncing around in my head and given today's DannyMay theme it seems like a good time to slosh it into the hellsite blender:

Phantom and Danny Fenton hate each other.

We're going with my favorite flavor: Sam and Tucker don't really know Danny Fenton and befriend Phantom separately/first. (Maybe the Fentons are new in town or something. Not important) Also @artistfingers's Undercover Phantom AU lives rent free in my head so if any of this looks familiar... yea

-Once Danny befriends Sam and Tucker as Phantom, he avoids them as much as he can when he's human. Less opportunity for them to make the connection, especially since knows he has the finesse of a baby giraffe in roller skates. Because Sam and Tucker are Good Guys I'd love to assert that "of course they'd see Danny sitting alone at lunch and invite him over!" or something. And I think they might! But it's not a given IMO.

-Anyway as Sam and Tucker bond with Phantom, it becomes more evident that there's some kind of connection between Phantom and Danny. Maybe something makes them suspicious of Danny. For example the Fentons come up in conversation and

Phantom: I'd steer clear of that family if I were you

Sam & Tucker: ok yeah if we were you we'd avoid the parents too, but the kids seem harmless? their son is actually in our grade and we can't tell if he's lonely or just tired

Phantom (because I love Danny but can be stoopid): No! Especially avoid their son!

Danny was trying to cover his own ass and they interpret it as Phantom being afraid of Danny and assume there's unsavory history.

-Sam and Tucker happen to ask their good buddy Phantom why he and the rest of the ghosts suddenly showed up in Amity Park one day when Danny happens to be in a terrible mood. Just had one of those days. His life is falling to shit because he's living two lives and even his two new friends can't support all of him, you know?

In canon he has a strong sense of duty to protect AP but IIRC they never make the connection to him triggering the ghost influx and any consequential guilt/blame. I think not having Sam and Tucker as a support system from the start would push this over the edge.

-So he's feeling down on himself. Inadequate. But he can't say exactly why he's requesting an 'F' in the chat for respeccs because it's all very human drama and he's not a great liar, so he just rants about his human self in the third person.

It's cathartic. Too cathartic. He gets a liiiiiiiiiittle carried away. He gets to admit to (perceived) responsibility without the pitying looks and cold comfort. Most people's automatic response to "I messed up" is "no you didn't!!", and sometimes that's not what you want/need to hear, you know?

-...remember how I said he gets "a little carried away"? By that I mean he reveals (as Phantom) that Danny Fenton turned on the ghost portal and let all the ghosts loose in Amity Park, and now he (Phantom) has been cleaning up his mess all by himself while Danny has done nothing.

-Of course the subtext here is that Danny feels like he's only useful as Phantom. He never felt particularly remarkable before the accident. Since then he's been struggling with grades more than ever, his family is worried because he's been distant, etc. And of course he finally makes friends but they don't like the real him.

We all know Phantom is also the real him, but to Danny the "him" that goes to school, lives with his family, has actual connections to society did not make these friends. And as you recall in this scenario Danny was actively avoiding Sam and Tucker once they became friends with Phantom. But. Y'know. Brains aren't always logical

-Back to the scene: Phantom barely lets Sam and Tucker get a word in through his rant, and then a ghost attacks and he has to fly off. That was... confusing, to say the least, and that's the last they see/hear of Phantom that day.

-So the next day at school Sam and Tucker sit at Danny's usual lunch table and Sam pokes him awake from his daily nap. They try to broach the subject with a smidgen of tact but of course Danny has a lot more context than they know.

-Danny's not sure how to deal with the situation he created for himself besides digging in his heels + it felt so good ranting the day before that he hardly hesitates before he (as Fenton) launches into a rant about Phantom.

-Even though he's technically dissing their buddy, Sam and Tucker actually walk away with some sympathy for the kid. They come to three conclusions: 1. Turning on the portal was an accident and 2. Danny's beef with Phantom is personal. He doesn't have his parents' animosity towards all ghosts and 3. He's... weirdly easy to talk to? It's like they already know him wow crazy ha ha ha hA hAH AHAH aha. (haha)

-Unfortunately this outburst happened in the cafeteria of a high school and people overheard this extremely juicy development wherein the local loner child of two mad scientists has a personal feud with the controversial town hero/menace. Word does not take long to spread because students and faculty agree that even in a town overrun with ghosts this is the most insane thing they've heard. And everyone has a theory. People spot Phantom patrolling the night sky and shout to him, asking if he'd like to comment on the latest rumor from/about Danny Fenton. Danny routinely forgets he can ignore them, fly away, turn invisible, anything other than dig himself deeper. But hey, it helps him keep his cover at least?

-Fun fact: Jazz knows they're the same person but Danny doesn't know she knows and she's freaking the fuck out over all this apparent self hatred but even she doesn't know where to start to break it down

-All the while Sam and Tucker have been making more of an effort to hang out with Fenton. Danny is... confused by this, to say the least. Figures they're taking pity on the kid since they triggered the blowup that made him look like even more of a freak, and/or they're mining him for more Phantom secrets. A small part of him is also petrified he'll slip and they'll find out he's been lying to them. But he likes them and self restraint has never been his strong suit. Even if they can't really like Danny (Fenton) that much they're nice to him and he has fun with them, and even if he has to keep track of which memories/info he should have access to as his human or ghost self it's nice to always have friends.

-If you want some extra layers of irony: Sam and Tucker keep it a secret from Phantom that they've been hanging out with Fenton, and they hide their friendship with Phantom from Fenton. But Danny can't call them out on it without revealing that he's been lying to them about being Fenton and Phantom. It's the Mexican standoff from the Ghost Zone hell.

-I'll let you all decide just how far the miscommunications go. Maybe Tucker lets it slip to Phantom that he and Sam are friends with Fenton now and instead of taking this prime opportunity to come clean himself, Danny panics and reacts hurt or outraged (and really sells it, even if the real fuel behind his distress is guilt). Orrrrrrr Danny loses track of the half-truths and references something Sam told Phantom as Fenton. Etc.

-Don't worry guys I'm all about the wholesome endings: One day Phantom is going off about Danny Fenton, and Sam and Tucker do their best to validate Phantom's frustrations, but Danny is totally blown away when they finally stick up for Fenton. To his face. They say that's it, they've heard enough, those two obviously have a complicated history but some of the things Phantom says about Danny are just unfair. As the only two people to know Danny and Phantom both personally, Sam and Tucker have concluded that they have the authority to declare neither are menaces, or useless, or have "stupid hair", thanks. ("Both your senses of style, on the other hand..." "Hey!") Opening the portal was an accident. Fenton doesn't need to be useful, he's a kid. A kid in a tough situation doing his best just like themselves, like Phantom, like anyone else. Sam and Tucker don't have powers, are they useless? No. And Danny and Phantom might even get along if they can just cool down (LOL) and talk it out. But he has to stop. Danny Fenton is their friend.

-Phantom's standing there with his jaw on the floor. They said everything he needed to hear, having no way of knowing it's what he wanted to hear. Quite the opposite, actually. His feet touch down on the floor, his voice has lost most of its haunting echo when he says, "I'm your friend?"

This confuses Tucker and Sam: yeah?? but that's not the point?? We're saying DANNY is also— OH FUCK

(Phantom just turned into Fenton)

[libraford]

I read lots of things about Danny Phantom being read as a trans kid. How does that translation feel for you?

So, part of why we were rewatching it was to look more into that interpretation, and also see how we feel about the series as adults, and knowing more of what we know about transness, mental illness, queercoding, and Butch Hartman himself.

Also we got paramount+ for free and said... why not.

Unfortunately, we apparently can't get past episode 5 without it freezing. Good job paramount.

So, I'm all for Trans Danny. I can see where people would interpret the character this way. I am of the opinion that a well-written ensemble cast should hold up a mirror to the viewer in some way and if you cannot find that mirror- make one. So your Trans Danny headcanons are beautiful and I love them.

The story itself resonates well with queer narratives. Being a different person at work or school than you are at home, going by a different name, of transformation, of being an outcast, the consequences of being discovered, of wanting to fit in even though it seems impossible. These are pretty on par with growing up queer and in the closet, which in the early 00s was very much a big deal.

Like... I straddled the line between in and out of the closet even well into college. When our school did National Day of Silence, half my friends participated and half of them protested. So the idea of keeping a secret (even if everyone seemed to know) feels very close to home for a little closeted trans lesbian from the 00s.

So yes yes yes, Danny is Trans. In my head, he fits the narrative perfectly.

Now... hmm..

So... I'm going to be a downer. I'm watching it as an adult, as an adult who is kind of critical of media and as someone who has read a few things about Butch Hartman himself... it's a less flattering picture.

One of the reasons why I think people find Trans narratives so easily in his body of work is because he's sexist in a way that circles back around to being Trans positive from the backend. He often uses gender as punchline, which is something that us queers have in common with our oppressors. The difference is that, at least in my case, it's either punching up or (as a bad habit) self-depreciating.

So when Danny or Timmy or Cosmo does something feminine, it's a joke. Oh, look at this child exhibiting traits uncommon for their gender. Isn't that funny, audience comprised of 7-14 year olds? And even when they learn their lessons about gender equality (over and over and over again, using very outdated stereotypes even for 00s) there's always some quip at the end that returns them to the status quo and makes the lesson pointless. What? A boy turning into a girl and learning a valuable lesson about what it's like to be on the other side? That would never happen in real life. Better make a wisecrack about just in case they thought I was serious.

He follows the formula very well.

It is much more likely, given Hartman's background, that he writes things this way because he's following a handful of tropes that are outdated and sexist. If I understand the lore correctly, he deleted comments of fans with Trans headcanons (but not others) and that was why the Fandom took off the way it did.

Remember when I said that the viewer should be able to see themselves in a protagonist or at least a member of the ensemble cast? Well, if I speculate anything, it's that Danny Fenton is Butch Hartman's author insert and that why he reacted poorly when he found out about Trans Danny headcanons.

He's kind of a jerk.

And this is why I support any and all Trans Danny headcanons. Not just because there is evidence, but because it makes Elmer 'Butch' Hartman big mad. And if that's the hill he wants to die on, I will buy that hill and plant flowers on it.

[lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks]

Hello luci, Is it just me that is absolutely sick and tired of the fanon of an abuser maddie and jack? Because it is so ingrained in the phandom i can barely see any crossover fic that features a good fenton family. How exactly did you think this exploded? Because there are plenty of episodes of the show that the fentons love their kids.

because it makes for good motivation in crossover fics for Danny to leave

if the Fentons accepted Danny's ghost half and were perfect parents he'd have no reason to move away and live with someone else

granted there probably are other reasons people can think of, like maybe he leaves because he thinks it will keep them safe

so I consider this interpretation to be a valid and useful one in many crossover scenarios, but not the only available option

we know that in the canon his parents accept him even when finding out he's half ghost, but I think the reason that doesn't sit well with a lot of people is because of how little effort the show put into those interactions, they were very short and a bit shallow, so there wasn't a lot there to work with

and the Fentons obsessive hatred of ghosts does feel like it could very well overpower their love for their son, that complication was just glossed over in the canon and I feel like people just like to explore that

not to mention everyone here just fucking loves their angst and this trope is ripe with angst potential

and also despite them definitely not being abusive in the canon, an argument can absolutely be made that they're neglectful, and their work has put their children in danger, they love their kids and will protect them at all costs but they have done a lot of problematic shit as parents that can't always be glossed over

and honestly? I love that they aren't perfect, I love that they make a lot of mistakes, it makes them interesting, it brings conflict, and I love me some good character conflict

it can be annoying and frustrating to have a lot of people jump on a trope that you dislike, but it doesn't make them wrong for doing so, there are plenty of tropes I really dislike too, in fact I am very picky about the fics I read for that reason

(I HATE dissection fics, and they're one of the most popular tropes in the phandom, and I avoid them like the plague)

and I also am not the biggest fan of 100% demonising Jack and Maddie, mostly because I find it a bit too simplistic and boring, I like it the most when they are at war with themselves over their son being half ghost, I'm also a fan of when one Fenton parent is more accepting than the other because it makes for better conflict

alternatively, I also don't like when they are written as 100% accepting and perfect, I find that very boring and out of character, there is a happy middle ground I like to dance on, and I've been having a lot of fun there while writing Bitter

but I don't think it's my right to tell people how to write their fics so I just walk around the stuff I don't like and continue to contribute my personal interpretations instead of trying to change people's minds

so I totally understand the frustration but my personal approach to things like this is if people aren't making the content you like, make it yourself! 😁 if there's a gap needs filling you fill that gap! ✨

you aren't wrong for wanting to interpret Jack and Maddie differently to everyone else, your headcanons are just as valid as anyone's, write about it! share your interpretation even if it's unpopular, you have every right to express your thoughts

[five-rivers]

Sleep Paralysis

Gift fic for @sporks-metal!  

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William Lancer had never been a superstitious man. He enjoyed reading about the supernatural, true, about mythology, legends, folklore, but he wasn't superstitious.

In Amity Park, believing in ghosts did not count as superstition. It was simply common sense.

Even so, this was pushing the limits of common sense. The almost-empty salt container rattled softly in his hand as he shook out the last few grains. Sweeping all this up, each white line he had drawn at every threshold and every windowsill would be a pain. A greater pain than the splinters and thorns he had picked up from the 'sacred trees' he had alternately planted in his yard and cut up to hang over his doorways.

William didn't have a choice. He was at his wits end, and he was being haunted.

He was being haunted, and the normal methods of dealing with such things hadn't done a thing. Of course, the 'normal methods' were 'wait for Phantom to show up' and 'call the Fentons,' so he wasn't quite sure what he had been expecting.

The teenage ghost didn't exactly have a hotline and while the Fentons did, their services had been less than efficacious. They'd camped out at his house for two nights, and the only things they had removed from it were all of his sweets. The ghost had not made an appearance. It (they, she, he, William didn't know) was smarter than that.

The Fentons had told him that he was most likely suffering from a case of nerves or stress (what nerves, what stress, in the middle of summer?) and had given him a small ectogun. On the house. Neither of these things comforted him.

Oddly, part of William insisted that if Mr. Fenton, that is, Danny, not Jack, had been there, things would have gone differently. Differently how, that part of William wouldn't say. When he thought about it, he honestly couldn't imagine why Danny's presence would change things. He liked Danny. Somehow, the younger Fenton had found his way to being William's favorite student, even if he was also an incredibly inconsistent student, but he was also shy, never in place when a ghost showed up.

... Huh. There was something there, but William's tired mind couldn't quite reason it out.

If the ghost would just let him be, let him rest.

William pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers. What he wouldn't give for some rest... He'd even call the Fentons back, if it came to that. He exhaled slowly and sank into his armchair, the laughably tiny ectogun balanced on his thigh, his fireplace on his right. He had covered the hearth with salt, too, just in case.

He was losing his mind, wasn't he?

No. Ghosts were normal in Amity Park. He wasn't crazy. He wasn't even superstitious, for all that he was resorting to older apotropaics. There was a reason the garden supply store sold so many different varieties of holly, rowan, and sage.

He took a deep breath, let it out. Nothing had happened yet, tonight. Perhaps the Fentons had scared the ghost off. Perhaps he could pass this night in peace. His hand inched towards the small table next to his chair. He had a book there, one he had been reading before this started...

A fire roared to life in the fireplace. William's breath caught in his throat.

For several long minutes, the only thing that changed was how much sweat glued William's pajamas to his skin.

Then the whispers started.

.

The ghost haunting William was not like the Box Ghost. William could deal with the Box Ghost. He had dealt with the Box Ghost. That cardboard-loving spirit could have been a threat, in another world, in another life (death?), but in this one he was more of a pest, than anything. Sort of like a barking dog. A very small barking dog.

