#i really like this gem; might color this later? but for now :)

[time-slink]

:o? Ren deer??

[ ask game ]

gonna getcha!!

[novantinuum]

Pink Onyx AU- An Analysis and Theory Post, Part 1

[Part 1- You are here!] | [Part 2] | [Part 3] | [Part 4] | [Part 5]

~

Howdy! Those of you who have followed me for a while have probably been seeing my reblogs of the @pink-onyx-au comic made by @ceephorsshitshow. Well, today I wanna share with you something a little different than my usual SU meta… because today I’m gonna analyze this really cool fan work with the same level of seriousness as I do canon. (Like. Seriously. This first post alone is really, really long. I put most of it under a cut.)

This particular comic is a very special one for me to watch unfold, because it’s evident that a lot of deep care and attention to detail has been poured into its creation. There’s fascinating bits of expanded character development to chew into here, as well as plenty of mysteries and lingering questions for us readers to muse and theorize over. If you follow me for Steven Universe and haven’t read this AU yet I highly recommend you check it out. The most basic pitch is that it explores what a fusion between Steven and Jasper might look like, and does a LOT of deep-diving into the similarities and differences of both of those characters’ psyches.

Here’s the episode masterpost on tumblr.

And you can find it on Tapas, too! 

(Note: For the purposes of these posts, I was given permission by the comic artist to post screenshots of various pages where relevant in this discussion. For each frame used I will list the episode and page number for easy reference. Additionally, this post and all future ones on the topic will contain full spoilers for the comic thus far.)

Now with all that introductory stuff out of the way, here we go!

__

So, on the final page of the most recent update, we get one hell of a visual plot bomb for Steven as ol’ Onyx unfuses:

(Episode 9: Page 22)

He’s now visually expressing remnants of his corruption, where before he was not.

And it’s this mysterious plot point in particular that got me wanting to analyze this comic more deeply in the first place. This is completely new for him in this story. Thus far, he’s never expressed any of these remnants when he’s just himself- not in the way Jasper does. So it made me wonder… how might this shift in his appearance play into the ultimate trajectory of the plot? How does Steven suddenly showcasing corruption scars integrate into the larger story that is being spun here about him and Jasper and how they relate to each other?

Well, there’s a lot of comic details and story lore we need to unpack first before I can take my best theorizer’s stab at this. Let’s dig right in.

__

Prelude: The analyst’s treasure is in the speech bubbles

Anyone who’s been a fan of this comic for a while has probably noticed these fun visual details already, but I’m going to take a moment to break down what I believe each speech bubble style signifies for folks who may not have context. It’ll make some of my analysis later a bit easier, too, ahah.

So. Speech bubbles. What kinds do we have here? 

(Episode 1: Page 6)

Style number one: Solid with black text

This style is standard for non-fused characters, and is also utilized when a fused character is speaking whilst in a state of internal harmony.

Steven is pink and Jasper is orange, of course. Onyx’s speech bubbles are a distinct darker pink, and the main three Crystal Gems get their own colors as well. More minor characters get white bubbles.

(Episode 1: Page 10)

Style number two: Scribbly pink lettering overlaying black text

Whenever you see this type of speech bubble, it’s a sign that there is some level of internal discord going on within Steven or Onyx that is related to their diamond side. It usually shows up when one of the two is in pink mode, but from what I can tell this is not a solid rule.

(Episode 2: Page 12)

Style number three: Pink/orange mixed bubbles

This is how we see Onyx talking for a good portion of the early comic. Their speech bubbles are a clean mix of Steven’s pink and Jasper’s orange. And most vitally, the color on the top and the tail signifies which of them is “fronting” at that moment.

(Episode 3: Page 11)

Style number four: White bubble with solid pink text

So far, this style has only been used to represent dialogue that is being spoken by Steven’s gem half exclusively. Which makes things very interesting, as in Steven’s own remembrances of shattering Jasper on the very first page of the comic, the line “I have been holding back!” is shown in this specific style, instead of the scribbly pink lettering that signifies internal discord.

There is one additional sub-style here- and this is the one moment where we get Onyx’s mixed bubble but WITH the solid pink text. 

(Episode 3: Page 11)

I believe these two styles pretty much mean the same thing… only, the white/pink text is either viewed within memory or a metaphoric fusion mindscape where we the viewer are actually “seeing” Steven’s instability, and thus can “see” his gem half as a separate entity there. While, in reality, this is an argument Onyx is having with the disparate pieces of themself.

(Episode 4: Page 9)

Style number five: Pink/orange tye-dye mixed bubbles

When you see that darker shade of pink start dappling into the standard mixed bubbles, this indicates that there are small whispers of Onyx’s true personality beginning to surface, instead of them constantly being wrested back and forth between Steven and Jasper’s conscious control.

(Episode 4: Page 16)

Style number six: Pink/orange mixed bubbles, but with a darker pink tail

From this page onwards, Onyx’s speech bubbles always have their darker pink shading the tail no matter who is fronting. Sometimes there are little lines of another color etched out of it, and sometimes the tail is solid dark pink. I like to believe that when it’s solid, it means that Onyx is just a little closer to reaching a fully harmonious state than when it’s not.

(Episode 9: Page 6)

Style number seven: Onyx speech/thought bubbles with a hint of pink/orange underlying

This style seems to signify moments where it’s still Onyx fully in control of themself and their actions/words/thoughts, but they’re taking subtle influence from their components or accessing their memory a bit.

These are all of the distinct styles I have caught so far, but quite honestly, it would not surprise me if I am missing something. All of this to say… pay close attention to the speech bubbles. They can tell you a lot about Onyx’s state of mind throughout the story.

Now with all this established, I’d like to finish off this first post with my first big discussion point.

__

Question One: What does Jasper actually know about Steven’s “meltdown,” if anything?

The AU author recently solidified this comic’s placement in the SUF timeline in an ask response, saying that the first episode takes place just a week after Steven’s corruption event.

I’m glad this point was clarified, because it was super vital information which deeply influenced the way I analyzed Steven’s actions and responses in my recent re-read… it means this experience is still super raw for him. This is VERY important and we’ll get back to this in more depth later in future posts. But first, let’s explore what Jasper knows of this event.

The full extent of her knowledge is unclear-

(Episode 1: Page 6)

In Episode 1, Steven briefly alludes to his corruption as seen above… referring to it as “[his] meltdown.” Notably, Jasper does not seem to ask any questions about this stray comment. This COULD suggest that she knows what happened to him a week prior via hearsay, but given the context of the rest of the scene and the fact that she’s as isolated as she is out here I genuinely wonder if she thinks Steven’s so-described “meltdown” is his shattering of her.

This idea would make a good deal of sense, as she doesn’t start to make any commentary on the topic of corruption at all until they’re actually fused- with Steven bringing it up first.

(Episode 2: Page 14)

On this page, Steven takes note of Onyx’s very visible spikes (which are Overtly in the same placement as his own when he was corrupted), and initiates the musing upon his own corruption himself.

With the way Jasper phrases her response, the vibe I get is that she somehow gleans a bit of ambient shared knowledge about what happened to him through their fusion.

(Episode 2: Page 15) 

“That human form you wear must have been hiding your markings.” This quote is SUPER vital. We’ll come back to this later on in this post series, too.

(Episode 2: Page 15)

It’s clear that Jasper doesn’t REALLY understand what he went through or what caused it, since she then outright mistakes the casual woes and body pains of organic life as corruption. (As seen above.) 

(Episode 8: Page 4)

But later on, she outright relates to him over their shared experience of past corruption, so she must at least know enough from mere ambient thought-sharing by this point to recognize it happened.  

It’s obvious that she’s barely scratched the surface on fully understanding her fusion partner, though. Neither of them have. It’s gonna take a lot of fusion, comedic mishaps, and genuine conversation to get there. All in good time, I’m sure.

__

Please do join me tomorrow at 7am PST for the next post in this series! This has been a blast to write up and muse upon.

[muffinsin]

hello muffin! in case you don't see this until later: happy halloween!! I hope that, amidst writing and other blog-related activities, you have a great holiday and enjoy some spooky festivities!

I was wondering: how do you think the sisters would react to their significant others having pierced nipples?

Please and thank you!!

Did I move this to the front of the editing queue? I might have…! XP

Hey hon! :) Happy-late Halloween! XP Does it still count? I think it might!🎃 Awhh, thank you, hon! I had a fun time🙌 how was y’all’s Halloween, if y’all do anything fun?

My, my, as of now I can already say they’d be quite thrilled…let’s get into it though, shall we?

Masterlists

Bela

While Bela finds your nipples cute without the piercings, she can’t deny the feeling she gets when looking at them

She isn’t a fan of too much or too big piercings

She likes them delicate, almost like subtle pieces of jewelry

Elegant

She likes little silver rings a lot

When wearing them, you can be sure she will hold you down, her skilled tongue working around your nipples and flicking them and the rings a little

She rather sees it as decoration, a piece of art

Her favorite colors are silver and red, and occasionally golden piercings for your nipples

She doesn’t like anything too dark or too big

Her favorite, though, is a set of red nipple piercings in the shape of red jewels at either side of the nipple

She loves to add more red to it, occasionally bite at your chest and lick it back up

Never too much, just enough for your body to match the red of the gems

Her red

The first time she sees your pierced nipples, she’s reasonably surprised

It’s incredibly rare to see one with such…accessories…at the castle, or the village either, really

You’re rare, intriguing

Of course, she’s curious too

She drags her tongue over them and likes to play with your breasts until she figures out just what grants her which reaction

She loves to see you squirm and writhe on the bed below her

Pinned by her, licked

Caressed

Your body hers to explore

Your breasts sucked and groped, your nipples played with

When sporting the metallic rings she likes, she might bite and gently tug your nipples by them

Likely, she will leave you sore, but she’ll take good care of you after

Bela very much so enjoys sucking your breasts, too, and dragging her tongue across whatever piercing you have in at the moment

Like with earrings, she’ll personally ensure you have a variety to choose from, some selected by her, others by yourself

And when you undress, it always serves as a nice surprise to her to see which you’ve picked out

Cassandra

Cassandra loves nipple piercings for various reasons

Of course, as a sadist, she likes the thought of using them to torture you

At many points has she begged you already

Please, oh please, allow her to pierce your breasts and privates, too! Your nose, ears, lip, whatever you like!

