#i wonder why we have 2 stars operators

[wttcsms]

if you feel like falling (catch me on the way down) | ONE

ᝰ.ᐟ after getting your heart broken by professional soccer player, rin itoshi, all because he loved the game more than you, you officially swear off all men — especially athletes. your publicist doesn't get that memo, though, and you find yourself roped into a fake relationship with yoichi isagi, who isn't just a pro soccer player, but also your ex's rival. things could get messy. ( fem!reader )

pairing yoichi isagi x reader (endgame), past! rin itoshi x reader word count 2.9k chapter synopsis there are certain perks to having a relationship that operates on a "private not secret" basis. for example, you're allowed at least two weeks before the batshit crazy people online figure out that little miss it girl just got her ass dumped. chapter contains partying to cope, social drinking, diet culture, this fic is so chronically online LOL author's notes so normally, i would organize the fic's different arcs or acts by explicitly saying "act 1" or whatever. like i said, we're gonna be chronically online, so the arcs are described as different "eras" and when it's a new arc, we'll get a new era 🤭 each era has special graphics for it: what the media sees vs what's actually going on. think of the era intro as a moodboard for the chapters that'll follow <3

⋆˚࿔ CURRENT ERA: PARTY GIRL 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ from the outside, it's giving irl serena van der woodsen but even better, no one can possibly have the same 24 hours as you, someone needs to convince you to drop the skincare routine STAT, matter of fact - we just need your whole game card

— guest starred on the hottest pop culture podcast where it was basically just a glaze session for you (besides the last 10 minutes where the host started asking about rin), articles that want to help readers live your (unattainable if you're not rich!) lifestyle, and a devoted fanpage that updates your every move... every move.

on the inside, it's actually giving listening and actually relating to sad music, asking an 8 ball if you're the problem, being desperate enough to believe those tiktoks that say if you claim this sound and interact 3x he'll text you back, wondering when you should mail him back his stuff, keeping busy in the public eye so no one suspects how miserable you are right now

— even spotify clocked you and it's auto-generated, customized playlist perfectly depicts what you're going through (talk about the saddest soundtrack to your life), got desperate and consulted quora (this is how you know you're at rockbottom). not shown: your credit card statement (retail therapy works, right? right?!)

“Promise you’ll be on your best behavior?” Yukimiya peers over his sunglasses so he can give you a very pointed look. You tilt your head innocently.

“When am I ever not?” 

Yukimiya lets out a very loud, very drawn out, very exasperated sigh. When have you not been on your best behavior? Well, just last month, you got drunk, stumbled out to your garage, hopped in your custom-wrapped pink Porsche, and somehow ended up falling asleep on top of the hood. (In your defense, at least even in a drunken stupor, you weren’t stupid enough to drive.) Last week, you collected the numbers of about eight different athletes and models, sufficiently led every single one of them on, and are now actively ghosting all of them because they committed the cardinal sin of not sounding like, feeling like, or being anything like Rin. And speaking of the devil, Rin’s the reason why just last night, you ended up blocking not just him from your social media, but his whole entire team, too. You felt vindicated when you did this at 2 AM. Yeah, because that’ll sure show him! He hasn’t looked at your story once since the breakup (not that you’ve been keeping track or anything), but in case he tries to play it cool and gets one of his teammates to view it on his behalf, you’ll have put a stop to that plan. 

(Even when you’re spiraling, you’re still painfully aware of the fact that Rin’s most likely doing okay, if not still performing at his best. He is most certainly not doing something as childish as getting his teammates to relay info on you to him. Meanwhile, you are apparently a social liability for your closest friends. Spectacular.) 

“Don’t answer that.” You tell him. “I don’t want to know what my life looks like through your eyes.” It’s bad enough that every little thing you do gets documented, photographed, and then sensationalized on the Internet, but it’s one thing for strangers to commentate on your behavior when they don’t even have the full story. It’s another thing entirely when it’s your best friend criticizing your current lifestyle. 

“I’m just saying, it’s going to be a very casual lunch with my favorite people. Not a party.” Yukimiya clarifies. 

“Kenyu, you do realize that inviting me to a birthday party, and then saying ‘it’s not a party’ is kind of giving mixed signals right now.” Now it’s your turn to give him a pointed look, but just like his, there’s no true venom behind it. It’s Kenyu’s birthday celebration, anyway. You’re not about to corrupt Mr. Catholic Private School and tell him to throw a fucking rager. 

“If my team gets their way, there probably will be an actual party. If there is, you’ll be the first one I give the details to.” There’s a distant shout in the back; the photographer is done with his lunch, and he’s ready to wrap this shoot up. Kenyu examines his hair in the vanity mirror before getting out of his chair and giving you a quick hug. Your photos have already been taken, and there’s really no point for you to be on set still. 

However, Kenyu’s on set. Your only other viable option is to just go home and hide under your covers, rewatching Someone Great on Netflix and Doordashing Ben & Jerry’s. Juliette is home in France and won’t be coming back until the end of the month, and you’re not really in the mood to see any of your other friends. It’s tiring being around people who can’t separate front-cover-of-Vogue you from the real you. If you’re going to have to fake a smile, it might as well be on set rather than grabbing brunch with people who would kill to be able to leak something as headline-inducing as your breakup. 

“Pinky promise?” You look up at Yukimiya. “You promise to tell me about the party even if I’ll make a fool of myself because apparently I don’t act on my best behavior?” 

He rolls his eyes at your comment. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way, and you know that. Besides, you could never make a fool of yourself. Anything you do is declared iconic, anyway.”

Having a famous movie director as a father and a certified Hollywood starlet as a mother, life wasn’t just set at easy mode for you. You practically were given an unlimited money hack and started off with like, five times the XP compared to any other beginner. At thirteen, you told your parents that for your birthday, you wanted to become a model. Two phone calls and a private jet flight later, and you had signed with the best modeling agency in the country and had your first ever photoshoot booked. 

Fate gave you parents with connections, and you’d be a fool to not use it to your advantage. Fate also gave you the same photoshoot as another young model, and you’d be a fool to not befriend Kenyu Yukimiya immediately. Out of all the friends you’ve ever made, fate only gives you good luck twice: first with Yuki, then with Juliette. You used to think you got lucky three times — meeting Rin for the first time was like experiencing something cosmic. Now you know better. Even rich people can have shit luck, too. 

Today’s unlucky situation is the way Yukimiya’s “favorite people” all happen to be athletes. There’s not a single person here who isn’t his teammate or somehow related to Bastard Munchen, except for you. If you didn’t love Yukimiya so much, you would have hauled ass. It’s normally easy enough for you to avoid soccer players at parties because they don’t normally get invited to the same social events you do, but now you’re the odd one out. 

At least the food is good. You don’t have a photoshoot scheduled until next week, and that’s exactly why you’re comfortable with choking down half a bagel sandwich rather than socialize with the guys seated by you. Yukimiya’s real big on intimacy and the power of friendship or whatever, which is probably easier to achieve when you play a team sport versus the modeling industry, where good jobs are few and far between, and the reason why some models are so skinny is because they can’t afford to eat — literally and figuratively. If they’re not booking jobs, there’s no way they can buy groceries in this economy. 

He has everyone assembled at one long table in the massive backyard of his mansion. It’s honestly kind of Last Supper-core, but it fits him. Little Yuki’s finally old enough to have a seat at the big kid’s table. He’s sitting across from you, and you’re sandwiched between Kunigami and Hiori. Next to Yukimiya is Isagi. Out of everyone at this party, soccer player or not, Isagi is the person you want to avoid the most. So far, you think you’ve managed to skirt under his radar. If everything goes as planned, you’ll be able to leave this lunch with your belly full and not having to interact with anybody. It’s looking like you won’t even have to drink in order to get through this. 

“Hey, out of all of us at this table, who d’ya think would have the best shot at being a model?” Hiori is clearly speaking to you. The blue-haired player is looking directly at you, for God’s sake. You wonder if it’ll be mean to blatantly ignore him, but considering how this little question seems to have captured the attention of the surrounding players, it looks like pretending you’re hard of hearing is out of the question. 

Inside, you’re dying. The last thing you wanted to do was socialize, but it’d be selfish and bratty to request that Yukimiya find more time in his busy schedule to have a one-on-one celebration with you. You’re here to support your friend. You can stomach being friendly with boys who have probably seen Rin more recently than you’ve last seen him. Fuck — why are you thinking about Rin? Do not think about Rin!

You grab one of the premade mimosas from the tray in the center of the table. You down the glass in one swift gulp. On the outside, you flash Hiori a bright smile and give an airy giggle. “Why? You trying to get a foot into the industry?” 

Hiori’s cheeks turn a light shade of pink. “W-well, no. Just wanted to make conversation.” 

“No worries! I’ve been trying to keep up with whatever you guys are talking about, but even after all this time being friends with Kenyu, I still don’t really get soccer.” Your smile is still intact. You reach for another mimosa. 

“Rin didn’t teach you anything?” 

Ever since you entered the industry, you knew that you had to get comfortable with standing out. No — you needed to thrive on standing out. You needed to crave, to rely on, people’s undying attention in order to survive. In the eyes of the media, you’re the center of attention. You got what every girl your age wants. At this table, everyone’s eyes are focused on you. What you want is to be back in your room, away from their prying gazes and curious stares.

But you’re a trained professional. Your smile never slides off, never turns into a grimace. You give a casual shrug, directing your answer to the person who mentioned Rin in the first place. 

“I make it a rule to not discuss work when we’re together.” You look at Isagi, asking him with your eyes if that’s a good enough explanation for him. He holds your gaze, looking at you like he sees right through you.

You drink another mimosa. 

After loosening up because of the drinks, you find casual conversation with the Munchen players to be easy. The boys honestly never shut up, and you don’t know what they’re talking about half the time, but you’re cracking genuine smiles every so often, and by the time Yukimiya is going around and saying his thanks for everyone showing up, you are…

Not drunk, per se. You’ve built up quite the tolerance these past few weeks, and it’s hard to get wasted off of drinks that are basically three-fourths orange juice. (Seriously, was Yukimiya getting stingy with the champagne? Sober You might be able to acknowledge the fact that Yukimiya might have just been preparing for the Worst Case Scenario, which would be you hogging all the drinks to yourself. Which sort of happened. Fuck. Sometimes it sucks to be known so well.) You’re definitely tipsy, though. Maybe half a tier above tipsy? Whatever the case, you are definitely in no shape to drive. 

“Kenny,” you whine out his nickname, trying your best to pull out your puppy-dog eyes. “Please take me home.” 

“Ah, damnnit, [Name].” He runs his fingers through his dark curls. “Did you seriously get drunk off of orange juice?” 

“Champagne drunk is the best drunk. I’m pretty sure People Magazine quoted me on that like, last year, so it’s basically fact.” Yukimiya doesn’t seem overly impressed. “And I’m not drunk, but my alcohol levels right now are definitely above the legal limit. Sorry, but I don’t plan on making headlines for a DUI. Hard to spin that into something iconic.” 

This gets Yukimiya to crack a smile. “I thought you were leaning into the party girl look?” 

“Yeah, but after Justin Timberlake got caught for intoxicated driving, he made it look totally lame. He ruined it for us!” 

“I wish I could drive you back, but I have to retake some photos for this sneaker ad I’m doing, and with traffic, I’m really cutting it close already. Do you want to just come with, or hang out at my place until I get back? You should’ve said something sooner; I could’ve asked one of the guys to drop you off.”

You crinkle your nose. “No, thanks. I’m not a fan of strangers knowing where I live.” Becoming a model at such a young age thrust you into the spotlight. With media attention comes total pervs who lurk in Reddit threads and 4Chan, and stumbling upon some of the things said about you, reading the things they would do to you if they found you, all laid out in disgusting, graphic detail, left you kind of paranoid. Getting doxxed might be one of your worst fears. No Ubers. No car ride homes with strangers. “I’ll wait here. It’s been a while since I went through your things, so I’m sure there’ll be enough of your dirty secrets to uncover to keep me occupied.” 

“Did you need a ride?” 

Shitty luck, indeed. 

The teammate who decided to stay behind to help clean up (because he’s just that outstanding of a guy) is the sole reason for why you went buckwild on the mimosas. You can see why Rin was always frustrated with him.

“Nope—” You say, at the same exact time as Yukimiya nods enthusiastically. 

“Would you mind? [Name] actually lives pretty close by, so it might not be out of the way.” 

You shoot Yukimiya a scathing glare. He ignores it completely, smiling at Isagi. 

“I don’t mind. That is, if you don’t mind.” Isagi is looking at you expectantly. Yukimiya trusts him. And you trust Yukimiya. By some sort of logic, you should reasonably be able to trust Isagi. It’s clear that Kenyu wants you to carpool with him, anyway, otherwise he wouldn’t have been so happy to dump you onto him. 

“Sure. I’m ready to go whenever you are.” 

What would happen if you jumped out of a moving vehicle? 

At best, you’d get your pretty skin all scraped up, meaning your photoshoots would either have to be delayed, or you would have to endure all the clear distaste for your “unprofessionalism” in the workplace from the people who actually had to work to get to where they’re at. At worst, you end up hospitalized. Somehow, it seems easier to photoshop out a few cuts and scrapes than working with someone in a full-body cast.

As you weigh the pros and cons of jumping out of Yoichi Isagi’s vehicle — a sleek, black sedan that’s top of the line, sure, but understated luxury; it’s not flashy like the sports cars you see most athletes sporting — he smoothly reverses out of Yukimiya’s driveway. Isagi does that boyish thing where he ignores his backup camera completely and opts to rest one hand on the back of the passenger headrest, the other hand on the steering wheel. Fuck. Maybe it’s not a boyish thing. Maybe it’s manly. Isagi leans a bit into your space; not enough to bother you, but enough to where you can smell the scent of his cologne. He smells clean and fresh. Maybe it’s not cologne, but laundry detergent and fabric softener. Somehow, you find this very fitting of him. 

He glances out the window to check for traffic and eases you two onto the open road. 

He’s not playing any music, and you’re sure as hell not about to ask for the aux. You look out the window instead, watching the world pass you by through tinted glass. It makes everything around you appear darker. Somehow, you find this to be very fitting for you.

“You live around this area, yeah?” Isagi asks you, and you’re reminded that if you want to go home, you actually have to let the driver know where home is. 

“Yeah, sorry. Keep heading straight, and I’ll let you know when there’s a turn coming up.” Talking to Isagi shouldn’t feel so awkward. After all, you managed to talk (and actually enjoy talking) to all of Yukimiya’s teammates. You even got along well with Kaiser. But it just feels weird — you’ve never met him directly, but you’ve heard so much about him, that it’s hard to not see Rin’s rants every time you look at Isagi. 

So you don’t — look at Isagi, that is. You look at everything else. His car is clean. There are air fresheners in the AC vents. The floor of the passenger seat is oddly clean, like no one ever sits here. If that’s the case, you hope your heels didn’t track in any grass blades or dirt. 

“Um,” Isagi awkwardly clears his throat at a red light. “When I mentioned Rin earlier at the party…” 

“What about it?” Fuck, this is so embarrassing. Since the car is stationary, you’re in the clear, right? If you just unlock the door, you can escape on foot. Your house is now close enough that it’ll just count as today’s exercise. 

“Sorry for bringing him up. I didn’t know—”

“—didn’t know what?” You turn to face him. His jaw is surprisingly sharp, and you watch the way he swallows before he answers you. 

“I didn’t know that you two broke up.” 

No one knows that you two broke up. You’re still in the process of making sense of it all, and because you’re so messed up over it, naturally you had to confide in Yukimiya and Juliette. Neither of them would ever share that secret, though. 

So why the hell does Yoichi Isagi know?

“The light’s green.” You tell him, shifting your body in the seat, avoiding him by positioning yourself even closer to the door. 

Neither of you say anything else during the drive.