But this ghost, this ghost that William hadn't even seen but somehow managed to turn his life into a paranoid hell, this ghost wasn't like that. Wasn't like any of the ghosts he'd seen at the school. Wasn't like any of the ghosts he'd seen on the news. Wasn't like the ghosts the Fentons talked about.

This ghost, it was more like things he'd seen in stories, in books, myths, legends. Something ethereal, something that stuck to shadows, drove men crazy, stole the breath from their mouths and light from their eyes, or burned down their house while they slept.

Or pushed a person so far that their inattention and exhaustion did them in. If it was the school year, and he had to drive... But, maybe, if school was in session, he would have been able to flag down Phantom after one of his fights.

William's hands shook as he pressed buttons on his coffee machine. He needed to sleep. He couldn't sleep. Not with the ghost always, always waiting for him to relax.

He was a mess, and he didn't know what to do.

He did not save his coffee from boiling over until it was far too late to salvage. He felt sick. He needed air.

Going outside was risky. Too many accidents had dogged his steps yesterday, even accounting for his fatigue, but staying inside wasn't any better.

He stepped slowly and carefully over his salt lines and onto the porch. Fresh air hit him like a sledgehammer. The space just below the top of his head buzzed uncomfortably.

Looking to the side of his door, William noticed that his extra rowan cuttings were all gone. He shivered. He was only wearing his pajamas. This really wasn't dignified.

He was afraid to go back in.

Something across the street caught his attention. He looked up, half afraid of what he would see.

Danny Fenton.

William let his shoulders slump in a mixture of relief and intense embarrassment. What kind of a teacher was he, letting his students see him dressed like this?

What was Danny Fenton doing here, anyway?

Danny tilted his head to one side and blinked a few times. Slowly, William raised a hand in greeting. Danny seemed to take this as an invitation, because he smiled brightly, raised one of his hands, laden with a shopping bag, and crossed the street, walking right up to William's porch.

"Hi, Mr. Lancer!" he said, with an energy William hadn't felt in years. "Jazz and I are back from our college tour." Which was obvious, really. "Mom and Dad said you weren't feeling well, so I brought you some stuff." He shook the bags. "Should I just give them to you, or put them down somewhere?"

William's sleep-deprived brain was still caught on being embarrassed, but he did manage to make himself nod. He had been wishing for Danny to be here, like he was some kind of lucky charm. But... was it safe for Danny to be here?

"Safe?" asked Danny.

"Did I say that out loud?"

"Yeah," said Danny. Amusement mixed with worry in his tone. "You really must be sick. You look like you haven't slept in days."

William pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers. "Something like that," he admitted. "I'm being haunted."

Something William couldn't interpret passed over Danny's features. "Mom and Dad couldn't find it?"

"No."

"Well, maybe some of this could help. Have you tried candles? Or eyes?"

"What?"

Danny's face twisted into a wry grin. "Mom and Dad use modern methods," he said, "and I see you've been trying other things. Like salt, and the holly. But not all methods work for all ghosts." He put one foot on the steps of William's porch. "I can help you set up."

"But if the ghost comes-"

"Hey, I've dealt with ghosts before," said Danny.

William frowned. "So have I," he said. "So have your parents."

Danny shrugged. "Like I said, they prefer modern methods. They don't always work." His head tilted again. "Not all ghosts are like the Box Ghost, you know."

There was confidence, there. Quiet, yes, but... Danny wasn't confident. At least not in class, and... William felt like he was being trusted with something, almost. With a glimpse.

His head hurt.

"Alright," said William. He took a step back, towards his door. "Come on in."

.

Danny laid boxes out on the dining room table. "This is just snacks," he said, pushing one box towards William. "Keeping your energy up is important. This stuff is apotropaics, which is mostly supposed to keep ghosts away in the first place, so I don't really know if they'll work." He picked up a rock painted with a blue eye, and a pendant with the same. "It can't hurt, though." He handed the pendant to William. "So, what's this ghost like, anyway?"

Feeling dazed, William just watched Danny take candles out of the bag and stand them up on the table for a few minutes. "When I relax," he said, finally, "that's when it comes. At night, mostly. Sometimes it doesn't. And then it does. It gets hard to move. I get-" He put one hand over his chest, and pressed down. "Then things happen. The fireplace. Stuff gets all-" He moved his hand up and down. Some English teacher he was, he could barely speak. Words escaped him. "What does it even matter?"

"Different ghosts have different weaknesses," said Danny. "Like, if you were dealing with a, um, more traditional Chinese ghost, you might be able to confuse it by breaking sight lines. They only like to move in straight lines, some of them. Feng shui or whatever. Spirit mazes." He wiggled his fingers. "But you've got walls and doors and stuff, so I don't think it is one of those." He stared down at the table and the objects on it, frowning slightly.

"What do you think it is?" asked William, tiredly. "And why didn't your parents bring this up?" He had the feeling that he really should find this whole situation more suspicious than he actually did, but he'd do almost anything for sleep, at this point.

"I don't know," said Danny, shrugging. "Did you ever have sleep paralysis? Or sleep walking? Night terrors?"

"Please don't try to tell me this is sleep paralysis," said William, scrubbing his hands over his face. His jaw felt like sandpaper. "I know what that feels like."

"But you did have it."

"Yes," said William. "I used to. But it stopped."

"When?"

"When I got a new medication."

"Which was?"

"I don't know. Last March, or February."

"Right before the ghost king stole the town?"

"What are you getting at, here?" asked William.

"I think-" The windows rattled, cutting Danny off. "Oh, it doesn't like that, does it?"

William felt the weight in his chest like a stone. Couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't think-

Danny pulled on his elbow, and suddenly he could move. "We need to get out of here," he said. "Sunlight."

"What?"

"You never had sleep paralysis," said Danny, pulling William along. "You were possessed, and it wants back in."

"What?" wheezed William, and it was getting really hard to breathe. Black spots danced in his vision. He fell.

"Hey!" shouted Danny. Something like a growl rippled in the air. "Back off! You can't have him. He's mine."

Which didn't make any sense, but then, nothing made sense right now, he couldn't think except for terror.

And suddenly the missing holly branches were in Danny's chest. Danny staggered. Went down on one knee.

"Don't think you can kill me that easily, pest."

And William's vision went black.

.

William woke up in bed. In his bed. With the covers drawn up to his chin. He'd been sleeping on his back. He never sleeps on his back.

Other things are off, too. His slippers were in the wrong place. His throw rugs have been moved. A picture shifted to hide a burn mark on the wall. The dishwasher has been run. Several cups are missing.

So are all the supplies Daniel had brought him, earlier.

It was as if someone, or something, wanted to make William think that everything that had happened was just a dream, but William knew that it wasn't. There were too many discrepancies, too much evidence, and, more to the point, he remembers.

He hoped it was Danny trying to cover things up. He really did.

If it was the ghost... William didn't want to think about that.

Should he call the Fentons? He still has their number.

But he didn't know what happened. He could remember, but... it didn't make sense. It didn't make sense for the ghost to cover this up, or to let him sleep. Except-

William nearly threw up when he remembered the branch embedded in his student's chest. That was- That was awful. That couldn't have been real. He must have been hallucinating. He had passed out, right after.

He shook his head. No, this was how people convinced themselves that something was 'just a dream' in movies. That hadn't been a dream. He hadn't dreamed that whole awful, terrible thing. He hadn't dreamed he was being haunted. He wasn't going to gaslight himself.

That thought turned over for a few minutes, then he lunged for his phone.

.

This was stalking. William was stalking his student.

That sounded bad.

It was bad, honestly, but William needed to see for himself that Danny was intact, and it wasn't the school year. He couldn't just wait for Danny to stroll into the classroom, thirty minutes late.

What if the ghost has latched on to him?

But, no. Even if the Fentons hadn't found it when it was haunting William, if it was after their own son, surely they'd realize it.

William just had to see. He'd look, he'd see, he'd maybe knock on the front door if Danny insisted on staying inside all day, and-

Danny walked out of his front door and bounced down the front steps of Fentonworks. He turned and started walking up the street.

Great. Now William should go, Danny's fine, but...

William did not go. Rather, he did go, but not home.

Now he really was stalking Danny, and he was being as stealthy as possible, given that this could likely cost him his job if anyone noticed. Stealth was difficult. Danny walked surprisingly quickly. Deceptively quickly. His half-skipping gait looked slow, but it ate up the ground, and trying to keep up with it left William feeling winded.

Of course, that might just be the effect of barely sleeping for who knows how long. Who knew? Not William.

But Danny went up the street and so did William.

They had almost reached the local park, when a ghost attacked. Because of course a ghost attacked. This was Amity Park, after all. Thankfully, for William's nerves, it was a normal ghost, not like whatever had been tormenting him. He even knew this ghost's name. Skulker.

Which was less of a comfort considering that the ghost was intent on attacking Danny. Why this was the case, William didn't know.

The metal-covered ghost sent missile after missile after Danny, and Danny just. Kept. Dodging. Oftentimes, by little more than an inch.

It was terrifying.

Danny didn't look particularly scared. Which was somehow even more terrifying.

After what couldn't be more than a minute, the ghost swooped low and close, and Danny whipped something white and green from behind his back, and a blue light poured out of it, engulfing the ghost and sucking it in.

Danny continued down the street.

William went home.

.

When school started again, William watched Danny more closely. As closely as he dared. Now that he had his eyes open, it was easier to see that there was something off about Daniel. Not really wrong, per se, but not normal.

It wasn't just skipping class, although that was part of it, or the way he and his friends hold themselves aloof from the normal social hierarchy, or how there were sometimes burn marks on his homework, it was something deeper and more elusive. Something more fundamental.

Halfway through October, William realized Danny didn't move nearly as much as someone his age should. He's still. Too still.

In November William found a pattern to Danny's absences. He didn't like it, and he tried to forget. He tried to stop looking, stop watching. Tried to tell himself that it wasn't possible.

But by December, William was fairly certain: Danny was dead.

Danny was dead.

His student.

Dead.

And a ghost, on top of that.

William had no idea how to cope.

But he didn't know for sure. Didn't know that Danny was out there, day and night, fighting ghosts, so he simply... ignored it. Treated Danny like normal. Like a student. Even if he was a ghost, he still had a right to an education, didn't he? Being dead was simply... a disability, of sorts. William's training covered exceptional students and accommodations. He couldn't very well set up an IEP meeting with the Fentons to discuss how Daniel was no longer among the living and how that might affect his ability to learn, but as a classroom teacher and as vice principal, he could make things a little easier for Daniel.

None of this really settled his anxiety, but it kept it at manageable levels.

It helped that his sleep paralysis did not come back. He didn't want to think about that too closely.

But then he couldn't ignore it, because he walked in on Danny changing, peeling off his skin and burning it like flash paper, in an unused classroom, and now there was a ghost tearing up the school behind him, and a ghost tearing up and hyperventilating in front of him, and he didn't know what to do.

"Just," said William, holding up his hands, "just breathe, Danny." He had no idea if that would help, no idea if Danny even needed to breathe.

"Mr. Lancer?" asked Danny. His voice wavered beneath a supernatural echo. He blinked hard, deliberately. "You-" He inhaled raggedly. "You can't- Please don't tell anyone!"

"I-" started William, unsure if or what he should promise. Now that he knew... Did that change what he should do? As a teacher? As an adult?

He didn't know.

Something crashed behind William. Far behind William. Somewhere in the vicinity of the cafeteria, he'd guess.

Something flickered over Danny's face. "I've gotta go," he said. "Please, just, don't tell anyone."

And then he vanished.

.

The next time Danny reappeared it was in front of William's house, between two of the holly trees William had planted that summer. He was wearing a coat that was much too thin for the weather, and had a box in his hands that just screamed 'bribe,' for all that it was wrapped in Christmas-tree themed paper.

William watched him through the blinds. He wasn't sure if he should invite Danny in.

Danny was a ghost. A dangerous ghost. Arguably the most dangerous ghost in Amity Park. A ghost that beats up other ghosts on a daily basis.

Danny was also his student, and he was standing out there in the cold, looking terrified.

William walked over to the door and opened it, slowly. It creaked and the cold made his toes curl inside his socks.

"Mr. Fenton," he said, "Danny... Why don't you come in?"

[ordinaryschmuck]

Top 20 BEST Animated Series of the 2010s-4th Place

To anyone who plans on making a reboot of their favorite show in the future, you might want to take notes on this next pick. Because if you ask me, this next series that I'm going to talk about is the best example of how to do a reboot properly.

#4-Ducktales (2017-2021)

The Plot: Scrooge McDuck is the richest duck in the world, who made it big by also being one of the greatest adventurers of all time...ten years ago. Sadly, after an unfortunate accident with the family, Scrooge is forced to live the life of a normal businessman-er-duck. Up until Donald Duck asks Scrooge to watch over his nephews: Huey, Dewey, and Louie. What starts off as a single day of babysitting soon turns into a life of adventure as Scrooge gets back into the adventuring spirit to show his new family what the world really has to offer.

Now I want to make one thing clear: As of the moment of me writing this review, I have seen a total of zero episodes of the original Ducktales. That being said, despite my limited knowledge of the series, I still think it’s fair of me to point out how this is hands down the best reboot as of late (and I’ll explain more as to why that is later). And besides, from what I’ve heard from fans who have watched the original, Ducktales (2017) is a pretty faithful adaptation of the beloved franchise. The reason is that I believe this show remembers the two most important rules of making a reboot.

The first rule of a reboot is to try something new while still being faithful to the source material. Doing something like that is simple as a writer just needs to keep what the fans love and change what they hated. And trust me when I say that the writers of Ducktales (2017) knows how to do just that. For the most part, the show is about a family going on crazy globe-trotting adventures while still learning that family is the best adventure of all, much like the original. As for the characters, most of them keep their fun personalities. Scrooge is still a stingy miser with the heart for adventure, Launchpad is still the lovable idiot who can’t fly a plane, and Donald Duck still remains the one who gets stuck with all the bad luck. Then some characters have their personalities/roles revamped into something that improves upon the original. The best example is Fenton, who is still the wannabe superhero but is now a scientist in this show, wherein the old one was just Scrooge’s accountant. This way, both the hero and the man-DUCK-who’s behind the mask are equally capable of saving the day. There’s also Mrs. Beakley, who was originally a nanny that nagged Scrooge’s ear off for putting the kids in danger. In the reboot, she’s treated more as the anchor of reality to the more oddball characters, who also used to be a kick-butt super spy in her younger years. It is still the same role, but a different interpretation.

Now, some characters receive grand changes to their original personalities. But from what I’ve heard, those changes are made for the better. And there are no characters that need it more than the children. More specifically, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. This show does something that I’m eternally grateful for, and that’s giving each of these three their own distinct personalities and quirks. For years I couldn’t for the life of me tell the triplets apart. They had the same design, the same voice, the same personality, and the only difference people had to go off of are their different colors (which really didn’t do much to help). Here, they have different designs, voices, and now defining character traits for each of them. Huey is the smart and responsible boy scout, Dewey is the annoying attention seeker, and Louie is the best character in the entire show, and I WILL FREAKING FIGHT YOU ON THAT! And let us not forget the most appreciated change: Webby. From what I’ve heard, fans hated the original Webby, as she was nothing more than just the stereotypical girl of the group. Here, she’s given an actual personality and a fun one to boot. Webby is the ecstatic thrill-seeking adventurer who is skilled in combat training (thanks to her grandma) and is (of course) a socially awkward girl who wants to make friends. Like I said, this show took the idea that the fans hated and changed it into something that they’ll love. Which makes sense why the writers mastered this because they themselves are real fans of the show.