She wants to see you squirm!

She wants it so bad

And really, if you do allow her to add some more piercings, she’ll do an amazing job

Often, she tends to put specific piercings on your nipples

Light rings, connected by a light chain she loves to tug at times

Never too hard, just enough for you to fear and squeal for her

Never enough to tear through the little buds

Only ever enough to add more pressure

If she could, she’d have nipple piercings herself, really, as well as a clit one

Sadly, her body is far too quick to regenerate to properly allow this

At times she could keep you tied to the bed for hours

She’d tug your nipples and lick across them, kiss you and run her razor sharp nails across your sides

With every pull of your nipple piercings she gets hungrier, her pupils dilating, her mouth watering

Occasionally, she’ll bite into your breasts, just around the piercing

And she’ll eagerly lick the blood away, moaning and sucking at your breast

She’d lick across the piercing, dip her tongue into the wounds she’s caused

And lastly, she finds it thrilling to put a little larger ones on you

She loves to rock your body, to get a strap and use it on you

To watch them bounce with your breasts with every move into you

The first time she sees them, when she practically tore your shirt off, she’s taken by surprise

So beautiful, so perfect

So delicious

You’re sure she’s ready to eat you alive

And she might just be

Instead, she grabs your breasts and licks your nipples, her strong tongue rolling over your piercings

So eager, so hungry…

Daniela

Daniela loves nipple piercings!

Multiple times she’s tried to have one of her own, squirming and whining and crying out when her nipple got pierced

Her excitement when she got to sport a piercing too, though!

And, far too soon, her annoyance and frustration when she had to take it out for her body to heal the small “wound” left by the needle

How frustrating!

You, however, don’t share these struggles

The first time she finds out about your nipple piercings is, funnily enough, when she kisses you and gets a little too excited

Reaching up with her hands, her lips gently moving against yours, her fingers suddenly flinch back when she feels something odd under your shirt, just where your nipples are

You giggle at her shocked, surprised reaction

She’s adorable, really

And when you eventually pull up your shirt and let her see, you can see her eyes go wide

She lowers her head immediately, lapping at your pierced nipples with kitten-like licks

Still, she does so, almost every time she gets near your chest

She loves to suck your nipples and to feel the piercing under her tongue

At times, you help her pierce her nipples again, despite how they never stick for more than a few hours until she needs to remove it again

She squirms adorably beneath you as you do, whimpering, gasping, whining in pain

But, when her pierced nipples rub up against yours, it usually ends with her orgasming harder than ever before

She likes to try matching sets in those times

At other times, she likes to buy you piercings to match your underwear or any toy of hers

She thinks it’s cute

[jthealien]

To key or not to key, that is the question. (Aka I wanted to put my two cents into the “Buddy is a key” theory since Book of Deacon had more people talking about it, for good reason.)

So what do I think? Uh. Well. It’s complicated. I’ll try to keep this organized, but man do I love tangents.

TLDR: Buddy’s not a key, not not a key, but a secret third thing.

First off, Book of Deacon established some pretty major things, specifically that keys can go into books and what keys look like inside of books. I’ll focus on the latter for a bit.

While much more human looking, Silver still retains a lot of her key (ha.) features: partially gray skin, gem eyes, a general sparkliness.

She’s so shiny :D

I’m going to make an assumption that most of those traits (especially the first two) apply to the other keys’ human forms.

And Buddy? Well he doesn’t have any of those. There’s absolutely zero color on that guy that isn’t #FFFFFF, and while his eyes do kind of stare into your soul — they also look like normal human ones.

But we do know that keys can make minor appearance changes to their users. Considering skin modifications like tattoos are possible, who’s to say any key-like features could just be covered up? It hasn’t been stated otherwise, so that can’t be discounted as an option.

But, in Dreams by Night (it’s not one of my rants without me bringing up that episode) we get our first — and to date, only — actual glimpse of Buddy that isn’t in a book or dream.

From what we see of his ear, it doesn’t look very key like. Silver’s ear had some of her key skin tone, so if Buddy was a key, his ear would be a different color as well. It isn’t, though.

But, hypothetically: if Buddy was a key, what key would he be?

I’m almost certain the answer is Violet.

I’ve pointed this out before, but they look really similar. Like, down to the eye color, eye shape, and weird little smirk.

It’s likely not a coincidence. I can’t really think of a reason why Violet would make any other key look like a more masculine version of herself — or if that’s even possible for her to do.

So yeah, he’d be Violet. (I’ll get into the implications of that later because oh boy.)

If that's the case though, can keys put themselves into books? I mean, maybe?? But I feel like that wouldn’t work. Another reason why I don’t really believe that Buddy is a key.

But I can’t ignore that there’s definitely details that’d be explained by it.

That thing around Buddy’s neck in his dream? Other people have pointed out that it kinda looks like a keyring. And yeah, it really does. I’m not quite sure what else it’d be.

How does Buddy know every detail of every story Chase goes into? Keys have that ability.

Why doesn’t Buddy like water? Well, metals can rust.

There’s another thing I can’t bring up because the episode is in fastpass jail as I’m writing this. But it deals with keys not enjoying being stuck as keys with the keyring. (Other fastpassers know what I’m referring to, I think).

All that being said, I’m going to go over some possibilities. Kind of in order from how little to how much I believe them

1. Buddy is a key, but not Violet

It’s not impossible, but I’ve already mentioned the reasons I’m convinced that if he were a key, he’d be Violet. So I’m going to write this one off for now.

Well uh, I would if it weren’t for Chekov’s Gun (or I guess Chekov’s Keyple, in this case).

Why would Punko use a whole episode to establish that keys can use other keys for books, if that wasn’t going to come up again in some way? I suspect that payoff is going to happen this season. Otherwise, it’d make more sense to introduce this detail later.

Unless the focus isn’t meant to be on that ability of the keys, but rather what the keys look like. In a way this might be meant to prove Buddy couldn’t be a key.

But, for the most part, I believe this option the least.

2. Buddy is a key, and Buddy is Violet

I don’t really think this one is true, but it might be my favorite just for the pure symbolism and potential. I might make an AU about it tbh.

Them being one in the same would be the simplest(?) explanation as to why they look so similar.

It’d also mean, technically, Buddy/Violet is in some way trans. Besides me just thinking that’d be neat (source: I’m trans), it’d also have some fascinating story implications.

Like, Buddy has some pretty heavy identity issues, what with him thinking he has to fit the role of the villain, because he doesn't know how to act outside of that. Chase then shows him he can be more than the expectations placed on him by others. Buddy being transmasc would defensively fit into this too.

It also fits with the story’s themes of breaking conventions. We already see that with Chase and Buddy’s having two keys of the four keys that are gendered — and also the only two specifically stated to be for a female role. What else would be a bigger upheaval of conventions, though, than for the personification of the villainess role to actually be a man?

There could definitely be something there too, of Buddy feeling trapped in the wrong body by resenting being a key.

Do I think the story will go down this route? Eh, probably not. But it’s fun to think about! (I think that’s how I’d describe the whole “Buddy is a key theory” in general).

In terms of evidence against this, barring what I’ve already talked about, there’s one thing. However it's in a fastpass episode, and I’m hesitant to say anything about it because I’d feel really really bad for spoiling anything. It's not that major, but I’m going to be on the safe side. Just take my word that it’s pretty solid proof Buddy and Violet are not the same person. (It’s from that scene in ep. 53, if anybody wanted to know.)

Side Note: This section might be the best place to add this, but the name Violet comes from the Latin ‘Viola’. The most well known use of this name is the main character in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. She spends the majority of the play disguised as a man to work for a duke and ends up falling in love with him. Not trying to say this is how it’ll work in Cinderella Boy, but I just think it’s interesting.

Anyway, the next and last option.

3. Buddy is not a key, Buddy is not Violet, but is related to her in some other way

Somehow the theory I believe the most in is the one I’m the least sure how to explain, lmao.

Based on everything I’ve said, I’m pretty sure Buddy is a human. At least from a narrative standpoint it’d make the most sense, because Chase dating one of the keys just seems kind of… weird? (But maybe liking keys runs in the Hollow family, who knows.)

If Buddy was a key, then the other keys would be his family. He really just doesn’t talk about them like that, though. In Rules of Engagement II, he calls Silver “it” and “your key”, and I just don’t think the keys would do that to each other.

So, my other explanation as to why Buddy and Violet look similar is that Buddy is partially a key. How? Why? Great questions because I also don’t know. The closest answers I have are almost purely speculation.

Maybe Violet is Buddy’s mom?? Walk with me here.

By mom I mean like, some kind of magic was used to either create a human version of Violet or infuse some of her powers into a human.

It would account for their positive relationship, considering she’s willing to make Buddy pretty outfits. It’d also explain why Buddy has a lot of attributes of a key (omniscient knowledge of a book, needing to see the story to completion, etc), and make all the key symbolism around him more metaphorical.

Unless she is literally his mom. (Don’t ask me how that’d work because again I don’t know.) In All That Glitters III he hesitates before he says his key did his hair.

Assuming that Violet actually was involved and he didn’t do his hair himself, what was he going to call her? Mom? Sister? Second cousin once removed? Friend? Maybe after his and Chase’s little talk at the end of Beach Boys he realized “oh yeah Violet would be a familial figure/friend.” I’m not sure, but I thought I’d bring it up.

As for the ‘why’ — perhaps Ex Libris wanted someone who is like a key but can also gather Narratonin. Yknow, for efficiency or something.

