#imagine the possibilities in this universe

[mikkeneko]

Do you feel shy about "bothering" emergency personnel with problems you don't know are serious or not? Let me tell you a story.

When I was in college, there was an on-campus emergency line, including on-campus poison control. I was doing the usual student thing -- stressed, sleep-deprived, in a new environment, generally just floundering to establish a structured life. My dorm was noisy so I slept with earplugs, but not well. One night, around 3 AM I woke up, realized I had something in my hand, thought "ah, this must be medication I should take," and swallowed them.

Reader, I swallowed my earplugs.

In retrospect this was not a serious problem, but at the time it was 3AM, I was young, sleep deprived, away from home for the first time -- I panicked. Sat bolt upright and thought OH NO. I SWALLOWED MY EARPLUGS. WHAT IF I CHOKE? WHAT IF THE CHEMICALS IN THEM POISON ME? WHAT IF THEY CAUSE A BOWEL OBSTRUCTION AND I DIE?? I paced around a little bit hysterically and eventually decided to call campus poison control. Just in case.

Now, I want you to switch perspectives a bit. Imagine you are a dude working a poison control hotline at a university. A panicked young woman calls in at 3 AM and says she took something she thinks she shouldn't have. You are bracing yourself for the worst -- party drugs, meth, cocaine, tide pods, it could be literally anything, you've seen all sorts of shit in this job. You are grimly preparing a dispatch to this young woman's dorm and the possibility of an obit in the news.

And then she says, in a quavery voice, "I swallowed my earplugs."

I remember there was a distinct pause. I remember that the young man in poison control very politely did not laugh at me, but there was definitely a supressed smile in his voice when he came back on the line, and told me that I would probably be fine, to just monitor my digestion for a few days and go to urgent care if I felt any abdominal pain.

No disasters tonight, no hospital visits, no catastrophe; everything will be fine.

So in conclusion: Call poison control. Even if it's not serious, they won't be upset to hear from you. If anything, hearing a nonserious story will brighten their night.

Life-changing OCD hack is learning that you can literally call poison control to check if you fucked up and took medications wrong in a way that could kill you instead of having a panic attack while reading reddit and quora threads for an hour. They won't even be mad at you. Like obviously don't do it every day or something but genuinely you can do this if you need to

[littlemissshifter]

There is no 'imagination'.

Someone needs to tell you this but everyone is too busy struggling between the two so I'll do it. Reality is the only thing that exists. It just exists differently in different planes.

In the 4D we call it Imagination but honestly it's not really something we're 'imagining', it's reality somewhere out there. IT IS reality in your head as well even if you don't believe it.

When you 'imagine' something you're not making it up. Creation is already finished. You're choosing a particular reality. A particular thought. A particular outcome. Because everything has already happened. Think of your mind as a dress up game. There are cloth options (thoughts/realities) in different clothing sections (related to the thing you want). You are combining clothes from those sections to get your desired outfit (desire/outcome).

Imagination is what reality is called in the 4D plane. Imagination is a different name for reality. They are the same thing with different names. This is why we can also say that reality is just an imagination or 'everything is in the mind'. Everything was one all along.

This is very different than saying reality mirrors/reflects imagination. Yes imagination exists sure blah blah blah but it's just a different name for reality. It's something that you haven't physically experienced yet. It's not actually in your head in a way that it's not real. Everything in your head is a very real reality in the multiverse. A very real outcome. Just not yours right now in the present (unless you choose it).

I don't think you get it. Let me explain again. Imagination does not exist in a way you think. Your every single thought, the images in your head, your 'fake' scenarios, your 'fake' arguments, literally anything you can think of or feel inside your head is real. Maybe not here maybe not right now. But it is real in a reality 'out there' which is basically just inside your mind, because the mind is the multiverse.

You are choosing the scenario, the thought, the image from infinite realities out there (in the mind) with infinite possibilities. Like you choose a scenario to happen in your dr except here it has already happened. Everything has already happened. That is you connecting yourself to different realities in the multiverse. The mind is connected to every reality that is existing because it exists inside the mind. That's why it's said that you are the universe. Because YOU ARE. Continuosly shifting, changing, choosing from the mind. You are existence.

Before anyone says something dumb like imagination/4D plane is the true reality I'll explain that every plane is a true reality abiding by their own unique set of rules. There is no true reality to you in your perspective except what YOU decide to BE. You exist in every plane. Your existence in every plane abides by it's rules. Unless you decide to change the rules of your existence.

You can be a 1D object. A line.

You can be a 2D object. A map (if you wanna add spice to it then a talking map.)

You can be a 3D object. A ball. (You already are a 3D being.)

You can be a 4D object. A hypercube.

And so much more. Everything is energy. You're probably a rock in a different reality/universe. Maybe a line in a world of paper. Or a talking ball. Or just a ray of light. Come on don't loose focus now. You're the entire universe what else did you expect?