[punkpandapatrixk]

💝Valentine & White Day Love Transmission ♦︎ Timeless Pick A Card

In Japan and Korea, Valentine's is when femmes give gifts to hommes; and exactly a month after that, on March 14th, the hommes return that Love with white (preferably) gifts that are expected to be at least three times the value/price of whatever gifts they’d received from the femmes😏

Traditionally it’s kinda like that. Hmmm… isn’t it obvious the celebration has never had quite any meaning in a country such as Japan and that the festivity is nothing more than a heavily-commercialised youth-tradition focused on the pursuit of shallow material desires?🤮

But…I guess it’s OK; because it’s cute anyway🥴

Within the context of this reading, the Valentine and White Day Love Transmission imparts the perfect synchrony of the Love shared by the Divines Feminine and Masculine. It is when affection is given and returned in Love and everything becomes beautiful and worth living for~💝

SONG: Space Orphans by Aoba Ichiko

MOVIE: Peter Pan (2003)

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 1 – Don’t give up just yet; I’m on my way!

8 of Cups Rx, 4 of Pentacles Rx, Knight of Cups Rx

Darling, are you on the precipice of giving up on me?! Do NOT settle for someone—ANYONE—who’s NOT me! OMG, babe! I’m coming! Divine Timing is just being a bitch but I’m on my way to you!🦎Well, the thing is…we both have this annoying thing called a spiritual transformation… Until that’s happened—and nearly completely—we can’t be together just yet. But wait, I promise you it’s all worth it in the end🎁

I mean, why wouldn’t you wait for someone like me? I’m romantic; kind and sweet; I AM RICH; and I will always be there to protect you—I intend to always be your confidant and best friend🥰I will never betray you in any way. I’m your best friend who will skip right next to you on our way to beat up a bitch; figuratively, babe—I’m not really the type of person who gets violent LOL

What I do mean is, I want to give you a Life in which you cease to worry about small things. I want it to be that when you’re with me you no longer worry about a lack of means, a lack of warmth, or a lack of security. You’re somebody who deserves to be loved and to be very happy; and I want to give it all to you. And that’s why it’s important for me to become the best version of myself first😝

I’ve got to admit I’ve not always been the nicest, goodest person to have walked on Earth. I’m changing my ways, you know. I’m growing up; I’m developing; I’ve now been awakened and I’m still working on me, so that when I finally meet you, I will not disappoint you. Because I will never want to be a reason you stopped believing in the good of people😤I intend to be the complete opposite of that.

Fall in love with me, my dear. Fall in love with Life again when you meet me. Life is an adventure and finding me has got to be the greatest story ever told. I’ll tell you all of my crazyass stories when we meet. And I’m longing to hear you talk of your losses and triumphs. We’ll both gaze at the stars and wonder how they aligned to have us meet in this lifetime. I will be so grateful.

You know, generally speaking, I’m somewhat of an extrovert and I socialise well and I think quite positively about people. Maybe you will worry that I’m a playa of sort but right now, let me promise you this one thing: I’M NOT! I’m friendly, my love, but it doesn’t mean I wanna fuck somebody who’s not you. I dunno, I kinda have the handsome face of a smooth operator but on the inside, I’m really NOT!😩I’m really quite romantic and I believe in true love.

And honestly, at this point in my Life, I know you’re out there being all destined for me. You’re all I want. I’m on my way. So don’t you settle for any low-quality slob. Get ready, baby~ KNOCK KNOCK~🪄🚪

A LIFE WITH YOU, MY LOVE🔻❤️

Priestesses of Purity & Divination

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 2 – Everybody finds Love in the end; you included~

Ace of Cups Rx, 7 of Cups Rx, 4 of Wands

My Dear, I know Life has not treated you too kindly and your heart’s been broken too many times. It’s been pretty much like that for me, too! I’ve lived a very lonesome existence, wondering where my people are. Wondering if I’ll ever find Love in this lifetime. I know now that those whose hearts are tender find it harder to truly connect with someone. We’re not BROKEN! No, we’re not! The ‘problem’ with us is that we crave soul-deep connections~ And damn, that’s rare, indeed🍀

You know what I’m doing right now? I’m single as a pringle. I’m not opening my heart to anybody. My colleagues all think I’m crazy, offbeat, and even difficult, just because I ain’t settling. Tch, I’m the only one noticing all of their subpar relationships, and some of them are not even the slightest bit happy with the partnership they’ve got. I don’t want that. For fuck’s sake I DON’T want that, ever! I’ve always had this strange, inexplicable feeling, that people are supposed to marry whom they love.

I want LOVE. I crave that shit so bad I dunno what I’m gonna do with myself🙈

One thing I know for sure though: if I’m not with you, you who are just like me, everything in the world is pointless. There is only calm in my world when I’m thinking of you. I don’t even know who you are; but I get optimistic every time I indulge in thoughts of finding you. I… fantasise a lot…?🌈Do you ever think about me? Does your heart bloom with a peculiar kind of softness when you touch upon my consciousness?💫

I am out here in this Star System. Dream of me. Want me more. And believe that we can manifest each other through resonance. We are so much closer than you fear us to be, my Dear. You have to believe in me. The Stars have begun to align and Earth’s temperature is nearing just right🍵Our time is here :D When dreams become Reality and all that’s ever been sad turn to glory, what would you do?

I know what you’re gonna do: you’re going to be married to me😝We’re going to start a new chapter of our lives together and be very happy and abundant. I’m gonna help you prove everybody who’s ever hurt you, gaslit you into believing that you’re hard to love very, very wrong😒All of that gas, when I light the match, is gonna burn their entire house down!🔥

OK, I’m a bit crazy, but anyway—

You do know that good people always find Love in the end, right? That’s just how it always is in fairy tales. You know fairy tales are more real than any of Hollywood’s propaganda, right?🐵Right??🙊I love you. I have loved you for what feels like an eternity. Return to me now. Come home to me, my Love. I am You; you are Me. We’re going to turn everything back to balance; we’re gonna create Heaven on Earth; a harmonious Life of you and me; so have faith in us~🎎

A LIFE WITH YOU, MY LOVE🔻💙

Priestesses of Integrity & Solitude

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 3 – You are someone’s Dream Come True; you ever thought about that??

9 of Cups, 2 of Cups, King of Cups

You, are someone’s Wish Fulfilment; you ever thought about that? No, of course not; you only thought about yourself and how lacking you are as a person blablabla😡Don’t you know there’s a little someone walking this Earth who’d be SO glad to have you in their Life? Yup, that someone is ME😏You are a treasure of a gal/boy and if you’ve been surrounded by fools who can’t see that, it’s because you’re meant to travel the world and meet me~!

Have a change of scenery; you aren’t meant to thrive and live and die on the land you were born. When you cross borders and seas and realms, you’ll meet people of other cultures and points of view who are going to be more appreciative of the good you’ve been mocked(?) for🥰I promise you, babe~ You are where you are (or were) only because it was part of your Soul’s contract to learn about contrasts.

When all’s said and done, you’re going to be THE most interesting person anybody could listen to!🍿I, for one, could listen to you aaalll week long if you ever want to HAHAHA

My heart right now is like half-full, babe; I’m still waiting for you to appear in my Life. You probably won’t like hearing this because you’re independent, and you’re strong, and rebellious, but… I want you to be mine!🌹I don’t mean that I wish to suffocate you, no, it’s not like that at all… What I mean is, I wish to be the only one who could make you happy, for that would make me feel special🌞

I know I’m silly, I’m sorry~🥰I want to bring stability and certainty into your Life; that much I can say with clarity, for surely, you and I, we’re going to be pouring into each other’s Cups. We’re gonna be the kind of couple who can read each other’s minds and burst out laughing when we see something only we find funny without even exchanging words😂All of that, because of shared empathy~

Honestly, I couldn't care less for all the treasures in the world; I only want you around. Maybe that makes me a romanticist? Hm, that word doesn’t quite encompass all the feelings I have for you. All the things I wish to share with you. All that I’d do for you. What I know is that this is no mere romance; I LOVE you, you know? It goes so much deeper than that🌊

I’m mature, nurturing and caring. Find me, my Love. I’ll nurse you back to health—spiritually and everythingally; I’ll be the reason your faith in Humanity is restored. Actually, it doesn’t even matter; I just want you to trust in me, see yourself through my eyes, see how wonderful of a being you are. I want you to trust in yourself. You’re so fucking special. You’re MY very special kind of Wish Fulfilment☃️

A LIFE WITH YOU, MY LOVE🔻💗

Priestesses of Love & Healing

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☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

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[semischarmed]

Danny

Always have to keep you guys guessing ;) so this one is veeeeery different from my normal content, but I figured I’d put something tamer to balance out the upcoming Pt. 2 to that Thread story. It’s a bit long, but I didn’t feel like keeping two concurrent multi-parters. Let me know what you think!

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“So, it’s the necklace?” I asked the professor at the university. It was a wonder I was able to keep up with even half of the lecture that had just transpired. 

“Something like that.” The professor replied back to our small group. “We’re all just a sea of electrical impulses. With this computer model, we can accurately track and mimic the exact electrical shocks needed to replicate a mind. Of course, the mind is so much data, the transfer-the upload needs to be instantaneous with an equivalent download- the university doesn’t give us enough grant money for computers that can store that much data, much less secure it. So, we needed biological means of storage. That’s why there’s an even number of participants”.

The room was utterly confused. For one, there was definitely an odd number of participants. Dr. Cohn was never known for dumbing down complex concepts, but even the smartest kids in class seemed stumped the past few hours. Maybe he didn’t have to go in that level of depth for his experiment.

Our group was a mix. It seemed like a sampling of the very best of the class, and a few average performers. I did find it weird they offered extra credit to students that probably didn’t need it. Sticking out like a sore thumb was Chad. He was the school quarterback, though no one was sure for much longer, as he was on academic probation. I couldn’t help but speculate with Kat, a top performer, on his placement. Combining our limited knowledge on the students in our class, and the school’s football team, we landed on this being some sort of extra credit that the university probably forced on poor Dr. Cohn. Ever the nosy one, Mackenzie piped in. “Of course they’d try to save their star quarterback. I heard 3 professors already quit trying to bring up his GPA. This is basically his last shot“.  

And then there was Danny. Part of that “very best” group. Unlike the other students in the room, he seemed to take in the professor’s whole lecture and was deep in thought. His face lay still, serene. But I could see the intelligence behind his eyes spinning to life. I always liked when he did that, like he was chewing on an idea before spitting out the most brilliant insights. Or maybe I just like how the corner of his mouth would turn up into a small smile when he finished thinking things through. I caught myself staring again, thanking my luck that no one had seen. Mackenzie laughed a little behind me. I sighed, laughing a small defeat. Almost no one had seen. 

“So it basically swaps our brains?” Danny inquired. He looked around the room, gauging our comprehension. That was when it clicked for me. He took note and let out a small smile. I smiled back. That was the other thing I liked about the guy. He always seemed to want everyone to succeed. This wasn’t the first time he’d thoroughly condense a difficult topic into a quick word or phrase the class could understand. His eyes smiled whenever he could recognize concepts “clicking” for people and I saw it do the same as my other classmates- even Chad- figured it out. I recoiled a little, from a nudge from Mackenzie. I sighed again, airing a “thank you” her way. I had been staring again.

“No, nothing like that! Could you imagine how difficult an operation like that would be? All this does is swap your mind.” Aaaand just like that, we were back to confusion. Danny smiled though.

“Got it. So your brain’s the hardware, your mind’s the software. The necklaces do a switcheroo and then new hardware, same software- or, vice versa, I suppose.” Back on track.

“Wait, how much of ‘me’ is in the hardware? Like my memories?” I blurted out, immediately growing red. That seemed to have garnered an approving smile from Danny. I grew redder.

The professor’s eyes lit up. “Now you’re thinking like a scientist.” He laughed before shrugging. “Who’s to say… we are running an experiment after all”. Dr. Cohn always was a messy one.

“So, uh, how long is it supposed to last?” Mackenzie asked.

“That’s the fun of it, once we’re paired, the switch can go for as little or as long you as want!” We. That threw me off a little. I caught his glance to Chad. “Don’t worry, I’ll be a part of this experiment too.” The professor said, with a smile that felt too wide. “Don’t forget to record your notes and thoughts into this log book. For privacy, they’ve been password protected- we’ll reconvene this little group in a year and just draft up a summary of your experiences from these books.”

There was an obvious question everyone’s mind. Thankfully, Kevin asked it. “So who’s swapping with who?”

The professor’s eyes lit up in excitement. “We’ve all been paired, randomized of course. I’ll leave the pairings to figure out when they’d want to swap. Just put on your necklaces at 6pm tonight and start your log books. After that, whenever either of you squeezes your necklace, the swap will ensue”. From the way the professor’s eyes kept darting to Chad, something told me it hadn’t been entirely random.

I thought through the possible pairings. Kevin was kind of cute, I guess. Though I wasn’t sure if it was just the airport effect with how limited our group size was. Kat or Mackenzie would just be weird. Mackenzie especially- that girl knows a little too much about me and lord knows what she’d do behind my wheel. Running down the list of people, there was Chad. Of course, who wouldn’t want to be in Chad’s shoes- I had to dispel a dirty thought that passed my mind. Everyone’s probably thinking it. The professor’s body wouldn’t be too bad either, I could always just pressure the faculty into giving me better grades, maybe boost the grades of my friends. And then there was Danny. Danny. My heartrate shot up instantly.

Sitting in my dorm room, I looked at the clock with a bit of fear. “5:55 pm,” it read. I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. “5:59 pm”. Nope. There was nothing calm about this. I closed my eyes shut, as I felt the necklace whir a little. Looks like someone else already squeezed it. 

Zzzip

=============

“Log book 1: 

<3

It was Danny. Holy fuck, I got to be in Danny.”

I stared at the journal entry. That was all I could manage to write with my shaking hands. I could hardly believe it. A lifetime can change in 5 minutes, apparently. My heart was still beating and my face still flushed when we switched back. He had a soccer game so our first meeting had to be short. 

 My first minute was just looking down at my new Danny-worn hands, breathing through his lungs, inhaling as much as I could of his room. I wanted to commit this man to memory. My logic-or, Danny’s logic perhaps, told me there would inevitably be more swaps to come, but my mind wouldn’t have it. Whatever piece of Danny I could get, however minuscule, I wanted to stretch every moment infinite.

I felt a sense of guilt wash over me, as my new Danny-worn package began to harden when I realized he was in soccer gear. I tried to shake off the feeling- I couldn’t do that to him. Then came the text. I recognized the number of course, it was my old body’s. “Hey man, glad to see we’re partners”. My heart stirred. “It’s Danny, but you probably already knew that”. To see him text me so casually froze me in place. “Anyways, I do have a game coming up, mind if we switch back?” I couldn’t even bring Danny’s hands to answer himself. “I’ll take that as a yes”.

Zzzip

And just like that, I was back. My hand clinging to my chest, breaths ragged. 

Wait, Fuck. Was I still hard in his body when we switched back?

=============

Zzzip

“Log book 7:

Met up today. Joint gym day. 

Gym feels better in Danny’s body. Unsure if exercise has a different effect on people’s bodies, or if it’s tied to our minds. Seems to be a lag in my emotions.”

I’m not really one to be consistent with exercise. I set the book down, and relocked it, panting as I had in our first switch, but this time due to Danny working my body to the brink.

I think he noticed, because he apologized profusely when I slumped in the bench to catch my breath in the locker room.

I can’t believe I had agreed to it. Danny wanted to test the effects of exercise with different bodies. He stated he wanted to see what it was like doing routine exercises in a different body. Does the body retain that physical memory? Or is it the mind? I only agreed because it was Danny. So, there I was, in the school gym staring at the door like a fish out of water. 

I felt a reassuring hand on my back before my ears immediately shot red when I realized whose hand it was. “Do you have your log book on hand? Should probably write down notes immediately after the switchback”. I immediately panicked at thought that he wanted to compare notes, thinking back to my first entry but he seemed to have caught on to my thought process and immediately dismissed the idea. “It wouldn’t make sense to taint the data with outside factors. Danny was probably the only person that fully understood the professor’s entire experiment so I took his word for it.