It’d tie back into Buddy’s identity issues, too. Because yeah I’d also be pretty messed up if I was created for a specific purpose that my entire worth hinges upon. I’d also be really pissed if Some Guy chose to just waltz into the stories, chose to deviate from the plots, chose to gather Narratonin — when I’ve never had those choices.

Case in point, I think this option is the most likely because I really don’t believe Buddy is a key. But I also don’t believe Buddy is completely unrelated to Violet.

[hard-times-paramore]

Houseki no Kuni - a summary

Since I've been posting nonstop about it, I might as well let my mutuals in on what it's about!

The manga is heavily Buddhist-themed, talking about repeated cycles of violence, death and rebirth.

It's not actually that similar to Steven Universe, from what I heard. It's indeed a serious story with a lot of trauma, and it has genderweird gem people, but they take different routes.

The manga is now finished and there's a 12 episodes 3D anime, that encompasses roughly the first 35 chapters of it. But Studio Orange has no intentions of continuing it, so you have to read the manga to finish the story.

The summary is under the cut!

Millions of years ago, the apocalypse happened. Every species on Earth was wiped out by 6 comets that later became 6 new moons in the sky.

But after millions of years, Earth is recovering. There is one island, after the flood brought by those comets, that started bearing life again.

The intelligent species are the Gems, sexless, genderless people made of precious minerals.

They're cared for by Adamant Sensei, a huge buddhist monk-looking guy. He raises them like his own children, teaches them to read, write, fight, etc.

They have a small society, always in small numbers, because of how long it takes for new gems to emerge (they come out from a cliffside in the island). And because there's a race of people from the moon, called the Lunarians, who seek to harvest the Gems for their precious crystals. Often, Gems are kidnapped to the moons for this reason.

This is why they learn to fight and to patrol, because they have to fight the Lunarians.

They can break, but even if they do, they can be put back together. They're essentially immortal, what makes them alive are microscopic lifeforms in their body, that feed off sunlight, called inclusions.

Millions of years passed like this. New Gems are slowly formed and emerge from the cliffside, Sensei takes care of them, they find a place in society to contribute, and some eventually can't outrun the Lunarians and are taken to the moon.

Until Phosphophyllite.

The youngest of them, only 300 years old at the start of the story, starts on a journey that brings change to the Gem society.

And change to themself.

Some more thoughts:

I wouldn't be reccomending this story if I didn't love it. And I love it so much. At least 70% of it is genuinely good quality. But mind you, I do have some criticisms to it, so I'll say it now so whoever decides to read it is warned. I feel (and many peoole agree) that the narrative really sabotaged itself towards the last 3 volumes, flattening all characters ane plotlines for everything other than the protagonist.

Not only that, the manga is a nightmare to read, for design reasons. Because of lore, all the characters have the same clothes, body type and skin color, only changing their hairstyle and hair color. Which in a black and white manga can be impossible to tell apart.

It helps if you watched the anime first and know everyone's colors, but oof.

Either way, I feel like it was worth my brainrot. If you wanna come on that journey with me, then let's take ibuprophen together!

[pastryland]

lestappen completed fic recommendations

If any of the authors of the fics mentioned here or are tagged and don't want their fics to be here, please let me know and I'll remove it!

Will update this list periodically

❤️ = favorite

⭐️ = I love fics by this author in general

❌ = triggering themes

🔥 = explicit

Devils roll their dice (Angels roll their eyes) - 55k - 🔥

It all started with a crash. Well, technically, it started with a blue-eyed boy with blonde hair getting screamed at in a language he couldn’t understand when he was only 12 years old. He remembered looking at the boy, who couldn’t be much older than himself - (two weeks older, to be exact, he’d learn later) - and watching the spark disappear right out of those icy blue eyes. That was the first memory Charles Leclerc had of Max Verstappen: Watching Jos Verstappen, Max’s own father, scream at this 12 year old child with an intensity that turned his face red and made every blood vessel in his neck look dangerously close to bursting. But if anyone ever were to ask Charles when he started to realize that his feelings towards that same Max Verstappen he had known since childhood had begun to change into something else, something bigger, something terrifying he couldn’t - or wouldn’t - quite put his finger on, he would say that it all started with a crash.Because of fucking course it did.--- OR: The slow-burn story of Lestappen that has brought me back from the dead, which starts with Max's crash at Silverstone in 2021.

salad days - 48k - ❤️ 🔥

“You think you are so much better –“ “I know I am,” Max cut him off again. “But that doesn’t mean that I can’t be beat.” “You want me to beat you?” “I want you to fucking try,” Max said, and over the phone, Charles could hear his cocky little grin. Charles found himself grinning back.

half of a heaven - 39k - ❌ 🔥

“Good evening. I’m Charles,” he offers his hand, which Max takes and for a second, Charles thinks he’s going to kiss the back of it. Some muscle spasms in the tight grip, rough velvet against soft skin. When Charles gets his hand back, it feels like he lost a finger or two in the fight. “What’s your poison, Charles?” Max asks, settling on the barstool like it’s not designed to be the most uncomfortable chair in the world. “Cyanide, usually. I’ll settle for a gin tonic for now.” or, Charles is a supermodel that has learned everything he needs to make his world turn. Now, he has no idea what Max Verstappen wants from him.

glitch - 26k - ❤️ ⭐️

Max hums. “Well, at least that means I won’t bump into Charles Leclerc again.” “Bummer, really,” Daniel says, moving back to his own seat and drinking the little bit of coffee that was still in the cup. “Could’ve been the start of a great love story.” Lando snorts. “Kids, it all started when I told your father, who had won two World Driver Championships at that point, that he sucked at driving.” Max sticks his middle finger up at them, and pulls his noise canceling headphones back over his ears. Only two hours left to go, he thinks, wistfully, and goes back to work.

all's well that ends well (to end up with you) - 21k - 🔥

"I was going to propose to him, and now I think he's going to leave me, so yeah, please… tell me how this could possibly get any fucking worse?" Lando gulps. "I uh... might have... misplaced the ring." *** In which it's summer break, and Max has an engagement ring with a gem the color of the Monaco sea locked in a safe in his closet. He wants to propose to Charles, and he enlists Lando, Oscar, Pierre, and a few other drivers to help make the proposal everything Charles deserves. But nothing in Max's life can ever be simple, and as Mission Lestappen Proposal™ unfolds, Max knows Charles is keeping something important from him. Max can survive Lando losing the ring. But he knows he can't survive losing Charles.

Rules of Engagement - 7k - ❤️ ⭐️

“Take me with you then!” Max felt his eyes go wide, his jaw literally dropping at the suggestion. “Tell them I’m like. Say I’m your fiancé, mate.” The heat had melted Charles’s brain, Max decided, staring at him blankly. “No.” He deadpanned. “Mate it’s genius! You won’t have to do anything, just stand there. Let me handle it. Them. The women.”

mr predestined and the flying dutchman - 80k - 🔥

Max Verstappen, an infamous child actor fresh out of rehab, and Hollywood's rising darling, Charles Leclerc, share nothing in common. Therefore, it's a field day for the public when the two are spotted out on a series of dates, days after they have been confirmed to star in blockbusters coming out the same day. It seems surprising that pretty boy Charles would dirty his hands with the complex intensity of Max, after the traumatizing scandal which led to Max being in rehab in the first place – but the press eats up their laughs like honey, and comment on their every single move. Perhaps this is where the ball drops – because Charles and Max are not as in love as they're portrayed to be. In fact, they're not even dating. Red Bull Records has already lost two of their celebrities to the whirlwind that was the infamy of 2019, and Ferrari Entertainment is dying to claim the next big star. What could go wrong in working together to kill two birds with one stone?

Second Time's the Charm - 7k - ⭐️

“Remember when you said you’d set me up with someone? A few months ago, at George’s wedding?” Charles’s voice is still pinched, as if his throat is trying to suffocate him and put him out of his misery. “Maybe you could do that? If the offer is still standing.” Simultaneously: “How did you know you liked guys?” Max’s tone is flat, as it usually is when he tries to come off as entirely disinterested, but Lando knows his tricks. He shoots upright, looking down at Max with wide eyes before exclaiming, arguably, one of the worst possible responses: “Oh my god, Max, are you fucking gay?” Or: Charles and Max don't know how to date; Alex and Lando try their best to make it happen.

[hanafubukki]

Malleus Draconia’s Flower Bouquet Meaning

Twst Bdays Flower Language Masterlist

I have been waiting and waiting for the release of Malleus’ 3rd Bday card with such anticipation. I literally waited every day until the time Twst JP usually updates with news for some semblance of Malleus Bday card news.

AND NOW MY BOY IS HERE AND HE LOOKS SO FINE PLEASE. His smirk with the fangs sends me. His wink is so cute! Lilia is raising these boys right! Look at HIM.

January is the moth of Diasomnia and I love it, we have Malleus, Lilia, Silver and Sebek card releases. (Diasomnia Stans I hope your gems survive). 

As I did with Lilia’s Bouquet Post , I will be writing more than I usually do. Malleus Draconia is one of my favorite twst characters and he deserves it and all the effort (in this love essay, I will). In addition, I will be adding possible theories along the way and will be mentioning book 7 too and other cards that have been released, so heed spoilers for book 7 and cards that might have not released yet.

At first glance, Malleus’ Bouquet reminded me of Trey’s Bouquet . In the sense that it reminded me of a salad, and I couldn’t help but laugh a bit because of it. When you think about some of the meanings previously discussed in Trey’s Bouquet, it applies to Malleus as well when you think about it: past, present, and future. But I’m getting ahead of myself, we will discuss that later.

It’s really nice seeing Malleus so happy especially without any worries right now (basically flirting with us lolol). After book 7 chapter 1, I am happy he is full of energy and amusement. 

I do wish that his bouquet had more colors to make it pop more, but like Lilia’s, Malleus’ bouquet does fit him rather well. It can give you a glimpse of his past and current mindset, and also a hint to the future of what may come. (please, my heart.) 