It is clear how much the writers are fans of the Ducktales franchise as they filled Ducktales (2017) with many references. And not just references to the original series but also references to the classic comics by Carl Barks and even the NES video game from the 1980s (seriously, this show will make you feel things about the “Moon Theme” you wouldn’t think was possible!). Even the show’s animation seems to be a homage to both the cartoon and comics. Not only do the characters and backgrounds have a more comic book style to them, but the characters also work on a mix of realistic and cartoony logic. And let me just say, it is refreshing to see characters in a Disney show have cartoon logic to them since Wander Over Yonder got canceled. And it’s not just Ducktales that the series reference, but even classic Disney movies (of course) and other shows in the Disney Afternoon lineup. And when it comes to these references, it’s more than just a subtle wink to the fans. The writers actually go out of their way to write a story around these beloved characters, so people who don’t get the joke won’t be one-hundred percent lost. For instance, without giving anything away, the writers found a brilliant way to reintroduce Darkwing Duck in this universe that feels right for this famous character. And if you ask me personally, these are the best ways to handle references for a reboot. Make them work within the story, even if you don’t fully get the joke.

This brings me to the second most important rule of a reboot: Make a quality product even though it is based on something else. Let us pretend that the original never existed. Would Ducktales (2017) still be as good as it is now? Personally, as a person who has never seen the original, I think it is.

This is another show that mixes slice of life episodes with adventure ones, similar to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. And just like Friendship is Magic, both are equally interesting because the characters themselves make them so. No matter what situation the Duck Family are in, the audience will care about it because the characters care about it. In fact, I think Ducktales (2017) handles the mix of slice of life and adventure much better than Friendship is Magic. In MLP: FiM, the adventure-based episodes force the characters to stick to their simple personality traits to move the story forward, and character-based ones help them grow. In Ducktales (2017), because the characters regularly go on adventures, they grow as characters no matter the situation. For example, my favorite episode is “The Great Dime Chase” where the main plot is Louie finding Scrooge’s #1 dime after accidentally spending it. While in that same episode, Dewey and Webby try to solve a mystery around the boys’ mom. We get a great lesson about the importance of hard work and a fascinating plot of an overarching mystery within the season, all taking place within the same episode. Both are interesting, neither feels as though it overshadows the other, and the characters develop along the way.

Another thing this show mixes well is comedy and drama. A lot of shows recently tried way too hard to find that perfect mix. Ducktales (2017) is one of the few examples that nails it. The comedy is hilarious, the drama is endearing, and neither feels like it’s prioritized over the other. The show starts off with this mix as well, where others that I’ve talked about seem to start off as purely comedic only to take themselves more seriously later on. That isn’t entirely a bad thing, but I feel as though Ducktales (2017) is the best way to go about the method. That way, fans won’t be complaining about how much “better” the show used to be in its first batch of episodes, much like Star V.S. the Forces of Evil.

Unfortunately, while I recommend this show, it’s not without its fair share of issues. Or rather, issue, as there really is only one problem I have with it. And that problem can be summed up with one name: Dewey Duck. For the most part, I dislike Dewy. Because he’s nothing more than a Ben Schwarts character. No disrespect to Ben Schwarts himself, but lately, it feels as though he only plays the one character from time to time: The egotistical attention seeker slowly and surely learning to be a better person who realizes that not everything is about him. That’s the character he plays in both Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), and it’s the character he plays here. And the thing about these characters is that they’re not as lovable as Ben Schwarts thinks they sound. In fact (and, again, I mean no disrespect to the actor. I’m sure he’s a lovely person in real life), every single one of these characters comes off as kind of annoying rather than as the lovable rapscallions I’m sure they’re meant to be. However, there is one thing worth mentioning about Dewey. While he’s portrayed as annoying when used for comedy, Dewey is surprisingly a compelling character when used for drama. The thing is, he’s rarely used for dramatic moments and is meant as a source of comedy. Hence why I said I disliked him for the most part.

Other than that, there aren’t really that many problems with the show. Well, there are, but they’re mostly nitpicks that the series more than makes up for. Is it weird that the kids are voiced by adults? Yes, but the actors do a great job at being sincere and have great comedic timing than any kid could have. Are there changes to characters that fans might not enjoy? Probably, but I have yet to have seen anyone that has annoyed me as much as Dewey has. Are the villains just evil for the sake of being evil? Yes, but that’s not really a big deal. In fact, a villain doesn’t need a heartbreaking backstory as to why they’ve become so evil. They just need to have a great personality that’s fun to watch, which every villain in the show has (aside from season two’s antagonist who’s basically a Disney surprise villain. And I hate them with a fiery passion). Does it feel as though the show suffers from “too many characters” syndrome? It sometimes does, but each character has such a fun and unique personality that I find it hard to forget most of them.

So really, Ducktales (2017) is the best reboot in recent memory. This is crazy, seeing as how lately it feels as though Disney doesn’t even know how to properly reboot their own movies to save their lives. This is why I feel as though people should take notes on what Ducktales (2017) does if they ever feel like rebooting something they loved as a kid. Because this is more than just a retelling of the same story that people know by heart. This is a fantastic show with even better characters, stories, and tone. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning, or a part of the new generation of viewers, odds are you’ll be screaming Whoo-Ooo with every episode.

(Also, a word of warning to those who haven’t watched the show yet: Beware the theme song. Trust me when I say it’ll be stuck in your head until the day you die)

[threewaysdivided]

I saw your conversation about Sam Manson. I was talking to Imekitty about this, but I’ve noticed a few things that (sort of) make Sam’s relationship with her parents seem more like teen-drama than actual hardship. If you look closely, she’s got a lot in common with them: outspoken political-activism, possible shared-interest in vintage clothes, and no shame in saying they don’t like certain people. Also, after the Fentons, they were the first to volunteer to use the Ecto-Skeleton, risks and all.

(In reference to this post.)

It’s been a little while since I rewatched DP so I’m not well-placed to do a detail-analysis implication-breakdown right now, but yeah - that fits with the overall impression I remember getting.  To me they came across as being sort of old fashioned set-in-their-ways conservative and snooty, and maybe a bit too Pleasantville -  but more often in the way of parents who do genuinely want good things for her and to be able to be proud of her despite not really understanding her interests, choices or friends and being very bad at expressing it.  Plus she seems to have her grandmother fully in her corner a lot of the time.

I really wish that the writers had committed to one or the other; either making it clear that Sam’s martyr/ persecution complex is mostly just regular self-inflicted teen-drama BS and giving her an arc addressing it, OR fleshing out the idea that she faces a lot of judgement/ pressure/ control/ nonacceptance in her home life and that her negative traits are a bi-product of defensive/ coping mechanisms resulting from that strained dynamic, rather treating things with Roger Rabbit Rules.  

(Which isn’t to say that a person can’t have similar interests/ personality traits to, and positive interactions with, their parents while still having a strained, broken or even abusive relationship with them on a deeper level, but the show never really goes hard enough in either direction to make it work.)

As mentioned the last post, this is kind of a consistent pattern across DP - the writers tend go with the low-effort first answer for whatever is Funny or Awesome or Convenient in the moment rather than putting in the work to find a solution that’s consistent with the characterisation, themes and world-lore overall.  There’s enough internal contradiction in the show that I don’t think it’s actually possible to take every canon detail as canon without fundamentally breaking things.  And in some ways that’s kind of cool; it makes the series more open to interpretation, and trying to distinguish authorial intent from authorial incompetence and come up with theories that account for as many pieces of canon as possible is really satisfying.  But, you know, it’s also kind of bad writing in general.

I think the thing that bothers me about Sam’s characterisation in particular is that - where it tends to be more obviously out-of-character when it shows up in other places - there’s a pattern to the inconsistency with how the writers handle Sam:

Throughout the series there’s a double standard in how Sam sees herself/ seems to expects others to act, compared to her own behaviour:

Despite being pro-pacifism she’s okay with smacking Tucker and encouraging Danny to destroy the trucks she doesn’t like

Sam values self-expression and is a feminist, but derides other girls for wanting to express themselves in a conventionally feminine way

Sam doesn’t like being forced to conform to others’ values but is okay with forcing others to conform to hers

Despite being anti-consumerist she shows very little discomfort at, or awareness of, her lavish home life and material belongings

She encourages Danny to take the moral high ground towards his bullies but has no problem antagonising and getting into petty verbal spats with Paulina herself

Sam stalks Danny and his love interest out of jealousy/ protectiveness but threatens to end their friendship when he does the same

In Mystery Meat, when Danny tries to express his discomfort/ anxiety, Sam hijacks the conversation to complain about her own parents instead of listening.

In One of a Kind Sam photographs Danny and Tucker hugging in their sleep, without their knowledge, with the stated intent of putting it in the yearbook, then uses it to blackmail them into silence. 

Side note: this joke is also tacky on a meta-level because it boils down to “male intimacy ha ha toxic masculinity no homo amiright?“ Would have been nice if show didn’t use low-key sexist humour as much as it did.

Instead of expressing that she’s hurt by Danny’s “pretty girls” comment in Parental Bonding, Sam retaliates by pushing him to ask Paulina out - a move she knows will most likely result in him getting publicly shut down and humiliated.

Then, after getting the result she wanted, she comes over to gloat and insults Paulina, rather than dropping it now that her point’s been made, which is what ultimately sets off the episode’s subplot.

In Memory Blank Sam permanently physically alters Phantom’s appearance to better suit her tastes while he’s not in a position to understand or give informed consent, then lies when Danny notices and asks about it later.

To be clear this definitely isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of her character and it’s not there 100% of the time - there are plenty of moments when she is loyal and generous and helpful and sincerely kind and where her stubbornness comes in handy.  But it’s the aggregate pattern of all these small instances that drives a crack through the foundation of her character integrity; producing this insidious undercurrent alternate-reading of Sam as someone who, at a deep level, just doesn’t respect or recognise that the emotional needs, pains, opinions, autonomy and boundaries of others are as real and valid as her own, and who responds to criticism with passive-aggressive hostility.

Again, I think that’s why people are so quick to point out that line from Phantom Planet, even though we all know the episode was a complete mess.  None of the examples above are particularly bad in isolation - you can’t really point at any one of them and say “oh no, bad girl” without sounding like you’re making a mountain out of molehill and irrationally hating on her just to hate on her.  It’s an uncomfortable slowburn pattern of subtle micro-transgressions that accumulates across the series - a “you might not notice it but your brain did”.  And it makes sense that it would be the worst-written episode that amplifies and brings that regular bad-writing undercurrent close enough to the surface for people to consciously recognise and use it to articulate those frustrations.

To wit: Not because it’s most telling of her character but because it’s most telling of the specific bad writing that regularly hurts her character. 

And again, from a storytelling point of view, it’s okay for Sam to have flaws.  She’s a teenager!  She’s learning.  She’s allowed to be egocentric and self-important and do things that aren’t the best at times.  It’s okay if these are her character weaknesses and a source of conflict with the rest of the cast.  But again, for that to be satisfying something really should have come of it.  It would have been nice if the writers were willing to have any self-awareness about these flaws being flaws that a person should recognise and grow past in order to have healthy relationships with others.  But they didn’t - because it’s easier to keep her as she is - to the point that they’ll actively bend the narrative to roll back or skip over moments that would have necessitated that growth.  So, even though they call attention to her flaws, the writers end up rewarding and enabling them instead of letting her learn.

And again, this isn’t meant to hate on Sam.  Hanlon’s Razor in full effect: it’s clearly a result of authorial/editorial incompetence rather than deliberate malice.  I know this isn’t the intended interpretation.

My preferred reading of Sam Manson is that she’s a Rosa Hubermann/ Hermione Granger/ YJS1 Artemis Crock-type character.  Someone who’s passionate and forceful and maybe a bit abrasive and hard to love at a glance, but whose core nature is compassionate and sincerely kind and loyal-to-the-death for the people they value.  I wish I could 100% like her without caveats; to be able to say that even if I don’t agree with her flaws I can at least understand that they’re a valid product of the life she lives, that they make her who she is and that she’s trying her best to be a good person who will get better despite them.  

But I can’t because the writers don’t give her that.  They’re always prioritising other things over the integrity of her character.  They don’t give her background enough time and context to make her negative traits feel resonant with it (because that would take time away from the Wicked Cool Radical Ghost-Fighting Superhero Action™) and the framing and plotting doesn’t give her chances to recognise or grow past them (because that would mean character development and those negative traits are an easy source of cheap conflict).  The writers just don’t seem to care all that much about Sam - her actual character, who she is, how she came to be that way, what she wants or how her negative traits would actually play against Danny and the others.

And that sucks.  Because she has a lot of potential to be a well-rounded and great character.  I’ve seen plenty of fics that seize that potential and roll with those gaps and the result is very good.  I wish I could like her canon depiction without feeling like I have to actively ignore a bunch of latent behavioural red flags as the price of entry.

She deserved better.

[tkdoodles77ver2]

Had a bit of a sh*t week so I drew some self-indulgent crossover nonsense to make myself feel better. Haunted Ties related content will resume  after Tuesday.

I should have had this posted like 2 days ago, but then i started to write out the context for it and well... it kinda took on a life of its own.

If you see anything in this at conflicts with canon, it's cause I based it off my own interpretations +headcanons, and well this is obviously au to begin with so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Also you can pry sympathetic Loki out of my cold dead fingers

story under the cut

Clockwork sighed. Perhaps he was making this harder on himself than it truly was. He was the master of all time, surely the answers he sought were somewhere within the endless possibilities of time. And yet no matter how many timelines he studied; he could not find the solution to this problem.

Or problems as it were.

Danny Phantom and Loki Odinson, two powerful children caught up in the tangled web of cause and effect. To the point that though they never met their fates were bound together. And like a knot made of a thousand strands, separating the two’s fates seemed impossible. Both were doomed if no action was taken to right the timeline. But Clockwork did not know what action to take.

To save one was to damn the other. And to damn one was to damn all of the nine realms.

It was endlessly frustrating. Both boys had such great potential for good. They should be fated lead their realms to prosperity and peace. But instead the circumstances of their lives seemed designed to kill that potential in its cradle. To take all the good in their hearts and twist it into hatred and malice. To force both down a road counter to their very natures.

If they were not simply killed that is.

So many timelines where Phantom became the very villain he once feared. So many timelines where Loki fell into his own broken madness and attack those whom he most loved. So many timelines where the earth and the other realms were destroyed. So many timelines where both children were killed before a great disaster that they could have helped prevent.

Clockwork needed to find a peaceful timeline for the future to follow, preferably before the Observants took notice of the problem. Fore they would tie Clockwork’s hands while they debated endlessly on what to do. And then no action would ever be taken to fix the timeline. Just as it had been with Hella and Asgard once before.

Clockwork would not make that mistake a second time. The two boys did not deserved it.

Not Loki and his wish to learn all he could of magic, his clever wit that cut like a knife to the heart of a problem, his simple desire for acceptance.

Not Phantom with his love for the stars, his endless curiosity, his selfless drive to protect others no matter what wrongs they had done to him.

But Asgard belittled Loki’s magic; for it was seen as the domain of cowards and woman, not an honorable tool for a warrior. So Loki’s wit became like a weapon uses as a defense against the hurtful words of others. And as every effort he made to gain acceptance from those around him failed he would grow cold and distant. Closed off and unreachable by all.

Phantom’s dream of flying among the stars would fade as the reality of his situation slowly dawned on him. His curiosity would turn to suspicion as every new encounter earned him another enemy. And in the end the scorn and hatred of those he protected would wear away his selfless nature.

Such futures could not be allowed to happen.

And if Clockwork were being frank, Phantom and Loki's situations were quite similar. One would not see it at first glance, but Clockwork had been giving the problem far more than a single glance. Millions actually, but who was counting? To sum it up in a single word, neglect. Both Phantom and Loki were severely lacking in what humans would call “key factors”. The sort of things that a child could not get on their own, but had to be given by others.

Loki had most anything thing he wished for at his finger tips, he know what was expected of him, and he grew up safe and protected within Asgard’s halls. But he did not have the love or support that all children crave.

