#illusion superpowers

[the-raptorcat]

Give me the power of illusion ill use it for nothing other than theatrical effects on myself

[sskk-manifesto]

Atsushi's back in the game!!! ۶( ˆ o ˆ )

[angst-is-love-angst-is-life]

well see now I need to know how you were going to angstify the barrisco staring romantically at each others faces before they wake up headcanon lol

Already elaborated here :-D

I can turn anything into angst. Anything.

[mikaelsonwife4life]

Which is cooler?

[4dbeingguide]

there is only one sentence you need to know as a manifestor:

the 3D/physical world isn’t real. only the mind is.

disclaimers:

this is slightly rant-y though i don’t attack you, i uplift you

excuse any grammar errors!

credit to all the artists whose art was used!

let’s get into it.

you do not exist/live in the 3D, you simply perceive your own mind and assumptions in three dimensions. the 3D is an illusion. it isn’t real. the phone you’re reading this on, your surroundings, me writing this post, “other” people, they’re not real.

this will literally answer all the questions you have about LOA. examples include:

“what if what i’m doing won’t make anything manifest in the 3D?” then boo-fucking-hoo? it wouldn’t even matter because that’s not where you live. you’re 4-dimensional. if it’s happened in the 4D, it’s fucking happened! put it in your success story list. rejoice now that it’s happened. because it has! the 3D is NOT real, the 4D is so you should be checking the 4D! think about this question: “what if it doesn’t manifest in the 2D (a world of only length and width)?” i bet you’re like “womp womp? the fuck would that have to do with me? it’s not real and i don’t live there!” give that SAME energy to the 3D. you live in the 4D.

“where is it in the 3D?” why do you care? it’s not where you live. CONSCIOUSNESS is the only reality. you heard me. you shouldn’t give a fuck about whether it will manifest in the 3D or not because the 3D doesn’t determine reality, YOU do. why do you want confirmation from an illusion when you can have confirmation from what’s actually real (the mind)?

“but if i stop caring about whether it’ll manifest in the 3D or not, it might not manifest in the 3D!” first of all, womp womp then? you don’t live in the 3D. second of all, that’s literally impossible unless you directly/intentionally assume that it’s the case. the 3D literally EXISTS as a reflection/limited perception of the mind. it’s LAW that it will come. and the last time i checked, “i don’t care whether it comes or not” and “it won’t come” are different statements. but what i just find so hilarious about this one specific doubt is that you’ve literally just PROVEN your THOUGHTS create the 3D.

“i can’t manifest abc! it goes against the laws of physics/circumstances etc” lemme just get this straight. the MIND is the only reality yet you are lying and saying it has limits based off of 3D “law”? and the 3D is not real meaning the “laws” of the 3D aren’t either? the 3D doesn’t and will never be able to tell the mind what to do. that being said, you can manifest pissing a million bucks, teleporting into a villa in italy or becoming wanda fucking maximoff and developing superpowers. you can manifest hulk hogan flying across the pacific to your door and proposing to you, hell, you can even manifest BECOMING hulk hogan. you can manifest your SPs buying you three million bentleys then making out with you in each of them. you can manifest going back in time. you. can. manifest. ANYTHING. you. can. manifest. anything. you. can. imagine. you’re OMNIPOTENT.

this one is very interesting cause it’s a response to doubts! “if i keep doubting, it won’t show up in the 3D!” the reason your doubts persist is because your mind thinks they actually mean shit and are an issue worth addressing. so what if it doesn’t show up in the 3D? it’s already happened.

“but what if im one of the odd ones out? what if i can’t manifest?” despite the fact that it’s scientific law, the rebuttal for this doubt is very simple. you wouldn’t be alive lmao. being alive is a constant act of the 3D reflecting your mind, that’s literally its only purpose. it’s an inanimate, mindless, limited perception of your mind that instantly conforms to your beliefs. you are CONSTANTLY manifesting. what you’re doing is just learning how to control WHAT you manifest. (just to set the record straight. this doesn’t mean you are to blame for your problems since you didn’t consciously choose them).

“the 3D isn’t showing me what i want!” well it isn’t real lmao? why the fuck would that matter?

one of the WORST beliefs you can have as a manifestor is that the goal of manifesting is changing the 3D. i know you (probably) came in thinking that but i want you to shed that belief. the 3D is not real. the goal is to get it in the 4D, where you live. to fully experience something, all you have to do is change your mind as that’s the the only reality. when you accomplish that goal, rejoice and move on.

this is why i very, VERY heavily dislike the statement that “an assumption persisted in will harden into fact”. no, an assumption IS a fact. only regarding something as real when it manifests in the 3D (which isn’t real) is fallacious.

“thoughts create reality” i bet you’ve heard this before in this community but i don’t like this either for this simple reason: thoughts (that you accept) ARE reality.

my biggest piece of advice to you as a manifestor is this: realize that the 3D doesn’t mean shit.

when you DO get your manifestation in the 3D, it’s perfectly fine to be happy but don’t jump up and down saying “it’s finally happened (in reality)!”. NO. it happened in reality ages ago, the 3D just caught up.

i’m gonna link some really sexy posts that will help you understand this better. most of these are scientific.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NevilleGoddard/s/AmlHe5oipA (the post is up, i don’t understand why tumblr won’t embed it)

if you liked this post, leave a like, reblog, engage, follow, let me know if this helped 🫶😭

[yourebraveandkind]

Let Me Hype You Up 💃🏻

Pick a pile :)

Pile 1

You are soft but not weak. You're the person who feels everything, who notices what others miss, and who turns emotional chaos into inner clarity. With the Princess of Cups, you carry a tender spirit that intuitively knows when to let go and when to flow—and trust me, that's a superpower, not a flaw. Yes, the Ten of Cups reversed says life hasn’t always felt “picture perfect,” but that’s exactly why you’re building your own version of stable joy—real, raw, earned. You don’t chase fairy tales; you write them with grounded hope. And here's the magic twist - with Fortune reversed, you may have faced delays or setbacks, but you have this uncanny ability to flip the script. You’re not just rolling the dice—you’re learning how to rig the game with wisdom, grit, and timing. Now, about that Five of Disks and the phrase “overthinking is your superpower”? Heck yes it is. While others rush in, you strategize. You may spiral sometimes, but those spirals lead to breakthroughs, not breakdowns. You're not falling apart—you’re assembling the blueprint of your future. The Four of Disks reversed + Ten of Swords reversed? That’s your phoenix moment. You're done clinging to what limits you. You’ve already seen what rock bottom looks like, and now you're climbing. You're not scared to release the old and rebirth into someone stronger, softer, and sharper.

Pile 2

You are not here to blend in—you’re here to transcend. With Art (Temperance) reversed, you’ve probably felt out of sync with the world’s timing, like you’re always trying to “balance” conflicting parts of yourself. But guess what? That tension? That friction? It's not a flaw—it’s where your magic brews. You weren’t meant to dilute your essence. You’re here to fuse chaos into creation. The Hierophant shows you hold ancient wisdom—whether you realize it or not. But you don’t just follow the rules—you question them. You remix tradition. You’re the kind of soul who can walk into a structured space and quietly shift the entire energy of the room, simply by being yourself. Now with the Princess of Wands, your inner fire is unmistakable. You crave experience, growth, and meaning. You don’t just dream—you ignite. But that Princess of Swords reversed says sometimes your inner critic whispers doubts when you’re close to your breakthrough. Here's your truth - you don’t need to have all the answers to be powerful—you just need to show up boldly. And yes, the Five of Disks appears here again (as in Pile 1), which means you feel things deeply—especially when you’re misunderstood or left out. But where others see limitation, you see possibility. You transmute lack into longing, and longing into love. And finally, the Ace of Cups—your heart is your compass. You're not just on a path of self-discovery; you're here to pour love into forgotten corners of this world. Every time you’ve been cracked open, something brilliant spilled out.

Pile 3

Pile 3, you are what happens when a romantic grows a backbone of steel. With both the Knight of Cups and Knight of Swords, you are a rare blend of emotion and momentum. You feel deeply and act boldly. You don’t sit around waiting for signs—you become the sign. You say what others are afraid to say. You confess. You fight. You leap. And you’ve had enough. The Nine of Cups reversed says you’ve reached a point where pretending things are “fine” just to keep peace is no longer an option. You’ve outgrown passive comfort. You’re not here to half-live. You want soul-satisfying, spine-tingling, legacy-defining fulfillment—and you’re ready to go get it. The Four of Disks reversed shows that you’ve let go of the illusion of control or security. You're not hoarding energy, playing safe, or waiting for validation. You’ve realized - freedom is worth the risk. The Two of Cups reversed and Eight of Cups make it clear- you’ve walked away from relationships, patterns, or comfort zones that couldn’t meet your depth. That took nerve, and it's proof of your strength. You’d rather be alone with your truth than bonded in a lie. That’s not just powerful—it’s revolutionary. You don’t just wear your heart on your sleeve—you wear your purpose in your stride. You are action in motion, love in rebellion, and purpose personified.

[inotakumagf]

look out for the little guy

✶ jason todd x gn!reader

word count ✺ 6.8k

summary ✺ there are three times you’ve gotten yourself into trouble, and one time that Red Hood is late.

warning ✺ blood, death, murder, corruption, etc etc in a level that is appropriate for Gotham. Jason is in vigilante limbo here. soooo angst heavy, you might hate me. there’s hurt/no comfort & character death so proceed with caution. also Gotham is in NJ i will die on this hill

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Your mother always tells you that your nose will lead you right into trouble. You’ve always been too curious as a kid, and that hasn't changed at all as you got older. It’s worse, even, because you’re a journalist in Gotham of all places. There’s always trouble brewing just under the skin of this city, and the corruption, the evil…it all drives you crazy. Every rich asshole in this city has their teeth dug into some drug ring or money laundering scheme or world-ending villain plot. And it's personal, because one of those rich assholes is the reason why your family fell apart. 

They’d wanted to bulldoze the apartment that you grew up in to turn it into some million dollar project and your mother had been adamant that you stay put. Rich people don’t like taking no for an answer, and they’d made it their mission to tear your family to shreds, like you were ants under their gold-plated boots. No one cared, no one ever stepped in to bring justice to your family, because the corruption ran so deep. It pushed you to journalism, so that you could document and show people the truth. It’s not your fault that the stories you were chasing went from regular corrupt assholes to superpowered and Arkham-worthy ones.

Like the story you're pursuing now, about the uptake in missing person reports across Gotham. The pattern of the kidnappings has been…weird, and—as your contact at GCPD was hesitant to reveal to you—it’s left the detectives stumped. But you’d been studying the disappearances and the victimology, and you think you’ve tracked a lead. Really, it only took a bit of effort—effort that the GCPD can’t bother to spare. Rather than hand this information over to the very incompetent and lazy police department, you’d decided that you were just going to find out what was happening to these people on your own. 

An evident similarity between all of the kidnappings is that each missing person had reportedly last been seen on fairgrounds or in parks, and you’d found similar missing reports out-of-state. In your research you’ve discovered a travelling circus group that had very conveniently travelled and performed at these locations, and it explains the pattern in which these people are going missing. And the circus leads right back to Gotham, because all things do. The Circus of Strange is very illusive on Google, but you’d found one name in association with the group. The owner of the circus, Lazlo Valentin, owns a boarded up beauty parlor right in Gotham, and—against your better judgement—you’re going to do some sleuthing.

You stare up at the sign that’s falling apart, that claims that this building is the Pretty Dolls Parlor. You take an unconscious step back. This building looks like it walked right out of an R. L. Stine book, and you’re starting to regret your “run in now, ask questions later” mentality.

“You look lost.”