We strayed a little from the topic here but like I was saying the mind is like a place where every single reality has a tea party. What you don't experience physically doesn't mean it didn't happen. In the mind reality is faster. Because everything is happening right now. The physical plane has a slow moving energy so we can 'experience' our life. Like I said everything happens a little different in different planes.

Everything is a reality (or different universes). It's like reality (you) in a reality (physical plane) which you can mould to your will because you are the reason why it (reality) exists. You are existence itself. Pure awareness experiencing the experience that already exists in you. Your mind. The void.

There is no innerman or outerman you're literally both. One's literally a different name for the other and vice versa. Stop looking for the middle ground when you are the middle ground. You are reason they even exist. Why? because only you exist. Everything that exists is the same thing which came from you with different forms, different names, different energetic pattern, different rules for each of them. That's why everything is connected.

Different realities are creating a reality you're currently living. Your own reality is a mix of many combined together moment after moment so you can experience things in the physical plane.

The reason imagination was even popularised as something that creates reality is because people thought that to experience something we have to 'imagine' it first. But they're wrong. They were doing the right things but intercepting it wrong. We don't imagine anything. We live it the moment we even think about it. Everyone is understanding it now. Imagination is not reality. Nothing was ever imagination in the first place. Everything inside your head was always real.

Reality is fluid. Human beings are fluid. They are both free flowing energies. We pass through different realities the same way different realities pass through us at every moment. Remember folks, shifting is your nature.

Everything is and will always be a reality existing in the multiverse.

Let me decode some popular quotes for you to understand.

- The universe is mental.

Meaning: Everything exists is in the mind because every reality exists where it was created by pure awareness, hence the mind. Realities are expanded outwards through us, chosen from pure awareness experienced through the heart (the knowing/feelings) which exists in your physical body. Which further exists in the mind because it was also created by pure awareness.

Confusing? Well because pure awareness, the mind, realities and us are the same thing expressed in different ways. Like I said everything is connected.

- As within, so without.

Meaning: This one is quite obvious. What we see on the outside of us is also inside of us. I explained all that in this post and my reality is YOU post already.

There is no imagination. Reality has always been the only truth.

I've been working on this post for 2 days hope y'all understood atleast a little. I'm super tired can't wait to just pass out right now. Ignore any typos please and feel free to ask any questions!

[unionizedwizard]

ok so i've been thinking about ffxiv housing. the in-universe explanation for the housing districts is that the city-states want to attract adventurers because they are a valuable demographics, in terms of spending power, social networks, and martial power. this makes sense, especially in the wake of the calamity; the states have all been considerably weakened and currying favor with (otherwise mercenary) powerful individuals in hopes of stimulating the economy and protecting their own citizenry and property is a rather sound prospect.

this makes even more sense for limsa lominsa in particular, considering merlwyb was the one behind costa del sol - the land being unfit for cultivation, she sold it to gegeruju who turned it into a luxury resort (and kicked out the locals who are now forced to resort to poaching! yay), and was behind the island sanctuary project. she wants to be an economic power using tourism as a means for colonization sooooo badly

it makes sense for ishgard, too - considerably weakened by their own war and isolationism, similarly unable to push for self-sufficiency (considering the environmental disaster that was the calamity for coerthas), they have (imo) correctly identified that one of their avenues for development lies in the brokering of trade agreements and tourism development (ishgard has a unique and strong cultural identity and beautiful vistas that make for a sound touristic opportunity).

it also makes sense for kugane to have a housing district - kugane being the only place that's open to foreigners, and catering quite extensively (not to mention expensively) to tourists' tastes, and being practically the only trade point between hingashi and the rest of the world.

that being said, the game itself acknowledges how unfair this system is, since unlocking access to every housing district involves you watching some poor local citizen's hopes of homeownership getting brutally dashed by the "foreigners/adventurers-only" policy. (except for ishgard, since there is another citizens-only housing district?)

that's very obviously a case of gentrification (textbook definition even). worse, the sprawling suburban hellscape, literal-gated-community-full-of-gaudy-mcmansions that is the housing district is an inefficient use of land + very resource-intensive + creates an entire domestic service economy (labor-intensive to maintain). in other words, the opposite of a community & incredibly alienating to the people living there!!

you CAN'T create this kind of dynamic in the crystarium (first of all there's no room and most importantly the entire concept is that they're a communist city). you can't recreate the kind of exploitative class dynamics they had in EULMORE in there!!!!! that makes no sense!!

now it would make sense in eulmore but the resource availability in the First is still limited, i would say, not to mention it would be an extremely scummy move lmao

as for sharlayan, the same applies; theyre not communist at all (lol) but they would not benefit from tourism or creating this kind of class at all, and anyway they already manage their (limited) (island) land scarily extensively and i don't see how or why or where a housing district could be located anyway (and can you imagine the paperwork??)

now obviously the actual option for a new housing district would be mare lamentorum. it was quite literally made for that. no idea if they will ever go through with it but it would make sense and be physically possible, i think

[raineda-shipper]

On the morning of Mobei-jun's coronation, Shang Qinghua was forced to stop running around, delegate any outstanding tasks and follow his king to his chambers. Apparently he required Shang Qinghua's personal assistance with the coronation outfit? Since Airplane never described it in PIDW beyond "opulent enchanted armor decorated with priceless qi-refining crystals", he had no idea why. His complaints about everything that was going to go wrong with the ceremony without his supervision were cut off as he took a look at the coronation outfit. And then Mobei-jun started undressing.