Odin was cold and distant, all could see he clearly favored Thor over Loki. And while Thor did care for his brother, he was quite insensitive at times like children often are. Frigga truly loved her son, but she could not give him the help he needed without angering Odin.

Loki was aware of Asgard’s standards for its princes, but he could not live up to them. He could not fit the mold that his brother seemingly embodied. That he was scorned for something beyond his control was quite unfair.

And while Asgard’s palace was perhaps the safest place in all of the nine realms, Odin’s confinement of him to it unless he was accompanied by another meant that Loki could not find acceptance amongst those outside of Asgard’s influence.

Phantom on the other hand had parents that were warm and loving if a bit oblivious, his older sister perhaps too understanding, and friends that accepted him for who and what he was.

The problems came from other factors. Like the Fenton’s home, it was in all honesty a death trap. A wonder that boy's accident didn’t happen much sooner.

The Fenton’s had no clear exceptions for their children futures, simply hoping that they grow up happy. A tactic that works for some, but not Phantom. With no help on how to find his own purpose in life, it was of little surprise that he would latch on so tightly to stopping other ghosts from causing harm to the living. He saw it as his mistake, and his job to fix it.

And of course the things Phantom wanted could not be gained by throwing money at them. The recognition and praise of his peers could not be bought. Nor could the acknowledgment of his sacrifices to defend his home.

The core problem for both boys was the same, even if their situations were complete different. It was opposite sides of a coin. Each having an abundance of what the other lacked. Even their personalities seemed to follow the same pattern. Different but yet also complimentary, possessing traits that would balance the other out.

Loki was meticulous and thoughtful, always looking before he leaped. While Phantom dove in head first without any sort of planning. But Phantom's first thought was always for the well being of others, and never for his own needs. And Loki would not action unless it was beneficial to someone, or furthered some goal. Not to mention both were chaotic and loved mischief.

They would work well together.

But was the solution he had been searching for really so simple? Did the two merely need to cross paths? Would their meeting even affect anything?

Looking Clockwork could see that there were a handful of timelines were Loki and Phantom would meet. However when they did, it was always too late. One or both of them were already beyond help. They would have to meet far early than normaly possible for any difference to be made.

That was little problem for Clockwork though. He was the master of all time after all, a small interference as all it would take to speed up the two’s meeting.

Of course the Observants would not permit such an action. It would be too great a risk in their eyes. But they were still unaware of the looming danger. And If they were unaware of the problem now, then they would continue to be unaware after Clockwork fixed said problem.

What the Observants did not know, could not hurt them. And it could only help Phantom and Loki.

Now to see what sort of futures would come about if he caused the two to meet as children.

Yes. The resulting timelines were much better. None of the nine realms seemed likely to collapse. No great disasters appeared to destroy half of all life, and everything seemed peaceful.

All Clockwork had to do was choose which timeline was the best for all involved. An easy task. Finally.

And… Yes. That one. That one looked promising.

Clockwork had been making things harder than they truly were. He had solved two problems for the price of one. And all it would cost was a well placed portal and two time medallions. A fair trade for saving the future if Clockwork was being honest.

~end~ Ps. I haven't tried to write anything with character voices or flowery prose since high school so I'm sorry if it was painful to read

[fortheheavenssake]

PG MM Anon Interpretation Collection - 16

💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻PG INTERPRETATION OF MM ANON🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜

101: Oct 29

MM ANON ……🎼” I think I’m turning Japanese “🎼…… japmeg?……… Mike&Harry cheer a win. …… “ Mike gets on with everyone old thing”……… “ bloody whingeing” …“ the balcony’s a problem Philip” …… “The sooner the better”……… “ Harry, we have a problem”!!…… “ A distraction would be useful”…… “ Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness”…… no Wig-gle

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻THANK YOU DEAR MM ANOM🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

I just had my flushot guys, l had them do it in my left arm so my right one would be hopefully good. It’s so awesome that our Public Health Nurses come and do them in the home for individuals like me! I am truly great full.

October 29/2019 1400 hrs CST

🎼” I think I’m turning Japanese “🎼 japmeg?

The Vapors song, Turning Japanese, the song lyrics are all about a couple, one has gone away and the other is obsessed with their photo to the photo they wish a doctor to take a picture of their loved one from the inside so they can see inside them as well. This reminds me of all the research done on Prince Harry to manipulate him. The chorus turning Japanese, to me , makes no sense. However, when asked, here is their explanation, that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: “Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn’t expect to.“From VH-1 Special l know neither madam nor Harry love each other. This is a dysfunctional song about a dysfunctional relationship and the World Rugby Cup taking place in Japan. We Know Harry is going, oh my, is madam going to try and crash this???😘😫😫😫😫😩😩😩

Japmeg?

In addition to my other cheeky comments on this name there are a lot of references to this online. Near as l can figure out its some kind of music and or musician but definitely NOT madam! Is she going to just show up, gate crasher or demand to go to Japan with Harry?

Mike&Harry cheer a win. “ Mike gets on with everyone old thing”

We know Mike and Zara Tindall are already in Japan , Harry s cousin and her husband. Mike used to play rugby, perhaps you noticed the shape of his nose? It’s either a hockey 🏒 nose or a rugby 🏉 nose 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂. They are going, l assume , to enjoy the finals game with Harry, as Harry is also headed off to 🇯🇵 Japan for it! Should be awesome for them. As long as japmeg robot does not gate crasher, to use her favourite word!! Mike Tindall is so congenial, in case madam does show up, he will distract her and talk over her. If nothing else, his size, if he is sat between them 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂☺️🤣.

“ bloody whingeing”

Non-stop requests, demands, shows put on, complaining how tough her life is. The unmitigated gall, to film a poor me, nobody asks how l am, when hours, days , places she has just visited been many rapes and murders, people struggle to eel out growth and an existence. If you believe NOTHING OF THE PLOT , surely upon seeing this, you must say, how insular and narcissistic is she. If you do not, then l have pity for you and call you sugar.

“ the balcony’s a problem Philip”

If perchance, madam stays in the UK and attends Remembrance Services,there is a balcony appearance, HMTQ, is talking with PP on how best deal with this. I think her being so shut out at TTC she wouldn’t want near that balcony ever again, but this is a woman with no shame out to revenge and spoil every event!

“The sooner the better”

Awaiting details on Brexit and having those issues put to bed cannot come fast enough, the sooner the better! Once the country is secure, l truly believe HMTQ as she has always done, has put the people’s needs first. Then she will be freed up to press the buzzer on madam!

“ Harry, we have a problem”!!

I wonder if this is LG or someone else telling him that madam has made a scene and is insisting upon going to Japan with him. I can only imagine how furious Harry would be! Good thing Zara and Mike will be there. No solo trip , time away, she again forces herself into something he enjoys and does everything in her power to ruin everything for him.

“ A distraction would be useful”

Who needs a distraction, HARRY DOES, FROM MADAM!! Reading the previous clues, it’s sounding like she is headed for Japan as well, l hope l am completely 100% wrong on this riddle! But Harry does need a distraction, sounds like plans for a Japan to be it have soiled, but hopefully they can get something planned for him! Without her finding out!!!!

“ Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness”

How well l know this phrase, permit me, the entire is so beautiful ,

Wear out Thy youth with shapeless idleness,But since thou lovest, love still and thrive therein, Even as I would when I to love begin. … Upon some book I love I’ll pray for thee. This is from the Bards , (Shakespeare) The Two Gentlemen of Verona, a much rarer choice MM ANON 👏. We wear out the health, time , love, when we are young, so much time wasted. I am melancholy with the years of lives madam has wasted, for our royal family, and everyone she has encountered, especially our Harry. But one can only thrive in true genuine love, not in lust, manipulated marriage, there has been no thriving for Harry, his family, none of us who care at all.

no Wig-gle

Madam always sports a wig, they vary in colour, shape, size, style and length. The mother of all wigs, meaning a whopper of one, she wore to the OYW opening, in the purple feauxmegnancy maternity dress. That wig was as though she was hiding inside it and l think she meant to, not knowing what her reception would be. I think we have YET to her her without her wearing a wig, or walking without her sassy wiggle, although sometimes she greatly exaggerates it.

My first thought when l read this was The Wiggles, hugely popular with the very young set, like Prince Louis’ age, costumes, music etc etc all very colourful and fun! They have been around forever, they have changed members, etc but air on. Tv channels and tour for live appearances. I don’t know if this is any of what you meant MM ANON but it took me back for some nice memories

Another possible is no wiggle room, meaning something is so tight , needs to be done perfectly at the perfect time to succeed. This is true, why l believe HMTQ has put the brakes on dealing fully with madam.

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

October 29/2019 1500 hrs CST

Thank you dear PG…..yes, Mike was a rugby player….he had his nose repaired…he is looking good…it’s going to be interesting…when is the article coming about her going to Japan? 3-2-1….much appreciated PG!😊💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Ask Skippy submission

——————

102: Oct 30

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻PG INTERPRETATION OF MM ANON #102 🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

MM Anon

MM ANON … 🎼”Saturday,Saturday,”🎼……” At the going down of the sun”……… ( Charity’s play shorts/long)…… SS Hedge it. ……… inside, deal or no deal…… 🎼”it’s quarter to three”🎼……… “EXISTING!! ‘boy is she f****living”…… “ “strip away the tears ‘and you have a heart of granite,ma’am”……… “ ones listening Mr Bond”…… “ Listen dip$h!t PR is everything!! EVERYTHING!!…… silent movie.

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻THANK YOU DEAR MM ANON🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

This is riddle interpretation number 102 for me, l celebrated the 100th riddle interpretation onOctober 28/2019 !

October 30/2019 1250 hrs CST

🎼”Saturday,Saturday,”🎼

This takes me away back! Saturday nights all right for fighting by Sir Elton John. I recently read he had to cancel some appearances, l do hope he recovers. This song is about, as young adults, the ultimate night of the week! Going out, drinking, dancing, fights of all sorts exacerbated by alcohol and other substances. The Rugby World Cup is this Saturday in Japan, check your time zone for match time! England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 is matched South Africa 🇿🇦. Zara and Mike Tindall, HES a rugby veteran, Peter Phillips, her brother and Prince Harry are all due to attend! Great fun! In yesterday’s riddle there were hints, l hate to say this but l fear this clue is telling us of not the drunken weekend game type of fistfight, but her gate crashing and forcing herself into the mix, totally again destroying anything Harry finds join in. I pray l am wrong!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

At the going down of the sun”

This is a line from the classic work , “For The Fallen” by Laurence Binyon. This is so often read during and around Remembrance Day, in the U.K. and the various services. It is on Remembrance Sunday, November 10/2019 🇬🇧 There is of course “In Flanders Field” also by John McRae, here in Canada . We are all called to remember the fallen and the veterans and their loved ones, Remembrance Day in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 11/2019.

We all signify our remembering by wearing the poppy put out by the legion. My father, who had trained for the medical corps during WWII saiid, the poppies often are lost, they slip off the coat easily, you look down and oh, my poppies gone. He used to say, that’s in remembering how quickly soldiers lost their mates , they were together fighting and in a moment they look and their fellow soldier was dead or mortally wounded. I implore each of you to take time out in Remembrance of what was given for all of our freedoms we take so incredibly for granted.

( Charity’s play shorts/long)

At this time of year, very common in Scotland and l am certain the U.K. as a whole, are pantos. Pantomime stage programs

This link is extremely helpful. https://www.tripsavvy.com/what-is-pantomime-or-panto-1661664

I remember one of the times l was in Scotland, there were signs everywhere for ceilidhs and pantos. I have had the pleasure of being at several of each. Ceilidhs , for those who don’t know is pronounced Kay-Lee, is wonderful dances with live authentic music, the Canadian Reel and many other group dances are soooo funny. At Balmoral they have the Ghilly’s ball. So much fun, of course l was NOT at that ceilidh😫😫😩😩. I do know, the pantos did raise money for charity.

Alas l truly believe MM ANON is referring more to the games the Sussex Foundation aka ‘charity’ is allegedly playing. Foundations as with any company, or person even has short term plans and long term plans. The short term of the foundation is to set it up, set a board of directors and be allegedly proper. The long term game, is ,only, money, money,money allegedly etc etc etc! This is where the financial law enforcements and forensic accountants can come in, if anything untoward occurs. They can check and any good forensic accountant worth their salt, can tell quite quickly that something is very off!

SS Hedge it.

Hedge can be funds to invest in, if you’re lucky, you can make scads of money. This is madams PR firm, Sunshine Sachs, such an oxymoron, I see the ☀️, beautiful, and PR in this case is NOT!

You can hedge your bets, it means you try something and there is more likely to be successful than not. So they are using PR because more likely than not it’s going to be effective!

inside, deal or no deal

Madam was a suitcase girl on the American, hosted by Canadian Howie Mendel, game show. I don’t know what her suitcase number was or if they switched them around. I do know, the ladies were dressed so slutty! Inside deal, like insider trading means you have access or come upon information that should have been kept confidential, and you use it to your favour. I am sure madam learned some pillow talk initially on the booty call. However, this makes me think, someone has sold her out and made a deal with LG or whichever part of his team is applicable.

There is an interview of a woman who arranged for the girls to be a golf caddy for charity. They were asking her about madam, she was talking very fast but she DEFINITELY said madam was a mother!

🎼”it’s quarter to three”🎼

This is Ol Blue Eyes, Mr Frank Sinatra, One For My Baby and One More For The Road. A fellow drinking his sorrows, past ladt call, the bar is empty but he’s still drinking telling his woe to the bartender. He has found himself a wordsmith, telling his tale and wanting the night not to but eventually will come to a close. This is a massive metaphor for a chapter in life closing and a new chapter, or perhaps even a new 📚, Opening!!! I hope and pray, Harry has sought comfort with his family, drinks with his mates, drinking to the end of this chapel of horrors and welcoming the new!! 🍻 Cheers Harry, all the best for 2020 untethered by this evil🙏🏻🙏🏻.

“EXISTING!! ‘boy is she f****living”

Oh yes, back to the poor me ITV video, waxing non-poetic🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂 done by madam. She has received sympathy from the most bizarre places. The letter from Female MP’S of Parliament yesterday on the surface was shocking! LG you are f*******brilliant!! You’re so many steps ahead of her and she still thinks she in the win. ESPECIALLY, yesterday, after that unsigned, list of names was sent to Clarence House😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣, she was a cock on a walk preening her feathers, l have NO DOUBT! To have the gall to compare her life to exist and poor me, whilst standing on African soil, boggles the mind! Again,l say to those who don’t believe in a plot, just think, if HMTQ had done that? Imagine ANY OTHER SENIOR ROYAL!!!

She’s lining high on the hog, as farmers say, not lost for hobbies, fashion etc etc.

“strip away the tears ‘and you have a heart of granite,ma’am”

LG describing, what HMTQ already know, but just commenting on the heart of stone madam has. To have a heart of stone, means it’s cold, unfeeling, doesn’t work right as in the emotional function of the heart. She is the most well back narcissist, this is very very serious and has been for quite some time! She has cold eyes, cold heart, she is evil manifest.

“ ones listening Mr Bond”

Angela Kelly, HMTQ dresser and shoe worker inner😂😂🤣, has written a book, out today, l want it! She obviously has the approval of HMTQ and the book contains lovely information , is being serialized in the UK Hello, l hope the Canadian Hello has some! I LOVED LOVED LOVED, HMTQ appearance in the 2012 Olympic video with Daniel Craig as 007. This story is told in the book. I so wish l had it right now! HMTQ ROCKS!!!

I wonder if she, knowing has a cheeky sense of humour, has greeted LG in this fashion!! I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall! Not for secret information, but watching their interactions!

everything!! EVERYTHING!! PR is everything!! EVERYTHING!!

