#i wonder if we're gonna see them in third book

[tenrose]

I finished the Dark Forest and I honestly don't think this trilogy is gonna end well...

[sonotkari]

Tiny Bits Of Love

Kim Minji x Fem Reader

[ Synopsis ]

Your nonchalant looking seatmate was the last person you expected to get answers on what love was. Maybe they were more than sticky memo pads.

Fluff

[ Word Count ]

1.3k

[ a/n ]

Another random idea popped out at midnight + written in a short span of time + w/ rush + without a single thought in mind so heads up! Yes this isn't the one I spoiled heck I don't even know if that's gonna be published lmao Casually dropping this and dissapearing again /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\

To lonely nights craving for love, dis for u bae <3

It is said that first impressions are made in the first three seconds of your interactions. "She looks scary" was yours the moment you laid eyes on your seatmate, Kim Minji. Not like the rest, laughing on whatever topic they were chit-chatting around, she was quietly sitting on her seat looking in front without a thought. She looked so nonchalant and you, who were usually― no, always surrounded by loud lively people, it wasn't helped when you felt unease, glancing at the girl with a straight expression on her face. She almost looks like that one emoji with a straight-lined mouth. And that may be your second impression of her. But as they say "Third time's a charm" or you weren't really sure whether that was the right phrase to imply but still, it felt something like that at your third impression of Minji which changed very differently from the previous ones. You were right all along at the fact that lively people always surrounded you and that thought became stronger at each smack you earned from her laughing her ass out beside you. Minji was far from nonchalant. She laughed at anything and everything whether it was that one crappy joke the History teacher made or those lame dad jokes one of your friends would yell out. Always smacked someone's shoulder while she was bursting out laughing with whatever she found funny. And if we're going straight to the point here, you fell in love with the girl.

You weren't getting at first why you felt so happy and giddy as well when she was, or why seeing her smile looking your way even if it wasn't her intention to make your heart pound like crazy but later on your friend was the one smacking the shit out of you laughing because apparently, you were dense. "Y/n, don't you get it? That's love… You're in love!!" and that was the moment everything sank in. Love. You've already heard that term a million times if not a billion times throughout your life. You've seen the movies, read the books, and been there on the sidelines when your friends fell in love with somebody and needed support. You had a few crushes back then but come to think of it, you just liked them because everybody else did, not knowing how the feelings worked. Nodding and responding with a hum every time the other girls would coo about these boys saying "He's so cool/handsome" every 5 seconds. But now thinking of Minji, it makes your heart pound and wonder why or how she makes you so happy with small things like linking your arms while walking down the hallway or sitting beside each other at classes you had with her. So this is love.

And now that it sank into you what love was, well not maybe entirely but at least you understood what it felt like to be in love, the next thing you know you were pouring it nonstop on Minji. Giving random gifts like cream puffs you bought because it reminded you of her or strawberry lattes which was her favorite drink of all time with a memo note stuck on it with short messages written like "Have a great day" or "I'll see you again later" which you could've just texted to her anyways but there was just something about taking your time to write them. The way Minji would rush at you with a smile while holding those memos thanking you every single time was definitely making you fall for her more. Her smile, her laugh, every single thing she does, you find it all cute adoring her every second, your eyes refusing to tear out from the sight of the girl. Minji's face was the one you'd instantly notice in a crowd, she was the one you'd always find for every short or long period break, and her existence was the only thing you'd look forward to at school. It came to the point where you couldn't hold on to your feelings anymore and firmly placed a letter on Minji's hand on her way home without making eye contact, doing your best to voice out words despite your flustered state. "Read it when you get home. Alone!"

A letter might've been too much, you really didn't know since everything was a first-time experience. But knowing you'd stutter in an instant if you confessed to her face to face and not being able to tell her your feelings because of it, you'd rather write it all and be thought of as cheesy or whatever than regret not being able to tell her properly. All your worries were washed away when you saw her the next morning with a beaming smile on her face, telling you straightforwardly: "I like you too"

That was exactly 4 years ago and now, you were organizing things, deciding which item goes to which box since you and Minji were moving to a different apartment soon. Even if it was hard to throw away, you had to get rid of things that you won't need for the future because securing space was a very big deal when it comes to apartments. So there you were looking through every stuff making sure you wouldn't take anything unscary with you, until you came across a small box. You don't remember seeing it before so it was probably Minji's. "Love is this yours?" Looking back at her putting some of her stuff inside boxes, Minji turned your way as she slightly lifted her black-framed glasses. "Oh yeah, that's mine…!" Half surprised, half excited, she quickly went your way and sat beside you carefully taking the box from your hands as if it was the most venerable thing. "I almost forgot about this" "What is it??" Curiously shifting your gaze from the box to Minji, she flashed a smile before slowly opening the box. Not noticing what it was at first but then, you out a loud gasp as you took a thing out of the box, examining it with a surprised expression. "You still had this!?" You say as you look at the yellow sticky pad with the memo "Have a great day" written in bad handwriting.

There were a couple more inside the box and looking at them one by one reminded you of the days back then. "You kept it…? But they're just memo pads…" "No…" Minji softly murmurs, looking down with a glimpse of affection at the memo pads you were holding. "They're more than memo pads. They're reminders of how much you cared and thought for me back then, before you gave this to me" She pulls out a familiar small brown envelope. "Oh my god, Minji!?" You excitedly squealed as that envelope was the love letter you shoved her in a rush 4 years ago. Scooting over and sitting between Minji's legs as she wrapped her arms around you getting comfortable, you re-read the whole letter with grunts and nose scrunching in cringe along the way. "God, this is so embarrassing…" Minji outs a soft laugh while she rests her chin on your shoulder, probably also re-reading your confession to her, feeling the nostalgia and rewinding all the memories at the back of her head.

Looking back at the box and what it contained inside, your eyes grow bigger every second seeing that Minji kept all the trinkets, bracelets you made her to match, receipts from when you both went out shopping all day, weird-shaped key chains you used to find cute back then, little notes you'd pass at each other during class while the teacher wasn't paying attention. "Literally everything…?" Feeling your girlfriend's embrace tighten on you and her face buried probably because she got a bit embarrassed that you found her little treasure box, you felt the overwhelming sensation of affection wash all over your chest as you smiled looking back and trying to face Minji who would look anywhere but your eyes. "Of course, I kept everything" She finally murmured with a sheepish smile. "Every single thing represents the tiny bits of love we have for each other"

Minji fixes her black-framed glasses again before looking at you full of adoration in her eyes.

"That's how I have you in my arms right now, yeah?"

creating a memory box is one of the best things

[theartofprongs]

Lily's Yearbook

"Sev does Hogwarts publish yearbooks every year?" Lily asks curiously from her spot at the library table.

Severus, who has taken up residence in the seat directly next to Lily, pointedly ignoring the other two Gryffindors at the table, grimaces at Lily's question.

"No Lily, that's a muggle tradition, why would we need such a thing?" Snape shakes his head tersely before pushing his nose farther into his Potions book.

Lily shrugs and hums lightly, "I guess I just think yearbooks are brilliant, oh! Especially the signing! Everyone leaves messages for each other and you get to look through them all summer."

Lily's eyes sparkle with excitement at the prospect of receiving handwritten notes from all of her dearest friend's at Hogwarts, ones that she can re-read during her time away from the magical world.

"Lily I'd forgotten all about yearbooks, it would be so wonderful if Hogwarts had them!" Little Mary Macdonald squeals from across the library table, her smile gleaming.

Marlene also perks up at Lily's excitement, "What's a yearbook?"

These new interjections cause the lone Slytherin tucked into the corner of the table to let out an annoyed huff, "Lily I cannot study here any longer, can we go somewhere that is actually quiet?" Snape directs his sneer at the two girls across from them.

Lily looks over at her two friends, who both have varying looks of disdain now plastered on their eleven year old faces.

"Sure Sev, I'll see you guys at dinner, Okay? Save me a seat if I'm late?" Lily quickly packs her books into her bag so that she can catch up with an already exiting Severus Snape.

"Oh, he is such a git, I don't understand why Lily puts up with that," Marlene snaps, "He doesn't even want her hanging out with people from her own house."

Mary nods in agreement, watching as the two finally disappear out through the library doors. There's a loud echo as the doors slowly close, and then Mary suddenly turns towards Marlene with wild eyes.

"I think I have an idea."

Marlene snorts, "An idea? That's a new one for you."

Mary gasps over dramatically at Marlene's quip, but continues smiling, "No Marly, we're gonna get Lily those signatures, like the ones in a yearbook, so that she can read our notes while she's stuck with him all summer."

"Wow Mary, you do put together some good ideas here and there!"

First year, 1971-1972.

Second year, 1972-1973.

Third year, 1973-1974.

Fourth year, 1974-1975.

Fifth year, 1975-1976.

Sixth year, 1976-1977.

Seventh Year, 1977-1978.

This was a lot of fun for me to do, but it also took me a while to get everything how I wanted. You'll notice that as they get older their handwriting (and for some even their writing utencils) change and grow with them. There are a few different themes and relationships going on throughout this whole thing so I hope you enjoy all the little easter eggs. Also you'll notice that it is heavily smudged and (wet?) even in some places, that's because I tried to make it seem as though it was pulled from an archive, whether from Lily's belongings or even Hogwarts. Let me know if you can't read anything specific and I'll tell you what it says. It's not perfect but I'm very proud of it!