Some observations from just from a glance, Malleus’ bouquet may not pop as much color wise, but you know what it does really well? It blends into the environment rather seamlessly.  Unlike Trey, who doesn't like to stand out and would rather blend in, which shows in his flowers. For malleus, it is not by choice. He blends in seamlessly because he is forgotten by those around him. When he is not forgotten, people are scared of him and tend to run away. The only ones to truly notice him missing are Lilia, Sebek, Silver, and MC.

We know that Malleus hates being forgotten and left out and this bouquet shows that while he blends in to the environment, it is not by choice and some of the flower meanings show his feelings towards being forgotten and ostracized. (I’ll never forget you Malleus 💕💕). 

Greem flowers tend to be rare and on further research, they also tend to be mutations in some variations of flowers. This fits Malleus because we can all say that he is a highly respected figure, not only is he a future king in the Valley of Thorns, but he is one of the top ten strongest mages in the world. If we went further, Malleus is a type of dragon fae, and royalty, maybe he might or might not be the last of his kind? Only time will tell, as we know the only relative he has right now is his grandmother. I

In terms of magic power, malleus is extremely strong and we can see how the story swings and the narrative changes when he deigns to step in and help. Book 5, Malleus fixed the stage hence allowing for VDC to continue, and in book 6, he helped Vil by making him young again. We have seen in masquerade the magic potential he has and how that affects the environment as well, and in book 7 a well. Malleus is unique and rare, and that could also show why he is so revered heavily by everyone else when all he wants is to be invited and share experiences with others.

I love how Malleus is also winking in this card, as he is in other cards. You certainly get the Diasomnia closeness as because sebek was also winking in his cards. We also have the smile that Lilia and Silver all share too, which I think is cute! I might be wrong but I think all the third years so far have been winking?

Now, let’s talk about some rather interesting...moves that twst played with the release of this Malleus card. First of all, with the release of the Malleus Bday card, We also received the Silver Dorm SSR card. This is interesting because this is the first time they released a Dorm SSR card without a story update. What’s more, its rather interesting they chose to release it with the Malleus card which makes me wonder how purposely did they do this? Was this as a way to show the connection Silver and Malleus has? 

As in a sense, Malleus can be paralleled to Maleficent and Silver could be Aurora (and the Sword, Shield, and Prince Philip technically) from what we see on the surface level. It's as if they are telling us these two are more connected than we realize and maybe they are a mirror too (or like that one promo where you see Maleficent on one side and the princess on another as two opposite spectrums).

Considering the opposite styles that Malleus and Silver were raise (by Lilia no less), it hurts to see how much this is stressed. You can tell familial love will play a big role in book7 from this alone. It also makes it seem like they are pushing Malleus to play this evil role that he clearly doesn't want to be in when all he wants is to belong and be invited.

Another interesting point I want to bring up is that, Silver is the only one without the title that basically says “___ Protector of the Valley of Thorns” Instead, He is the sleeping guardian. So, we have this disconnect between the four and shows how much of the role Silver might play when it comes to the other three diasomnia residents.  This Post shows the English titles  and this post is a jp comment about it as well I believe .

It alludes more and more to the fact that Silver has a connection to ‘dreams’ and that could also be a hint on how Malleus and everyone could be saved given that Malleus is the King of the Abyss as well. Maybe, Silver’s UM is connected to dreams as everyone speculate, but I digress. We know at the end of the day, these two have a connection and only time will tell what kind of connection and what it will put everyone through (and how it will eventually wreck us too, get your tissue boxes ready everyone. Book 7 chapter 1 already came for us without reprieve.)

Another fact that I find funny is that Malleus’ Duo is Ace. So, I can’t wait to see how Ace and Malleus interact given that Ace....doesn’t care for manners when it comes to people in power and will basically say what's on his mind. Which, we can see from Endless Halloween. I also personally find it funny because many people tend to ship MC with Ace and Malleus and these two always end up in a triangle and I can’t wait to see what happens after the interview lol Ace also doesn’t have his UM so maybe its a hint of Ace’s role in Book 7 (he could be hiding it as well, since we know how much of a trickster he is).

Malleus’ card spells are similar to those of Idia’s Bday ones apparently. Which is funny and interesting given that Idia will play a big role in book 7, especially in terms of grief and moving on and recovering from the loss of a loved one.

I can’t wait to see Malleus’ groovy. I hope its either in dawn or dusk because that would not only be beautiful but give a wonderful symbolism as well. 

Malleus holding the bouquet so effortlessly also shows his strength, I mean look at him, no struggle at all.

You know what makes me so soft about Malleus’ bouquet? It’s that he has signs of those he loves in his bouquet. He has flowers that symbolizes Lilia, Sebek, Silver, and even MC/Yuu.

Now, lets talk about Flowers 🌺💚🌺💚

[As usual, my disclaimer from before stands, flowers have many different meanings depending on region and color, so the meanings I have might differ from the meanings you know.]

In addition, I know there were some feelings of sadness going around with Malleus’ bouquet because most of the associated flower language were negative, but remember every flower has more than one meaning and together, the flower language can change as a whole depending on the bouquet. It also depends on the meaning we choose to empathize over the others. 

His flowers are kind of hard to tell, so I put whichever ones I thought they might be. Get your hearts ready and anything you have that has Malleus’ face because you are going to want to hug him. (total opposite from how I wanted to yeet Lilia during his post lol) 

Flower Colors (general meaning): 

Green Flowers: Health, resilience, good fortune, and youth. We know Malleus is young in terms of Fae age and we know he also has to learn and mature more when in comes to certain instances over the others. Some examples we have seen was when things didn’t go his way and you can see the weather being affected, but also we have to consider that he never really got to act his age has he? Health and good fortune for his future.

White Flowers:  True love, purity, innocence, sympathy.  We know True Love Kiss plays a role in Sleeping Beauty and I can’t wait to see how it plays a role for book 7. In a way, Malleus is innocent in his experience with anything related to modern times, and his situation does make you feel for him. (Malleus, we love you 💕).

Red Flowers: Love, passion, pride, vigor, and strength. (rather fitting, wouldn’t you say?) 

Bouquet:

Green Roses: Renewal, rejuvenation of spirit and energy, growth, abundance, balance, stability, peace, good news and new beginnings. Possibly the future healing that Malleus will go through? (you know, after his mental breakdown...I know know, I’ll be quiet now) [To my knowledge, green roses do not mean jealously. It’s the yellow roses.] I was hoping they would give him red roses to symbolize his rose garden back home too. 

Carnation: Fascination, distinction, and love. In Greek, it is known as God’s Flower.  As some tend to worship Malleus like a God, it's rather fitting for him to have this flower. (Sebek and some diasomnia students come to mind).

Curcuma/Hidden Lilies: Love, Rebirth, Devotion, Purity, Fertility, clear and sincere intentions. When I first saw these, my mind literally went Lilies = Lilia and with several of the meanings it makes you wonder doesn’t it? Especially as Rebirth seems to be a themes in Malleus and Lilia’s bouquet. (Sleeping curse maybe?) These also look like the flowers you see in the Live Action Sleeping Beauty 2 Movie, during the wedding. You know when Maleficent walks Aurora down the Aisle. So it could also be stressing the relationship Malleus has with Silver. Technically, all three of them. Can be used to treated stomach problems and this makes me laugh because Lilia had stomach problems in that one Firelit Sky event, hence another factor in representing Lilia.

Green Lisanthus: Appreciation, charm, charisma, and confidence. (Malleus in a flower basically 💕)

Cala Lily (Burgundy): Life’s right of passage, purity, holiness, faithfulness, courage and determination. (Silver and Sebek determination to protecting their Lord.) 

Dracaena Fragans: meaning Dragon, financial and career success (he will make wonderful king), peace and good fortune.

Amaryllis: to sparkle, pride, strength, determination. These flowers blooms every year despite looking frail and it doesn’t take much to have them grow year after year. An interesting story is about a maiden who fell in love with a cold hearted man. She pierced her heart with a gold arrow and visited his cottage. After 30 days, her droplets of blood became beautiful flowers and the man fell in love with her and she was healed. Another type of Amaryllis is the cluster ones, we know it as the spider lilies. Common ones are the red spider lilies which is basically a red flag because it usually means death and last goodbye. This could symbolize the long life Malleus has ahead of him as well. White Amaryllis means beauty, devotion, and love. In addition, White Amaryllis symbolizes children and the innocence that comes from them. It reminds me of the story that Malleus told MC about how he just wanted to belong and had a tantrum that led to the castle becoming frozen in ice. Lilia was the only one who stepped forward and helped him and it implies that's how Malleus ended up loving ice cream. (My heeearrrttt) Also, the other story of how Lilia had his hair burned because baby malleus blew fire too lolol.

Houseleeks/Succulent: Always Living, enduring and timeless love, forever, does not change, Will live in harsh environments (My heart damnit, my heart).

Elderberry/Elder: inner strength, courage, calm fears, resilience, joy, protection from evil, prolong life, and peaceful sleep. “Eld” can also mean fire.

Olives: friendship and reconciliation, cleansing and healing, light, victory and richness, and above all, a sign of peace. (I’m not crying, you are!).

Hypericum Berries: symbol of peace, protection, rebirth 

Acai Palm: Nutritious, growth in wilderness.

Thistle: Pain, aggressiveness, pride, and Protection.

Cordylines: Added to flowers to add emphasize to other flowers meanings, good luck, and fortune. Often it is confused with Dracaena. 

Random Fact: Anniversaries could also be considered, since its the 3rd bdays for all the boys, their flower will be Sunflower: strength  be well, happiness, male healing, confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness. Sounds just like them, doesn’t it?

Credit: Thank you to Lala (@/mobagehellocal) for her help as always. Please go talk flowers with her too. We love talking about them. 🌺🌻

[pokegalla]

Requested by @tryslogic

I hope you enjoy✨

Fresh and Lust with a bird brain S/o

(Basically an S/o who acts like a bird)

Lust:

* He is a little surprised to even receive any gifts…..let alone the pretty rocks and trinkets. He quite loves the little gifts you give him.