When we swapped, I had to focus on not instantly growing hard. For someone seemingly so bookish, the guy was surprisingly fit. Walking to the treadmill, I felt every muscle brimming with power. My first run in his body. Euphoric. Danny was a well-oiled machine. Every component moving in tandem. Lungs drawing in and out powerful gusts of air. Eyes staring me in the mirror, furrowed in powerful determination, and legs gliding with a grace that did not diminish the power behind each foot. I lost myself in the exercise, content to just being inside his body, guided by his body. I finished the run with a heavy pant, knowing full well I’d be hard beyond belief at what lay before me. I eyed myself in the mirror, in sweat-laden body of my crush. The scent was indescribable. Like a pleasant musk basking in the damp earth. Was it always this good? Was this how other people felt when they exercised? I twirled the necklace around Danny’s neck, making sure to not squeeze, mentally thanking whatever gods there may be for this experience.

I looked back at Danny, in my body. His running form was a bit clumsy, but there was a confidence in them that I didn’t often see in myself. Maybe a trick of the light, or residual feelings from the run I just had but I was captivated. I honestly looked almost cute like this. 

He finished, panting before immediately pulling out his book and writing a few notes. He beamed back at me, pointing at the necklace. Even in my body, that smile was unmistakably his. I smiled back, ready to swap once more.

Zzzip

Weird. I still felt the infatuation. I looked back at the body I had just inhabited, still feeling the butterflies in my stomach. It was Danny so I was used to those, but not immediately after a swap. The past few times it always took a second or two to readjust. Danny looked at me, a bit uncomfortable. No doubt it had been from the grave face I was making. I shook my head, not wanting to worry him. Or worse, force a premature end to this experience. “It’s nothing, just a hell of an exercise haha”.

This may be a bit of a problem.

=============

“Interesting, and you’re sure it’s residual feeling?” Said a slightly disinterested Chad, eyeing his dreamy biceps.

“Yes, when I.. uh.. felt angry in his body and switched back, my body did too.”  

“Well it is a swap, of course so your mind returning to its body would feel the same things it felt…” The professor in chad’s body spoke in a slightly faraway tone, like there was something he’d rather be doing. “Though, it shouldn’t be this instant. It’s not physically possible unless…”

I winced, worried for the worst and hoping to remain Danny’s partner.

“This might be a bit of an issue if those necklaces are defective…” He then mumbled something about permanent effects on the mind. “If they are, we’d have to stop the entire experiment. It wouldn’t be right-“ The professor caught a glimpse of Chad’s body in the reflection of his door before looking back at me. “Look, maybe just limit the swaps to low pressure situations, and try to avoid high-emotion situations in case your ‘residual’ hypothesis is correct. Cause if that were true, it would mean you leave a little of yourself every time you swap.”

“Got it, professor”.

“Maybe keep this side effect a little secret for now. We wouldn’t want the others worrying and tainting the data,” Chad’s body spoke in an authoritative tone as his hands sauntered below the desk. “Oh, and please close the door on your way out“.

=============

“Log book 50:

Pain.” 

We had been swapping fairly frequently, despite the professor’s warning. Danny was a drug I couldn’t shake. The guy was my kryptonite and he had no idea. Everytime we swapped, every moment we shared, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about the professor’s words. Every swap back, I could feel my heart beating as wildly as my first time, stomach churning pleasantly. It was like a wave of sweetness whenever I had a chance to be Danny. Then, the guilt came soon after.

Danny seemed to like the spontaneity. Eventually, we settled on free-switching, aside from classes. Some days, I’d randomly switch and my eyes would focus on my homework, completed with a little smiley face drawn on the corner. I tried that little trick with him once, only to get a text back of his graded assignment, scored uncharacteristically low for the top performer, followed by another text “Nice try anyway lol” 

=============

“Log book 190:

I hate you.”

Zzzip

“Danny, is something wrong?” The shock of the situation stopped me from initially processing anything I was seeing. My clumsy hands. I had been fumbling with my collar, when I accidentally initiated a swap. A wave of embarrassment hit, and then anger. Seething, bottomless anger.

I almost dropped the flowers Danny’s body had been handing her. Without explanation, I quickly squeezed the necklace to send me back.

Zzzip

I sat in stunned silence for a second, before the anger drew me back to my thoughts.

Who was I angry at? Of course it was a girl. He had to have been dating around. It was presumptuous to even think we were anything more than partners in a crazed professor’s experiment. And yet, I was still angry. Irrationally angry at Danny for not picking up on the hints, maybe angry at the professor for dragging me into this mess in the first place. But most of all, I was angry at myself. 

I felt the buzz of a text, ears still heated. Danny again. “You ok?”  

I sighed as reasoning took over and anger transformed into sadness. I wrote a quick note in the log book, then pulled my phone up before texting back. “Yeah”.

“Lol Claudia says hi”, came a text back. I gritted my teeth, not wanting to impart any jealousy in my response, but I was soon stopped by another text. 

“If you wanted to meet my sister, you should have just asked lol”.

=============

“Log book 290

I’m stupid. I’m sorry. I’m stupid. I’m sorry.”

I’m so sorry. I said to Danny in my head, as I slumped in my chair. You’re so fucking stupid. I told myself. These past few months swapping back and forth with Danny had been a dream. 

From something as simple swapping before brushing his teeth to even taking a class as him. I savored every single moment. 

But as the experiment had been drawing to a close, and as I felt my time nearing and my guilt intensifying, other, less kind thoughts bubbled in my head. 

What if I did ‘that’ in his body. What if I did it while thinking of my own body. I gulped. Danny didn’t know, and from what I could tell, he hadn’t suspected a thing. “Maybe I could make him like me.” Even just saying it out loud felt like a taboo. I could just imagine Danny’s disapproving face as I pondered corrupting our newfound friendship, and corrupting him at his core.

The devil on my shoulder continued. We’ve been swapping all this time. And he doesn’t notice. My dick stirred. He wouldn’t notice and you could train his body to fall in love with you.

No. No. I couldn’t do that to Danny. I eyed the near approaching date on the calendar- the date the experiment would end- and I gulped again. I pulled up a photo of him.

Darkness gripped at my chest, as I pondered my next step. And then I squeezed.

“Danny, I love you and I’m sorry.”

Zzzip

My heart, or rather Danny’s, began to beat faster and faster. I pulled up a fairly difficult puzzle before I swapped, so I knew I had some time with his flesh before he’d try to swap back.

I gingerly pulled down his shorts, staring at his bulge hungrily. Then I slowly teased out his dick, moaning at the feeling of flesh touching flesh. Being in his body, having this level of access to Danny. I was hard instantly.

It felt almost macabre, seeing his flesh move to my every whim, forced to feel my feelings. I wanted to etch myself into him as much as possible, and with every pump I moaned my original body’s name. It took all of the restraint in Danny’s body, which, apparently was a lot, to not burst. But one can only hold out so long, hearing one’s crush moan their name in delirious ecstasy. I sang my name in his resonant voice one more time, before flashing instantly to my body and back to his.

Zzzip Zzzip

I released his sticky white seed in what felt like the first cum of my life. I suppose, in a sense, it was. I hoped that sealed it. Conditioning Danny to me. The swaps were imperceptibly fast, and I took the lack of delay in emotions as a sign of success.

Zzzip Zzzip

I released a breath in Danny’s body I didn’t know I was holding, basking in the afterglow before immediately realizing what I had just done. 

Guilt came out of me drop by drop. As his tears began to leave their marks on his shirt, I slowly began to clean up. The pleasure of the situation still clung to me, as I mournfully switched back. Then came another gut-wrenching wave of sadness. Danny, I’m so sorry. 

I looked to the incomplete puzzle in front of me, laughing a little at his lack of progress to ease the sadness.

Then came another text from Danny. “Dude, that puzzle’s impossible”. 

=============

“Log book 300:

Food definitely tastes different in a different body.”

“Look, just try them man” Danny said with a smile, holding a fry in his hand. And the necklace in another. 

Only a few short days left before the experiment’s end. I made no mention of that night, nor the professor’s words to Danny. 

Danny had, in fact, been coming by more often. Prompting more hangouts, initiating more switches. I was elated every time he asked. I even caught a few longer glances from his body, marinating in pleasure at seeing this new side of Danny. However happy I had been, underlying it all was the guilt of my deed.

Danny again held the fry out expectantly. I laughed slightly. “Haha, fine”.

Zzzip

I took a bite from his body. Yep, it was definitely a fry. My own body looked up at me, smiling a Danny-flavored smile before grabbing the half-bitten fry. “Now let’s control for this variable. Same fry,” he said, wiggling it in the air.

Zzzip

I stared at the fry covered in a bit of his saliva. Heaven. I looked back at him and nodded. As we parted ways, I couldn’t help my smile from peeking through. 

He was right, it did taste better on my end.

=============

“So, we’re not getting paid”? I asked Danny, as we sat in the table. He had a few wine glasses in front. 

It had been a full year since the experiment first started. Despite the general weirdness from the other groups swapping, everyone had been relatively well adjusted. Except for Chad, or whatever he’d be called now. A swapped Kat couldn’t help but spill the beans. Apparently, the professor had no obligation to offer the guy extra credit. He specifically targeted the quarterback for his experiment. What’s worse, he’d apparently created a newer version of the necklace. One that could overwrite and transmit. Chad’s frat brothers mentioned he was offered another credit for participating in a second experiment for this new necklace. After that, no one had seen either person. The pair had mysteriously disappeared, leaving the school scrambling to cover up everything. All most of us knew was one day we suddenly had perfect grades retroactively added for the past year, along with a very scary letter prompting a signature. 

“The university isn’t going to do anything about this.” He said. I was still skeptical as I slowly eyed one of the wine bottles that once graced former Dr. Cohn’s shelf. “It’s the least they could do for all those, ethics violations”. He pulled the cork with a satisfying pop, a mischievous gleam in his eye as he handed me a glass. “Now c’mon, try this”. 

I suppose alcohol had a way of loosening me up. “So…. we’re��not getting paid”? I asked again, sarcastically this time. It had been a year, so talking to Danny felt easy. I thought back to my log book, fully intending on burning the thing. Danny shook his head.

“Hard to put a price on crimes against humanity. Or, something like that” he laughed. “The university just said to dump everything and basically forget that experiment ever happened.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as well. I shrugged, knowing money or even perfect grades for a year held no candle to the experience of a lifetime I just had with Danny. I was afraid of the answer, but it had to be asked. “What should we do with these things?” I asked, looking at the necklace still gracing his beautiful neck. His eyebrows raised as he saw the same necklace gracing mine. 

“I mean, by now, you’re pretty used to it, right?” He asked with an almost pleading look in his eye. There was something bugging him. I watched as he fiddled with his feet. “Maybe…” His ears turned bright red. It was riveting finally seeing this side oh him. More than that, it was downright cute. “M-Maybe” he stammered again. Danny took a deep breath to calm himself, though his scarlet face told all. “Maybe we can keep. Um. Swapping. Sometimes, sometimes I like being you, and sometimes I kind of like when you’re me.” He looked at me and smiled weakly, trying to change the subject. “A-Anyway, you need a place to stay next year, r-right? It kind of feels like we’ve already been roommates these past 12 months, what’s another 12?” His sweet words did nothing the dampen the guilt I felt in my betrayal. In any other circumstance, I’d have died happy just hearing that confession from him. Instead I could only think back to the professors words. I did live, at least partially, in Danny throughout this past year. It felt like a betrayal of myself to not come clean.

“Danny, listen. I think I need to tell you first, in your body…” My breath hastened, and I felt my stomach churn. How do you tell a guy what you’ve done with his body- *in* his body? Danny’s face frowned in concern as my bubbling emotions seemed to knock him out of his quick spell of shyness.

He smiled a little. “Look man, whatever you’ve done in my body, I’ve probably done too.” His smile widened. “Your body is mine, my body is yours. Call it even”. More words that would have swept me off my feet, had I not been confessing. More torture ensued.

“I went to the professor about it a few months ago and never told you” I continued. I was practically holding back tears. “Our necklaces were bugged, I think”.

“The professor said…” I gulped. “It was possible that when we switch, our minds don’t come through all at once.” Now tears did begin to swell. “You know how it’s supposed to take a second for your emotions to catch up. Well, when we switch, I still feel the same emotions…”. I gulped. “Since day 1, I think I’ve overwritten your, um, preferences”. Danny’s poker face felt like a dagger in my heart. It’s a face I often made in his body when I was in deep thought, so I knew he had to have been processing to the same conclusion. I could practically see the gear turning in his head. Click.

Face still an enigma, Danny waited a moment and then asked a simple question. “When did you tell the professor?” Click. 

I sniffled as I laid it bare in front of him. “5 months ago. Danny, I’m sorry! I dunno, I just thought maybe… maybe if we kept switching, if our minds kept being in each other’s bodies. Maybe if a little piece of how I felt kept lagging behind, you might have-“ Now the gear was fully spinning and I saw the realization hit his face. I had no idea what he was going to do. Punch me? Maybe. Run away in disgust? Likely. Instead, Daniel had done something equally surprising. His hand rested on my shoulder in a reassuring fashion. Then that same hand motioned me forward.

My memory of the next moment felt like a million moments in one. It was something so outside my realm of possibilities, my brain simply couldn’t process. The whiplash hit my senses all at once. Sweet but a bit salty. A moment of quietness before the background sounds of the campus slowly drizzled back in. The scent of fresh laundry and damp earth. My eyes took even longer to adjust from black to red to an image slowly refocussing. Last was my brain, which had been stunned into silence. I sat back in shock, repeating the same phrase over and over in my head. Danny just kissed me.

He laughed, eyes twinkling and mouth pulled into a smile, beaming in the way that always made my heart swoon. “That theory’s bogus. Trust me. I haven’t felt any different”. He smiled again, sheepishly this time, before fishing something from his backpack’s large pocket. He looked at the item in front of him, hand slightly shaking in hesitation before making his decision. Slowly, he held up his own log book, flipped to the very first page:

“Log Book 1:

<3 ”

=============

[floatingcatacombs]

Anaheim Gals Being Anaheim Pals

12 Days of Aniblogging 2024, Day 2

Zeta Gundam has a real lurching, strange start by design. In the time between the One Year War and the Gryps Conflict, things have gone terribly! Not only did a good amount of Zeon’s forces escape to the asteroid belt and start rebuilding, the Earth Federation is getting taken over from within by the ruthless Titans. But wait, the Titans are still feddies at the end of the day, so why are they the ones piloting Hizacks and other Zeon-style designs at the start of the show?

The answer to this is brilliant and sadly relegated to a narrative footnote. You see, after the One Year War, Zeonic’s personnel and blueprints got absorbed into Gundam manufacturer Anaheim Electronics, as part of an Operation Paperclip-style deal. This leaves Anaheim's mobile suit aesthetics during the interwar period a total hodgepodge, iterating on both GM and Zaku style designs while also moving forward with plenty of secret prototype successors to the RX-78 Gundam. Maybe it’s just the OL in me, but this particular era and company really pique my interest! The culture shock and office politics that would follow from Anaheim folding in the engineers from the other side of the last war, the competition between rival design teams, the back-channel deals of an arms manufacturer now compelled to play both sides…

I’d been told that the Gundam OVA entitled Stardust Memory was vaguely about this, but I’d also been told that Stardust Memory was terrible and just plain not worth watching, so I steered away from it. Instead, my prayers were answered in the form of a lovely 2009 yuri doujin visual novel called Anaheim Girl’s Love Story.

I don't feel like cropping the screenshots, so peep my VM setup. it'll add to the vibe

First things first, I would like to simply acknowledge the joy of being alive, and alive at this exact moment in time. It is so wonderful that a group of dedicated fans made a complete visual novel starring lesbian office workers at the Mecha War Crime Engineering Company. And not only did they realize this dream in the first place, a separate group translated the script into English in 2013, and then another team reverse-engineered the game’s engine and released a patch in 2020 so that now the translation can be experienced in its original format. Each and every one of you is a true yuri warrior.