You jump, fumbling with the pepper spray in your coat pocket. “Get back, or I swear I’ll…oh. It's you.”

Red Hood is a terrifying sight, and you should be more scared, but he’s kind of reformed? Maybe? It’s shaky territory, but between the creepy building and an anti-hero/vigilante/Bat-associate, you’d prefer to stay on his good side. 

“You sound very excited to see me,” he says in a deadpan. “Is there a reason we’re standing outside Stephen King’s wet dream, orrrr…?”

You straighten your back out. “Actually, I’ve been tracking the missing persons case that the GCPD has been neglecting, and I think it has something to do with this building. Lazlo Valentin…does that name mean anything to you?”

“Might,” he says. “How did you connect him to those missing people?”

You explain your theory to him, and to his credit he listens to your whole spiel, even though you’re totally rambling. When you’re done, you spread your hands out to the still-very-creepy building. “Ta-da! That brought me here. You know what, your timing is actually perfect, ‘cause this place is really freaking me out.”

He huffs and steps forward towards the building. “That’s great. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a deranged scientist to stop.”

He gets up to the entrance before he notices that you’re trailing behind him. “What are you doing?”

You give him a side-eye. “I’m coming with you.”

He turns so that he’s facing you head-on. “Uh, no the fuck you’re not. Look, I don’t know if you’re looking for a thrill or if you think you’re Sherlock Holmes, but you are most definitely not coming with me.”

You frown. “I’m a journalist at the Gazette, and this is my story. Everyone thinks I’m making this up, but if you’re here then that means this is real. I want to help.”

He sighs. “You can help without putting yourself in danger.”

“But I need to know what happened to those people. If I walk away now, I’ll never find out. Please, I’ll be so quiet, you won’t even know I’m with you.”

“Not happening. But,” he says over your sounds of protest, “if you give me your contact information, I’ll give you my report of events. How does that sound?”

You want to argue, but that actually sounds like a good deal. You get your story and you don’t have to go into the creepy building? “Deal. Here.”

You dig through your wallet and pull out one of your business cards. “This is my email. And I swear your source will stay anonymous. Scout’s honor.”

He nods in appreciation and pulls off the wood plank that keeps the door boarded up. “You should head home now. Oh, and before you go…”

“Yeah?” You ask.

“Stay out of trouble.”

You grin and give him a two-fingered salute. “No promises, but I’ll try.”

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You do try to hold yourself to his request. Especially because the report that he’d emailed you had been flawless, and it had gotten you a stand-out story. Terrible for all the people that had been turned into Valentin’s deformed puppets, but at least it got the GCPD to get up and do something. Although it had really been Red Hood that brought him in to Arkham. So, how else do you thank a vigilante that you’ll never see again, other than ensure that you never have to bump into him while following a sketchy lead?

Well. 

You swear you did try. But sometimes...life happens. It’s not like you were trying to get caught in the middle of a robbery.

You were minding your business grabbing some crappy late night “dinner” from your favorite bodega, when some guy decided that this was a great time and place to interrupt your very precious schedule to rob the store at gunpoint. You’re tucked behind in the candy aisle as this is all going on, and you can probably sneak right out the back if you had a pinch of self-preservation. But this is your favorite store on this side of Gotham,, and you'd feel really bad if you just left Angel to fend off the robber by himself when he always turns a blind eye if you're a few cents short.

You sneak up behind the guy as Angel is emptying the register into a pillowcase for him. “So…are you expecting me to roll all these coins? Because it'll take forever if I do. And this has already made my day ten times worse.”

The guy is getting impatient. “I don’t care, just put the money in the damn bag.”

You can hear Angel grumble his complaints as he complies, and that’s the distraction you need to tip toe behind the robber. Once you’re close enough, you jump onto his back. You take advantage of the loose grip he has on the gun to smack it away. It clatters as it lands somewhere near the entrance. The guy turns, trying to knock you off. Aside from getting the gun away from him, you hadn’t really thought this far. He almost knocks you off balance, and you have to tighten your arms around his neck. You kick and bite and scratch where you can, screaming up a storm. 

You and the robber tumble to the ground as he loses his balance, and you roll around so that he’s face down and you’re sitting right in the middle of his back, facing Angel at the counter. He tries to push you off, but you’ve finally pulled out your pepper spray, so you give him a taste of it to placate him. You huff and puff, trying not to look as much of a mess as you feel. Angel is already on the line with 9-1-1, and he shakes his head as you stare up at him. 

“Man, you’re fucking crazy. You sure you’re not one of those circus freaks that are always swingin’ around this city?”

You laugh. “If I was, I think that would have looked a lot cooler.”

The bell rings as the front door is pushed open. You can hear heavy boots stomping your way. 

“Wow. GCPD actually showed up to an emergency, and we didn’t have to wait an hour. Got any lottery tickets for me, Angel?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” a strangely familiar voice says.

You turn your head. Of all the vigilantes to intercept this call on the police radio, it had to be Red Hood. Goodbye to that lottery ticket.

“Oh. Hey,” you try for a casual greeting. Maybe he’s forgotten about you.

“Was I talking to the air when I told you to stay out of trouble? Or are you crazy?” He walks around so that he’s right in front of you. He disarms the robber’s gun and tucks it away in a quick movement. He crosses his arms, and even though you can’t see his face, you know he’s disappointed in you.

“That is not fair, man. I didn’t ask the universe to put me right in the middle of a robbery. Do you think I do this to myself for fun?” You’re still sitting on top of a pepper sprayed robber, so you don’t exactly sound sane right now. 

He extends a hand down to you, and you take it. You let him pull you off the guy, and Red Hood is quick to handcuff his arms behind his back, leaving him on the ground to groan and moan about your roughness. 

You peer up at Red Hood. “Look, I wasn’t just gonna sit back and let him rob the place. Also, he was taking change. Do you know how stupid that is? I really don’t think he was going to do serious damage.”

You don’t wait for his response, grabbing the microwave dinner, the can of Arizona, and a few snacks that you had left on the ground and placing them on the counter for Angel to ring up. You drop a few crumpled bills on the counter to pay, but before you can grab your things and head out, Angel stops you.

“You’re short a dollar seventy-five.”

You look down at the counter and wince. “C’mon, Angel, cut me some slack here. I just saved your ass.”

He snorts. “You call that saving? You looked like a cat getting sprayed with water. Besides, I’m already gonna be on thin ice from this, I don’t need to give my boss any other reason to nag me. Sorry, kid.”

You groan and dig through your bag for some more change. You grin when you find a handful of quarters in a pocket, but a very muscled arm reaches in front of you as Red Hood places a folded 5 dollar bill on the counter.

You open your mouth to thank him, but he grabs the plastic bag that Angel has placed your things in and guides you out of the bodega. 

“It was nice knowing you, kid,” Angel calls out as you leave. Very funny.

“It doesn’t matter if you thought he wasn’t gonna hurt you. You can’t throw yourself into danger based on what you think someone will do. Especially not in Gotham.”

He hands you the plastic bag, and you take it hesitantly. “Isn’t that hypocritical, though? You jump into trouble all the time.”

He shakes his head. “I’m trained, and I know what I’m getting into. You either have a death wish, or you think none of this can touch you.”

“I…,” you trail off, not sure what he wants you to say. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t exactly have a lot of time to wait for the GCPD to do something. I just knew that if I didn’t do anything, it would be my fault if Angel got hurt.”

Red Hood’s shoulders drop, and he lets out a soft sigh. “It’s not your fault when people like that do what they do. Just…don’t put yourself on the line like that. That’s what I’m here for.”

You laugh. “Well, you can’t exactly be everywhere, can you?”

“You never know. C’mon, let me take you home.”

You let out a low whistle. “Woah, how ‘bout you buy me a drink first?”

But you tell him your address anyways, and he walks with you the whole way back. You spare glances at him every now and then, straightening your head forward when he catches your eye.

“So,” you start, unable to stand the silence, “why do you do this? I can’t imagine it pays well to run around in spandex.”

He snorts. “First of all, I don’t wear spandex, I’m not a freak. I’m…I’m not the kind of person you think I am.”

You roll your eyes. “This is where you tell me you’re a dark soul and you hurt everything you touch. I’ve had enough ex-boyfriends, I don’t need that speech from you too.”

“This isn’t a joke. I’m not a good person. I don’t do this because I think I can change Gotham. Everything I do is out of anger and spite.”

You shrug off his words. “Well, yeah, I did report on your…debut as Red Hood. It was pretty fucked up. But I also wrote about your impact on Crime Alley. I’ve interviewed people that live there and in other parts of Gotham that rich assholes won’t go near. Whether you like it or not, people do look up to you. We—they see you as a symbol.”

Red Hood stares at you, shaking his head. “A symbol of what? That murder is always the answer?”

“That we can—should fight back. Maybe not to such extremes, but you’ve shown us that we don’t have to roll over and beg when rich men tell us to. I think that counts for something.”

“I don’t know if you're the best judge of character, trouble. Not if you think there’s any good in me.”

Your face scrunches up. “Trouble?”

He laughs. “That’s what you are. I think it's a fitting name.”

You grumble, but you can’t exactly argue against his point. You get to your apartment building then, and you turn to Red Hood one last time. “Thank you for walking me home. I’ll try not to run into any burning buildings or chase after cats in trees.”

He nods in approval. “That’s a good start. Let me see your phone.”

You comply, and he spends a few minutes on it before handing it back. “I added a number you can reach me at. It's a secure line, but if you share it with anyone I will know.”

“Oh, you like me so much you had to give me your number, huh?”

He rolls his eyes at your teasing tone. “If you think you’re about to do something stupid that I’ll yell at you for, just call or send me a text, and I’ll handle it, okay?”

You blink up at him. His shoulders are tense, and you get the feeling that he’s being very vulnerable right now. “Thank you. I’ll be sure not to abuse it.”

You scurry off into your apartment building, clutching your phone like a lifeline.

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A part of you hopes that you never have to contact him, but this is Gotham and you’re a journalist. Without intending to, you sniff out trouble like a bloodhound. You keep your messages to Red Hood as professional and concise as possible, laying out just the most basic information so that he doesn’t get annoyed with you. And you know he takes everything you say seriously, because you either write or hear about his activities all the time. 

It makes you happy to know that he takes your words and your concerns seriously. You haven’t had a lot of that all your life. 

Over time, your messages to Red Hood allow yourself to get more casual with how you message Red Hood, and as the months go by, you get to know him a bit better. His favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, though Frankenstein is a close second. He grew up in Gotham, and he’s spent almost all his life here. And the most surprising thing you’ve learned is that he likes to cook. You’d learned that accidentally. 

The first time he’d returned to your apartment since your initial meeting, he was injured and he’d hesitantly asked if you could help patch him up. After making sure he wasn’t going to die on you, you were reluctant to say goodbye. You’d just finished making your first actual meal all week, and you invited him to join you. You hadn’t expected him to say yes, but you’re glad he did. Because now, he stops by to make dinner with you every now and then. He still occasionally stops by for the purpose of getting your subpar medical attention, but most of his visits are specifically so that he can hang out with you. Red Hood might deny it, but the two of you are friends now.

You tell yourself that you’re friends, at least, because sometimes you don’t think you can chalk up how you feel about him as platonic. You stare at him far longer than is polite, but he doesn’t ever make fun of you when he catches your eye. And sometimes, he sits or stands so close that you think he might lean a little bit closer, before he realizes your proximity and pulls back.

You never thought you’d ever be close to one of Gotham’s vigilantes, least of all Red Hood. But despite all of his self-loathing, you see the sweetness that he hides under all that gruffness. He cares so much about this city, and it kind of scares you to see how much of his heart is laid out so plainly. To you, his anger and violence are evidence of how much he cares.