* He likes to decorate his room with it all and makes sure to take care of them, keeping the shiny and clean✨

* He’ll even find a way to make matching necklaces out of the shiny minerals you give him!

* He definitely calls you his little birdie. Especially when you nuzzle in the fluff of his jacket, he swore he heard you chirp- (or he’s just teasing you because you look adorable when angry or confused ❤️)

* The nest of pillows and blankets you made for movie night definitely surprised him more. Is he complaining? Hell no- he’s already hopping in to cuddle with you!

* He loves his little birdie and he wouldn’t ask for it any other way!

Mini story time!!!

Lust was getting all the snacks ready for the movie night with you! He was so excited…..it will just be the two of you tonight and he just felt so…..so giddy inside! He laughs to himself. Stars he was acting like a high schooler in love…..but it can’t be so bad if he feels this wonderful. He clutches onto the crystal pendant. Ok! He’s ready!

“Oh my little birdieeeee~! I brought the snacks~!✨” He calls out as he walks to the living room.

You suddenly pop up from under a blanket, “Yay! Come on in then! You may sit in my wonderful nest✨”

He giggles, “Why thank you for granting me such an opportunity! Buuuuuut if yah want the snacks…..I demand extra cuddles!”

“Hmmmm…..ok! Sounds like a good deal to me,” You say happily, “Come here!”

You both settle into the nest of blankets and pillows and hold each other close as the movie played. You both eventually get sleepy and give each other a few sleepy kisses and silly giggles before falling asleep, holding hands……

Fresh:

* Ok so hear me out- honestly he might seem very nonchalant or uncaring about your gifts at first- but he always accepts them. You wonder if he forgets about them or just throws them away…..

* But! It’s not true at all! In fact he just keeps them with him at all times in his phanny pack. Mainly because he doesn’t want to lose them (which honestly he would like come on-)

* His two favorites is a turtle decoration with colorful gems on it and a charm bracelet. He wears the bracelet all the time but it’s hidden cause of his long sleeves. And the turtle gets a special spot in his pocket (he calls it his lucky turtle❤️)

* He likes to look at the turtle or bracelet when he’s alone and smiles because he’s thinking of you❤️

* And you know he’s jumping into those nests- like a straight up cannonball into it. He might mess it up a few times. But luckily most of the time he just lazes about in it because it’s so cozy! But if he’s a little too energetic? Cannonball-

Mini story time!!!

You felt a bit sad…..you keep giving your bone-friend special gifts but he didn’t seem to care or give any reaction. Not even on his glasses. You can’t help but wonder…..what does he do with them all?

“Fresh…..?” You call out to him.

“Huh? Oh wassup my freshest partner?! Wanna chill today?” Fresh asked excitedly.

“…….Fresh do I…..seem annoying? Or have I done anything wrong?” You ask. Fresh had question marks on his glasses. “It’s just…..you never seem to really care about my gifts. Do you even have them….? Or did you throw them away…..?”

He looked…..surprised. But then he smiles and pats your head. Huh? He also put something on your head….you get the thing off your head to examine it. It was…..the turtle you gave him. And looking up, you noticed his bracelet dangling his wrist.

Fresh now had ‘SRRY’ on his glasses, “…..we cool now? I got more in my pack if yah wanna see…..”

You smile at how sheepish he looked. It was a rare sight. You’re definitely gonna tease him later- but for now…..you settled with hugging him. He hugs you back and swings you around.

“Pizza? My treat✨,” He said with a little dramatic flair.

You giggle, “Sounds good to me.”

[snarky-art]

Perhaps the domino gowns of s5...they....they need a bit of love 😭

Couldn’t not upload my favorite pairs too while they’re in such nice attire, as a treat

Anyway, bestie these were WILD to look at

Redesigning these meant trying my best to keep certain shapes, and then saying fuck it for most of them and just lore dumping through dresswear instead

Musa, Flora, and Tecna are in nice formal wear with some traditional elements and general stuff representative of their respective homes as guardian fairies and members of the winx and Stella, Aisha, and Bloom are wearing formal wear that’s drenched in years of political context and a lot of it with handed down elements select to the leaders of the body of government

Stella’s is a hodgepodge of her own selection and custom tailoring and Aisha’s is a more modern take on traditional elements that she prefers her royal stylist to stick to as a way to stay on trend and match with what she likes

Lore stuff and some explanations for changed that I feel like justifying below the cut if you’re interested!:)

For Musa I went more Ming dynasty and tried a longer skirt but it just didn’t really look right to me, so pants it is. The only thing I ended up keeping from her og dress was a line down the middle on the upper part of the outfit.

Aisha has the green gem featured in her crown (the one for the heir of Androsia) and her parent’s headwear as I’ve featured in other pieces and has been shown in between the two diamond jewels in the same formal wear pieces and as is shown on her bracelets. I realized I never specified what those are symbolic of ahaaa

The two diamonds are for the land and the sea, each equal in size and color for the symbolism of equal emphasis and importance in the standing of the government, with the green circle being where they touch. The Diamond shape is to represent each form reaching for each other and outwards, encompassing all around it, and the dot where they drop into each other, making the surface of the sea. Aisha as heir is currently meant to represent this unity as she is the result of Land and Sea symbolically through her parents with the way Androsian government works, and she is meant to currently do what she can to represent all her subjects’ interests before she takes her final place as the representative for the Land Androsi (if she does take that position at all actually because there’s some political turmoil in my thing with how government works rn that I talk about some in this post but shhhh we’ll figure that out later)

Tecna’s is a purple girlie.

There are lots of natural ways to dye things purple on Zenith (they do a lot of it synthetically or magically now) so lots of traditional stuff is purple and lucky for Tecna, they, like anyone who loves purple, isn’t normal about the color and enjoys a lot of traditional Zenithian garb as a result since a lot of it has that.

Flora was much easier to do and less time consuming because she’s already a floral person and I could translate the shape easily into something close to traditional Lymphean garb from her area. The only shame here is I originally thought it would be nice to keep it more teal and green heavy since she so rarely gets the chance to wear those colors in canon when compared to her more pink heavy color palette, but I ended up caving to purplish petals instead.

Bloom is doing The Most here, and I wanted to intentionally make her kind of awkward in terms of hair size compared to her body and fit in particular. Bloom doesn’t do much with her hair usually outside of a half up half down, but she has her mom’s fiery red locks and she is doing her first Official Royal Outing and not only is she going to dress to the 9s in a way that is over the top by most modern government standings, wearing as many official emblematic bits, shapes, and references to the royal body as possible, she wants to channel some of what Marion has as an expert diplomat and make her proud and she thinks looking like her might help. I feel like Marion has the genuine confidence, zeal, and presence through decades of experience and proper study and general demeanor to pull off the big hair though whereas Bloom is basically doing the equivalent of trying on her parents big shoes when she’s a toddler. It looks more like dress up on her than it does an actual fitting look for her first attempt at politicking (and Diaspro does point this out to Bloom, and while it is meant to be snide, it’s also meant to be her way of trying to tell her she’s trying too hard and she shouldn’t. Her and Bloom have a decent acquaintanceship of sorts at this point. They’re never going to be best buds but they don’t hate each other or hold any ill will. Their personalities clash though and they know their limits with each other at this current point in their relationship. No Diaspro Sky Bloom bullshit here thanks) and she’s anxious and insecure and desperately wants to make her Dominion parents proud, especially because of her insecurities for the obvious (didn’t grow up royal, new to magic, still scene as the legacy child for Domino even though it’s been newly resurrected, also meaning this is it’s first big foray back into the Magical Realm’s political sphere and it HAS to show they’re still a capable powerhouse, which is also part of why the meeting is being held on Domino too, as a courtesy favor from the other governments involved in The Infinite Ocean stuff to help get its foot back in the door), but most importantly, because she’s not Daphne, and that’s a sore subject at this current time.

For Stella, I managed to keep some shapes from the og dress, but it’s very slight. Stella at this point is big on embracing her moon heritage as well and advocating more for causes beyond just Solarian government stuff, as in the government body that lumps Lunarian stuff in with it, and is working hard on raising Lunarian interests as separate things, reenforcing the idea that their culture and people are separate but equal despite the attempted assimilation under the planet of Solaria itself, an assimilation that still hasn’t been fully stopped or systematically eradicated. She has charisma and charm to spare and is taking the actual nitty gritty “not so fun” parts of politics (ie actual info on sociocultural and socioeconomic trends, trade info, statistics and projected trends, etc. basically all the stuff that isn’t “show up to parties and mingle”) much more seriously now and is wanting to make proper and viable change in multiple areas of her future government, and she’s working on properly finding her footing in the world of direct action and political savvy maneuvering through proper head on negotiations.

[bluheaven-adw]

WATCH THE WHOLE THING! Trust me 😏

It's here!!!!!!! I hope this was worth the wait :)

Images and information on a DTIYS below the jump!

This first bit of this might be familiar as it's been posted before. New stuff added at end!

Dark Excalibur Au

Everything happens exactly the same up to then very end of Wizards. The only difference being Jim is able to pull Excalibur then, on his own, making him Nimue's champion. Nimue grants him his crown and restores the trollhunter amulet to him. (Sorry Douxie and Krel, you'll get your time to shine later).. this is when Excalibur's aesthetic changes.

While Jim is 100% human now, he's not without after effects from being a troll. Not much physically (a bit stronger and faster), but personality wise... he's a bit more feral, confident, not really any trace of his former anxieties (except when it comes to Claire). He's not without fear (we don't need gritshaka Jim here...) but has mastery over it. Sometimes he can get a bit more... chaotic and temperamental... than before, but despite that, he's still Jim to his core. Despite all that he's been through, he's still ultimately kind, pure of heart, always tries to do the right thing, fiercely protective of those he loves.... as Blinky put it, a man of honor, courage and valor.

He's stopped fighting his destiny and stepped into it fully instead.

To quote Sakon...