Madam is speaking to one of her many PR people. No proper manners, respectful treatment, nothing NOTHING matters to EXCEPT ATTENTION AND DESTROYING HARRY AND HIS FAMILY! Her backers intention is to breakdown HMTQ and the Monarchy! So PR PR PR LIES LIES LIES LIES 🤥 🤥 🤥!! There used to be an old saying, any press is good press as long as they spell your name right! The inherent narcissist that she is sweetly plays with the 3vil agenda because SHE WILL NOT 🛑 ✋ STOP! SHE WILL NEVER STOP WITH THE LIES! My favourite today, was Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, given her supportive words to get through these hard press lies and attacks, that NEVER HAPPENED! BP made it clear, all issues with family are private! The press has only been telling a small part of the truth, they have lots more but have been holding back, l haven’t heard of any formal embargo. She and her team have been the ones constantly printing lies lies lies! Remember, if her name is first, ITS HER PR! If it’s about family private issues, ITS HER PR!

silent movie.

Sex video, no audio, many of them. Case closed! We know they exist, l have never and would never watch the filth l have been told exists in her past deeds. No kooky piano playing in the movie theatre as the classic silent films of days gone by.

October 30/2019 1410 hrs CST

Thank you dear PG! I love seeing your personality shining through…adds so much! Much appreciated…..102! 😊💜💜💜💜💜💜

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103: Oct 31

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻👻👻🎃PG INTERPRETATION OF MM ANON🎃👻👻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

MM Anon

MM ANON ……… RS Halloween ……… a balcony too far…… 🎼72 green bottles walking through the Halls”🎼…… lobbing a constitutional embarrassment …… “What!!! colonial racism , bloody stupid tart”………… “ it’s the popular consensus Ma’am”…… “ and I thought Di was a manipulator “…… “Where IS she living Philip”?……” I’m coming, and that’s that!!”…… “ O $h!t, Harry’s just txt me”…… 👻👹🦄🦎👶🧣🧣🤫

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻THANK YOU MY DEAR MM ANON🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

👻 🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃👻

October 31/2019 1415 hrs CST RIDDLE NUMBER 103

RS Halloween

Is this Runescape Halloween?? Online gaming?? l know zillions play online games. Is there a contest between some of the adult royals? I think that would be so fun! Is there a Royal Society of Halloween 🎃?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣👻👻👻🎃🎃🎃 l am going to stick with William and Catherine madly having fun gaming when the wee ones are in bed. Fun times, great distraction from all the stress!!!

a balcony too far

The issue of the royal balcony, historically, they have been fabulous and everyone took their place as their royal status dictated. There was never ever a jostle for power in something so visual in my recollection. TTC balcony was so incredibly obvious that HMTQ had her back, front, side, all around her she was guarded from any contact with madam. Harry put her in her place by twice telling her to turn around as she tried to yammer at him whilst God Save The Queen, was being played. I still am furious how she slapped Harry’s leg in the carriage. So now we have upcoming Remembrance Sunday and other services, will she attend? Spoil things? Try to spoil things? Dress incredibly inappropriately? If she does indeed attend, will she be on the balcony? I read last night that the Royal family have united and will let her stand alone on the balcony like some autocratic leader soaking up attention from the crowd. Now that would never happen, HMTQ is far too reverent for that. There will be a real show if madam attends and is on the balcony. I await and see what the coming days will bring. I soooooo want to wake up one day, open my iPad to headlines filled with justice and details of filth let loose by all the media!!

🎼72 green bottles walking through the Halls”🎼

Is this the equivalent of 99 bottles of beer on the wall, and you sing it 98 more times until you get to the last bottle. My mum did not like the alcohol reference, we sang coke or Pepsi, love my mum, miss her madly💜💜💜💜😢💜💜💜💜. Sounds like madam is up to her hobbies big time. Rumours rampant, though nothing official from BP, that the split has already happened between madam and “H”🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂, titles stripped and cash flow tap turned off. Believe what you will. Time will tell. I await a brief from BP.

lobbing a constitutional embarrassment

Lobbing, let’s review the meaning wiki , 1 : to let hang heavily : droop. 2 : to throw, hit, or propel easily or in a high arc. 3 : to direct (something such as a question or comment) so as to elicit a response. I think the last definition applies. The letter from 72 female members of Parliament sent a letter of solidarity to madam, sent to Clarence House, even though the Sussexes offices are at BP. The letter states “ Stories and headlines had sometimes “sought to cast aspersions about your character, without any good reason as far AS WE CAN SEE” the letter added “Even more concerning still, we are calling out what can only be described. as outdated, colonial undertones to some of these stories,“ the MPs continued, adding that this could not “be allowed to go unchallenged.”

Why? Names listed, no signatures, not even their electronic signatures. At whose behest was this done? LG brilliantly moving the chess pieces, always a few steps ahead of madam et al, et al means and others. I just realized l use et al, a lot and never explained to those who may not know the Latin. Or is this yet another attack on HMTQ and the a Monarchy? So many questions, everyone furious and stressed to the maximum, between Brexit, politics in the U.K. and the massively hated madams behaviour!

“What!!! colonial racism , bloody stupid tart”

Prince Philip is NOT amused by Holly Lynch, Labour Party MP taking the p*** out of HMTQ by sending that letter to Clarence House. It seems the is the head or charge of it as madam chose allegedly, to ring her from BP to thank her for all the support! Again l am taken back to when Sally Field won the Academy Award, onstage accepting her award, childlike crying voice”THEY LOVE ME, THEY REALLY LOVE ME” flipping narcissist that madam is. Pathetic and hilarious 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣😂😂. She thinks she has one up on the Crown 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣.

“ it’s the popular consensus Ma’am”

EVERYONE HATES MADAM!!! The polite British demeanour has not been pushed to the point of throwing rotten eggs 🥚 or tomatoes 🍅 YET! LG is telling HMTQ, the public general consensus or wishes are for madam to go! Titles stripped, money cut off and sent home!!! Justice will take its part in the future.

“ and I thought Di was a manipulator ““Where IS she living Philip”?

HMTQ and PP chatting, l picture them in lovely relaxed evening clothes, fire roaring, 🔥cocktails 🍸 ,📺 tv on and chatting. PP commenting his opinion about Diana, the People’s Princess . Then HMTQ is voicing what we ALL WANT TO KNOW!!!! Where has that hideous woman, who by the way comes with her own Halloween costumes daily with her sartorial(fashion) 👻 🎃 choices and the many, many faces she makes, pushing up her fake teeth 🦷 ,many many different wigs she wears, and occasionally as st OYW evening event, the wig wore her,😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣, clothing that never fit right and cost a fortune. Where does she live?? We KNOW FROGMORE COTTAGE has never be lived in by her or Harry. I would, as l have said several times, l would love to be a fly on the wall to their conversations! God bless you both🙏🏻.

” I’m coming, and that’s that!!”

Well la de frickin dah Rachel. She’s emboldened by the support from the whole British Parliament, in her narcissistic mind and she is coming to the Remembrance Services and I AM A ROYAL BUT I AM YOUR SISTER TOO🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮, demanding her place on the balcony as her public awaits, handkerchief in hand, wiping fake tears, again “THEY LOv E ME, THEY REALLY LOVE ME, THEY ARE ALL HERE TO SEE ME ME ME ME ME”🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤥🤥🤥🤣🤣🤣She has told LG in no uncertain terms SHE WILL BE THERE!!!

“ O $h!t, Harry’s just txt me”

Someone has just received a text from Harry and is surprised, but not on a good way to receive the text. Who would this be? His family would all be glad as would his mates. I can only conclude it’s madam, but why would Harry text her? Harry is in Japan having an awesome time with the Tindalls, cousins and cousin Peter and likely others at the Rugby World Cup finals. Did Harry drunk text her?? Sorry, this clue l cannot firmly say l think it’s…. hmmmm. Is it William, is Harry having panic or PTSD issues in Japan? I pray it’s nothing like that!! I can say for certain, the text and it’s contents were of concern and surprise by the recipient of the text.

👻👹🦄🦎👶🧣🧣🤫

The beautiful,awesome,beloved Cambridge family and their Halloween costumes. Catherine as a ghost, William as monster, Prince George as a lizard, Princess Charlotte as her favourite unicorn, baby Louis l can’t see a costume for him. The adults will have an adult Halloween 🎃 party after the little ones are in bed. They are keeping it private judging by the shushing emoji

and two scarfs😄😄😄😄🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂 keeping the scarfing tradition alive and well, madam will NOT be invited or even aware!! I hope they post photos of the costumes but it’s private family fun!

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

October 32/2019 1535 hrs CST

Wonderful! Thank you dear PG….you are such fun! Looks interesting. Much appreciated!😊💜💜💜💜💜💜💜👻

—————

104: Nov. 1

MM ANON … She Telegraphed it !!…… mechanically damaged 🤣🤣🤣……… rugby widow😭😭😭……alone on the Balcolonial …… “ Turn around re-play”…… wading through the Slush…… an American Psycho…… PR-int error ………🎼”God only knows “🎼…… 🧣🐓👯‍♀️🤔😭🤥……🎼”Wake up ,little ……… wake up“🎼…… “ I may wear purple Philip “…… “epic old thing ‘ that’ll p!$$ her orf “…… “hair of the DOG Harry”🤣🤣🤣”lets PARTY”……… 15-9 ……… “OK , give me £500”. …… $h!t, I’ve lost my phone!!……” OMG’ all those photos on it!!”

THANK YOU MM ANON

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1/2019

2000hrs

She Telegraphed it !!

They say, especially with actors/actresses that if they don’t give 100% in their performance that they’re phoned it in’ example being Jeff Goldblum is the dinosaur films. This says telegraphed it. Madam had a ‘lunch interview’ hardly a serious on camera intense question, body language observed interview, with Bryony Gordon of The Telegraph newspaper. It was more of her fluff, pardon the pun, fluff word salads etc. Another pitiful performance!

mechanically damaged 🤣🤣🤣

Well the ‘stiff upper lip’ manner in which the British people live is internally damaging according to madam in the masterpiece ITV documentary, sure to win award after award. So l think, MM ANON is being extremely cheeky here, the being frozen out completely now from the Royal family, last public appearance with Harry has been done, and the narcissist robot has been mechanically damaged, internal process error, 🤖.🤣🤣🤣

rugby widow😭😭😭

I am sure madam is spitting nails at where her life is at now. Harry is off in Japan, back to his life, thank you God, watching the rugby with family and friends, while poor madam and archficial are left alone to weep. The term widow is often used where l live as golf widow. It can be any sport really where the male in the relationship attends or watches or plays and his female partner is left alone, hence the term widow.

alone on the Balcolonial …… “ Turn around re-play”

Well the letter of support from 72 female MP’s mentioned colonialism and referenced articles in newspapers about madam. Well that being the Royal family being colonialists, the balcony would be the summit expression of it according to that way of thinking. Well RD or RS, balcony appearance will be the Royal family. Since madam is not part of the family she will not be there. Now l was wrong about this before but l don’t think l am now. Madam, should she attempt a gate crash will be told to turn around, not by a Harry but by security staff!!

wading through the Slush

When the snow melts and gets all slushy and wet it’s perfect for a snowball fight and just makes the coolest sound when you wade is your Welles/rubbers. Slush here is capitalized, this has NOTHING AT ALL to do with snow. The forensics accountants l mentioned yesterday are probably long wading through her accounts. A Slush fund is reserve of money used for illicit purposes, especially political bribery. You can be darn sure madam has or had a number of these! Maybe they’re all tapped out, she’s skint , alone, things with Harry over…..oh please let this be the correct interpretation!!

an American Psycho

Treble Charger, wow MM ANON I am impressed!! This song was huge huge huge! All about the most narcissistic female, doing anything and everything, misdemeanour or felony, trying to get and keep fame. These lyrics perfectly absolutely perfectly fit madam!!!

PR-int error

PR , upper case, has madam’s PR sent something out for print that with all the lies, it’s EXTREMELY hard to keep track, but something so glaringly obviously contradicts things that have been said before?? Oh l would love to see THAT!! Lies do catch up you know that, don’t you Rachel?

🎼”God only knows “ 🎼

Two songs, Beach Boys, lyrics about how a relationship feelings last forever even if they are apart or break up. I read this as positive feelings but one could infer negative angry, vengeful l guess. There is a song, same title, by a Christian duo called For King and Country, the asking is a God the country is the musical style. The lyrics though, they so fit damaged people , how they choose to damage and inflict it onto others. Whichever song you chose MM ANON, either of these describe the realtor some degree and the individuals involved.

🧣🐓👯‍♀️🤔😭🤥

Okay scarf/scarfing, chicken/hen, two playboy bunnies, a pondering/ questioning face, crying massively, Pinocchio/ liar.

Madam has been scarfed or left out of the Japan trip, she’s the hen, imagining/wondering if Harry with other sexy women, crying inconsolably because she’s lost, lying , well she lies about every. Wondering what lies or how she can get to Japan, what lies can she tell to find out his hotel, show up there or get in at the Rugby.

🎼”Wake up ,little ……… wake up“🎼

The Everly Brothers, l saw a impersonation concert once it was awesome! Wake up little Suzy. This is from the 1950’s l think. A couple goes on a date to a drive-in movie and fall asleep, now they’re in big big trouble because their parents will think something hanky panky has gone on. Is madam wondering and steaming at the thought of a Harry having a fun weekend away? What he might get up to? Might a certain female be there? Ooooo l just imagine her fury!!

“ I may wear purple Philip “…… “epic old thing ‘ that’ll p!$$ her orf “

Again 🔥 fireside 🍸 cocktails conversation between HMTQ and PP. They are having a go at madam. All these cheeky references REALLY have me thinking it’s done, the marriage is done, this Sunday may be MOS Sunday release the hounds! HMTQ is jocular saying she will wear purple for RD/RS , as madame so insultingly wore purple to the OTW evening. PP chuckling and making the comment above. 🤣🤣😂😂

“hair of the DOG Harry”🤣🤣🤣”lets PARTY”……… 15-9 ……… “OK , give me £500”.

These all go together l think. The phrase hair of the dog that bit you, is abbreviated here, simply means if you’re drunk and hungover have a drink to fix the hsngiver🤣🤣😂😂. The weekend in a Japan is a party! FINALLY HARRY IS FREE!! The numbers probably are the wishes/bets on the final score with England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 winning. I wonder, they wouldn’t bet against England. £500 whose giving and whose getting….l know on the days of unhappy people and fate there were so many rumours how long it would last most said not two years. I think there was a term degree bride? Three years? Am l right? I wonder if someone made a net with a Harry or amongst the cousins. I am HOPING this is so, because it would be yet another indication things were done and a Harry is free of her!!

$h!t, I’ve lost my phone!!……” OMG’ all those photos on it!!”

Again, MM ANON PLEASE let this all be leading to freedom!

Madam has ‘lost’ her phone and freaking out because all her filth was on there!!! Can you hear lady Justice?? No sympathy!

November 1/2019 2055 hrs CST

Thank you dear PG! As sick as you are, you can’t help yourself! We greatly appreciate this and you! You are so sweet! Now go and take care of yourself! We don’t want to wear you out! Love and prayers…..😊💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

—————-

105: Nov. 2

MM ANON … “ You are part of this monarchy, you WILL adhere to its traditions”…… “ her past, so embarrassing!!”…… Rogue PR…… “we’ve “cleaned” her phone ma’am”…… “ I fear it’s still out there”…… promoting the impossible …… “ give this one to William” “ thank goodness we have one classic beauty,old thing “ …… “ is Charles thinking of leap-frogging to William ,Philip?”……” my teams made arrangements “…… “shut up!! It’s my Duty!!”…… 🎼” to dream the impossible dream “🎼……”total meltdown sweetie”

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

November 2/2019 1510 hrs CST RIDDLE #105

“ You are part of this monarchy, you WILL adhere to its traditions”

Notice what’s NOT said, family, you’re part of this Monarchy NOT you’re part of this family!! Very clear distinct difference. Until there is an annulment or divorce she has her role as Duchess of blah blah.