Anaheim Girl’s Love Story is a passion project through and through, extrapolating from all the bits and pieces of lore we get about Anaheim Electronics across various shows and crafting a believable setting, while still making it feel like a Gundam story on some level. It’s also fully voice acted? I don’t know what typical doujin VN production values were like in 2009, but still, color me impressed. We play as Rinne, a new recruit to Anaheim and a mecha otaku through and through. She loves these mobile suits, just like you and me! And she wants nothing more than to work for the company who invented the Gundam. Anaheim is a tech company through and through – most of the workers on the ground really believe in what they’re doing and put their whole heart into it, even as their leadership takes on increasingly shady and secretive contracts. But it’s also implied, in the VN and in the Gundam shows, that the company is staffed by mostly women. Great! I really do like when a setting asserts that being invested in mecha is primarily something that women do. After all, girls were the ones that kept 0079 popular in the first place according to Tomino.

All of the Anaheim girls have pale blue double-breasted suit jackets and long pencil skirts, culminating in an extremely 80’s look. AGLS also covers its blurry background photos with a dark blue filter, resulting in a fairly monochrome game where the character expressions really pop out from everything else. The mecha CGs are surprisingly well done, even if they suffer a bit from 2000’s shading syndrome, when everyone went a little too hard on the airbrush. The character portraits holds up a lot better in comparison. All of this to say that the presentation is fairly minimal, as they were clearly working with limited resources, but it gets the job done.

Rinne likes milk tea and is equal amounts excited and anxious about her job. This is the sort of milquetoast relatable protagonist traits you’d find in any dating sim, so the fun twist here is that when she’s feeling down about her work, she’ll go to the hanger where an RX-78 (the RX-78? It’s left unclear) is being stored and start talking to it. Rubber-ducking your mobile suit designs with an actual mobile suit is cute!! Things unfold as you’d expect, with Rinne befriending her hacker kouhai, starting a rivalry with the office villainess, and getting intimidated by her boss Sophie. It’s nothing revolutionary, but that’s fine, because the setting alone does a ton of the lifting. While no named characters from any official Gundam series appear, they’re namedropped ever so occasionally, and there’s plenty of cameos and lore sprinkled about for a Universal Centuryhead to lap up.

Of course, Rinne invites her boss over for dinner a bunch and discovers her soft and vulnerable side, and the two of them engage in a slowburn office situationship while trying to also trying to win the Gundam Development Project, an internal competition to develop next-generation experimental mobile suits. And wouldn’t you know it, office politics are afoot. She’s been keeping it from Rinne, but Sophie was originally an engineer from Zeonic. Trust issues ensue, as do complicated feelings about being in love with someone who designed the weapons that nearly killed you. The leadership of Anaheim has a clear bias towards Federation-style suits, and still views the Zeonic hires with scorn and suspicion, even if they bring useful perspectives in design philosophy. Sophie wants to design every part with cost and performance in mind! That’s what enabled the Zakus, after all. But if we skip ahead and look at the results, the end goal of this intra-office competition seems to have been extravagance bordering on wastefulness. Rinne and Sophie’s team produce a fairly standard but combat-versatile Gundam, while the other teams contributed a hyper-flexible Gundam, a hilariously overinflated mobile armor that you can stick a Gundam into, and a Gundam with a fucking nuke attached to it.

Most romance VNs and stories in general have some sort of last-act plot development that threatens to end things so the couple can bounce back and have a narrative climax. Sickness, family, trauma, a breakup feint, really anything is fair game. Anaheim Girl’s Love Story pulls out the most brutal one yet – “Stardust Memory happened”. It turns out that Anaheim has been playing both sides of the emerging Delaz conflict, and was planning on giving your team’s ship to a particularly unhinged Zeon commander as a gift of goodwill and temporary alliance. In doing so, they dismantle the iconic Gundam armor from the mobile suit frame, replacing it with a new and undeniably Zeonic red outer shell. It’s a genuinely fucked-up moment! To see your child ripped away from you and corrupted into being the other kind of war crimes monster, and your boss/girlfriend knew this was going to happen and was too ashamed to tell you. Rinne runs out of oxygen while trying to stop the Gebera Tetra from deploying, and falls into a coma afterwards. By the time she wakes up, the events of Stardust Memory have all played out, and things are in the process of returning to normal. Our protagonist ends up on a research vessel to Jupiter to test cutting-edge mobile suits, but promises to meet up with Sophie again when she returns. One wonders if she got recruited into joining Paptimus’ crew while on Jupiter, and was subsequently killed by Kamille. The timelines just barely overlap to make it possible!

Anyways, that’s Anaheim Girl’s Love Story. I’m not sure how fleshed out the hacker girl’s route is, or if there are different endings I could have gotten on mine. Maybe I’ll give it another shot next year. This game is by no means amazing. It is on some level just a softcore lesbian eroge with a Gundam coat of paint. But the delicacy with which it fits itself into the UC chronology without messing things up or being a fully irrelevant plot, the care put into having these ladies fall in love and do the usual OL yuri rituals, the honesty with which it carries itself… I’m so charmed by it all. I don’t know if I’d recommend it outright (you’d want to already be very invested in this slice of Gundam, and you need a VM with an older version of Windows to play it, and I think the website linking to the patch went down earlier this year), but I’m so happy that this exists in the first place and that I got to play it.

What I am less happy about is that this visual novel made me trick myself into watching Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory. This is entirely on me, mind. Most lesbians are fooled into watching Stardust Memory because they saw images of Cima Garahau online, but I was ready for that trick. No, I genuinely wanted to fill in the finer plot details of the 6.5/10 visual novel I just played. Oopsies.

[luna-rainbow]

Rewatched CATWS on my unexpected day off. I guess I've watched it enough that I am noticing things more in the background XD

I'm noticing more details about CEvans' acting this time around. Steve seems to have this sense of...brittleness, and maybe a little anger, during the first half of the film. The smiles seem just a little forced and his interactions a little distant, until he figures out Hydra was there the whole time and suddenly he's got direction.

The circumstances around Fury's "death" caught my eye. After Fury was shot, Sharon busts in the door and introduces herself as Agent 13 sent to "protect" Steve on Fury's orders. This is...an interesting assertion, given that Steve is shown to be incredibly capable, not just physically but also intellectually, to protect himself, and Sharon isn't shown to give Steve the emotional safety that he was craving in the beginning of the movie, nor was she ever demonstrated to be physically competent enough to protect Steve (unlike, say, Nat). It would seem - and that does seem to be Steve's belief too based on his response - that she was sent to watch him, not to protect him. I still think there’s enough in canon to make Sharon either good or bad right from the start.

Anyway, then this exchange happens:

Sharon (on radio): Foxtrot is down, I need EMTs. Person on other end: Do we have a 20 on the shooter? Steve: Tell him I'm in pursuit.

How did the other person know there was a shooter? Was it someone who was listening in to the bugged apartment, or did Sharon have time to tell them before going into Steve's apartment, or did they know because they were part of the team that sent the sniper?

I feel like I've mentioned this before (I can't remember half the things I write so anyway, here it is again) but I feel like Steve's response here suggests that he's already starting to clue in on who the Soldier might be. When he's chasing the shadow across the roof, his expression was furious, urgent and determined -- but that all changed when the Soldier caught the shield (picture 1) and made meaningful eye contact tossed it back (picture 2). Steve just looks...surprised and uncertain and, shall we say, a little vulnerable?

Also I didn’t notice this before, but the Strike team were there to watch Fury’s operation as well, so no wonder Fury had to go the whole way including fooling Nat and Steve.

Right before the infamous elevator fight starts, Rumlow gets in the elevator and they have this exchange:

Rumlow: Evidence team found some fibres on the roof they want us to see, you want me to get the tac team ready? Steve: No, let's wait and see what it is first.

Obviously during this time Steve is also very distracted by what Fury has told him and what Pierce has tried to entice him with, so it could just be Steve trying to shelve that thought for later -- but he was also very interested in what Nat could tell him about the Winter Soldier (she used that information to stop him being angry at her), so I wonder if it's a little bit of a cover tactic as well, i.e. he didn't trust the Strike team and didn't want them to get close to this mystery assassin's identity.

I remember there was a meta about how well CATWS established competency, and I just love watching that all over again. Not just for Steve and Nat obviously, but even for the Strike team — they are shown to be incredibly capable and in sync during the Lumerian Star sequence, which is why the stakes of the movie felt so real.

Steve donning the last uniform Bucky saw before he fell off the train is an underrated romantic trope 😂

[loriannbowman]

Honkai Star Rail X Arknights | Yandere!Sunday X Sankta!Reader | Part Five

Sunday continues to explain the many intricacies of Penacony, its history, its people, and its works. He speaks so quickly that you're honestly left in the dust. Why is he speaking so quickly? Is he in a rush?

"-And the Dreamjolt Troupe's origins begin with-"

"Um... Mr. Sunday? Is there a reason for all... this? You seem to be in a hurry. If you need to get going somewhere, I don't mind waitin-"

"No," he says curtly. "I'm not in a rush to go anywhere, don't worry. I apologize if I've been speaking too quickly for you, honest, I just have so much to share about our wonderful home," he smiles.

I only have half an hour left to spend with you and learn everything I can... I don't have time to dally.

"It's alright, I guess. I'm just a little slow when so much is happening at one time, it's nothing to do with you. Everything you've said so far - from what I was able to remember - is very cool! I'd love to go look around this 'dream.' I just wonder how much time has passed..."

Sunday smiles innocently, his eyes creasing with crow's feet. No one will know the cold sweat that drips down the back of his neck. Although he spoke much of the Dreamscape, the Reverie, of Penacony and its history, he refused to speak of the hours of operation. If he does, you'll have to wake up, and he doesn't want to acknowledge such an end.

A Sweet Dream Should Never End.

"Shall we go and explore Golden Hour? Or would you enjoy Blue Hour? Twilight? Dawn?"

You look at him in surprise. Weren't you under arrest for supposed 'infiltration and trespassing'? Why would he suddenly let you go look at the city? You physically shake your head. It's best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"Um... Golden Hour is just fine, I guess. It's the closest, and I don't want to trouble you with a long walk."

Sunday smiles once again, a look of faint satisfaction graces his thin lips. He stands from his seat and offers you his hand. His whole body seems to glow with light. You raise your hand and grasp his, the glove is cool with an underlying heat from his palm.

"Let's go. Oh, and make sure to look inconspicuous. We still don't want the citizens to be knowledgeable of a stowaway," Sunday coos with a light chuckle.

~~~~~

As you and Sunday walk around Golden Hour, your eyes are so bright. Amazing things that can only exist in a dream are right before your eyes. Floating ice creams, walking signs, fountains of sparkling drink, pinball transportation, cars that run on music! Everything was so bright and colourful, you wish all the other operators at Rhodes Island could see all this! You could only imagine how Grey or Shaw or even Hibiscus would react to all these sights and sounds. Its all so beautiful, you could temporarily forget about the pains of Oripathy that plagues your thoughts every single waking day.

Sunday watched with a sweet smile. His heart flutters at every little reaction you have. It's so... endearing. You're just like child in a candy store. You are sweet like a pot of golden honey. You are a treasure - a treasure he wants to keep all to himself.

No matter how much he wants to focus on you, the ever ticking clock continues to pass by in the back of his mind. Every single second plagued his mind as it is birthed, lived, and died.

15 minutes...

10 minutes...

5 minutes...

3 minutes...

Sunday quickly turns to you, grabbing your hands in his, pressing them firmly against his chest. You can faintly feel the heartbeat underneath his coat.

"Lamplight, how are you feeling?"

You spirit was so high, you body felt like it would combust from how much you buzzed.

"Amazing! This is all so fantastic!"

2 minutes...

"You like it that much?"

"Yes!"

"Would you ever like to come again? Or maybe stay as a resident for a while?"

"If I had the choice or opportunity, maybe... but I still have much to do, much to accomplish back home..."

1 minute...

"I see. Well, are you satisfied with Penacony as it is? As a head of the family, I can make changes as you see fit. I just hope we can meet again."

"Nah, everything's fine. But... why does it sound like you're saying goodbye?"

Sunday now is the one to shrug his shoulders. He continues to hold you hands, staring at you with solemn eyes. Oh how he wished time would just freeze in place, to keep this memory alive.

3...

2...

1...

Several of the citizens wake up, and several others come into the dreamscape. Your time was up. You should wake up from this sweet dream and eventually forget about this as all but a dream.

But you didn't

You didn't wake up. You're body was still... asleep? No, something might be wrong.

Sunday's expression was a mixture of confusion and relief.

"Mr. Sunday? Is something troubling you?"

Sunday, unsure of what's happening, but thankful for this blessing, begins to smile, eyes wide with excitment.

"No, nothing at all."

~~~~~

"Doctor!" Amiya calls out, barging into the Doctor's office.

"Yes?"

"Lamplight! They... They're comatosed!"

@sarcastic-cookie

[talesfrommedinastation]

My redneck neighbor Doug on 'Tribe'

When not turning his home into a giant light hazard for Jesus's Birthday or getting into yelling fights in the alley with Bobby Lee (another redneck neighbor who is a DIE HARD 'Bama fan) about SEC football, Doug's been randomly texting me things about the Jedi.

I'll update y'all on that soon enough. (Plo Koon = Sexy Shrimp Daddy?!)

Meanwhile, here is his review of his favorite episode of Season 2 of The Bad Batch...TRIBE, or as Doug calls it 'Chewbacca Junior and the Weed Business'.

Yes, a random fetch quest one in which Clone Force 99 helps out a random Wookiee kid. His favorite. Don't ask.

Need a Doug refresher? Check it out under Doug Talks Star Wars here.

TW: Doug Doug's as is his Doug-like wont. Hold onto your butts. A little calmer since Daddy Warcrimes is MIA in this one.

-----------------------------------------------------------

So we got Daddy Rambo and the gang making counterfeit licenses for underage drinkers or whatever. You gotta do what you gotta do, I guess, and Daddy Rambo will do a lot of things, but obtaining gainful employment ain’t one of them. 

Ryan-from-Accounting is smug as hell about his counterfeiting operation. You’re so smart, Ryan-from-Accounting, why don’t you go to law school and start practicing corporate licensing? At least you can get equity there, ya dingaling.

And Little Orphan Blondie runs away because she’s embarrassed to be seen around them. I get it, kid.

Woah, it’s Chewbacca Junior! Are the lizard and robot people trying to sell him to the circus or something? Oh, he’s a Jedi?! When did this happen, this is awesome! I loved Chewbacca! I love Wookiees! AWESOME!!!

And Little Orphan Blondie is protecting him, go Little Orphan Blondie, go! 

I hope they adopt Chewbacca Junior and get him a collar and a nice bed on the floor of the HMS Search Warrant. They need a pet. Little Orphan Blondie can brush him and put bows in his hair! Do you think he uses a litter box?

They’re taking him home, and look! Little Orphan Blondie is giving him her Lunchables. I’m proud of the Dad Batch, they’re teaching Little Orphan Blondie good morals. Oh, poor wee Chewbacca Junior, he has no family and when he talks it sounds like Jimmers when he’s treed a squirrel*.

But Ryan-from-Accounting can understand him! Ya know, I wonder if his helmet can translate Bitch and that’s how Ryan-from-Accounting talks to his Bitch Wife Laura. 

It would be awesome if they adopt Chewbacca Junior and he attacks people with his lightsaber. He’s like a pet version of an MR-15! Imagine the DAMAGE his furry ass would do on the battlefield! 

Ooh, they made it to Wookieeland! Ya know, it always reminded me of where Jenny and I used to camp in northern California. I wonder if there’s a brewery nearby? I bet Toaster Strudel needs to throw back, that man needs a beer and a restraining order from Daddy Rambo. 

Oh SHIT, looks like the bugs from Klendathu made their way down to Wookieeland. Somebody call the Starship Troopers! Oh, wait, they can talk to those things like Dougie Houser did? Woah. Neat. 

Looks like the Empire found the Wookiee weed farm and torched it. Poor Wookiees, they’re just trying to make an honest living growing herb. Leave ‘em alone!

Which planet makes meth, my money’s on Tatooine, it looks like New Mexico and that place is meth Disneyland, there was a whole TV show about it. 

(Above is...Tatooine?! - Dr Meat Muffin)

Oh man it’s Houma-BBQ-Bitch’s shitty brothers and they’re burning the whole weed operation to the ground. Guess they work for the DEA.

