#i was originally saving those for raf but

[inkykeiji]

there are fucking starbursts in his eyes

[youryurigoddess]

Aziraphale, Raphael, and other angelic names you should probably know

Yes, I’m digging out my oldest piece of Good Omens meta. If you’re one of the very few people who might remember it from my main blog or had followed me on Twitter before it was shared there last year, you should already get the gist of what’s going to come next. For the rest of you, this might serve as a nice warning of how true brainrot begins.

We will start at the very beginning: the name-giving. Since God has created the world with one word, in the Bible and related Jewish tradition names of things are considered of great importance. As the life-givers, they imbue meaning and power to those who bear them, and often lead them towards a certain predetermined path. The concept of true names in general is a global phenomenon, with traces of this belief to be found everywhere from Plato's Theory of Forms through Grimm’s fairytales and beyond, not only in religious, but also philosophical and anthropological context. Considering the vast number of options to choose from, coining a new name instead of just repeating someone else’s is certainly a choice.

Unsurprisingly, the one who came up with the name Aziraphale was Terry Pratchett, and according to an interview it was originally pronounced Aziraphael:

“It should be Azz-ear-raf-AE-el, but we got into the habit of pronouncing it Azz-ear-raf-ail, so I guess that’s the right way now.”

Don’t worry, we’ll get there in a moment. The second thing you need to remember from this interview is Terry’s answer to the question about the name’s origin:

“It was made up but… er… from real ingredients. [The name] Aziraphale could be shoved in a list of ‘real’ angels and would fit right in…”

Conveniently, I’ve already explained who he was and why he was so important in Judaism in one meta discussion on Tumblr, so I’ll be lazy and copy-paste my thoughts and expand them to add some details from other Abrahamic religions.

Before the Beginning, or the Angel of Love

Long story short, Libbiel was one of the archangels working with God on the creation of humans. The idea was opposed by some of them, especially the Angel of Truth, who was promptly cast down from Heaven to Earth (but promised to spring back out of the Earth eventually, don’t worry).

Unlike Michael and Gabriel, Libbiel (“God is my heart”) warned his angelic troops to accept the Ineffable Plan in advance and saved them from the Fall, which granted him God’s recognition and a new name, Raphael, the Rescuer, appointing him as the Angel of Healing (“God has healed”).

This seems to check out within the Good Omens universe: Aziraphale was involved in the Earth creation project before the rollout and had enough access to the human plans to see them with his own eyes and share this knowledge with the angel that eventually became Crowley.

He also appeared extremely anxious at the very mention of Crowley’s obligation to dissent and wanted to save him from any negative consequences even at the cost of interrupting the conversation he’s been enjoying so much.

We’ve noticed some peculiar reactions of Aziraphale to any mentions or acts of love, right? They usually involve reaching out to Crowley and might either suggest his feelings toward him or how physically overwhelmed he is with the very concept of love (or both, actually).

Interestingly, one of the official titles of archangel Raphael is Angel of Love. In Christianity he is considered a patron saint of happy meetings, matchmaking and marriage, and his healing powers involve especially eyes and… heart, in the context of both mental health and human love.

Raphael also has a canonical (at least in Catholicism) episode of playing a human matchmaker on God’s behalf in the Book of Tobit, in which he appears on Earth under the disguise of a man named Azariah. Aziraphale seems now like an obvious portmanteau for Azariah, Raphael’s alias used while disguising himself as a human, and Raphael, the name given to him by God as a commendation. An archangel embracing some humanity of his own volition.

Raphael’s color is sometimes mentioned as light blue, exactly like the light Aziraphale emits in the S2 opening sequence, and his symbol is a serpent (the ancient Caduceus, but I feel like at this point we can call him Crowley).

The angelic couple, or Zophiel and Barachiel

Remember that bit of Terry’s interview about real ingredients? Raphael’s backstory already seems complicated enough, but what if Aziraphale had not one, but two angelic prototypes? I happen to know one more angel — a cherub said to possess great feminine energy — whose story rings some alarm bells.

This is Jophiel (“The Beauty of God”) or Zophiel (“My Rock is God”, “Widom of God”, “God’s Rage”), believed to be a companion to the angel Metatron, regent of the Principalities and leader of the Cherubim, a heavenly protector — one of the child amulet angels.

In Jewish tradition Zophiel takes on the role of the guardian of the Torah as well as other books and knowledge itself, based on the fact that he was the one to guard the Tree of Knowledge and, armed with a flaming sword, drive Adam and Eve out of Eden. He also watched over Noah and his family during the Flood and was serving as an assistant to King Solomon when he spoke on Wisdom and wrote the books of Proverbs, Wisdom, and Ecclesiastes. In the Anglican tradition he is recognized as an archangel and typically depicted with a fiery sword in hand. The color belonging to Zophiel is yellow.

Lynn Fischer in “Angels of Love and Light: The Great Archangels & Their Divine Complements, the Archeiai” (November 1996) describes Zophiel as one who

“stirs the feelings through radiation of illumination and into aspiration … help in absorbing information and studying for and passing tests; dissolution of ignorance, pride, and narrow-mindedness; and exposure of wrongdoing in governments and corporations. Jophiel helps in fighting pollution, cleaning up our planet, and brings to [hu]mankind the gift of beauty. He also provides inspiration for artistic and intellectual thought providing help with artistic projects and to see the beautiful things around us.”

While this angel is mentioned in other works of fiction, Zophiel makes his most notable appearance in John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, as the warrior “cherubim with the swiftest wings” in the battle of Heaven, where he was believed to assist Michael as the standard bearer. He’s presented as a spy returning from a reconnaissance mission to the rebel camp, much in the way Aziraphale had infiltrated Hell and fooled its demons in the wake of Armageddon’t.

As Zaapiel derived from Za’ap (Hebrew) meaning rage, anger or storm, he is also recognised as the angel of storms and, under the variant Zafiel, the angel of rain. This might be the reason why Zophiel is traditionally associated with the archangel of lightning and thunder, Barachiel (“God’s Blessings” or “Lightning of God”, especially when transcribed as Barakiel or Baraqiel) — to the point of being mentioned as his partner or consort.

Barachiel is the angel of lightning, but also — as the name suggests — blessings. In Catholic iconography he is usually depicted with a staff, a basket of bread, or a rose, each petal of which is representing a blessing from God, tossed out as the angel pleases to bless people. He is the chief of guardian angels, but in particular watches over young children, and sometimes takes on the task of delivering the blessing of offspring to prospective parents.

Like Zophiel is believed to have taught humans languages and wisdom found in books, Barachiel is commonly revered as the angel who taught them astrology, the wisdom of the stars.

Nothing lasts forever

Raphaelic legends aren’t all fun and games, but also mention the less marketed aspect of being an archangel: signaling the Day of Judgment. In Christianity, this is usually assigned as another one of Gabriel’s jobs, but he’s on the run right now, isn’t he? Well, good news! In Islam, Raphael is called Israfil or Israfel and believed to be the angel who blows the trumpet to signal Qiyamah, a counterpart of the Christian Second Coming, instead. The fact that Aziraphale has taken over Gabriel’s position in Heaven might be much less coincidental than some think.

And it’s important to remember that this power is not only destructive — while the first blow will kill all creatures and creations, the second one will revive them and prepare for the Last Judgment (yes, the very same one that in Christian belief will be administered by Jesus with the help of Book of Life). Very much in line of what Adam, the Antichrist, has done with the help of a certain shoulder angel and shoulder demon.

This is exactly the sentiment found in the poem “Israfel” by Edgar Allen Poe. In a material world nothing is meant to last forever, which is a curse and a blessing. A curse because it means death and destruction; miracles may sustain a certain bookshop in its current form through millennia, but as a tombstone to the life they led instead of a home it once used to be. A blessing, because it also means change and a new beginning — as long as there’s enough life force to replace whatever is lost in the process.

Nothing on Earth lasts forever, but we should use it for inspiration, savor momentary bliss, and hold it in our hearts. Only Heaven and the passions of its angels (fallen or not) are truly eternal.

And we can expect at least two of them to keep loving each other beyond the human concept of time, perhaps in a nice cottage on the South Downs.

[random-fandom1984]

hi! Could I request Yandere tfa and tfp Optimus prime headcannons for a chubby gn reader? Cuddling would also be great thx!

Wish granted Anon! 👍

(Sorry if Prime! Optimus' part seems short. I just don't really see him as a yandere with how stoic he is, and I don't see it in his nature to harm a human knowingly. But, I tried my best.)

TFP! Optimus Prime

And if anyone caused problems for you? Or harassed you? Or have toxic family members or friends trying to manipulate you? Or an ex being a creep and forcing his/her/their way back into your life? They'll never see the light of day again. I mean, who's going to believe them when they report a transforming semi-truck is either stalking them or attempting to run them over?

● You were there with them from the very beginning, when they landed on Earth. The main thing he fell for was your sympathy and kindness.

● He' s your guardian after Raf, Miko, and Jack joined the team. At first, you used to drive yourself home when leaving base, but when you got ambushed by Decepticons and almost getting captured, Optimus Prime swooped in a saved you, and from then on, he took you back and forth from home to base via Groundbridge. Sometimes, he'd drive you back home and stay in your garage, and you would always bring a pillow and blanket to sleep in his cab, almost like having a sleepover you've said.

● Although it was for your protection, this unknowingly gave him the excuse to hang out with you more, and for a tiny seed of obsession to slowly grow over time.

● His yandere side came into fruition after the original base was blown up, he almost died, and when he made his grand return, you cried happy tears because you thought he'd died. Seeing your tear-stained cheeks made him make a promise to himself: To make sure that you were never to be saddened again.

Must be M.E.C.H. up to their old tricks again...

TFA! Optimus Prime

You've always done your best to help those you care about. It wouldn't matter whether they were human, Cybertronian, or whatever.

He fell in love with you because of your compassion and you being there to listen to his problems. You were there when he had flashback of Arachind-7 when Elita-1, no Blackarachnia, showed up. You were there when he felt like he wasn't a good leader. You were always there for him.

He only fell harder when you stood up to him when the Elite Guard showed up. Although he doesn't tolerate tormenting a colleague because they're an asshole, but... seeing Sentinel run, screaming for the hills when you put spiders in the arrogant Prime's habsuite, he couldn't help but hold back a laugh.