[spooky-bunnys]

I have this request based off of something that almost happened with me and my friends

Tenjiku gang is at an arcade why you may ask well it’s izana little brother (name) birthday and everyone is having fun until they lose him and they all start to panic until they find little (name) inside a claw machine hugging a plushie. Izana would be panicking and trying to get his brother whike (name) is happily waving back at tenjiku. Half of tenjiku suggest they get an employee to open claw machine the while the other half say they have to play the game in order to get (name) out

While their bickering shion says “hang on let uncle shion handle this” and starts walking to the claw machine and signals for (name) to scoot back and to cover their eyes which (name) does. The others are asking what shion is doing and he replies with “don’t worry I’m a professional at these types of games” and he proceeds to put his brass knuckle on a punches through the glass of the machine and grabs (name) along with another plushie for (name) and just books it out of the arcade to avoid getting in trouble by not only tenjiku but from the arcade employees and since shion had a head start he takes (name) to the nearest cafe to get him some cake for his birthday (with money that was definitely not stolen from the arcade machines)

It was supposed to be a normal hang out. Eveything was fine. Ran and Rindou hadn't stared fighting. (Name) was being entertained by Hanma at the moment. Kisaki was helping Mochi with a specific punching game. Mucho couldn't make it to the hang out. Finally Izana and Kakucho were with Shion at the claw machines.

They visited arcades frequently lately. Since the colorful lights and sounds excited the toddler of the group. Especially since today was the Toddlers Third birthday. Nothing major has happened yet. Yet being the keyword. Things started getting rough when the brothers started fighting. Then Mochi almost breaking the pumch bag game due to him not punching correctly. Finally Hanma had set (Name) down to get the tot a snack.

That was his biggest mistake. Especially since he knew (Name) had taken a great liking towards a certain toy, in a certain claw machine. Hanma had sat (Name) by his brother. Telling the leader he would be back. (Name) watched his brother with interest at first. Wondering how the thing in front of them work.

Then as if the cards were playing in his favor, Izana managed to win a stuffed animal. Watching with wide eyes as his brother got the toy from the mysterious door. (Name) decided he'll get the toy he wanted from the thing from earlier. Which lead to the current moment.

"HANMA WHERE IS HE?!" The gang had never seen their leader so panicked. But it was fair since (Name) was his precius treasure. "I told you! I sat him by you to get him (snack)." Kisaki pinched the bridge of his nose. Annoyed. He said it was a bad idea for the lanky male to watch (Name) in the first place. It took almost 8 minutes for them to find (Name). Well Rindou found him.

"What the hell?!" Rindou's yell caught their attention and thats when they noticed he was staring into a claw machine. "Hm~ what's wrong Rin-Rin?" Thats when Ran saw the sight and pale. "(NAME)?!" Cue to Tenjiku panicking. Inside an out of order claw machine, sat 3 year old (Name) cuddling a lion stuffed animal. He looked so happy.

The gang did not share this happiness. In fact it was almost the complete opposite. "(Name) buddy. Remain calm. Listen to Aniki and Kaku-nii okay? We're gonna get you out!" Izana then whipped his head toward Kisaki. "Well?! How do we get him out!?" Kisaki stuttered. Not sure what to do honestly. They could get the staff, but there was a high chance they wouldn't know what to do.

Shion brushed his way to the front. Upon spotting his favorite Uncle, (Name) dropped the stuffed lion in favor of trying to get to his Uncle Shion. Seeing how he wasn't able to reach said Uncle upset (Name). Which sent Izana into a bigger panic. Shion quickly thought of an idea. "Listen I know exactly what to do. I'm a professional at these type of games. Let Uncle Shion handle this."

Shion signaled (Name) to move back. After some fussing he did as told. Shion put his hand in his pocket. Putting on his brass knuckles. Without missing a beat he punch the glass. Shattering it. Which made the kther members immediately start yelling/screaming (in Izana's case) about (Name)'s safety. Shion quickly grabbed (Name), the stuffed lion, and (animal) before racing out the arcade.

It took the others a few seconds to realize what happened before they quickly rushed after them. They took refuge at a nearby cafe. Which happened to be (Name)'s favorite. When the others finally arrived (after carefully avoiding the workers) they saw Shion feeding a happy (Name). (Name) was cuddling the lion and eating cake.

The others slowly joined the two. (Name) of course didn't notice. He was enjoying the cake and new stuffed animal he got. Izana carefully checked the toddler and after making sure the toddler was okay, quickly tried attacking Shion. Kakucho took over feed (Name) cake, trying to keep him distracted so he won't see his brother hog tying his favorite uncle behind him.

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1135 - Initial Thoughts

Spent waaaaaaay too long looking for a gif there XD

but we're back for the last chapter of the year mysteries afoot, but do we expect answers? Well, not anytime soon but there's still a chapter to get through

So let's see what Oda ends 2024 on

Spoilers for the Chapter, Support the Official Release Too

And as it should've been from the start of this cover story, Tama kicks Holdem in the face, citing how much stronger she is now

The Library group (Robin, Chopper, Bonney and Lilith) are reading the now gigantified books, which as theorized is due to the owl there

The owl is translated as Bibelot in TCB, but I have seen them be called Bilbo too

Regardless, he's been here for hundreds of years, is the head librarian and they're the cause of the books gigantifying

Saul also notes that they get the odd newspaper despite not being part of the WG due to Fishermen bringing them, which they take to the library to read

Lilith notes that the owl likely has the 'Rear-Rear Fruit', which I think is rear in the context of child rearing rather than your ass. Making it a 'nurturing owl'

She does make a note that 'even inorganic things grow' meaning that usually the power is used on organic

Robin continues to soak in the library, Chopper asks if there's any medical books as she remembers that there are some but mostly Ohara had history and archaeology books

Saul points out that there are medicine books of Elbaf too, but they are giant sized by default, wonder if Chopper will learn new medicines from Elbaf

By the school lot, Luffy is enjoying the swing, the two kids and Usopp are a bit scared of how high they are swinging though

Nami's quick to beat both of them up, even though as Usopp noted he also wanted Luffy to stop, got caught in the crossfire

The kids rush to Gerd crying, which Luffy reprimands them for since it's shameful for warriors to cry

Sanji defends them noting they were brought up with love and kindness, though is quick to notice that one of the kids has a familiar smirk (a la Momonosuke) while nestled in Gerd's bosom

Luffy's dejected due to Elbaf being peaceful, but Usopp is looking on the positive side

Until Colon comes up witha wooden sword to attack Luffy

Luffy breaks the sword and preps a Gear Third, the Elephant Gun intentionally missing its mark as Usopp reprimands him for going so far on a child

Luffy enjoys that someone has guts, but the rest of the giant children call Luffy out as mean

Seems Colon is the 'delinquent' of the class, skipping school and picking fights, he also calls the other students weaklings but approves of Luffy

Oh wow that mark over Ripley's eye goes ALL the way down

Ripley reprimands Colon for causing a scene, but commends him on his first strike

Oh? Seems the barmaid wasn't Colon's mother, Ripley is! The barmaid is called Mato

Someone, likely Luffy, shows surprise that Ripley's a mother, but commends her for teaching Colon the old ways. Sanji however asks if she's gonna make him apologise for the sneak attack

Additional intrigue, Colon's father is a human, to Sanji's surprise too

Seems one of Ripley's favourite food is Lingonberries, lingonberry sauce is used in the Scandanavian countries as a side to meat, another name for them is Mountain Cranberry since they're similar but grow in the tundra

But anyway, back to anatomical questions, we get no explanation! That being said it means humans and giants can fuck somehow...maybe they did it in the library or something XD

The unnamed father is Ripley's husband informally, she does speak of him with love though, seems Ripley wanted the marriage too since he thought it'd be 'weird' given their age gap, given that he'll grow old much quicker than her

The school group move over to the library, where Robin requests that she stay there a little longer to chat with Saul, she'll reconvene with them later at the feast

Saul notes they'll have plenty of time because giants party for days

Chopper is staying too, so are Bonney and Lilith - who are looking to get a resident permit

Franky meanwhile wants to go check the tree, confirming it's 'an Adam tree', meaning there's more than one

According to Saul there are a few Adam Trees in the world, but this one is likely the oldest

Luffy's okay with both, noting that he's close to his limit without eating

Gerd interjects nervously as we get new threads for the rest of the crew, unlike Rodo she insists she only makes human clothes for fun, while again quietly marvelling at how cute they are

The other batch of Elbaf outfits are all winners, Brook looks similar to Sanji's fit, Jinbe could've gone with going shirtless but each their own, Franky decides to go with the full viking beard now which I am 50/50 on but the rest is cool, and Robin looks delightful and not overly sexualized which is a huge plus

At Ouest Castle (Ouest if you didn't figure out is just 'West') our two cloaked figures are spotted by giant guards

The guards ask if they are with the Straw Hats and request their business

The bandaged woman states they're looking for Loki, the giants wonder why anyone would go looking for someone who caused such disarray

She asks if they will tell her and they say no, in case they help him escape

A sfx of Dododdo happens around the figure, and the light haired giant 'Bog' suddenly starts writhing in pain before falling unconscious

After that display, the figure notes she wasn't asking, and orders them to tell her

That's all we'll get though, as the Giant's banquet begins, officially being welcomed with a grand introduction and reminders of their good deeds towards the giants (and taking down Big Mom, which they didn't do)

Luffy is more in his element now, sitting on a pile of giant meat

The giants cheers to the crew

Another ship sails down as Luffy meets Stansen properly, giving a brief recap on how he was the giant taken to the human auction house (he was captured while napping) that fled with Rayleigh, he was adamant to meet Luffy again when he heard that Hajrudin joined under his banner

Also there's always the welcome panel of Charloss getting decked

Elder Jarul has arrived to the party, the same guy from Big Mom's flashback

Jarul towers over even other giants, being twice the size of Brogy, also his laugh is Boja Ja Ja

Luffy however notices the very clear sword impaled through his head and panics

Jarul says his helmet saved him, even though it's gone straight through...