It makes you feel more guilty for what you’re about to do. You can’t get his face out of your head as you research and plan your current story.

You’ve heard chatter about something that the power-hungry billionaire Max Shreck is planning. It’s been very tight-lipped, especially to someone like you who is so far removed from what concerns Gotham’s elite. But you’re good at blending into backgrounds unnoticed, and billionaires sure get talkative at all the galas and charity events they attend. It sounds exactly like the kind of scheme that Red Hood would tell you to stay away from. If you bothered to tell him the hole you were digging yourself into. 

You should tell him what you’ve heard—that Shreck is working with the Penguin to drain Gotham dry. You don’t know enough about what they’re planning, but you know it will hurt regular Gothamites the most before it touches the rich parts of this city. And Red Hood would definitely take your concern seriously if you told me. But he would never in a million years let you be involved, and you won’t be able to walk away from this without doing something to help. People like Shreck are the reason why your childhood was so unstable, and you don’t want to stand by and let it happen again. 

Shreck visits the Iceberg Lounge every Thursday evening, and tonight is as perfect an opportunity as ever. Red Hood is busy dealing with an outburst from Condiment King, so you’re not worried about getting caught. 

The queue to get into the Lounge is long, and by the time you get to the front, your shoulders are shaking anxiously. You straighten out when the bouncer gives you a look over.

“Sorry, can’t let you in tonight,” the man says dismissively.

You falter for a moment before putting on your best condescending glare. “You can’t be serious. Do you know who I am? The Valestra family supports your boss quite generously, and I would hate to weaken our ties.”

But the bouncer just shakes his head. “I understand. But there’s business to be taken care of tonight at the Lounge, and we can’t let just anyone in.”

You gasp. “Just anyone? Who do you think you are? This is utterly ridiculous, and I–”

There’s an arm around your shoulder, and it distracts you enough that your entitled rant trails off unfinished. You stare at the man that has joined your side. He looks familiar, and it takes you a moment to realize that this is Thomas Elliot, the head of one of Gotham’s richest families.

“This is my guest for the night,” he says smoothly, pulling you closer to his side and walking through the entrance. He doesn’t even wait for the bouncer to let him in, he just…does what he wants. Is it that easy for people like him?

He gives you a sideways glance and a vicious grin. “You’re a pretty little thing aren’t you? Valestra, you say? Are you one of Salvatore’s pups?”

It takes everything in you not to shrivel at his words. “Third cousin actually. Sal promised me I’d have a grand time at the Lounge, and he said I must try the drinks here. If you’ll excuse me, I want to–”

The hand at your shoulder holds you close. “No need. I’ll get us a table, and the help will bring it to us. Come.”

He all but drags you to a table with velvet-cushioned seats. You curse your terrible luck for leading you right into deep shit, again. You look around for an exit from this ego-inflated idiot, but everyone is so wrapped up in their own worlds. You can see Shreck standing on the mezzanine above, having a very intense discussion with Cobblepot himself. You look away before they can notice you. 

Elliot draps a soft hand over your own as you wait for a waiter to bring over some drinks. “So tell me, dear, do you live in Gotham?

You laugh as obnoxiously as possible. “Oh, please, I wouldn’t be caught dead living in this rat-infested city. No offense, darling. I have a penthouse in Metropolis. I’d much rather be home, but you know how it is with Sal.”

He nods absentmindedly. “Hm, yes. Valestra has always been a sentimental man hasn’t he? I can’t blame you for not wanting to stay in Gotham. It's good land, yes, but as you said the rats make it so hard to enjoy it. Always complaining about their lives as if they haven’t dirtied the streets with their crimes. It’s disgusting, what they’ve done to this city.”

Your fist clenches under the table. Your vision goes white with anger, but you let out a breath to calm yourself down. You try to laugh with him, but it comes out half-hearted. Thank god, your drinks arrive, and you immediately lift the flute to your lips.

Elliot leans forward, running his finger along the rim of his glass of whiskey. “You know, you might actually be able to move back to Gotham soon.”

You smell an opportunity. “Oh? How so?”

He glances up at the pair still talking on the mezzanine. “I shouldn’t tell you, but…Salvatore’s a friend. Shreck’s investing in a pipeline through Gotham. It’ll get us a lot of money. And all those rats?” He chuckles.

He leans in closer, a weird, sultry tone in his voice. “They’ll do what they do best, and scurry far, far away. It’ll be impossible for them to afford even an inch of this city. Gotham will go back to what it was meant to be.”

Your heart thrums. You know that Elliot’s view is very misguided, because this city could never thrive without the working class. And with Arkham so out of control nowadays, landlords couldn’t afford to raise their prices. 

Still, building a pipeline through Gotham is worrisome, especially with all the toxic waste that has already been pumped into this city by the Joker and Scarecrow. The city couldn’t survive another biohazardous disaster. You need to know more if you’re going to tell Red Hood.

“Oh, that’s a relief. So this pipeline…”

You don’t continue, because a large shadow dwarfs your figure. You don’t know if you should be relieved or worried to see Red Hood standing over your table, beefy arms crossed over his chest in intimidation.

“Hood–”

“We’re leaving. Now.” He is pissed. So, worried it is.

Elliot tries to stop him, but he doesn’t stand a chance. Red Hood nudges you out of your seat. Before Elliot can protest, he places a gloved hand between your shoulder blades and guides you through the busy room until you’re out through a side door.

You try to say something, but you can feel his seething look through his mask as he holds a hand up and jerks his head towards his bike. He tosses a helmet to you, and you climb on behind him after securing it to your head. The entire ride is silent, and you know you're in for a lecture. But your mind is still so focused on what Elliot had told you. 

Red Hood lets you brew in your thoughts until he’s led you up into your apartment.

“What,” he seethes, “the hell were you thinking. Scratch that—clearly you weren’t thinking, because you were in the Iceberg Lounge. Are you serious? Is this what you call staying out of trouble?”

You try to calm him. “Hood, come on. I was fine.”

“Fine? The Penguin was there tonight. If he knew you snuck your way in—if he knew why you were there—he wouldn’t have hesitated to kill you. And if I hadn’t been there–” he cuts himself off to shudder out a breath.

“This is my job, Hood. You can’t ask me not to follow a lead like this! The people need to know this, and if I can get it published in the Gazette–”

“No. You’re done. I tried to guide you away, but clearly you’re not going to stop. You will never stop putting yourself in danger.”

“I’m still here, aren’t I? I must be doing okay.”

He stares at you in disbelief. “And how long are you going to be okay when you’re acting like this? Do you know what they’ll do to you if you publish that story? They will find you, and they will tear you apart. I can’t lose you!”

You try to shrug off his confession. “This is my choice, Hood. You do what you do because you want to help people, and this is how I help people. You can't ask me to stop.”

He hesitates for a moment. “You’re right, I can’t ask you to stop. But I can make you, if you’re fired.”

You recoil, like he’d slapped you. “What? You can’t do that.”

He can’t even look you in the eye. “Wayne Enterprise owns the Gazette, and Bruce Wayne happens to owe me a favor. I can. But I don’t want to do that. I’m begging you to drop the story, to stop putting yourself in danger. Or I’ll be forced to make you stop. Please.”

You scoff. “Get out of my apartment.”

He calls out your name softly, taking a step closer to you. 

“Get the fuck out! Or I’ll call the police and tell them you broke in.”

“Thought you said the GCPD is useless.”

“They are, but I’m sure there are a few vigilantes who want to bring you in. You’re still a criminal.”

His hands hover before him, and he clenches his fists tight at your words. You hate to even say something like this to him, but you want him to leave, and this is the only way you can think to make him. 

He walks over to your window, pulling it open in a quick motion. Before he leaves, he turns back to you and says, “Please just tell me you’ll drop the story.”

You turn away from him to hide your tears. “I never want to see you again.”

He doesn’t say anything. When you turn back, the window is sealed shut and he's nowhere to be seen. It's like he was never here.

──────────𝜗𝜚──────────

GOTHAM, NJ — The Martha Foundation raises a startling 3.5 billion dollars at last week’s charity gala. Mr. Bruce Wayne, the Foundation’s primary benefactor, has spoken with the Gazette about where these funds will be invested. Notably, a large portion will be used to repair the Gotham Public Library, which was destroyed in a recent explosion that has left all of Gotham shaken. While authorities have yet to confirm the source of the explosion, rumors indicate that

You groan and backspace the entire paragraph. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Everyone knows who caused the explosion, but you can’t go around accusing people in the paper, not unless you want your head on a stick. Red Hood was right, you just can’t stop looking for trouble, can you? 

The thought of the masked man makes you lean down and press your forehead against your desk. You haven’t seen him since you kicked him out of your apartment, and you can feel the loss of his presence. You can feel the pang in your heart every time you think of him and remember how you ended things. You know you don’t have the right to, because you were the one to push him away. Still, it hurts to think of him, and you want nothing more than to see him again. Maybe you’re petty for not seeking him out, but you can’t bring yourself to call him. Next week, you promise yourself. Next week, you’ll apologize and promise not to do anything stupid ever again. 

When you spare a glance at your computer’s clock, you realize just how late it is. Your work day should have ended an hour ago, but here you are, wrapped in your thoughts. You save the scrap of a story that you’re working on and shut off the dingy computer. You’ll just work on it tomorrow. Or rather, you’ll write and rewrite it a million times over tomorrow. 

The streets of Gotham are strangely empty right now. Sure, people usually stay in when it gets dark earlier, but its especially quiet. It feels like the city is holding its breath as it waits for the ball to drop, and you don’t want to be out when that happens. After living in Gotham all your life, a person gets to know when something is undeniably wrong.

You don’t notice the men following you until you’re a few blocks away from your apartment. You knew, you knew something wasn’t right. And yet here you are, alone in Gotham at night. You ignore the sound of their fast approaching boots, staring straight ahead. But another man is walking in your direction, staring right at you. They pinch you in on either side, forcing you to stop at the lip of an alleyway. You know they’re from the Penguin. You’re sure you’ve been on his radar since Red Hood had to pull you out of the Iceberg Lounge, but also the penguin themed ski-masks kind of give it away. You hope it's not the last thing you see before you die, because that would really suck. 

You weigh your options really quickly. You wonder if you can make a quick escape. But a scan over the men surrounding you makes it clear that there is no way you can take a single step without getting shot in the back of the head.

“Hey, fellas. I’ve had a really long day, so if I could just be on my way–”

They step even closer. The man in front smiles at you with cruelty in his eyes. “Maybe next time you’ll think twice about messing with the Penguin.”

Before you can think, say, or do anything, he shoots you right in the stomach. You gasp involuntarily, as if surprised that a bullet was actually able to hurt you. It's a sharp pain that starts suddenly and then just doesn’t stop. You press your hand to your stomach, flinching at the contact your hand makes with sticky, hot blood. 

One of the men kicks the back of your ankles, sending you down to your knees. You wheeze, staring up as the man in front steps closer. 

He snorts. “Let’s see if your Big Bad Wolf can save you this time.”

You don’t want to just sit here and take this. You want to scream, kick, or curse them to hell and back. But it’s too late. They’re gone, and you’re bleeding out in an alley of Gotham.

Your brain scrambles up enough energy not to give up right away. What had the man said about a wolf? No, not any wolf—your wolf. Your Red Hood. You pull out your phone, trying to ignore how badly your hands shake. You find his contact on autopilot, heart clenching at the contact photo you have set of his brooding mask.

It rings once. You worry for a moment that Red Hood won’t answer, that he’ll ignore you like you did him. But he picks up after the first ring.

“Trouble?” You hate to hear the hope in his voice. You hate that you’re going to rip it away from him again.