Jim's problem has always been that he cares too much, and the anger inside him burns against the injustice of the world. It's Jim against the world, and the world /will move.

He still has way to much in the self sacrificial department…... but usually remembers that he has a team... literally the roundtable... a wizard, a sorceress... and a literal goddess….. backing him up.

START OF NEW:

You'll notice the blade is whole, not just repaired. Nimue, who for obvious reasons, is not a fan of merlin or arthur... originally only repaired Excalibur's blade instead of healing it. The fractures remained as a check on its power.. kind of like a short circuit. Jim gets no such hobbling. He's entrusted with Excalibur's full power. And if Sakon will allow me to borrow again, his check is in the gem in his crown, but it's only temporary as he learns to control Excalibur's power, and his newfound station and abilities... just a bit of a reminder, but one he rarely, if ever, needs.

There is no incantation on the amulet. It's not needed anymore. All Jim needs to do is think it, and it's there. Excalibur is not tied to the amulet like Daylight was. He can use it without the armor, or dematerialize it if wanted. The armor has two forms, much like Daylight and Eclipse, the 2nd is only a thought away. Normally a steely blue grey, it can shift to black, and if Jim really leans into the power of Excalibur then the whole thing, from crown to blade, turns pitch and lights up. There's so much magic running through him from the sword that his eyes glow with it.

Someone on IG asked if the Dark/Feral bits denoted corruption or Jim gone rogue. The Dark just denotes the color change for Excalibur. No corruption! It's just rockin the black instead of gold. As for feral.... in the sense that he's a tad more aggressive, more willing to finish the fight so to speak. He's got a little wildness, a little otherworldly magic, to him (not in the sense that he's a wizard, just that he's got the magic of Excalibur and being goddess touched).

Now, for the DTIYS!

Rules are

Draw it in your style!

Please no tracing, I want to see what you come up with

Use #DarkExcaliburDTIYS when you post!

Tag me and I will share

Please out a copy of my original art in your post

This will run until June 1

I will pick my top 3 across all platforms

There will be prizes, I just have no clue what lol.

I will link a folder filled with references for you to use! From the armor, to color keys (whenever tumblr lets me paste the stupid link 😡

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[echo-goes-mmm]

Hoarding Behavior #5

Masterpost

Previous

Next

Warnings: dehumanization

Noct sat behind him, brushing his hair and purring. It was nice. He liked the gentle attention, and his hands were warm and careful.

“Pretty thing,” he murmured, “I should let your hair grow. I could braid it into patterns and weave gold into it.”

River wasn’t sure if he was actually speaking to him, but the compliment made his chest flutter. No one had ever talked about him like that before.

A claw-tipped finger traced over the skin of his shoulder. Master had dressed him in a silken off-the-shoulder shirt, in a beautiful ruby color. 

“Your freckles are like bronze,” he sighed. He tilted River’s head with a gentle hand. He studied River, staring into his eyes. A pleased smile graced Master’s face. 

“Precious emeralds set in bronze,” he said, “my little gem. So perfect.”

“Thank you, Master.” Noct’s tail swished with happiness. He hummed as he finished brushing his hair.

River knew he was just another object to Noct. And he was okay with it. After all, outside he was just another slave. There wasn’t much of a difference.

After, he watched Master polish the various silver items he had hoarded. Finally, a task he could do.

“Can I help?” Noct looked up from the vase. 

“You might get polish on your hands.”

“I can clean them later. Please, Master?” he pleaded. He was just so bored.

“I suppose you may.” 

River grabbed a silver cup and began to work it over. They sat together for a while, and River eyed how thorough and careful Master was. He was completely focused on the piece in his hands, almost lovingly polishing the vase. 

“Why are you so intrigued by polishing?” asked Master after a few minutes of silence.

“I-” would Noct punish him for complaining? “I need something to do. It’s hard to pass the time.”

“I see.” 

“I used to cook and clean the whole day away for my other masters,” explained River, “and here, you don’t need me to.”

Master hummed in acknowledgement. “I have many books you may enjoy. I will allow that.”

“I can’t read.”

“A pity.”

Master sighed. “I clean my own things. I cannot allow you to handle them without me.” Noct finished the vase, standing to put it in its proper place. 

“I’m really sorry about the statue,” said River, “I won’t break anything again. I’m more used to the chain, now.” Noct sat down again and picked up a candlestick. 

“It is not about the statue. I have already punished you, there is no use lingering on it. It is simple a fact of my nature. I maintain my own hoard, and that is all. Others may not.”

River thought it over. “But I’m doing it right now?”

“I am trying not to think about it,” Master said, tightly. River was pushing his luck. 

River set the polished cup aside, moving on to a platter. Master plucked the cup from the nest, eyeing it. It must be satisfactory, because he stood to put it away.

He thought about the bath. Noct still didn’t let him get clean on his own, insisting on washing his hair and body for him. Was that “maintenance” to Master?

“Am I part of your hoard?”

“Of course, my treasure. Have I not made it clear?” Noct shook his head, amused.

“Then… why do I count as ‘other’? Can’t I help?” Master huffed.

“It is hard to explain. I… suppose you may touch and move pieces of my hoard. Organize, perhaps.”

“Like the jewelry you keep meaning to display?” He thought of the rings that got caught in Master’s claws.

“Yes. Like that. A fine idea. Will that keep you busy for now?”

“I guess,” he shrugged. 

“Hm. What would help you?” asked Master, “You are mine, so I must know.”

“A clock,” he said immediately. “I never know what time it is in here.”

“Very well.”

“And… some puzzles?” Noct made a sound of curiosity.

“Um, like jigsaw puzzles. They come in a box with hundreds or thousands of pieces and you have to fit them together into a picture.”

“Interesting. Yes, I will get you puzzles. I may take up a collection. I enjoy art, but the curved walls make it difficult to hang paintings. These... puzzle pictures may be a satisfying compromise.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Noct reached out and patted his head affectionately. “You are so pretty and good for me, how could I say no?” 

___________________

The clock was just as gorgeous as the rest of Master’s furniture. A beautiful grandfather clock, it rang the hour and half hour with pretty bells and chimes. 

Master had acquired ring holders, earring displays, and glass cases. The cases were for his most opulent pieces, like his diamond encrusted necklaces and assortment of actual crowns and tiaras.

River decided he wouldn’t ask where those came from.

Master asked that he sort them by gem and then by metal, and River was glad to do it. It was satisfying in its own way, and the hum of appreciation and murmurs of ‘good boy’ made him blush.

He never got thanked for his work before. Master ruffled his hair when he passed by, and scooped up the finished cases to put them on dedicated shelves.

The gems glittered from across the room, bathing the entire section in tiny rainbows when the lantern light was right. It was so pretty.

And Master had been taking such good care of him. The same kind of loving affection he extended to all of his hoard.

Outside, he was just another slave. In here, he was Master’s precious gem. His treasure. River was his, and that meant something. 

taglist: @paintedpigeon1

[birdmenmanga]

Predicting the Class Warfare Plotline in Kai-hen Wizards

At first glance, Kai-Hen Wizards seems to be a perfectly normal fantasy shonen manga. With supernatural powers wreaking havoc on the world, a seemingly amnesiac prince, and immortal wizards standing atop everything, this seems like an unlikely place to find a metaphor for class warfare.

And yet, with socialism being a main theme of the author's previous work, there are already hints even just a mere 4 chapters in that Kai-Hen Wizards, too, will shape up to be a story about class warfare.

Mana and Gems

It's very clear that mana and gems are a major form of capital of this universe.

It's very telling that THIS is the first real piece of worldbuilding regarding the mana. A typical series might hone in on what the 7 different colors represent, or what types of spells one might be able to cast, but the aspect of the magic that is spotlit first... is its economic importance.

Another point of interest is how mundane those objects in the bottom left corner are. On one hand, it is almost SO mundane that it breaks the fantasy world immersion, but at the same time it really drives the point home that "even ordinary people use them every day". Gems are not actually gatekept from the masses.

What's fascinating is the section about the Seven: they're so powerful they can form gems themselves.

It's reading very much as: they do not need to labor in order to gain more wealth; they are so rich already that gems have just become a form of passive income making them richer.

The Prince

It's not just anybody who can become a wizard's apprentice, says Raichi. It ought to be someone who has a high tolerance for mana, and someone who has mana to start with.

If you do not have capital to start with, how can you possibly go about investing it and refining it into something more powerful?

Of course, there's the in-universe explanation that mana itself is toxic to the natural world. I actually quite like this aspect of the worldbuilding; it's a very obvious continuation of the ideas explored in late Kekkaishi, with the toxic mana being a climate change metaphor, but now explicitly tied to capitalism.

Even though Raichi clearly wants to be an apprentice, she feels that she is inferior to the prince when it comes to mana, and cedes that position to him even though she wants it a million times more than he does.

In fact, she's deeply frustrated by the prince's lack of interest in becoming Zemu's apprentice.

Becoming a wizard's apprentice means inheriting their spells (wealth), and magical domain (land), and is equivalent to being royalty (social status). Wizards are the bourgeois of this universe, who hoard wealth and pass it on only to those who are already in the same class as them.

The prince, who is both of high social status (being a prince), and also already possess great wealth (represented by his mana/mana tolerance), is poised perfectly to inherit the position of wizard. But his interests lie elsewhere...

The Liberation of Humans

Well, the prince doesn't think of it like that, obviously. But he DOES want Roue back, and it's clear he wants her back in a way that is specifically OUTSIDE their preexisting prince-and-wizard dynamic. He has never wanted to be a prince, and he never loved Roue because she was a wizard. He wants to live in a world where he and his favorite human can live without those socioeconomic restraints.

But beyond the social and economic classes we've already discussed, there's a third axis of oppression in this world: race.

It's made very clear that the castle has no humans in it, and hasn't ever had them because Zemu, apparently, hates humans (despite the fact he used to be one? more on this later). The inhabitants of the castle are clearly unfamiliar with interacting with humans, relying on stereotypes to make sense of the prince's behavior.