Anatomy took a hit on this chapter it seems XD

Though half-human and half-giant could be here Buccaneers descend from, who am I to argue with Elbaf's biology teacher? Would like to meet this lucky fellow however, for reasons and notes... Still, a sword through the skull would seem like death, maybe the sword is so wedged in place that it's sealed it all up?

Alas, Oda did not seek to give us any answers to the big twist of last chapter, our Shanks question remains up in the air as the woman in bandages did all of the talking, and torture. If I were to guess, I think she either has an invisible attack or a psychic kind of power. We only know that they're after Loki, implying cahoots or intentions to ally with him.

Colon will likely be our clutch side character of the arc though, the only child with a warrior's spirit it seems. Wouldn't mind seeing Ripley and Gerd throw down too, though that likely has ulterior motives XD

It is a slight worry with how the crew are split again, by the looks of things Robin and Chopper are in the Library with Saul, Lilith and Bonney, Franky is off to inspect the treasure tree, and the rest are at the banquet. It's an opening to get characters to have individual moments but it's also an opening to get jumped by antagonistic forces. In the end it's not the worst thing to end the year on a nice banquet, and everyone's all dressed up in Elbaf gear, now we can go full viking on it for 2025.

[kamiko1234]

Okay done with chapter 10 starting with chapter 11 of The Lightning Thief, and normally I planned on not making a post on every single chapter BUT, I do have some changes/additions in my traitor theories.

So first off, Annabeth is the traitor. SO far has the most prove in the book imo (which is till meager), but I REALLY don't like how she told Percy that they HAVE to not get along because of their parents. Personally I just think that's more proof for my "Annabeth is the traitor" theory.

She was pretty nice to Percy pre-claiming, and on the bus she did fully intend sacrificing herself for him. But she also seems to have this very deep anchored world view of how their parents should affect them and their actions.

So, I modify my theory : Annabeths a traitor, but will get a redemption arc. The reason for the betrayal stays the same, her mom and her rivalry with Poseidon. And Annabeth would think that she NEEDS to betray Percy bc she's the kid of her mom.

So instead of being a malicious traitor, she'd be more like a tragic, indoctrinated villain who needs to be shown to do better ! It most definitely would be interesting.

HOWEVER, this is based of the reaction of another friend when I talked to them about my theories and they reacted very...... weird. After some time I threw in Grover being the traitor more as a joke and while not SAYING anything, that silence was SHOUTING.

So, Grover being the traitor. Canon proof ? Not rly there. Would it be one hell of a plot twist ? YES. Could be bitterness maybe ? My impression was that Satyrs were sort of servants or atleast bellow halfbloods in some way. I could deffo see him getting worked up over that.

Then however he did have a close relationship with Percy and a GOOD reason to stay loyal to get his license. So may I present : Multi-book build up of Grover betraying Percy.

With that I mean, should Grover be the traitor I think he wouldn't betray Percy in this book. Chiron said smth about prophecies having double meanings, so I assume they can be kinda wacky. Imagine Grover slowly building resent against the demi gods for how they use his ppl as tools/servants, and betrays Percy/the halfbloods as a whole in a later book. It could be a cool moment where the thing mentioned in the first book comes back around !

I do however admit myself, that theory is a WILD. Like, WILD WILD. And my only thing to go off on is the silence of my friend and the emoji's they send as a response. Take that theory with the BIGGEST grain of salt.

The third option I think possible : The traitor isn't gonna be Annabeth OR Grover, but will be a character later introduced. Comes from me starting to think that Annabeth could be a bit obvious with the whole sudden switch in how she acts with Percy making it a bit obvious. And the Grover theory being borderline crack.

That option would be my fav, since tbh I don't RLY want Annabth to go villain (even if the redemtion arc would be juicy as hell) but I also don't want Grover to start resenting his friends.

Logically speaking I do think it's Annabeth more likely than Grover tho. (Considering I now have theories for both being the traitor we're basically back to square one. Kill me, please.)

ON ANOTHER NOTE; apparently it's quite common for the author to describe scars as ugly looking and evil. (Thanks to the wonderful user who gave me that info !) Which, first off, YIKES. Not good, like at all.

That fact does however help me with my theory, since it allows me to safely eliminate one character for sure now. Luke !

I mean, I already didn't think it was him. The only thing that made me peek up was when he was described as evil-looking in that one paragraph. But if that (sadly) apparently is a norm, then it more likely than not wasn't foreshadowing.

So yeah, it's not gonna be Luke so I can just start to safely ignore him in my traitor theories. (Not like I ever considered him a real candidate in the first place, he's just safely eliminated in my head now)

[thelazyhermits]

I just came up with an idea that's related to this post which I'll talk about underneath the cut.

Okay, so after giving the topic of Yuu's canon first Halloween at NRC some more thought, I just came to a realization.

The Endless Halloween/Spectral Soiree event could totally be canon to the A Twisted Future timeline.

Now, I know when I made a fic based on that event I said otherwise, but I only meant that in regards to the version of that event I wrote where Yuu was involved.

Technically, for my series' canon timeline, I could have the original version of this event happen and not at all involve Yuu or Grim for that matter, because, after having previously found out that Yuu is under orders to stay in the infirmary, Malleus & Lilia wouldn't wanna risk impeding her recovery.

Plus, Malleus still wants to keep his identity a secret, and that would be very difficult to do under these circumstances for obvious reasons.

So, as a result, Malleus and Lilia don't invite Yuu and Grim to join them in the Spectral Realm after they team-up with the ghosts to have a party/escape room.

However, those two don't completely leave Yuu/Grim out of their plans since Lilia comes up with the idea of Malleus using sleep magic on Yuu/Grim and making it seem like the only way to awaken the sleeping princess and her familiar is by going to the Spectral Realm and facing Malleus.

Since he thought it was an amusing idea, Malleus went along with it. Plus, he wanted to give Yuu a very peaceful slumber since he figures it's the least he can do considering he's leaving her out of all the "fun" everyone else is having lol

As a result, when Ace rushes to check on Yuu/Grim at the infirmary after he and everyone else who was left behind wakes up and tries to wake the two up, he's unable to, much to his dismay, and his dismay quickly turns into anger when he sees the note that was left on Yuu's bed which is similar to the note that was left at Ramshackle in the canon version of the event.

If you're wondering about Leona, he remained in the infirmary until a nurse got back, so he was asleep at his dorm when students were getting kidnapped and Malleus was using sleep magic on Yuu/Grim, like in canon.

Anyway, overall, this event happens exactly as it does in canon with the only exception being that Yuu/Grim never go to the Spectral Realm, so those two unfortunately end up missing out on the party.

Also, we're just gonna say the Trey & Sebek convo about Sebek's dad also doesn't happen for whatever reason since I had that happen in my Wish Upon a Star fic lol

I'll also add that, while the NRC boys hang out with each other during this event, none of the interactions are the kind of which that would have a longstanding effect on these relationships and change canon events in the main story.

Although, now that I think about it, since this takes place before Book 3, this would be a good time for Azul to target ADeuce and bring up his special study guide since Yuu isn't around to keep an eye on her sons and interfere lol

Also, regarding the guys knowing each other's names, I'm gonna assume second years and third years all know each other by this point, and the first years learn about most of the upperclassmen not from their dorms through the Spelldrive Tournament, although ADeuce didn't go to it cause they wanted to stay with Yuu & Grim in the infirmary, and through club activities and just random encounters at school like what you'd see in a card vignette.

I feel like the only upperclassman whom the majority of the first years wouldn't know the name of is Idia cause he's always in his room lol

Anyway, the next day, when Yuu and Grim find out what happened from ADeuce, Grim is predictably upset that he got left out of all the fun and that Malleus dared to use sleep magic on him.