“Red,” you say, trying not to choke on your own breath, “I need you. I can’t–”

You squeeze your eyes, trying desperately to block out your fatigue. You don’t want him to notice your pain. But of course he hears it.

“I’m coming. Where are you?”

You try to remember what street you were on, but all sense of logic has slipped your mind. You sob out, “I don’t know.”

“It’s okay, I’ll find you, just hold on for me, okay?” His voice calms you, and you lean back against the wall. You vaguely register that he’s speaking again, but not to you. You can tell, because his voice is now erratic and demanding.

After a moment, his voice returns to its soothing rasp. “Okay, I have your location. I’m only a few minutes away. Can you talk to me? I need to hear your voice.”

You nod, then realize he can’t see you over the phone. “I’m sorry.”

There’s a pause on the other side before he says, “Don’t. Don’t apologize.”

“But you were right, I should have listened to you. I was too stubborn.”

“Then apologize when you see me.”

“I miss you.” The blood loss must really be getting to you, if you’re admitting something like that so easily. But you do miss him. You wasted so much time being stupid, and you regret it so much.

“I’m almost there. Please stop talking like you’re gonna die. You’re going to be fine, you hear me?” He sounds so confident, and you desperately want to believe him.

You press your head back against the brick wall behind you. A light drizzle of rain paints your face, and you shut your eyes and pretend that nothing is wrong and that you’re not scared that Red Hood won’t come.

You don’t wait long, and it feels like only a second before a gloved hand is cupping your cheek. Your eyes flutter open, and you stare into familiar, blank eyes. Red Hood is crouched down in front of you, staring right at the hole in your stomach.

You cough, which only causes you to hack up more blood. You wince as it splatters all over Red Hood’s mask.

“S-sorry,” you gasp out. You reach a shaky hand out to wipe away the blood, but you’d forgotten the small fact that your blood is already stained on your hand. You end up spreading more blood over his mask. It makes you want to cry. “Fuck. ‘M sorry.”

You pull your hand away so that you don’t make even more of a mess, but Red Hood grasps your hand in his, keeping your palm pressed against his cheek.

“Don’t you dare apologize, trouble. EMS is en route, can you just keep your eyes on me?”

You shudder out a breath, but do your best to nod. “Please don’t leave. Don’t wanna die alone.”

You can feel his grip tighten. “You’re not going to die, I’m not gonna let that happen.”

The fervor in his voice makes you smile. “You’re my favorite person, Red.”

He dips his head low for a moment. Then, he does something you never thought you’d see. He unclasps his half-mask and lays it beside him. Next goes his domino mask. You study his face, brows furrowing at the pain in his eyes.

“My name is Jason,” he says softly, and the sound of his voice without the modular voice-changer makes you shiver. How you have the time to be lovesick as you’re bleeding out, you’ll never understand.

“Jason,” you repeat, trying the name on your tongue. “Thank you. I’ll take your secret to the grave.”

Your eyes crinkle at your own terribly-timed joke, but you regret it when his face falls apart in anguish. It is worse, to be able to see him laid out before you like this.

He shudders a breath and leans forward, pressing his forehead against yours. “I’m so sorry.”

You run your palm over his smooth cheek, brushing your fingers against an oddly shaped scar that cuts into his lips. “It’s not your fault, Jason. You were right. There’s so much in my life that I wish I could change. But meeting you? I wouldn’t change that, even if it kills me. You are–”

You cough weakly. You’re so tired, and your body is begging you to shut down, to give up. But Jason asked you to stay focused on him, and you don’t want to take your eyes away from him. “You are the best thing that has happened to me.”

Tears flood your eyes. The thought of leaving Jason all alone makes your heart clench.

“Hey, sweetheart, look at me, okay?”

Your eyes readjust, finding his face back in your view. You hadn’t even noticed that your head had dropped. You feel the fight in your body drain. Your hand flails out in desperation. “Jay–”

He takes your hand in his carefully. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

When you don’t respond, he cups your cheek in his strong hand. “C’mon, talk to me. What was that book you were telling me about last month?”

He searches your eyes desperately. Your face has gone blank, and your eyes have glazed over.

“No. Sweetheart, please look at me. Please.”

He cradles your face between both of his hands before pulling you into his chest. He sobs without caring if anyone will see him like this, on his knees and hunched over your limp body. He mutters apologies into your hair, running a careful hand over your back. 

He can hear his earpiece crackle to life, and Babs starts speaking on the other line. “Red Hood? EMS is nearing your location now.”

He lays you gently against the concrete, making sure the back of your head doesn’t hit the ground harshly. He stands and retrieves his domino and half-mask shakily, making sure they’re secure before addressing Babs. “Oracle,” he gasps out. “Tell EMS it's a 10-45D. The coroner…the coroner needs to be here.”

Her keyboard stops clacking. “Ja–Red Hood? Are you…should I call in Nightwing? I’m going to–”

Jason turns his comm off. He knows she means well, but Jason cannot listen to her right now. He doesn't want anyone to see or speak to him. He just wants you. He kicks a discarded bottle of booze further down the alley, causing a pack of rats to scurry away. He screams into the air. He doesn’t care that it won’t achieve anything. 

Jason sinks to his knees beside your body. “I told you to stay out of trouble,” he says weakly.

There’s no comeback from you this time.

──────────𝜗𝜚──────────

[eeriesilkworm]

Something Happened to Will in the Bathroom: and it parallels The Massacre at Hawkins Lab

CW: Implications of child abuse or possible CSA (non-explicit)

Will is a subversion of feminine horror tropes:

The Kidnapped Woman/ Damsel in distress

The Haunted Heroine

The Possessed Woman

The bathroom (in horror) is a liminal space to express exposure, transformation, vulnerability, terror and violence—especially for women.

Will has the most scenes of any character in Stranger Things which take place in a bathroom (Nancy is second).

Will's bathroom scenes are always associated with fear

Scene 1) Will + bathroom = scary Upside Down flashback

Joyce expresses concern and Will is dismissive (he lies).

Scene 2) Will + bathroom = The sense that something is wrong.

Scene 3) Will + bathroom = Joyce expresses concern (fear) and Will is dismissive again.

Scene 4) Will + bathroom + evil + "I'm not gonna hurt you" = fear

Scene 5) Will + bathroom + exposure = fear

Secrets and privacy

After Will is possessed by the Mind Flayer, Joyce expresses concern and Will is dismissive (lies) again.

Password = "Don't enter without my permission."

Mike: "Bathrooms are private."

Friends don't lie.

Mike: "Friends tell each other things that parents don't know."

Grooming

El is groomed by both Dr Brenner (Papa) and Henry.

Threat + coercion = a key + secret agreement

"Do exactly as I say."

Hopper: "He had a key, right?"

Joyce: "You think I don't know what goes on under my own roof?"

Secret meeting = "Be quiet." + "It's going to be a bit scary."

"If he finds me, he will find you." = "If I get in trouble, you get in trouble."

(Threat + coercion).

Manipulation + coercion = compliance

The illusion of choice: "This was your choice."

El complies with Henry's wish—but was manipulated into thinking it was her own idea.

El gets the sense that something is wrong (in a tiled room...)

Walkie talkie = communication

Friends don't lie + Friends tell each other things that parents don't know

Mike: "Bathrooms are private."

Confirmation and affirmation that something is wrong.

Henry's hair and appearance changes = "I see you differently now."

The abuser's true colors are known.

"You tricked me." = "He made me do it."

Resistance

El fights back and succeeds (she has superpowers)

Will tries.

1979—The first gate is opened

The doorway (gate) is opened by a key which emits energy.

Gate = wound: opening vs healing

Psychological wound = trauma

Memories are lost but the trauma is still there.

1983—The second gate is opened

El attempts to make contact with Henry (Dr Brenner's orders)

Will has a lightbulb moment (realization, recognition, illumination).

1984—Will is diagnosed with PTSD

Will's reaction when he encounters the Mind Flayer:

Anxiety—goosebumps and the feeling of being “frozen” in fear

The inability to “breathe or talk or do anything”

A sense of evil and impending doom: "I felt this evil, like it was looking at me.”

“Looking at me” = exposure + invasion of privacy.

Will reveals the Mind Flayer does not want to kill him—it wants to kill everyone else.

Henry did not want to kill El—he wanted to kill everyone else.

Homophobia and victim-blaming

Ted: "You see what happens?" = victim-blaming mentality

What happens = "He was probably killed by some other queer."

Lonnie = used to say Will was queer

Lonnie: "That boy was never very good at taking care of himself." = victim-blaming mentality

The implication? This is just what happens when you are queer, and Will should have defended himself better.

El was blamed too (despite being a victim)

"What have you done?" = what she was coerced into doing by an abuser.

The blame is internalized

Will = feels like a mistake. El = feels like a monster.

El's powers alone were not enough to make her feel like a monster:

It's her fragmented memories of the Hawkins Lab massacre (and internalized blame) that made her feel that way.

Is Will's queerness alone enough to make him feel like a mistake? I don't think so, actually:

It's his fragmented memories of the bathroom (and internalized homophobia and blame) that make him feel that way.

1987—The gates will close

The story isn't over until the gate (wound) is closed (healed).

In 1987, Henry/ Vecna and the Mind Flayer will be confronted and defeated.

And when that happens, El and Will will finally have the chance to heal.

Henry abused and killed children. El is going to protect and save them.

(She will not become the monster he is).

Lonnie blamed Will’s abuse on his queerness. Will is going to save Hawkins—with his love for Mike.

(His queerness is not a mistake).

[cjskribblez]

So me and @rev-pirate cooked up a RWBY au...

We have SO much for it already but essentially we looked at divorce quartet, said: is anyone gonna make them worse?" And then didn't wait for an answer

Quick synopsis- (and if you have no idea what rwby is, the main things you need to know is weapons have multiple forms, semblances are basically their superpowers, dust is a magical sunstance that can be used to enhance weapons, and they all go to this university and get put in teams of 4 to learn how to fight monsters called Grimm.)

-Martyn-

Nobody expected Martyn to be the leader, least of all him. He doesn't see what the headmaster does, and he won't until it's much too late for his team.

Weapon: electric guitar/axe

Semblance: Attacks are stronger when landed to the beat of music. The longer the combo, the higher the strength (He has trouble keeping rhythm without listening to music, which is why he always has his headphones near.) (Yeah just think hifi rush we hit him with Chai beams)

-Cleo-

The de-facto leader after Martyn decides team J.T.R.B are much funner to hang out with, Cleo is forced to attempt to keep a collapsing team from breaking apart. At least before graduation.

Weapon: staff/nunchucks/twin SMGs

Semblance: They can create decoys of themselves or other living things anywhere in sight. Now usually these would be illusions. But in combination with something called Dust in this universe they can be made solid. Which works really well in conjunction with Martyn's semblance. In that if given the opportunity they can make decoys that Martyn can hit to not break his combo between enemies. or to build a combo before going in for the strike for higher damage off the bat. Unfortunately for them. This team is doomed

-Scott-

As the heir of Aeor dust company, the leading supplier of the world's dust, graduating from a huntsman academy should have been one of the easiest tasks to accomplish. Little did he know...

Weapon: wooden longbow with dust enhanced arrows/staff

Semblance: glyphs (yeah he's basically Weiss LOL) The magic glyphs can spoil different things when infused with dust, like a speed or jump boost, and summon avatars of previously defeated Grimm out of dust.

-Pearl-

Pearl thought the worst thing that could happen was her classmates finding out she's secretly apart of the white fang. Turns out she hadn't planned to be grouped up with the heir of the white fangs biggest enemy.