So, you're an Asian kid. Is that right? What do you like? It didn't read as a microaggression the first time around, but if someone said this to me in real life I'd definitely be thinking "why did my race have to be a prerequisite to this conversation???"

In fact, I think the prince's first encounter with Raichi is extremely telling.

She's racist!! She's fucking racist!!! We're in a world where it's apparently okay to call humans "primitives" like it's no big deal!

And YET even though Raichi clearly sees herself as superior to the prince from a racial point of view, she STILL cedes the position of apprentice to him based on the differences in their economic class! In fact she is actively upset that the prince is seemingly refusing all these great perks of apprenticeship... for no reason. After all, to her, who grew up in this capitalistic system, the pressure to climb is second nature.

The Altitude Motif

We had one of these in BIRDMEN as well! In that series, the ever increasing altitude represented the ascension to godhood (which itself was a metaphor for dictatorship). However, I believe in Kai-Hen Wizards, the altitude is actually supposed to represent the capitalistic pressure to climb. To hustle, to grind, to make those big bucks, to wring more money out of the system, to get that promotion, to move up in society.

The prince wakes up in the basement of the castle with no memories.

Throughout the first chapter, as he remembers more and more about his past, his status as royalty, and his role as the flying country's treasure, he is funneled higher and higher into the castle, even as he tries to escape.

Raichi articulates what the castle signals to the prince: you should only want to go up! Why would you ever want to go down? Or, god forbid, leave this castle and this system entirely?

What strikes me as interesting is this page in particular, where he notices the locked doors.

I think it's no coincidence that it's revealed in Chapter 4 that what doors he CAN open lead downwards.

THIS is the out from the system that the prince was looking for in the first chapter. And yet, in order to open more doors, he must participate in the castle's system.

You'll have to put your nose against the grindstone, to work within the castle in order to even attempt to leave it, and even then, the fulfillment of your wishes is not guaranteed.

And what DOES Zemu stand to gain from all this?

Quelling the Rage

In what is possibly the most self-aware protagonist monologue of all time, the prince says the following:

It's not just an incredibly self-aware examination of his mental state, it also succinctly summarizes the idea that those who stand to lose nothing are the most easily moved to violence in order to gain what they want. It's not framed in a socioeconomic way in this case, but it is nonetheless true. (Don't think about unnecessary things, Zemu adds.)

So what is Zemu's response to this threat? To dangle the prospects of freedom in front of the prince. To almost, just barely promise him the possibility of leaving this castle.

You want. You hunger. So I'll use that to my advantage, and I'll and wring as much profit from that desperation.

Don't say that you have nothing! You have so much potential (economic) value! You have so much (economic) worth! Don't say you have nothing! Provide your labor in my castle and feel content! Put down your proletariat rage. I have uses for you yet.

Zemu, the Ex-Human

What a fascinating character.

He's an immortal wizard who hates humans, and yet he used to be one himself. He can't let go of the mundane activity of eating, even though he no longer needs to do that.

I can't put it more succinctly than Disco Elysium did, the truth...

I suspect that in Zemu's journey to becoming an immortal wizard, he became so distanced from his fellow humans that he began to feel uncomfortable among them, finding himself to have more in common with the more privileged anthros.

Forecasting the Prince's Character Arc

Zemu's past, I think, is going to be the blueprint for the prince's character arc.

Right now, the prince we know, who has just cut his hair and treasures Roue deeply, is the version of himself that is most true to himself. THIS is the person he's always viewed himself as, even if he wasn't allowed to live like it. He cuts his hair immediately, despite the fact it lowers his mana and it went against the custom of keeping sharp tools away from royalty. He gets to eat the foods that he wants, he gets to help around the castle instead of being treated like glass.

But at the same time, he has clear goals. First, to bring Roue back, and second, to escape this castle. The more he learns about the castle, the more he realizes he will likely have to become Zemu's apprentice in order to achieve both of these goals.

In order to open the doors leading out, he must move up in the castle's society.

I think he will experience a gradual loss of the self, where his love for Roue, and his distaste for power will be eclipsed by the chase for ever more capital/mana. The long hair he once despised will be grown back once more to maximize his mana, and when he finally gains the ability to leave the castle and bring Roue back, he will no longer want to. He has cut off so much of himself in order to gain these powers he has become unrecognizable to himself. He will become Zemu's image.

But hey, wait!! Doesn't that make for kind of a depressing story?!

Well, it's a good thing that I feel like that's just going to be the first act of the series. Tanabe may write bittersweet tragedies, but she tends to add a hopeful spin to the endings. And we haven't even gotten to...

The Wizard Killers

What's the deal with the immortality anyways? Shouldn't you be born immortal? How can you BECOME immortal? This just smells too sweet for it not to have a cost...

I suspect there's some philosopher's stone-esque shenanigans going on here, where the lives of (likely, but probably not exclusively) humans are used to form the basis of the immortality (a metaphor for the exploitation of "inferior races", naturally). Thus, to kill an immortal... you simply need to cut off their source of lives.

This could explain the part of Zemu's characterization which is extremely reluctant to take on the prince as an apprentice. It could be that he knows the immortality is built on the exploitation of humans, and while he benefits from it now and he doesn't want to NOT be immortal anymore, he also feels guilty subjecting other humans to this same moral dilemma. (This may also explain why he refuses to keep humans in the castle-- guilt.)

It would follow naturally that the Wizard Killers are a group of human revolutionaries seeking to dismantle the rule of the wizards so their lives will no longer be used as fuel for the wizards' immortality. Obviously the anthros look upon the Wizard Killers with great fear as well, because they see themselves as closer to immortals than those primitive humans, even though they too are oppressed by the capitalistic wizard system.

I think the prince's awakening and radicalization will happen when the Wizard Killers arrive on Zemu's doorstep. I can see this happening in a few ways:

Roue is the vanguard of the Wizard Killers. There's no way he wouldn't be swayed if it was Roue there to turn the tables. Roue VS All the Capitalistic Wealth I've Accumulated: WHO WOULD WIN? (What??? But isn't Roue dead??? Well... what if the prince and Roue swapped heads... and both of them are actually still alive... <- I don't have the energy to expand on this in this post. It deserves its own, albeit much shorter, post. Or maybe it'll just get directly jossed this week)

The gardener, who we haven't actually seen yet, is a Wizard Killers sympathizer, and if they end up having a close relationship with the prince, could possibly radicalize him by coming out as a Wizard Killer when the rest of them arrive.

okay yeah I don't see a third way yet but also we only have 4 chapters so far so I think I should be forgiven for this

Either way I do feel like this is a largely incomplete picture of what's going on in the universe. We've only met one of the other wizards, and we still barely know what the kai-hen actually is. However I do feel fairly confident in the "the prince becomes Zemu"/"minority representation in elite society will not actually liberate said minority because the time spent amongst elites will fundamentally change you" prediction... if I'm wrong we can all point and laugh as it gets jossed week by week. and I guess I'll have the outline for a cool kaihen fanfiction

[imaginethisisagoodname]

I’m trying to make dolls of the infinites for fun and I was trying to plan out their outfits and how I think those would look if they were made out of actual fabric or whatever materials I have, this has lead to some head cannons that I’m probably going to post character by character, but to start I thought I’d start with Mudd.

• I feel like his clothes would be made out of light materials because he already has fur to keep him warm so the clothes would probably just be to cover him and protect his fur from stuff

• his cape would be really thick though, at least like a blanket but probably thicker and he might have a spell or something that he puts on it sometimes for when it gets to hot

• as a prince his shirts would probably always be clean but while traveling he would stain them all the time with dirt or coffee, and probably try to clean them but fail miserably since he didn’t ever learn as a prince and have to get Bart to show him how to clean them

• since he did say his parents sent him to do this internship in one of the early episodes( i think this changed later but I’m going off this for now) he would probably have really nice traveling clothes and the rest of his party would be surprised at how soft and nice the clothes were

• to add on to that I think he would be really surprised when he saw the rest of them wearing clothes that had been sewn up of had patches of fabric to cover big holes and would originally think it was kind of weird but eventually be fine with it and have Bart help him sew up some of his clothes that had been torn up

• I think he would really hate to have to chose new clothes and have a bunch of the exact same clothes that he wore unlike the others acept for the gemstones that hang from his shirt, even though those are are all purple I think he would all have them a different color and know what shirt he’s wearing by what color the gems are

[kh2prologue]

oc-tober day 18: swap

booed off the stage for posting comically symmetrical sibling designs. here's the messiest sketches alive of sol and astrid in a role swap where they both take sinclair's place as "the royal heir." though this certainly looks and is ridiculous i do have things to say about it, and also i haven't thought about roleswap in a while. SO

first off! as a general introduction, these designs were drawn for my general WB roleswap in which the main three all switch origins with one another. i won't go into it here, but that means that the book 2 characters switch places as well. instead of having them rotate, I combined the twins and had them both switch with sinclair.

sol and astrid become the prince and princess, and sinclair is the royal accountant or some such nonsense... a trusted advisor to princess astrid, and also the twins' personal spy.

it didn't make that much sense for one of the twins to become royalty while the other wouldn't. and while, in retrospect, i could have gone like, servant of evil style laugh out loud oliverism, it didn't really suit the tone. so instead, i had them both switch with sinclair, who is now stuck filling the role of both "untrustworthy ally" and "unassuming palace employee". the way this would probably shake out is that sinclair would have been sending anonymous tips to the main trio throughout the book 2 equivalent, while also making regular appearances in person. when their identity is revealed, it would be a whole question whether they actually were helping the trio (going against the twins' plans) or drawing them into a trap... and honestly, they wouldn't be clear on it themself. they'd keep plausible deniability, wanting power for their own but also unwilling to give up the relative security they have. trying to play both sides to this extent would doom them in the end, and in the endgame they'd probably get cast aside by astrid... sad!