Meanwhile, Yuu is beyond relieved that she didn't have to go to the place where ghosts live 😂 Like yeah she's a little bummed that she missed out on not just one but TWO parties, but honestly, she can live with that since she doubts she would've enjoyed the second party all that much considering where it was located lol

The main reason why I decided to make this event canon is cause I really wanna be able to reference how the guys acted in that event when I cover the new Halloween event since there's a scene involving the NRC boys, Skully, and their views on ghosts that really bugged me, and I just really want my Yuu to really let the NRC boys have it by referencing this event lol

For the record, for the new Halloween event, I'm gonna try to make it canon to the A Twisted Future timeline, so it won't happen in October like it does in the original version of the event. Instead, the event will take place in the spring like so many other events lol 😂

[talekinesis]

Why is drawing buildings literally the worst 💀

This was supposed to be the third frame in my comic, but now I feel the need to redraw it because it definitely does not look like it was drawn by a 21 year old trying their best

We're not gonna talk about the floating shingles ughgh

I am just now remembering the whole perspective lesson from my high school art class, so that's fun

brbrbrbrbrbrb just a tad bit frustrated 🤏

art vent below the cut

And I know you shouldn't, I know its not helpful, but I can't help but feel just a little discouraged when I see other people's fantastic art, especially when they're like 16. Now I'm not hating on younger people for being good at art, it's FANTASTIC that they're that skilled and practicing that much.

In fact everytime I see a drawing posted by a child, I try to like and leave a comment in hopes that it will encourage them to continue drawing. I love seeing art made by kids and teens.

It's only when I see my own art that I feel sort of "blegh" because I've been drawing my *entire* life and I feel like I haven't improved much, but one of my favorite artists who is really really skilled has only been drawing for less than a year

And I know it's illogical, but sometimes I can't help but wonder if it's just me, or if I'm just not good at it.

"You just need to practice more," "You just need to keep drawing," Yeah but I've *been* drawing for like 19 years, ever since I could hold a crayon.

Idk, I know I'll get over it and, I know my main problem is that I'm comparing apples to oranges. I'm comparing my cartoon style to people's realistic styles, since I taught myself to draw from watching cartoons, and practicing off of Craig McCracken's cartoons. I have a whole page in my sketch book that's just redraws and practices of Wander from Wander over Yonder, and they're actually pretty good.

I know the reason I'm not good at realism and proportions is because I don't usually draw realistic proportions, I draw cartoons. And I KNOW I'm struggling with this because I've never tried to draw a comic before.

Getting this all out of my head and onto the screen really did help me feel a bit better and organize my thoughts. I kinda feel silly now

I'm going to redraw the Shack, and it'll hopefully be better this time. I just gotta keep working at it

[uncertainwallflower]

ATLAS For @jilymicrofics March 2024 (because Gryffindor will win the House Cup, as we win everything). Prompts: troubled, joy. Words: 749. Trigger warnings: mild panic attack.

In Greek mythology, the Titan Atlas was responsible for bearing the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. (World History Encyclopedia)

James frowned as he looked down at Lily. Huddled by the fire, legs drawn up to her chest, chin dropped upon her knees, glazed eyes betraying her far-off thoughts.

Around them, the common room was its usual boisterous self. Laughter and chatter and the odd boom of exploding snap. Outside the world was a virgin white fleece, the castle, the grounds, the forest and mountains beyond all buried in coarse snow. But inside was warm and bright and joyous. Except for Lily.

The boys were probably already up in the dormitory, wondering when and where they'd lost him. James could already picture Peter's head poking out from the stairwell, peering around in search of him. Then he'd shout something crude in the hopes of hurrying the straggler along. James shook away the thought.

He dropped into the space beside her. "Alright, Evans?"

She started, apparently having not noticed the shift in the cushions and his presence beside her. He could feel hers. Feel the heat emanating from her as it emanated from the roaring churning. But with it was a heaviness. He could almost see it weighing on her, baring down on her neck and shoulders, forcing her to fold, to grow smaller, smaller.

She offered him a weak smile. A flimsy Trojan horse of a mask with gaping holes for eyes that let him sink into the depths of her soul and feel the cold sadness seeping through her.

He frowned further, voice lowering as he asked again: "What's up?"

"Hmm? Oh, nothing."

A soft snort. "Yeah, okay." He said nothing else, hoping she would fill the void with a real answer but the silence only stretched. So, in the tenderest voice he could summon, he pushed on. "Evans, really, are you alright? You seem..." Here he made an awkward unsure motion with his hands. "Troubled."

Still she said nothing.

He nudged her with his shoulder. "Come on, you can talk to me. We're supposed to be a team, remember? How 'bout it, Head Girl?"

Reluctantly—forehead creasing as she brought her auburn brows together, lips twisting as she too twisted about—she drew a copy of the Daily Prophet from the crevice down between the couch cushion and the armrest.

MUGGLE FAMILY FOUND MURDERED IN THEIR BEDS: AURORS SUSPECT MAGICAL INVOLVEMENT.

James withered. "It's horrible." But, beyond the tragedy of the murdered family, he frowned and checked the date. The paper was two days old. "Did...did you know them?"

She shook her head, whisps of hair falling over her eyes, which swum with silky tears.

"Lily, hey, it's going to be okay. You know that, right? They'll catch whoever did this."

When she looked at him, and when he looked beyond the swell of tears, anger shone out—not sadness but anger, rage. "It's the third murder this month. And look." She snatched the newspaper back from him, tearing through the papers until she came across a small continuation printed under an advertisement for Broom Extensions: Fit the Whole Family! "Their daughter was a witch. Confirmed by the Ministry Book of Records. And they're not the only ones, I have the other articles in my dorm, I could show you, they-they're being targetted James; Muggleborns and their families are being hunted down—" she took a ragged, wobbly breath "—and killed, like-like—"

"Okay, Lily, take a breath, yeah? Breathe. You're gonna scare the first years."

She glanced around the common room, wide-eyed, noticing the lull that had come over the space as their Head Girl had closed in on hyperventilation. "I..."

"It's alright." He placed a hand on her shoulder, thumb rubbing back and forth in a way he hoped was comforting. "How 'bout we go up to your dorm? You can show me those clippings, maybe talk through all these thoughts rattling around your head?"

"Er—yeah, okay." And wiping away the hot, angry tears that had spilled forth with a rough hand, Lily rose from the couch, James following closely behind her as they picked their way through the curious common room.

As they neared the girls' staircase, Peter's fated head appeared and, quickly catching sight of James, he shouted: "Oi, Potter, what's taking you so long?"

"Rack off, Pete!" was James's reply—releasing the common room of their fascination and returning them to their own conversations—and the mousy boy vanished with a shrug, while the Head Boy and Girl disappeared up the stairwell without another glance spared for the rest of the world.

AO3

[juhbebbie]

Shadow and Bone cancelation is not at all surprising (I was literally talking to my roommate about the show the other day and I said there's no way we're getting another season) but seeing it confirmed still sucks. The literal ideal cast got screwed over by some terrible writing decisions. Either that, or they already knew they wouldn't be getting another season, which is why season 2 was... like that

I do think it's a combination of both. They knew people cared more about the crows so they tried to have scenes from the books in there, as well as try to wrap up the Grisha trilogy asap. At the same time, with Netflix's track record they probably knew chances of a renewal were slim. But I can't help but wonder if they shot themselves in the foot by trying to fit as much as they did into this season, causing it to get a lukewarm reception and kinda ruining any chance of it getting renewed again. Like don't get me wrong, if it's between getting the odd, kinda lame versions of the crooked kingdom scenes put in there or no crooked kingdom seasons at all, I prefer what we got. (Trying to give the showrunners/writers the benefit of the doubt here😭)

But there is NO EXCUSE for what they did to my boy Matthias. If they knew (or were at least sure enough) that season 2 would be their last, WHY WOULD THEY LOCK HIM UP AND THEN FORGET ABOUT HIM FOR THE WHOLE SEASON. WHY DID THEY SEND THE CROWS ON RANDOM SIDEQUESTS THAT MADE NO SENSE. In season one the way they fit them in felt very natural. We knew what their stake in this was. In season two they literally went on a whole ass world tour and still managed to find time for a tragic backstory acid trip, all for a sword that got used like once

I wish they had just committed to going one way or the other. If this is our last season, let's give the fans what they want and make sure all the crows are together. Let's not change the nice ending that Alina and Mal got and separate them again and then do a cliffhanger so we can keep Alina around for longer (which I would've been cool with honestly, I love Jessie Mei lee)

Or, let's try really hard to make this as good as possible so we get another season. Sure, okay, combining siege and storm and ruin and rising is fine, although I would have happily watched a third season with Harshaw and his cat. Let's give the crows something worthwhile to do, even if it isn't directly related to the grisha trilogy storyline. Maybe set up the status quo we have at the beginning of six of crows. Have Matthias hellgate scenes but yknow. Don't jump the gun by putting some of the most emotional scenes in with exactly zero of the lead up, making them kinda fall flat. Build up that tension so that fans are even more anxious for another season or spinoff.

But don't land somewhere in the middle where you expect this season to be the last but still write most of it like there's gonna be another. I would assume they wrote that cliffhanger to leave the door open for a plot just in case it did get renewed, but by that point all the other, much more preferrable doors had been closed shut

[the-zapped-part-timer]

Penn Zerothon Day 12

Lady Starblaster💫

My Ramblings: It's party time, people! School dance for what? Just because! Poor Terry got beaten by Sashi for the third time so far. Love how Penn just casually kills Larry and is such a dance machine (Larry is ok, but damn boy). He's git to have people focus in him.