Weapon: scythe/twin sickles/boomerang

Semblance: Anti-gravity. She can levitate any nonliving thing she's touched and control it. Used with gravity dust enhances this, allowing for her to control her weapons without needing to touch them. (As she grows stronger, she'll be able to control more things)

ALSO THIS POST IS SUPER LONG ALREADY SO have some weapon doodles as a treat, next team post soon

[venussaidso]

Ketu Dominant Themes — 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 (part 2) 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟑

note: some of you may recall part 2 of my ketu dominant themes post series, which i deleted due to some doubts about my findings. however, i’ve decided to remake it, so here we are. initially, this was meant to be a short post about ashwini and mula as a pairing, but it turned into something else, as i realized i still had more to say. there will be spoilers for some movies/tv shows ahead.

warnings: mentions of murder.

As mentioned before in my other posts, Ketu is known for severance and detachment, which typically applies in a spiritual sense. Ketu is the headless body, and it is associated with the dissolution of identity and disconnection from the physical world.

The fictional trope of being born artificially, which I've seen Ketu-ruled nakshatra natives be casted in, perfectly ties into this.

The detachment from the natural roots, such as having biological parents or a human upbringing, creates a sense of alienation and lack of belonging — causing confusion of one's identity and spiritual roots. This concept can also extend to Rahu, as you'll see Rahu-ruled nakshatras in this genre of film as well.

The nodes can give themes of existential crisis and uncertainty, as one can grapple with what is real to them or not. But the quintessential themes of Ketu involve confronting the void, as questions of if these artificial beings possess souls or not are often raised, as these characters can feel incomplete or hollow, connecting to Ketu’s elusive nature.

So a clone or humanoid might wrestle with their artificiality, in search for individuality, often questioning whether their emotions, memories, or humanity are even genuine — which is perfectly illustrated in the film They Cloned Tyrone, which I strongly recommend onto your watchlist. That film explores disillusionment, forcing confrontations with reality and dehumanization.

Ketu's purpose is to guide individuals toward spiritual growth and self-realization, so a humanoid transcending their artificiality or programming falls well into that, and the film They Cloned Tyrone wonderfully shows this. Even Mula ASC Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier, though human, transcends his extreme programming to rediscover his humanity and find purpose to live.

So, as Ketu is associated with dissolution, this can relate to the stripping of one's humanity and identity, as seen with the character Bucky Barnes transitioning into the Winter Soldier. The process of separating from the material, physical, or ego — to the point of dissociation — often involves extreme levels of torture and disturbance to the mind. Because human experiments essentially push all physical and psychological limits until uncharted territory is delved into. Ketu as a whole governs hidden, mysterious realms. This concept is deeply explored through human experimentation, as it involves dehumanization and, in some storylines, is meant for the subject to be torn through down to their essence, so that a new level of consciousness arises — often in the form of superpowers, as seen with the characters Homelander and Kilgrave, both played by Magha Ascendant natives. Ketu nakshatras are tied to destruction, rebirth, and exploring uncharted territories, after all.

Now, moving on from this, there are some negative archetypes due to the void-like effect of this shadow planet, which will involve the material plane more than the spiritual, but it is in alignment with the detachment from the world as a whole — leading to illusions and even obsession. Again, Ketu is illusory in nature.

Detachment from the world often signifies ignorance, and Ketu, being Tamasic, is said to be of darkness and ignorance. The Narcissus archetype reflects this in a deeper focus, especially through the character Dorian Gray.

Narcissus, the Greek mythological figure, forever gazes into his reflection, isolated from the outside world. This captures the inward-turning energy of Ketu, where one becomes consumed by inner processes, often leading to isolation.

The disconnection from reality, the lack of depth, and self-absorption is interestingly aligned with Ketu. As I've already touched on the Ketu influence on Dorian Gray, I have been fortunate enough to find more examples from @/encbeau on Twitter regarding this archetype.

Magha Sun Ben Barnes, Mula Sun Stuart Townsend and Ashwini Sun Reeve Carney have played Dorian Gray, a character who lives to absorb worldly things and people.

He is known for pulling people in with the promise of depth, but he is fundamentally empty. This character is the literary archetype of Narcissus, being deeply obsessed with his beauty and consumed by his self-image, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus is a very handsome hunter who becomes enamored with his reflection in the water. Falling in love with himself, he tries to grasp his reflection in the water, but he can't, much to his dismay. He dies by the pool of water, where he's been actively consuming and taking in the image of himself. Narcissus dies ultimately unfulfilled by his reflection, symbolizing Ketu's eternal void.

Ketu natives can naturally exude a level of mystery and elusiveness, which is signified by the beauty of these Narcissus-type characters, as pretty privilege is known to have an illusory effect on the minds of people and society. These characters of the Narcissus archetype reveal an underlying chaos or hollowness concealed by their magnetism.

Another endearing character that initially appears as Narcissus is Fiyero Tigelaar from the film Wicked, portrayed by Ashwini Sun native Jonathan Bailey. At first, he is perceived as a self-absorbed moron who is concerned with his self-image. Although the audience soon comes to understand that he uses his charm and charisma to attract others and pull in energy. (++ The animation character Bojack Horseman, voiced by Ashwini Moon Will Arnett, is known as narcissistic).

Narcissus represents self-love and an inability to form loving relationships with others, which perfectly ties into Ketu nakshatras being found in golddigger tropes, in which these characters purposely marry for money and not love, and how such stereotypical natives find themselves in transactional relationships to fulfill their needs. Narcissists often find it difficult to love someone else, as they already struggle to love themselves enough; they don't view their partners as an individual, but more of a person to fulfill their needs. This is why narcissists are often drawn to other narcissists.

For example, both Cameron and Daphne from the series The White Lotus exhibit narcissistic tendencies, operating as self-serving within their marriage. They are different from Evelyn and Patrick in American Psycho, who don't love each other nor seem to care about each other as people, which is expected of this archetype dating itself.

Daphne is typically Ashwini, as she portrays herself as more outwardly vibrant and pleasant. While Cameron, being Mula, is overtly narcissistic. Ashwini natives in the media can be much more performative and concealing of their hollowness, as seen with Daphne. I love the interpretation that these two characters are essentially similar to one another, even though the audience has a softer spot for Daphne due to this nakshatra's charming and innocent energy. Cameron and Daphne literally fell in love with each other because they are the same person. As I said before, Ketu-Ketu can be a dynamic filled with power games. They're both definitely vampiric towards each other, but in some messed up way, that's what makes their marriage [Cameron & Daphne's] work.

Much like I've seen the same nakshatra lord pairing between Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashada, I am starting to see Mula with Ashwini as a pattern. To understand why they'd be drawn to one another beyond their mutual Ketu influence, I'd have to understand their fundamental nature and what their interactions signify.

Ashwini has to be one of the most reckless nakshatras, if not the most. First of all, this constellation cannot remain in stagnancy, otherwise it loses all of its potential. Its purpose is to individuate as a person, similarly to Jyestha nakshatra. Ashwini possesses prana energy, making it very self-powered and independent. Movement is constant, whether in thoughts or with the body. This can cause extreme impulsive actions or mental disturbances, but it all connects to the power of this nakshatra.

Ashwini has the power to reach things quickly, or quickly attain one's objectives, possessing Shidhravyapani Shakti. Practicing meditation or pranayama is important for natives under Ashwini influence. It is a Kshipra nakshatra, making it swift, in addition to it being the Star of Transport. Their movement and attainments in the material world can be inhumanly fast and debilitating for natives. Ketu is extremely magnetizing, constantly pulling in energy and heat. Co-ruling this nakshatra, which is in a Mars rashi, makes it incredibly sensitive. Late-blooming nakshatras are actually blessings, as one can handle their attainments and experiences better with age. Ashwini is not a late-blooming nakshatra, in fact, it can make natives experience events too early for their mental capacity.

The series Girlboss is based on the American businesswoman, Ashwini Sun Sophia Amoruso, who is played by Ashwini Sun Britt Robertson. Sophia is portrayed as impulsive and reckless, unable to keep a job due to her Ashwini influence. Her ungroundedness is why everybody underestimates her, which makes her feel isolated, forcing her to figure out her own individualism.

Fast as lightning, it all starts to click for her. As Ashwini brings in speed and clarity. The series makes it known that everything around her is all happening too fast, as she suddenly stumbles into creating an online business and has to learn how to be a boss. She is extremely intelligent, as well, which is why she's a quick-learner and is very resourceful. Ashwini falls in the merchant caste, making it good for business and quick decision-making. This nakshatra never slows down, so branching out through many endeavours is a theme here. There is an ability to embody a new identity anytime, as these natives can be initiators.

This has to be one of the nakshatras that get things done. Known for its vibrancy, Ashwini influence can give one a pioneering spirit and a drive for innovation, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs exploring new ventures. This nakshatra embodies the "Pioneer's Path," symbolized by the head of a horse which signifies initiation, swiftness, and drive. It is commonly said, by Vedic astrologers, that those seeking an auspicious nakshatra for business success or building one's own empire, Ashwini nakshatra will stand out. It is ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras, who are known to make a success of their own through efforts and relentlessness, despite all obstacles and resistance by Lord Indra. It is said by astrologers that there is exceptional growth and adaptability in businesses launched under Ashwini influence. Individuals born under this star have a natural inclination towards leadership, which contributes to the potential of being successful business pioneers. For example, Ashwini native Hailey Bieber is the driving force of Rhode’s success. She already gained recognition for her skincare routines on social media, which led to her launching her brand.

Her going from being an influencer and supermodel into being a savvy entrepreneur shows how much this nakshatra can make one go where the wind takes them, so long as the native themselves are resourceful and intelligent enough to make something long-lasting, which is the challenge here. Unlike Mula nakshatra, Ashwini doesn't necessarily dig itself deep into something, already unable to operate within stagnancy. Its shakiness can be problematic, causing some confusion in the native's life.

Ashwini native Selena Gomez has reflected on the toll of growing up in the spotlight, dealing with intense fame too early and the pressures in meeting expectations of the industry and society. Eventually, she ventured into the beauty industry, wanting to promote individuality and self-expression through her launched brand called Rare Beauty.

This makes her an actress, singer, businesswoman, philanthropist and producer; having achieved many titles since a young age (very similar to Ashwini Moon Zendaya, who is already known for many ventures). Of course, this came with a cost. Again, Ashwini energy is severely swift, and we see how this manifested to many problems in her mind and body. I believe her Saturn nakshatra placements (Pushya ASC, Pushya Sun) helped her sustain her career and fame, as Ashwini can cause serious burnouts, and the Ketu influence could drain away everything that was worked for. In general, the fire rashis provide passion for fuel, and this nakshatra is generally said to make one overconfident, or even overly ambitious, sometimes giving the naivety of a child. It's the one Ketu nakshatra which is the least grounded, which is interesting, as I found it to be the least paired up with Jupiter nakshatras compared to the rest of the Ketu nakshatras.

Double Ashwini native, Frank Williams, is another example of Ashwini granting one the ability to venture into many things. He had a passion for car racing, which led to him being a team owner. Due to his spinal injury from a car crash, he could no longer race anymore. But his passion is what drove him, as he carried on in the scene. Fire signs are very, very relentless.

He was a racing driver, a motorsport executive, then a businessman; said to be one of the greatest Formula 1 team owners in history.

The detachment that Ketu causes on this fire sign can manifest a detached mind, helping one free from overthinking and emotional entanglement, as Ashwini overall possesses an extreme level of concentration. Swift movement and pure instinct are Ashwini's most valuable traits, as clarity and impulse arise through detachment. Attachment often fuels stagnancy, where the intellect overrides natural impulses. While a detached mind bypasses this, allowing instinct — a deeper, primal form of intelligence — to guide actions, which is typically Ashwini at its best potential.