Madam has been hiding behind wigs, trees, apron strings, ANYTHING to avoid appearance in public at a public event because she is a coward. She lays and sets off the dynamite but wants no part of its after effects amongst the citizens. I spend many times wishing l were a fly on the wall but THIS oh oh l would pay money to have seen this scene. She is being told by LG, or quite possibly by the wordage and the way it’s phrased by HMTQ Herself, that she in no uncertain terms will attend public appearances for RS or RD services. Now she thinks this is all about her, this is about all of the Fallen , veterans, injured and their families. I think emotions are raw all around for people this time of year. I hope she is gone by then, but this could also refer to the NATO dinner in December. She needs to conduct herself accordingly. I think since her phone was cleaned, there is a fair bit more confidence in pushing her to do things, ultimately hoping a huge public moment of reality/embarrassment for her. The sad thing, a true narcissist is incapable of embarrassment, self pity absolutely, but not embarrassment!

“ her past, so embarrassing!!”

We don’t know , many years are missing/lost, what she did during those years. We do have enough knowledge of yachting, porn, disgusting acts, selling her body, heart, soul, filth beyond what any decent mind could fathom! Hobbies of all sorts, mostly allegedly outside the law. The normal woman would be ashamed and would be embarrassed by, as the speaker of these words is, but a true narcissist madam is, a million lies juggling all at once, l do not know how it’s kept straight, well it’s not that’s why there are always so many mistakes she makes.

Rogue PR

SS has been nothing if not Rogue, going where none have gone before. I dare say they may continue, and more insinuating lies be spread about our Royals. Be prepared, this fight is in the gutter, it rose from there, and will be sent back from whence it came.

“we’ve “cleaned” her phone ma’am”

LG informing HMTQ that madams lost phone was not lost at all but it decided to turn itself in🤣🤣😂😂. All that she kept on their has been removed aka cleaned. We have discussed this awhile ago. Amongst the world of the men in grey, there are many varied services they do. Cleaning or scrubbing a phone is one such service. Any incriminating recordings or photos or videos or emails or texts or stone tablets, EVERYTHING is cleaned off. Knowing they are not dealing with brightest tool in the shed, she probably didn’t back up her information.

“ I fear it’s still out there”

Whatever secret, private, perhaps sexual content video that was cleaned off the phone, HMTQ is still fearing a copy is still in someone’s possession. There is something specific of concern, l have no idea what it is, but it’s of high concern and worry that “it” still out there.

promoting the impossible

Promoting the happy marriage, just H🤣🤣🤣😂😂 and madam against the world. Well H is Prince Harry, his family has fully encircled him, and he is done being threatened by her and whatever was on her phone. SS is still at it, making madam ever the spontaneous soul who loves to flit like a hummingbird quietly to a charity bakery, using no gloves, making an interview from 18 months seem as though it were current but was not. Making it seem like lunch meeting in a restaurant when it wasn’t, it was in a room at the bakery. Never the truth, everything always twisted. Why must everything even such inconsequential things be lied about. BECAUSE the agenda and the person are evil.!Thats why!

“ give this one to William”

We have had this exact clue before. I can’t recall what l thought at the time, but l think having a sit down with madam, telling her face to face things are done, William would do very well and after all the lies madam allegedly spread about his marriage, l think he would take a certain amount of satisfaction in showing her from the palace door to the alleged paddy wagon.

“ thank goodness we have one classic beauty,old thing “ “ is Charles thinking of leap-frogging to William ,Philip?”

Again, my favourite scene, 🔥 fireplace lit, evening relaxing clothes, 📺 on, cocktails 🍸 in hand talking between HMTQ and PP. PP reflecting on the amazing blessing of having Catherine in the family, not just in the family but at William’s side, raising their family, such a solid level-headed woman. In them the future of the modern Monarchy is strong. HMTQ talking about Prince Charles passing over his being King going straight to William. This has been discussed before, initially because the public had a strong distaste for Camilla. That has settled now, she is accepted. Charles, his age, given all that has happened, may well be pondering the 21st century Monarchy needs William.

” my teams made arrangements “

LG team have made arrangements for what? To move madam? Pack her stuff up? Take her to Heathrow, put her on a plane? If she goes to America for their Thanksgiving, where would she go, she has no friends, Doria? Would she want to return to the U.K. after that, would they even let her in?? Doria, who now has 8 million in her bank account, why would she want saddled with madam?, she didn’t look after her as a child why would she now? Madam has ghosted anybody who actually loved and cared for her. It’s pathetically sad broken life. Legal issues, taxes?? And on and on, then of course there is the wee matter of alleged Treason, the of the body law, and any alleged procuring of females in those lost years.

“shut up!! It’s my Duty!!”

Harry , God bless you, has resumed duty. How fine did he look in a Japan, Prince Albert of Monaco, the Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, the son of the Emperor. I am in tears so happy, he looks so happy and well. I think he has gained back some weight and has rested. Now to this clue. It can only be madam he is talking to. She is yammering away at him, he telling her in no uncertain terms he will do his Duty! She is probably pleading to not have to attend RD or RS services, he has made his Duty clear! Of all things now to pick a fight over? When he missed a military attack anniversary and got roasted badly for that. He is clear headed now, and putting things right.

🎼” to dream the impossible dream “🎼

This is Ol Blue Eyes, My Way. Jerry Lewis used to always sing this at the end of the Labour Day MDS telethon, until he was deemed too old and not politically correct enough for the charity and after over 40 years raising hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars,they yanked the annual telethon. I still am upset by that. Anyhow, if there every was a song for a narcissist the title My Way for sure. Everything at a cost of a country , Commonwealth, everything, lack of respect she has done her way!

As for Prince Harry, he probably thought this would go on forever and being free from her would be an impossible dream.

Well, l think we are so close to the end, l can taste it! I could not be happier! If l were a dog, my tail would be wagging!

”total meltdown sweetie”

Reality is going to hit her hard. She has nothing, no one, all her Hollywood friends were sycophants, her backers are filthy rich, they don’t care about her, she was a means to an end. That’s all she has ever been, years selling herself a means to some mans ending. Her mental status, likely is going to hit the wall. Total meltdown exactly. I hope it happens in America, they have phone lines there to get help.

November 2/2019

1635 hrs CST

Love this! We are making progress……her phone….too funny, thank you dear PG, so appreciate it….😊💜💜💜💜

——————

Nov.3

PG you have mail💜💜💜💜

MM/ ALLEGEDLY …… prayers and love 💜💜 you’re way pg. 💜💜💜💜💜💜 GWS.

—————

106: Nov. 3

MM ANON … ‘ and in the morning, we shall Booo!!!……… Mall-content. …… camera click ‘ I’m OK!!…… “ sit Harry with Melania??”………… a reduced detachment …… “ it’s in the Fine print M’lud”…… “ what!! a night of fruity duty” …… “6 of the 13 are solid!! “…… “ leapfrogging, not a chance old thing” …… “ the right order of things Philip” ……… “ my apologies for the interruption Ma’am”…… “ One should act post-haste”…… “ and keep Harry out of this”. ……… O’ Kate, I hear she got quite scwiffy Philip”.

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

Thank you for the message and kind words, message received and extremely appreciated.💜💜💜

November 3/2019 1245 hrs CST Riddle #105

‘ and in the morning, we shall Booo!!!

Is this booo as related to Halloween? Nope we are past that. Where and when will madam get booed?? The morning, what or when is her next morning appearance? The reason l am thinking the early morning RD sunrise service or other RS , is because the line up until the word Booo!!! Is from the classic Laurence Binyon’s For The Fallen, it was in a previous riddle. Will it be RS, gosh that would be awfully disrespectful to the fallen. I don’t know, but l like it!! Sign me up, l shall boooo, l have plenty of time🤣🤣🤣😂😂.

Mall-content.

Malcontent, that’s such a great underused word. a person who is dissatisfied and rebellious, dissatisfied and complaining or making trouble. Who does this sound like? Here MM ANON has given us MALL -content. Content is being peaceful, relaxed, satisfied in the moment. The MALL is the great long road leading to Buckingham Palace. There is plenty more online, if you’re interested in learning or even travelling there. Suffice to say it’s an important street and the royal and horse processions always go along the Mall. Now it’s not pronounce mall as in North American shopping malls, it’s more of a Mael(Strom) how the first part of that word is pronounced. Put together MALL and being content, peaceful , can mean only one thing to me MADAM WILL NOT BE IN THE CARRIAGE HORSE PROCESSION ON RS!!!!!😊😊😊☺️😊😊😊

camera click ‘ I’m OK!!

Madams non public appearance at the bakery . She needs publicity like she needs air, more sometimes l think. Has someone taken her photo and an article that she’s ok, upper case double exclamation mark? I think MM ANON yet again is being cheeky. We saw an abundance, a plethora of photos of Harry in Japan and they all looked fantastic. He looks like our Harry again!!! Gorgeous, no make that handsome in that blue suit, oh my, l am all a flutter!! Believe nothing about that I’m married comment! THST he said to the student who called him handsome!🧐😏And his time spent with Para-athletes, more casual but ever so important to him.

“ sit Harry with Melania??”

This is reference to the NATO banquet in December when President and Mrs Trump will attend, along with other NATO leaders, a dinner that HMTQ will host. Oh l can hardly wait to see the gowns and JEWELRY!! Sounds like Harry will be seated next to Mrs.Trump. No mention of madam. WHOO HOO!!!! Heaven knows where she will be then and only Heaven can help her soul.

a reduced detachment

Detachment has several meanings but the one that applies here l believe is, group of troops, aircraft, or ships sent away on a separate mission. Each year, RD or RS , the number of veterans who saw and went through the horrors of WWII lessen, as they pass away. Each year, we lose current veterans of Iraq, Bosnia, Syria, many conflicts where British and Commonwealth troops served, have served, or currently serve. Those that return many suffer physical losses of limbs or something else, suffer injuries causing TBI, traumatic brain injury and/or PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. We lose many to suicide each and every day. Harry lost his close veteran Jules Roberts to suicide and this year will be his first RS, RD mourning that loss.

“ it’s in the Fine print M’lud”

Anytime you sign anything, credit card/atm application, insurance papers, anything legal, there is always fine print, often so tiny it seems you’re not meant to actually read it🤣🤣😂😂. This is a way some companies get out of providing services, ie mobile phone contracts here a few years ago, they got away with exorbitant fees to change phones, plans etc. So someone is talking to a Lord, likely LG, saying something of importance has been noted in the fine print, but of what document? Is it treason charges?Is it her VISA to stay in the U.K.? Is it the legal papers being drawn up for charges? Is it a contract she signed, didn’t read and they have her in a bind now? Is this the legal annulment, with the evidence they gathered from madams phone? The fine print of in the laws of annulment of marriage in the U.K. Anyone have time or ability to search that out?

“ what!! a night of fruity duty”

I wonder if the Cambridge children went trick or treating at Gan Gan’s. I can only imagine them in their costumes, all excited! Next year, hopefully Prince Louis will be old enough to enjoy the fun!

This clue, the sentence structure is rhetorical. As if someone is being asked to do something , that the person asking them knows they are not keen on keen to do. The term fruity duty , for some reason makes me think child care. 🍉 fruit no wine, duty as in childcare. Or madam loves her pink water, is someone not interested in spending time with her, as that would only be a duty.

“6 of the 13 are solid!! “

This makes me think of evidence, jury deciding something, they always have an extra. Solid in their vote or judicial opinion favouring the writer. I wonder if this is in terms of Treason law or annulment law in the U.K. Whatever was cleaned from madams mobile, is it clear evidence of the plot, plan to manipulate marriage? I think they have found something they needed to fulfill the a Treason charge, allegedly as well! From English Treason law “

An alien resident in the United Kingdom owes allegiance to the Crown, and may be prosecuted for high treason. The only exception is an enemy lawful combatant in wartime, e.g. a uniformed enemy soldier on British territory.” I cannot access what l need, but l am very certain this is some sort of judicial committee whose votes are needed for a Treason charges! It is being stated here, with multiple exclamation marks the number of yea votes are solid, meaning secure on the side of the Crown, in this case.

“ leapfrogging, not a chance old thing” …… “ the right order of things Philip” ……… “ my apologies for the interruption Ma’am”

Oh MM ANON, you know l love these. Again, come along with me and my imagination. It’s cold evening, 🔥 fire lit, comfy yet very elegant relaxing evening clothes, l picture HMTQ in a velvet cozy shawl over her knees, hopefully, purple! She and her husband are talking things over. Discussing, as was in yesterday’s riddle, bumping PC out of order of succession and going straight to crowning William as King, when the time comes. HMTQ has, her entire reign, held fast to protocol, in all matters with the exception of lower the flag to half staff when Diana died and bowing her head at her casket was driven by. Sounds like whoever’s idea that was, they have duly pondered and discussed it and there will be no change in the order of ascending the throne. Someone interrupts them, asking for/ or needing HMTQ’s attention. I think it has to be LG.

“ One should act post-haste”

LG has arrived and informed her/updated HMTQ of what was found in the fine print. The term post haste comes from the mid 16th century: from the direction ‘haste, post, haste’, formerly given on letters it means to act or react to something with haste, act immediately with great speed. So they have a limited window of time to respond or act to what was noted in the fine print.

“ and keep Harry out of this”.

Harry is to be kept out of any treasonous possible, or any legal charges that may be pending, allegedly. Harry has been through enough! They want him healing and recovering. HMTQ does not want his name to appear anywhere near madams allegedly plotting and scheming and alleged financial crimes. Thinking especially in regards to the newly minted Sussex Foundation! There are so many rabbit holes l could go down due to the extreme level of complications of who madam has allegedly been involved with and various allegedly financial misdeeds on both sides of the ocean.

O’ Kate, I hear she got quite scwiffy Philip”.

I burst out laughing when l read this🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣. Still chuckling! There must have been an awesome, adults only, after trick or treating, scarfing madam, Halloween party because scwiffy, 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣 is tipsy/drunk but not passed out drunk. Good for you Catherine, you deserve it after your stressful trip, the stress of everyday plus the worst, dealing with madam and watching Harry fall apart . I am trying to picture our elegant, Received Pronunciation speaking Catherine tipsy, 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂.

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

November 3/2019 1420 hrs CST

Thank you dear PG! Sounds like progress….sounds like she will appear at RD..no carriage….and a balcony appearance….alone! Much appreciated, you work so hard for us!💜💜💜💜💜

———————

107: Nov 4

MM ANON …… RD,will she ‘won’t she?…… a Congressional offer…… The foundations support …… 🎼” don’t stop thinking about tomorrow”🎼………a bit LAX of her…… W&Ks PR assault …“ the popularity of the children your Highness”……” Popular!! we call it “Charlottes Web 🤣🤣”……” it’s the future direction ma’am”…… “she imploded ma’am ,end of!! “…… “ Christmas!! A family portrait ma’am , only the family “…… “ it’s exciting Philip ‘ a new chapter “…… “any cream caramel left old thing”. … tut tut,dyspepsia Philip”

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻THANK YOU MM ANON🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

November 4/2019 1140 hrs CST. Riddle #106

As Yoda would say, challenging more and more becoming are your riddles MM ANON and I LIKE IT😁😁😁😁

RD,will she ‘won’t she?