He was flattered when you gave him a matching bracelet more like ring considering how small it is to go with your own, a purple charm in the shape of a crystal you found in the woods to match your Amythyst one. You only had one, so you searched for one that you could make the matching jewelry, and when you found it, you believed it to be another Amythyst or a Sugilite.

Over the next few days, he started feeling strange and getting weird thoughts.

Like, one day, he was hanging out with you when someone from high school passed by and the two of you started catching up, making him feel like a third wheel. As it when on, they would catch the passive-aggressive jabs they would verbally make about your figure, and seeing your expression scrunch up with each mention was making him upset. He started thinking to himself about how terrible this person is to you. Luckily, the conversation was cut short do to a Decepticon attack.

When he drove you back to your apartment and went back to base, he started searching up who this person was. Apparently, they're an influencer, very judgmental to people on looks, having flings with rich people, took anything they wanted no matter how many lives they've ruined, and so much more terrible things. He starts thinking, questioning why someone is so terrible when everything was given to them on a silver platter? Why do they make fun of people who have it bad? Why- No one would miss them. ...What? No one would care if they... happen to go missing. But... no one deserves to die- After what they did to your little darling, they should!

The voice, that for some reason sounds like him but also not at the same time, started speaking in his head, going on a rant about how they should die, they should hurt. After all, if they continue to exist or stick around Reader, they'll only make their life worse, making them insecure, isolate themselves, and then... they'll be gone and in the human equivalent of the Well of Allsparks, just like how he lost Elita-1. The voice continued on and on for days, slowly convincing the young Prime about how it'll be the right thing for his darling.

It was only a matter of time when they ended up missing and found dead the next morning.

Then you reunited with an old friend, Charles, who obviously had a crush on you but you were oblivious to it, and the voice spoke up again, how he will take you away from him. Optimus tried to ignore the voice, but the voice in his head started describing various things that would happen if you and your old friend got together, how your old friend would be the one to hold you close at night, sleeping together, getting your kisses, telling your old friend how much you love him, and so much more that it started driving Optimus crazy.

Charles was reported dead, his body torn to shreds, ripped apart limb by limb.

You stayed with Optimus that week, crying in his arms. He offered you words of comfort when you were in his arms, so soft and warm to the touch compared to his rough, cold metal plating. You would fall asleep on him, not noticing how his soft smile turned into a sly grin, optics flashed an ominous purple to them, filled with possessiveness, yearning, and obsession love.

[energon-depo]

WOOO HOO CHARACTER ANALYSIS TIME this is about how optimus sees smokescreen n jack :)

(btw this my first analysis) ANYWAYS LET'S GO

just a heads up this is a LONG LONG POST to get ready! also i HAVENT SEEN THE ENDING OF PRIME YET

okay remember when ratchet said "optimus wasn't always before he was a prime -he was more like jack" AND REMEMBER HOW HE GAVE HIM THE MARTIX KEY? yeah optimus's sees a lot of former self in jack. he CLEARLY DOES same with smokescreen! the first time we saw smokescreen we knew he was a strategist, and prime knew that aswell. when smokey told him he was under the guidance of prime's MENTOR? yeah optimus knew both of them were destined for great things. all they did needed was guidance and maturity. because BOTH did something stupid that was motivated by brashness, remember when Jack was beefing with a bully? he was being immature, BUT he apologized! he took fault for his actions! same with smokey, remember when he took jack(best bros) with him to a mission? yeah well he did and he was sorry! he even apologized to acree directly knowing he scared her the most with that stunt! he didn't even blame jack for going with(he could've, and jack would have gladly took the blame)BUT HE DIDNT! these two know when their wrong and will IMMEDIATELY backpedal if they hurt anyone of their family physically or emotionally! AND THIS IS WERE WE COME TO OPTIMUS! prime knows those two have their heart and spark in the right place, heck! smokey is literally destiny's child. prime REALLY REALLY REALLY sees his former self in these two. and he treated them as EQUALS to team prime not a human child, not a rookie soldier.(could also go for how he treats miko and raf aswell, he sees their potential. miko's high comparison for other's and raf's talent in tech) so when prime gave jack the "ground bridge key"(the matrix key thing), he was confident that jack will not only keep it safe but also figure out what to do with it when the time comes. if he'd given it to let's say acree she would've probably denied it, said ratchet is a better fit due to the fact she has knowledge about it's real purpose. the OTHER reason why he gave it to jack is because; he's a kid, a Human kid, he doesn't know it's real properties. his thoughts were "optimus gave me an important job to keep the ground bridge key safe, with me. I can't let him down" It's his first real solo task! heck he even said "shouldn't ratchet have this?" but prime assured him its his task to bare. as for smokescreen? prime was THIS CLOSE to giving him the matrix. when he was in the worst shape possible and losing hope, he's (nearly) dying words was bestowing smokey with the matrix. smokescreen kept refusing he CAN'T be a prime, if he was a prime that mean optimus is dead and he doesn't want optimus to die, he's his leader, his idol, his hero. he already went out of order with coming back, and he brought optimus the forge of solang(i think? i forgot it's name it the yellow hammer) he's train of thought was "get the hammer from the cons, give to prime, prime fixes himself and its all good!"when optimus told him "the hammer must be used to fix the omega locks -the life of one is not important as the lives of many"[paraphrasing]. smokescreen stuck with his gut, his original train of thought and his compassion for his (found)family. he went out of order again putting the hammer in prime's hand REFUSING that this is the end for Optimus prime. he was rewarded with ya know prime coming back and not dying and practically saving earth basically average day for the goat smokey. i would like to also mention when smokescreen was getting chewed out by acree, prime was trying to get her to stop(no hate towards the based queen acree btw she's awesome) and when smokey stormed off he let him leave, knowing he had some reflecting he needed to do. ALSO when jack backed down from team prime, he understood that, he was upset of course he gotten attached to those humans, but he respected his opinion and didn't force him at all.

Moral of the story prime is best dad, jack and smokey are bros4life and prime team is best family(cheers)

[ericaportfolio]

Disney’s The Gremlins Over the Years Chapter 2: Gremlin Gus (Part 1)

Due to the recent events with Epic Mickey Rebrushed, I decided to make posts dedicated to Disney's infamous characters from the canceled WWII movie The Gremlins. The character designs of these guys have changed many times during the concept art process and over the years. If you just discovered this post, here is Chapter 1 in the link below.

Today, this is a collection of our favorite bowler hat fellow, Gremlin Gus. For those discovering this, in summary, Disney was making WWII movies and shorts for the war effort. They were going to adapt Roald Dahl's first book about these guys, and several things like people getting tired of war movies and figuring out how to make the movie, which was canceled. Just like the story, Gremlin Gus's role in the story changed as well. Here's the breakdown of Gremlin Gus over the years. Also, get ready for SPOILERS!

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of War, World War II History, Nuclear Warfare, the Nazis and Hitler, and Death.

Early Concept Art: From the early versions of Gremlin Gus by Bill Justice, Disney animator and engineer, There were versions where he looked ancient, slightly old but fit, or, possible theory, his natural hair color is white, but he aged poorly due to stress. Shout out to ZOLTAR'S FORTUNE on eBay, posting the Photocopies (the last three).

Cosmopolitan Magazine (1942): The earliest release of "The Gremlin" story was in the December 1942 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. Someone posted the full Article on the site, but I might post another one for each illustration. So stay tuned for that! But for now, here are Gremlin Gus's Designs. In the colored cover of "Introducing the Gremlins," Gremlin Gus has his green skin, a brown helmet, a broken horn, a pair of glasses, his bowler hat between his horns, and missing his mustache. In the original story, the Gremlins once lived in the forest of England, staying out of the way of the humans building towns or fighting each other. That was until the 1940s when World War II started. A bunch of workmen began to cut down the entire wood to build a plane factory to fight against the Nazis. The Gremlins swear revenge by sabotaging the planes without knowing what's happening in the outside world. One day, Pilot Gus of the Royal Air Force (RAF) fights in the Battle of Britain, where he becomes the first human to see a Gremlin. So Pilot Gus and his buddies get harassed by these guys, including their leader, Gremlin Gus. Will the pilots find a way to befriend these little guys before someone gets hurt?

Concept Art Upgrade: Now, here's starting to look like the Gremlin Gus we know! These would eventually be the final book and promotion designs.

The (Controversial) Life-Saver Ad (1943): AKA the ad Roald Dahl hated, but Walt Disney thought differently. Here, Gremlin Gus has a green helmet, his bowler hat is missing, and he has pale skin.

Dell War Heroes (April 1943): This is a sample from a six-page adaptation of the story featured in a Dell War Heroes comic book. The writer and artist are unknown. Here, Gremlin Gus has a green helmet, his bowler hat is now on his horn, had pale skin, and orange gloves. The most significant difference between the Article and this comic is that Gremlin Gus accidentally hurt Pilot Gus, and the plane they were in caught on fire. After a close parachute escape, Pilot Gus confronts Gremlin Gus when he finally learns why the Gremlins were sabotaging the aircraft. With that, Pilot Gus showed sympathy, saying that if the Gremlins started helping the RAF pilots fight and win the war, the Gremlins would get a new home. The same new home in Return of the Gremlins that the Gremlins have to fight to save years later.

The First Treatment (May 18, 1943): The first version of the movie treatment was 155 pages long. Gremlin Gus is both the leader of the Gremlins and the teacher of the widgets, the children of the Gremlins. While reading a newspaper, he discovers a pilot named Rip Wilson (a renamed version of Pilot Gus), who looks like a young Fred Astaire, hasn't had a situation regarding the Gremlins. Later, Gremlin Gus overhears Rip, saying he doesn't believe in Gremlins. With that, the Gremlins make him sick and get Rip into an accident. However, the Gremlins save Rip because they don't want to kill him. They just wanted to destroy the plane in revenge. Later in the hospital, Gremlin Gus reveals what happened to their woods. This causes Rip to explain what's going on with the war and how much of a threat Hitler is to everyone. At the very same time, the radio that's been on in Rip's room broadcasts a speech of Hitler insulting the Gremlins for destroying their planes. This causes the Gremlins to convert to the Allies' Cause to defeat the Nazis.