This explains why Serena Willaims has her Ascendant in Ashwini, and her sister, Venus Williams, has her Moon in Magha, a trine nakshatra.

Serena Williams is a prime example of Ashwini influencing detachment and instinct on the field. She had an ability to operate at such an extraordinary level which came from a combination of physical prowess, quickness, mental clarity, and a deeply intuitive connection to the game. From this physical prowess alone, it is stated that the people born under this constellation will have a huge ability to work as strong and brave men, irrespective of the individual's sex. Ashwini nakshatra embodies the power, stamina and strength of a horse.

The film Challengers (2024), starring Ashwini Moon Zendaya who plays a tennis prodigy, is said to take inspiration from Ashwini ASC Serena Williams and Ashwini Moon Naomi Osaka’s controversial 2018 US Open final.

Beth Harmon from The Queen's Gambit definitely embodies many of these Ashwini qualities. Her detachment and her fixed concentration allow her to navigate the chessboard with clarity and instinct, operating on a purely intuitive level.

The number one chess player in the world right now is Ashwini native Magnus Carlsen.

Beth Harmon's ability to tune everything out, to rely on her instinct and follow the flow of the game defines Ketu's intelligence. Validating my own theory that Ketu natives can be the "laid-back genius", the indifferent underestimated fool who goes with the flow. Such as Shikamaru Nara from Naruto, voiced by Magha Sun native Tom Gibis.

Alex Russo is another example of this lazy genius archetype. Her grades are terrible, as she lacks motivation, and she uses magic on impulse when she knows she's not supposed to. Despite all of this, she is actually very intelligent and clever. She just simply doesn't care to prove herself as anything to anyone.

Now, Mula carries a far more serious energy. This nakshatra has themes of uprooting and destruction, possessing a raw depth akin to the void. It deals with diving into the pits as it functions as a force of growth, while Ashwini deals with themes of vitality and confrontation. But Ashwini is more avoidant compared to Mula, much more resistant to the void as it wants to operate outwardly. The film Thoroughbreds is a beautiful illustration of this duo.

Mula Sun Olivia Cooke’s portrayal of Amanda perfectly encapsulates this nakshatra's ability to strip away illusions and reflect raw truths — again, uprooting and forcing growth & alignment. Due to her sociopathy, she is detached from humanity overall and has been coping through life by mimicking the emotions and actions of others – although she usually fails to pull through to that.

Claire Nakti talked about Mula's ability to peer through and see whose roots are aligned with their purpose or not, being the one nakshatra that sees beyond appearances the most. Amanda can read through people, as she's spent years studying human behaviour to disguise herself; but her energy feels more intrusive than understanding. Her stark honesty and emotional detachment unsettle Lily, who is played by Ashwini Sun Anya Taylor-Joy. Lily is avoidant compared to Amanda; her performative tendencies lining up with the outwardly vibrant, flighty nature of Ashwini.

The Mula native's uncompromising authenticity and piercing nature is a grounding catalyst to Lily reevaluating her lack of identity, as she has no idea who she is beneath her facade. Lily is quite similar to the character Patrick Bateman from American Psycho in this way, who is portrayed by Ashwini Moon native Christian Bale. Fans also speculate Lily to possibly being a psychopath, which would be fitting considering the way the film ends. This Mula-Ashwini killer duo reminded me of the real-life case of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, a gruesome serial killer pair who also both have their Moons in Ashwini nakshatra.

According to Claire Nakti's Serial Killers Research Study, Moon in Ashwini was the highest placement of all. And Ketu as a nakshatra lord was the highest, which makes sense as Ketu is a Tamasic entity. A tamasic person is said to be dissatisfied, materialistic and internally empty, which supports the Ketu consuming stereotype — even the Narcissus archetype which I touched on. Under Tamas, people can be the cruelest and controlling of others. Ashwini nakshatra, possessing the purest energy of any nakshatra, being the life force, makes it explosive and active in the first place. This makes it suitable for sports, dancing, exercise, car racing and other impulsive activities. Such as murder.

In the series Penny Dreadful, Ashwini Moon Eva Green plays Vanessa Ives who becomes entangled with Dracula, played by the Mula Moon native Christian Camargo. Dracula is rooted in darkness and immortality, representing total power and destruction. This Tamasic nature of Mula is seen in his desire to possess and control her, reflecting Mula's ability to unravel and dominate.

Ashwini Moon Eva Green as Vanessa Ives and Mula Moon Christian Camargo as Dr. Alexander Sweet/Count Dracula in Penny Dreadful.

Vanessa Ives, who, despite her struggles with darkness, is representative of vitality. She is unyielding against forces that try to control her, as Ashwini is the wild horse that means to remain untamed, signifying total freedom. Dracula is drawn to her purity and the fact that she is wild and misunderstood herself, which parallels his hobby of collecting creatures of darkness (as a zoologist). This is a primary theme of this pair, in fact.

Her Ashwini energy is what ultimately resists his consuming nature, making this pair only work in equal power. I have made an observation of the Aries rashi being resistant to exploitative relationships, as they often pair with those of their equal footing.

In the Chinese drama My Journey to You, Gong Shangjue is portrayed by Mula Sun Cheng Lei, who relentlessly peers into the intentions of others, much like the character Amanda in Thoroughbreds. On the other hand, Shangguan Qian, played by Ashwini Moon Lu Yuxiao, has the ability to cloak her dark intentions with a disguise of innocence, vibrance and helpfulness in order to prey on his vulnerability.

She cleverly navigates this man's piercing gaze, creating a dynamic where her fluidity & quick wit keeps her one step ahead. The flighty nature of Ashwini is perfectly portrayed in this relationship, and so is the penetrative nature of Mula. Their dynamic is like a dance between illusion and truth, pretense and perception, a general Ketu theme which has been touched on deeper in Claire Nakti's scammer/con-artist exploration.

Despite their Ketu foundation, Ashwini and Mula are quite opposite, and they can very well balance each other out if one has both in their chart.

There can be an interplay of spontaneity and depth. Mula, being often stagnant, is able to slow down the capricious Ashwini; although the intensity and heaviness of Mula may suffocate Ashwini who is more optimistic and lighter in nature. But because of this contrast and their obvious similarities, it isn't surprising to see this pairing frequently.

Them being opposites, in their own way, can push for growth and balance. Mula is ying and Ashwini is yang, after all, but whether they are compatible or not is really another thing.

But due to their nodal influence, it can likely make a dysfunctional dynamic, especially if the natives aren't evolved or if there's a lack of a strong sense of identity, making the relationships possibly consuming and toxic. But, ultimately, Mula can be attracted to Ashwini's ungrounded, wild side; as they may feel stiffness within their own reality to some extent. While Ashwini may be attracted to Mula's ability to be stubbornly rooted and penetrative.

Examples of medias about demonic possession, which generally have Ketu nakshatra influence, include: Ashwini ASC Linda Blair who plays a young child possessed by a demon in 1973's The Exorcist. Magha Moon Patrick Wilson's character becomes possessed in Insidious: Chapter 2 when he goes into the spirit realm. The film The Possession (1981) is directed by Magha Moon & Mula ASC native Andrzej Zulawski. A little girl becomes possessed by an evil spirit in Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016), and she is played by Mula Moon Lulu Wilson.

In the film Raggedy Man (1981), Mula Sun Sissy Spacek's character lives in stagnancy. It is not until Teddy, played by Ashwini Sun Eric Roberts, offers her companionship and escapism from her inertia and struggles. Their budding romance is a bright spot in her challenging life, but as Teddy is of Ashwini influence, his presence in her life is fleeting — as though he is just passing by.

Ashwini, being ruled by Mars as well, deals with severance the most, having the ability to pull one out of darkness and cause healing, but its energy is as extremely vital as it is fleeting.

Generally, this pairing is not at all uncommon. Their individual functions are unique and can intertwine in their own way. Ashwini can be very romantic and childlike, while Mula is sterner and more ordered. In fact, amongst the three Ketu nakshatras, Mula can exhibit OCD-tendencies the most.

Mula is associated with tearing things apart and rebuilding them, and it being symbolized by a bunch of roots indicates a desire to bind or control. This energy could manifest into a relentless pursuit of "fixing" or understanding everything.

[His name is Roi, not Rio].

In this series Money Heist: Berlin, Ashwini Moon Begoña Varganative's character, Cameron, is revealed to have naively fallen in love with a rockstar years older than her. Her devastating heartbreak led to her getting mentally institutionalized. Ashwini influence may have prominent connections to lovesickness, as seen in Romeo & Juliet, which I had briefly touched on in my "Nodal Dominant Themes — 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 (part 1) 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟓" post, validating its naive yet obsessive tendencies. But it's interesting that due to her fear of relapsing, she also embodies Ashwini's flighty, severing trait.

When Cameron is introduced into the heist team, they [Roi & Cameron] immediately feel drawn to each other. Their dynamic is established as two people who are fundamentally the same, their curiosity of each other creating an interesting dance of sorts. Roi is very disciplined and in control of his impulses — much like the Mula vegetarian vampire archetype, which supports the immense self-restraint that can be achieved through this nakshatra. He was once a delinquent as well, so him meeting Cameron represents a certain danger to his long-built system of self-restraint and security. Cameron, being Ashwini, is very impulsive and reckless; encouraging chaos and freedom. She ultimately pulls Roi out of his stagnancy and inspires him into wild, spontaneity – teasing his so-called slumbering inner-beast to wake. Her character proves to be even more typically Ashwini as she has an affinity for racing, speed and lives for adrenaline. Much like in the film Oscar & Lucinda, which also has an Ashwini-Mula romantic duo, Roi and Cameron ultimately connect through their Ketu impulses.

Understanding the power of each nakshatra tells us how they'd interact with one another, and how frequent some nakshatras attract each other through natives. For example, Purva Ashada possesses the Varchagrahan Shakti, which is the power to energize, while Purva Phalguni possesses Prajanana Shakti, which is the power to procreate. Together, a dynamic is formed where one represents energy and momentum, and the other represents creation and fruition — and it helps that their foundation is Venus, their ruling nakshatra lord, which not only provides the passion that comes with the fire rashis and Venus combo, but deep understanding as well. Making sense as to why they frequently attract each other in the first place.

According to their Shaktis, Ashwini is lightness and swiftness, while Mula is considered heavy and rooted. The Ketu rulership provides a great foundation for a deep, spiritual connection. There can be a significant balance, as Ashwini's lightness comes from its ability to release burdens quickly and remain moving forward, while Mula's heaviness comes from digging deep and ridding away what no longer serves. But fundamentally, there is a mutual understanding that true freedom is found in release and severance.

To make a conclusion for all three Ketu nakshatras, Magha doesn’t operate like Ashwini in terms of reckless energy output. Magha nakshatra is more focused on sustaining its dignity, preserving its status, and fulfilling its karmic duties — making sense of its pairing with Anuradha nakshatra, which represents service, loyalty, and collaboration. While Magha dissociates and detaches to fulfill its higher calling, Anuradha is the force which grounds everything and remains devoted. Magha with Anuradha is a pair I am also seeing frequently, so I'll be able to expand on this one day.

Mula stands out as the most disciplined Ketu nakshatra, due to its ability to dig deeply into matters, constantly seeking transformation and forcing severance where needed. In contrast, Ashwini nakshatra is considered to be the most active, as it channels, and also emits, a lot of energy due to Mars. This can result in Ashwini natives draining themselves, emphasizing their need to balance activity with rest for sustainability. Magha nakshatra, on the other hand, possesses regality, being the most dignified and kingliest nakshatra of the three.

[evilminji]

Oh... my god? Ghost Reporters.