As he was pulling the strings of the enchanted corset with all his cultivator strength and his king was breathlessly saying "Qinghua. Harder," Shang Qinghua realised this must be karmic retribution for those unpublished brainstorming notes he had typed with one hand:

"What if... SEXY Northern coronation robes?

some kinda sexy armour?

chainmail bikini🤣

reverse chainmail bikini -> CORSET?

yeah gotta show off ur dorito body to intimidate ur enemies🤣 cinch that lacing as tight as possible for max intimidation!!"

...System, what the fuck! Those notes were personal! You're not supposed to use them for actual worldbuilding!

Art for @darlingestenemy's DxD prompt: "SQH tying MBJ into a corset"! Thank you for the brainstorming and picking out that perfect necklace💖 The colour scheme is stolen from @juicedpeachy 's gorgeous DxD pieces, thanks so much🙏 and thanks to @moshangevents for organising DxD, it's so much fun!💖💖💖

DISCLAIMER: if you're buying your first corset, don't get a front-lacing one like this one - lacing in the back is a better choice! The reason I drew it like this is so that SQH's face is directly in front of Mbj's chest. The reason it's like this in universe is because Airplane didn't research corsets and imagined it like this. :D

DISCLAIMER #2: MBJ should be like 3 times thicker than this, however, this is the best I can do. orz

[feroluce]

OK so like Boothill has done a lot of wild shit. Started rebellions and riots, pulled god knows how many heists on Pier Point, played part in saving the disadvantaged population of Emerald-III, helped save the universe from Ena's Dream and the Embryo of Philosophy, etc etc

But legit the funniest- and perhaps my favorite- thing he's done is possibly accidentally causing the Holstein Aphasia.

The Holstein Aphasia is something that went down during the last Amber Era, where memory bubbles from the Holstein system relating to speech were destroyed, causing all of its residents to forget how to speak, and as a result, go mute (aka aphasia). In the present, the Garden of Recollection are still trying to rebuild these memories; but in the meantime, the population apparently has gotten on just fine by switching to written communications.

This ties in with Boothill's fourth character story, where we see him sneaking into the Garden of Recollection (something very hard to do!) trying to find info on Oswaldo Schneider.

And you can tell how pissed the Garden is about all this, not only because of the bounty, but because the Memokeeper on the Express gives such bad stinkeye that Boothill can literally feel it KFLDJASLKFJD

She can literally control who does and doesn't see her, and he can still tell she's over there, I hope she haunts him like a wraith every time he's in the parlor car FJKLASJFL

Anyway, the funniest part isn't actually the event itself, it's what came after.

The Holstein Aphasia was actually initially brought up in the IPC broadcast that plays in the parlor car, and changes between missions. This broadcast was from all the way back during the Luofu trailblaze missions of 1.2- needless to say, long before Boothill was ever introduced.

But this kills me because like! A Galaxy Ranger that wishes to remain anonymous! You don't say! Can you just imagine Boothill trying to drop anonymous hints to implicate the Cremators, because he figures they suck and deserve the punishment anyway and because he doesn't wanna get in trouble for something he did by accident JFKDLASJKFLDJSA

And the fact that the Galaxy Rangers issued a statement that they're working on a solution! They either don't know it was Boothill or, more likely, they're just covering for him- which is very very sweet!

But I'm crying imagining Boothill getting pulled by the ear while La Mancha, leader of all the Galaxy Rangers, lectures him about how he is going to be working this off until it's repaid, dammit, or his ass is grass!!

[twst-hottest-takes]

Saw the one take about Yuu leaving that world. Honestly, I think them staying makes the most sense from both an in universe and out of universe standpoint.

In universe, because they made friends in that world, and it would be hard to leave that world behind. If they went back, they would never be able to tell anyone about what happened there. If they do, no one would ever believe them and they would be institutionalized for life. They would be forced to keep that a secret to the grave. That would be very taxing on someone. We don't know how that would work. For all we know, the timeloop theory is a thing and Yuu is dead in the real world, so they would just die upon going back. Time could also work differently in that world. Several years could've passed in their world, and that would be super hard to adjust to.

Out of universe, I don't see the game ever axing the self insert, because they're our means of interacting with the story and give the players the option of imagining themselves being with the boys in a romantic sense. Grim wouldn't be able to provide that fantasy. It's like if Genshin killed off the Traveler at this point. It doesn't make any sense from a marketing standpoint.

Realistically speaking, you are correct.