Disney's The Gremlins Book (June 1943): Finally, here's the Gremlin Gus we know and love! Here is one of Bill Justice's colored paintings from the book. I highly recommend looking through all the paintings from the book because Bill Justice does justice to these guys! The part where Pilot Gus and Gremlin Gus escape the plane and the deal the Gremlins will get a new home from the comic was added to the book. Though Gremlin Gus doesn't accidentally hurt Pilot Gus. But there's a moment in the book in the original Article where Pilot Gus is sick, and Gremlin Gus tries to tell him not to go and does get hurt. At the end of the book, the reformed Gremlins help Pilot Gus get back into the air.

Walt Disney Comics and Stories #33 (June 1943): A new group of pilots believed the Gremlins were fairytales in this two-page adaptation. Jokes on them since what they said enraged the Gremlins that they mess with the guys. Gremlin Gus has green skin, a nose, a yellow helmet, and brown gloves.

The Second Treatment (June 9, 1943): In this 100-page long treatment, instead of being the leader of the Gremlins, Gremlin Gus's and Gremlin Jamface's characters are merged when Gremlin Gus is caught befriending a human pilot. Gremlin Gus is put on trial, where he explains the RAF pilots are the good guys fighting against the Nazis invading their homes. Suddenly, an unexploded German bomb crashes into the court gathering, proving Gremlin Gus correct. In this version, the writers were trying to get away from Gremlins harming the aircraft to make them "sympathetic" and focus on the Gremlin society and why they're destructive. Any material of Hitler in the first treatment is all gone in the second one and was replaced with the bomb. However, there was another version of the story where the Gremlins did have their own version of a Gremlin Hitler that Gremlin Gus and the others had to defeat before joining the Allies before he caused problems for everyone, too.

Donald Vs. The Gremlins (July 1943): This is the crossover we would get years later by Walt Kelly. Gremlin Gus has yellow gloves, a brown belt, and brown shoes.

Walt Kelly's Comics (July 1943-1944): Walt Kelly would make 8 comics about Gremlin Gus or both Gremlin Gus and two widgets getting in trouble at the airfield for a year. Here, Gremlin Gus has a Green helmet and gloves, a red shirt and boots, blue pants, green skin and nose, and missing his bowler hat.

Storyboard Short (1943): This is a sample of a 1943 storyboard when the production went from feature film to short film. The story drastically changed when the movie was cut down to an animated short. Instead of living in the woods, they lived in their cloud kingdom, making fun of humans trying to learn how to fly. That was until WWII broke out, and the modern warfare planes began to destroy the Gremlins' home. The Gremlins vow to destroy the aircraft for causing chaos and disrupting their lives. In the short, the story goes back and forth between the human pilots and the Gremlins interviewing their their bosses after an incident where Wellington aircraft caused damage while making an emergency landing. These are my favorite snippets of Gremlin Gus.

B-17F, 560th Bomb Squadron (1943 - 1946): This Gremlin may not look like Gremlin Gus, but this is one of his famous insignias and patches. The patch would be worn by members of the 388th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 560th Bomb Squadron, Eighth Air Force.

Some Time Never: A Fable for Supermen (1948): The last book Roald Dahl wrote something about the Gremlins was an adult novel and character names changed to prevent lawsuits (except this one pilot, Stuffy, got to keep his name). In this story version, the gremlins were the world's rulers, but the humans forced them underground. They briefly returned to the surface during the Battle of Britain and began sabotaging the RAF aircraft. They eventually decide to go back underground, believing humanity will destroy themselves, which happens with two more World Wars that are very similar to the Fallout TV Show opening. 

Gremlin Gus's Counterpart in this story is named the Leader. The Leader takes on a bit of a villainous role, having black and lidless eyes that glowed "with a strange hypnotic, almost fanatic lustre", a bowler hat greener than others, and a deep voice. But just like all villains, this one keeps his people underground once again to watch the humans die out so they can take over the world again; they get their comeuppance, but this time, the Leader doomed his people. When they emerged again, nothing was left, and the Gremlins disappeared, too. Despite the book not being that good, it was quite a sad read when I managed to get a copy of this book years ago. The book was never reprinted, so I had to get help from the local library to find a copy. The book was a flop with primarily negative reviews. Still, it did get some praise from the Glasgow Herald and The Saturday Review. It's also historically one of the first books about Nuclear Warfare. Recently, @gremlin-tails made a blog with the whole book posted online for reading. The link to the entire book is down below.

Fun Fact: If you guys remember Snoozeberries from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they're actually the berries the Gremlins eat in the story.

Part 2 Coming Soon...

[sonicasura]

[User], taking a small breath beforehand: “I suppose I should introduce myself and clarify something. You all may call me Dart. No, you won’t get my real name. When my eyes turn green—the device on my wrist called the Omnitrix is talking through me.”

Such a statement cause various reactions across the board. Predaking looked confused (he’s never heard their “nickname”), Optimus viewed them with stoic curiosity, Arcee suspicion, the kids had to be wondering why the Omnitrix didn’t use the hologram, Ratchet leveled the device itself a wary look, and Agent Fowler? Slight look of discomfort.

Fowler: “You let that take over you? Willingly?”

It only took a single blink for “Dart’s” eyes to have a subtle inhuman green shade.

Omnitrix: ”But, of course! I have to watch out for my user’s safety after all.”

——————————————

It was subtly unsettling to see this ‘Omnitrix’ take over the young Dart. Their form still to the point only the Autobots could see their very even breaths. The typical slight movements most humans made was almost entirely absent.

Fowler: “Alright… Omnitrix. What are you doing attached to a human? What are your intentions?”

The device’s actual casing made a slight beeping noise, as if a binary sound laugh.

Omnitrix: “Goodness, agent. It’s reassuring you care about your fellow humans.” *The faintest semblance of a frown on it’s borrowed face.* “Rather unfortunate that trait is so seldomly seen in most humans. Most would rather save themselves than try to save others, much less care.”

Seeing the alien device somewhat dodge the questions, Fowler’s expression grew the barest frustrated. The leader of the Autobots attempted to “diffuse” the situation as it were.

Optimus: “Agent Fowler isn’t the only individual who concerns themself with the well-being of this planet’s inhabitants, Omnitrix. I would hope a being such as yourself who watches for your host’s safety would do so too… if I’m not mistaken?”

Omnitrix: “To an extent. My top priority will always be to ensure Dart’s safety and health… Luckily for you, they have rather strong empathy for other individuals. Even those not native to their home.”

So Dart was open-minded to extraterrestrial beings in a similar vein to Jack, Raf, and Miko. A shame the faint reassurance that the Omnitrix wouldn’t attack humans was cut short by Arcee.

Arcee: “Aren’t they in more danger with you attached to them? The Decepticons would just love the ability to transform into Predacons or being able to raise a Predacon army.”

Omnitrix: “I’ve grown rather familiar with the intricacies of Cybertronian biology. Your spark chambers are quite fragile, aren’t—”

The change back to normal was almost a split second.

Dart: “Nope, nope, nope! We don’t threaten other beings unless they pose real danger to me.” *The human teen themself hissed out in a much more emotional voice than the Omnitrix could manage.* “Our intentions, Agent Fowler, are to simply survive. Despite its words—the Omnitrix isn’t originally made for harm.”

—ROB’d Anon.

Isn’t it lovely when you have about half a dozen adults who are emotionally constipated, one very protective alien AI, and an traumatized yet well meaning human teen in the same room?

Strike one for Arcee. Also the Omnitrix would probably be snarky about people trying to abuse its power after mentioning they were made for peaceful purposes. 'Walk a mile in someone else's shoes.'

This meeting gonna go sideways halfway through.

[wushigod]

Rishi Sunak has confirmed that RAF Typhoons shot down a number of Iranian drones overnight and said the UK’s involvement helped save lives in Israel and neighbouring Arab countries. The prime minister did not provide the number of drones hit, although the UK’s contribution is likely to have been significantly less than the 70 claimed by the US and dozens reported knocked out by Jordan over its airspace. I can confirm that a number of Iranian attack drones were shot down and we pay tribute to the bravery and the professionalism of our pilots flying into the face of danger to protect civilians,” Sunak said. Britain signed a military cooperation agreement with Israel in 2020, which remains secret, and a defence and trade pact a year later, but these are not thought to require the UK to come to Israel’s aid in the event that it is attacked by another country. Instead, Sunak described Britain’s participation as “saving lives not just in Israel but in neighbouring countries like Jordan as well”, and he suggested it was an extension of the air campaign against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Constitutionally, the prime minister can start a war or order military action without reference to parliament, relying on royal prerogative powers originally reserved to the monarch but now delegated to ministers. In 2011 the Conservative-led coalition said a convention had emerged whereby MPs would have the opportunity to debate the deployment of military forces in advance, except in the case of an emergency. Parliament’s authorisation was sought for the UK to participate in the bombing against Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in Libya in 2011, against IS in Iraq in 2014 and in Syria in 2015, but more recently Sunak declined to give parliament a vote on Britain’s participation in strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, who have been attacking shipping in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Parliament returns from its Easter break on Monday, having not sat since the US first warned of a likely Iranian attack on Israel at the end of last week. The prime minister is expected to personally update MPs on the crisis and Britain’s military assistance on Monday afternoon. Ministers are likely to face renewed pressure from Tory MPs to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a terrorist group. I have argued for a long time that they should already be proscribed because of their actions inside and outside Iran,” Liam Fox, the former Tory defence secretary, told the Guardian. “Recent events have merely confirmed what many of us believe – that they are the toxic core of a thuggish regime. We might also ask why Iran Air are still operating daily from Heathrow and why Iranian banks still function in the City.” Bob Blackman, the Tory MP for Harrow East, said: “Iran has declared war on Israel and Israel is our ally. We should proscribe the IRGC, sequester their assets in the UK and close the Iranian embassy in London.” The shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, renewed the Labour party’s call for the IRGC to be proscribed and called for the government to “come forward with new plans” to make it happen. The Foreign Office has resisted the move because doing so with a state body would be likely to sever diplomatic relations with Tehran and prevent direct engagement. Victoria Atkins, the health secretary, told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg Show: “We believe that the police or security services and the courts here in the UK have the powers that they need to target those people who are causing the most concern and indeed, we have sanctioned 400 individuals and entities from Iran here in the UK. “But secondly, there is a point of the value of being able to have a direct conversation with the Iranian authorities, in the way that has already happened.” Preparations for the UK’s participation in the event of any Iranian attack went on for several days last week, with Typhoons and Voyager refuelling aircraft being rebased at the Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus to provide the necessary support. ...