And here's me at a dance, I mean, Rippen, at the dance... not dancing. "That's it, idiots. Dance your lives away, when you could be standing next to the punch bowl with your arms crossed." Wonder what school was like for him, not very kind I'm sure.

Penn's got dancing fever! Flinging Phyllis around and making her feel 1,014 again. Wait, what was that Phyllis? Whatever, she had fun.

HOLD UP! Wonky continuity! Remember back at when I bought up this before in "Brainzburgerz?" There's a picture of him in the Galaxy World and at the beginning of "Number One Number Two", they're in that world! So, what the heck!? Unless I'm over analyzing and when he said: "What am I wearing?" Maybe he meant like, "Hey? Where's my swim suit? We're at the beach." That doesn't really make sense either... this show and my brain sometimes.

Time to impress the space dictator, Count Destructo by stealing an entire planets water, like you do! To answer Rippen's question, he'd be a viscount, if he was made one. Also, I can see where Larry is coming from now about Rippen being a nurturing person, he was like that at the end of "It's a Colorful Life." How many times could've Rippen been like that off screen? I also get that it is Larry and not totally reliable, but still. Rippen would make an okay nurse, I believe.

Way to assume that the captain is a man, Rippen. Get with the times, old man! I know it's for the reveal, but it's funny he just assumed the gender.

And the reveal of Lady Starblaster herself, and damn, I'd be like Rippen too. But he falls instantly and so hard for her after 10 literal seconds of seeing her. He's down baaaaad. Even fantasizing spending a lifetime with her, 10 seconds y'all. Also he doesn't know a damn thing about her but he just assumes she the time to throw a vicious snake at him... or maybe that's just something he's into. I don't judge, like how I don't judge them drinking out of Larry's head on a date. Larry would be cool with that. I would go their wedding but I don't know if I'd do well with volcanos, it would also be awkward to just see three kids dangling off the edge.

Also the song lyrics to this fantasy?:

You make my heart so cold

So cold, it chills my bones

Baby, there's no one who scares me like you do

I'm so afraid of you

Rip on my heart

I'M OBSESSED!

This poor woman having to deal with guys like him fantasizing about her and calling her beautiful. She gives him 10 seconds to surrender or perish, which, hey! That's the same amount of time it took to fall in love with you! And he's totally entranced by her that she literally has to snap him out of his daze to remind him that he will die. Larry's face during the count down was of concern while Rippen? Pure bliss. Right so, Larry is gonna try and wingman ol' Rip and it works put pretty well. I mean we get to hear him say "totes adorbs." That's a win in my book. He's so cringe. Thank goodness she takes the compliment well.

Ooo, she can cock her eyebrow just as good as him. She's serving. God I can't handle his cuteness, it's overbearing! Lady Starblaster stop! Your killing me!

I wanna know what it was like for the Trio to wear those robots, how did they walk? It doesn't matter, but I'm curious. Like stilts?

Would you try a space rat on a cracker? Do you think that would taste good? Rippen says so, but I've seen what he puts in his mouth (I'll bring that up later, trust me). Larry just takes three and hasn't even tried them yet, his face.

Flurgle Burgle is dead, she just yeeted that poor space pig into a robot WILHELM SCREAM. Just... wow.

This dork is so nervous he's got pit stains on his metal suit and all he has to say to that is "thank you." This man has no rizz. Larry is being flung and pushed to every which way this episode.

I desperately always want her to answer Rippen's "is your boyfriend coming" question with: "No, but my girlfriend will after her yoga class." I bet her dating pool is rough, luckily she has a highly specific thing for men who have hair like a skunk monster. Which I don't believe at all, sorry Rip. God the face he makes when she says that is priceless.

Damn, she's like, uber evil. I bet Rippen had a lot of hard feelings and lechery for her in that very moment. Too bad Penn's ocean blue eyes somehow caught Rippen's attention. God, the man can't get through a sentence around her at all without being horny. Poor Penn and co have to watch this unfold. Rippen is so freaking tall compared to her.

Yes take him to the pump room- I mean the heroes, take them to to room with all the water...

Maybe this man does have rizz, he's gonna have a dance with her! His little giggle, I just AAAAAAHHHHHHH! This gives Penn an idea and luckily it works out because Rippen doesn't know how to dance. Bringing it back around! He has to accept, Penn has won Middleburg's Snazziest Feet award three times. So Penn gets to have a silly dancing lesson with his art teacher and than Rippen will shoot him into the vacuum of space, sounds good. Why does Larry have a violin in his robot stomach hatch thing? Why wouldn't he?

Just this scene, I'm speechless. Penn is being actually so helpful, I can't wait for Starblaster and Rippen to dance! Be a shame if the heroes got loose of their cuffs and Sashi had access to her laser blaster. Such a shame.

"Never send a man to do a woman's job." Starblaster, she ate. Sashi? Agrees and tries to kill her. She succeeds in the fight and lets her dangle over her watery grave.

No need to fear, Rippen is here! With the power of skunk hair! He really sold on the idea of be married to her by a giant bat, huh? Too bad she isn't and tosses him and Larry over to their watery grave, thank goodness to Larry's strength! She never was interested, like a sane woman to be honest.

Remember that Larry has a jetpack? She didn't. Nobody betrays his bestie! He just scoops her up and she tries to convince him join her, get rid of Rippen and they can rule the galaxy tog- nope! He says: "Get away from him, you witch." A very clear Aliens reference, which is so damn good because she is voice by Sigourney Weaver, star of Aliens and who said that line... but with bitch instead, which Larry should have said. Let Larry say bitch! AND THAN HE KILLS HER! HE GOT HER, SHE'S DEAD. DROWNS.

Rippen loves her even more after that double-crossing and wishes he had gotten that dance. And Larry like the bestie he is, asks for a dance.... my heart. Rippen checks around first and than HE ACCEPTS! I'M GOING TO EAT MY HAND!

Star Wars Tie Fighter sound. Oh yeah, the heroes save the day and return all the water.

Rippen thanks Larry for always having his back and Larry's like: "That's what best friends are for." Then Rippen dips him, I CAN'T-

Oh, hey, that Count Destructo is here. That guy. That's not what matters, what matters is that he says: "Hey, what up, Boyyyy?" HE'S SO CRINGE, I LOVE HIM! I LOVE HIM AND LARRY.

Lady Starblaster lives! And a fish thing promptly falls in love with her. What does she doe? Xenomorph-mouths the fish! JUMPSCARE!

~The Characters~

Penn Zero: Snazzy boy snazzes it up and saves the day! Bu this ain't about him.

Boone Wiseman: He has one line, and it's good.

Sashi Kobayashi: She should have finished the job, but I'm glad she didn't.

Rippen: SUCH CRINGE! SUCH A LOVESICK FOOL! Every scene with him and Lady Starblaster is cringe and adorable! I usually don't like the idea of "guy falls instantly in love with a woman he has no chance with and can't shut up about it" but I really enjoyed this. Rippen is such a dork, he's cringe but free. But realistically, I wouldn't want his to happen to me (sort of did?)... unless it was him.

Larry: Such a wingman, he was there trying his best to help that hopeless romantic. He's a true bestie!

Dimension(s): We have seen this world before, but briefly, it's space. No one can hear you try to rizz.

Forms: I love Penn and Sashi's hair. That's it really.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amber🤠

My Ramblings:

~The Characters~

Penn Zero:

Boone Wiseman:

Sashi Kobayashi:

Rippen:

Larry:

Dimension(s):

Forms:

[artificervaldi]

FNAF Movie 2 Plot Theory

OR why we should look at TSE trilogy to guess what's coming next.

The first movie, believe it or not, has a lot of similar elements to The Silver Eyes and even pulls from the latter two novels somewhat. I believe we can look at the trilogy to figure out what we're gonna see next.

First let's go over what about the movie connects to TSE trilogy in how things are similar.

Hiding from Foxy behind an arcade machine is LITERALLY pulled from the first book like it's the cold open.

Hello Ella, introduced as important to Charlie Emily from the first book why are you a Springlock suit? The opposite of what you were, in many ways, in the books -- being the "heart" of Charlie?

Wow, a plot linked to past deaths at Freddy's and being drawn in due to a dead family member? That's crazy, man.

A blonde police officer getting stabbed by the yellow rabbit, who can also manhandle people like it's nothing... Hmmm, how odd.

Abusive William willing to hurt his own daughter? Where have I seen that before...?

Wait he even uses his daughter as a tool to further his various evil plans and deeds like he uses Circus Baby/Charlizabeth!

The power of art is first teased in TSE with Jason finding a picture that changes and shows him the past, with it coming back in TFC to... defeat William by showing them William was the one to hurt them, rather than being their friend.

The scene of the animatronics dragging William, now springlocked, away is also notable. That also happens in the books, it's something that stands out.

Looking for a sibling lost to you is also a theme between our protagonists...

William going under another name to keep an eye on Freddy's is also an interesting detail. Dave Miller and Steve Raglan

The kids wanting Abby to be "one of them" vs them trying to "protect" Jason from the teens is an interesting dichotomy that shows two sides to one whole w how the children in the suits likely act.

William having the kids under his thumb is also just another thing straight from the novels, rather than the games.