Imagine it. Their office is in the Zone. They literally FEED of hunting for The Next Big Scoop! And Revealing The Truth! Every honest reporter that got silenced for getting a little too close to the facts. The bloody, beating, heart of societies underbelly.

Every Lois Lane that had no Kryptonian to stop some rich and powerful jackals putting them in the ground.

Well Death sure didn't stop THEM! They STILL want answers! But now they have co-wokers. Oh~ and SUPERPOWERS! And best part?

The newly appointed KING is going too and from the living world. That must mean it's okay now, RIGHT? Your majesty? You're not a RAGING HYPOCRITE, aaaaare you? :) 🎤

And... look. Danny knows full well what these piranhas are up too. He's not stupid. But Madeline Fenton raised a lot of things. Fool? Not one of um. That a LOT of reporters with sharp, sharp teeth and bloodlust in their eyes. He wants to half-live.

He compromises. Illusion of control and all that. Yeah, yeah, they all tooootally respect his authority etc. Give them Them Scoop! He, wisely, gets the fuck out of the way. Whoosh! Off they go!

Thats.... probably gonna be a problem. *siiiiiips his morning coffee* But it's not HIS problem. Not right now.

And? Suddenly all these politicians and business leaders are getting fucking AMBUSHED. Oh? You thought you'd get soft ball "aren't I a man of the people. Buy oil!" Bullshit questions? HA! Where were you on June 27th, 1978, at-

And "according to YOUR words, exact quote as follows-"

Just? They BEAT the leader with the STICK. "Oh but you'll lose access". They'd love to see HOW! They can go through WALLS! Answer the question, coward. "Your gonna make powerful enemies!" Oh nooooo, what are they gonna DO?

Shoot us TWICE?

Hey Mr. Family Values! How's the three mistresses your wife doesn't know about?? "No comment"? That's fine. We already have THEIRS. >:D Good luck with your upcoming election!

And like? As newspapers are shutting down and turning clickbait all across the country? This ONE(1) tiny, middle of nowhere town? Somehow has a horrid, horrid, ARMY of Satan's own Reporters. All apparently willing to die for the News. Throwing themselves at dictators and Supervillians alike.

"We see no God here but the Truth" is literally their papers MOTTO.

The damn thing is basicly a BRICK. You get a paperback of news. Entire planet AND THEN SOME. How?! How are they reporting, IN DETAIL, on the break down of talks between two planets 16 galaxies over? Hal says it's accurate. But what Earth paper would even HAVE that information?

And?? The whole town treats this as normal? There are human children, complaining about the weight of papers, because it makes their paper routes a pain in the ass. Soccer moms discussing alien celebrity drama. Farmers muttering over foreign unrest and how it will impact their corn harvest.

Fucking Lex Luthor, clearly deciding to roll with it, coming to sign himself up for a paper. Gaining a new life long Nemesis upon meeting Vladimir Master, whom he decides is both hot and unbearable. Someone is heard shouting "oh god, there's TWO OF THEM!"

And?? Look. Clark isn't MAD. Or JEALOUS. Nor is he in a secret Reporting War with Jerry from the Amity Chronicle. Because that would be petty and childish. He's just SAYING, maybe they should check the place out!

Maybe Jerry is a DICK and deserves it, is all. (Lois stop laughing.)

@hypewinter @hdgnj @ailithnight

[maybeitsalivescribbles]

Superpowers: a recap

You know, I often tend to skip superpowers under the rug when I write my snippets- which is kind of a problem in a Hero/Villain setting.

So this is a recap to help me remember the possibilities, in case it can help anyone else:

LIST OF POWERS

Classical set

Super strength

Super endurance

Super speed

Telekinesis

Teleportation

Forcefields

Laser eyes (classical because of Superman, but I still think this is bonkers)

Immune to superpowers/elements/illness/etc

Flight

Healing (themself or others)

Can speak to animals/plants

Hypnotism

Immortality

Wish-granting

Astral projection

Miscellaneous

Can steal power from others (forever or it’s temporary)

Has non-human animal anatomy (reptilian scales, horns, produces poison, etc)

Can break into parts and reassemble

Can make clone(s) of themself

Immune to gravity (the fall doesn’t kill you, can jump as high as you like, can crawl on walls, etc)

Super instinct (can sense when something’s wrong, when someone is lying)

Can control fibers/clothes

Can create portals to anywhere else

Control of one single type of object (doors, trains, cars, paper, etc)

Control anything made by humans

Music powers

Can force everyone to dance

Can control voices/can take voices away

Can control volume of any sound

Charm people when they play an instrument/sing

Can summon music whenever they like

They get an upgrade (super strength, etc) every time there’s music

Elemental/Nature powers

Can control fire/ashes

Can control electricity

Can control water/ice

Can control plasma

Can control air/wind/gazes

Can control earth/magma

Can control metal

Can control light/shadows/colors

Can walk on water/wind/lava/rainbows

Can breathe underwater/in space

Can burrow into earth

Can control temperature

Can control the weather

Control of life forms

Can control humans

Can control beasts

Can control plants

Can control...mushrooms, I guess ?

Can control viruses and bacteria

Can control blood

Everything they touch die

Everything they touch come back to life

Can accelerate/slow down aging

=> is the life form conscious while under control ? Can they fight back? Do they have to be okay with it?

Sense powers

(Reminder: human senses are hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell, vestibular)

Better senses (better sight, better hearing, etc)

X-ray vision

Can see every place they like or eavesdrop everywhere

Can manipulate the senses of others (can heighten them or cancel them)

Can inflict pain

Emotions

Their sheer presence induces an emotion (fear, love, etc)

Can force to feel an emotion/heighten or dull emotions

Can project their own emotions into others

Empathy (they feel the emotions of others)

Shapeshifter

Can reduce/aggrandize their size

Can seem much older or younger

Intangibility

Invisibility

Strechability

Can take the form of another thing/person

Can take the form of any human

Can take the form of anything (animal/plant/object/liquid/gas/etc)

Reverse Shapeshifter: can transform others into an animal/stone/plant/anything

Mindpower

telepathy

illusions

possession/mind control

can mess with memory

can mess with dreams

Time powers

Can time travel (future/past)

Can froze time

Can predict the future/see the past

Oh now that's just cheating

Reality wrapper

Luck

Everything they create becomes real

Can choose any superpower they want according to the situation

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Is the character okay with their power ?

they hate it it’s a curse to them

they wish it were different (stronger, another power altogether, etc)

they don’t mind

they really enjoy it

it’s their whole identity

Etc.

If they hate it, is it because:

it hurts

it could hurt someone/something else

it’s useless/ it’s not offensive

it goes against their personality

people hate it too

it makes people treating them as a tool

Can they control it?

they’re a walking disaster

using it makes them sick

perfect control, natural or learned

they don’t even need to think about it

etc

How powerful it is?

(Ex control of fire: can barely light a match versus can set in fire the whole country)

Characters with weak powers my beloveds. It's about them fighting when they know they will lose, putting everything they have in the fight, keeping their head high when people sneer at them. It's about them enjoying their power without having it to be useful, or forcing them to be creative and smart about/around it.

Overpowered characters my beloveds. It's not about them winning the fight because the answer is obvious, it's about them dealing with too much power in a fragile world, the gap between them and the others, how it impacts their relationships, their morality - never hesitate to make a character like this. It can be terrifying, it can be hilarious, it can be great. No trope is bad, it all depends on how it's used.

What is the source of their power ?

failed experiment?

successful experiment?

got them from a supernatural being?

got them from their family?

got them from a magical object?

When did they get it ?

when born?

during childhood ? Teen years ?

grown-up ?

Was it expected or not?

Is getting this power a one time thing or do they need to renew it ?

(via sacrifice, offering, a special food/medicine, a good/bad deed, etc)

Can they give it to someone else?

Can it go away/fade?

Does it grow stronger/weaker with age?

Is it affected by the health of the character ?

(Is the power weaker when the character is sick, or is it stronger as a defense measure ? Does it become unpredictable?)

Does it hurt using it/not using it?

(Because it takes too much on the body/because it forces to repress an important part of the self)

Does the power change their personality in a good/bad way?

(Does it corrupt them, does it force them to see the world in a new light, etc)

Can their power combine with someone else’s ?

Do they have a weakness/something that cancels their abilities?

Do they have special needs because of it ?

(Do they need glasses, headphones, medicine, a special diet, etc)

Are they immune to their own power or do they take damage ?

(Ex : is your character able to control fire is fireproof or not?)

How much do they rely on it?

they use them for everything

they use them often

they could do without

it’s barely an afterthought to them

they never use it

etc

How do they use it ?

Raising their hand

With their eyes

With some object

They don’t have to do anything

Etc

How does this power is perceived by the others?

This makes them a god

This makes them a star

This makes them totally mundane

This makes them look really stupid

This makes them a nuisance

This makes them someone to be killed at all costs

Etc.

About the suit

Is that for protection ?

Is it an uniform ?

Is it here for the vibe ?

Does it strengthen their abilities?

Does it have gadgets ?

How (im)practical is it ?

[ducksido]

Hi!

I was wondering something. Have you seen or read Percy Jackson? (Books or series, not the movies because the movies are a disgrace.)

If so, can you do a Yuu who's like Annabeth Chase? In my opinion, Yuu and Annabeth are really similar. Sassy, strategic, nonmagical while surrounded by magicals but keeps everyone in check, everyone's scared of them even though they don't have magic or powers, and they have the superpower of ✨common sense✨, making them the most valuable member of the team.

Annabeth!Yuu's hubris could be somewhat of a problem, but they prove time and time again that their hubris, while not good, is warranted because of how smart they are as a child of Athena.

Also, nicknames. Annabeth called Percy "Seaweed Brain", so Annabeth!Yuu could have a nickname for their partner.

Riddle (Nickname: "Law Book") Yuu: “There’s more to life than rules, Law Book. Like not dying.” Riddle is torn between being flustered and furious. He finds Yuu infuriatingly correct and undeniably captivating. They help him see beyond rigid order, and he admires their mind—sometimes too much, forgetting his own.

Leona (Nickname: "Lazy Bones") Yuu: “You could nap less and contribute. But I guess that’s asking too much, huh, Lazy Bones?” Leona grumbles, but secretly likes how Yuu always pushes him just enough to make him care. He respects that they don’t bow to power. Their confidence, even without magic, keeps him on his toes.

Azul (Nickname: "Inkbrain") Yuu: “Plotting again, Inkbrain? Need help, or shall I poke holes in this one too?” Azul finds them irritatingly insightful. They see through his manipulation every time, but they don’t use it to ruin him—they keep him sharp. He's both terrified and enamored.

Jamil (Nickname: "Snake Charmer") Yuu: “You really thought that would fool me? Please, Snake Charmer, I taught Kalim how to spot illusions.” Jamil sees them as a rival at first, someone who gets it and could challenge his plans. Then he realizes they’re a safe person to trust—someone who doesn’t fall for glamor or sweet words. Their hubris mirrors his own, and that mutual recognition bonds them.

Vil (Nickname: "Drama Queen") Yuu: “You want a mirror or a map? Because I have both, and we’re lost thanks to your Drama Queen detour.” Vil’s ego clashes with theirs beautifully. Yet, he’s drawn to how Yuu always keeps people grounded. When Vil overthinks, Yuu cuts to the core. “Stop spiraling and do something,” they tell him. He listens.

Idia (Nickname: "Wi-Fi Brain") Yuu: “You’re 100% sure this plan won’t backfire? You, Wi-Fi Brain, are rarely right about IRL chaos.” Idia is petrified of them at first. They're the embodiment of everything not online: composed, strategic, physically present. But when they start quoting obscure data to outmaneuver villains, he’s smitten. Sheer mental power? That’s his type.