Kick their asses, Wookiees! Now they want Chewbacca Junior, but the Dad Batch is saying FUCK YOU! 

Go Dad Batch go! Fire ‘em up! Destroy the tanks! GO JULIO GO! It’s like Apocalypse Now with Bigfoot!

More Wookiees! And they’re riding giant monkey-cats! AWESOME. Man, I feel stoned just watching this episode. Why can't I stop giggling.

Granny Wookiee says come on in and have some weed! Oh, shit, are they doing ayahuasca? Toaster Strudel ain’t having it, but Julio’s down. Julio’s down for anything, he’s probably gonna stick around, use his pipe laying skills, and get some free ganga out of the deal. Man, we all need a Julio in our life. Love him. 

Oh, poor Chewbacca Junior can’t find a home. Come on, Granny Wookiee, just let him crash with you guys! He can clip weed on the side, he’s got that lightsaber, let ‘em have it. But first, let’s talk to the trees! Did they take mushrooms before this scene, Jesus Christ this really does take place in Humboldt County, doesn’t it.

Ah, nevermind, the gators that run the DEA are here. With Stormtroopers. Oh shit, are the gators wearing Wookiee pelts while fighting Wookiees? That’s some Silence of the Lambs shit right there.

Welp, time for fire fights, Smokey the Bear does not approve of this episode, especially as one of the lizard men chases Chewbacca Junior and Little Orphan Blondie into the woods with a flamethrower. 

Oh shit, there are the bugs! Shit, am I actually cheering on the bugs from Starship Troopers? What is going on here, I’m so confused. Whelp, they’re eating Houma-BBQ-Bitch’s brother, good for them.

Back to Granny Wookiee’s Pot Palace, where Toaster Strudel and Julio throw back her questionable moonshine and smile at each other. If they end up with Wookiee girlfriends, it will be weird, but I will be happy for them. 

And Little Orphan Blondie and Chewbacca Junior are talking to the trees, again. Just watching this episode makes me wanna go back to Electric Forest. Except I don’t think Oceana County has wookiees, but it does have crazy people in the woods I guess. 

*=Jimmers is Doug’s extremely handsome poodle mix dog. His full name is Jimmers Jimothy Jimerson III and they found him as a stray when he was eating trash behind a bowling alley in Nacogdoches. 

Where my Doug fans at? @amalthiaph @eyecandyeoz @merkitty49 @sued134 are the biggest, but let me know if ya wanna be tagged in the next installment!

[teaberrii]

Chapter 2: Not Friends

You and Dan Heng are a match made in heaven until fate takes him away from you too soon. Years later, you think you moved on with a mutual friend who shared your grief and stuck with you during tough times until you meet a mysterious man with a striking resemblance to your past lover and a hidden motive. You’re determined to get rid of him, but how are you going to get rid of a god?

Dan Feng/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on Ao3

Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail crossover

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

Support my writing

The hospital room is quiet except for the soft beeps of the sensors; the lights are dim as if not to disturb you, but you've been unconscious since the operation has finished. Your forehead, wrists, and part of your hands are wrapped in bandages, but your breathing is steady. Dan Feng stands beside your bed, his hands behind his back, looking at you with skepticism and curiosity.

Dan Feng and the rest of the dragon gods stood on a rocky terrain where the sky above was the galaxy. Not too far stood a large, metal circle where all the Chinese zodiac animal signs were engraved on the outer rim. The rabbit symbol was lit as it was still the Year of the Rabbit, but as soon as the clock struck midnight, the light flowed like liquid to the dragon. Its eyes were the last to light but shone the brightest. Then, a thunderous roar echoed in the distance as the gate shot beams of lightning toward its center before dispersing to the other animal signs. Now, there was a watery surface, and one could see images of the human realm—seascapes, landscapes, and cityscapes—slowly transitioning from one to the next.

“Sorry, I’m late!”

The dragons turned and saw Bailu wearing a padded coat, making her look like a walking marshmallow. While Zhongli was wondering why she didn't have knitted covers over her little horns on the top of her head like she sometimes did, that wasn't the first question on his mind. Bailu was riding something that no one recognized… but Dan Feng had an inkling of what the mysterious, rolling, box-like object was.

“...Is that a suitcase?” he asked.

“Yup! Ten points to Brother Moon!” Bailu got off her self-driving suitcase and looked at her other brothers. “Quiz time! Can any of you guess what this is for?”

“Please don't tell me humans use that to get around," Neuvilette said flatly. “It’s incredibly tacky.”

“Yes and no… and it’s not tacky! Do you know how expensive this is down there?”

“It seems like a convenient way of moving things from one place to another,” Zhongli said. “You’re very prepared, Bailu. But"—he pointed to her horns—"aren't you forgetting something?"

"As soon as we poof down there, we'll look like everyone else! So, I hope you won't miss your horns and tail too much." Noticing Neuvilette's curiosity on her padded coat, Bailu patted herself. "It's to keep warm! Who knows what the weather is like down there?"

Neuvilette gently poked it. "The design sure is something."

"Don't worry. I'll take all of you shopping when we get there. The last thing I want is for one of you to fall sick."

Dan Feng nodded toward the activate gate. “Well, now that everyone's here… Shall we go?”

“Wait!” Everyone turned to Bailu. Then, she snapped her fingers, and four journals appeared around her. “I’m the one with the most experience down there, so…” With a wave of her hand, the journals distributed themselves amongst her dragon brothers. "You’re going to find this handy!”

“...Bailu’s Guide to Thriving with the Humans?” Neuvilette wasn’t sure what to think of the title.

“It has everything you need to know to survive down there. I even included how you make some quick money because”—she flipped her hair—”I’m nice like that. And…!” Her face turned serious. “It’s not a guarantee that we’ll end up at the same place when we step through that portal. It’s pretty exciting, isn’t it?”

“...I question your definition of exciting,” Zhongli said. “That’s a problem if we aren’t together.”

“You said that the longer we stay down there, the more human we become,” Neuvilete said, looking at Bailu. “So, surely we can still use our powers if we are separated.”

“Mm…”

“I sense a ‘but’ coming,” Dan Feng said, not surprised.

“It’s true our powers won’t go poof right away, but it won’t be as strong. Based on experience, we have one chance to use them however we like. But, if you do something too powerful, you'll be completely drained.”

“Drained?”

“Ahem. If you could kindly refer to page two of your handy dandy journal…”

The three exchanged a glance before Zhongli’s journal flew open in front of them, and then it was Dan Feng who read: “After landing in the human realm, your godly powers will slowly start draining. It's like an oxygen tank of a scuba diver."

"...Oxygen tank? Scuba diver? Do I want to know what those things are?" Neuvilette asked.

“Keep reading,” Bailu deadpanned.

“Your power will start strong, but the more you use it, the faster it’ll drain,” Zhongli said. “Small tasks, such as telekinesis, will make it drain slowly. Bigger tasks, such as teleportation, will make it drain faster. Even if you do nothing, your power will still drain bit by bit.” Then, the journal closed itself.

“If we end up in different places," Bailu said, "you’ll want to use the last bit of your godly power to teleport to the Luofu House.”

“...The what now?”

Bailu pointed to her journal. “Page five, if you will.”

So, once again, Zhongli’s journal flew open. This time to page five.

“The Luofu House is Bailu’s home away from home,” he read. “Since none of you have a home to go to, Mistress Bailu will be honoured to have you in her humble abode…”

“Mistress…” Dan Feng began skeptically.

“...Bailu?” Neuvilette deadpanned.

“Y’all should be thankful that we have a place to stay when we get there!” Bailu said, puffing out her chest. “If it weren’t for my relentless hustling every dragon year, who knows what we’d have to resort to? Anyway, just remember: Don’t waste your power on something dumb.”

If it weren't for the sensors, Dan Feng would think you're dead, which means his efforts would've been wasted.

Dan Feng was the last one to step through the gate. The world around him spun and spun, and he heard overlapping sounds getting louder and louder until everything went quiet. Then, he heard the sound of rain. He opened his eyes and saw he’d ended up on a pedestrian bridge. It was dark but the street below was lit. There were shapes of mountains and buildings in the distance. Dan Feng was about to teleport to the Luofu House when he noticed a young boy, holding an umbrella, staring at him.

Dan Feng stared back until the kid finally caved and asked:

“Are you a cosplayer?”

A… what?

The kid looked at him and up and down. “It’s a really good costume! You look like I.L!”

Who?

“Don’t tell me you don’t know him!" the kid said, almost offended. "He’s that super cool character from the popular video game…”

The rest fell on deaf ears as Dan Feng glanced down. He was still in his usual outfit: a white sleeveless shirt with a cutout in the shape of a diamond on his chest. His long sleeves are unattached and have gold and green-coloured accents. Around his waist was a green sash with a teal seal adorned by golden leaves, and he wore black, fingerless gloves. The only normal thing about his outfit was the black pants, but the knee-high boots with white and golden accents would instantly draw someone's attention.

“I’m spending my allowance money to get him for sure!”

“It’s getting cold,” Dan Feng said. “You should head home.”

"Here." The kid held out his umbrella. "I'll give this to you because you did him justice!"

“...I’m fine.”

“Trying to act tough, are you, Mister?”

Dan Feng wasn’t expecting the cheekiness, but he slightly smiled out of amusement. "You need it more than I do."

“Well, okay, if you say so. Bye, Mister! It was cool seeing you!”

After the kid ran off, Dan Feng suddenly heard a deafening bang. He turned to the road below and saw a car on the highway below swerving to avoid a truck that had lost control.

“I spy with my little eye... not a soul to take but a god?"

Well, great. Everything was so much better with Sampo around.

The Reaper hopped off the ledge of the bridge. “How convenient that you happened to end up here. I know you dragons have your agenda… but care to join me for some soul-taking before you leave?”

“No.”

“Ouch. Not even a 'maybe'?" Sampo shrugged. "Well, suit yourself.”

Then, he was gone.

Dan Feng was about to snap his fingers when he suddenly heard a voice. A female voice. It was faint and weak, but it was what she said that made him stop.

“...Dan Heng.”

After he and Sampo saved you, Dan Feng was left to fend for himself. He lied to the people dressed in uniform, which he now knew as paramedics and law enforcement (thanks to Bailu’s guide), and was allowed to be in the room with you after your surgery.

Without thirty minutes of being in the human realm, Dan Feng had broken one of the biggest rules known to gods. Getting involved with humans is one thing, but saving their life? At least Sampo also bears some responsibility. It couldn’t have happened without his help, which makes Dan Feng wonder why Sampo had agreed to it. Just for kicks? For entertainment? Or… Do you have something to do with Dan Heng’s untimely death?

Dan Feng leans closer to you. Who are you…? And what relationship did you have with his brother? Can you be her reincarnation? Dan Feng has to know. Because if you are, he will be the one to kill you. He clenches his fists as he thinks of her, the cowardly woman who betrayed him and his brother. The woman who robbed Dan Feng of rationality because he was so hopelessly in love with her. But, his brother had been no different.

Suddenly, the door swings open, and a dishevelled-looking man runs to your bedside. He immediately takes your hand and says your name with tears in his eyes.

“...Can you hear me? Can—” He stops as soon as he looks at Dan Feng. He stands upright and his eyes go wide as if he’s seen a ghost. “...Who… Dan Heng?”

Oh? Does this man know his brother, too? 

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” the man asks. “Who the fuck are you?”

“The man who saved this young woman’s life,” Dan Feng says calmly. “Now, let me ask you the same question. Who the fuck are you?”

“Her fiancé,” is the bitter reply.

“Fiancé? Then, you should be thanking me.”

“Thanking you?” The man walks up to him. “Seriously. Who are you? Why do you look… Why the hell do you look so much like Dan Heng?”

Well, Dan Feng can’t tell the truth, but as he knows next to nothing about his brother’s life in the human realm, he doesn’t want to be caught in a web of lies.

“Can’t tell you,” Dan Feng says, a little snarkily. “Care to tell me who that is?”

The man is about to say something but your weak, faint groan interrupts him. Dan Feng glances at you while the man is immediately back at your side.

“You’re awake…! Oh, thank the heavens! Let me call the doctor!”

Dan Feng is mildly amused when your eyes land on him, and your eyes widen in alarm, staring at him as if in a catatonic stupor. Your face grows more ashen—if that's even possible, and your mouth slightly opens and closes as if you’re a fish out of water. Dan Feng almost smiles at what he’s seeing. How cute.

Finally, he hears your soft, weak voice:

“You…”

Your fiancé steps in front of Dan Feng and says:

“...I appreciate your help, but you can leave now.”

The door opens, and a young doctor walks in followed by a nurse. After he and the nurse conduct a few tests, he says:

“Your vitals are stable.” He smiles at you. “You’re very lucky, judging from the state you came in.”

“Is there any medication she should take?”

Your fiancé glares at Dan Feng, but he ignores it.

“Oh, yes. We’ll prescribe those to her soon. She should also stay at the hospital for a few days so we can monitor her condition. She may be stable now, but there might be some internal issues that will arise.”

“You might want to check as soon as possible. She was looking quite pale earlier… like she saw a ghost,” Dan Feng says, looking at you. “I hope I’m just being overprotective, and it’s nothing serious.”

“You...!”

Dan Feng gives your fiancé a deadpan look. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Before Dan Feng walks out the door, he briefly hears the nurse explain to your fiancé how Dan Feng had pretty much saved your life.

Dan Feng is outside of the hospital when he takes out Bailu’s guide. Now… What in the world is he going to do now? He has no money, plan, or connections to get out of his current situation. He glances at the hospital. Well, maybe he has a connection or two. But right now, he's a homeless god in the human realm. He can imagine the look on Neuvilette’s face. Skimming through Bailu’s guide, he finds something interesting. Let’s see what he can learn about making quick money and something called hotels and motels…

◆◆◆

You can’t get that man’s face out of your mind. You’ve been staring at the white ceiling for the past thirty minutes. But every time you close your eyes, you see Dan Heng. Or… so you think. The door opens, and your fiancé walks in. After closing the door, he walks up to your bedside and pulls up a chair.

“...Still awake?”

“Who…” you say quietly. “Who was that man?”

“...The one who looked like Dan Heng?”

“It can’t…” Tears are streaming down your face. “It can’t be him. I—”

Your fiancé holds your hand. “It’s not. He’s… He’s just someone who looks a lot like him. That’s all.”

“I thought… I thought I was dead.”

“You’ll never see him again.” You slowly turn your head to see a hard look in his eyes. “Trust me. I promise you won’t.” He looks down as if guilty. “I… It’s my fault that this happened. This shouldn’t have happened!”

You watch as he breaks down in front of you, too tired to console him. But, should you even?

“I’m sorry,” he finally says. “It’s… I see that necklace, and it feels like you haven’t fully moved on.”

“...Dan Heng will always be someone special to me,” you say, and he slowly looks up. “That’s not ever going to change. But, I chose to move forward with you.” You look back at the ceiling, too tired to chide him again for pawning the necklace. “Whatever is on your mind, I hope you’ll be open and communicate with me instead of doing something so childish. It hurts both of us.”

“...I know. I understand.” After a small pause, he slightly smiles. “The police are already launching a full investigation into the accident.”

You turn back. “What about the other driver?”

“He’s also hospitalized, but his injuries aren’t as severe as yours."

You look back up at the ceiling, remembering the voices you heard. One of them sounded exactly like Dan Heng's doppelganger. Was it just a coincidence that he was there? Why was he there?

“It’s getting late.” Your fiancé kisses your head. “Try getting some sleep, okay? Let’s talk in the morning.”

You think about asking him to stay, but you know he has work in the morning as do you.

“...Did anyone find my phone?” you ask.

"It's on the nightstand, but... I doubt you'll get it to work. It's damaged pretty badly." He gives you another kiss. "I’ll call in about your condition to your boss tomorrow. Don’t worry about anything, and just get some much-needed rest, okay?”

You wish you can. But, you want to scream as the only person you can think about is that man. Who is he…?