I'm just opposed to it personally because I don't feel like it's been earned. The writing of this game is sloppy and the MC is left out of the story almost as much as possible to focus what little characterization can be spared on our main cast of bishies (which is frankly not enough). I could totally stop playing if the story had a defined ending and the MC went home, so with that mentality in mind they'd never let it happen. It doesn't stop me from wanting it though.

If it turns out the MC got isekai'd the usual way and it turns out they're dead and henceforth can't go back to their old world now I guess I could live with that explanation.

Thank you for your take.

(SEND ME HOME DANGIT! SEEENDDD MEEEEE HOOOOMMEEE!!)

[ashenhopebby]

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

IMAGINE WITH YOUR F/O (SFW)

Reminder : Your F/O(s/o) loves you more than life itself.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Rainy Day

The sound of the main door closing in your apartment suddenly could be heard. You stepped inside, taking off your coat and letting it fall on a chair in your kitchen room. Droplets of rain were twinkling with the street lamp light. The sound of the rain filled the cozy atmosphere of your place as they hit the different windows around you.

You took a look toward the clock. It was another long journey where you had to work in this hell of a world. You were tired. You felt alone. Nothing could make you smile these days except your F/O.

You made your way to your bedroom as you saw light coming from there. The door while slightly ajar, you could see a bit of your bed. You laid your hand on the wooden door and slowly you pushed the door open to see nothing. You sighed and turned your light off. Maybe you forgot to turn it off before leaving this morning.

You went to take a warm shower and then dressed in your favorite pajamas. As you settled in bed, your room dark, you took off your phone, looking at their picture.

Your F/O.

You wished they were real. You wanted them to be real. You needed them. So much. As the seconds and minutes went by, you slowly fell asleep in front of your phone, this one resting against your chest.

Suddenly, you woke up. You were a bit panicked but the feeling of two warm arms wrapped around you calmed you down. The rain was still pouring down outside against your window.

« Are you okay? » a sudden voice asked.

You would always recognize that voice. »

« T/N…? » you asked, surprised.

This couldn’t be. Are they…?

As you turned your head toward them you saw their beautiful face. They had a smile on their lips and their eyes were looking at you lovingly. You were a bit shocked at first but once the feeling subsided you suddenly wrapped your arms around their neck, starting to cry.

They are real. No matter what. In every universe they are there for you. They love you. More than life itself.

« I thought I’d never be able to hold you. » you whispered, some tears still escaping your eyes.

« Y/N… I am always with you. » they said.

Their hand moved, a finger laying now on your chest close to your heart and then up to lay a finger on your temple.

« I am in your heart and in your mind. » they said while wiping your tears away.

« Never forget. My love for you goes beyond any physical law. I am yours. You’re mine and I will never let you go. » they whispered.

Your eyes sudden widened as you felt their lips touching yours. You kissed them back right away. You could feel the warmth of their skin, the warmth of their lips. So.. this isn’t just a dream?

As you broke the kiss, your eyes looked into theirs.

« I don’t know how it is possible that you’re here… But please… Never leave me. » you begged them.

Your F/O smiled at you, letting a soft chuckle out. Their hand slowly came to rest on your cheek, cupping this one.

« I will never leave you. »

[lovelypastelsweets]

♡{Onychinus' Kitten:}♡ [Part #6]

Sylus Qin X female!Cat-Hybrid!Reader

{Notes:}

This is my first fan-fiction, if you have any tip/suggestions please let me know!In this story, the 'reader' is NOT the MC, and is female(I don't have an issue with males reading, but I don't know anything about guys, and I want to be authentic. If you'd like a male-reader fan-fic please collaborate with me to deepen my understanding of the male-mind)

{Trigger-warnings:}

This story will contain mentions human-trafficking(not in-detail; Technically hybrid-trafficking), the experimentation of humans-subjects, mentions past-trauma. ALSO; The reader is described as having all limbs, having the ability to use all senses, and as having hair. I'm sorry if this is an issue, I'm trying to be as universal as possible, but if you'd like a specialized part, please message me.

After dinner, the man, who you came to know as "Sylus", ordered his henchmen to escort you back to your room. He referred to them as "Luke" and "Kiren", but he didn't explain which of them was Luke, and which one was Kiren.

You now sat idly waiting for the two to arrive, with the bare, jet-black oakwood table before you. The crimson-red placement-mat gently cradling your hands as you softly rested them upon the table.

Sylus had left soon after giving his orders, so now it is just you and your new-found crow-companion.

Time seemed to stretch on forever as you waited. You were part cat, of course you get bored easily. It definitely didn't have anything to do with having a lack of a maturity level.

Little did you know, this wait was too, a test; To see what you'd do if you were left alone.

As boredom crept in, you leaned forwards onto the table, reaching out to pet the crow that sat perched on the table.

Y/N: "Hey, little.. Uh..? Me-? Meo-? Me-thh?.. Ah, little guy. I-ah, ha.. I can't remember your name.. He, he.."

You put you fingers through the the crow's feathers; It felt as odd as it looked. The feathers had a metallic texture, it was like dragging your hand across the handles of lined-up, thin silverware. Each feather had a soft texture and had some give, yet they were sold and firm, like a folding-fan.