[azurecanary]

Let's talk about the worst TVDU deaths that infuriate me and how they could've not happened, an essay by me:

Tyler Lockwood: They brought this man back just so he could be killed by Damon. WHAT WAS THE FRICKIN POINT?!

How it could've been prevented: To quote Mr Miyagi "no be there", just don't have Tyler there! Give him freedom from this awful story!!!!

Cami O'Connell: They took everything I hated about Killing Joke and Laurel's death and put it into one death. While I loved her final episode, her death was stupid and could've very easily been prevented. Cami was dying due to upgraded werewolf venom which was lethal to vampires, so the easy solution, is to make her human again. It's established in the TVDU that magic can make vampires human again. All you need is 1) a powerful source of magic (in Esther's case, the Bennett bloodline; in Freya's, the Ancestors) and 2) magic from the witch who started the vampire bloodline (since Esther made her children into vampires, she was able to reverse it; while Freya was channeling the power of the Ancestors who made Lucien). We had both of those things ready! Surely a Nexus Vorti (which resurrected both Mikael and Kol) could've restored Cami. And a Nexus Vorti is itself described as an exceedingly rare event, a miracle (i.e. the birth of the Tribrid and the breaking of a vampire sireline). I'd be willing to wager that the death of an immortal (such as an Original) would've provided such a thing. And which Original died just days before? Ah yes, Finn. Who was made into a vampire by Esther. And there you go! The two things you need! A Nexus Vorti to power the spell, and Esther's magic to undo the original spell (since Cami was a part of Rebekah's sireline, who was also turned by Esther, it works). They could've just had Davina, Freya or Vincent (it would've been more meaningful if it was Davina) channel Finn's death (she wouldn't even need to do it as Finn is dying given that she channeled both Hope's birth and Klaus' sireline breaking after the fact) to restore Cami to human and, thus, save her!!!!

Joshua Rosza: You're telling me, that Josh died from stumbling into upgraded werewolf venom that just so happened to get his heart? Come on!!!!!!!!

Rafael Waithe: While he didn't really die, I'm still counting it cause it could've been solved so easily. He's a werewolf, whose best friend is the Original Tribrid, and who was dying. Anyone else seeing the solution? Why did no one, not even the smart people, think to just give Raf two doses of Hope's blood?! One for before his death, and the second for when he wakes up in transition?? So simple!!!! And you get another Hybrid (and then Hope finds a way to give up the sirebond willingly cause that plot line is dumb)!!!

Also, Sophie Deveraux was an underused character with so much potential (iirc, she's the first bisexual TVD character) and was also stupidly killed off.

Tl;dr TVD hates my favourite characters.

[sapphim]

there's a post going around about how you chose your dragon age oc names? anyway, I talk too much

~~elves~~

Sulina Mahariel Sabrae - derived from the elvish words suledin "endure"/sulevin "purpose" and the suffix -lin "blood." Sulina was my first dragon age oc and like many of my wardens I just gave her the first random name that popped into my head at the character creation screen, and then decided I hated it and gave her a better one later. I believe her name started as Canneia, but after playing the game I wanted her name to better match existing dalish names so I changed it to Candria. But the /k/ phoneme is just not present in elven words and names so I completely renamed her and took the opportunity to craft a name that is just a little bit too on the nose.

Shirae Istimaethoriel Lavellan - derived from the elvish shiral "journey" (with inspiration from the name of clan Sabrae). this one I actually came up with in advance before the game shipped, and I think this is around the same time I surveyed canonical elven names/words and renamed most of my earlier ocs too. keeper Deshanna Istimaethoriel Lavellan is her grandmother.

Rafael (Surana/Tabris) - Raf started out in the Surana origin, but I borrowed his headmorph to test a mod for the Tabris origin and that spun off into a Tabris AU that I got so attached to that I made it canon. similar to the canon dalish names Josmael/Rajmael (and I doubt it's coincidental that there are similar-sounding Hebrew names irl). Raf named himself after a dalish man his parents met once and told him stories about - when he was Surana origin, he saved one of Raf's parents from a bandit attack on the road when they were traveling between alienages to marry. I haven't decided yet if Adaia or Cyrion met him under different circumstances now that he's Tabris origin.

Ellaran - a dalish warden oc. at one point I'm pretty sure I came up with a reverse etymology for this name (hella "struggle" and ...?) but in truth this is really just the one remaining name that lives in my head and "sounds elven" and I'm pretty sure it's just a mashup of the tolkien names Elladan and Elrohir. whatever, it sounds fine.

Rowan - a half-elven warden mage oc. she was raised by her single mother in the gwaren alienage before being taken to kinloch hold and momma named her after Queen Rowan.

~~dwarves~~

Eydis Aeducan - started life as Olenka, I believe. when I renamed most of my wardens I tried naming her Agathe at first (based on the similarity to agate) but I ended up making her swap with my Cadash bc I felt the names fit better the other way around. eydis wasn't chosen for the meaning or anything, just the sound. I tend to generally favor nordic names when I have to name dwarves idk.

Rozi Brosca - started life as Brasi until I came to my senses and realized that Brasi Brosca sounded absurd. Rozi is just the spelling of Rosie I liked best for her. I think her name and her sister's name sound kind of aspirational? Rica and Rozi - riches and roses. does anyone else feel like some wardens probably shouldn't have surnames, Brosca included? oh well.

Agathe Cadash - see Eydis, above

Evender "Rumour" Cadash - idk I think this name just ~sounded right.~ I liked the default name Edric but I didn't want to use the default name Edric. and m'boy m'lad needed a cool nickname to strike fear into the hearts of his foes. or. into the hearts of those poor chumps whose kneecaps he was paid to bust, anyway.

~~qunari~~

Kataara Adaar - derived from the qunlat words katara "die"/katari "one who brings death" but more importantly, yes, she was named after katara "avatar the last airbender" watertribe. I saw the word katara on the qunlat word list and I was like "oh im naming her after katara watertribe and nobody can stop me"

Vaati Adaar - kat's daughter. derived from the qunlat word vat "fire" and yes I do like the "aa" found in some qunlat words too much and add it to every name it's a problem I just think it's neat

Taashath - kat's ex/vaati's dad. I didn't add the "aa" this time it was already there! just a qunlat word that means "calm" bc he's a chill dude

~~humans~~

aw jeez ah man too many of these mfers. incredibly rude of these mfers for there to be so many of them.

Gwendolen Elethea Cousland - wanted a celtic name to match Fergus. named after her faceclaim, Gwendoline Christie. middle name comes from one of her alamarri ancestors. gwen and spiro are I think the only two origins ocs who never needed to be renamed bc it took me so long to get around to actually making human origins ocs that I already knew the names of everyone in their families by then so I could select them with intention.

Spiro Amell - so I don't like to use the default names for my ocs but I do sometimes like to use them for inspiration and/or reuse them for other family members. the canonical amell family names are kind of all over the place but I decided to go with mostly vaguely greek/hebrew names (see: aristide and revka amell). so, dad is Andreas and the kiddos are Solona, Daylen, Spiro, Deborah, and Delilah. yes, i alliterated sue me. I could rename the default name kiddos but lbr I won't

Tabitha Grace Hawke - Tabitha was chosen to match bethany in the "biblical names on the slightly obscure side" category. and then I gave her a middle name bc leandra is at heart still a fancy lady even if she is also an irrepressible wild child.

Juniper Hawke - idk I just thought of this name and banked it for the next time I started a new hawke playthrough. she was never supposed to be promoted to canon over tabby but she's just so gd funny. I've since learned that juniper is an extremely trendy baby name rn so apparently I just caught the baby name brainworms in the air.

Alden Ewald Reinaldo Trevelyan - the default names maxwell and evelyn are both very english and have "el" in them so that was the rough theme for the baby name site jam session. half brothers Maxwell and Daniel, sisters Evelyn and Velda, Alden, and twin sister Amelia. originally I went with the name Anselm but I experienced severe buyer's remorse almost immediately and renamed him to something I liked better and that sounded less like a kingdom hearts villain. the other names in the family (father August, grandmother Magnolia, stepmother Oswin, mother Irene, and uncle Cassio Castida) are all just "sure that sounds fine" names that hit vaguely within the right naming tradition. oh! and the middle names. one for his free marcher side and one for his antivan side.

Amelia Trevelyan - speaking of Amelia, she's been through so many (so many) renames. I think I started with Felicia? hated it. then tried a few variants of Emmeline/Ameline but, christ, if the similarity to Evangeline/Aveline doesn't kill those names for me. so! right now it's Amelia! and I'll change it again! no middle names for her until she cooperates and manifests a name I actually like.

Finnola Magnolia Trevelyan - oh and the only Trevelyan cousin I care about. can't remember how/when I chose the name. but it's related to her dead name - she went by Finn prior to transitioning after which point she prefers the nn Nola instead. both given and middle names were family names and she wanted to keep family names after transitioning. grandma Bann Magnolia Trevelyan gave her blessing to take her name for her middle name.

~~mass effect~~

bonus round bc why not!

Roxene Shepard - the name on her save file is just Roxy and I SWEAR to CHRIST she's NOT named after a homestuck she's named after a homestuck it was the first thing that popped into my head when I booted up the game look it was 2007 it was a different time. later I came back to beef it up and make it sound more like a sci fi name and less like a chicago showtune. yes, her parents names are Hannah and John and most people in the future are named things like Ashley and David. you know why her name is Roxene and not something normal? because hannah and john shepard were fucking unhinged that's why. had a breakthrough moment several years later when I realized her nickname could be Xena warrior princess.

Deonna Shepard - same thing. named her Diana after wonder woman. first thing that popped into my head. started out at warrior princess that time rather than working my way around to it over the course of several years. went back later to make it fancier bc I can.

Polaris Ryder - I asked myself, before andromeda came out, if it would be too corny and on the nose to name my pathfinder after the north star and then I decided it was and then I did it anyway. you know why? bc ellen and alec ryder are also unhinged. my ellen ryder and hannah shepard are cousins so they clearly shared their baby name brainworms while brainstorming with each other.

Casper Ryder - needed a similarly unhinged name for the twin, obv. I think I started at Cassiopeia and then worked my way over to casper the friendly ghost from there. you know what, it fits him tho.