Ahh the question we all want to know. Will madam face the public , attend services or ceremonies and risk being booed. I still cannot see a public booing at such somber days when we are to remember the fallen. On November 10th, l read HMTQ will view the services from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building balcony. Perhaps this is how they got around a balcony appearance by madam! Brilliant!

a Congressional offer

The American federal government is made up of three co-equal parts. They are the Executive, (President and about 5,000,000 workers) the Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and the Judicial (Supreme Court and lower Courts). Currently, although it’s not in my time right now to follow but they are in a tumultuous impeachment process. I am not sure of any of the particulars. So what would the Congress have to offer the U.K. especially while their own country needs them paying attention. Is this in regards to Brexit? I have, and l try not to do this, but l have looked all over online, l can find nothing if an offer of this nature, recently. Has an offer been made regarding madams charges or custody? Again the Congress would not be involved in this. Sorry kids, l just don’t know. I am assuming this is the U.S. Congress, maybe l shouldn’t.

The light went on, sometimes when l am stuck, if l read it out loud it comes to me, as now. The EU, 🇪🇺 European Union as a political Assembly of local and regional elected representatives, the Congress is the voice of Europe’s 200,000 regions and municipalities. It promotes the strengthening of local and regional democracy in all Council of Europe member States.

The EU won’t decide on a Brexit extension until next week, as it waits for MPs in Westminster to decide on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s call for a snap election, senior EU officials and diplomats said Friday.The bloc has agreed on the need to delay the current October 31 deadline, but there is still disagreement over how much time. EU Council President Donald Tusk has called for granting the extension requested by Boris a Johnson in accordance with U.K. law, until January 31, but French President Emmanuel Macron has pressed for a shorter delay to keep strong pressure on Britain to ratify the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

The foundations support

The royal foundations all of them, support so many charities. I was absolutely fascinated to learn on 🐼 blog last night that HMTQ registered the Sussex name several years ago in planning for when Prince Harry married but after, the day after madam showed alleged baby Archie in SA, the registration was cancelled/went dead as it’s called. That was the lady but of the treason allegedly. Wonder why Harry didn’t use the drool cloth? DNA, Baby drool all over his hand!!

Especially at this time of year, it’s the hardest time for those in need. Once madam is gone, Harry will be readied to the Royal Foundation. None of his patronage’s have been removed from him, another sign he was aligned with his family. I am certain her title and all patronage’s will be stripped. How happy with the British Theatre 🎭 be!!! Oh Happy Days!

🎼” don’t stop thinking about tomorrow”🎼

Again we have Fleetwood MAC and Clinton presidential theme song. MM ANON is reminding us, don’t lose heart, we are nearly there! Keep chin up, focused on tomorrow! I am not sure if it’s LITERALLY tomorrow, although l would not complain. I think very very soon!!

a bit LAX of her

Lax can mean lazy, not bothering with details, this does describe a certain someone. However, LAX is the airport in Los Angeles,California . So will she indeed be going “home” for Christmas? Will she take archificial with her so he can experience his first American thanksgiving holiday? I wonder if she will be captured accidentally oops l rant hired Splash news to paparazzi her as she has done before?? She will be so glad to get away from the mean Brits but does she have a place to go? So sad reality, such a wasted life.

W&Ks PR assault

They don’t need TO PAY for any PR. They are loved as are their children. Even the smallest most normal thing as shopping for Halloween costumes makes the news. I think this refers to the assault that launched on them, and poor Rose Hanbury by association by , let’s face it, l don’t need evidence nor do l need to say who has that much jealousy driven hatred to do something like that.

“ the popularity of the children your Highness”

Someone speaking to either a Prince William or Duchess Catherine exclaiming the over the top love and popularity of these three lovies!!💜💜💜!!! They get asked about them seemingly every appearance. Any photos that are shared are wildly popular. I most especially adore that Catherine is such a fantastic photographer. The first bsby photos were taken by her, you see them from the mother’s loving eye, just makes them so much more special!

” Popular!! we call it “Charlottes Web 🤣🤣”

In HMTQ’s annual Christmas message, l am certain there will be video of the Cambridge children in it. in it. Charlottes Web in a favourite of mine, and many, children’s book by E.B.White. Read it with your children and grandchildren, it’s lovely. This is referencing what used to be called the World Wide Web, the internet, then the net, now its online. Each child has their own page on the official royal website. It’s amazing, with that, twitter, instagram, they are completely a 21st royal family! Sounding like Charlotte is a bit controlling of the devices, seeing herself online, thinks it’s made just for her!! And so she should😁 🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣 Love those children💜💜💜

” it’s the future direction ma’am”

As stated above, the digital world is here and only becoming more important. Soon we will have things never even thought of today. I should have put these three clues together, oh well. This will be a thoroughly 21st King and Queen when the time comes but for now they are as modern as can be whilst retaining tradition and family. It’s truly astounding, l have no idea how they manage it and it all seems so natural. That’s the key, knowing a balance and the public love them all the more because of it.

“she imploded ma’am ,end of!! “

When given the news that she was done, being removed, and not given a VISA to return to England or perhaps not permitted to leave the U.K. for alleged charges filed or pending, l can only imagine. Justice will be served. We can all sort of visualize in our heads what that might be like, l highly think she will need urgent psychiatric hospitalization, she will fracture, truly fracture mentally. This is LG reporting to HMTQ what happened. This may have already happened for all we know!! Seems her mobile phone turning itself in and getting immunity for giving evidence against her🤣🤣😂 was the last bit they needed.

“ Christmas!! A family portrait ma’am , only the family “

Yes , a royal Christmas portrait, only the family, no madam. I love how easily she was airbrushed out of Prince Louis’ Christening photo by an anon that did that on 🐼 blog! This will be a joyous Christmas for our royals!!! Planning Christmas, her annual message on Christmas Day and a new photo for all of us! Oh wait, might this be a painting? The word portrait, no way there would be time for a painting by Christmas, silly me! Is it LG that is proposing this? I say they should include him, at the back, plenty of bald Windsor’s, he would look right in place🤣🤣😂😂.

“ it’s exciting Philip ‘ a new chapter “”any cream caramel left old thing”. tut tut,dyspepsia Philip”

Again, my favourite, HMTQ and PP, talking over the days events, l know you’re getting sick of me setting the scene but fireplace lit🔥 , comfortable clothes, tv 📺 on, cocktails 🍸. HMTQ so pleased, relieved and happy that this vicegrip hell hold is nearly done, she already knows when the end is. Just looking forward to the fresh new chapter, letting the justice system care for madam and her backers. PP hankering for a repeat of pudding but she tut tuts him on it. Marvellous end to the riddle, MM ANON, marvellous and full of hope!!! GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦

[pseudinymous]

He Didn’t Feel Like Lying

Phic Phight / Team Ghost / 3,442 words

Prompt by Nat Your Average Nerd on Discord

Ghost Writer and Jazz meet after Jazz learns about him through Danny’s past experience in “The Fright Before Christmas,” and she realizes that they have a lot in common since they are both certified bookworms. Can they be friends, or is it unfeasible between a human and a ghost?

One thing was certain: Jazz wasn’t in a hurry.

She was, in fact, trying particularly hard not to be in a hurry, as her two week staycation started today and it was about time she got some proper rest. So naturally she’d gotten up at her normal hour of six in the morning and gotten ready — showering, brushing her teeth, stretching, untangling a mop of orange hair that was just as long as it’d been in high school — leaving her clean and refreshed for the day ahead.

For someone who was supposed to have no plans, she seemed to have rather a lot of them indeed.

There was an event on today at the local university. Not the one she’d attended in her youth, mind you — her scores and reasonably well-off background had led her to better pastures — but a university nonetheless. It was homey and communal and apparently Lancer had taken up a post lecturing there once the school children had started to get a bit much for him to handle anymore. Didn’t matter. The seminar was skating the line of cutting-edge research in ghost behaviour, and as the psychologist she’d always dreamed of becoming, it wasn’t something she could miss.

The university itself, however, was nothing to look at.

Big and grey and utterly boring in every way — that’s how she’d have described it. The campus grounds were as uninspiring as the utilitarian philosophy they were built on, and the gardens were so overgrown that it looked like no one had hired a gardener in the last six months. The ivy that crept up the walls was nice, at least.

Everything was normal until she sat down.

The lecture hall was one of medium size, but that didn’t stop it from being packed and full — this seminar was well-anticipated among the psychological research community and quite a number of attendees had travelled from afar just to listen. She managed to find a solitary seat in the corner at the back among her fellow enthusiasts and tried to get comfortable on the cold, hard plastic. She couldn’t. It was never comfortable. But she’d probably forget about that when this lecture got going, at least.

From there her eyes wandered. Another five minutes and the lecture would begin. The backs of people’s heads weren’t very interesting. Next to her, a man was writing lazily into his notebook. She side-eyed it carefully, not quite sure why she wanted to read the notes of a stranger but finding herself continuing just because she was bored. It was a breach of privacy, maybe, but if he didn’t want it seen then he probably shouldn’t have had it out in a crowded lecture hall.

sc.34.5 // para 8 needs work, paras 23 - 28 move too slowly for scene, where did the knife go? sc.34.6 // choppy sentences still lurking in paras 13, 23, 33, why is this a sequence in tens? sc.35.1 // for the love of god explain the knife.

Through the corner of her eye she sensed him frown at the notes, before he began to idly scratch out some aimless decor pattern along the left-hand margin. He switched to dark green ink to do this but the ink itself also seemed oddly bright, as if shining on the page. A kind of gel pen, maybe? But the pen itself looked too ornate to be one of those cheap plastic things high school girls usually defaced their books with. It was more in kind with something expensive to buy and even more expensive to lose.

Questions blooming within her mind, she chanced it. “What do you mean, ‘explain the knife’?” she asked. The man looked up.

“It means I have a knife that appears out of nowhere, but I’m not sure how to fix the scene without breaking one of the other ones,“ he said, keeping his voice low.

“It’s fiction, then?”

“It’s fiction.”

A slight pause occurred, of the sort that inevitably happens when you’re interacting with a stranger very much unsolicited. Jazz didn’t quite know what was driving her to keep talking — maybe it was the oddness of the ink on the page, as if there was something wrong with it, that made her want to speak. Maybe it was just boredom. Nonetheless, she opened her mouth again:

“So, you’re into the psych fields too, then?”

“Not exactly. Although behavioural psychology’s useful for characterisation.”

Jazz’s brow dropped. “But this lecture’s about ghosts,” she whispered.

‘I know,’ he wrote, in very tiny letters in the bottom-right margin. ‘I am one.’

Jasmine Fenton, daughter of two of the most esteemed ghost hunters in modern history and premier researcher into the very field this seminar covered herself, blanched.

… Was it a joke? She hazarded a better look at him, but he seemed perfectly human. Black hair, green eyes — but the green was darker, not that weird ectoplasmic colour Danny’s could carry. His skin seemed normal. Even aside from all of that, though, he just didn’t glow. Ghosts were supposed to glow. It was one of the first ways you could tell you were talking to one. None of the research ever suggested it was possible to suppress it, so what exactly was the deal here?

Maybe he really was just joking. His face remained serious, though, as he stared to the front of the lecture hall. The seminar was starting.

To say a cliffhanger like that drove Jazz crazy was an understatement. For one of the first times in her life she found it difficult to pay attention to the lecture, and she couldn’t help but periodically glance to the side to try to get a better look at this stranger. Purple coat — okay, a bit of an odd taste in fashion statement, but hardly damning. Wearing a scarf indoors during the beginning of Fall wasn’t exactly all that common either, but he fidgeted with it idly as the lecture went on so perhaps there was some kind of sentimental attachment? There wasn’t even anything strange about the glasses. There wasn’t anything wrong with him at all!

Worse still, he seemed well aware of the fact that he was being analysed into next Tuesday, and if that odd not-there smile said anything, it was that he was thoroughly enjoying having her trip over herself to get to the bottom of his words.

Jazz all but missed the first ten minutes.

Another twenty passed. The lecture was interesting, put forth some fringe ideas about ghost behaviour — Jazz even managed to take notes, who’d have thought? But it was a little difficult to do all of this thinking about the psychological makeup of spirits and then not wonder about the man next to her who’d just claimed to be one. Didn’t matter. She wasn’t going to give him that satisfaction anymore, at least not until they got to the end. He continued writing scene corrections in his book as the speakers rolled through, listening idly.

… Surely he couldn’t be serious? Tickets for this thing cost thirty-five dollars a piece, and there was a not insignificant crowd of people standing up at the back for the lack of seats. Was it a joke to him?

A small elderly woman eventually hobbled up to the podium, but alas she was too small to see properly above it and stepped to the side to give her speech after someone offered her a portable mic. Shirley Hemming, Ph.D. gave a small smile at first, then without further ado got stuck into the meaty topic of how consciousness might persist and then develop over the course of several centuries. You could’ve dropped a pin.

“… And we should see parallels between the chemical reactions in human brains and the corresponding outward reactions a ghost might make, but I do subscribe to the theory that the consciousness held by a ghost may not exactly parallel to the consciousness they held in life,” said the speaker. “As to whether we might call them the same person as their living counterpart, most circumstantial evidence points to them being at best an imperfect copy.”

The stranger didn’t visibly react. At first Jazz wondered if he’d thought anything at all about such a statement, but then he took his pen down to the bottom margin and started writing.

’It’s true that chemical reactions in the brain cannot be perfectly replicated by what remains, but many would argue that the brain is merely an interpreter for consciousness,’ it said, and he paused for a moment to think. ‘This would indicate that humans experience an extra layer of abstraction above the truth — indeed, that to be human is to be the imperfect copy itself.’

It threw Jazz’s brain for a loop. She barely heard the rest of what this short woman with the Ph.D. said. Her words evaporated into the mists inside her head as she attempted to process such a shocking accusation — that the human brain did not produce its own emotions and that the mind of a ghost was not simply doing its best to copy and replicate that. Such proposals put significant strain on current theories of consciousness and bled dangerously into the realms of philosophy. And she wondered — would anyone but a ghost say something like that?

Maybe there was someone in this world. But how likely was it that she was sitting next to him right now?

Jazz eventually slid out her phone and opened a note-taking program, determined to get to the bottom of this. ‘You look human.’

He turned a page to claim a fresh one, writing in small letters that were difficult to read when your face wasn’t thirty centimetres from the page. ‘When in Rome,’ it said.

‘Prove it.’

It was a testament to her years of growing up around ghosts that Jazz didn’t immediately feel fear at the idea of being next to one. Indeed, if it was non-violent — and it was becoming increasingly obvious that many of them were — then there was hardly any threat to speak of. The stranger rested his pen upon his notebook and crossed his arms, staring to the front. Thinking, maybe?

Except he didn’t do anything else. At some point he seemed to stop trying and then that meshed into intentionally listening to the lecture, leaving Jazz with a feeling not unlike wanting to strangle someone. Not an ounce of communication passed between them for the rest of the seminar, and indeed it was only when people started to leave that he actually opened his mouth.

“That last speaker was good,” he mentioned, casually. “I think—”

Jazz had him cornered.

“Are you really?” she said, quite seriously.

“Really what?”

“A ghost,” she whispered, hoping others wouldn’t overhear. There was a lot of clamour as everyone else left the room, so it worked in her favour. “Why would you even tell me something like that?”

The stranger sat in his chair, waiting patiently for more people to leave. Slowly he began to tuck away his pen and his notes into one of the deep pockets of his coat. “I didn’t feel like lying.”

“You didn’t—” it threw Jazz’s brain for a loop. She’d spent a good portion of her latter teens growing up in a house literally built on lies, where ‘I didn’t feel like lying’ simply wasn’t a damn option. “What if I was hostile?” she sputtered, as the final attendee drained out of the room. The speaker and some of her assistants however were still packing up, and the stranger looked warily up to the podium as they went.

“Well, it would’ve made quite the scene, wouldn’t it?” he said, quietly. “A human accusing a human of being a ghost.”

She wasn’t going to admit that he was right. He’d known the only realistic course of events from the start. Maybe — maybe if he wasn’t lying, he was one of those types that liked playing games with humans, confusing and shocking them a little, maybe he was even bored. That seemed to be a theme among many ghosts — boredom.