As you petted the crow, it made a slight machnial "Iiia" noise.

Y/N: "Aw, do yo- Ah!"

Suddenly, you could hear footsteps as you went to speak. There seems to be two people walking towards the dinning room.You jolted into a proper sitting-position, retracting your hands to sit in your lap; The reaction rote.

The door opens to reveal the two hooded people who escorted you earlier.

"Wow, you're still alive? The boss really does like you."

One of them said.

"Surviving an entire meal with the boss definitely speaks volumes."

Said the other one.

"It seems we've been tasked with escorting you, again. So, let's go."

As they spoke, they walked to you, then gestured with their heads to leave. If you weren't imagining it, One of them seemed more flamboyant than the other. Looking closer, you realize that on their hoods, they have differing numbers; "06" and "07".

As you walked down the same hallway you walk earlier, gained the courage to ask for the subordinates' names.

Y/N: "Uh, h-hey? Is it alright if I.. Ask for your names?"

"And, what would you do with that information?"

"Just telling you wouldn't be any fun."

"Yeah."

"Why don't you take a guess?"

They turned towards you, and leaned in.

These two, they seem to be the very definition of "Mischief".

Y/N: "Uh.. Um, You're Kiren and.. You're Luke?"

You pointed at each of them, guessing a random answer.

"Wrong answer! Try again!"

"You only have one chance left!"

They spoke as if you were a contestant on a game-show.

"Um, okay. Then.. You are Luke and you are Kiren."

You said, reversing who you pointed at.

"Nope! That's incorrect!"

They said in unison, laughing as the began walking again.

You let you a small "Wha-!?", before walking with a quickened pace to catch up with them.

As you continue to walk, you caught sight of a window that you were nearing; Going outside was such a scarce thing, only done for training purposes.

Luke and Kiren immediately lifted their guards when noticing your reaction when seeing the window; A glint in your eyes and your fluffy ears gave a twitch. But, after a moment, your expression changed; Eyes drifting downwards and looking dejected. After all, 'why would they let you go outside?'. The twins could understand. And, against their better judgment-

"Do you want to go over there?.. To the window?"

"We can let you."

They spoke with such fragility. They sounded nostalgic. They sounded so gentle. It was like they had just out a band-aid on a old, ugly scar, that was left as a gaping wound since it was made- Not just to cover it, but to treat it with the care it never received. Your heart, it felt tight.

It was odd, but you wanted to take this chance. It may not come again.

Y/N: "O..Okay."

They kept walking, changing the directory to stand in front of the window.

You stood in front of it, the twins stood silently behind you as you slowly came closer.

The window was clean; Shiny and reflective.

You took a glance backwards at the twins, the thought of someone standing behind you while your guard is down makes you uneasy, but they keep at a distance, which at that, you decide to move look back at the glass before you, moving even closer.

Looking at your reflection, you looked odd, but you liked it. You looked so different, you were hardly recognizable. You didn't mind it though, it.. It felt right.

You came even closer to the glass, to see the world beyond it.

Leaning in gently, you hesitantly put your hands on the glass- It's cold. You jerk your hands back at the unexpected chill. After a second, you return your hands on the glass, intakiing the coldness with curiosity.

The dark cityscape sits below. It's a marvelous sight. Your lips curved into a smile, driven by your awe. You breath comes out in little huffs, wonder spreads through your thight-feeling heart and into your nerves. Your eyes widened, sparkles of excitement igniting within them.

Under their masks, the twins wore matching -as always- soft smiles.

"You seem to be enjoying this, but..We need to get going."

Y/N: "Ah.. Oh, okay.."

The sudden statement, brought you out of your awed-state.

Feeling sort of disappointed, you solemnly walked back to your room.

Before you reached the door, the twins came in front of you; One of them stood on the side of the door where the hinges are, holding the doorknob, the other faced you while gesturing the door as if it were a win-able prize.

"Are you ready?"

They gleefully said in unison.

Y/N: "Uh? Yeah..?"

You said, your voice unsure and confused.

"TA-DA!"

The two said with a flourish.

Your breath catches your throat- Before you, on the floor of an originally bare, dark room, is a large verity of bags and boxes filled with girls' clothing, plushies, and other items.

You're frozen in shock. "Did-did they.. Do this?" You thought.

Y/N: "Are.. Are these things.. For me?"

It was self-absorbed to assume, but you had to ask.

"Of course!"

"Who else would all this belong to?"

They replied. The one with "06" on his hood picked up a pink, plush bunny toy.

"As funny as it would be, the boss probably would kill us if we gave him this!".

He said while laughing.

The other twin walk to the gift-filled area and lifted a dress.

"If the boss wears 'this', death would be worth it!"

They both laughed as they pretend to wipe tears from their masks.

Their laughter was infectious, you began to giggle, too.