[cf8wrk4u-us]

Do you think that when Spider-Jacks gets his own hero team (conformed of White Tiger, Luck Cage, Nova, and Iron Fist)

Would he decide to leave team Prime, or would he introduce his new team to the Autobots? With the permission of Nick Fury and Fowler of course!

Love Ultimate Spiderman💕

It's a couple of years in Jacks hero work when Fowler and Nick Fury approach him with an offer. To lead the next generation of hero's in a specialized program.

Jacks kind of confused about this, while he is what you considered a veteran in the hero world and was one of the first members to join SHIELD. He knew he was no Tony Stark, or Captain America, Thor, or even Hawk-Eye.

So why trust him with a group of new recruits?

As Fowler and Fury explain that with his experience as a hero there something he could teach these young agents. That each one of those hero's was just like him, at a crossroads. There people who could use guidance from someone whose been at this business for awhile.

Still Jack is unsure, he's been on a team before but he's never lead anyone. He doesn't know if he could be responsible for a bunch of rookies.

The agents insist that they wouldn't have made this offer if they didn't see potential in Jack and all four of those kids to be the next generation of great hero's.

The next Avengers.

Those kids have the training and Jack has the real world experience, so there asking them to give them a chance.

After thinking it over Jack decides to go for it, under the agreement that while he leads this team he's still operates solo as Spiderman and particularly with Team Prime. Who knows maybe he could be to these recruits what Optimus was to him.

Of course its not that easy.

The group consisting of White-Tiger, Iron-Fist, Powerman A.K.A Luke Cage, and Nova don't really take Spiderman seriously at first. While he may be a veteran, they don't consider that a good thing. He's retro and not in a cool way. Given his vigilante reputation they consider him to reckless and undisciplined. There honestly quite shocked that Fury made him their team leader, this pajama wearing web-head.

Jack dosent have the easiest time ether, as he tries to lead them and make himself seem like a wise and great leader.

(Giving cringe worthy Optimus impressions and cool leader routine at a RID2015 Bumblebee level😅)

But soon enough they actually work well together and even learn how to be a great team.

Eventually when a threat of Cybertronian origin comes into play, Jack thinks it's a good idea to let his new team in on his other team( with Fury and Fowlers permission of course)

The new recruits are stunned at the existence of Cybertronians, these giant robots that are like living people. Also with the fact that there leader, the goofy vigilante, was part of a secret war determined the fate of the world and managed to save the Earth. All without SHIELDS help.

"Dude" cried Nova flying around Knock-Out and Breakdown, the former preening under the attention "If I know giant robots were a part of your origin story, I would have thought you were cool sooner"

"Wait, you didn't think I was cool"? asked Jack

"We did not give him his powers" Ratchet stressed.

White Tiger and Powerman think this is majorly awesome that giant robots exist and Iron Fist is left mystified by the hidden wonders that are out of this galaxy if Cybertronians exist.

Jack introduces them to Miko and Raf, his friends. Raf gets along well with White-Tiger and Iron-Fist, letting them see some prototype weapons he's making for them and giving extra advice on how to incorporate these gadgets to their fighting style.

It turns out Nova and Powerman have a similar taste in music with Miko and the older woman ask them to spare with them. Despite being technically powerless she can hold her own among the young powered hero's, especially when she ups the ante with her Apex Armour.

The group are taken back when meeting the pretty June Darby and learning she's the girlfriend of their strict director Agent Fowler.

But not as much as meeting the beautiful Sierra Watson and learning she's the fiance of their leader. Nova's kind of jealous.

Ether way the team of young hero's learn more about their mentor and the world they live in. Their respect for Jack really grows and from then on Jack makes it a point to teach his new team how to work with his old team. A great threat could still happen and for the sake of a safer future humans and Cybertronians will have to work together like in his youth.

Despite all the seriousness Jack is happy that his family is expanding.

[tribridkissed]

Season 4? I don’t know her.

I figure this should be a general PSA as well, but I have a bit to say as far as what my post!Season 3 Legacies headcanons are, since I pretend that like 90% of Season 4 didn’t happen. Even the writers have admitted since that they had to slap an ending on at the last minute and honestly, none of us or the characters deserved that rushed ending or the absolute lack of character development that we got. I’m not here to argue it, or debate it, but because of it, if there’s a specific Season 4 plot that you would like to RP, here are some headcanons I have for how I will be rolling with Season 4.

First of all, Hope absolutely tried to come up with a million different ways to kill Malivore WITHOUT KILLING LANDON. I cannot stress this enough, because my girl would not turn on a dime, in one episode. I felt absolutely stabbed in the back watching her just be like, “He’d understand, right Raf? You’d understand, right?” While absolutely not trying anywhere near enough to save Landon first. All that after having a huge speech about not abandoning him. Screw the school. Screw her friends. Hope has always put her family first and Landon was in canon, as high as her family as far as she was concerned, she even said it. It’s one of her flaws, but you can be damn sure I RP her flaws and all, and she isn’t going to be the one to kill Landon if she doesn’t have to.

Becoming the Tribrid would absolutely be because of losing more people. I agreed with that, but because of them not having Riley or Claire as much as they wanted, you think Freya would leave Hope before she woke up? NO. Do you think they wouldn’t wait for Rebekah? NO. Rebekah was there, and Freya had to be incapacitated, for Hope to be brought to Malivore. Those are her second mothers, thank you, and we’re not doing this Tribrid thing without them.

Hope was forced to kill Landon. Obviously a given, but they rushed all of the last Season and she absolutely wouldn’t have just turned on a dime and done him in. Not unless she was absolutely pushed to do it, and having to do it, she absolutely turned her Humanity off. We can absolutely do that, but this is about where the similarities with Season Four completely end and I follow exactly two diversions and that’s it.

Season Four left Landon in Limbo and killed the Phoenix for good for fan service. They knew the show was in limbo, they were trying to get views up, and it suffered for it. Hope would never abandon Landon in Limbo. She’d do everything in her power to get him out and as far as I’m concerned? SHE DID. Hope exhausted every option and eventually, Landon got himself out. This is storyline option one, and ends with Hope and Landon leaving the school, be it together or not together, and him back to being the Phoenix, or Hell, still being the new Ferryman (with his soul freaking intact thank you), and being able to leave as he pleases with his new God powers. So, if you wanna RP with a corrected Limbo plot, I am willing to do it only under the above circumstances.

Now, with other Landon’s, you guys have your own things and we can plot if we wanna throw something together, but as far as I’m concerned, the world that I default to for Hope in all things unless you specifically ask for Limbo to be part of things, is the same world that @mudbirthed​ and I toyed with when we were first upset about how the season was going. That is, where the Phoenix is a God (because hello show you brought in mythology so how about using what you already had), and when Hope was forced to kill him when Malivore was inside of him, the Phoenix fire that was originally dormant again thanks to the Necromancer messing with him, was ignited by her blood, burned out Malivore, and then eventually brought Landon back to life as the Phoenix, and he was then an important cog in the wheel of fighting the Gods (which are also on a case by case basis because I like it since we had Gods already like the cupid episode anyone, but I also just eh too...). That being said, he didn’t come back to life immediately, Hope still had a no humanity stint, but once Landon was back, he helped her family to get her to turn her humanity back on. No shortcuts, no rushed anything, and then together, they had to figure out the rest.

I like including the Gods because I like Phoenix God lore, but I’m also okay with the Phoenix just being the Phoenix and there not being any Gods. Whatever works for our threads, but I default to the Gods because we had two of them already, if not three, in earlier seasons, so they did not come out of nowhere. Gods were even hinted at in Originals and The Vampire Diaries, and the books had angels and demons. So, I’m cool with them, but I’m also cool omitting them.

Also, speaking of Landon tweaks, we need to talk about Lizzie. I am okay with Hope still turning Lizzie, being a dick to her, etc., and I love Lizzie fighting back because she didn’t deserve all of that, but that all should be discussed BEFOREHAND with Lizzie’s that have specific things in mind. We’re here to fix canon, not just follow it blindly, so we can always come up with something together. 

[aparticularbandit]

so - saw that episode again (and also started jtv again because...want to go through the first fourteen episodes again for soulmate au purposes) and here are the things i gleaned!

1) jane thought rose was 38 instead of 51. like - i know we harp on the 51 bit but this time it’s the 38 bit that stuck out to me.  not because there’s an age difference there of thirteen years (yikes) but more because of the age difference that would be between lu and rose.  at the end of the series, lu is roughly 45.  in fandom, we usually put rose at three years younger than lu (because bridget is roughly 3 years younger than yara), but jane is here making rose seven years younger than lu. and here is why that is important (and also indicating a missed opportunity that i would have liked them to delve into more): jane is seven years younger than rafael.  jane is mentally putting the age gap between rose and lu as the exact same as the age gap between her and raf, where lu stands in for raf and rose stands in for her.  this is just another bit of that mental paralleling that we see jane do between herself and rose - or the writers do between jane and rose - that we see coming up again in the episode: rose making the claim that this isn’t jane’s love story, it’s hers (when we, as the viewers, know it is the other way around); jane setting them up as good vs. evil in that final confrontation (and the parallel of rafael coming to save her vs. luisa coming to kill rose)--

even before this, there are instances of rose/lu meaning to be a parallel of jane/raf.  rose constantly saying that she and lu are the greatest love story ever told (as compared with jane’s preoccupation with telenovelas and her love story turning out to be one); rose and lu having literal fireworks over their first kiss as opposed to the dramatics that we see happening with jane’s “first” kisses with her respective love interests (the fake snow falling with michael; the blossoms with rafael (not her technical first kiss, but in context, i think you understand what i mean).  both love stories are shown with that telenovela flair to them so that there is a contrast between them.  you can even bring up jane and her different janes (critic!jane, drunk!jane, etc.) and compare them with the different masks that rose wears as sin rostro.

(you can make a fandom argument here.  i don’t feel like making it, but you can, technically, make it.)

to an extent, rose is a negative version of jane where her love - and her obsession with her love interest - destorys her, changing her life for the worse instead of changing it for the better the way it does with jane.  (and you can make the argument that jane tries to make the appeal that lu should be her michael and that rose should move on to find her actual raf, but idk how much water that holds).

we can also look at jane making rose and lu’s age gap similar to her age gap with raf as a way of her trying to connect to their love story as she writes her novel.  for most of her writing time, jane’s relationship with luisa is...rocky, at best, if it’s actually there at all.  you could make the argument that she didn’t actually really start understanding writing luisa until the flashback chapter in s4 and used that as her basis for writing her, but the point is that most of what jane wrote about luisa and rose would be built from what little she knew.  those parallels would be her insertion.

i’m just surprised that she put rose in her place instead of lu.  but that may be due to rose was emilio’s trophy wife, so she has to be the younger one, which - says a lot about what jane thought of emilio (from the little time she spent with him and the stories she likely heard from raf) that he would be married to a woman she thought was seven years younger than his oldest daughter.