ANYWAY, regarding the designs - i played up their symmetry on purpose. the symmetry in their original designs was meant to be subtle, slight matching elements that connected them despite their being introduced separately. i've mentioned this before, but sol and astrid being siblings is something of a "twist" in my story... the two are met individually, and their connection only becomes clear later on. but in this story, they are meant to be seen as a pair. they WOULD be seen as a pair, by everyone they met. so, i went full sillymode on their symmetrical elements, gave them the same color scheme, etc.

the premise of the roleswap part 2 would be that sol and astrid are ostensibly in a succession battle for the throne. the two are twins, both qualified in their own ways - sol being more outgoing, ambitious, and magically talented; astrid being better at social networking and having an implacable demeanor. the two are encouraged and expected to outdo one another, and told only one of them can take the throne.

but, in actuality, the two don't actually care about all that. they find it all ridiculous, and they play along for appearance's sake while deciding they only really have loyalty for each other, and are content to rule together. which means, coincidentally, they might just have to find a way to take it for themselves, rather than playing by the rules. sol has an draw to orion here that mimics sinclair's interest in eve - he becomes a part of things, probably.

in their original designs, sol's earring is the same stone that astrid wears around her neck - under her dress, where it's hidden, because she doesn't really wear jewelry that would make her stand out, and the gem is bright. in the same way, i had sol's loyalty to astrid be rather obvious - the moon brooch on his shirt. astrid's is more hidden - her hairpiece, if it was taken out, would be shaped like a sun. (if you've only now realized they're sun/moon coded in my mind... i'm sorry. astrid's first drafted name was luna.)

final bits i feel like i must address. "so is green not sol's natural hair color?" okay, if i was completely honest with myself - no, i don't think there would be green hair in his universe. sorry. why wouldn't sol magic-dye his hair in this world? well, for starters, he sort of makes his outfit and appearance flashy in canon to suit being on stage - his eyes are actually colored in duller in this picture, closer to how it'd look if he didn't deliberately let the light shine a certain way through his glasses. it suits the sort of magic he does, and it suits how he gets to act. but he'd be more toned down by necessity here - he and astrid know that, to some extent, their actions reflect on one another.

alright anyway if you made it this far here's other doodles i did for this roleswap before <3 bye

[verosvault]

Fantasy High Junior Year Trailer Screenshots & Theories & Random-ness (Pt. 6)

This theory post is just gonna be random cause it's the remaining screenshots I have and Idk what to do with them...🤷‍♀️

I'll probably do like a transcription of the trailer later? Cause it be late and like try to break down what's being said in the trailer? Even though it most likely won't help at all but...🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

I also wanna do a countdown until episode 1!!! ;3333

I wanna post some of my favorite maybe...Fantasy High Clips? Or something... I'll think of something fun to do or something probably! ;3

Adaine is Down! 😭😱

Fig is standing.

Something is on the left and right sides. I can't tell what it is. I also can't tell whatever it is that they seem to be standing on! 🥴🥴🥴🥴 [EDIT: They MIGHT be standing on some sort of vehicle! MAYBE the Hangvan???]

What's bugging me about this shot is it seems to be taken from the perspective of inside something? Is someone spying on them? Is this the perspective of a monster's mouth coming at Fig? Is this the perspective of someone opening their eyes and seeing Fig and Adaine there?

WHY is it FURRY around the LENS and SHAPED like THAT?! HUH BRENNAN?! WHY?! What am I LOOKING at here! Care to EXPLAIN yourself?! 😭😭✋✋ What are you DOING?! 😭✋

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ・○

WHAT KINDA MONSTERS ARE- 👁️👄👁️

THese look freaking MESSED UP FR!

I feel like that big claw hand mouth thing was Brennan being like "I can do something 10 TIMES WORSE than MIMICS!" 😭✋ And Rick Perry said "-and I'll make it look like a CREEPY NIGHTMARE!" 😭✋

The red monster on the bottom left looks like he has something inside of his chest! Kinda reminds me of that Killian dude or whatever his name was in Sophomore Year where he had the gem plunged into his chest. 🥴 Do I know if that's at all related? Not in the SLIGHTEST! 🥴

And what in the WORLD is that BOTTOM RIGHT monster that looks like an upside down banana peel with ugly teeth and red eyeballs?! 😭😭✋✋ Nah FAM! Get that AWAY from me SO FAST RN! 😭✋

Brennan had NO RIGHT to call Ricky Perry NARSTY during Burrow's End if he's literally making Rick build minis like THIS! 😭😭✋✋ Like WHAT?! 😭✋

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ・○

So... there's 2 dragons???? The one on the top has 2 heads and breathes what I can ONLY ASSUME to be FIRE!

And then we have the shot of this BLUE dragon breathing LIGHTNING with 1 head and it's near a wooden pirate ship! 🥴🥴

Idk if these are flashbacks or NOT! But either way! There seems to be quite a few dragons in this one! 🥴🥴🥴🥴

Kalvaxus definitely ain't the only one! 🥴🥴✋✋

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ・○

More art of the Bad Kids from the trailer! They appear to be on top of a ton of...red skulls! 😃✋

That's definitely extremely reassuring! 😃👏🤪✌️

ALSO...WHY DOES FIG LOOK LIKE SHE'S HOLDING ONTO A STEERING WHEEL?! ARE THEY IN A CAR?! IS THIS A WINDSHIELD VIEW OF THE BAD KIDS RN?! IS FIG DRIVING THE BAD KIDS AGAIN?! WHAT 👏 IS 👏 GOING 👏 ON?! 👏

😱😱😱😱 ARE THE RED SKULLS THE DECORATIONS ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR THAT THEY'RE IN?!! 😱😱😱😱 DIDN'T JOHNNY SPELLS CAR HAVE SKULLS OR A SKULL ON IT?!

Bruh- I'M SO CONFUSED!!! 😭😭✋✋ HELP!!! 😭😭✋✋ [EDIT! This seems to be art from Episode 4 of Fantasy High S1! "Rumble Road"!]

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ・○

Getting to some of the nice cute stuff! :3

Who is that hot pink girl?! [EDIT: IT'S FIG!!!]

Who is that seemingly older woman at the bottom right?! [EDIT!! IT'S KRISTEN!! ALL THEIR HAIR COLORS ARE WHITE HERE!!]

I see Adaine..Riz...and... I'm ASSUMING that's Gorgug on the bottom left??? IDK! IDK! 😭✋ I'm doubting myself SO MUCH RN! 😭✋

EIther way! This part was cute! 😭✋

I LOVED this shot from the trailer so...:3...Here it is! Not really a theory but...🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ Nice art though! ;3 :3

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ・○

Yes. I'm ending the theory posts here...FOR NOW!!! FOR NOWWWW!!! 💀✋

Brennan putting his feet up in the air for WHO EVEN KNOWS WHY! 💀💀✋✋

It's MOST LIKELY from an Adventuring Party maybe! 💀✋

Trying to show the audience that he has legs??! 💀✋😂

Idk fam 😂💀

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ・○

SIKE! I'M ACTUALLY ENDING THIS BLOG WITH THIS PICTURE OF BRENNAN!!! CAUSE... YEAH!! GORGUG ROLLED A 4 ON SOME CHECK AND BRENNAN MADE THAT FACIAL EXPRESSION!! SO...WHO EVEN KNOWS HONESTLY!!! 😭✋

I'm SO DONE!! 😭😭✋✋

AAA!! I WANT EPISODE 1 RN SO BADLY!!! 😭😭😭✋✋✋

[alltimefail-sims]

Has anyone posted screenshots for the teaser video the sims team posted for this "season" of upcoming releases?

I'm cleaning up my cc right now so I'm going to break it down. Speculation below the cut! Feel free to reply with your own thoughts because this teaser has kind of stumped me in some ways ngl... but I have theories!

Jewelry box theme, so I think "jewelry" will be important to this "season." I'm unsure how that ties in, perhaps the stuff pack? (More on that later.) Either way, I think we can all safely assume that it's the big selling feature of this season.

Already got those obviously: Goth Galore and Castle Estate. Moving on!

SDX drops are kind of wildcards - they don't usually cover just one kind of thing. In this pic though I'm a bit complexed by the "W," mannequin head, and Bella-style bodycon dress. Not sure what they're going to give us, but the last few SDX drops for basegame have actually been great, so I'm hopeful it's more than one or two things. I'll always take free stuff!

First thought is could be a new skill like gem cutting/jewelry crafting with an accompanying career, but that seems niche to me idk why!! But with the theme of this entire teaser being so jewelry-focused, I have to believe that the stuff pack is going to be jewelry related in some way (it's the largest thing on this list, so it makes sense that the teaser would mostly be connected to the most profitable item.)

I do want to say this: although I really don't think they would make fairies a stuff pack (sorry to my fellow occult lovers and TS3 Fairies enjoyers... I know you all have been wanting fairies so bad) HOWEVER!!! I will admit that the spooky all-seeing-eyes in the earrings, the gnome, the color palette, the crystals, the butterfly necklace in the header... it's giving nature/fairies/magic. Guess we'll see! 🤷‍♀️

Hmmmmm this feels so straight forward that it's going over my head somehow. We have luxury party, we have wedding stories, toddler and backyard stuff have a lot of great "party" items, seasons gives us a ton of seasonal party items... what could this give us that has to do with celebrations that aren't already covered? Birthday stuff maybe? That might be fun, but I am not sure what to expect from this kit.

I'm going to controversially say this though: I like build kits. If we get even one new activity from this kit and some good clutter that's reusable with good swatches, I'll happily buy this one. Birthdays might be one of the only type of celebration we have next to nothing for, so I don't think I'd be upset with getting a kit for general celebrations (graduation parties, for example) and birthdays. Plus the disco ball swatch is kind of silly but could be exciting!

No idea what this could be, but more than likely it seems like it will be a CAS kit that is a collab with one of two people: either a gamechanger/big cc creator in the community OR another collaboration with a brand or company (like we saw with Moschino stuff or Depop in HSY).

What do you all think? I'd love to hear thoughts and feelings on this teaser and when/in what order you guys think things are going to be released!!