Without you noticing, they both stopped to witness you smile- It wasn't the forced one you gave before, it was real. It was beautiful. It was pure. It was something rare for the twins to experience, not just because it was from you, but because of the genuine, honest, and raw enjoyment in your smile.

Y/N: "Thank you. This- This is- .. A lot.. And, so.. So nice.. Thank you, both."

Through your slightly embarrassed and awkward laughter, your sincerity seeped through.

Nobody's ever done something like this for you. Nobody's ever went to such lengths for you before. Your chest felt so tight, it, and your stomach hurt. But you couldn't help but to enjoy this feeling.

Would this feeling last, though?

Were they just tricking you into lowering your guard?

["What does the word "Home" really mean?", it's a thought that always plagued you.. Would you ever learn the answer? Could you learn the answer here?]

[xwiedzmax]

okay. so. i said i will not shut up about this song and.. well here we are

analyzing Watch Me Soar by Willemijn Verkaik (and Scott Alan) (guys i love Willemijn shes such a great singer and me when her Elphaba and i could rant about her for hours and-) [basically] line by line, here we go

"I know that it's hard for you to imagine That I'm not that young girl you once knew I'm no longer 12, what you see is a woman Standing in front of you"

first line and it starts off *strong*. like. 'im not that young girl you once knew, im no longer 12'. thats literally what would happen when Icarus came back, everyone only remembered them from the times before they first died. dropping the age like that is crazy everyone would remember them as that small child (we dont look at Chronicles of Wonder i found this song before that came out guys i promise this is still coded) and the first line just straight up calls that "And I, I have been patient, I have been kind I paid all my dues and I gave up my time I can't be confined to the past anymore My wings have grown"

the first two verses are just about them being Quixis. about trying their best to do their job, trying their best to just do the right thing and come back as fast as possible and- 'i cant be confined to the past anymore' is so- cuz like- theyre not the same person they were as a child. theyre not the same person they were during all the seasons. theyve changed, many things have changed, they want to be better than what they were before, they want to be a good brother, a good friend, not be remembered as the person who killed multiple of their friends, the person who hurt so many of their friends and family. they want to redeem themself and the line 'my wings have grown' is just so- because they dont have wings in the worldport. and their wings are important to them, theyre such an important part of them, and they dont have that in the worldport. and they finally get to experience having wings, experience the freedom of flying

"Everyone says just to be thankful, just to be grateful Or just let it be But I'm tired of this waiting, it's always tomorrow I'm done with perceptions that you've had of me"

something something Icarus just having to wait and wait and wait. wait for their job as Quixis to be over. with the knowledge that their family doesnt remember them, many of their friends dont even know who they are

"I've given you blood, you've given me tears I've given my heart and so many years It's finally time to fend for myself And open my wings"

now. first two verses are about their time as Quixis again. about how long theyve had to spend, waiting, working, alone. theyve given up so much, spent *so many* years alone, watching over the universes, with no one but a chicken to keep them company

the last two verses are them just being happy about being back. finally being able to do the things they *want* to do not the things they *need* to do they can open their wings again, fly, experience weather, nature, be themself again

"It's my time to soar, yes My time And I don't need you to love me, that's not what I asked I just want you to see that I'm more than my past"

its their time, they can soar the skies, experience things again, make bonds but they dont immidiately ask for forgiveness, they know theyve done a lot of bad stuff in the past. they just want people to see them as a new person, not what they were before, want people to see past the things theyve done. and this just fits so well

"You have expectations, well they're just too small And I'm dreaming big So watch me soar Watch me soar Watch me soar"

theyre so excited to be back, after being stuck for years. they just want to experience joy and do everything they werent able to do before

"It's time to let go, take a leap, touch the sky Feel the wind press against me as my wings learn to fly Then soar, I will soar Watch me soar"

they deserve to be a happy birb boi me thinks. 'feel the wind press against me as my wings learn to fly' because they would need to get used to that. they dont have their wings in the worldport and theyve spent so long without them, it would take some learning and figuring out muscle memory to fly like they used to

"Yes, I know that it's hard for you to imagine That I'm not that young girl you once knew I'm no longer 12, what you see is a woman Soaring in front of you"

this entire section is just so Icarus after coming back from being Quixis, especially singing to Rae, but just to everyone too- and.. even tho this is the wrong gender, its still *so frickin coded*. perfect ending to this song and honestly im actually amazed how coded this whole song is. especially because i know it only because Willemijn sings it (im normal i promise im not hyperfixated at allll-)

and in general the way this song sounds is just so hopeful, its giving new energy and happiness and just- pure joy of experience, and i love it if you for whatever reason read this all, have a nice timezone<3 hopefully some of my rambles actually made sense <- local guy is eepy and totally not writing this at 5am- totally-