(there is also the potential thought that jane thought rose was 38 at the beginning of the series and that rose was 51 at the beginning of the series - which, you know, would make more sense in terms of where authors would talk about their character’s ages, which would make rose, what, 59? at the end of the series?  (a year a season with a three year time gap would be eight years - s1 isn’t really a full year, but there’s a time jump in s2 re: petra’s pregnancy, so i’m evening it out - so 59?  almost 60?  idk.  jtv, maybe make things a little clearer here.  actually, don’t.  it’s more fun to speculate.)

2) where rose was stabbed through by the statue (which probably wouldn’t have happened anyway, that thing was probably made of styrofoam or some other lightweight material that would more likely have broken under her weight, but i digress), she probably still could have survived.  with some immediate medical attention and a lot of constraints, probably.

or faked it, to be fair, but let’s not go there.

the statue stabbed through the lower half of her torso, approximately cutting her in half.  but not entirely.  idk, in a telenovela sort of way, she could have survived that.  i just think i originally thought the statue stabbed, you know, her heart, not her lower regions.  so maybe she couldn’t have actually survived that.  it just feels like it’s more likely there than otherwise.

idk i have less proof for this, just a general feeling.

3) xo is really good at keeping secrets to the benefit of other people.

this is less a that episode thing and more of a starting jtv over again thing but like!  she spent all of jane’s first twenty-four years letting jane believe that she had wanted an abortion and alba convinced her to keep her instead of the other way around so that she could protect jane!  and she kept the secret about rogelio for just as long and let alba think she didn’t know who the dad was and was just a random hook-up (because she didn’t want to be with rogelio then) because that was the better option!  like xo is a determined woman who is actually very good about protecting her people and that’s something i hadn’t noticed before and like, yeah, i might have a higher appreciation for xo now.

4) luisa is definitely wearing the same dress when she goes to jump off the bridge that she is when she explains to jane and raf and petra and xo that she artificially inseminated the wrong woman.

it’s the same blue dress.  she literally went immediately afterward to try and commit suicide and rose talked her out of it, like, i’m wondering - i know that lu was supposed to die when roman apparently did (but aaron actually did), but i’m wondering if the bridge jumping thing was a callback to the original plan (and if in that universe, luisa’s death was a suicide and not a murder by sin rostro.  not that aaron/roman’s murder was.  but you know).

5) also luisa and no patient confidentiality why are you telling rafael that jane works at the hotel where is your privacy woman

there are probably more but, uh, gonna stop there for now.  maybe will bring up more later with further episodes!  will see!

[silver-rings-and-rabbits]

Open Heart: Second Year

I don’t think I’m saying anything that hasn’t already been said before but this is bugging me like crazy. I don’t use Tumblr very often but I don’t know anyone else who plays Choices, so here I am (I guess spoiler alert for those who haven’t played Open Heart).

Open Heart book 1 is one of my favourite books, possibly even my most favourite. I genuinely couldn’t decide between Bryce, Raf and Ethan. I switch between the male and female MC and I’ve been able to give them different personalities. The book had strong writing and a coherent plot with probably three main storylines: Patient X, Panacea Labs, and Mrs Martinez, which all tied together beautifully at the end. Even all our patients came back in the last chapter.

And then Open Heart: Second Year. Where to start.

Obviously Ethan is our boss, mentor and colleague so he will have a vital role in the story, but why push the other LIs aside? Why can’t Bryce romancers steal a few minutes in the hospital corridors where Bryce gives you a flirty wink and a pat on the butt? Why can’t Jackie romancers sneak into her room every so often?

And let’s get started on Rafael. First of all....what the fuck?

I love a little bit of angst so I wasn’t initially too mad when Sora was introduced (actually I think it made me want Rafael more, because apparently I only like men I can’t have...and I’ve gone off Ethan because he would be too easy). But there was none. Sora appeared in chapter 2, where it’s described as ‘stings a little to watch’, but doesn’t appear again until the baseball game in chapter 8 where they cheer for Edenbrook a couple of times. The only kind of ‘angst’ Rafael romancers got was dancing with Raf at the music festival where Sora is briefly mentioned and MC closes their eyes and listens to Raf’s heartbeat (which was a sweet moment, to be fair). Are you seriously telling me that none of their friends acknowledged that he and MC used to date? That they wouldn’t have asked if MC was OK at least once? That they would have invited Rafael over to the apartment without giving MC a heads up? And when PB was asked about this they gave some crap about making things realistic and exploring the mature themes of a medical drama. If Open Heart were realistic, MC would have been fired halfway through book 1 (one of the dialogue options with Ethan in book 1 chapter 6 actually leads him to say ‘consider yourself lucky you’re even getting a next time’) but NO, we get ‘realism’ by losing a beloved love interest and character that people have grown invested in and spent money on, and then completely waste the opportunity for drama.

And then there’s chapter 10.

And going back to realism, they couldn’t think of anything else apart from vengeance and terrorism? Not, I don’t know, just a highly infectious patient which is probably more likely to happen within a hospital?

I do think that chapter 11 is one of the strongest chapters of Second Year, and the book has got stronger since then. But knowing that it might have ended with the death of Rafael leaves a VERY bitter taste. I’m very glad they rewrote it...but what on earth was the thought process behind that?!? Going back to realism again, if they wanted drama and emotions, why not have Kyra die of surgical complications? At least we’d have been somewhat prepared for that as she was introduced as being a cancer patient, and there would have been more angst (especially for Bryce romancers) as he would have had the guilt of not being able to save her when he promised MC he would, even if it was out of his hands. But sure, have Rafael caught in an assassination attempt, that makes sense. And it still doesn’t really excuse Sora, I mean, imagine the pain if he was still an LI and he and MC were saying their last goodbyes in that room??

I was happy with the rewrite to chapter 11 and the kiss between Raf and MC in chapter 12 was beautiful. And PB have actually made something of an effort to include Raf in the rest of the story; I was half-expecting to not see him again until the obligatory 30-diamond scene in the last chapter.

Chapter 12 was so emotional and it was so clear that each character and LI was struggling with the events. And the end of chapter 12 and the beginning of chapter 13 made it very clear that MC was terrified of returning to work. MC has butterflies in their stomach as they walk in to Edenbrook and then...nothing. That was that. As if they just needed to face their fear and they’d be alright again. Now I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure PTSD isn’t as simple as that? It would go far deeper than ‘Oh, I’m alright, just taking it one day at a time’. And the narration specified that MC was uncomfortable at the idea of going back into the diagnostics room where the attack happened, but chapter 14 we’re back in there without batting an eyelid.

Someone (I don’t know who...if you’re reading this let me know!!) pointed out that Danny and Bobby could have been mentioned at the gala...there could have been some kind of ‘in memory’ and donors could have been guilt tripped by MC. But no, not a peep. I keep thinking that we could have had Baz, Zaid and Inez (I miss her) catching up with MC and asking how they’re doing and how worried they were. If you’re going to the gala with Raf there could have been a highly emotional scene between them about what happened in the room. Raf alludes to it in a line of dialogue but there was potential for so much more.

And how about the fact that a group of doctors cured the incurable OVERNIGHT and it worked without proper testing? NO ONE has mentioned that since! Surely there would be papers being published and deeper research being conducted now that lives aren’t on the line? We had a whole chapter about how a research grant would save the hospital but now...nothing?! Ed Farrugia hasn’t been mentioned since chapter 12. No one in the team is talking about how it was June’s idea to convince him to switch to Edenbrook. Surely that would be a huge elephant in the room? Wouldn’t she at least say something like ‘I never wanted this to happen, we went too far’? Something?!

The fact that there has been no follow-up to the attack suggests to me that it was purely for shock value. They just wanted drama and didn’t care about keeping it grounded. And assuming that Rafael died in the original, that’s more upsetting. I can’t believe that he was the least profitable character in the history of Choices ever. And even if he was, was it because no one bought his diamond scenes, or because he didn’t have diamond scenes to buy? I romanced Bryce in my first playthrough, but I remember choosing to assist on his surgery without even thinking about it, I didn’t even look at the diamonds it would cost. So a beloved character would have been killed, and it would have brought nothing to the story.

Furthermore, Sora would never have been explained. Rafael almost explained in chapters 2 and 12 but both times MC cut them off. If Rafael was originally going to die in chapter 11, Rafael romancers would never have got that explanation, unless they were to hear it from Sora themselves afterwards (doubtful). And it’s highly unlikely it actually will be explained. PB will probably say ‘it’s up to you what happened!’ like they’re doing us a favour by creating our own headcanon, but to me that’s just lazy writing; they wanted to write off Rafael and they didn’t care how they did it.

If Second Year hadn’t opened with a funeral scene we might never have been clued into what was going to happen and demanded a rewrite.

Aside from that, there’s Esme. She’s introduced as breaking Dr Thorne’s hand and then has to diagnose and treat him in chapter 10. Depending on your choices, he gets surgery and thanks Esme for saving his life and apologises for the bar incident. Otherwise she doesn’t run further tests and he messes up a surgery which eventually forces him to resign. And then Esme gets her plotline with Levi. If Dr Thorne wasn’t her main plotline, what was the point in introducing him? It’s another storyline that had huge potential--sexual harassment in the workplace, for example--but had little to no payoff and fell off the radar. If PB wanted to introduce MC and Esme the night before they both started working then MC could have just literally walked into Esme and either apologised, asked if she was OK, or told her to watch where she was going, and that would have affected how she greeted you in the hospital the next day. But no, we get this storyline hinted at which is then written off and replaced. Maybe it was a rewrite, I just don’t see why it would have been.