◆◆◆

As soon as Dan Feng walks up to a set of glass doors, they immediately slide open. The large jewellery shop—with a white and beige colour scheme—is lit with LED lights in the ceilings. With his hands behind his back, Dan Feng slowly walks while looking at the diamonds and gold displayed on the necks and hands of mannequins in glass cases. It oddly reminds him of home.

“Um, hello…” Dan Feng faces forward and sees a tall, well-dressed, young man. His hair is slicked back, and he has bright blue eyes. The man looks Dan Feng up and down as if curious and internally questioning the strange outfit. “Can I help you?”

“I have something I’d like appraised.”

“Appraised? Oh, well…” He looks over his shoulders where there are female employees who are also well-dressed. They slightly shake their heads.

“I guarantee it'll be worth your while.”

“Then, can I see what it is?”

Good thing Dan Feng didn’t come to the human realm completely empty-handed. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small ring made out of pure gold and white jade. As soon as he hands it to the man, the female employees—out of curiosity—walk over.

The man tosses the ring into the air. After catching it, he pulls out a coin. Then, he gently tries scratching it. Getting no marks, he holds it up to the light. Throughout all of this, Dan Feng watches him carefully.

Finally, the man hands the ring back with both hands. “Would you please follow me to the back room, sir?”

“...Who is he?” Dan Feng hears one of the female employees whisper to the other.

“I don’t know… but he looks quite young.”

“Does this mean that ring is genuine…? His family must be rich.”

“Must be nice… to be young and rich.”

"He doesn't look half bad either..."

Dan Feng continues walking, pretending he heard nothing.

Past a dark blue curtain was a treasure shop that many knew about. A warmly lit chandelier was the shop's main light source, but the pastel glass window—in the shape of a green, diamond—also allowed in natural light. Everyone, including those not from Sumeru, knew about Khalid, the jeweller. But not many knew of his other talents. It was after hours, but one could hear the sound of metal on metal in a small room at the back of the shop. Then, it stopped. A young Dan Feng sat upright and lifted the ring, which was once a piece of gold, into the lantern light.

“My, great piece of work you have there, Master Dan Feng.” A tall man with slicked-back, short brown hair and an angular face walked up to him. “You learn fast! All we need to do now is to put in the jade!”

“It’s thanks to your teachings that I was able to improve in such a short time, Khalid.” Dan Feng put the ring on the table. “I appreciate this.”

“Well, it’s not every day you hear a young prince wants to learn metalsmithing. At first, I thought you were joking!”

“Yes, well... One must continue learning new skills to keep up with the times."

" But… I have to ask… Is this for a woman, perhaps? Or, why so much effort for a jade ring?”

Dan Feng slightly smiled and looked down. “Perhaps one day I’ll give it to a woman I love. Perhaps not." He looked at Khalid. "For now, I only wish to learn the skills.”

“So mysterious, Master Dan Feng. Is your brother like this, too? Why don’t you bring him next time?”

“...Perhaps.”

Dan Feng sits on a black chair as he watches the man do a complete appraisal of the ring. Once the man is finished, he turns and gently puts the ring on the glass counter.

"24K gold and imperial jade... It's not every day you see this combination."

“...I’d prefer if you get to the point. How much are you willing to pay for this?”

“R-Right…! Well…” The man says a number: "Shall we wire you the money?"

Dan Feng briefly remembers reading something about that in Bailu’s journal, but considering his circumstances, he says:

“...I have something else in mind.”

And that's how Dan Feng leaves with two large metal cases filled with stacks of money.

◆◆◆

You’re still feeling groggy by the time morning comes. You didn’t sleep well, but you’re still feeling more upbeat than yesterday, so you take that as a good sign. That morning, you’re talking to the police officers investigating your case. They’ve just finished their questioning when you ask what’s been on your mind for almost the entire night.

“Is there any CCTV footage of the accident? There’s something I want to check.”

“Unfortunately not. What is it that you want to know? Maybe we can provide an answer for you.”

“...That night… before I was found, I’m certain there were other people with me. Two men to be exact.”

“Men? Were they passengers?”

“No. I heard their voices right before I passed out. I’m sure of it.”

The officers glance at each other. “...Well… There was a man who found you. But he was the only one.”

“By man… was he dressed like… like he just came out of a video game?”

“Yeah, pretty much. There was no one else around.”

“If we find out anything, we’ll be sure to let you know,” the other officer says.

After they leave the room, you reach for your phone—where the screen is cracked—but no matter what you do, it won't turn on. You're about to call for a nurse when the door opens, and March cries your name.

“Oh, thank God you’re okay!” Her hug is a little too tight, but you welcome it nonetheless.

Stelle closes the door behind her and walks up to you. “Your man was kind enough to let us know what happened since he figured we’d try to get in touch with you. How are you feeling?”

“Better than yesterday,” you say, letting March go.

Your friends each pull up a chair. “It’s all over the news… the accident,” March says.

"They found out he was speeding," you say, reiterating the details of what the police told you earlier. "...And he lost control of his vehicle."

"At least he'll get slapped with a fine," Stelle says.

“They… They were saying it’s a miracle that you survived,” March says quietly.

“...It does feel like a miracle, honestly.”

Again, you remember the voices from yesterday:

“...Save her.”

“And here I thought you didn’t like getting involved with humans.”

“...Hey!”

You turn to your friends.

“Are you okay?” Stelle asks.

“Yeah… It’s just… When the accident happened, I don’t think I was alone.”

“Not alone…? What do you mean?”

“I heard voices,” you say quietly. “Two different voices. And one of them… One of them sounded like... Dan Heng's doppelganger.”

"Who?"

You aren't surprised that your friends spoke at the same time. Then, you tell them about the mysterious man last night.

“...He saved you?” Stelle asks as if unable to believe it.

“If I’m right… he was telling another man to save me.”

March looks around the room as if he may be hiding somewhere. “Where is this guy now? Did he come back?”

“I doubt he’s going to come back,” you say. “...And that’s for the best.”

Suddenly, the door opens. Thinking it’s a nurse or doctor, you turn, and your face goes pale.

“You’re looking a lot better than yesterday.” The footsteps get closer. “More… alive, I should say.”

March’s jaw drops. “Holy… shit.”

The man is no longer wearing his eye-catching outfit from last night but a white, slim-fit shirt with a black blazer and gold buttons. He looks like he's ready for a business meeting with matching black pants and shoes. He also has a silver watch on his left wrist.

“Don’t come closer!” You make a gesture for him to stop, and he surprisingly does. You’re afraid to look at him. What in the world is he doing here?

Dan Feng glances at Stelle and March who are staring at him like they’ve seen a ghost.

“Did I come at a bad time?” he asks.

“Dan…” Stelle chokes out. “Dan Heng?”

Dan Feng slightly narrows his eyes at them. Are these people his brother's friends, too?

Finally, you look him in the eyes. Dan Heng's eyes are blue. This man… This imposter… His eyes are green.

“What do you want?”

Dan Feng looks at you. “A favour. In return for me saving your life.” Then, he walks up to your bedside and extends his hand in front of you. “My name is Dan Feng.” You almost want to pinch yourself. Is this a dream? It has to be. “It’s a pleasure.”

“Dan… Dan Feng?”

"Is there something wrong with my name?”

March quickly shakes her head. “Ah, no… It’s… um…”

Dan Feng looks at you “...And you are?”

Instead of answering him, you ask: “...Do you… Do you know someone named Dan Heng?”

Dan Feng smiles but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Never heard of him. Is he the reason why you’re so jittery?”

“...He was a friend,” Stelle answers for you. “A friend of ours who passed away a few years ago.”

“...Is that so? I’m sorry for your loss.”

“You look exactly like him,” March says. “Even your names are similar! This… This can’t be a coincidence!”

“Oh, but I assure you it is.” Dan Feng looks at you. “So… Am I getting a name, Sweet Pea?”

“...What did you just call me?”

This man may look like Dan Heng, but his personality makes you believe you’re talking to a completely different person.

“Well, what else am I supposed to call you? You haven’t given me your name.” After reluctantly introducing yourself, Dan Feng slightly smiles and says your name. “Seems like you’re not a fan of nicknames.”

Just like the woman he wants to kill.

“No,” you say coldly, glaring at him. “I’m not. Especially from a stranger.”

"I suppose we still are." Then, genuinely: "I apologize for my actions.” You turn away from him just as he slides a hand inside his pocket. “So, I’ve been answering all of your questions. It’s only fair if you start answering mine.”

You glance at him. “What could you possibly want from me?”

Before Dan Feng can answer, he hears: 

“Get away from her.”

Dan Feng calmly turns around and sees your agitated fiancé. Even as he hurries up to you, Dan Feng doesn’t move.

“Looks like you also didn’t get a good night’s sleep.”

Your fiancé glares at him. “I told you to stay away from her.” Then, he leans over to check on your injuries when Dan Feng notices a woman’s lipstick in his back pocket.

“Did you?” Dan Feng asks, and your fiancé leans upright. “I can’t recall… Maybe you dreamt about it instead.”

Stelle and March glance at each other.

“What do you want with her?”

Dan Feng smiles. But again, it doesn’t reach his eyes. He looks at you. “I’d like her to be my tour guide. I’m new to the city, you see. Just landed yesterday… and witnessed that terrible accident.”

“Tour guide?” March asks in disbelief.

“No,” your fiancé answers. “Not happening.”

Dan Feng almost rolls his eyes. “Why don’t you let the lady answer for herself?”

“...Could all of you give us some privacy?”

"Yes," your fiancé says sourly while shooting Dan Feng a nasty look. "Leave."

You look at your fiancé. "I meant you."

Taken aback at your statement, your fiancé is about to retort when Stelle says:

“Let’s give them some space, okay? Might be easier for them to talk and sort things out.”

As Stelle gently pushes your fiancé out the door, March is behind them, mouthing what’s on her mind:

“Details! Deeetails!”

Once the door closes, you say:

“Let’s not play games, shall we?”

“Games? I’m not playing.”

You scoff. “Tour guide? Really?”

“All right, fine. I’ll let you in a little secret.” He slightly leans closer, surprising you. “Just like I remind you of someone you used to know, you remind me of someone I used to know.”

You narrow your eyes. “...Who?”

“Can’t reveal all my secrets, can I? But, I can tell you that she was someone dear to me. Though it’s been a very long time, I haven’t forgotten about her.” Your hands clutch the blanket. “As I’m new to the city, I just like to make a friend or two. And, I just happened to save your life that day, so… Why can’t we be friends?”

You finally manage to hold his stare. “...You say you saved me that night. How? Frankly, I don’t think I’m supposed to be alive right now.”

Dan Feng leans upright. “You have a good head on your shoulders.” You almost roll your eyes. When he stays quiet, you cross your arms. “I’m not going to just take your word for it if you can’t explain what happened that night.”

“Are you always this stubborn?”

You frown. “Answer the question.”

Dan Feng gives you a deadpan look. “I heard a crash. I called for an ambulance before heading over and seeing you half-dead in the driver’s seat. I picked the lock and managed to get you out of there right when the paramedics arrived.”

“...Someone was with you. Another man. He said something about getting involved… with humans. What was that all about?”

Dan Feng slightly tilts his head. “...Ah… Just an inside joke. He helped me carry you out of the car. Is that a good enough answer for you?”

“The car went down a small hill,” you say, remembering what the police told you. “You’re telling me you went down a small hill on a dark and rainy night on foot to save a stranger?”

“Are you saying you wouldn’t?”

“That’s…”

“Compassion… Kindness… Is that not human nature?”

“You’re taking things a bit far.”

Dan Feng slightly leans closer. “...Or is it human nature to only act out of their own interests?”

There’s something in his eyes that you can’t put your finger on. Something… personal?

“...I don’t want to be friends,” you say as he leans upright. “I’ll show you around the city. After that, we’re even.”

“Deal.” Then, he reaches into his shirt pocket “...Here”—he hands you a brand new phone—”you could use this.”

“...I can’t accept—”

“Oh, stop acting polite.” He takes your wrist and puts the phone into your hand. “You need a new one, anyways.”

You press a button and it turns on. It’s already fully charged.

“See you when you're better.” He walks halfway across the room before he looks over his shoulder. “...By the way, do you wear lipstick?”

“Um… not often. Why?”

Dan Feng turns around. “...Just curious.”

And then he walks out without turning back.

Chapter 3

Tag list: @lunavixia

[oliviax727]

Physics Friday #3: No Seriously, why is 1+1 = 2? (and what a real number really is)

Refer to this link if you're confused as to what this is all about.

If you were wondering where my part 2 to the Dark Energy vs. Dark Matter post is, it'll come next week. I just wanted to divert for a bit and stick my head into mathematics. I generally won't do two parts back to back.

Preamble

Education Level: Middle School (Y6 - 8)

Topic: Logic and Construction (Mathematics)

Introduction: 1 + 1 = 2 because I said so

What is 1+1?

Why does it equal 2?

How can we say such a simple thing without falling into the depths of chaotic mathematical thinking?

What is a number?

What does it mean to be real?

Many people are asking this ...

Well, really to answer those questions directly. Mathematics, unlike a lot of other subjects, is founded on the principles of hard logic. Definitions and statements that derive new definitions and statements. Truth follows from more truth.

But in order to have true statements, some of those statements must given i.e. we just have to assume or declare they're correct. Otherwise we wouldn't have true statements to begin with!

Consider the logical statement "The sun is a star".

In order to prove that this statement is true, we need to:

Define the existence of an object called "the sun"

Define what a "star" is

Define what it means for an object to be "is" another object

We could then come up with these statements:

The sun exists

A star is a bright burning ball of gas

An object is something else when that object has the traits of that something else

But then we are faced with a problem: how do we know that the sun exists? Well, we can see it of course!

But this doesn't apply to maths - after all, can you see the number 1? Like, can you see the concept of the number 1?

The answer is that we have to just accept some statements as simply true, no questions asked. These statements are called axioms.

In any mathematical system, we have a set of rules, or axioms, that dictate how our system works.

In most cases, we say that 1 + 1 = 2 by definition. That the number 2 is purely defined by 1 + 1. Any properties it has, like 2 representing an amount of objects (cardinality), or 2 coming after 1 (ordinality) is merely coincidental, an aspect of the system itself, or entirely irrelevant.

Real Numbers

Let's start off with how we can play with these numbers, using the Reals and an example.

A real number is real simple. Here's some examples:

2

16

2/3

-8

-9091/2311

0.0404583439484328423490 ....

Pi

It's basically any number that you've dealt with before: decimals, fractions, integers, and the like.

But how did we get to this stage? Like how can we define the real numbers to mean a specific thing?

It's important to have such rigorous definitions in mathematics, because without them, we won't be able to generate new theorems about how our world works.

The real numbers are known as a complete ordered field. What that means is it has three properties:

A field describes a particular set of numbers with some simple arithmetic laws attached to them

A ordered set is one which as a notion of order

A complete field has no gaps

The Field axioms are as follows. A field is a set of numbers that/where:

Contains two non-equal numbers, 0 and 1

Has a definition for the + and × operators

For any number a:

- a + 0 = 0

- a × 1 = 1

- There exists a number (-a) such that: a + (-a) = 0

- There exists a number 1/a such that: a × 1/a = 1, unless a = 0

For any numbers a, b, and c:

- a + b = b + a

- a × b = b × a

- (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

- (a × b) × c = a × (b × c)

- a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c)

(Note: I dunno how to format bullet lists properly pls help)

Pretty simple eh? Well there are actually quite a lot of things that are fields. For example the set of all rational numbers (fractions) are a field.

There's also the order axioms. An ordered set is a set of numbers that/where:

Has a definition of something being less than another or a < b

For any numbers a, b, and c:

- If a < b then a + c < b + c

- If a < b and b < c then a < c

- Either a = b or a < b or b < a exclusively

An example of one of these ordered sets is the integers!

Lastly we have the completeness theorem. The completeness theorem is a bit more complicated, and it might be worthwhile to spend a whole topic on it:

Say I were to define a new operation within this set. For example f(x) = a + b + x

A complete set, no matter the definition of the operator, would always evaluate to a number that remained within the set as long as no rules of the set were broken.

i.e. x can be any number, and f(x) can be any operation involving x. But if x and f(x) can be defined entirely by what we had originally, then f(x) will always equal a valid number given that we don't divide by zero.