The protagonists are both linked to their Aunt Js.

Golden Freddy kid is not a girl named Cassidy in either the novels or movie -- setting them apart from the games.

One parent dead (likely by suicide) and the other gone. Wonder which protagonist this applies to -- oh wait, it's both.

There's likely more I just don't remember. But this shows you how similar these things are, right? So, onto my actual prediction/theory for the plot of FNAF2, based on the Twisted Ones somewhat.

The second movie will involve Mike and Abby, now being hunted by the Toy Animatronics. Fully automated beings hunting them for William's sake for some unknown reason. Where Vanessa will fit into this, be it a fnaf4 esque subplot as she's in a coma or waking up, and if Jeremy/Jeremiah will play a role I don't know...

But I do believe the Toys will be non-possessed and play a largely antagonistic role and meant to parallel and foil the original 4, who are in fact possessed by kids. This means, however, mean I think they'll be destroyed by the end of the movie like the Twisteds in the book.

...If we're lucky, though, they'll fight to the death with the OGs and it'll be deliciously cheesy.

Afton will likely also appear, on a power trip of glee from his immortal body. Or he might be more toned down like he is in TFC while still stuck in the Springlock suit. Either way he's likely going to be theatre kid as fuck about it and mocking Mike and co.

What'll also happen is an 11th-hour twist, likely related to Mike (we'll get into it) followed up by a cliffhanger that'll lead into the third movie where the last loose ends are tied up.

...

But what will that 11th-hour twist be? I'm gonna be honest with you, I don't know. But I know what it WON'T be. Namely Vanessa is NOT a robot gang!!!!

These movies are pulling from the books and Charlie, the human robot? Notably has fake blood. It's mentioned directly in The Twisted Ones when Clay and Charlie discuss the scene Afton and his body -- we're not told directly but given the reveal of the third book it's pretty obvious.

When they reached the campus, Clay let her out where he’d found her. She’d only taken a few steps from the car, however, when he called to her from the car window. “I feel like I need to tell you one more thing,” he said. “We found blood at the scene, in the main dining room where Dave …” He looked around cautiously. There was something unseemly, talking about gruesome things on the sheltered grounds of the campus. “It wasn’t real blood, Charlie.” “What are you talking about?” Charlie took a step back toward the car. “It was, like, costume blood, or movie blood. It was pretty convincing, though. We didn’t realize it was fake until the crime lab looked at it under a microscope.”

To which you might say "BUT THEY HAD TO LOOK UNDER THE MICROSCOPE TO REALIZE!" but. If you think they wouldn't check for, say, blood type on Vanessa after she was stabbed you're insane. Not to mention they would likely see metal bits sticking out of her?

But if that's not enough... How about the fact TFC states William can't make a living being like Henry did?

Henry made the fake Charlie from love and grief, the one thing William cannot do is love. William cannot have made himself a robot daughter -- Mikebot or Garrettbot would be more likely if you believe they're the Emily equivalents.

“I wanted so desperately to have been the one on that stage, but it was always her. All of his love went into her.” “You’re talking about Afton.” Jessica stopped, and Charlie nodded confirmation. “William Afton never made anything with love,” Jessica snarled. “I should rip you in half.” Charlie’s appearance flashed, the animatronic’s face and body seeming to break, then reassemble in an instant. For a moment her expression wavered, a vulnerability showing on her face, but she quickly collected herself. “She was his obsession.”

aaaand

“We both know he won’t be able to re-create you, either.” Elizabeth was near. “And the real question would be, would we really want him to? Besides …” Elizabeth approached Charlie from behind, moving faster. “I think I hate you more than I love him.”

What I would suggest is looking at the movie and going "what feels like hints of something bigger? What feels like a throw away line or action or detail that could grow into something more?" because that's what happened with Charliebot.

It was small in TSE, the amount of closets and the fact she couldn't open the ones holding the other bodies, the mark of a tripod in the dust and dirt where she remembered sitting and watching her father, Afton's obsession with her and keeping her with his "family" at the end before she springlocks him. Things like that. Something that can be built up to more (see: fake blood), be partially revealed ("I didn't take him. I took you.") and then fully expanded on and dealt with in movie three (Charliebot).

What that is? I dunno, we'll just have to see :)

[silverspleen]

BYE BITCCCCHHHH~

"Beat" the mages tower, resurrected Artoria (but Wynne sacrificed herself to do so, ultimately only Sethlos knew why because he did NOT tell the rest of the party about her spirit abomination thing).

WHICH MEANS. WHICH MEANS. My friend has TWO PCs, Fin and Art, and he gets to pick which one he plays/theoretically swap out.

He played both of them this session, and did a wonderful job evoking the scene of all of us (Bhalkam, Varand, and Morrigan) trying to convince Art to return from the Fade. This was completely unprompted, with him like moving furniture around for maximum emotional impact (we had to sit across from him in a chair to do so, in kind of a one-on-one thing) our GM just kind of let him take the reigns and it was nuts. Really good session, lots of impact. Forever blessed and thankful for my current irl group (and my online group, which is equally as impactful despite being online only, but like.... there's something about an in-person session)

He's decided to play Art on account of the fact that her coming back from the dead TWICE will be interesting dynamic-wise with her brother Sethlos, who wasn't even there when we resurrected her. He couldn't bear the idea of us failing (there was a chance we'd summon a demon instead) or watching Wynne die in Art's place so he just. Dipped and started his IC six week soul-searching journey with his dog (he's changing classes). His player has already been in super deep talks with the GM about this. He has not told us what he's changing to, my money is on healer. I think it's The Trauma.

So Fin is getting shunted to Retainer, which is a third-party book thing (from MCDM's Strongholds & Followers) so thankfully we will still be able to RP with him, he just will only be driving us crazy at camp and not actively in combat. I will miss him. I loved how much Varand disliked him and I will MISS his haste. Being hasted.... Very good. Delicious.

When we pick back in a month or so it'll be really fun to see the altered dynamic between the siblings and how that bleeds over to our fighters. But for now we're beginning oneshot month where our GM doesn't have to. Well. GM lol. Gonna try and force everyone to play Heart: The City Beneath, which I would GM. But rn we're finishing up a Call of Cthulhu oneshot (Gm'd by Sethlos' player) that became four+ sessions next weekend though.

[astroboyanalysis]

5. The Third Magician

STOP! YOURE MAKING HIM SELF CONSCIOUS!!!!!!!!!!

Well this is just fucked

OH FUCK THIS IS THE ONE THING YOURE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO AS A MAGICIAN!!!!!!!!!! About to get blackballed by the magicians guild

Well no wonder he keeps revealing his secrets hes not supposed to lie. thats like, the main thing magicians do.

Ok I'm gonna be honest I think a human would also be concerned about this

Number 3 on my Top 5 things to say to get kids to REALLY want to investigate the house right here.

Kenichi like breathes and Atom is like screaming because it was so loud

Again just appreciate how straightforwardly evil this is

Tezuka had a lot of fun drawing these panels I can tell. It reads like a wheres waldo page.

Really great way to consolidate all the paintings into several easy to transport vans so they can get stolen easier.

Ok I do gotta hand it to Tawashi this is a great hiding spot

On my "'Tis" and "Indeed" bullshit yet again

First calves vs. boots mistake(s) I've spotted since Plant People, but it's possible I missed one in Deadcross. All panels leading up to this have boots, he loses them for 3 panels, then they come back.

I want to stress again that calves vs. boots does not matter. I just like pointing it out.

Okay embarassment may be a little harsh

I hate him but he is pretty relateable. Me trying to escape problems as well.

This type of thing is common at the police agency (as we'll see) and Atom overhearing it is Also fairly common. I can't say its not relatable to have heard people say things they believed were behind closed doors about like. Your humanity and human rights.

Anyway, Ochanomizu is not likely to react well to you asking for that change but feel free to go for it I guess.

Actually so badass.

Atom's very unprepared for a debate like this, and clearly Tawashi is embarrassed he's been caught in being a bigot who pretends not to be one.

This interaction is bringing forward like, memories of the way Blue Knight's (2003 specifically) logical and straightforward but passionate approach was really clear to me as a kid. It was like, so simple that to go against it would immediately make someone look bad. They would have to admit the core conceit that they did not think robots deserved rights, nor did they deserve to Leave or be properly compensated - and from there, it's a different conversation.

This Atom, in this moment, just doesn't have any idea of what strategies to use, what to say, what to do. It's sad! And it's overwhelming. No wonder he's about to cry and resorts to "You're being mean!"

For anyone, myself included, who has been put in this situation while wholly unprepared to advocate for their own rights, this scene might hit pretty hard. Or maybe I'm just not normal about the comic book.

This would just be really scary and humiliating and upsetting. For anyone. I'm glad he has someone like Ochanomizu who can support him and guide him through it, but in an ideal world he wouldn't have to go through it at all.

Then again, ideal worlds don't make the best stories, do they?

I do love these moments when the roles are reversed from what we've seen before, and Ochanomizu is Protecting Atom from something he can't fight (human bigotry) instead of Atom protecting Ochanomizu from a more direct physical threat.

This whole portion of the story just makes my heart ache a little

Here we see a completely peaceful demonstration by robots to defend an ambiguous existing law that allows robots to act autonomously.