Like I said before, the main storylines of book 1 all tied together in the end, but the storylines we’ve had in book 2 have just felt like completely separate events, just a bunch of stuff that happens and is quickly forgotten. I think the balance of the LIs has been better since chapter 11; even when the gang went to Vegas, Raf romancers got a quick phone call with him. As a Raf romancer, I appreciated that, and it only goes to show how PB could accommodate for all LIs whilst having Ethan integral as our boss (see before, bonus scenes for Jackie romancers sneaking into each others rooms, bonus scenes for Bryce romancers having flirty interactions in the corridors). 

There is such a difference in dialogue if you’re playing Ethan’s romance route or not. I had him stay behind in chapter 11 and I thought it came across as a sweet conversation between a mentor and his protégée. But the other LIs don’t have anything close to that level of detail. Ethan romancers get pretty close to being official in chapter 17 but I’ve heard Jackie and Bryce didn’t get that. And Raf romancers didn’t even get caught sneaking back into the gala. I’m still holding out hope that book 2 will end with all LIs saying ‘I love you’ and being official with MC, but the inequality makes me sad.

I might have had some more to say, but this post has been longer than I intended and I don’t remember what that might have been. I really wanted to like Open Heart: Second Year. Book 1 will always be a favourite, but book 2? It’s like going from the classic era of The Simpsons where Homer was a lazy dumbass but genuinely loved his family, to the modern era of The Simpsons where nothing makes sense and Homer is a straight-up jerk. I just hope that, if we get book 3, they would have learned from their mistakes and Open Heart can be saved. It doesn’t deserve this.

Well, that’s my two cents. Sorry for the long post. If you got this far, thanks for reading.

[404fmdtaejin]

famed idol life / career meme

notes: once again, a big mega post because i didn’t want to flood dash with answers. thanks to everyone that sent in!! 

1. what is your favorite single you’ve released?

“solo wise? i’ve only released one solo portal song, which was a self-written song called that’s okay. well, bc forced that one on me when they took pages from my diary — still, my only one solo release, and that’s the favorite since i’m left with no other option. in regards to group? everyone knows, amigo or not — my favorite will always be view. something special about that time, i tell you.”

2. what are your favorite b-sides/non-title tracks you’ve released?

“since i haven’t released any songs by myself other than the one mentioned before, i’d have to go through decipher’s discography. lovesick, odd eye, prism, honesty, stranger, better off — there’s a lot to sift through in the past few years. unfortunately, there’s a point where my interest had started weaning off idol-dom, and you can observe that when i stopped paying attention and interest into what decipher did conceptually after 2016. at least the enjoyment was fun while it lasted.”

3. what is your least favorite song (title track or b-side) you’ve released?

”that’s an easy one. you take any b-side we’ve released in the past few years, and that probably makes the list. the comeback with the b-side shot was awful. that’s probably the worst, in my head. never was a fan of that comeback, now that i think of it — i call it the dark blip of decipher’s early career. perhaps it’s just ambivalence at this point that i have no real strong feelings towards bsides nowadays.”

4. if you could do a duet with anyone in the industry, who would you choose? what do you think of your/your group’s concept?

“i’d want to do a duet with duri — we’ll have a tale of the oldies. the two 1990 liners inside bc’s walls doing a ballad song. though, duri would have to take the high notes on that one seeing as how he’s a power vocalist. there’s rarely times where i’m able to keep in touch or have people around my age, and for that — i’m always grateful when i come across that. we’d manage something interesting given the same age, and the ballad concept.”

5. what do you think of your/your group’s concept?

“decipher doesn’t really stick to a concept, and i suppose our concept has always been to branch into new avenues. there’s good things and bad things about it, obviously. we’re given new things to try, new stylings, and what not. however, we’re also subjected to that risk in case it doesn’t turn out how bc envisioned. to put it short — it’s either a hit or miss.”

6. what is one thing (a concept, a genre, an outfit, etc.) you would least like your company make you do?

“decipher’s novelty in the industry is that we’ve been here so long that we’ve managed a lot of different concepts. from the house pop to retro vibes, even spring ballads in soft tunes — we’ve done it all. the least? i’d say another electronic heavy music where we’re dancing like madmen. i wouldn’t mind a powerful choreography to show i can still ‘hang’, but to the sounds of techno-ish music? i don’t think so. at least, not with my age.”

7. what one thing (concepts, genres, styling, frequency of comebacks, etc.) would you like to change about your current career as an idol?

“i don’t want to comeback so frequently — it seems we’re coming back more frequently than other rookies. it would be nicer to stay back and relax while we let the hoobaes have their time to shine. genres and concepts aren’t really on the top of my list to complain about, though i would enjoy an old throw-back to decipher’s glory days where we’re given something newer. perhaps, that’d be enough to rejuvenate my attitude towards the industry.”

8. if you could be in any idol group, which one would you choose?

“with my age, i don’t think i’d fit any group. perhaps, i could assimilate myself to knight, but the bad boy niche doesn’t really match mine. say, i was a few years younger — then, you’d have me inside charm. i think i’d do a pretty good left and right if you ask me.”

9. if you could say one thing to your ceo, what would it be?

“i respect the business model you form. however, i’m still trying to understand it when applied to me. thirteen years, and i have yet to sit down and have a conversation with you. it’d be nice to have one someday.”

10. if you were auditioning for your company today, what would you perform for your audition, or what would you change from your original audition?

“my audition was so long ago. fourteen, fifteen years now, and that’s nearly half of my life. i wish i could remember parts — but there’s only the snippet of a ballad i sang, probably kim bum soo. all alongside some awkward dancing that bc shaped me up for. i’d probably pick a sung sikyung song instead.”

11. if you could do any special stage, what would it be and who would it be with?

”call it a weird match, but i’d have a set with duri, andy, joohwan, my maknae and jiah. well, those would be the people i’d know well enough to collaborate with, though the outcome might not be as promising as i initially thought. case closed, never make me do a special stage.”

12. what career opportunities would you like to pursue that you’ve yet to, or what achievements would you like to obtain that you’ve yet to?

“maybe a bit of variety? i’m completely happy where i am with acting, though it’d be better if decipher’s comebacks were rarer. however, i’m taking what i can get and variety might be a chance to show the side that doesn’t get shown when i’m playing a role on tv. i’ve heard from some people that i can be funny at times.”

13. if you could become a model or ambassador for any brand, what would you choose?

“as much as i like high fashion, i haven’t done any modeling in regards to brand deals with high fashion. a luxury brand would be nice — i hear prada has changed with the entrance of raf simons. i’ve been into the streetwear look lately after itaewon class, so that would be a current go-to. otherwise, i think i’m happy promoting good feel and credit cards.”

14. if you could be on any variety show, which one (or which type of one) would you want to be on?

“i live alone would be my first pick. only because i’ve decorated my house nicely recently, and haven’t had a chance to show it off to many people as i’m not home as often these days. however, that’d require an off day and i don’t have many of those lately. i think people would be shocked to see what i do when i’m around my house, lounging and rarely moving around.”

15. if you were offered the chance to become a ceo of an entertainment company, new or existing, would you take it? why or why not?

“as much as i’m leader of decipher, i don’t think i could handle leading a company. i wouldn’t want to become a ceo. it distracts from my own schedule, and i’d be too focused on my company rather than the hobbies and interests that appeal to me. sure, i’d make more money — but what’s more money on top of the money i already have? it’s counterproductive and i’d rather do what i like doing.”

16. what changes would you implement if you were the ceo of your company?

“each company runs on a specific pattern of events, and there’s a reason for that. a reason why routine shapes each group, so i wouldn’t necessarily change much. my trainee year was difficult, but it also fostered friendships within the group that i consider irreplaceable. the only change i can think of? maybe getting to know my artists rather than staying far off.”

17. what do you do to relieve the stress of idol life?

“i work out. i run a lot, and go to the gym as cliche as it sounds. but each role requires me to be in top shape, and after all that i’ve found a love for working out each morning. other than that, i like to shop and cook, even walk my dog. normal things any other person does on their day off. by the end of the day? finishing it off with a cold beer becomes my saving peace.”

18. what tips would you give to a trainee about to debut?

”push through it because it’s only a matter of time till debut happens. the trainee years are taken for granted, and you need to learn to treasure those moments. once debut happens, there’s no looking back and you’re constantly on the move — so, you’re better off enjoying now. also, don’t be afraid to approach sunbaes. we’re all in the same boat, been there and done that, so let us help where we can.”

19. what was the hardest part of being a trainee?

“singing while running around the room? i remember running too many laps, out of breath belting a high note. looking back, it was probably the time i thought i was going to end my trainee career right there and run to my parents. other than that? learning to live with others? i’ve lived a blessed life, and i’ve never had to share a room with anyone. that felt like a culture shock.”

20. did you enjoy the lifestyle of a trainee or of a debuted idol more?

“call me weird, but i’d say the trainee life. there was something special about those days, and now i’m so many years in my career and i miss the days crammed in the dorms. i don’t think there’s anything like it. the structure of it, the tears of joy and sadness all into one — every emotion all there. it’s rare moments like those i’ll never get back.”

21. what one song or album by another group or soloist would you have liked to release yourself?

“i’ve heard a lot of songs, but i heard a song recently by a charm member. one of the solo projects of dai, and his song let’s love was something that made me want to release music as well. maybe, it’s just inspiration just at that moment, but the song was something i enjoyed listening to. knight’s tempo was also something that i wish decipher was given, just because there’s a certain spark when it comes to the song.”

22. describe your dream sub-unit (members and concept).

“my dream sub-unit? does that relate to in-group or out of group? for the sake of this question, i’ll keep it in-group to simplify things. i’d like to keep our main vocal, myself and our lead rapper only because the maknae already has his thing in champion — though conceptually, i’m not sure what we’d be able to do. something non-dance related, i’d hope. perhaps, a power house vocal because i know our lead rapper can belt a few notes better than most main vocals of other groups.”

23. out of the following six options, would you rather be allowed to play a major hand in the lyrics, production, choreography, styling, music videos, or concepts you release?

“no lyrics, production or choreography. i’ve never been talented in that market, and maybe that’s why i don’t take part in any of these things. instead, i’d keep to the styling, and music videos — though, i don’t have an artistic eye. perhaps, i’d keep to styling as it lies most with my interests. my members might get bored of wearing the same dress shirts and slacks for each comeback.”

24. which of the two other companies (out of bc, dimensions, and gold star) you are not currently signed under would you rather be an artist in?

“none of the other two. i’ve said it time and time again that i’m loyal to bc — i might complain about it, sure. but in hindsight, i don’t see myself being in any other music company. now, if you had asked me in terms of acting? then, we’d have a different story between namoo, artist and vast.”