It happened as their obsessions flared down, in the gaps between Things To Do. And boy, if Danny was right, nothing gave you gaps between Things To Do like living in the Ghost Zone did.

She narrowed her eyes, though — humans got perfectly bored as well. And some still enjoyed shocking others. Really, it was down to personality.

“You’re coming with me,” said Jazz, suddenly. “No ifs, no buts.”

“Am I, now? I had plans.”

“Really? And what kind of plans were those?”

That look was almost conspiratorial. “Cancelled ones, if you must be so persistant.”

A chill ran down the back of Jazz’s spine. He wanted her for something — for what, she couldn’t tell, and that was a dangerous thing to play with when possibly in the presence of a being clearly more powerful than you.

“… Let’s go,” she began, carefully, trying her best not to attract the attention of that damn speaker. Still packing up! It was as if she was shuffling her papers in slow motion. “You should know, though, I am definitely armed.”

The stranger, who seemed to clearly have no intention of attacking her (but who could really tell?) tilted his head, his eyebrows knitted together. “If you say so?”

The lecturer had now moved on to shuffling a different stack of papers that seemed to be little more than magicked out of thin air, for some reason unknown to both man and God. They left in silence. Jazz strode ahead of him and slid through the corridors as she kept an eye on him from behind, but he just walked behind her with his hands in his pockets, looking bored. She took him outside. Out onto the grass, down the field, a bit out of earshot of the hustle and bustle but still within screaming distance if something went wrong. Discretely, she texted Danny a % symbol — something reserved especially for situations that might become dangerous later — just in case.

There was a spot beneath a line of trees that had quite a lot of grass, not unlike some of the outdoor areas she’d liked to study in back at her own university if it wasn’t for the fact that everything had needed a good prone roughly five years ago. She pointed to it. “Here’s fine.”

“I should think so,” said the stranger, who immediately sat down without being invited to do so.  His hands dug slowly into the little individual blades. “Hm. I’d almost forgotten what grass felt like, it’s been so long.”

Jazz didn’t sit. She didn’t even listen to the comment about the grass, only watched his hands as they sank beneath the green. “It’s pretty cruel, you know,” she said.

“What?”

“Putting me on the spot like that. Telling me you’re a ghost in the middle of a crowded lecture about ghosts. You’d better have some actual proof.”

The perfectly human eyes of the perfectly human stranger flashed green. Not that dark green that was normal under quite extreme circumstances, but the sort of green that ran chills through you. Jazz felt the hair on the back of her neck raise, but she didn’t react, wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. “Good enough?”

That settled it — only a ghost could ever manage an effect like that. But there was still a nagging problem.

“And how is it you look human?” Jazz asked, her arms crossed.

“An illusion.”

“An illusion?”

The ghost seemed rather satisfied with himself, drawing his posture up properly with his legs crossed on the ground. “I don’t look human at all, but the minds of the people I pass think I do.”

Jazz shook her head. It was like trying to extract information from an iron brick with a plastic straw. “Presumably some sort of power allows you to do this?”

“Something like that.”

“Enlighten me, per se?”

He raised his arm high, and at first Jazz flinched and tried not to jump backwards, to which he responded by leaving his arm in the air and shooting her a sardonic stare. “This was at your own request, remember.”

“I—” said Jazz, but there was a primal instinct inside her that wasn’t part of her fight or flight response. What opportunity had she really ever had to be this close to a ghost and not directly in the line of fire? Or where the ghost was captive and terrified? The situation was unique and it warranted a certain delicacy that she was going to have to work to give. “S-sorry, just do it,” she managed. She wasn’t sure why she stuttered.

The ghost seemed oddly hesitant at first, but this flicker of emotion evaporated in front of them when he brought his hand down and to the left, glowing green with potent, clearly ectoplasmic energy. A slightly curved keyboard almost one and a half feet in length formed beneath it, bright purple with a wide variety of unmarked keys.

Jazz’s face was white.

“I haven’t even done the shocking thing yet,” said the ghost, almost bored. “For someone interested in ghosts, you’re a little faint of heart.”

“I-I-Is that a keyboard?” Jazz stammered. Her feet took her a step backwards but she didn’t even notice. The ghost seemed confused.

“Yes?”

“I know who you are,” she managed, voice shocked to a whisper. “That keyboard — it changes reality, doesn’t it?”

It was the ghost’s turn to be shocked. “I never told you that.”

But it finally made sense to her. Danny had mentioned a few key features: a writer ghost who lived in a library. He wore glasses and a purple coat that was questionable in fashion choice to match. His hair was black, and reality would change according to his very whims. Whatever he typed on that keyboard became real — and with it, he wielded a power so potent and dangerous that literally anything could come under his control.

Except if he broke rhyme, apparently.

“You’re the Ghostwriter,” she said, significantly.

“And who are you, exactly?” said the Ghostwriter, now apparently annoyed. The keyboard continued to float in front of him essentially ignored. “I didn’t think my reputation had quite this far preceded me.”

How was it that she wasn’t running? Why did she feel as if her feet were glued to the spot?

“Well, go on, if it’s all that frightening to you you might as well disappear,” the ghost continued, moodily. “Goodness knows everyone else has.”

Jazz wasn’t sure what made her stay. Perhaps it was sheer fright, a type of freeze response at the weight of what she was dealing with, but more than anything she wondered if it was the words he spoke — he was acting almost as if he’d found himself attention starved and not quite willing to admit it, something she could relate to in ways she similarly didn’t want to recount.

“—You don’t know who I am?” she said, eventually. “I was in one of your stories. Apparently.”

His eyebrows raised. The keyboard vanished, now unnecessary. “I did?”

“I’m Phantom’s sister.”

She watched it hit him like a ton of ectoplasmic bricks. His eyes widened. There was that little notch of recognition within those irises, and when he began to cringe at the thought, she almost thought she caught sight of some unnaturally serrated teeth…

“Please understand—”

“What’s there to understand?” said Jazz, appearing angry, before her face suddenly melted. “When he told me about it, it was one of the funniest stories I’ve ever heard. You’re one of the only ghosts who actually tried to teach him instead of kill him. And — yes he told me about the book.” she paused, then broke out into a strange stifled laugh. “If anything, I should be apologising to you. My brother destroyed your entire manuscript, barely apologised, and then you actually spared his life?”

Finally that smug outwards appearance had gotten up and gone home for the day, leaving the Ghostwriter looking confused and vulnerable. “Surely you’re not sympathetic to what I did? It was—”

“—Completely justified. I did a PhD, Ghostwriter, if someone destroyed my thesis I would murder them.”

The Ghostwriter didn’t know if it was safe to laugh. Jazz did anyway, because Danny had repeated some of the lamest rhymes to her and she wouldn’t be able to get them out of her head for as long as she looked at this ghost.

He mustn’t have been harmful at all.

Later in the day, which was finally starting to seem like the holiday she was supposed to take, Jazz slipped out her phone again and shot off another text to Danny.

%/

The situation has resolved.

[cosmi-trashbin]

My Top 5 Favorite Ducktales 2017 Episodes (So Far)

I’m pretty new to DuckTales as a whole.

The reboot has been my official introduction to Scrooge McDuck, Duckburg, and otherwise. So, it may be awhile before I’m familiar with or better acquainted with the original comics and the first cartoon series, as well as other series referenced such as Darkwing Duck and Talespin. After getting caught up with this series, I’m definitely curious about the source material that bits and pieces of the toon makes loving references and homages to. Regardless, these picks are based on what I’ve personally liked and enjoyed about DuckTales 2017 so far.

5.) "The Golden Lagoon of White Agony Plains!"

Golden Lagoon is the reboot’s introduction to Scrooge’s old flame Goldie O’ Gilt. She’s cunning, she’s devious, she’s beautiful, and she’s one of the few ducks that can really give Scrooge the proverbial run for his money. It’s kind of fun to see how dramatic, complicated, and dysfunctional her relationship with Scrooge is. Scrooge and Goldie definitely gives off vibes of ‘This is the only man/woman I have genuine feelings for’ but it’s tempered by the idea of a perpetual cat-and-mouse chase.

Goldie and Scrooge sync up on so many things, but their attraction towards each other and the big deal-breaker are their respective obsessions with and opinions on treasure-hunting. For Goldie, treasure is the ultimate objective, she will go to any length to get it, and she’ll do whatever she thinks she needs to do to keep it. For Scrooge, he’s obsessed with gold and hoards treasure like a true miser, but he’ll pick a loved one over treasure every time if it comes down to those rough circumstances. It’s a bit of a toss-up as to how Goldie will react to or behave in certain situations. The ideal meeting for Scrooge and Goldie is a fairweather Indiana Jones venture with low stakes and only the other as their worst enemy. It’s more fun and the focus is on being both enchanted by and disgusted by what the other will do next.

Scrooge and Goldie had the spotlight for this episode, but Glomgold is a ridiculously welcome third wheel. Apparently, his jealousy of Scrooge’s love life is the kind of kicker to give him “Grade A Villain” casting for at least an episode. It was unexpectedly grim when Goldie slipped into that river of molten gold.

4.) "Who is Gizmoduck?!"

I love episodes of cartoons that focus on and follow another character of the cast for at least that one story.

This episode is pretty much the underdog story of how Fenton, the humble and starry-eyed intern, became the hero Gizmoduck. Previous episodes set up Fenton as an awkward, kind of over-compensating, but sympathetic figure. All he wants is to earn his boss and personal hero Gyro’s respect and get a few words of encouragement. Viewers learn that Gyro isn’t the only one Fenton’s trying to impress. His M’Ma, Officer Cabrera, is skeptic of Fenton’s role as an unpaid intern and his insistence that “it will lead to bigger, better things, I swear!” In short, Fenton is caught between his personal hopes and the expectations of others.

With how much respect Fenton holds for Gyro, the expected story was that he’d be let down by how the man doesn’t live up to the idealized image in Fenton’s mind. Instead, Fenton has been losing respect for and blind admiration of Gyro for awhile. Fenton’s attention shifted to Gyro’s highly experimental prototype suit of armor and what kind of potential said suit has. It’s no longer about gaining Gyro’s approval. It’s about figuring out who Gizmoduck is and what he can do. Whether he expected it or not, Fenton unexpectedly stumbled into his life’s purpose. Suddenly, Gizmoduck isn’t just an abstract idea or an idealized concept, Fenton is Gizmoduck. Since the episode shows things from Fenton’s perspective, Gizmoduck can be considered a key part of his own journey towards self-actualization.

Honestly, I consider “Gizmoduck” an example for why this toon has something for everybody. Kids have the triplets, Webby, and Lena. Older adults have Donald, Scrooge, and Beakley. And personally, as a twenty-something on a self-discovery journey, I relate to and empathize with Fenton.

3.) "From the Confidential Case Files of Agent 22!"

There was a scene in the very first episode where Webby posed dramatically in front of a Scrooge statuette. Part of me was pointing excitedly at the screen thinking “She’s Scrooge McDuck’s thematic echo for the current generation!”

I was a bit off. Arguably, both Louie and Webby have traits, goals, and motivations in common with Scrooge. In Webby’s case, she shares Scrooge’s intense enthusiasm and zeal for adventuring and the history attached to the relic/site they’re about to visit. The reason why she’s so drawn to and utterly fascinated by Scrooge is that she’s Scrooge’s kindred spirit for lack of a better description. “Confidential Case Files” is the most significant episode so far for fleshing out this particular idea and Webby’s specific bonding-with-Uncle-Scrooge episode.

Viewers are treated to a fun James Bond parody, the official reveal and confirmation of Mrs. Beakley’s background as a spy, and direct focus on Scrooge and Webby’s dynamic. It’s fun to see Webby’s and Scrooge’s vie to rescue Mrs. Beakley compared/contrasted with the first time Scrooge teamed up with Agent 22. Webby naturally goes for similar conclusions and approaches to island threats that Scrooge originally had, but her actions are tempered by Beakley’s shrewd instincts. Scrooge and Webby’s team-up is a showcase for what kind of impact Beakley had on both of them: Scrooge tries to be more conscientious and responsible of his actions and Webby’s reckless adventuring spirit is teamed up with thorough training from Beakley. In short, Webby benefits greatly from having both Scrooge and Beakley as her mentors and guardians.

Scrooge and the triplets have been a driving force in Webby opening up and exploring how to be more comfortable her strange, eccentric self. When Scrooge acknowledges how important bonding with her is, it’s pretty much on-screen confirmation that Webby and Beakley are extended members of his family.

2.) "The Other Bin of Scrooge McDuck!"

Throughout the series, Lena kept trying to convince herself and her aunt Magica that she was just ‘using’ Webby and that she’s locked away all of her ‘weak’ emotions. But it was just lip service the entire time.

I’ve loved her character writing over the course of the entire first season. Viewers can see Lena’s struggle and empathize with how difficult it’d be to act against her aunt, but root her on that much more the bigger and more significant her defiance becomes. It starts with how ambiguous her reasons for saving Beakley were and grows into signs that she sincerely cares about her friendship with Webby, if not the McDuck family at large, when she uses her magic to destroy Magica’s money shark. Lena’s personal dilemma has been gaining her freedom vs the possibility of hurting someone completely innocent. Despite her position, when things get dire, Lena opts for the decision that helps/protects others from Magica.

Lena’s freedom was the most powerful incentive Magica had to keep the girl under her control. The nightmare is Lena’s bucket of cold water. It’s one thing for the McDucks to find out about how she was part of Magica’s plot, but the bigger realization is that Magica can and will hurt the people Lena cares about no matter what she does. Even worse, Lena was always just a tool for Magica and that if she can, Magica will use Lena to destroy the people Lena cares about and revel in it.

Watching Lena inadvertently destroy Webby permanently left a bigger impact than anything else Magica did. The build-up and execution of that scene, in addition to Lena’s relief at it all just being a dream, is hands-down one of the strongest scenes in this series. It’s satisfying to see Lena try to reach out to Scrooge for help. It adds to how fantastic a twist the Magica possession is and gives ample weight to how tragic Lena’s death is.

After “Shadow Wars,” I’m really hoping Lena returns at a later point in the series. While there’s a certain kind of narrative closure and gravity to the idea of Lena as Webby’s guardian spirit, the sappy part of me wants her to come back. I want the happy, fairytale ending of Scrooge adopting Lena, okay?

On a side note: It’s kind of interesting that plush doll Webby partly resembles her original character design from the 1987 DuckTales series. Maybe this scene could be interpreted as having a double meaning or something?

1.) "The Last Crash of the Sunchaser!"

This episode is an emotional gut-punch because of the ending montage. The entire season kept dropping bread crumbs about the missing Della subplot. As the story keeps building, it’s like a rubberband is slowly getting pulled to the point of snapping with Scrooge’s confession about the Spear of Selene. In the heat of the moment, the triplets directly blame Scrooge for losing their mom and old wounds are ripped open for Donald. It’s understandable why everyone is so emotional and the big fallout that follows. As if seeing the triplets’ hearts break wasn’t enough, viewers see Scrooge’s side of the story: He was getting used to the idea of having family join him on adventures, building the Spear was a gesture of goodwill and hopes for how grand future adventures would be, how everything went wrong when Della took off against his warnings, and how desperately he tried to get Della back home safely.

Losing Della broke and devastated Scrooge just as much as it did everyone else. Over the course of adventuring with his niece and nephew, he was starting to become more open-minded and open to others in general. He already took people under his wing if they had interesting ideas and rebellious ideas that stuck out to him, but even then, they were just colleagues or employees. Della and Donald started to convince him to consider others, family especially, as someone he could trust, confide in, and learn from just as much as he could teach them. Seeing Scrooge sink back down into that big arm chair was the dramatic climax of his character arc in this series; a weighty echo of this series’ fantastic take on the classic ‘curmudgeonly Scrooge’ story.

In short: This episode’s writing tugged at my heartstrings and made me feel things.