Atom's conceit here is that "If we offend the humans now, it'll only make things worse!" does not work - They will make things worse if the robots do nothing. Should they not at least show that they disagree? That they don't want to go down quietly? The human police are attacking a peaceful protest.

This is all stuff we're plenty familiar with. Atom's idealism is the same as liberalism in many ways. Go out and vote, don't disrupt the way things are. It allows the status quo to go almost entirely unchallenged, and all that needs to happen is a workaround for some votes. A system rarely actually listens to its most vulnerable.

This is the angriest we've seen him yet in the omnibus order. "Maybe I'm not in the mood to listen!" speaks to some righteous anger we rarely see from him - he's sick of always listening, always being patient. This is the way he knows to enact change. Fighting and punching work. When fighting and punching are out of the question, he feels helpless.

FUUUUCK YES DOGGY POLICE CARS FUCK YES ITS EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm biased but I do especially love how this was interpreted for Astro 2003. That said I can't find an image online immediately so everyone that's reading this please join me in imagining the 2003 dog cars.

...

It's great, right?

Oh good thing there's only one big place for us to check huh?

To be continued in a reblog. For reasons.

[sidhewrites]

15! This one got long, it may end up being trimmed into two chapters. For now though, here's some exposition and research! Slight warning for suggested animal illness at the end, but I'll preface it with saying Renfield is fine and remains fine if a bit shaken throughout the entire book.

Project Info

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Magnus Sunthorpe, as it turns out, has a long history of paperwork that was only preserved due to negligence on the part of whoever cleaned out the archives. The file folder was stuffed full of moldering, century-old slips of paper, each in their own yellowed folder that had been stamped with date range of the contents inside, as well as a much more recent note that they had been digitally preserved.

"You think the old Librarian forbade anyone from throwing them out?" I ask, waggling my brows at Josie before, once again, being forced to contend with the fact that, actually, the Librarian could do exactly that. I bite back any discomfort, and force myself to say, "She seems the type to hoard everything."

She shoots me a distinctly unimpressed look while we request copies of each page from one of the living librarians back up on the first floor.

"What kind of research project is this supposed to be?" he asks. His name tag reads Carter.

I give Carter a smile. "A weird one."

"A biography," Josie clarifies.

He raises an eyebrow at me, correctly deducing that Josie is the brains of this operation. "These are gonna be due in two weeks, same as any library book. You need an extension, you gotta come in or call us so we can make a note." He takes us to the research stacks just past the children's library, and pulls two three-ring binders down, each labelled meticulously with dates and information. Carter deposits the binders in Josie's arms, and she promptly hands them off to me. "Is this for a class or something?" Carter asks.

"No." I barely manage to keep myself from adding that Josie's cat is possessed, and instead manage to stumble into a different, less suspicious line of conversation, "I think the lady who works downstairs doesn't like when you throw things out."

Carter pauses before placing the third binder on top of the other two. "Not in the least."

Josie's eyes gleam. "You know who she is?"

"I think I'd know my coworkers, yes."

"Don't you love this time of year?" I ask. "The weather is cooling off, the leaves are all red, and there seems to be spooky shit everywhere you turn. Especially in old creepy libraries."

"It's an old building. We're lucky the wifi works. Asking for things not to be spooky in the basement levels is just getting greedy."

"So you agree. The basements are spooky."

Josie kicks me lightly.

I give her my most innocent look.

"I just work here, ma'ams," Carter says, but he holds my gaze long enough to get the point across.

I nod, and Carter nods back, but there's too many people around to talk for long. He helps us check the records out and sends us on our way.

"So am I the only one around here who apparently sees ghosts, or do you think he's just imagining shadows and shit?"

Josie shrugs. "I'm sure you're not the only one. I wonder what the cause of it is."

"I had a near-death accident when I was fourteen. I was doing track and field after school and tripped over a hurdle. Nearly broke my neck. I was in and out of consciousness until I woke up and saw myself lying in a hospital bed hooked up to a hundred different machines and an IV. It was terrifying. I looked around and saw my parents there, red eyed and tired, and I looked out the window and saw this bright light, and a woman's voice telling me it's not my time yet. Go back, there were still so beautiful girls to woo and so much stupid shit left to do in this world."

She listens intently until i get far enough in to remove any doubt that I'm making everything up. "I can't believe you still don't -- I mean -- believe. You're literally dating a ghost."

"I'm not--" I start, and stammer. I mean -- I kind of am, aren't I? But my face flushes, and I get indignant regardless. "That's not --! We're not putting labels on anything yet!"

"So you're in a relationship. With a ghost."

"I..." I start. If I hadn't been carrying binders just then, I'd have thrown my hands in the air or gesticulated or something to burn off the sudden nervous energy building up in my limbs.

"It's okay, I'm not judging. Well -- I am, but it's not my place to tell you how to live your life anymore."

"It wasn't in the first place either," I mutter, and shake it off. We're almost to the edge of campus. "Lucy can only come out at night, so we've got some time until she can look things over. Should we...?" I shrug vaguely, not sure where I'm going with this.

[Transition]

Over the next few hours, Josie and I go through the bulk of the documents. Okay, she goes through the bulk of the pages, and I sit there and color code things with sticky notes. In my defense, research has never been my strong suit, no matter how interesting the subject, and I'd like a bit of praise for not giving up entirely and going on my phone.

The documents come together to form the story of a deeply unpleasant man. He brought his birth certificate with him when he came to Sutton, tracing his family back to a farm in Kentucky. He was one of eight kids, and moved in to town in [year]. He started keeping a journal a month in, which seemed to show him finally happy with his surroundings, surrounded by trees and peace and few people. Magnus hated everything about the people who lived in Sutton -- loud, friendly, often covered in sweat and sawdust, but he liked the solitude.

And then came the pages upon pages of formal noise complaints submitted to the mayor from [the year after he moved] all the way up until his death in [YEAR]. Seems like nothing got past him -- not a neighbor's hog farm causing a ruckus during feeding time in the morning, nor a colic baby being rushed to the doctor in the middle of the day. And if a party ran late in the bar, damn anyone who thought they could have a bit of fun on the weekend without there being trouble.

And then, finally, in [year], he faced his demise doing what he loved best -- being a dick. Magnus had come out on New Years Eve, lantern in hand, shouting to the good loggers who dared celebrate with drinks and music and shouting in town. He was shoved out of town and tossed into the stables -- which, the obit writer made sure to add -- hadn't been mucked in a few days.

A horse panicked and kicked him in the head. He was pronounced dead in the morning, presumably when everyone's hangovers became tolerable enough to leave bed.

In our search, we found a report someone put together of him back in the 1960s titled Sutton's Most Miserable Man by Oliver Proust. It seems, so says Oliver, Magnus was the reason Sutton created municipal complaint forms in the first place, as an unsuccessful attempt to put him off of whining so often to the mayor. He was also the main reason Sutton imported so much paper from a larger town before the mining boom caused the population to grow a decade or two after his death.

"Oliver was right on the money," I surmised, nodding resolutely at our handiwork. The pages had been sorted -- scanned diaries over here, municipal complaint forms over there. "The most miserable man in town, probably in all of history."

"See what Lucy has to say about it. Maybe she knows him?"

"What, like they haunt the graveyard together? You think they're ghost buddies?" Unfortunately, now that I say it, that sounds plausible. They may not be friends per se, but with how long and how sociable Lucy seems to be, I don't doubt that she knows some of the other ghosts in the cemetery. "I'll ask her tonight," I say, and then groan. That's going to mean breaking in. I'm getting frustratingly casual with breaking rules surrounding my job lately, and that's definitely going to spell trouble for me later.

While waiting for night to fall, I pace around my apartment, clutching my phone like it owes me money. I don't want to do this. I don't want to do this. It could cost me my job. It could ruin any future chances the graveyard might have of working with public figures. Mr. Ngo could be angry at me. A thousand worst-case scenarios play through my head, over and over again, but I just keep looking at Renfield, curled up next to the space heater.

At six, he doesn't get up for dinner. When I try to pet him, he lets out a quiet low growl.

I can feel him there. Magnus. Whenever I look away, I hear a rustling behind me, and I turn to see Renfield's head up, eyes open, pupils narrowed to a sliver. I know it's Magnus in there, watching me. Waiting to see what I'll do. There's no other option. I need help.

I pick up my phone and dial.

The number goes right to voicemail, but I plead my case all the same, begging for help. Or at least for half an idea what to do.

#

Come nightfall, I'm in the graveyard again, spreading the pages out on a bench for Lucy to look over as she stands off to the side.

"Does any of this look familiar to you?" I ask. My flashlight catches on her, and I have to remind myself that she's a ghost. Ghosts are real, and my kind-of-girlfriend is one herself. Even knowing all that, however, it's still so easy to forget. She looks as solid as I do, her face pale but catching the light like it should. There are such subtle signs of wrongness that, even looking for them, they're easy to miss. But her veil doesn't move in the slight breeze, and the grass below her feet remains undisturbed. Even the mud clinging to my shoes is nowhere to be seen on her outfit, the hem of her gown as spotless as if it was freshly cleaned.

She pores over the pages, either unaware or uninterested in my staring as she scans the pages, eyes darting back and forth from headline to municipal form to obituary.