25. what is your least favorite part of being an idol?

“there’s no breaks, not for age. there’s little opportunity to cease the past, and continue on a new future. instead, i’m always tethered to the role of an idol, and despite how much i try — they still reel me back in each time for another comeback. on top of that, some songs don’t age well with time — decipher has a few of those. yet, because they’re fan favorites, i have no choice but to dance and sing along as if it’s 2009 again.”

26. what is your favorite part of being an idol?

“ironic, but there’s a lot of opportunities to try new things. i wouldn’t have thought of cf modeling or acting, if it weren’t for the opportunities presented to me. as a result, i’ve found a new enjoyment in an acting career due to the idol life. plus, along the way i meet different people to give me new insight — suppose it keeps me young again.”

27. would you rather be incredibly famous with a terrible reputation and hated by most or be fairly unknown with a good reputation and adored by those who know of you? why?

“i don’t know how to answer this one because being incredibly famous with a terrible reputation is just a cheapened output of your career you’ve built thus far. that would simply become a life unenjoyable, so by default i suppose i’d rather have the latter. fairy unknown with a good reputation because that way, you have a basis to build yourself up.”

28. what moment in your career are you proudest of so far?

“i’d either attribute it to parasite, which did win a lot of accolades not only in the country but out or i’d give it to the recent baeksang nomination for the dramas i was in. i don’t think i’d ever predict the success of stories i had a pleasure of working on. in retrospect, it was nice that so many people were able to relate and get along with the characters i was given the honor of portraying.”

29. what have you learned about yourself and/or society since becoming a celebrity?

“i’m no longer an extrovert. in fact, i’m more of an introvert. i used to think i was an extrovert, and one time i was when i was busy running around getting assimilated to those new faces. however, over the years, my circle’s only run short and i’ve been given little things here and there that make me want to preserve my small circle of people i’ve gotten to know along the way. i don’t like going out and partying, and much rather have a night in with dubu in peace.”

30. what would you like to change about how society views or treats idols?

“it’d be nice to be given more freedom — but isn’t that what everyone wants? i’m talking about stepping into something without facing backlash, or how we’re seen as approachable because we’re public figures. it’d be nice to sit down and have a meal without the thought of dispatch finding who i’m with, or scrutinizing any of my friendships. there should be some level of normalcy given, and i think that’s the least anyone could ask for.”

[dabbingonronpa]

Transformers: Prime Director’s Cut, Ep21-23

T.M.I. (n/a)

Stronger, Faster (Mairghread Scott, Shaunt Nigoghossian, Jeffrey Combs)

-first episode Mairghread got to write

-Shaunt’s fav episode

-”I wanted to prove that [Ratchet] could be the war hero” -Mairghread

-”I wanted someone to stand up to Optimus, to talk about how frustrating this is” -Mairghread

-VA’s don’t get much time to practice, script comes 1-2 days before recording

-”I like that I get to beat the holy... poo-poo out of [the Jeticons]” -Jeffrey 

-*scene: Ratchet backflips into the air, grabs a vehicon’s head and smashes it into the ground* “That move there was supposed to be him doing that to Megatron at the end, but we had to cut the ending” -Shaunt about Ratchet’s first fight scene in the episode

-Synth-en was green because it wouldn’t have been as obvious of a color chance bc the other Autobots have blue eyes

-”This was my favorite in the record, because you [Jeffrey] were just sitting there, wacking Kevin [M. Richardson] on the shoulder, ‘COME AT ME BULKHEAD, COME AT ME’. I thought he was gonna hit you back!” -Mairghread

-”Ratchet needs a leather jacket right now”

-episode was cut-down a lot bc too many good moments

-”Don’t worry, I’m an emergency vehicle” was the story-editor’s addition to the script

-(laughs at miner con getting conked on the head with the rock) “We’re mean spirited people” “We are”

-instead of the rock, ratchet was initially going to chase the miner down in alt mode

-Mairghread was surprised the blowtorch scene w/ ratchet made it through

-”Frank actually puts his hands out in front of his face [in the same manner as Megatron]”

-”Originally, I had Megatron turn his back to Ratchet, and that’s how Ratchet got the sucker punch” -Mairghread

-wiping the energon off of Megatron’s lips was Mairghread’s husband’s idea

-Knock Out, Starscream, and Ratchet were the most fun to write

One Shall Fall (Nicole Dubuc, Joseph Kuhr, Vinton Heuck, Augusto Barranco)

-This episode was going to be the s1 finale, and the following 3 as a mid-summer special, but all four ended up airing as a four-part finale instead

-”if you’re watching this 10 years from now, there was a meme about LOLCATZ”

-Originally, in the first skirmish of the episode, Breakdown was present, but was cut to streamline the story

-Bumblebee’s mirror rotating to see Raf’s hand falling is the “I’m not dead yet” moment to give a sigh to the audience

-The original premise was that hurting Raf was intentional on Megatron’s part, and that he would start “transforming” and a psychic connection between him and Unicron would form, but was cut to keep focus more squarely on Optimus and Megatron

-Originally, Ratchet and June were going to work together to treat Raf

-”[Optimus + Bulkhead] are too unforgiving to those troopers”

-the establishing shots of Earth were used as a timer ticking down, but were going to be more explicit beforehand (ie 30 days and counting)

-the color department has notoriously had trouble with bright purple colors bc it became pinkish

-*Optimus: ‘Do not believe everything you read’* “...which is not Optimus telling children not to read. I read that comment online somewhere.” “That’d be a great library poster” (laughter)

-to save Raf, an energon defibrillator would have been used but was changed to the chamber because they thought it’d be like zapping a bug with a bug zapper

-the wheel-to-the-face almost didn’t happen, because his armor wouldn’t happen normally, but was able to stay in because Hartman insisted it be kept in to Polygon

-originally, the episode ended with the other Autobots running to Optimus’s location a few moments after where the current episode ends

[romewritingshop]

Bryce Ending

A/N: This is the Bryce Lahela ending which I hope the link should work. I do hope you enjoy it. There are links below if you want the other endings, my masterlist or the original fic. Thanks.

CHOICES MASTERLIST

Three stooges on a date

ETHAN ENDING

TOBIAS ENDING

Kayla stood near Tobias, exchanging a few quiet words before she then hugged him and he drove away in his car. Kayla waved before she turned to face her three friends. The three of them were leaning against Ethan’s car, which was parked a few minutes away from the restaurant as Kayla stood in front of them with a piercing glare at all three of them. This was a rare occasion where Bryce would meet Kayla’s fiery rage.

“Bryce. Would you care to explain why the three of you are in ridiculous costumes, watching me and Tobias?”

 Bryce opened his mouth and raised his hand before he dropped both and almost quietly explained.

“We thought you were going to defect to Kenmore.”

“Kenmore?”

“Well, I thought you were going to. You kept smiling and disappearing on nights at Donahue’s. Then I saw the messages between you and T.C. Then I saw who T.C. was and I thought you were going to go out with him or move to Kenmore. So I asked Raf and Ramsey to help me spy on you on your date.”

He hoped that she would get the hint that he was jealous that Tobias was going to make a move on her.

“I see. Rafael. Ethan. Anything else to add on?”

“Nope.” “Nothing, Kayla.”

“Okay. Well let me tell you that I asked Tobias out to dinner. To thank him for saving my life and to propose a Edenbrook and Mass Kenmore partnership.”

Bryce furrowed his eyebrows as he spoke up.

“But I heard you -”

“Yeah! I said those things so you would reveal yourself. I knew you guys were there the moment I came into the restaurant. Your disguises may have hidden you but Bryce, I would recognise your legs anywhere. That and the terrible wig on your head. Did you really guys have no trust in me?”

“We’re sorry Kayla. We were trying to look out for you and it was the wrong way to go about that.”

“Yeah it was and in some weird way I kinda appreciate the lengths you would go to ensure my safety. Just next time don’t do this if I ever go out again.”

“Yes Kayla.”

“Good, now Ethan can you drop us all home.”

Ethan gave a nod as he unlocked his car to let everyone sit in. It was a somber drive as Ethan dropped Rafael off to his neighbourhood. Bryce sent nervous smiles to Kayla but Kayla glared at him which had Bryce look away. Soon, they had reached Bryce’s apartment as Bryce stepped out, followed by Kayla. She quickly said goodbye to Ethan who then drove off. Soon it was just the two of them as they silently entered the lobby and took the lift to his floor.

Bryce unlocked his front door and let Kayla strut in and he closed it behind her. Keiki was asleep now so he had to make sure Kayla didn’t get too wild on him. Bryce tore the wig off his head as he sat on the sofa, leaning fully back into the black sofa. Kayla stood opposite him, ready to tell him off. He knew Kayla was expecting him to say more as he sighed and turned to Kayla with his most apologetic look.

“I’m sorry, Kayla.”

“Why am I surprised that this idea was concocted by you?”

“I guess I panicked when I saw those messages between you and Tobias Carrick. I thought -”

“You thought I was gonna leave you and Edenbrook?”

“It was a jump to a conclusion and I’m sorry. I should have talked to you or even yet trusted you.” 

Kayla flopped on the sofa beside him and glanced up at the ceiling. Bryce carefully rested his palm on her thigh and stared deep at her side profile. She brought her hand on top of his and turned to look at Bryce. Her sweet caring and daring Bryce going through ridiculous lengths to ensure she was safe and okay. She leaned in and pressed a short kiss to his lips, leaning on his shoulder.

“I should have told you I was gonna take Tobias out to dinner. I just wanted to thank him and try persuade him to take this partnership on.”

“No, I should’ve just trusted in you and not let my thoughts scare me.”

“Yeah. I still cannot believe you got Ethan to follow your stupid plan.”

“He heard Tobias and wanted to make sure you were safe.”

Bryce smiled as he joined his fingers with Kayla, enjoying the deep brief moment they have together. Kayla smiled as she sat up to fully appreciate his dress.

“Why do you even have a costume like this?”

“Well spoiler alert: I was gonna dress up as Cher for Halloween night at Donahue’s.”

Kayla burst out laughing as she brought her hands to his cheek and subtly straddled Bryce’s leg.

“Well I hope you’ll pick a better costume than this. You are so not going to win.”

“I am totally going to win, Jackson. I rock the heels and my ass looks great.”