The rational numbers, for example, is not complete. Here's a small proof:

Define the operator a^2 := a × a

Define the operator sqrt(a) as being sqrt(a)^2 = a

There does not exist a rational number that equals sqrt(2)

Therefore the rationals are not complete

It turns out that the real numbers is the only complete ordered field in existence. That by setting just these axioms, we can have a unique set of numbers.

So how does 1 + 1 come into this? Well, 2 is defined as being 1 + 1. And 1 + 2 = 3, and 1 + 3 = 4 ...

Here's an example proof for 2 + 2 = 4, the bane of all who know about Gregory Orsen's 1894:

2 + 2 = (1 + 1) + (1 + 1) = (1 + 1 + (1 + 1)) = 1 + 1 + 2 = 1 + 3 = 4

Note that these axioms leave out some rather important identities, like:

Any number times 0 is 0

0 = -0

0 < 1

-1 < 0

a < b implies 1/a > 1/b

But the whole point is that we don't need these statements to be axioms! We can prove these from the ones we already have alone!

Set Theory, Peano, & Recursive Addition

There are, of course, other ways to construct mathematical frameworks.

The real number axioms are an example of constructing a system by having a set of rules and then proving afterward that these rules produce a unique set of numbers.

But what if we wanted to go more general, and have numbers not defined by axioms, but have the axioms describe more general maths.

Well, there are several ways in which we can do this:

Set Theory Construction

Lambda Calculus Construction

Surreal Numbers

I'll mention only set theory. A set is something I've used before. What a set essentially is, is just a collection of things.

We can use sets to define numbers, for example:

0 := { } (i.e. the set containing nothing) 1 := { 0 } (i.e. the set containing, the set containing nothing) 2 := { 0, 1 } (i.e. the set containing, the set containing nothing, and the set containing the set containing nothing)

With this, we have numbers! It also comes with the added benefit of:

"The number of elements in a set corresponds with what each number means linguistically in terms of amount".

But what does this even do? Like what about addition?

Well, we can use what's known as a recursive definition to help us figure out what addition is. But first we need the notion of a successor.

Peano arithmetic, that is, arithmetic with integers, can be constructed from set theory by defining the immediate successor of a number:

S(n) = { n itself and every internal object within n }

We could then use this to redefine our numbers as:

0 := { } 1 := S(0) 2 := S(1)

This is very similar to our 1 + n example back in the real numbers.

From this, we can define what addition is using our recursive action:

For any numbers a and c a + S(c) := if c ≠ 0 then S(a) + c otherwise S(a)

This definition is recursive, as it contains itself. But in order to stop us from going infinitely into the negatives, we must stop the process when c reaches zero.

Here's two examples of our definition

1 + 1 = 1 + S(0) = S(1) = 2

2 + 2 = 2 + S(1) = S(2) + S(0) = 3 + S(0) = S(3) = 4

And thus we have that 1 + 1 = 2!

Conclusion

At last, we have reached the end. Congratulations, if you read this all the way through, you have read an entire tumblr post (and a long one that is) on why we can say that 1 + 1 = 2. This is a very broad topic that I have barely scraped the surface on. Here's some other interesting related subjects:

David Hilbert's formulation of mathematics

Peano Arithmetic

Lambda Calculus

Fields, Ordered Sets, and Completeness

Real Analysis

Zermelo-Frankel Set Theory

As always, feedback is very appreciated! I'm an astronomer, not a mathematician. A lot of this stuff I was taught in my first year of university. And I hope you enjoyed reading this. Feel free to follow if you like seeing stuff in the realm of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and computer science.

[lightwise]

TBB S3E7 Reactions

Alright, in lieu of an analysis this week, you guys get some extra long reactions from me. Spoilers for Extraction under the cut!

- Of course the operative is still alive after being completely buried by rocks

- You okay there Rexy boy?

- Aww, Crosshair helping him up

- “There’s always another way” feels like foreshadowing

- CX does sound awfully like Tech when he’s grunting. Either that or DBB has only one way of making groaning noises 😂

- The rim lighting in this episode is such a pain for making screenshots but so satisfying for watching

- The modified clone theme when Wolffe lands 😭

- Wolffe was really getting 3PO flashbacks there with that disgusted sigh

- Isn’t Hilo a canon commando?? Or is he from legends?

- I will never get over how realistic light looks in this show

- There’s no way that CX just caught himself with his hands

- “We’re waiting on you” they’re not leaving Crosshair behind this time 🥹

- Lol Batcher. Licking cute clones faces. Always the priority

- How is this CX such a good shot??

- Oh Wolffe definitely has a constant headache. Idk how he’s actually put up with being in the Empire this long.

- This purple atmosphere is so pretty

- “I’m much worse” — SCREAMING. And the little tilt with his helmet to make his point clear? This man can have me however he wants. Anytime, anywhere. Call me, baby (I hope someone laughed at that lol)

- So Hunter does hear the ships. I wonder if his senses are more tuned for mechanical vibrations and animal life than people

- Lol Howzer is this really the time for a heart to heart?

- “Loyalty meant something to me” 🫡

- Lol that TK Trooper sounded like a mid-Atlantic 50s movie star

- How is the operative this nimble? Seems suspicious

- Smoke bombs are CF99s signature

- Interesting that for once the stun bolts are being used ON the Batch instead of by them.

- Wrecker and Batcher are a great team

- Hunter just dropping that TK and then Crosshair taking out their ship. Phew

- Also not suspicious at all that they’ve neutralized all the TKs and left the clone troopers for later.

- How did Crosshair sense the operative coming up behind them?

- RIP Nemec 😓

- “Too bad” 😩😩😩

- Oh Cross, you know you’re not the best at hand to hand combat. This is a very bad idea

- That waterfall is pretty though

- Dear lord why did they have to make these scenes so dark

- Oh fuck. I can’t even tell who threw who off the cliff

- The whole squad going after Crosshair even though he told them to get to the extraction point 😭

- CX obviously knows Crosshair and has beef with him. Again, for the millionth time—WHAT THE HELL DID HEMLOCK DO TO ALL OF THEM

- “You had your chance to be one of us. You chose the wrong side”. Really can’t wait for this to be explained.

- Crosshair’s reflexes are so fast for being all gangly limbs

- Okay I seriously almost had a heart attack here (this is a rewatch so my reactions aren’t immediate but holy cow I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing watching Crosshair almost drown. Don’t you dare do it Jen!)

- It is v suspicious how fixated on Crosshair CX is even after he’s neutralized him

- Thank GOD for Howzer

- Okay, I can breathe a little again

- That’s…an awfully long fall for someone to survive

- The TBB team took the water scenes from The Crossing in season 2 and said, yeah, how about we just make that a million times better 🤯

- “That’s not Echo”. No, no it is not

- Good to know that Rex is still considered dead by the Empire (although that honestly seems strange that CX in season 2 knew who he was). That’s heartbreaking that Wolffe thought he was dead this whole time though

- Wow. The respect these two men have for each other

- “Oh I did. Lost a lot of good men that day” *cries in TCW season 7*

- Idk how Rex keeps going honestly

- His voice may be gentle but his face means BUSINESS

- Rex 🤝 Omega - believing the power of friendship can save anyone and anything they come across

- Fuck your orders Wolffe

- “I’ll make sure you’re given a fair trial” you really have no idea who you work for Wolffe do you

- Hunter being willing to stand down when Rex asks him to

- “I know you. As your brother, I’m asking you to do the right thing” the brotherly reunions this season are just paralleling all over the place

- Gregor the handsome fellow that you are. I swear his pauldrons get bigger every time we see him

- “Let my people go” the Exodus vibes are strong here too

- Guess we’re gonna be finding out what makes this CX so special. Still can’t believe he survived.

- Rex just lost almost all of his men again 😣😭

- The sheer respect and care that Hunter and Rex have for each other. The hand on the shoulder. The losses that tie them together. The worry and earnestness in Hunter’s face and tone when he tells Rex he can’t win. He doesn’t emote this much to people he doesn’t consider family.

- The ways Hunter still is hesitant to do anything but run and hide, and Rex still can’t give up. Not quite yet.

- How Hunter won’t be able to either until they know what is really going on with Omega.

[otesunki]

where can i find information on {0|0}. on *. i'm obsessed

colossal infodump incoming

alright there's this Very Very Good Book called Winning Ways for Your Mathematical Plays which explains combinatorial game theory and how they link into surreal numbers in what can only be described as an Unreasonable level of detail, including how it ties into Surreal Numbers oh God surreal numbers is just as loaded of a term Okay let me take a brief detour into That

so surreal numbers are like. imagine defining every number as a pair of sets of other numbers. a set of numbers Less than it and a set of numbers Greater than it. and we write this as foo = {less than foo|greater than foo}. so like. 0 = {|}, 1 = {0|}, 2 = {1|}, 1/2 = {0|1}, -1 = {|0}, that type of thing

the reason why surreal numbers are mindmelting is the fact that they happen to be the Largest Totally Ordered Proper Class and they contain Literally Every Other Totally Ordered Number System inside of them. totally ordered here means that any two numbers are related by < > or =. so like. complex numbers and quaternions aren't included. surreal numbers also behave just like real numbers in that you can do arithmetic on them exactly how you'd do arithmetic with any other real number. and for the surreal numbers that are also real numbers the classic laws of commutativity and associativity hold.

however the surreal numbers are. a.

a bit bigger than just all the real numbers. because there are also numbers that are infinitely big or small and you can make infinitely-bigger-than-infinte numbers and the arithmetic operations still work and also have you ever wanted to take the logarithm base infinity of a number too bad that's defined now

games are what happens when you look at the surreal numbers and go that's for rookies and decide that actually yes {1|-2} makes sense what are you Talking about. why Can't on = {on|} that's a perfectly sane definition also over = {0|over} also Also actually you can define a number that's Even Closer To Zero than over is and if you churn through the calculations you can literally Prove that 0 < tiny < over Yes the number is called tiny

right okay so what is star? in fact if x = {A|B} then -x = {-B|-A} and because A and B are both just the set { 0 } and 0 is {|} you can trivially prove that negating star gives you back star, it's not greater than zero because it has zero in the right hand side, it's not less than zero because it has zero in the left hand side, and it's not Equal to zero because playing a game with a value of zero means that the first player Loses but a game with a value of Star means that the first player Wins which means neither player has an advantage but it's a balanced game in a different way to how 0 is balanced and this is reflected in the Thermograph of star which is a way to draw what star looks like when you Heat it up and Heating a number basically means moving its left and right hand sides closer together in value until eventually they meet up

so Zero because both of its sets are empty is just a vertical line at x=0 because it can't heat up nor cool down but Star on the other hand stays at 0 when it is cooled down but if you Heat it up (make t negative) then actually the two zeroes in it begin Diverging and going in opposite directions

but because the whole thing is Horizontally symmetric it means that the number is its own negative because negating a number is equivalent to a horizontal flip. also if you thought thermographs couldn't get more complicated and involved you're wrong

so. That's. what. star is.

so have you ever wondered what would happen if you had a bunch of numbers that are all mutually recursive and not defined in terms of anything el-

[aimlesspixel]

Isat Scintillation - Side Stories V1

I more so wrote these as a way to practice getting a feel for how the different character's think and act but since they are events in my fic I figured I may as well put them out there! Please make sure to read Chapters 1 and 2 first before biting into these.

Mirabelle

Mmph, Siffrin still looks like their pushing themselves a bit to keep up this pace. Don't they know how important rest is for recovery? He doesn't want any of us to worry i bet. I know we're going to reunite Bonnie and Nile but that doesn't mean that we can't slow down.

I wonder what Bambouch is like I know it's close to the sea but not much more than that. I'll ask Bonnie sometime.

Still I can't believe we managed to save Vauguard. We really do owe Siffrin I overheard her talking to them back when we just finished discussing our plans and if she's right we really didn't have any chance at victory without them. I'm so glad that we managed to save them from the time loop.

"Mirabelle is something wrong?"

"Oh madame! No nothings wrong, just lost in thought i suppose." "Alright well I'll leave it at that then I'm not particularly good with feelings. Besides that though i was curious if you'd like to discuss books?"

"Oooh would you really?! I have so many to recommend! Like the cursing of chateaux castle! And-"

"Slow down, yes I'd love to and please don't shout in my ear."

"Oh• sorry Madame."

"You were excited, in my endless magnanimity i shall find it in my heart to forgive you this time."

"Of course Madame I thank you graciously for your forgiveness (with a giggle)."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Odile

Working too hard huh? Siffrin definitely worked too hard back in the house especially with the almost ending the world business... It's been bothering me a while, how come Siffrin and the king both knew wish craft? I mean they did start the loops (according to that star looking fellow named loop and our conversation with them) with wish craft they accidentally did so how did they know about it?

My best guess is with the last thing the king said about his country. If they're from the same place that may explain it.

Actually that explains a few other things too like why Siffrin said they can't go home and their poor memory I mean the whole thing with the king was no one could remember his country right? I can't imagine how that would affect someone who grew up there and moved to live elsewhere before everyone couldn't remember.

"We know you're all excited to see us but we need to find an inn so we can rent a room for the night." The kids apologize and run off. Honestly I'm glad we have the time to talk with the locals and such, not having the stress of Vaugaurds imminent doom looming over is a great change of pace.

We've come through here once already but we were collecting orbs then so I'll just ask the defenders around here.

"Welcome! Welcome! Are you looking for a room today?"

It's a bit impressive how fast Vaugaurde is able to continue regular operation after such a large scale emergency. "Yes what kinds of rooms do you have?"

"We have single, double, and triple bed rooms available"

No reason to change tradition "The three bed room please."

"Of course here's the key I'll show you to the room"

The room is pretty spacious for a three bed inn room. Maybe they're treating us since we just saved Vauguard. That's probably it honestly. Well i wont deny a little special treatment as long as we're still paying properly

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Next Side Stories collection will feature Isabeau and Bonnie btw so hopefully you're looking forward to it!

[itsnothingofinterest]

My Big Dumb PLF Advisor Theory for the War Arc

Alright, I said I’d do it, so here’s my entirely self-indulgent rambling on what I think would be interesting theory post on what I think the unaccounted PLF Advisors, especially the first ranked Advisors we’ve barely seen anything of, will do this arc. Since a few of them have been rising to brief prominence this arc, but strangely only the 2nd ranks. So the League’s top henchmen of established designs must get to do something too right?

Namely, tying into my theory of a My Hero part 2 fuelled by how, among other reasons, this is a really anticlimactic final battle[1]; I think a big play on the Advisors’ part will be a coordinated move to salvage the villains’ operation from AFO’s incompetence and help the League escape this unwinnable conflict & live to be saved another, more dramatic day.

In other words, it’s a revamped prison break-out theory.

The time? Right after the war, since Geten mentions he & Compress have nothing to do until then and I decided to read that in as conspiratorial a way as possible: that they have something planned to do after the battles ends.

With the in mind, what would this salvage operation look like:

Well as said, though many Advisors are unaccounted for in this war, the stars of this theory are the 1st ranked Advisors. Of whom; 1 is imprisoned, 1 was seen with Spinner for a panel before Spider-guy took focus, and the other 5 have not been seen as I’m aware.

Additionally, targets they might be interesting to hit are:

The apparent police station seeming to house the PLF higher ups, assuming Garaki really is in the same place as Compress & Geten.

Whatever location is housing the other ~115,000 PLF soldiers. (If they also have the 10,000 jailbreakers to round us out at a nice even eighth of a million, that'd be great.)

Gunga & UA are both interesting cases in that, the PLF effort definitely needs people here picked up, yet it's very possible those people could do it themselves. Maybe that could be Machia's big roll in proceedings. And of course Shigaraki’s Warp can still come into play.

Need to pick up Spinner, Spider-guy, and maybe any unconvinced heteromorphic protesters from Central (probably bug woman's job).

Skeptic could use a rescue.

And if they wanted to pick up the villains from Kamino, the aquarium, & the stadium, that'd be fine, but there’s not a lot of villains there and we don’t really care about any of them anyways[2]. So, y'know...