"No, not a thing. I could ask around, of course. I'm sure someone from his time would have more answers than myself."

I nod. Magnus died thirty years before Lucy was born.

[conversation about ghosts and the different kinds? Lucy has vague acquaintances.] "But ghosts don't socialize in quite the same way. We're not...all here, not all the time."

"Like when the sun's out?"

She nods. "For me, yes. But the rules aren't wholly clear, and they seem to be shifting all the time for some spirits."

I shift my weight and wrap my arms around my knees. "What do you mean?"

[Orbs vs spirits with no corporeal/visual form, sometimes they're more aware of where thye are sometimes its just emotions or detached intentions of going home]

She stands and looks at the old tree, skirts rustling in a nonexistent breeze. It's like she has her own weather sometimes, the wind wherever she is entirely detached from the wind where I am.

"Do you ever miss it?"

"Miss what?"

"I don't know. Life. Touching things? Eating. Changing your clothes. That kind of stuff."

She presses her lips together, gaze falling away. "I'm not sure. I've been dead longer than I was ever alive, and the world is so...big. There's so much to it now. And my memories of my life aren't always..." She pauses, trying to find the right words, but I think I understand this one.

"Yeah," I say, and rest my chin on my knees. "Like they're right there in front of you, and you know they're there, but you can't quite reach them anymore. You don't know where to look for them, right?"

"Exactly, yes."

"I get that sometimes. I mean -- I don't know if mine is the same as yours, but I have that sometimes."

"But you're alive."

"Eh." I shrug. "My brain's broken, but it's less broken now than I was when I was a teenager. Caffeine helps though." I lift my coffee in a toast.

"I don't follow."

"You want a brief history on psychiatric advancements of the 20th century?" It's a joke, but Lucy [looks at me like she'd like nothing more.] "Okay, sorry, that was an exaggeration. Basically, I have issues reliably paying attention and remembering things, among a whole slew of other stupid issues."

She nods, but I don't miss the hint of disappointment in her expression.

Before I realize what I'm saying, I blurt out, "I'll get a book from the library tomorrow. We can read it together, and I'll turn the pages for you. Deal?"

"Deal." Then, after a moment of deliberation, she says, "But why does coffee help?"

"Stimulants calm my brain down."

"Why?"

I shrug, and take a sip. "Because it's broken."

When I put my cup down, however, Lucy is looking at me, a crease furrowed between her brows.

"What?" I ask.

"Is it really?"

"Is what really?"

"Your brain. Is it really broken?"

"Oh. Nah." I laugh. "I'm just being dramatic. I'm fine now. Or, mostly anyway. Nothing too much coffee can't fix." Just to prove a point, I tilt my head back, and chug. I am the epitome of feminine grace.

Her concern doesn't let up. 

I feel my smile falter under her gaze, and shrug. "It's fine, really."

"Kaz..."

I don't want to go into this. Not now. Not with her. "Look, I'm okay now. Really. I have some issues, but they're miles better now than when I was a teen."

Lucy makes a show of sitting on the bench, not even disturbing the papers I've set out, and patting the space next to her. Reluctantly, I gather the pages up and set them in my lap before sitting next to her. She doesn't talk first, just waits for me to be ready.

"Look...I mean it when I say I'm fine now, okay?  There's problems, but it's manageable now. When I was a kid, you know..." I shrug. "I don't know when they came up with the term, but I had a major depressive disorder. I lay in bed for days on end. I fought with my parents because it was easier than pretending to be okay. When they learned I liked girls ..." I frown. My dad's words never left my memory, fallible as it could be some times. "It got worse. I got worse. My parents got worse. I had the grades to go to an ivy league school in junior year, then by senior year it was a miracle I graduated at all."

I don't look at Lucy, instead focusing on my calloused hands, fingers gripping the library pages tightly. "I had to skip a year before coming here, and I just barely got in." My fingers won't stay still. My knee bounces. "I'm better now, though. Away from my family. I have people I love here, and Renfield makes sure I get out of bed in the mornings, if only to feed him breakfast."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lucy's hand. She doesn't touch mine, but rests it gently next to it, our pinky fingers less than an inch from touching.

"I promise I'm doing okay, okay? I don't really mean it when I say my brain's broken. Other people have it worse. I just like to be a shit sometimes."

"Sometimes," she echoes, and there's a smirk in her voice, though it doesn't last long. When I look up, her gaze is distant. "When my husband passed, I thought I was dying. I don't remember his face, but I remember that...painful numbness. Like I was being torn apart at the seams, and yet like I was feeling nothing at all." Her brow furrows, mouth curving into a frown. "I lay in bed for days, not eating. I think I slept. And then..." She sighs. "I died. I woke up here, without him. If I saw my own funeral, I don't remember it."

I want to take her hand. I barely move my pinky out, feeling the icy static of her ghostly skin against mine.

"Do you miss him?"

"I loved him more than anything. I moved from the city to be with him." She pauses. "He was going to buy me a camera the second he had enough money. Every day he'd kiss me goodbye and promise that we'd have a million photographs -- of our home, of our family... Of us." She shook her head. "The only photo left was our marriage photo. I don't even know where it is anymore."

"I'll find it," I say without thinking.

"Kaz --"

"No. Listen. I'll find it for you, okay? You're a huge star in paranormal communities. If it's out there, someone has it, and probably posted it online. I'll find it."

She looks me dead on, the corners of her mouth starting to pull upwards once more. "I believe you."

"Believe in the internet," I say.

Lucy shakes her head. "I believe in you."

I'm still walking on air when I return home. I hum to myself, jingling my keys before putting them into the lock and opening the door

I stop dead in my tracks as soon as I step inside. The apartment has been turned upside down. Textbooks thrown off the table and shredded, dishes shattered on the kitchen tile. All my knickknacks and things litter the floor, chairs knocked over, couch torn to bits. Even the floor lamp has been knocked to the ground, the remains of light bulbs glittering in the carpet.

Renfield sits on the table, surrounded by his destruction. His fur is paler, pupils narrowed to a thin sliver in his yellow eyes.

"Have you had fun tonight?" Magnus asks. Black bile drips from Marius's mouth, and he launches himself at me with a wail.

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[acourtofthought]

I know I'm late to the discussion but I don't understand how people finding Bryce and Azriel ruling over dusk court more appealing and more believable than Gwyn and Azriel being mate/endgame. A court that doesn't exist as of now and we're not sure if it ever gonna happen and ruled by Bryce who is literally from another world and Azriel who is definitely not a ruler and enjoys being in shadows and can't be courtier to save his ass.

But Gwyn and Az? there's nO way Az would fall in love with her what are you talking about!!? Like it doesn't matter that Az was the one who slaughtered all of Gwyn's assulters in a heartbeat, the person who always leaves one to interrogate. or how he was the one who thought her how to defend herself and gave her private dagger lesson or how he was looking at her with pride and admiration when she cut the ribbon. Her not being afraid of his shadows and his shadows reacting to her. OR how at the end of acosf they were both spying at the same time...

yeah... I don't see it either!

I don't understand why people would want to take Sarah's three series that standalone and merge them into one indistinguishable series. Bryce is the FMC of CC and she has history with everyone in Midgard. Her mate, her brother, her friends, her job, her parents, the land itself with all the things she enjoys. It's an entire lifestyle that is so far from the lifestyle in the ACOTAR world. It's one thing to really love Az but it's a whole other thing to think that Az is reason enough to cancel out everything we're told of two other books that had nothing to do with the world of ACOTAR. Not that CC had nothing to do with information found in the ACOTAR series, their histories are connected in the same way Aelin's world is connected, they all share common origins. But they are uniquely different so why would you want make the universe smaller? We have an Throne of Glass series, with an old world feel to it. We have an ACOTAR series with an old world feel to have. Then we have the CC series. Why does anyone think SJM is going to take the one urban fantasy series that she's written and wipe it out so it can be absorbed into the ACOTAR world? She would literally be chopping her creative snakes head off only for the body would follow. She would be back down to only two series who both exist in a primitive setting. Back to Az. He's special but he is really no more special than any other MMC in her series. At one point, it doesn't even sound like SJM planned on writing his book considering she was signed on for three spin-offs, knew with certainty who was getting the first too (almost a guarantee it was Nesta / Elain since Nesta did get the first with her mate and she had done research for Elain's book who also has a mate) and was deciding between 5 different pairings for the third. I think by the time ACOFAS came around she hopped on board the "Az is getting a book" train but he's already had one interest he's been hopelessly in love with. He was given a second as a sort of "rebound" to the first without actually being over the first. Then he was given mate coded language with the third, felt amusement over the third, showed admiration for the third, has his shadows dance with the third, had something spark in his chest over the thought of her happiness. When you consider all that, does it really seem like Az is now going to have a fourth love interest when he hasn't even dealt with the very messy emotions he's got with the other three? It's got to be a joke honestly. Or a "I'd love if it happened though I know it won't." Note how in CC2, SJM was telling us of the tears she shed over Bryce meeting her "wonderful Rhys". It doesn't matter that Az is the one who found her or Az is the one who has the matching dagger, Rhys is the one Sarah was excited about when Bryce landed.