[voidaspects]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that's valid, but I continue to be absolutely perplexed by the sheer hatred some people have for the canonized contest models and whatnot. How are there so many of them. why do they hate it so passionately. like... for context, my hyperfixation for this series didn't really become active until after they came and went. I wasn't there for any of that. And let me tell you, the amount of excitement that the existence of these designs brought me was insane. I adore them. I think at this point I have a hyperfixation with them specifically in addition to the series as a whole. They're a fun and in depth project to make, and they're honestly the pride and joy of my entire collection when they're done. it feels special just to see them in person to me. Seeing these designs get established in universe ignited an enthusiasm for the characters in themselves; just seeing the toa hagah together makes me love them infinitely more, they went from a fun footnote to something I intensely crave more story content for. they might be my favourite team at this point. I was sad to see that the contests had to end, just imagining the possibilities for the new things I could've collected and seen established properly in the universe gets me excited. and like don't get me wrong! I get that not everyone is going to love this stuff as intensely as me! and that's okay! but like... whenever I see someone absolutely despising the very concept of them, I just... I don't understand. and like... a lotta the rationale I've seen seems to be focused around the idea that it removes the freedom to see and design them as you want, but like... when has having an established design for something ever stopped anyone from doing that?

if you're not a fan, that's fair and you're valid. But if you actively hate them, I'm just... so... so thoroughly confused.

[wickcdmindz]

"well, 'back home' now means 'with us'. that's exciting, right?" she didn't shrink away. didn't shrug him off or insist that he give her any extra space. not that he was testing the waters too much--but he was curious about how much he could get away with.

"well, look at that--my little brother being ignorant. i can't imagine a more perfect universe for me to be the favorite sibling." he was partially listening. the other part of his attention was focused on mapping out how this trip would go. how many different scenarios were possible?

maybe they should have set out for their trip a bit earlier in the day. savored the sunlight while they had it. raphael told himself he was only thinking rationally about the drive and how inconvenient it was for them to travel in the dark.

there might have been other motives, but that didn't quite matter when the logic behind his original thought was so strong. "demons are hard to handle, but i think we're more likely to find ourselves in some creature feature. there's no shortage of predators out here in the country. and this mountain range is pretty wellknown for that. ever been to the appalachians?"

"uh me of course. i'm the life of the party. or at least that's what my friends back home would say." she laughed softly. you got a few drinks or a joint in her hand and dallas apparently stopped giving a single shit about anything. just enjoyed herself. sometimes she misses the barnyard bashes.

a blush paints her cheeks at the compliment. "i've heard the term photogenic once and twice. i brought my polaroid camera too. to snap a few pictures while we are at it." the blonde hummed softly. "i'm taking you up on the photo album though. going to have to pick one up on our way back."

the girl doesn't shy away from the touch, just continues on chatting. "a little ignorant but no, you're correct. we grew up deep south. closes walmart was an hour away. we had one general sore in town and that was still a good fifteen. but if we're talking the movie -- i'd rather not have to deal with demons so if either of you find a weird book in the basement, don't read it."

[lucigra]

F1 driver Anthony X Art teacher Kathani AU

[yourmoonie]

Reality is like a big lucid dream

Reality is like a big lucid dream, and guess what?

You're the dreamer

You know how in dreams, you can shape your surroundings, change the outcome, or even fly just by deciding it? It's the same thing here in your waking life. The key is shifting your focus and attention to what you desire, and everything else will align.

The key here is YOU!

Think of it like this: In a lucid dream, when you realize you're dreaming, you stop reacting to the randomness and start creating intentionally. You can suddenly decide you're at the beach or in the middle of your desired city, all it takes is a shift in thought. Your awareness in the dream dictates what happens next.

Now apply that to reality

When you focus on what you want, whether it's love, success, or confidence, and make it your inner truth, your outer world will start to reflect it

Imagine a big projector.

Your mind doesn't know the difference between what’s real and imagined, it just follows your inner script.

So, if you believe you're thriving, loved, and successful, your reality will mirror that back to you. It's all about controlling your inner world.

"Stop trying to change the world since it is only the mirror. Man’s attempt to change the world by force is as fruitless as breaking a mirror in the hope of changing his face. Leave the mirror and change your face. Leave the world alone and change your conceptions of yourself. The reflection will then be satisfactory" - Neville Goddard": from Your Faith is Your Fortune

Imagine you want to manifest more confidence. Instead of waiting for a situation to give you confidence, start by feeling and acting as though you're already the most confident version of yourself. In a dream, if you suddenly decided you had superpowers, you'd just go with it, right? Do the same here, walk, talk, and make decisions like someone who knows their worth. Soon enough, you'll notice how people respond differently to you, how opportunities seem to align, and how your reality changes to fit this new confident self.

"Change your conception of yourself and you will automatically change the world in which you live. Do not try to change people; they are only messengers telling you who you are. Revalue yourself and they will confirm the change" - Neville Goddard, from Your Faith is Your Fortune

You are always in control, just like in those lucid dreams, so start dreaming your reality awake!

[luna-loveboop]

Had the dumbest conversation with my sister and it reminded me of these two. Sending a resume including SCUBA ocean diving certifications without context while applying for a job seems like something Wind would do.