Malleus (Nickname: "Thunderhead") Yuu: “Yes, Thunderhead, you’re intimidating. No, that doesn’t exempt you from planning properly.” Malleus finds them fascinating. Here’s someone who talks to him plainly, with sharp wit and zero fear. Yuu treats him like an equal, not a deity. Their intelligence reminds him of Lilia, and that’s the highest praise he can give.

[gayofthefae]

In this post I pointed out that the whole point of The Wheelers, as also described in The Duffers' masterclass, is that conformity and the picture of social perfection is unsustainable and will inevitably collapse in on itself. Specifically, despite being the most bullied, Mike Wheeler is the perfect of the perfect as a part of this white nuclear family, being straight, and beating the others who have those things out too by being a man. He is a golden boy, so it has to be him that destroys the illusion once and for all (I do recommend you read that post if you have the time.

But the word I'd like to dwell on is "unsustainable". Not only did I in that post detail that nothing holds the impact on reputation of queerness and nothing is a secret behind the curtain of conformity the way queerness, it also needs to be unsustainable.

Unsustainable as in one attempted to sustain it but gradually failed as they became more desperate over the course of 5 scenes until mask finally fell completely. Unsustainable means planted plotline in this context. It does not mean revealed secret in a surprise shock value twist sense. It cannot be "I have had a superpowered girlfriend this whole time" (not just for my many reasons I've listed before), but because that secret in no way descended. It was constant and unmoving; his secrecy of it has not wavered - it is just a fact. It means he has to have already been falling apart in pursuit of keeping the specific secret that would ruin his family over the course of the last 4 seasons.

"Mike went downhill in season 3". Exactly. Because what he was doing wasn't. sustainable. 'I thought he would be better at the end of season 3 and first episode of season 4 but then it happened again'. Exactly. He grappled desperately to hold the mask up but it kept falling apart again. Because it wasn't. sustainable.

There is no way to represent unsustainability but to represent the arc from successful lying - to the point that it convinces the audience of the character's happiness - slowly slowly crumbling until it looks just a little off but redeemable to the original happiness, then flawed, then deeply flawed, then crumbling beyond repair,...then honest.

So now the question becomes not "why was he acting weird?" but "what were we fully convinced made him happy in season 1?"

Straight romance. Eleven. It rescued him from the depths of non-identity-specific bullying, how beautiful.

And it's also why I've noted that current viewers going into it with an awareness that it is 4-5 seasons, not 1, have a different perception because they have a different orientation of the themes. They see it for what it is. Part 1 of a 4-5 season story with happiness he achieved too early to be "it". Either because the rest of the story isn't about their romance and it's sidelined but happy or because their romance's happiness false. And then the show keeps their romance front and center...so we know which one it is.

In season 1, we were told what would make him happy was straight romance. So in season 2, we believed him in his pursuit of it. Until in season 3, he started acting weird - out of character, which many blamed on the writers but people are also often described as being capable of doing themselves. 'Not himself'. By season 4, he descended into unexplained and widely agreed upon as unexplainable, random. Random can also be translated as frantic, desperate.

We know now, knowing that it's 5 seasons, or even if you watch just thinking it's 4. We know the themes are that conformity is unsustainable. We know that The Wheelers are the pinnacle of this image thematically - Nancy spells these things out for us in season 1. And we've seen this story before, we've watched it in movies, we've heard it in songs. We know that it looks like a false performance of happiness early in the story that slowly crumbles until we're just confused and crumbles further until its revealed that it was all a complete lie that was just so practiced of a fake smile that it managed to convince us too.

We know this. We won't pretend like we don't. We've seen it a million times before.

So we watch as Mike kisses El for the first time and looks happy! Convincingly happy! Only a fifth of the story in!-..........oh

[astrologydray]

When your sun matches your rising sign: part 1

when your Sun sign matches your Rising sign or Ascendant, you’re basically walking through life with the internal and external self aligned. It’s like your soul’s personality and your outward presentation are saying the same thing at the same time, which creates a powerful sense of consistency, clarity, and sometimes destiny.

——Aries Sun & Aries Rising——

You come into this world like a firework that refuses to wait for the 4th of July. Aries Sun with Aries Rising makes you bold, direct, and unapologetically you. People sense your energy before you even speak — it radiates off you like heat. There’s no hiding your intentions or softening your edge, because what you feel on the inside is exactly what people see. You operate in survival mode, but not because you’re threatened — because you thrive in challenges. Leadership, initiation, and raw honesty are natural to you, even if it rubs people the wrong way sometimes.

This combination can also bring a “lone wolf” vibe — you trust your instincts so deeply that you rarely stop to ask for advice. But be mindful: your impulsiveness and quick temper can backfire if you don’t channel it with purpose. The blessing is, you’re real — always. No masks. No filters. And in a world full of illusion, that’s your superpower. You came here to fight for something, and people follow you because they feel your fire is authentic.

—Taurus Sun & Taurus Rising—

When Taurus is both your Sun and Rising, you’re giving grounded goddess, slow-burning icon, and inner peace wrapped in luxury. Your vibe is calm, serene, and unbothered — but that doesn’t mean you’re boring. Far from it. You’re deeply sensual, pleasure-driven, and possess a quiet magnetism that draws people to you. You value stability in every area of life, and the older you get, the more you refuse to be rushed. Your energy tells people “I move when I decide,” and that’s powerful. You build your life like a garden: slowly, intentionally, and with long-term rewards in mind.

This combo gives you natural aesthetic flair — Venus is your ruler twice over, so beauty, comfort, and indulgence are non-negotiables. But it also means you can be extremely resistant to change. Once you’re set in your ways, it’s cemented. Learning to embrace life’s unpredictability will take you far. Still, your double Taurus nature makes you a rock in people’s lives — dependable, nourishing, and quietly powerful. You don’t need to be loud to be unforgettable. Your presence alone is enough.

—Gemini Sun & Gemini Rising—

You’re the definition of “main character energy” in a rom-com directed by the cosmos. Double Gemini is like having twin spirits inside you who both want to narrate your life, tweet about it, and make a podcast. You’re quick-witted, mentally agile, and can charm an entire room before they even realize you’ve shifted personas three times. The Sun and Rising both ruled by Mercury gives you a hyper-awareness of your environment and a constant hunger to learn, talk, connect, and keep it moving. You don’t just adapt — you morph.

But here’s the plot twist: while you’re perceived as bubbly and talkative, your thoughts run much deeper than people assume. Your mind can be restless, which means stillness feels uncomfortable. There’s a need to learn how to ground your thoughts and complete what you start. When you do, you become a force — someone who can bridge worlds, connect people, and articulate ideas in ways that spark real change. You’re not just clever, you’re cosmically coded to translate the world’s chaos into something everyone can understand.

—Cancer Sun & Cancer Rising—

With both your Sun and Rising in Cancer, you carry the emotional tides of the Moon in your aura — people feel you before they hear you. You’re soft, but not weak. Tender, but not naïve. You wear your heart on your sleeve and your memories like armor. There’s an innate protectiveness to you — over your home, your people, your past — and this makes you someone others instantly trust. You feel familiar to strangers, like someone they’ve known in another life. That’s your Moon-ruled magnetism. You are the safe space.

But make no mistake: your softness has depth. You’re deeply intuitive, often absorbing the emotions of a room like a sponge, which can be both a gift and a burden. You may have learned early in life to hide behind a shell or become the caretaker in every situation. With this double Cancer placement, you’ll often need to distinguish between your emotional truth and everyone else’s projections. Once you do, your nurturing becomes powerful — you heal, inspire, and hold space in ways that change lives. Your presence is sacred. Period.

———Leo Sun & Leo Rising———

Double Leo? Baby, the world is your stage and you were born knowing it. Your aura is golden, regal, and undeniable. With both the Sun (your ego) and the Rising sign (your presentation) ruled by the Sun itself, your self-expression shines like a spotlight. Confidence is your birthright, and whether you’re loud or laid-back, people just can’t ignore you. You exude pride, warmth, charisma, and a childlike joy that lights up every space you enter. Even when you’re not trying to be seen, you’re seen.

However, this double Leo combo also means you live in a constant dance between self-love and the need to be loved. You crave admiration not just from others, but from yourself — and when you don’t receive it, it can feel like your inner flame dims. Your biggest growth comes when you realize that your validation doesn’t have to be earned. It’s already yours. When your heart is open and you’re leading with authenticity rather than performance, your light becomes healing, not just dazzling. You don’t just shine — you give others permission to shine, too.

——Virgo Sun & Virgo Rising——

You’re the blueprint for refinement. With Virgo as both your Sun and Rising, there’s an elegant precision to the way you move through the world. Your mind is always scanning, analyzing, noticing the details that others miss. You’re humble, composed, and often deeply service-oriented — not because you want recognition, but because you believe in making things better. Efficiency, clarity, and craftsmanship matter to you. You may come off reserved at first, but people quickly sense your sincerity and strong inner values.

Still, this combo can make you very self-critical. You often expect perfection from yourself, and since your Rising is also Virgo, that pressure doesn’t stay internal — it’s how you present yourself, too. You’re the person who shows up prepared, polished, and put together even when your inner world feels like a hurricane. That’s your strength and your struggle. The key here is to stop waiting until you’re “enough” to rest or celebrate. You already are. When you lead with compassion instead of correction, your Virgo power becomes divine — the kind that heals, elevates, and creates lasting impact.

[writers-potion]

Writing Group vs. Group & One vs. Many Fight Scenes

Group vs. Group

To win the readers' sympathies, make sure there are more (and stronger) bad guys than good guys.

Portray a strong "them versus us" mindset. Sometimes, this is a microcosm of a larger religious, social, racial conflict.

Visual clues are often used to emphasize the divide between the two groups: black coats versus white suits, jeans against shorts, etc. They'll have different weapons, use different languages or speech patterns.

Each group will have a leader who spearheads strategies and motivates the rest. This can be an established leader like the eldet sibling, the head girl of the school, etc. Or someone who has the respect of the others and takes charge spontaneously when the situation rises.

The Point of View

Group fights are easiest to write in omniscient PoV

Otherwise, choose a PoV character who is invovled in most action, and restrict yourself to their line of vision. You can take short breaks (like two seconds after he kills his immediate opponent) to account for how his comrads are doing.

One vs. Group

1 vs. many fights where the single person comes up triumphant are fun, but hardly plausible. The key is to provide an illusion of reality.

Keep the number of opponents realistic: three, not thirty.

He would be more highly trained/have special powers than all of his opponents.

He is positioned in such as way that all of his opponents come at him from only one direction (like having his back to a wall), or he stands in a higher terrains from where he can keep an eye on all of them.

She identifies the group's leader and takes him out first.

She creates a situation which forces the group to spread out, or hits when they are already dispersed rather than tightly knit together.

He uses a weapon which can take out several opponents at once. The most effective one for this would be a machine gun, or the hero holding two swords, one in each hand.

If you want the bad guys to come at the hero one by one, some ideas:

The hero has aken p position in a place where only one villain can squeeze through at one time

The attackers don't arrive simultaneously. They come running, and each attacks as soon as they reach the hero.

The gang has a code of honor which demands 1:1 fights.

The fight is an initiation requirment where the newbie must prove themselves in 1:1 combat with all of the established members.

Some tips:

If a hero with superior arms taking on many who are unarmed will make the readers see him as a butcher, and their sympathies will be lost for good.

If he take out too many opponents at once, the readers wouldn't feel like he has really put up a fight. If your hero has a superpower that allows him to do this, establish the boundaries of this power and push the hero to the limit.

If the novel has too many 1:many scenes, it will lose its dramatic effect, and worse, seem unrealistic as you move along.

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