That’s the rough priority order anyway; amounting to 7~9 targets if they wanted to be thorough, although there are a few that could get skipped. But is thorough even an option? Unless electric guy can break out of wherever he’s being held himself, aren’t there more targets here than Advisors left active? Well there’s also a ton of unaccounted for 3rd ranks and more 2nd ranks, but I have another idea.

You see: I prank’d ya! I’m also incorporating yet another wild theory of mine that accounts for that. I also think there’s even more unaccounted for, secret Advisors. 

After all, we’ve only got Advisors for 7 of the 9 Lieutenants of the Liberation Front. That’s pretty weird right? Why don’t RD & Trumpet have advisors? They’ve got the same position and roughly as much seniority & experience as Skeptic. Well, I propose they do have advisors, their existence was simply kept from Hawks. A classic big-shonen-villain-group trope I’m sure you’re all familiar with.

But if so, you may wonder, why would they be hidden? Well I’ve got a theory on that too; it’s because they’re the heroes Geten mentioned Compress talking too and getting information from. We know the MLA has hero members, so if a few didn’t go to any meetings for Hawks to spot them at, perhaps their duties keeping them away or perhaps as a back-up plan a la Machia; they might still be active and able to talk with jailed Lieutenants & hit as many locations of interest as they like[3].

It also means an established villain like Compress or Redestro could be behind the operation. And as much as I think an Advisor masterminding this plot would be cool, it could border on “coming out of nowhere” for an unestablished villain to pull this off, so that alternative might be for the best.

So yeah, basic rundown of the salvage operation is pretty simple after all that set-up. I kind of figure the #1 Advisors would all get their own thing to do where they can, make a name for themselves;

As said, Spinner’s bug woman Advisor could rescue him, she is right there after all,

Maybe Skeptic’s could bail him out.

Twice’s Advisor Sanctum (1 of like 3~4 names we’ve got so far so I really hope he’ll get something) could rescue the grunts,

If we do get secret advisors then they might free Geten & Compress,

and Compress’ lightning guy could help from the inside of wherever he’s jailed,

Etc, etc. the details aren’t the biggest thing in the world and they’re hard to pin down anyway with so many skipable targets.

Oh but actually now that I think of it after talking about it above, it’d be really cool if Machia picked up Toga & Dabi after however their final talks with Uraraka & the Todofam go. Assuming his injury in 385 didn’t kill him; it’d be a nice epic roll for him in this arc.

And yeah, that’s the basic idea all laid out at once. Is it hopeful & optimistic given the villain writing we’ve been getting? Maybe. But it also answers a few nagging questions in the background like what Compess heard from the heroes. And besides, I like being hopeful & optimistic with the villains.

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

[1] I don’t want to repeat myself to much but for goodness sake, the heroes basically won back in 343. You could argue AFO had a chance to win alone until 378/379 when he lost control of Tomura, but that’s gone now. AFO would barley have a chance of winning even if he could a) get OFA, b) get it into Tomura, and c) regain control over Tomura; none of which he seems able to do. Everyone else has been on the backfoot since AFO warped them all into a trap. The war is lost. It’s why I changed my theory to have any break-out occur after the war instead of during. The PLF can do naught but escape; like Kamino or Jaku.

[2] Besides Moonfish, they have to pick up Moonfish.

[3] Man I went into a lot of detail to propose that the villains have the skilled man-power to rescue villain forces that probably aren’t worth rescuing. The aquarium, stadium, & Kamino might barely break 100 villains between them tbh. Whelp, guess that’s just what a self-indulgent theory post is like. It’s where the fun comes from.

[eilinelsghost]

I've been thinking a lot about oaths lately, due in large part to @thelordofgifs' wonderful The Fairest Stars and also my own wrangling with this in Atandil. And this has gotten me once again brainworming about Finrod's oath and why that oath, sworn by that specific character, with that specific relationship to the world around him mattered for the outcome of the whole First Age.

Buckle up and apologies in advance for the length of this, it's one of my absolute favorite topics.

So basically the overarching premise is this: the only Silmaril that is wrested from Morgoth without the Valar's direct intervention (and pivotally that Silmaril is the means by which their subsequent intervention is pleaded for and won) is only acquired because a second oath from the doomed House of Finwë is fulfilled that serves as a counter-balance to the first (and primary) Oath on which that doom hinges.

(Caveat before we move forward: we're talking about the Oaths here and how they and their resulting actions operate within the narrative. None of this is to imply that the sons of Fëanor, for example, do not operate from other motivations in tandem with their oath, or to claim that Finrod is always a representation of the Good. Like most of Tolkien's characters, these are all complex individuals who act outside of this as well.)

Some Oath Analysis

So. To dive in. Oaths by the House of Finwë basically drive the First Age of Middle-earth—and key to this, I believe, is the striking similarity between the structure of these two pivotal oaths and where they diverge within that structure. So let's look at these side by side:

They both move in three parts (color coded below for reference in the text):

1. the action the oath promises 2. the group it is promised to 3. the relation of the swearer to an associated object

1. The Action the Oath Promises

Thus we can see that in Fëanor’s oath, the action promised is pursuit with vengeance and hatred, a pledge of destruction and revenge. While in Finrod’s oath, the action promised is “abiding friendship and aid in every need,” a pledge of love returned and in fact returned exponentially for what was given.

Both are promised actions that escalate far beyond the inciting event: a stolen possession repaid with pursuit to the ends of the earth, and a life once saved repaid with the promise of help in every need to a whole bloodline rather than a one-off return to pay the debt.

2. The Group it is Promised To

Also in both oaths, the group it is directed toward expands far beyond the inciting event to include people/generations who do not exist at the time of the swearing.

In the Oath of Fëanor, the subject moves out from Morgoth who stole the Silmarils to include literally any creature you can imagine who might exist throughout history and have the audacity to come into possession of a Silmaril—even if they merely found one. (Of course one can quibble over the technicalities of what exactly that means and how it is interpreted by the bearers of the Oath, but the way it plays out—especially at Sirion—I think speaks for how it escalated as time and desperation drew on.) This trail of wreckage ends up including entire kingdoms, repeated treachery, multiple kinslayings, and even, in what is arguably its darkest moment, children left to perish in the wilderness.

In Finrod’s oath, the recipient moves from Barahir to include any of Barahir's kin as well. It expands beyond a “you had my back, now I have yours” return to encompass any current and presumably future generations. Furthermore, it isn't aid in any need, it's aid in every need. An immortal being making a promise like that means Finrod was knowingly signing up to be potentially fulfilling this oath repeatedly for thousands of years to a shit ton of ever-multiplying Barahir-descendants—if it hadn’t claimed his life within the first generation.

3. The Associated Object

And finally, you have the contrast between the relation of the swearer to an object involved in the oath:

In the Oath of Fëanor, it’s all about the swearers retaining (or regaining) possession of the valuable item(s) they consider central to their identity. If anyone else holds a Silmaril, it is a direct affront to their power, property, and birthright.

In Finrod’s, he instead takes the item that serves as a visible representation of his identity (the ring his father gave him that signifies his place in the family, his inherited position, and his father’s blessing—the badge of the house of Finarfin) and he gives it away to another.

So in effect, you have an oath of taking going up against an oath of giving and in some way they seem to at least temporarily cancel each other out. Or at any rate, the oath of giving holds the oath of taking at bay as it is being fulfilled, which allows the quest to succeed.

Possession vs Sacrifice

To me, this all comes down to the primary animating power behind each oath: possessive love vs sacrificial love.

Or, to put it another way, it hinges on each oath-swearer's relationship to power and how it's used—a theme we see time and time again in Tolkien's writing.

Fëanor and his sons (by their co-swearing of the Oath) are driven by a desire to be the sole possessors of the "unsullied light, and masters of the bliss and beauty of Arda.” This leads them even so far as to bring in racial supremacy as they add that "no other race shall oust us."

This, of course, is an outgrowth of the whisperings of Melkor regarding the coming of Men: that they would supplant the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar and that the Valar were party to this disinheritance. And this sets them immediately in a posture of suspicion toward any new people(s) they encounter.

Whereas from the moment Finrod discovers the Edain, for example, "love for them stirred in his heart" and he works consistently as a mediator to establish peace and friendship between the various Elven peoples and Men, actions which undergird his oath and bond to Barahir.

Put more succinctly: the oath of Fëanor is undertaken in the pursuit of supremacy and the oath of Finrod is undertaken in the pursuit of relationship.

Both oaths ultimately lead to the swearers losing their realms, treasures, power, freedom, and ultimately their lives. But pivotally, those losses are the costs extracted by the oath of Fëanor while they are losses willingly relinquished by Finrod as he seeks to fulfil his.

This is especially of note as Finrod uses the symbol of his own inheritance as the mark of his oath. He gives his own birthright to the Edain and thus even his familial crest becomes known to history as "the ring of Barahir" rather than the ring of Felagund.

He therefore serves as the antithesis to the racial supremacy of Fëanor's words in Tirion and simultaneously as a model of what was intended for the Elves: to prepare the way for the Secondborn and pass the world on to them freely. Tolkien notes this aspect of the Elves in his letter to Milton Waldman where he discusses the connections between the Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings:

“The doom of the Elves is to be immortal, to love the beauty of the world, to bring it to full flower with their gifts of delicacy and perfection, to last while it lasts, never leaving it even when ‘slain’, but returning – and yet, when the Followers come, to teach them, and make way for them, to ‘fade’ as the Followers grow and absorb the life from which both proceed.”

Letter 131 to Milton Waldman

Again it is that very Tolkienian contrast of taking up power to master something versus laying power down to preserve something. And that, far from being Finrod "swearing a foolish oath" or "throwing away his kingdom because of his pride," is once again that "fool's hope" upon which so much of the estel of Arda is built.

[murfpersonalblog]

Night Island - A Theory (post-IWTV S2 finale); Spoilers for TVA

This is literally just me spitballing; I could be waaaay off. But I was just talking about Armand's character development going forward, especially wrt his relationship with Benji & Sybelle. And it got me thinking of the cancelled(?) Immortals Universe spinoff Night Island--cuz it was supposed to star a boy and a girl, too....

Kip & Maya are art thieves who're tryna rob Night Island, unaware that the joint is run & operated by the Vampire Armand.

In QotD, Armand built Night Island for Daniel, as his paradisaical playpen/prison/psych ward--a la Loumand in Dubai.

I know nothing about the production hell the NI spinoff ended up in, or why it wasn't released. But we do know who wrote NI: Jonathan Ceniceroz--the same writer for 2x5--the "Devil's Minion episode."

So now I'm wondering if the delay was in any way due to lining up the plot of Night Island with Armand & Daniel's character arcs in S2? Cuz they'd have to consider 2 things:

The events in SanFran from 2x5, after Loumand dumped mindwiped Dan in a drug den after the interview. (The spotty timeline potentially leaves avenues open for exploring WTF Armand was up to in the 80s, 90s, & early 2000s, which AMC has not explained yet at all).

The events post-Dubai from 2x8, when Armand finally turns Daniel into a vampire (and ditches him "out of spite"--which tracks with his irregular appearances in & out of Daniel's life in DM/QotD).

And I'm ALSO wondering if Kip & Maya are AMC's take on Benji & Sybelle from TVA. That could be neat, cuz B&S were basically street urchins, and Benji was a little preteen scam artist rapscallion who had to think quick on his feet to look out for himself & Sybelle. Ageing them up into young adult art thieves could be brilliant--having them bust into Night Island, rather than Armand literally falling in their laps, all burnt up after his suicide attempt post-Memnoch.

I've been booing & hissing AMC making Armand a daywalker ever since S1, cuz it totally effs up his character arc walking into the sun after Lestat showed him Veronica's Veil. By making him sunproof, it removes Armand's ability to try committing suicide, and removes B&S's chance to help & befriend him when he's hurt. But it makes great sense to transplant a B&S-like (hopefully not B&S-lite) alternate version in Night Island for Armand to bond with instead. 👀

The gremlin can still give them hell, a la the Dybbuk (demon) Benji always fondly called Armand, and still grow to love & care for them. And ultimately--if Kip & Maya's lives end up in danger cuz of their heist, that might present a window for AMC!Marius to swoop on in and Turn them for Armand, as he does in TVA. 👀 (DO NOT have Armand turning anymore fledglings--Daniel's his ONLY one for a effing reason, AMC!)

And Daniel being a vampire now lines up with Trinity Gate, and how by the end of TVC Armand, Daniel, Marius, Benji & Sybelle were all living together as a family.

Unless I'm way off base and Kip & Maya are just 2 bumbling idiots Armand DGAF about, who're gonna die at the end of the spinoff. 😅

As I said, IDFK, I'm just thinking out loud.

[epalryan]

Essential Steps to Get Your Own Linktre For Gamer

On the active social platform E-Pal, the term "My Playlink" must be quite familiar to everyone. But have you ever wondered why so many users are keen on using Playlink links? What exactly is Playlink? And what are its unique features and uses? This article will analyze all aspects of Playlink in depth to help you decide whether to use this tool and also provide you with valuable suggestions on effectively using it for game social media marketing.

1. What is Playlink?

Playlink is a powerful tool designed specifically for gamers. It can generate personalized and unique links, just like a convenient menu page. Players can carefully select and display a series of links on this page. Nowadays, Playlink can often be seen in the profile descriptions of various social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, etc. When users click on this link, they can access homepages, online stores, other accounts and a wealth of other content.

With the continuous expansion of its user base, Playlink has become an important part of the social media profiles of gamers. Whether it's ordinary gamers or well-known professional e-sports stars, Playlink may appear in their Instagram bios. If you want to guide others to visit your merchandise store, business website, e-commerce page (such as Amazon or CSC), podcast or other social media platforms, Playlink is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

2. How Does Playlink Work?

First, visit E-Pal and sign up for an E-Pal account. This is the first step to start your Playlink journey, and the registration process is simple and convenient. Just fill in the relevant information according to the prompts.

Next, enter your profile page and click on the Playlink tab to start the creation process. At this point, you are about to create your own unique link page.

Then, carefully select and determine the links you want to share with your fans. Playlink will generate a mini-website based on your choices to display these links. You can integrate exciting game-related content, social media account links, etc. here.

Finally, copy the generated custom link and paste it wherever you want, whether it's in the profile of social media or in the messages shared with friends.

If you are still confused, don't worry. Later, we will explain the setup process in more detail.

3. Is Playlink Feasible for Marketing?

If you have a brand image on social media, especially if you are a gamer, content creator or e-commerce store owner, I highly recommend using Playlink as a digital marketing tool. It has the following outstanding features:

(1) Free and User-Friendly

In marketing activities, speed and convenience are of vital importance, and Playlink just meets these two points. The setup process is extremely easy, allowing you to quickly add all your links to a customizable and branded Playlink page. You can include all your social media links, and if you have merchandise or second-hand game-related items for sale, you can also display them on this page.

(2) Showcasing Your Gaming Life

Playlink is not only a social network hub for personal branding but also has unique functions. It can display your rank levels in different games, your gaming achievements and honors, as well as basic information about your gaming life, just like a gaming ID card.

4. Steps for Setting Up Playlink

Go to E-Pal and create a free account. This is the basic operation, just like laying the foundation for building a tall building.

Click on the Playlink tab on your profile page to start the setup process.

Add key information to your account bio so that your fans can have a preliminary understanding of you.

Add as many links as needed to enrich the page content.

Display game-related items or derivative products on Playlink to attract more attention.

Copy the Playlink URL and you can use it directly or share it on social media accounts to start your marketing journey.

5. Tips for Using Playlink Successfully

Regularly check and monitor your Playlink. Frequently review the page to ensure that there are no expired, irrelevant or broken links. Only in this way can you provide users with a good experience and maintain your brand image, allowing Playlink to continue to play a powerful role in your game social media marketing.

6. Perfect Example

AceyChuu | Twitch🌷@E-Pal

E-Pal: your kind teammates, connects high-caliber gamers worldwide, offering you supportive gaming companions anytime, anywhere, ensuring you'll never battle alone!