:)

[vegathenorthstar]

i am slightly scared bc this post is getting a surprising amount of traction and also bc i've been thinking about almost exclusively atla for the past twenty-four hours straight and my opinions on this have changed slightly??

i still don't tolerate maiko *slander* bc i disapprove of almost all slander. the exceptions are like if it's against elon musk or something.

and i've always kinda understood basically all criticism of maiko?? like my thoughts on that were like "yeah you're totally right they wouldn't work together but they're super funny so idc." but now i feel like i get the criticism just a little more, like no they really wouldn't work together.

there were two main things ppl said that made me reconsider how i view them. the first was just someone pointing out that in the flashback in zuko alone mai is the one who has a crush on zuko, and he doesn't really have one on her. i think i just kinda forgot that but to me it emphasizes that mai was always more interested in zuko than her was in her. tbf he did seem to enjoy spending time w her in the first half of season 3, and and opened up to her abt how confused he felt and how he wasn't really happy, but it's still pretty clear that she cared about him far more (like... at the end of boiling rock he kinda just goes "oh wow okay" and then promptly forgets about her lol).

the other thing was someone mentioned how a big part of zuko's arc in season 2 was being a beggar, and a refugee, and a customer service worker in ba sing se, and learning to do manual labor and empathize with the common people and that he wasn't innately superior to them, and that shows when he gets back to the fire nation and he's uncomfortable being waited on, and wants to walk to mai's house instead of taking the palanquin. but when mai is trying to cheer him up, she suggests they can order some servants around, or take a palanquin ride "double-time," and making that connection made me be like "ohhhh she really doesn't get him does she?"

ppl talk a lot about her fearing azula coming out of nowhere, but i still don't have a problem w that. i think the idea that mai and ty lee were secretly afraid of azula, to some degree, and that they were trapped in this toxic, controlling friendship that they always felt compelled to play along with and pretend they were having a great time in––and, perhaps, that they did still enjoy azula's company, just not all the time/with reservations, and that they also cared about each other, and both decided to stick around for the other's sake––actually fits kinda perfectly with how they're portrayed throughout the show and is very compelling. (there are certainly plenty of moments where azula treats the two of them awfully, especially ty lee––like when she mocks her for opening up in ember island––and there's that moment in the drill episode where azula tells mai and ty lee to go after katara and sokka, and ty lee is SO insistent that they do it, because azula said so––almost like she's afraid of azula's wrath.)

lowkey now i ship mai and ty lee lmaooo

but i would like to reiterate that i do still like maiko, even though i acknowledge that their ship doesn't work, bc their dynamic is so fricken hilarious to watch. a large part of why i adore "ember island" so much is because of them. it's actually a little insane bc before season 3, i knew they were a thing but could not for the life of me imagine what them interacting would possible look like––i was like "wow this is going to be the worst ship in the universe... they have nothing in common... i genuinely cannot envision them making it through a single conversation on anything remotely interesting ever..."

and then they did interact and it was perfection and every time they were on screen together i was in STITCHES bc they're incredible omg

i also just liked that zuko had someone who was even a little bit in his corner while he was stuck in the fire nation having an existential crisis.

i honestly think they would work equally well as friends? i'm not against the romance, which is why i'll still go "yeah i like maiko," but especially since i do also feel that them in a relationship doesn't work long-term i think i need more maiko friendship/best-friendship––as long as they're interacting with one another, because i NEED more of them so badly. even when they're being dysfunctional/acting cruel towards each other, i'm just like "omg peak comedy. also. pookies :D"

(i also said in a post last week that they give me gay-best-friends vibes, and i still stand by that. and yes, i do also ship zutara... pls don't ask me how that works i don't know okay it's all just ~vibes~. idk maybe everyone is bi or something. i am kinda sorta genuinely convinced mai is a lesbian tho)

so. in conclusion i guess. my stance on maiko has recently landed firmly on the side of they do not work together, romantically. but i still love them bc they're silly and toxic and stupid and very very dear to me. but i don't really ship them and i like zutara far more. but if you do ship them i'm fine w that! but maybe. i just see them as friends? and also i ship mai w ty lee (... do they have a ship name) as of like ten minutes ago?? but maiko romance doesn't bother me! i kinda like it! sometimes!

in conclusion take two. maiko (romantic or platonic) are Peak

do NOT slander maiko in my presence they r so dear to me

[aq2003]

i feel like some people r missing the tragedy of timebomb somewhat bc i've seen a few ppl say that ekko was only in love with powder in the alt universe and not jinx, and it's like.. first of all they are the same person. they are the same person in different circumstances. but secondly ekko seeing that good universe, i think, instilled in him the belief that fixing the problems in his universe was still possible, that peace between piltover and zaun was still possible, that jinx wasn't doomed or irredeemable. ppl highlight his selflessness in being able to leave the good universe behind, but i think a big part of WHY he left was bc of the hope he had for his world. that's why timebomb is so tragic to me! ekko returned with the drive to make everything right, strengthened by knowing it wasn't some unattainable out-of-reach goal. and he came so so so close but was still a little too late